You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
4.25⭐️
Honestly? This was everything I’d hoped it would be.
I was initially pretty surprised at the writing—a little flowery and whimsical. But it really enchants you and gives you a sense of place. At least for me.
The two main characters were really unique. The FMC in particular is so likable, and the MMC has longer hair than I do which I thought was fun.
This would’ve been closer to five stars had I not gotten a description of his down-there-hair (“a nest of dark curls”?? NOOO) and of her being “impaled” on his you-know-what. Also I’ve never read a romance that referred to testicles in an intimate setting? Maybe that was a thing back in 2011, when this was written
Honestly? This was everything I’d hoped it would be.
I was initially pretty surprised at the writing—a little flowery and whimsical. But it really enchants you and gives you a sense of place. At least for me.
The two main characters were really unique. The FMC in particular is so likable, and the MMC has longer hair than I do which I thought was fun.
This would’ve been closer to five stars had I not gotten a description of his down-there-hair (“a nest of dark curls”?? NOOO) and of her being “impaled” on his you-know-what. Also I’ve never read a romance that referred to testicles in an intimate setting? Maybe that was a thing back in 2011, when this was written
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
slow-paced
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I can’t explain how much I don’t care about this story. Maybe if it was a different narrator (since I was listening and following along physically) I could care a bit more but there was nothing that sparked any interest for me and I’ve been trying to read this for so dang long. I give up.
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
The talented magician is also a subsistence farmer, which is the coolest thing.
I do love Grace Draven's writing, her prose is lovely.
This one didn't hit home so much, though. The story was sweet, the characters have depth, I loved the magic system... But meh. Hard to explain what was really wrong but the pace was a little too slow, the romance a little too tepid for most of the book, and Silhara did act like an ass initially. The backhanded compliments were just on this side of bitchy, to be honest :D
No feelings were spared that day.
The background to this story felt really dry, like the land around Neith - I kept picturing yellowed grass, heat haze, crows cawing (and, despite the title pointing to their significant role, they are actually not really important to the story). The sloooow pace certainly did not help shift this impression.
However, there were some great scenes (the visit to the lich's Keep, the visit to the market and the encounter with Martise's ex lover, and of course the HEA they deserve, to name a few), rich dialogues (with swoon-worthy lines), and splendid descriptions - which seem to be Grace Draven's trademark.
This one didn't hit home so much, though. The story was sweet, the characters have depth, I loved the magic system... But meh. Hard to explain what was really wrong but the pace was a little too slow, the romance a little too tepid for most of the book, and Silhara did act like an ass initially. The backhanded compliments were just on this side of bitchy, to be honest :D
"Tell me something, Martise." A leaf slapped him in the eye, and he ripped it off its twig with an irritated snap.
"How is it that a woman, blessed with a voice that could make a man come, sings badly enough to frighten the dead?"
No feelings were spared that day.
The background to this story felt really dry, like the land around Neith - I kept picturing yellowed grass, heat haze, crows cawing (and, despite the title pointing to their significant role, they are actually not really important to the story). The sloooow pace certainly did not help shift this impression.
However, there were some great scenes (the visit to the lich's Keep, the visit to the market and the encounter with Martise's ex lover, and of course the HEA they deserve, to name a few), rich dialogues (with swoon-worthy lines), and splendid descriptions - which seem to be Grace Draven's trademark.
"And will you love me for a day? A year? A lifetime?" She knew the answer but wanted to hear him say it in that beautiful, shattered voice.
"Beyond that," he whispered, eyes shining with the tempest of emotion he'd held in check until now. "Beyond the reign of false gods and meddlesome priests. Beyond al Zafira when her bright stars fade."