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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
This one really had me feeling warm and fuzzy.
First and foremost, this is an incredibly precious story about healing and strength. It was something I did not know that I needed from a book and I really appreciated the growth and the journey. It was beautiful.
Along with that, this is also a story of family. Not only blood family, but found family. Finding your people. This is something that always hits me hard and gets me going. Cass crafted such an amazing group of characters who have such warm and open hearts.
Wow did Aurelia have a lot going on and I sure did enjoy every moment of learning about her and growing with her. She took everything in stride even though she constantly doubted herself. Watching her strength grow as she started to pull all her pieces together felt so real.
Precious grumpy Maddox. I loved the way he constantly empowered Aurelia and gave her the support that she needed to make her choices. It was so apparent how important the love and freedom he provided her was.
I enjoyed the magic system and this little seasonal world that Cass built. I do wish some of the world building around Huxley and the forest were a bit stronger. I was a little confused at first where and when we were. It wasn’t enough to slow me down and I was able to move forward with ease. The pacing at the very start of the book did seem rushed. I felt like I missed out on some of the foundational moments of the characters’ introductions and relationships in lieu of making it to a certain moment in the story. Once I got to about the 12% mark, the story really found its stride and took off.
All in all, a wonderful book with memorable deep characters and a story that grew my Grinch heart 3 sizes.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
First and foremost, this is an incredibly precious story about healing and strength. It was something I did not know that I needed from a book and I really appreciated the growth and the journey. It was beautiful.
Along with that, this is also a story of family. Not only blood family, but found family. Finding your people. This is something that always hits me hard and gets me going. Cass crafted such an amazing group of characters who have such warm and open hearts.
Wow did Aurelia have a lot going on and I sure did enjoy every moment of learning about her and growing with her. She took everything in stride even though she constantly doubted herself. Watching her strength grow as she started to pull all her pieces together felt so real.
Precious grumpy Maddox. I loved the way he constantly empowered Aurelia and gave her the support that she needed to make her choices. It was so apparent how important the love and freedom he provided her was.
I enjoyed the magic system and this little seasonal world that Cass built. I do wish some of the world building around Huxley and the forest were a bit stronger. I was a little confused at first where and when we were. It wasn’t enough to slow me down and I was able to move forward with ease. The pacing at the very start of the book did seem rushed. I felt like I missed out on some of the foundational moments of the characters’ introductions and relationships in lieu of making it to a certain moment in the story. Once I got to about the 12% mark, the story really found its stride and took off.
All in all, a wonderful book with memorable deep characters and a story that grew my Grinch heart 3 sizes.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Took me a while to finish this. Story was a solid idea but the execution wasn't strong. The characters weren't necessarily memorable and the overall story seemed incomplete. Yes, it had some of the best tropes but they felt rushed. This book had so much potential but I think it needed more time to develop before being published. But what do I know. I've never written nor published a book and that's a hell of an accomplishment to do so.
I will say that Cass's descriptions were beautiful. Vivid pictures came to mind and that's a great strength to have. You don't always find that writers have that ability. Really dug how much mental health was explored. Not an easy topic to navigate. Kudos for being such a strong advocate for that.
I think the writing and stories will only get better from here. Looking forward to what Cass writes next.
I will say that Cass's descriptions were beautiful. Vivid pictures came to mind and that's a great strength to have. You don't always find that writers have that ability. Really dug how much mental health was explored. Not an easy topic to navigate. Kudos for being such a strong advocate for that.
I think the writing and stories will only get better from here. Looking forward to what Cass writes next.
One of my most anticipated new releases of 2023 and Cass absolutely did the damn thing! Honestly, this was just so amazing! In short, if you love dark fantasy romances with brilliant plot and world-building, this book is for you.
I haven't been reading as many fantasy or even dark romance books this year, but I absolutely knew I had to read this book and that it would be fantastic because I, like many of you, have followed along with Cass's journey as a debut author. Well not only was the opening line the best ever, but the thoughtful way the themes of trauma, healing, and self-discovery within a found family were explored and navigated was just beautiful.
I loved it so much I immediately ordered the paperback and it's gorgeous!
*Thank you to Cass for an e-arc of this book, all opinions are my own!*
I haven't been reading as many fantasy or even dark romance books this year, but I absolutely knew I had to read this book and that it would be fantastic because I, like many of you, have followed along with Cass's journey as a debut author. Well not only was the opening line the best ever, but the thoughtful way the themes of trauma, healing, and self-discovery within a found family were explored and navigated was just beautiful.
I loved it so much I immediately ordered the paperback and it's gorgeous!
*Thank you to Cass for an e-arc of this book, all opinions are my own!*
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
DNF'd at 62%
The number of misused/awkward words/phrases drove me absolutely bonkers. The writing is clunky and I started skimming around 50%. DNF'd at 62% because I just couldn't continue. The plot itself isn't atrocious, but it needs some word smithing to get it to flow better with fewer awkward language choices like "her face descended into seriousness as she spoke."
I may consider reading another book of hers in the future but her writing style just doesn't mesh with what I like to read.
The number of misused/awkward words/phrases drove me absolutely bonkers. The writing is clunky and I started skimming around 50%. DNF'd at 62% because I just couldn't continue. The plot itself isn't atrocious, but it needs some word smithing to get it to flow better with fewer awkward language choices like "her face descended into seriousness as she spoke."
I may consider reading another book of hers in the future but her writing style just doesn't mesh with what I like to read.
A spicy Goldilocks & The Three Bears retelling! I loved Gellers spin on this classic fairy tale. The three brothers and their dynamics were great! Maddox is of course swoony but my favorite of the brothers was Fox! Beyond a fun take on a classic fairytale The Golden Key explores themes around trauma, healing and self acceptance.
Check your trigger warnings on this one, with the trauma themes there are some scene's and references that could be triggering.
There were a few things that didn't quite come together for me. But it was overall a fun read!
Tropes:
Check your trigger warnings on this one, with the trauma themes there are some scene's and references that could be triggering.
There were a few things that didn't quite come together for me. But it was overall a fun read!
Tropes:
A must-read for any fairytale, fantasy lover. A play on Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Pure perfection. A new favorite. Well done, Cass
Cass Geller stuns and awes in her debut release of The Golden Key.
Opening right into a dramatic prologue, Cass immediately pulls the reader in to the beginning of Aurelia's journey of healing and revenge.
In the early stages of Aurelia's journey, we are introduced to brothers Maddox, Xavier, and Fox - the "three bears". To deduce this novel to a Goldilocks retelling is unjust. This is a tale all if it's own, with hints of a beloved childhood story, embedding just enough nostalgia in the reader to create a sense of comfort and wonder.
The world-building throughout The Golden Key is lush without being overwhelming yet written with such eloquence. Even the scenes doused with magic are believable.
Which brings me to the magic system. Enchanting does not begin to describe it. This is the kind of magic system that delights me and intrigues me with its seemingly simple nature that brings about a feeling of "bed-time story" folklore.
The Golden Key, at its core, is the raw journey of healing; the battle to overcome one's past, and the fight for strength and freedom. Cass excels at creating humane characters with relevant facets - even the side characters are instrumental to the development of the plot and story. Every character is developed with such care and attention I was truly astounded.
The Golden Key is one of the most refreshing fantasy novels I have had the pleasure of reading in 2023.
Opening right into a dramatic prologue, Cass immediately pulls the reader in to the beginning of Aurelia's journey of healing and revenge.
In the early stages of Aurelia's journey, we are introduced to brothers Maddox, Xavier, and Fox - the "three bears". To deduce this novel to a Goldilocks retelling is unjust. This is a tale all if it's own, with hints of a beloved childhood story, embedding just enough nostalgia in the reader to create a sense of comfort and wonder.
The world-building throughout The Golden Key is lush without being overwhelming yet written with such eloquence. Even the scenes doused with magic are believable.
Which brings me to the magic system. Enchanting does not begin to describe it. This is the kind of magic system that delights me and intrigues me with its seemingly simple nature that brings about a feeling of "bed-time story" folklore.
The Golden Key, at its core, is the raw journey of healing; the battle to overcome one's past, and the fight for strength and freedom. Cass excels at creating humane characters with relevant facets - even the side characters are instrumental to the development of the plot and story. Every character is developed with such care and attention I was truly astounded.
The Golden Key is one of the most refreshing fantasy novels I have had the pleasure of reading in 2023.
I love, love, LOVED this book!
I don't know where to start with how much I enjoyed this book.
Complete honesty, I really wasn't sure what to expect with a Goldilocks and the Three Bears type story but this far exceed any expectations that I held.
Our "Goldie" stumbles into the lives of the Bears seeking shelter in the middle of the woods. She is running from from something that they are determined to find out, little do they all know, she is really running to where she is needed the most.
For fantasy and romance readers alike, this is an amazing book with plenty of tension, twists, and turns to keep the story moving. The characters are all wonderful, bringing their own flavour to the plot with more characters added as everything progresses. I love them all in their own way, particularly the strong demeanor and unapologetically tenacious female characters throughout.
There was a lot of world building and backstory provided throughout in a way that you aren't swamped with information but felt the pieces falling into place.
There is so much emotion and character growth in this that kept me turning pages long after I definitely should have put it down. This story made me want to completely ignore everything else and get lost in their world. Also being a slow burn with little hints of spice helps as well.
Please note to check your triggers, as there are some confronting scenes in this story but they are all part of the character's history and what leads her to the forest.
I don't know where to start with how much I enjoyed this book.
Complete honesty, I really wasn't sure what to expect with a Goldilocks and the Three Bears type story but this far exceed any expectations that I held.
Our "Goldie" stumbles into the lives of the Bears seeking shelter in the middle of the woods. She is running from from something that they are determined to find out, little do they all know, she is really running to where she is needed the most.
For fantasy and romance readers alike, this is an amazing book with plenty of tension, twists, and turns to keep the story moving. The characters are all wonderful, bringing their own flavour to the plot with more characters added as everything progresses. I love them all in their own way, particularly the strong demeanor and unapologetically tenacious female characters throughout.
There was a lot of world building and backstory provided throughout in a way that you aren't swamped with information but felt the pieces falling into place.
There is so much emotion and character growth in this that kept me turning pages long after I definitely should have put it down. This story made me want to completely ignore everything else and get lost in their world. Also being a slow burn with little hints of spice helps as well.
Please note to check your triggers, as there are some confronting scenes in this story but they are all part of the character's history and what leads her to the forest.