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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Sexual content, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
One of the best books I’ve read in a really long time. As a lover of art, romance, queer books, and dystopian stories- this hit every single box. I love that the siblings were subtly queer, I loved their love for each other, how Kyan came to terms and battled with his conflicting ideals, I loved the deep rooted want/need/understanding of trust. This was so so good and I cannot wait for the rest of the books to come out
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
-- Writing
The writing is pleasant to read, and I loved the dual point of view with frequent changes, which allows us to truly experience the story with our two characters, their thoughts, their doubts, and the progress of the investigation.
-- Storyline
The art history is presented in a simple enough language to draw us into Nicole's passion at the beginning of the book, but I would have liked more explanations of art/painting analyses to continue throughout the rest of the novel.
I enjoyed this light worldbuilding (urban fantasy), but with a solid bestiary, we're diving into real fantasy here! I can't wait to read volume 2 because I think this aspect will be even more developed.
The main plot revolves around the secrets of the Wake and the very clearly established fact that Nicole and Kyan are not on the same side. Nicole's investigation progresses quickly, the pace is very pleasant and I loved seeing her juggle between finding clues about her mother and avoiding getting caught by Kyan.
-- Romance / Family
I wanted to group these two categories together here because, while there's obviously a romance (we're talking about romance, of course), the family dynamic and their love are just as present and highlighted.
Romance: The dual POV lends credibility to this forbidden love, Nicole's need to remain incognito, and the resulting misunderstanding. A successful slow-burn for me. Kyan is a walking green flag, caring and attentive. This romance will surprise them both, and we love that!
Family: All the characters are well-developed, and we become attached to each of them; they are as endearing as they are essential to the story! Because while Nicole will do anything for her family, the reverse is true, and their help is not lacking. A beautiful glimpse of familial love that we rarely see in romance novels—it's so good!
-- Addictiveness
The romance and plot progressions are well balanced, and we're as captivated by the investigation as we are by discovering our characters. I really enjoyed it!
The two POVs often follow one another, and the entire novel ultimately takes place over the course of a few weeks, so we're drawn in quite easily, even if the investigation itself is resolved rather slowly (it's not a page-turner with unbearable suspense).
-- Conclusion
The fact that it's an urban fantasy makes it very easy to read. I recommend it for people who want to try their hand at romance and who enjoy fantasy.
I was drawn into this slow-burn romance and this universe with its impressive bestiary. The investigation is cleverly written, and I really liked the conclusion. The last chapters are so damn good !
The elements for volume 2 are well-established, and what can I say other than: can't wait for the next one!
The writing is pleasant to read, and I loved the dual point of view with frequent changes, which allows us to truly experience the story with our two characters, their thoughts, their doubts, and the progress of the investigation.
-- Storyline
The art history is presented in a simple enough language to draw us into Nicole's passion at the beginning of the book, but I would have liked more explanations of art/painting analyses to continue throughout the rest of the novel.
I enjoyed this light worldbuilding (urban fantasy), but with a solid bestiary, we're diving into real fantasy here! I can't wait to read volume 2 because I think this aspect will be even more developed.
The main plot revolves around the secrets of the Wake and the very clearly established fact that Nicole and Kyan are not on the same side. Nicole's investigation progresses quickly, the pace is very pleasant and I loved seeing her juggle between finding clues about her mother and avoiding getting caught by Kyan.
-- Romance / Family
I wanted to group these two categories together here because, while there's obviously a romance (we're talking about romance, of course), the family dynamic and their love are just as present and highlighted.
Romance: The dual POV lends credibility to this forbidden love, Nicole's need to remain incognito, and the resulting misunderstanding. A successful slow-burn for me. Kyan is a walking green flag, caring and attentive. This romance will surprise them both, and we love that!
Family: All the characters are well-developed, and we become attached to each of them; they are as endearing as they are essential to the story! Because while Nicole will do anything for her family, the reverse is true, and their help is not lacking. A beautiful glimpse of familial love that we rarely see in romance novels—it's so good!
-- Addictiveness
The romance and plot progressions are well balanced, and we're as captivated by the investigation as we are by discovering our characters. I really enjoyed it!
The two POVs often follow one another, and the entire novel ultimately takes place over the course of a few weeks, so we're drawn in quite easily, even if the investigation itself is resolved rather slowly (it's not a page-turner with unbearable suspense).
-- Conclusion
The fact that it's an urban fantasy makes it very easy to read. I recommend it for people who want to try their hand at romance and who enjoy fantasy.
I was drawn into this slow-burn romance and this universe with its impressive bestiary. The investigation is cleverly written, and I really liked the conclusion. The last chapters are so damn good !
The elements for volume 2 are well-established, and what can I say other than: can't wait for the next one!
This book was painfully boring and unoriginal. I could barely force myself through this.
I just could not bring myself to care in the slightest.
Dead boring. Do not recommend.
I just could not bring myself to care in the slightest.
Dead boring. Do not recommend.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Loved the tension and world building, a little hard to get into but still had a good time.
Honestly I’m unsure, I liked it enough to keep reading and the premise was interesting but I didn’t care much for the characters and I’m not sure if I want to continue to the next book but I could see the series getting more developed so we’ll see.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced