Take a photo of a barcode or cover
Title: These Violent Nights
Author: Rebecca Crunden
Pages: 633
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
Suriias, inhabitants of another world, tore a hole through the universe and found themselves on Earth. They rival humans in knowledge, skill and with magic and therefore war soon followed and humanity was lost. Flash forward 300 years and humans are now on the brink of extinction.
Orphans Thorn and Thistle are living in hiding, they only have each other and they scrape by, by stealing and hiding out on the streets and in sheds. However, humans and Suriias do sometimes mingle and Thistle receives an unexpected offer of marriage from a Suriia who can offer provide the opportunity for comfort and safety. Thorn does not want to put her trust into a Suriia, but this marriage provides a chance for her to locate those who brutally killed her parents.
Moving into Courtenz, a city of magic, false friends and high death toll, does offer new promises of a fresh start and new love for both Thorn and Thistle, but Thorn also refuses to forget the fact that dreams can easily turn into nightmares.
Review:
When I was asked by Rebecca to read and review this book, I have to say the title definitely caught my attention. The description also hinted that there could be plenty going on, and it had me feeling very intrigued, especially as the front cover also gives nothing away. These Violent Ends is a fantasy but from reading the description it also sounded like there could be sci-fi elements in there, which is a genre I struggle with and therefore I was interested to see what my feelings would be towards this read.
It was evident from the beginning that the author is a very descriptive writer and I was able to visualise her work really well. In fact, I found her writing skills to be excellent from start to finish and before I break things down for you, I can safely say this is an author to look out for.
Now to share my thoughts on some of the characters! I found Thorn to be very guarded, therefore she interested me the most. I felt her past is what made her build up this wall, but I was intrigued to see what was underneath her tough exterior. I did admire he strong will and strength, it showed that females can to stand on their own two feet. I also connected very well with Kol, he proved to me that not everyone is bad despite the actions of others who may be similar. He may not have been human, but he was the perfect gentleman and I could really feel the chemistry between him and Thorn.
Despite my worries that the sci-fi element would put me off, I found myself becoming absorbed into the story and I found it actually had a little bit of everything, magic, romance, action, sci-fi, comedy and fantasy. Honestly, I wouldn’t say I was constantly gripped throughout but the story did keep me intrigued.
The story is split into 4 parts and at times they definitely catch you off guard, with the cliff hangers and the twists and turns along the way. I have to say though, that part 2 really did throw me off, I had just got into the swing of the story and then it suddenly changed. I was left feeling quite unsure through part 2, but I enjoyed how it all came together and I could fall back into the swing of things. I have to say though, parts 1 and 3 were my favourite.
I found the build up was rather big and then some parts at the climax then felt quite rushed for me but I definitely ended the book feeling very satisfied. This was a substantial read that really did have something for everyone.
Author: Rebecca Crunden
Pages: 633
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
Suriias, inhabitants of another world, tore a hole through the universe and found themselves on Earth. They rival humans in knowledge, skill and with magic and therefore war soon followed and humanity was lost. Flash forward 300 years and humans are now on the brink of extinction.
Orphans Thorn and Thistle are living in hiding, they only have each other and they scrape by, by stealing and hiding out on the streets and in sheds. However, humans and Suriias do sometimes mingle and Thistle receives an unexpected offer of marriage from a Suriia who can offer provide the opportunity for comfort and safety. Thorn does not want to put her trust into a Suriia, but this marriage provides a chance for her to locate those who brutally killed her parents.
Moving into Courtenz, a city of magic, false friends and high death toll, does offer new promises of a fresh start and new love for both Thorn and Thistle, but Thorn also refuses to forget the fact that dreams can easily turn into nightmares.
Review:
When I was asked by Rebecca to read and review this book, I have to say the title definitely caught my attention. The description also hinted that there could be plenty going on, and it had me feeling very intrigued, especially as the front cover also gives nothing away. These Violent Ends is a fantasy but from reading the description it also sounded like there could be sci-fi elements in there, which is a genre I struggle with and therefore I was interested to see what my feelings would be towards this read.
It was evident from the beginning that the author is a very descriptive writer and I was able to visualise her work really well. In fact, I found her writing skills to be excellent from start to finish and before I break things down for you, I can safely say this is an author to look out for.
Now to share my thoughts on some of the characters! I found Thorn to be very guarded, therefore she interested me the most. I felt her past is what made her build up this wall, but I was intrigued to see what was underneath her tough exterior. I did admire he strong will and strength, it showed that females can to stand on their own two feet. I also connected very well with Kol, he proved to me that not everyone is bad despite the actions of others who may be similar. He may not have been human, but he was the perfect gentleman and I could really feel the chemistry between him and Thorn.
Despite my worries that the sci-fi element would put me off, I found myself becoming absorbed into the story and I found it actually had a little bit of everything, magic, romance, action, sci-fi, comedy and fantasy. Honestly, I wouldn’t say I was constantly gripped throughout but the story did keep me intrigued.
The story is split into 4 parts and at times they definitely catch you off guard, with the cliff hangers and the twists and turns along the way. I have to say though, that part 2 really did throw me off, I had just got into the swing of the story and then it suddenly changed. I was left feeling quite unsure through part 2, but I enjoyed how it all came together and I could fall back into the swing of things. I have to say though, parts 1 and 3 were my favourite.
I found the build up was rather big and then some parts at the climax then felt quite rushed for me but I definitely ended the book feeling very satisfied. This was a substantial read that really did have something for everyone.
To see a full review check it out here.
Wow. Just wow.
There were a few twists, but 70% drastically changed everything.
Wow. Just wow.
There were a few twists, but 70% drastically changed everything.
I loved the character of Thorn, she was resilient and feisty but also loyal and ever so slightly problematic. However, that is exactly why I loved her as a character. Thistle, Nithin, and Kol were also brilliant characters and I really enjoyed watching the group dynamic between them all evolve throughout the course of the book. Plus, we were later introduced to Lucien and his group and I really liked them all too and how their introduction turned everything on its head. And the different types of Suria were all well created and I thought it was super cool how they were all so different.
The plot of the book was incredibly well written and I loved all of the twists and turns that unfolded at the end becasue it was so good and had me shook right up until the very end. The drama was amazingly well-paced and the romances were so sweet and fitted wonderfully into the overarching plot as well as adding to some of the conflicts that arose throughout the course of the book. I was super engaged and jsut loved it all so much!
The writing was awesome and Rebecca really knows how to write SFF books as well as romances that draw you in so that you just need to know what happens next!
I was kindly provided with a copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The plot of the book was incredibly well written and I loved all of the twists and turns that unfolded at the end becasue it was so good and had me shook right up until the very end. The drama was amazingly well-paced and the romances were so sweet and fitted wonderfully into the overarching plot as well as adding to some of the conflicts that arose throughout the course of the book. I was super engaged and jsut loved it all so much!
The writing was awesome and Rebecca really knows how to write SFF books as well as romances that draw you in so that you just need to know what happens next!
I was kindly provided with a copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
I really enjoyed this book. From the start it was engaging. The characters were well developed and I could easily connect to different aspects of each. The story was exciting with twists and turns you don't see coming.
I would recommend checking it out!
I would recommend checking it out!
challenging
dark
tense
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:
Yes
adventurous
dark
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:
Yes
Thank you to Rebecca Crunden for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
I literally just finished this book so this review might be a bit incoherent as I’m still reeling from the end. This book is SO SO good. The world building and magic system is incredible and it tackles the reality of systemic oppression in a very thoughtful and empathetic way. And don’t even get me started on the romances! All of the romance emphasizes the importance of consent and boundaries, while still being adorable and (occasionally) steamy. The characters, even the minor ones, are fully developed and you just fall in love with all of them (I want an entire book about Jade and Trinity). It was a little hard at first to switch from Thorn’s story to Lucien’s story, but after a few chapters of part 2 I was hooked, and I zipped through parts 3 and 4.
I literally just finished this book so this review might be a bit incoherent as I’m still reeling from the end. This book is SO SO good. The world building and magic system is incredible and it tackles the reality of systemic oppression in a very thoughtful and empathetic way. And don’t even get me started on the romances! All of the romance emphasizes the importance of consent and boundaries, while still being adorable and (occasionally) steamy. The characters, even the minor ones, are fully developed and you just fall in love with all of them (I want an entire book about Jade and Trinity). It was a little hard at first to switch from Thorn’s story to Lucien’s story, but after a few chapters of part 2 I was hooked, and I zipped through parts 3 and 4.
Easily my favourite book of the year I wish I could give it more than 5 stars!
I finished this book over a week ago yet I’ve been struggling to write a review as I don’t think I will be able to do it justice.
I just want to point out that the cover of this book doesn’t show how fantastical it is.
I have never been more in love with a group of characters than I have in this book!
Thorn’s determination is admirable even though her decisions due to her stubborn nature did make me cry like a baby on several occasions. Kol, oh Kol I did fall for him which doesn’t normally happen to me, yes he isn’t perfect but who is? I absolutely loved the slow and cautious relationship that was created between him and thorn.
Thistle, Thorn’s best friend who she spent most of her life trying to protect was the weakest character for me, she didn’t seem to have much of a personality.
Lucien who we meet about halfway through the book showed so much compassion to his ever growing pack, I loved the family that he created.
You can read my full review here: https://feedthecrime.wordpress.com/2021/05/23/best-book-of-the-year-these-violent-nights/
I finished this book over a week ago yet I’ve been struggling to write a review as I don’t think I will be able to do it justice.
I just want to point out that the cover of this book doesn’t show how fantastical it is.
I have never been more in love with a group of characters than I have in this book!
Thorn’s determination is admirable even though her decisions due to her stubborn nature did make me cry like a baby on several occasions. Kol, oh Kol I did fall for him which doesn’t normally happen to me, yes he isn’t perfect but who is? I absolutely loved the slow and cautious relationship that was created between him and thorn.
Thistle, Thorn’s best friend who she spent most of her life trying to protect was the weakest character for me, she didn’t seem to have much of a personality.
Lucien who we meet about halfway through the book showed so much compassion to his ever growing pack, I loved the family that he created.
You can read my full review here: https://feedthecrime.wordpress.com/2021/05/23/best-book-of-the-year-these-violent-nights/
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No