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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
Where to begin?! This book had me hooked from the first page, diving straight into the story and getting things going. Unlike some books which may start strong but then lose momentum part way through, Of Curses and Contempt retains a good pace throughout, finding that balance between giving enough time for development and keeping the reader engaged. Lulls in the action are well placed and timed, giving just enough of a reprieve before things pick up again.
Amidst all the action, H L Hamilton does a fantastic job of world building, sprinkling in beautiful descriptions and elements of lore which contribute to establishing the world of Meridian. Likewise the characters are well-written and well-rounded, especially the two main characters.
Lark is a great protagonist, fierce, capable, and definitely one to add to the list of badass female leads. Not only do we as readers get to see how the events of the story affect and change her, but we are treated to information about her past which helps bring in a new layer of understanding, relatability, and adds even more depth to the character.
As for Locke, this tall handsome stranger immediately gets your attention with his cool yet snarky personality, and right from the start his actions give you reason to believe that there's more to him than meets the eye. As the story progresses, the mystery around him starts to unfold, revealing a character I think will definitely be popping up on a lot of book boyfriend lists!
Combined with the fantasy, magic, mystery, romance, some clever twists and turns and just the right amount of spice, I loved reading this from start to finish and am so excited to see what happens next.
Amidst all the action, H L Hamilton does a fantastic job of world building, sprinkling in beautiful descriptions and elements of lore which contribute to establishing the world of Meridian. Likewise the characters are well-written and well-rounded, especially the two main characters.
Lark is a great protagonist, fierce, capable, and definitely one to add to the list of badass female leads. Not only do we as readers get to see how the events of the story affect and change her, but we are treated to information about her past which helps bring in a new layer of understanding, relatability, and adds even more depth to the character.
As for Locke, this tall handsome stranger immediately gets your attention with his cool yet snarky personality, and right from the start his actions give you reason to believe that there's more to him than meets the eye. As the story progresses, the mystery around him starts to unfold, revealing a character I think will definitely be popping up on a lot of book boyfriend lists!
Combined with the fantasy, magic, mystery, romance, some clever twists and turns and just the right amount of spice, I loved reading this from start to finish and am so excited to see what happens next.
READERS: IF YOU LIKE FANTASY, ROMANCE, ZODIACS, AND ELEMENTAL MAGIC, GIVE THIS BOOK A TRY!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and first and foremost I want to say thank you to H. L. Hamilton for giving me the opportunity to read their book! I want to give an honest review of what I thought of this book (while avoiding spoilers because I hate when I get a book ruined), and I'm giving it 3 Stars.
Hamilton's writing style reminded me a lot of SJM and Alex Aster (authors of ACOTAR and Lightlark). There was a lot that I liked about this book:
-ENEMIES TO LOVERS, which is ALWAYS a hit in my book
- this book was steamy with a capital S. if you are a fan of those types of scenes (I know I am) then pick up this book
- the magic system based off of the zodiac signs and the elements! this was really creative and kind of reminded me of Avatar the Last Airbender!
- Lark as a strong FMC. As a woman, I love reading FMC written by women. I love when seemingly "normal" FMC find the power (magical and/or otherwise) they have inside of them, and Lark is an excellent example of this.
However, there were some things that I didn't like about this book
- it feels very heavily inspired by ACOTAR (which is one of my favorite series) but the execution didn't move me the same way. The beginning was very fast paced and we meet the love interest almost immediately. I wish there had been some more background and content before the immediate problem.
- I felt like I could predict what was going to happen before it happened
- the chapters were very long
I think the concept around this book series is fantastic but the execution didn't quite hit the spot for me as a fantasy reader. It definitely has the elements that I like, but there were times where I wasn't enjoying it as much as I wish that I would.
HOWEVER, another review mentioned that this is the first book from this author, and I think Hamilton has done an excellent job with OCAC. I will be keeping an eye out for the next works in this series and any other books Hamilton may come out with.
another note to the readers: pick up this book! based on reviews it seems to be mostly a hit with only a couple misses. you might love it! it just wasn't fully for me, and that's okay because I am just one opinion!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and first and foremost I want to say thank you to H. L. Hamilton for giving me the opportunity to read their book! I want to give an honest review of what I thought of this book (while avoiding spoilers because I hate when I get a book ruined), and I'm giving it 3 Stars.
Hamilton's writing style reminded me a lot of SJM and Alex Aster (authors of ACOTAR and Lightlark). There was a lot that I liked about this book:
-ENEMIES TO LOVERS, which is ALWAYS a hit in my book
- this book was steamy with a capital S. if you are a fan of those types of scenes (I know I am) then pick up this book
- the magic system based off of the zodiac signs and the elements! this was really creative and kind of reminded me of Avatar the Last Airbender!
- Lark as a strong FMC. As a woman, I love reading FMC written by women. I love when seemingly "normal" FMC find the power (magical and/or otherwise) they have inside of them, and Lark is an excellent example of this.
However, there were some things that I didn't like about this book
- it feels very heavily inspired by ACOTAR (which is one of my favorite series) but the execution didn't move me the same way. The beginning was very fast paced and we meet the love interest almost immediately. I wish there had been some more background and content before the immediate problem.
- I felt like I could predict what was going to happen before it happened
- the chapters were very long
I think the concept around this book series is fantastic but the execution didn't quite hit the spot for me as a fantasy reader. It definitely has the elements that I like, but there were times where I wasn't enjoying it as much as I wish that I would.
HOWEVER, another review mentioned that this is the first book from this author, and I think Hamilton has done an excellent job with OCAC. I will be keeping an eye out for the next works in this series and any other books Hamilton may come out with.
another note to the readers: pick up this book! based on reviews it seems to be mostly a hit with only a couple misses. you might love it! it just wasn't fully for me, and that's okay because I am just one opinion!
While I love the fantasy genre, I often struggle to find books that are well written with a very compelling plot. In the fantasy realm, world-building is extremely crucial. Providing an excessive amount of information at one go can be very overwhelming. However, I was really pleased to see that H.L. Hamilton has not only met but exceeded all of my expectations with her debut novel. The introduction of the new world was gradual, allowing readers like myself to get better accustomed to the hierarchy and intricate world of the fae without feeling overwhelmed.
Lark is a magicless fae who embarks on a journey through a deadly forest to retrieve the only plant that can cure her father, the only family she has left. Along the way, she encounters Locke, the Crowned Assassin. As she witnesses a murder committed by the Queen, she becomes a threat, and Locke promises a swift death as soon as she delivers the cure. However, unbeknowst to Lark, Locke harbors secret intentions, which ultimately leads to a series of events that reveal her extraordinary magic.
Together they try to unlock the full extent of Lark's powers and hone them to take down the Queen before she can take down Lark to cure herself of a curse.
The events happening throughout the book brought tears to my eyes at times. Locke and Lark's relationship felt genuine, and their journey gripped me from start to finish. From witty banter to snarky comments, their story goes from enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers. Lark, despite her traumatic past as a magicless fae, emerges as resilient, whose character learns to stand her ground in a world where she was once deemed an easy prey. Her character portrays many raw emotions that will resonate with readers. Locke, on the other hand, is charismatic, witty and fiercely protective of Lark. Despite being very secretive, his motives are always in Lark's best interest, which makes him all the more endearing.
Overall, this was a very beautiful and well-written Romantasy. I highly recommend this book to the Romantasy lovers. It does end on a cliffhanger, but the next book is definitely worth the wait!
Lark is a magicless fae who embarks on a journey through a deadly forest to retrieve the only plant that can cure her father, the only family she has left. Along the way, she encounters Locke, the Crowned Assassin. As she witnesses a murder committed by the Queen, she becomes a threat, and Locke promises a swift death as soon as she delivers the cure. However, unbeknowst to Lark, Locke harbors secret intentions, which ultimately leads to a series of events that reveal her extraordinary magic.
Together they try to unlock the full extent of Lark's powers and hone them to take down the Queen before she can take down Lark to cure herself of a curse.
The events happening throughout the book brought tears to my eyes at times. Locke and Lark's relationship felt genuine, and their journey gripped me from start to finish. From witty banter to snarky comments, their story goes from enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers. Lark, despite her traumatic past as a magicless fae, emerges as resilient, whose character learns to stand her ground in a world where she was once deemed an easy prey. Her character portrays many raw emotions that will resonate with readers. Locke, on the other hand, is charismatic, witty and fiercely protective of Lark. Despite being very secretive, his motives are always in Lark's best interest, which makes him all the more endearing.
Overall, this was a very beautiful and well-written Romantasy. I highly recommend this book to the Romantasy lovers. It does end on a cliffhanger, but the next book is definitely worth the wait!
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book so let’s get into it!
Of Curse and Contempt is a book that will have you giggling and smirking through most the book and it starts 5% in the book(you’re welcome
Of Curse and Contempt is a book that will have you giggling and smirking through most the book and it starts 5% in the book(you’re welcome
I've been mulling over what to say about this debut indie authors book!!
I feel absolutely privileged to have been chosen as 1 of her ARC readers!!
Ok the book...
I wish I could coul let you read my messages to her as i was reading this book!!
I have just recently started reading the Fantasy genre and so far I have not been disappointed!!
I laughed, I screamed, I cried. If there were feels in this book I felt everyone of them!! I was immediately immersed into Lark's world! The beauty and darkness mingled amazingly together!!
I immediately fell in love with Locke!! I mean who doesn't love an anti-hero, with a heart!!
Each character was well written and beautifully described.
I want to pack my stuff and move to Loc-Valen!!
Please do yourself a favor and out this book on your TBR. It will be releasing in October!!
I feel absolutely privileged to have been chosen as 1 of her ARC readers!!
Ok the book...
I wish I could coul let you read my messages to her as i was reading this book!!
I have just recently started reading the Fantasy genre and so far I have not been disappointed!!
I laughed, I screamed, I cried. If there were feels in this book I felt everyone of them!! I was immediately immersed into Lark's world! The beauty and darkness mingled amazingly together!!
I immediately fell in love with Locke!! I mean who doesn't love an anti-hero, with a heart!!
Each character was well written and beautifully described.
I want to pack my stuff and move to Loc-Valen!!
Please do yourself a favor and out this book on your TBR. It will be releasing in October!!
First, I need to say that I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from H. L. Hamilton - so first and foremost thank you for that, I really appreciated the opportunity.
This is my first read from H.L. Hamilton, and it was a pleasant surprise! Readers are taken on an adventure filled with excitement, magic, curses, spice, and plots that will hook you! My emotions were all over the place while reading this book. The character development was well thought out, and the plot flowed nicely and was not forced. The banter between Lark and Locke was great, and I may have developed some feelings for Locke! whoohoooo, he had his moments that left me breathless. Lark is a badass heroine who continues to fight for the right thing and for herself. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. Overall, this was a great read, but beware of that dreaded cliffhanger!
Betrayals, found family, turn of events, hidden powers, fighting for the ones you love, things not being what they seem to be, a strong FMC and mysteries to unfold. If you are a fantasy romance fan, this might be the book for you.
In a world where the kingdoms are divided in the four elements, representing the powers of it's people (fire, water, earth and air), Lark has always been bullied and persecuted for not having any magic. One day, her father falls ill and, to save his life, she has to go to a very dangerous place where not many have dared venturing in order to retrieve the ingredient needed to save him. Some things happen on her journey and now the Crowned Assassin of the Zodiac Kinship is after her and her life may find an abrupt end.
The romance isn't quite a slow burn, but it has a specific twist that keeps things entertaining and doesn't make it seem like an insta-love story. In my opinion, it will satisfy both sides of readers.
Plot and action wise, the story had it's calmer moments between all the twists and turns. For those who love getting to know the characters in a more day to day settings (although, nothing is very "normal routine day-like" with what the character is going through), these moments will give you a different perspective on the characters' relationships.
The main female character, Lark, has a strong character, great snark and quick replies that just got me. I also loved the main male character with his very confident attitude combined with a softer side that was swoon worthy. I melted with some of his cute gestures.
This was a great first book from this debut author. I was quite surprised by how good her writing was considering it's her first book and how the story flowed so easily.
Some of the moments brought me all the feels, but I would have loved for that level of engagement to maintain throughout my reading. Some of the calmer moments lost my interest, but that may only be representative of the kind of reader I am (I thrive on action and tension).
Overall, this was an interesting read and I will follow this author's journey for sure!
In a world where the kingdoms are divided in the four elements, representing the powers of it's people (fire, water, earth and air), Lark has always been bullied and persecuted for not having any magic. One day, her father falls ill and, to save his life, she has to go to a very dangerous place where not many have dared venturing in order to retrieve the ingredient needed to save him. Some things happen on her journey and now the Crowned Assassin of the Zodiac Kinship is after her and her life may find an abrupt end.
The romance isn't quite a slow burn, but it has a specific twist that keeps things entertaining and doesn't make it seem like an insta-love story. In my opinion, it will satisfy both sides of readers.
Plot and action wise, the story had it's calmer moments between all the twists and turns. For those who love getting to know the characters in a more day to day settings (although, nothing is very "normal routine day-like" with what the character is going through), these moments will give you a different perspective on the characters' relationships.
The main female character, Lark, has a strong character, great snark and quick replies that just got me. I also loved the main male character with his very confident attitude combined with a softer side that was swoon worthy. I melted with some of his cute gestures.
This was a great first book from this debut author. I was quite surprised by how good her writing was considering it's her first book and how the story flowed so easily.
Some of the moments brought me all the feels, but I would have loved for that level of engagement to maintain throughout my reading. Some of the calmer moments lost my interest, but that may only be representative of the kind of reader I am (I thrive on action and tension).
Overall, this was an interesting read and I will follow this author's journey for sure!
I loved this book! 🥰
If you’re a fan of books such as ACOTAR, These Hollow Vows and The Cruel Prince this is book that I would definitely recommend you read! It has fae, a really amazing complex magic system, immersive story telling and really good characterisation.
It also has a little bit of fated mates too . . .
The spice is spot on (not too much but enough for the story), the plot really well thought out and I absolutely loved the way the magic system works. The characters and the world they inhabit are also all really well written.
Locke is the ultimate MMC and I enjoyed every part of this book he was in - even his more serious side. And Lark is an absolute badass FMC who is so relatable in parts.
Note for the author: Book two needs to explore more of the other things Locke has in his room 😉 and maybe a few knives if you know what I mean? 😂
For a debut novel this has been a very enjoyable and fantastic read. Now when can I get my hands on book two?
If you’re a fan of books such as ACOTAR, These Hollow Vows and The Cruel Prince this is book that I would definitely recommend you read! It has fae, a really amazing complex magic system, immersive story telling and really good characterisation.
The spice is spot on (not too much but enough for the story), the plot really well thought out and I absolutely loved the way the magic system works. The characters and the world they inhabit are also all really well written.
Locke is the ultimate MMC and I enjoyed every part of this book he was in - even his more serious side. And Lark is an absolute badass FMC who is so relatable in parts.
Note for the author:
For a debut novel this has been a very enjoyable and fantastic read. Now when can I get my hands on book two?
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Fae? Magic? Curses? Enemies to lovers?Touch her and 💀 trope? Strong FMC? Shadow daddy? Found family?
Need I say more?
This was a wonderfully written fantasy book! Locke and Lark are two characters I will continue to think about long after finishing this as I wait for the next novel.
Lark's story resonated so much with me, I honestly teared up at multiple points. Her distrust of people because of her past and people constantly using her and turning on her, it was an emotional ride for sure.
The spice was 🔥 incredibly written and super hot.
I cannot wait for this to release and for me to own a physical copy for my trophy bookshelf!
Need I say more?
This was a wonderfully written fantasy book! Locke and Lark are two characters I will continue to think about long after finishing this as I wait for the next novel.
Lark's story resonated so much with me, I honestly teared up at multiple points. Her distrust of people because of her past and people constantly using her and turning on her, it was an emotional ride for sure.
The spice was 🔥 incredibly written and super hot.
I cannot wait for this to release and for me to own a physical copy for my trophy bookshelf!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence
Minor: Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, War