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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Thank you to Netgalley and Ace Publishing for giving me the chance to read an advanced copy of this book.
Looking for a romantasy with thieves, rival crime syndicates, and amazing an doggie side-kick with magic powers?? If your answer is yes, this is the book for you!
This book is for you if you love:
• Rival mafia gangs
• illegal dragon egg stealing and heists
• doggie sidekick with special abilities
• enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
• dual POV
•goddesses, magic powers, and politics
The world building was amazing! What a cool world! The characters all felt very real and life-like. This book definitely sets up for more adventure and reveals as the series goes on. I will definitely be continuing this series, especially after that epilogue! 👀
Why I deducted a star: Unfortunately there felt like there was something missing from this book, which is why I'm not obsessed. I couldn't tell you *what* is missing, so take this with a grain of salt. It quite possibly could be a case of "right book, wrong time." Also, the MCs gave in to their feelings for each other at the flip of a switch, which felt too abrupt. But other than that, a fantastic story!
Looking for a romantasy with thieves, rival crime syndicates, and amazing an doggie side-kick with magic powers?? If your answer is yes, this is the book for you!
This book is for you if you love:
• Rival mafia gangs
• illegal dragon egg stealing and heists
• doggie sidekick with special abilities
• enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
• dual POV
•goddesses, magic powers, and politics
The world building was amazing! What a cool world! The characters all felt very real and life-like. This book definitely sets up for more adventure and reveals as the series goes on. I will definitely be continuing this series, especially after that epilogue! 👀
Why I deducted a star: Unfortunately there felt like there was something missing from this book, which is why I'm not obsessed. I couldn't tell you *what* is missing, so take this with a grain of salt. It quite possibly could be a case of "right book, wrong time." Also, the MCs gave in to their feelings for each other at the flip of a switch, which felt too abrupt. But other than that, a fantastic story!
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I really enjoyed Brynla and Andor's story and quest. I found the concept intriguing and I could not wait to explore with them.
There is obviously a lot to explain and scenes to set so to speak as it's a new world and different houses and landscapes. A lot happens in the last 30% of the book and I wish we had more action just like that. Also a big bomb is dropped at the end and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
I want to know who Brynla really is and we will hopefully get more info on that.
There is obviously a lot to explain and scenes to set so to speak as it's a new world and different houses and landscapes. A lot happens in the last 30% of the book and I wish we had more action just like that. Also a big bomb is dropped at the end and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
I want to know who Brynla really is and we will hopefully get more info on that.
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
🐉 Realm of Thieves by Karina Halle Book review 🐉
🗡 I read this book because it seemed really interesting and Owlcrate is going to do an SE of it. After finishing it I am not sure I'm going to get the SE lol 🗡
You would love this book if you like:
⭐️ Wild Dragons
⭐️ Forced Proximity
⭐️ Heists
⭐️ Chronic Illness Rep
My final rating is 3⭐️
It takes a 3🌶 rating for me (explicit scenes and teasing. A lot of desire in general)
🗡
This book is a really fun adventure that kind of reminds me of Pirates of the Caribbean but with Mafias? Trust me it sounds crazy but it was really entertaining.
We got Dragons trapped on an Island where only the most brave or stupid dare to enter to steal their precious eggs that can grant powers to those who consume them. Our FMC is one of those Thieves with an adorable dog who sniffs out the eggs and insane luck with not getting eaten by dragons. She was an interesting character.
I liked the MMC who uses humor to hide his pain and actually wants to help his family. I wish we got to see more of his more serious side tho.
My favorite part of this book had to be the World, I thought it was really interesting and can't wait to explore more of it in the next books.
I enjoyed the book, however I felt like the romance was lacking a little bit of building. The main characters almost instantly fall for each other. And then they don't get mad at the other one ever again, no matter how many secrets the other is keeping.
There this teasing at a big fight due to a secret of the MMC but then they are revealed without any kind of reaction at all. The FMC just shrugs it off and they move on with their lives.
In general the book kind of teases big moments that are about to happen and then they simply don't. The FMC just betrayed a big mafia to join another and they never retaliate, even thought its mentioned that they might know why the she is so special with the Dragons, maybe even a key to their success, alas it's never mentioned again.
I did like the ending and the epilogue mentions the protagonists of the next book and it might be interesting.
🗡
🗡 I read this book because it seemed really interesting and Owlcrate is going to do an SE of it. After finishing it I am not sure I'm going to get the SE lol 🗡
You would love this book if you like:
⭐️ Wild Dragons
⭐️ Forced Proximity
⭐️ Heists
⭐️ Chronic Illness Rep
My final rating is 3⭐️
It takes a 3🌶 rating for me (explicit scenes and teasing. A lot of desire in general)
🗡
This book is a really fun adventure that kind of reminds me of Pirates of the Caribbean but with Mafias? Trust me it sounds crazy but it was really entertaining.
We got Dragons trapped on an Island where only the most brave or stupid dare to enter to steal their precious eggs that can grant powers to those who consume them. Our FMC is one of those Thieves with an adorable dog who sniffs out the eggs and insane luck with not getting eaten by dragons. She was an interesting character.
I liked the MMC who uses humor to hide his pain and actually wants to help his family. I wish we got to see more of his more serious side tho.
My favorite part of this book had to be the World, I thought it was really interesting and can't wait to explore more of it in the next books.
I enjoyed the book, however I felt like the romance was lacking a little bit of building. The main characters almost instantly fall for each other. And then they don't get mad at the other one ever again, no matter how many secrets the other is keeping.
There this teasing at a big fight due to a secret of the MMC but then they are revealed without any kind of reaction at all. The FMC just shrugs it off and they move on with their lives.
In general the book kind of teases big moments that are about to happen and then they simply don't. The FMC just betrayed a big mafia to join another and they never retaliate, even thought its mentioned that they might know why the she is so special with the Dragons, maybe even a key to their success, alas it's never mentioned again.
I did like the ending and the epilogue mentions the protagonists of the next book and it might be interesting.
🗡
🩸🗡️Realm of Thieves 🗡️🩸
I really enjoyed this book! It was a different kind of romantasy with more mafia vibes than the royal houses that you would normally find in fantasy. That really works for me. It definitely played on the tension between Andor and his family and I really enjoyed that. It also set up some really great scenes where Andor got to defend Brynla against his family.
I also really liked that the dragons were not tailorable. They absolutely will eat you. They are wild creatures and you mess with them at your own risk. It also really put into perspective how dangerous it was for Brynla to steal the eggs.
I also really liked that this set up a series without it having to end on a cliffhanger. To absolutely no one’s surprise that was a big concern of mine when I started this book. But I’m happy to report that it ends as it should and I am excited for book 2 whenever that is due to arrive.
Definitely recommend this one for lovers of romantasy, dragons, mafia romance, and enemies to lovers.
A huge, thank you to @acebookspub and @authorhalle for a copy of this book!
I really enjoyed this book! It was a different kind of romantasy with more mafia vibes than the royal houses that you would normally find in fantasy. That really works for me. It definitely played on the tension between Andor and his family and I really enjoyed that. It also set up some really great scenes where Andor got to defend Brynla against his family.
I also really liked that the dragons were not tailorable. They absolutely will eat you. They are wild creatures and you mess with them at your own risk. It also really put into perspective how dangerous it was for Brynla to steal the eggs.
I also really liked that this set up a series without it having to end on a cliffhanger. To absolutely no one’s surprise that was a big concern of mine when I started this book. But I’m happy to report that it ends as it should and I am excited for book 2 whenever that is due to arrive.
Definitely recommend this one for lovers of romantasy, dragons, mafia romance, and enemies to lovers.
A huge, thank you to @acebookspub and @authorhalle for a copy of this book!
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Thanks as always to NetGalley and Ace for the eARC!
This book is a fun time! I always enjoy Karina Halle’s books for how fast paced her stories are - and how unique her worlds are.
I enjoyed this world, its magic, its weird religions, and of course, the swords and fighting and egg stealing.
Not to mention the romance! From the get-go, Andor and Brynla are bantering and sniping at each other and sure, yes, maybe he ties her up as a captive and maybe she jumps off his ship to escape him. But their relationship can only go up from there!!
(it gets really sweet and spicy and they both stand up for and defend each other and fight by each others sides💕)
I will say that I found the romance a touch insta lust/instalovey, and also that this is definitely more of a reluctant friends to lovers than it is enemies to lovers (not complaining!!) - going into the story knowing that will make it a lot more of an enjoyable I think.
This book is a fun time! I always enjoy Karina Halle’s books for how fast paced her stories are - and how unique her worlds are.
I enjoyed this world, its magic, its weird religions, and of course, the swords and fighting and egg stealing.
Not to mention the romance! From the get-go, Andor and Brynla are bantering and sniping at each other and sure, yes, maybe he ties her up as a captive and maybe she jumps off his ship to escape him. But their relationship can only go up from there!!
(it gets really sweet and spicy and they both stand up for and defend each other and fight by each others sides💕)
I will say that I found the romance a touch insta lust/instalovey, and also that this is definitely more of a reluctant friends to lovers than it is enemies to lovers (not complaining!!) - going into the story knowing that will make it a lot more of an enjoyable I think.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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:
Yes
Which is more dangerous - a dragon, or those who would stop at nothing to get close to them? For thieves in the illegal trade of magic-drenched dragon eggs, the latter is always the correct answer. Brynla Aihr is no exception - having escaped a dragon-worshipping cult, she has spent her adult life sprinting head-first into danger, facing dire weather, magical enchantments, imminent immolation, and the expected human-based backstabbing that comes with thievery in pursuit of dragon eggs - worth their weight in black market gold. When a mission goes wrong and she is captured by the lieutenant of her employers rival House, she finds that there is something more dire than dragon egg hunting - the espionage of rival families. Navigating her safety, the wile of the enigmatic and charming Lord Andor, and the smoking prophecies that threaten to tip the balance of their realm will require every back-alley trick and skill Brynla has, and she may lose everything - her life, her freedom, and her heart - if she isn't careful.
You know a dragon tale hates to see me coming, and I was chomping at the bit to sink my scaly little claws into a new Karina Halle book. This tale definitely had everything I was hoping for - secret societies; dragon magic soaked in mystery and hidden abilities; charming and disarming (literally) MMCs, found family (threat); hurt/comfort that definitely leans into the hurt; a "if the dog dies we riot" goodest boy; religious trauma and the potential for sweet revenge; right and fantastical realms; and tricks on tricks to (still) be uncovered. I also loved the inclusion of endometriosis rep, which you wouldn't expect in a fantasy book but was wonderfully placed and of course a relevant topic in the real world as well. There were several twists I didn't see coming (or which blew up in ways I didn't expect), which I love in fantasy because it keeps me on my toes, and I m almost more excited for the sequel of this book because I have some questions for certain characters and can't wait to see where we leap with some of the cliffhangers at the end of this book! I am constantly in awe of Karina's ability to write across diverse genres and hope she continues to write fantasy in the future because I had a blast (dragon pun intended) with this book!
You know a dragon tale hates to see me coming, and I was chomping at the bit to sink my scaly little claws into a new Karina Halle book. This tale definitely had everything I was hoping for - secret societies; dragon magic soaked in mystery and hidden abilities; charming and disarming (literally) MMCs, found family (threat); hurt/comfort that definitely leans into the hurt; a "if the dog dies we riot" goodest boy; religious trauma and the potential for sweet revenge; right and fantastical realms; and tricks on tricks to (still) be uncovered. I also loved the inclusion of endometriosis rep, which you wouldn't expect in a fantasy book but was wonderfully placed and of course a relevant topic in the real world as well. There were several twists I didn't see coming (or which blew up in ways I didn't expect), which I love in fantasy because it keeps me on my toes, and I m almost more excited for the sequel of this book because I have some questions for certain characters and can't wait to see where we leap with some of the cliffhangers at the end of this book! I am constantly in awe of Karina's ability to write across diverse genres and hope she continues to write fantasy in the future because I had a blast (dragon pun intended) with this book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Gore, Blood, Medical trauma
I give him my most frightening killer look, which makes everyone else go "Ooooh."
Thank you Netgalley and Ace for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I've read, and enjoyed (very much), three Karina Halle books. Imagine my excitement when I saw that I was approved by Berkley/Ace to review one of my most highly anticipated books of the year!
The story had IMMENSE potential. A convent of corrupted nuns, a syndikat (mafia) romance, thieving, heists, Dragons, and magical eggs? I loved the premise, but I need to be completely honest in this review - I had an absolute crisis while reading this. This was simply not good.
I recognize that this is an ARC, but this read like an unedited first draft. The prose was so hard to get through and felt like a smattering of adjectives and commas thrown into a sentence. At one point, I counted a single sentence with 75 words and 9 commas.
It also felt confused about what kind of genre it was supposed to be. It tried to fit into the mold of fantasy with the inclusion of a glossary of world-unique terms, and used curses like "damnation" and "Blazes". But the dialogue otherwise sounded very contemporary and juvenile:
- a goddess is referred to as "the lava lady"
- at one point the MMC refers to "a cock-blocking doggo"
- the FMC refers to her plans as "improv"
- there were three too many un-ironic mentions of "half-hard dick"s
I did enjoy Lemi, the shifting dog, and appreciated the endo representation in this book. I'd give this one a pass if you're looking for an immersive fantasy romance. If the writing points above don't annoy you and you're looking for a mafia romance with a hint of fantasy.... this might be for you.
Thank you Netgalley and Ace for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I've read, and enjoyed (very much), three Karina Halle books. Imagine my excitement when I saw that I was approved by Berkley/Ace to review one of my most highly anticipated books of the year!
The story had IMMENSE potential. A convent of corrupted nuns, a syndikat (mafia) romance, thieving, heists, Dragons, and magical eggs? I loved the premise, but I need to be completely honest in this review - I had an absolute crisis while reading this. This was simply not good.
I recognize that this is an ARC, but this read like an unedited first draft. The prose was so hard to get through and felt like a smattering of adjectives and commas thrown into a sentence. At one point, I counted a single sentence with 75 words and 9 commas.
It also felt confused about what kind of genre it was supposed to be. It tried to fit into the mold of fantasy with the inclusion of a glossary of world-unique terms, and used curses like "damnation" and "Blazes". But the dialogue otherwise sounded very contemporary and juvenile:
- a goddess is referred to as "the lava lady"
- at one point the MMC refers to "a cock-blocking doggo"
- the FMC refers to her plans as "improv"
- there were three too many un-ironic mentions of "half-hard dick"s
I did enjoy Lemi, the shifting dog, and appreciated the endo representation in this book. I'd give this one a pass if you're looking for an immersive fantasy romance. If the writing points above don't annoy you and you're looking for a mafia romance with a hint of fantasy.... this might be for you.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
This was an enjoyable, unique romantasy. The premise with an illegal dragon egg trade gave some mafia vibes, but make it fantasy. While I wasn’t exactly blown away, I did enjoy it, especially the last 30% or so. The HEA was surprising but welcome and I would definitely pick up book 2, which follows another one of the princes.
Thank you to PRH Audio and Ace for an ALC/ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to PRH Audio and Ace for an ALC/ARC in exchange for my honest review!