Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
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:
Complicated
I had this on my radar for a while and I'm so glad I picked it up as soon as it released because it was absolutely fantastic. The magic system was wonderfully conceptualised, the fight scenes were brilliant, and I loved the main cast of characters. (I just want to be friends with Elle, is that too much to ask?) The narrative style was rich and lyrical, managing to carry the perfect amount of tension during the volatile moments and dramatic scenes. In other parts of the story, there was a blend of wry humour and sarcasm so good it had me laughing out loud. Hands down one of the best books of 2023 for me, and also one of the best fantasies I've read in the last few years.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Violence, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Grief
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I struggled with how to rate this book because it's good, but it's also not really what I expected, based on the summary, and also because it felt like I was reading two different books in one.
To me, the summary promised something like a YA fantasy thriller/romance. That is not what I got. There is some fantasy and magic, sure, but it didn't feel like it was a primary focus of the story. Neither wereLuc's secret curse or Elle's murderous younger brother. No, the real focus was the love story between Luc and Elle. It was more like a romance novel with some fantasy thriller parts. If I had gone into it knowing that, maybe I wouldn't have been so confused when what seemed like the climax happened halfway through the book. And maybe I wouldn't have been so disappointed with the lack of world-building.
Fortunately, Tsai is a talented writer and where the plot faltered, the characters made up for it. Elle is a little stilted and confusing at times, but she is fiercely loyal and protective over those she loves. Luc is a dreamboat, natually, and refreshingly in love with Elle without unnecessary drama. Tony is hilarious and a great side/main-ish character. And there's a cat and a HEA!
Overall, a light fun read, but probably better to know what you're getting into, which is not what the summary suggests.
To me, the summary promised something like a YA fantasy thriller/romance. That is not what I got. There is some fantasy and magic, sure, but it didn't feel like it was a primary focus of the story. Neither were
Fortunately, Tsai is a talented writer and where the plot faltered, the characters made up for it. Elle is a little stilted and confusing at times, but she is fiercely loyal and protective over those she loves. Luc is a dreamboat, natually, and refreshingly in love with Elle without unnecessary drama. Tony is hilarious and a great side/main-ish character. And there's a cat and a HEA!
Overall, a light fun read, but probably better to know what you're getting into, which is not what the summary suggests.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
So much fun! As a fantasy reader, this is definitely more romance than I'm used to -- I'd call this fantasy/romance, pretty evenly blending the genres and emphases. I love the character development in this one: Elle is a compelling, nuanced protagonist that I'd definitely happily read another book about, and many supporting characters shine as well. This fantasy world feels fully developed and the pacing is consistent. There are some steamy scenes! I appreciate the diverse representation in multiple respects, the inclusion of an array of languages, and clear representation of safer sex practices and consent.
Content warnings: violence, blood, injury detail, racism, misogyny, emotional abuse, manipulation, one scene including repeated misgendering
Content warnings: violence, blood, injury detail, racism, misogyny, emotional abuse, manipulation, one scene including repeated misgendering
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism
Minor: Transphobia
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
adventurous
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
the characters were nice but kind of bland and i wasn't invested in them at all. the plot felt like it was taking a backseat throughout most of the book and a lot of chapters felt like fluff. the prose felt invisible and the dialogue made me cringe most of the time (mostly due to all the media references stuffed in). i really wanted to like this book but there was just nothing compelling about it.
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
adventurous
emotional
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