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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-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
This book pulled me in from the very first chapter and did not let go. The worldbuilding is lush, the tension is deliciously slow-burn, and the emotional stakes are heartbreakingly high. Nyra (Verena) is a fierce, complex FMC I couldn’t help but root for, and Dacre? Let’s just say he’s the kind of morally grey that leaves a mark.
There’s angst, betrayal, magic, secrets, and a twist I absolutely did not see coming — the kind of moment that made me pause, clutch the book, and stare into the void. (And then immediately keep reading.)
If you love enemies-to-lovers, rebellion plots, well-drawn side characters, and a fantasy romance that actually makes your heart race — this book is for you. I’m already diving into the sequel because I need to know what happens next.
This book and series so far has a lot of issues. I read both this and The Hunted Heir back-to-back to give the series a chance, however, I was not impressed. The best thing I can say about this series is that the books are short. The second ends abruptly, clearly with the intention of stretching it out to a third book (entirely unnecessarily).
Both books could do with a thorough proof read - there were a number of errors throughout and some of the choices were cringe-worthy. I also felt that the timeline of events for the plot was unclear, particularly in the first book. The 'training arc' of the story could take place over a number of days or weeks - I was not entirely sure of which, and the training seems to have been only for the purpose of putting the main characters into forced proximity. It all feels a little rushed, which leaves little time or space for character and relationship development.
A major gripe for me throughout was the overuse of the term 'traitor'. I do not feel that the author understands the meaning of the term and has no interest in exploring what it means the individuals who are branded with it or what the costs of loyalty are. Instead, it is bandied around willy-nilly and made into a pet-name, which set my teeth on edge.
I didn't find either of the main characters particularly compelling and the only thing the book got right was calling the MMC an 'ass'. This is his only real character trait, and I don't think enough work is done in the second book to redeem him from that. The dialogue, particularly during the spice in these books, is highly repetitive and does little to progress the relationships between the characters. The MMC is possessive and sexually aggressive almost from the outset, for reasons that are only very vaguely explained in the second book, and I find this trope problematic, given the power dynamics between the characters in the situation.
Both books could do with a thorough proof read - there were a number of errors throughout and some of the choices were cringe-worthy. I also felt that the timeline of events for the plot was unclear, particularly in the first book. The 'training arc' of the story could take place over a number of days or weeks - I was not entirely sure of which, and the training seems to have been only for the purpose of putting the main characters into forced proximity. It all feels a little rushed, which leaves little time or space for character and relationship development.
A major gripe for me throughout was the overuse of the term 'traitor'. I do not feel that the author understands the meaning of the term and has no interest in exploring what it means the individuals who are branded with it or what the costs of loyalty are. Instead, it is bandied around willy-nilly and made into a pet-name, which set my teeth on edge.
I didn't find either of the main characters particularly compelling and the only thing the book got right was calling the MMC an 'ass'. This is his only real character trait, and I don't think enough work is done in the second book to redeem him from that. The dialogue, particularly during the spice in these books, is highly repetitive and does little to progress the relationships between the characters. The MMC is possessive and sexually aggressive almost from the outset, for reasons that are only very vaguely explained in the second book, and I find this trope problematic, given the power dynamics between the characters in the situation.
I loved this book. It’s a shorter read...probably four to five hours if you’re a fast reader...but it completely hooked me from the start! I flew through it in one sitting and didn’t want to put it down for a second. It’s got that perfect enemies to lovers vibe, and the chemistry between the main characters is just so good. Honestly, both the FMC and MMC were exactly what I want in a story like this. The romance was fantastic! One of those where you just keep wanting more.
I actually found myself wishing the book was longer, not because anything was missing, but because I just didn’t want it to end. Thankfully, there’s a sequel ready to go, so I didn’t have to stay sad for long! Highly recommend if you’re looking for a quick, addictive romance that hits all the right notes.
I actually found myself wishing the book was longer, not because anything was missing, but because I just didn’t want it to end. Thankfully, there’s a sequel ready to go, so I didn’t have to stay sad for long! Highly recommend if you’re looking for a quick, addictive romance that hits all the right notes.
From the first moment, this book grabbed me, the fantasy of a rebellion and a lost princess. I liked that it is a quick read, you can finish it in a few hours while getting lost in this fantasy world. The magic system is simple, although I would like to see more of how it all works, I hope we see more in the second book. The ending OMG!!! It left me wanting even more of these characters, Dacre I love his attitude that Nyra doesn't care about him when in reality he's dying for her.
Nyra's determination to survive and continue to discover herself as the story progresses. I love how she challenges Dacre every chance she gets, as he calls her "Little Traitor," that dirty mouth of Dacre's, I love every challenge that makes their chemistry unique. He dies off jealousy every time someone gets close to her, especially when someone hurts her, even though he doesn't want to think about her because she is the enemy, the battle against not feeling anything for her is losing her. This story was perfect and introductory for this new fantasy world, with good characters and good world-building, overall I liked the story and can't wait for the second part of this new adventure.
Nyra's determination to survive and continue to discover herself as the story progresses. I love how she challenges Dacre every chance she gets, as he calls her "Little Traitor," that dirty mouth of Dacre's, I love every challenge that makes their chemistry unique. He dies off jealousy every time someone gets close to her, especially when someone hurts her, even though he doesn't want to think about her because she is the enemy, the battle against not feeling anything for her is losing her. This story was perfect and introductory for this new fantasy world, with good characters and good world-building, overall I liked the story and can't wait for the second part of this new adventure.
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
2.5 Spice 🌶️🌶️•👋
DNF at 63%. In addition to people really needing to refresh themselves on what a “slow burn” is (this is *not*), Dacre was extremely immature, disturbingly possessive, and at times borderline abusive to the FMC. I was rooting for Eiran the whole time. Just can’t get over how many people are losing their mind over this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️
a beautifully built world with a whole lot of tension… but not always the kind i love.
dacre felt more controlling than compelling, and the romance leaned heavy on lust without the emotional depth i was hoping for.
i can appreciate a little overprotective energy now and then, but this one left me wishing for something softer, or at least more earned.
also, last chapter? no. just no.
still, the story had enough pull to keep me turning pages—and i’m curious to see where it leads next.
a beautifully built world with a whole lot of tension… but not always the kind i love.
dacre felt more controlling than compelling, and the romance leaned heavy on lust without the emotional depth i was hoping for.
i can appreciate a little overprotective energy now and then, but this one left me wishing for something softer, or at least more earned.
also, last chapter? no. just no.
still, the story had enough pull to keep me turning pages—and i’m curious to see where it leads next.
Quick and easy read, ends on a major cliff hanger. Homeless princess, forced to seek shelter with the rebels.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
The story is interesting but worldbuilding and plot are a bit too light for my taste. Also found that Nyra went too fast from being a guarded woman with self respect to crawling for a man. I'm all for a broody man with a filthy mouth but Dacre's lack of respect for her was a bit of a turn off several times.
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes