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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
This was another audiobook I decided to give a try because I was a fan of the narrators. It is a modernized Tarzan retelling and a step outside the comfort zone for me. I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed in it. I was bored most of the time and the villain felt very mustache-twirling, evil cackling, Disney-esque, cliche. You get me? I've writing this review weeks after I actually finished it and can't say I remember a whole lot about it beyond the usual plot points of the Tarzan story. It wasn't anything special, but it wasn't overtly terrible either.
Merged review:
This was another audiobook I decided to give a try because I was a fan of the narrators. It is a modernized Tarzan retelling and a step outside the comfort zone for me. I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed in it. I was bored most of the time and the villain felt very mustache-twirling, evil cackling, Disney-esque, cliche. You get me? I've writing this review weeks after I actually finished it and can't say I remember a whole lot about it beyond the usual plot points of the Tarzan story. It wasn't anything special, but it wasn't overtly terrible either.
Merged review:
This was another audiobook I decided to give a try because I was a fan of the narrators. It is a modernized Tarzan retelling and a step outside the comfort zone for me. I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed in it. I was bored most of the time and the villain felt very mustache-twirling, evil cackling, Disney-esque, cliche. You get me? I've writing this review weeks after I actually finished it and can't say I remember a whole lot about it beyond the usual plot points of the Tarzan story. It wasn't anything special, but it wasn't overtly terrible either.
Thorne is literally the softest hero ever and I would not change him for anything. That is all.
This book was amazing!! I absolutely LOVED Thorne! I loved that he knew right away Eden was his mate and that he would do anything for her. He was rough, rogue, and manly but also so so so sweet❤️ I can’t wait to check out more books by this author!
This book is described as a love story, and it was that; both in an obvious way between Thorne and Eden (who were far too cute for their own good btw) but also between Thorne and the jungle. Everything about this book was like a love letter to the jungle - you could feel not only the character's love and admiration for the environment but also the authors. Reading this was so addictive. It makes me want to run off into the jungle. (I would most certainly die though)
The plot was awesome - I've never read a Tarzan retelling before and this surpassed all my expectations.
The writing was exceptional! I literally cannot wait to get my hands on another Emma Castle book because I fell in love with the writing and the light humor.
I kind of already touched on how much I adored Thorne and Eden, was it a little insta-lovey...maybe but also it kind of worked well that way because Thorne had never met a female so it made sense - (plus it's like that in Disney's Tarzan too so I can accept it haha) The sex was amazing - so well written and emotional. Can you tell I just loved this book with my whole heart? Seriously, there is no other way I can describe it than it made my heart happy.
For the record - I claim Thorne - he's mine.
Seriously, you all need to read this.
The plot was awesome - I've never read a Tarzan retelling before and this surpassed all my expectations.
The writing was exceptional! I literally cannot wait to get my hands on another Emma Castle book because I fell in love with the writing and the light humor.
I kind of already touched on how much I adored Thorne and Eden, was it a little insta-lovey...maybe but also it kind of worked well that way because Thorne had never met a female so it made sense - (plus it's like that in Disney's Tarzan too so I can accept it haha) The sex was amazing - so well written and emotional. Can you tell I just loved this book with my whole heart? Seriously, there is no other way I can describe it than it made my heart happy.
For the record - I claim Thorne - he's mine.
Seriously, you all need to read this.
My heart soars for this book
Absolutely beautiful!! My heart soars for this amazing book! I loved every minute of it and I never wanted it to end!
Absolutely beautiful!! My heart soars for this amazing book! I loved every minute of it and I never wanted it to end!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-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:
No
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*
Tropes & themes: FM, Tarzan retelling, magical realism, forced proximity, fast burn, quasi fated-mates, politics of Africa, themes of conservation, discovering your truth, delicious descriptions of nature and animals, and more!
Spoiler-free Summary:
Eden only wanted to photograph the gorillas of Uganda for a magazine feature but finds herself at the barrel end of a gun instead. Expecting to be murdered in the jungle, she resigns herself to her fate until she hears the primal roar unlike any she’s heard before. Thorne has been the protector of the Impenetrable Forest since he was adopted by his gorilla mother, but never had the opportunity for romantic love. Until now.
Thoughts:
First and foremost, let me address that I am sure there are inaccuracies in the science, culture, and politics of this story (those that I recognized and those that I did not).
Despite those potential issues, I really did enjoy this love story between Throne and Eden. Despite some of the darker themes of murder, cultural and natural destruction, and greed, the love story between the MCs was achingly sweet. Unlike a lot of Tarzan retellings I read, the romance was not dark in the slightest. This imagining of “Tarzan” was one of empathy and protection, of loneliness and desire. Thorne was wild, yes, and animalistic in some ways, but he was soft and hopeful as well. I will say that I think the author could have made him even more “feral” and the story would have still read as romantic.
I really loved the way the author wove magic and folklore into plot as well, creating a magical realism dream scape of jungle and danger. I like their descriptions for the animals and nature, and the way they gave “voice” to the Jungle and its inhabitants.
I do think that folks that seek out Tarzan retellings, such as myself, will enjoy this softer version.
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*
Tropes & themes: FM, Tarzan retelling, magical realism, forced proximity, fast burn, quasi fated-mates, politics of Africa, themes of conservation, discovering your truth, delicious descriptions of nature and animals, and more!
Spoiler-free Summary:
Eden only wanted to photograph the gorillas of Uganda for a magazine feature but finds herself at the barrel end of a gun instead. Expecting to be murdered in the jungle, she resigns herself to her fate until she hears the primal roar unlike any she’s heard before. Thorne has been the protector of the Impenetrable Forest since he was adopted by his gorilla mother, but never had the opportunity for romantic love. Until now.
Thoughts:
First and foremost, let me address that I am sure there are inaccuracies in the science, culture, and politics of this story (those that I recognized and those that I did not).
Despite those potential issues, I really did enjoy this love story between Throne and Eden. Despite some of the darker themes of murder, cultural and natural destruction, and greed, the love story between the MCs was achingly sweet. Unlike a lot of Tarzan retellings I read, the romance was not dark in the slightest. This imagining of “Tarzan” was one of empathy and protection, of loneliness and desire. Thorne was wild, yes, and animalistic in some ways, but he was soft and hopeful as well. I will say that I think the author could have made him even more “feral” and the story would have still read as romantic.
I really loved the way the author wove magic and folklore into plot as well, creating a magical realism dream scape of jungle and danger. I like their descriptions for the animals and nature, and the way they gave “voice” to the Jungle and its inhabitants.
I do think that folks that seek out Tarzan retellings, such as myself, will enjoy this softer version.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Death of parent
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced