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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
1. Sophie is badass
2. Harrison's writing is the perfect demonstration of feminism without really saying (or even needing to say) the word in this genre of writing (and writing in general tbqh, people need to stop looking at Romance as a niche genre ffs). The way the politics of consent mixes with the explosive chemistry in this book is frankly nearly unparalleled against any other romance novel I've ever read.
3. Seriously, like, Sophie? One of my favourite, favourite female protagonists in any genre of writing anywhere.
4. 'Ah, well. You can't fix stupid. And you can't heal crazy.'
5. Sophie saying she should've had the coffee instead of casting the runes / wanting to bathe in the drink after the first ragged experience w Divination my GOD I FEEL YOU GIRL
6. Sophie.
6.5. ROBIN YOU WONDERFUL CREATURE YOU WISE, WISE LOVELY PUCK
7. SOPHIE. MAGIC BULLETS. SOPHIE.
8. Nikolas also tbqh is a pretty great character to work with and bounce off wrt someone like Sophie and the way the plot works (not going to give any of that away). Necessarily, I can't talk about Nikolas without giving away the plot, but something about his character, too, hit astonishingly close to home. Wrt his reservations and wrt what he chooses to compromise on / be honest about and what he doesn't and when he doesn't.
9. Plot / development / worldbuilding: It's Harrison, enough said. You know that's some good worldbuilding happening right there.
10. Skeptics (I was one of them) asking: 'Hmmm this dynamic sounds too familiar, like Pia and Dragos. Is this just a different plot with the same characters?' Answer: BOYOOO IT SOOOOO AIN'T.
11. Read it.
12. Srsly just do it.
13. Sophie.
I think most of my favourite books (and the reviews thereof) on Goodreads can probably just be summarized through the conversations I have about them with Chitrangi. So, personal (but not rly) thoughts on Moonshadow, as excerpted from a chat wherein one may find me fangirling @ extreme levels wrt/ theory and Sophie and just generally being an incurable Literature Major:
[4:15 AM, 2/24/2017] Me: so
[4:16 AM, 2/24/2017] Me: IM LOVING SOPHIE AAAAH
[7:15 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: I..
[7:16 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: So I finished the book this morning before I fell asleep
[7:16 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: And I.. just.. fuck, Che I was not expecting it to hit me as hard it did. This was more jarring than the general surprise of stumbling across a gem like Dragon Bound. This book.. like I don't know if I'll be able to re-read it in parts like I do anytime soon. I don't know what it was about Sophie, because the plot was pretty simple and yet great af as she usually keeps her plots and worlds, but Sophie, and some of the things she says... Holy shit I was not expecting this book to grab me by the throat
[7:18 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: Particularly that bit towards the end, before the climactic action, where she confronts him in the courtyard and she's like I love you but I cannot and will not get with how unwelcome this is for you as a feeling and a thing in your life
[7:18 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: Holy FUCK I had to take a moment out for it
[7:19 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: I mean of course I've read this a hundred different times in other books and in other words, but something about this character, and the way Harrison phrases it... it felt like someone was reading my mind at the most unexpected of times
[7:20 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: Like I feel actually sledgehammered by that. As though I went on an odd set of errands to fucking buy tampons and oranges or sth and someone waylaid me with a load of telepathy.
[7:21 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: I feel so sad after having read that book. Was thoroughly unprepared for the sadness given how fucking AMAZING the book is
[7:21 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: Like my GOD I love Sophie but what the ever loving fucking fuck is this reaction?
[7:22 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: I imagine a lot of it is because things generally are immensely on edge here and I haven't been sleeping well in general and I'm processing a lot of totally unrelated but simultaneously complicated things, but I was actually thoroughly unprepared for that
[10:55 PM, 2/24/2017] Che: I had this feeling while reading the book, maybe not sadness, but incredible empathy or something more than empathy and I think that came from the fact that Harrison words it in a way that's similar to how we speak.
[10:55 PM, 2/24/2017] Che: And also the fact that she doesn't make Sophie mince words
[12:51 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: Yeah it definitely has a lot to do with Harrison's writing
[12:51 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: I'm also continually amazed by how well she melds theory and pop culture
[12:52 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: There was this word I paused at
[12:52 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: Kathryn Shaw saying
[12:52 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: I'm sorry I know it sounds like I'm anthropomorphizing the house
[12:52 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: And I was like ! !! !!!
[12:53 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: Oh yusss that bit. It fit right in tho
[12:52 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: On a lighter note tho
[12:53 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: DID YOU NOTICE THE TONGUE IN CHEEK INTER-TEXTUAL REFERENCING when they're making toast or sth and Sophie is thinking
[12:53 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: This is isn't as absurd as a dragon making u a cup of tea but it's still weird af
[12:53 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: And I was like Ohhhhhhhhh girl u didnttttt
[12:53 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: YUSSSS OFC HAHAHAA I WAS LIKE DRAGOSSSSSSSSS
[12:54 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: Rightttr
[12:54 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: Like I LOVED Harrison's nod to that textual body while also so clearly marking out that this text is not that text and not a repeat of that text
[12:55 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: Yeah
[12:55 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: Dragonbound is always going to be a favourite
[12:55 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: But this one
[12:55 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: Comes close second
[12:55 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: This was so... I felt such empathy with this one
[12:55 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: Particularly with Sophie. Sometimes right down to the way she's physically described, except the wild riot of curling hair
[12:56 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: It felt so close to home
[12:56 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: The things she says and the things she does I was a little taken aback
[12:56 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: Like she could easily have fallen into the trope of feminist bitchy character trying to be equal but actually making everyone's lives difficult
[12:56 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: That is such a trap in this genre
[12:57 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: But she didn't ! She sooooo didn't!
[12:57 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: And I LOVE ROBIN OMG
[12:57 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: You will not forget a puck again! I was like YASSS BOY YOU TELL THEM
[12:57 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: I HOPE THERE'S A BOOK FOR ROBIN
[12:57 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: I WILL NEVER FORGIVE HER IF SHE DOESN'T WRITE ONE
[12:58 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: I swearr
[12:58 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: I feel like Kathryn is going to get a book
[12:58 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: But also amen to everything you said about Sophia's character
[12:58 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: And gawain and rhys
[12:58 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: Yeah definitely
[12:58 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: Yes and yes
2. Harrison's writing is the perfect demonstration of feminism without really saying (or even needing to say) the word in this genre of writing (and writing in general tbqh, people need to stop looking at Romance as a niche genre ffs). The way the politics of consent mixes with the explosive chemistry in this book is frankly nearly unparalleled against any other romance novel I've ever read.
3. Seriously, like, Sophie? One of my favourite, favourite female protagonists in any genre of writing anywhere.
4. 'Ah, well. You can't fix stupid. And you can't heal crazy.'
5. Sophie saying she should've had the coffee instead of casting the runes / wanting to bathe in the drink after the first ragged experience w Divination my GOD I FEEL YOU GIRL
6. Sophie.
6.5. ROBIN YOU WONDERFUL CREATURE YOU WISE, WISE LOVELY PUCK
7. SOPHIE. MAGIC BULLETS. SOPHIE.
8. Nikolas also tbqh is a pretty great character to work with and bounce off wrt someone like Sophie and the way the plot works (not going to give any of that away). Necessarily, I can't talk about Nikolas without giving away the plot, but something about his character, too, hit astonishingly close to home. Wrt his reservations and wrt what he chooses to compromise on / be honest about and what he doesn't and when he doesn't.
9. Plot / development / worldbuilding: It's Harrison, enough said. You know that's some good worldbuilding happening right there.
10. Skeptics (I was one of them) asking: 'Hmmm this dynamic sounds too familiar, like Pia and Dragos. Is this just a different plot with the same characters?' Answer: BOYOOO IT SOOOOO AIN'T.
11. Read it.
12. Srsly just do it.
13. Sophie.
I think most of my favourite books (and the reviews thereof) on Goodreads can probably just be summarized through the conversations I have about them with Chitrangi. So, personal (but not rly) thoughts on Moonshadow, as excerpted from a chat wherein one may find me fangirling @ extreme levels wrt/ theory and Sophie and just generally being an incurable Literature Major:
Spoiler
[4:15 AM, 2/24/2017] Me: so
[4:16 AM, 2/24/2017] Me: IM LOVING SOPHIE AAAAH
[7:15 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: I..
[7:16 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: So I finished the book this morning before I fell asleep
[7:16 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: And I.. just.. fuck, Che I was not expecting it to hit me as hard it did. This was more jarring than the general surprise of stumbling across a gem like Dragon Bound. This book.. like I don't know if I'll be able to re-read it in parts like I do anytime soon. I don't know what it was about Sophie, because the plot was pretty simple and yet great af as she usually keeps her plots and worlds, but Sophie, and some of the things she says... Holy shit I was not expecting this book to grab me by the throat
[7:18 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: Particularly that bit towards the end, before the climactic action, where she confronts him in the courtyard and she's like I love you but I cannot and will not get with how unwelcome this is for you as a feeling and a thing in your life
[7:18 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: Holy FUCK I had to take a moment out for it
[7:19 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: I mean of course I've read this a hundred different times in other books and in other words, but something about this character, and the way Harrison phrases it... it felt like someone was reading my mind at the most unexpected of times
[7:20 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: Like I feel actually sledgehammered by that. As though I went on an odd set of errands to fucking buy tampons and oranges or sth and someone waylaid me with a load of telepathy.
[7:21 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: I feel so sad after having read that book. Was thoroughly unprepared for the sadness given how fucking AMAZING the book is
[7:21 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: Like my GOD I love Sophie but what the ever loving fucking fuck is this reaction?
[7:22 PM, 2/24/2017] Me: I imagine a lot of it is because things generally are immensely on edge here and I haven't been sleeping well in general and I'm processing a lot of totally unrelated but simultaneously complicated things, but I was actually thoroughly unprepared for that
[10:55 PM, 2/24/2017] Che: I had this feeling while reading the book, maybe not sadness, but incredible empathy or something more than empathy and I think that came from the fact that Harrison words it in a way that's similar to how we speak.
[10:55 PM, 2/24/2017] Che: And also the fact that she doesn't make Sophie mince words
[12:51 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: Yeah it definitely has a lot to do with Harrison's writing
[12:51 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: I'm also continually amazed by how well she melds theory and pop culture
[12:52 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: There was this word I paused at
[12:52 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: Kathryn Shaw saying
[12:52 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: I'm sorry I know it sounds like I'm anthropomorphizing the house
[12:52 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: And I was like ! !! !!!
[12:53 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: Oh yusss that bit. It fit right in tho
[12:52 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: On a lighter note tho
[12:53 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: DID YOU NOTICE THE TONGUE IN CHEEK INTER-TEXTUAL REFERENCING when they're making toast or sth and Sophie is thinking
[12:53 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: This is isn't as absurd as a dragon making u a cup of tea but it's still weird af
[12:53 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: And I was like Ohhhhhhhhh girl u didnttttt
[12:53 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: YUSSSS OFC HAHAHAA I WAS LIKE DRAGOSSSSSSSSS
[12:54 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: Rightttr
[12:54 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: Like I LOVED Harrison's nod to that textual body while also so clearly marking out that this text is not that text and not a repeat of that text
[12:55 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: Yeah
[12:55 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: Dragonbound is always going to be a favourite
[12:55 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: But this one
[12:55 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: Comes close second
[12:55 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: This was so... I felt such empathy with this one
[12:55 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: Particularly with Sophie. Sometimes right down to the way she's physically described, except the wild riot of curling hair
[12:56 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: It felt so close to home
[12:56 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: The things she says and the things she does I was a little taken aback
[12:56 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: Like she could easily have fallen into the trope of feminist bitchy character trying to be equal but actually making everyone's lives difficult
[12:56 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: That is such a trap in this genre
[12:57 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: But she didn't ! She sooooo didn't!
[12:57 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: And I LOVE ROBIN OMG
[12:57 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: You will not forget a puck again! I was like YASSS BOY YOU TELL THEM
[12:57 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: I HOPE THERE'S A BOOK FOR ROBIN
[12:57 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: I WILL NEVER FORGIVE HER IF SHE DOESN'T WRITE ONE
[12:58 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: I swearr
[12:58 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: I feel like Kathryn is going to get a book
[12:58 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: But also amen to everything you said about Sophia's character
[12:58 AM, 2/25/2017] Me: And gawain and rhys
[12:58 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: Yeah definitely
[12:58 AM, 2/25/2017] Che: Yes and yes
Overall a solid 2.75. Will def be reading on.
The banter was really funny at times, but Sophie felt a bit try-hard to me occasionally.
The banter was really funny at times, but Sophie felt a bit try-hard to me occasionally.
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I so wanted to give this novel a two star rating but couldn’t because Thea Harrison’s novels are always so terribly addicting for me.
The biggest drawback to this story was the female MC. Dang, was she insufferably annoying or what. Incredibly shallow character development and the largest part of her personality was her acting like a three year old and constantly saying “Stop bossing me around! *insert cringe-worthy comeback here*”
Also, I think this storyline happened over a total of about three days.
But did I read this all in one go? Hell yeah! And do I already have the next novel downloaded? Hell yeah!
The biggest drawback to this story was the female MC. Dang, was she insufferably annoying or what. Incredibly shallow character development and the largest part of her personality was her acting like a three year old and constantly saying “Stop bossing me around! *insert cringe-worthy comeback here*”
Also, I think this storyline happened over a total of about three days.
But did I read this all in one go? Hell yeah! And do I already have the next novel downloaded? Hell yeah!
I had heard about this book on a podcast and was pleasantly surprised that it is as good as it was advertised to be. Yes, there were some issues with it (I was confused for some portions and Nikolas was often an asshat) but I really liked the world building and am really looking forward to the other books in this series.
Sophie Ross is a witch. Most recently she's been working for the LAPD. But she's surprised to hear that she might have an inheritance. This is surprising since Sophie was an orphan. But the man who placed her has left a rather interesting will. One wherein he has left money for the children he placed with supernatural families would have a chance to inherit a house if they can find a way inside. So Sophie flies to the UK, figuring she'd at least have a chance to heal from the wounds that took her off the force.
First thing, she finds a stray dog that seems to have been abused horribly. Then she narrowly misses a man who has a great deal of magic. She runs into the man again at the same time werewolf-like creatures attack the inn she's staying at. It turns out he's a mystical warrior working to stop Isabeau, wake up Oberon, and return to his homeland. I didn't really get a ton of connection other than sexual between Sophie and Nikolas but I'm hoping there's more further into the series.
Sophie Ross is a witch. Most recently she's been working for the LAPD. But she's surprised to hear that she might have an inheritance. This is surprising since Sophie was an orphan. But the man who placed her has left a rather interesting will. One wherein he has left money for the children he placed with supernatural families would have a chance to inherit a house if they can find a way inside. So Sophie flies to the UK, figuring she'd at least have a chance to heal from the wounds that took her off the force.
First thing, she finds a stray dog that seems to have been abused horribly. Then she narrowly misses a man who has a great deal of magic. She runs into the man again at the same time werewolf-like creatures attack the inn she's staying at. It turns out he's a mystical warrior working to stop Isabeau, wake up Oberon, and return to his homeland. I didn't really get a ton of connection other than sexual between Sophie and Nikolas but I'm hoping there's more further into the series.
Sophie je môj najobľúbenejší typ knižnej hrdinky. Silná, racionálna, nahnevaná a absolútne neochotná akceptovať akýkoľvek bullshit, či už od hlavného hrdinu, záporákov, náhodných okoloidúcich, alebo proste len globálne od sveta. Pridajme k tomu dedičstvo, tajuplný strašidelný dom, roztomilého chlpatého sidekicka a výsledok je úplne super.
Sophie, a consultant with the LAPD who is struggling through some serious PTSD, has a penchant for trouble. She takes a leave of absence from work in order to take a crack at breaking into a magically sealed house sitting on top of a broken doorway between England and the magical land of Lyoness. During the process of going to investigate her potential property, she manages to rescue Robin the Puck, fight some rogue werewolves, and irritate some Dark Fairy Court warriors who are trying to find a way home to Lyoness. If you like the other books in the Elder Races world, this will be a fun look at races other than the Wyr! I really enjoyed Sophie's no nonsense attitude with Nik and his band of warriors who have been fighting too long alone.
Oh, this book was amazing! Loved spending more time in this world, and learning more about the UK Fae politics! Can't wait to read more!
Strong heroine who calls the tall, handsome, dark elf hero on his shit. She's a modern American mostly human woman with unique and strong magical powers. He's a warrior who has been fighting a losing war for centuries. He is bossy and she just doesn't take it. I love Thea Harrison because she writes real and strong female characters. This is a great example of that. There are other conflicts in the story, but both of the characters are pretty kickass and they kick the requisite ass. I'm not clear on whether the rest of the trilogy will continue to have them as major characters or if it'll focus on other characters introduced in this story. I'm definitely interested in getting the stories of some of the other characters, but if this is it for this couple .. well it felt short and a little unfulfilling. I was sorry about some of the potential plot lines not getting fully developed and thought the heroine and the house needed some more attention, or at least had potential that wasn't fully realized. Also, I want some backstory on her injuries and... see? I really liked the character and just wanted a bunch more of her. Overall, very enjoyable read - a sweet fast romance with a good bit of world building(in a world that's already fairly developed in Harrison's Elder Races series).
I got an ARC for agreeing to post my review, but the contents of this review are my own.
I got an ARC for agreeing to post my review, but the contents of this review are my own.