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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
A copy of the audiobook was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This wasn't bad! I think it's actually cut out from a similar cloth as Jackaby and Stalking Jack the Ripper but without the mystery or the fact that it's set in Victorian England. I don't know why, but I kept being drawn to the sort of feeling I had while I was reading those books, despite this book's modern setting.
It also reminded me of another book I read fairly recently, All the Stars and Teeth, in that despite enjoying the general setting, plot, and characters, I still felt like there was something missing by the end and that I'm not sure if I would read the second book.
This also seemed to drag on a bit, having a few pacing issues and a pretty severe lack of urgency, despite the fact that Slate was due to die at a set time.
I also had a really hard time with some of the narration choices, particularly with the inconsistent and decidedly Not French way they pronounced some things, particularly in Slate's narrator's case, since he had a tendency to swear in French or use French swears and his narrator is the most Not French person. The two narrators also couldn't seem to agree on how to pronounce the word quatrefoil, neither of them being the actual French pronunciation of it, with Slate's narrator pronouncing it, "kwa-truh-foil" and Cadence's narrator pronouncing it, "kat-er-foil," so that was a little annoying.
That all said, this was a fun enough experience and I'm glad I got the chance to review it! Even if I'm not sure if I would enjoy reading the second book, I still may end up checking it out sometime, especially since this one was complements of the publisher, I wouldn't mind chucking a little money toward the second one!
This wasn't bad! I think it's actually cut out from a similar cloth as Jackaby and Stalking Jack the Ripper but without the mystery or the fact that it's set in Victorian England. I don't know why, but I kept being drawn to the sort of feeling I had while I was reading those books, despite this book's modern setting.
It also reminded me of another book I read fairly recently, All the Stars and Teeth, in that despite enjoying the general setting, plot, and characters, I still felt like there was something missing by the end and that I'm not sure if I would read the second book.
This also seemed to drag on a bit, having a few pacing issues and a pretty severe lack of urgency, despite the fact that Slate was due to die at a set time.
I also had a really hard time with some of the narration choices, particularly with the inconsistent and decidedly Not French way they pronounced some things, particularly in Slate's narrator's case, since he had a tendency to swear in French or use French swears and his narrator is the most Not French person. The two narrators also couldn't seem to agree on how to pronounce the word quatrefoil, neither of them being the actual French pronunciation of it, with Slate's narrator pronouncing it, "kwa-truh-foil" and Cadence's narrator pronouncing it, "kat-er-foil," so that was a little annoying.
That all said, this was a fun enough experience and I'm glad I got the chance to review it! Even if I'm not sure if I would enjoy reading the second book, I still may end up checking it out sometime, especially since this one was complements of the publisher, I wouldn't mind chucking a little money toward the second one!
4.5⭐️
Loooved this book so much!! I’m sucked in the Quatrefoil crew! It’s been so long since I read a book with a man’s POV and I love it, and him! Loved Slate’s sassy character.
It is fantasy/romance book and I couldn’t put it down! It was confusing at the beginning with all the names and the different relationships. But after a couple of chapters I couldn’t stop reading it. Something happened in every chapter and it had me gripping the edge of my seat. It has a fast pace and it’s full of mystery, secrets, surprises, action and suspence.
It has a slow burn romance, kind of enemies to lovers. I loved Slate’s and Cadence’s chemistry and dynamic. I hope we get more of them in the sequel and I would love more explicit scenes - just saying. There are so many things and people I don’t trust and don’t believe
Loooved this book so much!! I’m sucked in the Quatrefoil crew! It’s been so long since I read a book with a man’s POV and I love it, and him! Loved Slate’s sassy character.
It is fantasy/romance book and I couldn’t put it down! It was confusing at the beginning with all the names and the different relationships. But after a couple of chapters I couldn’t stop reading it. Something happened in every chapter and it had me gripping the edge of my seat. It has a fast pace and it’s full of mystery, secrets, surprises, action and suspence.
It has a slow burn romance, kind of enemies to lovers. I loved Slate’s and Cadence’s chemistry and dynamic. I hope we get more of them in the sequel and I would love more explicit scenes - just saying. There are so many things and people I don’t trust and don’t believe
An adventurous and harrowing YA urban fantasy. Magic has long disappeared from the world and to bring it back, descendants from the four founding families of a university must each find their quatrefoil piece, but not without a challenge. Each family is tied to an element and only that person can touch it. Anyone else who does has a curse laid on them and dies.
While the book is well written and the concept is unique, I didn't connect with any of the characters. I find it strange that the main POVs, Slate and Cadance, can read each others body language as if they had known each other for years (they only just met) on what they really mean or if they are lying, but are ridiculous and have no clue when it comes to feelings for one another. I also found it off putting for another character, who's 23-24 to have a physical attraction to a 17 year old girl despite seeing her as his sister and she has a crush on him.
The history and background of the plot is interesting and enjoyable, but that's about it for me. Typical, predictable villain and cliffhanger ending. I doubt I'll be picking up the 2nd book.
While the book is well written and the concept is unique, I didn't connect with any of the characters. I find it strange that the main POVs, Slate and Cadance, can read each others body language as if they had known each other for years (they only just met) on what they really mean or if they are lying, but are ridiculous and have no clue when it comes to feelings for one another. I also found it off putting for another character, who's 23-24 to have a physical attraction to a 17 year old girl despite seeing her as his sister and she has a crush on him.
The history and background of the plot is interesting and enjoyable, but that's about it for me. Typical, predictable villain and cliffhanger ending. I doubt I'll be picking up the 2nd book.
I received a copy of this book from the authors.
I think this is the start of another amazing series. I love the mixture between urban fantasy and this made up world that is Brume.
I am a huge fan of Olivia Wildenstein's novels. Katie Hayoz is a new author to me but after reading this story I am definitely adding her other books to my TBR.
Just like a few other Wildenstein novels, this book contains other languages, in this case French and Breton, which can be quite confusing at first but I found myself understanding it more easily as the book went on. I felt that the addition of the other languages livened up the dialogue, specifically when it came to Slate's swearing.
The writing flows quite beautifully although this novel felt a bit younger than most of her other fantasy, likely because of the age of the main characters, but it didn't feel juvenile.
I think I was a bit thrown off by the pace of the novel. It starts off normally but then the chapters get shorter and shorter during the climax and then it ended quite abruptly. It does not end quite on a cliffhanger but I was left with a lot of questions still so I hope the next book comes out quickly after this one.
I quite enjoyed the romance of this novel. There seemed to be a bit of insta-love from Slate's perspective although there is a lot of denial from his side so the pace of the romance/relationship is still very good.
I adored Slate - he is a great example of mysterious with a dark past but very redeemable. He seems to have a good heart underneath it all.
I was on the fence about Cadence at first. She felt more naïve and sheltered at the beginning, although compassionate and loving. I usually prefer my heroines on the bolder side, but as the story went on, I realized that her more tame nature did not make her any less strong. This is a combination of characteristics that I have not seen as often and it felt refreshing.
I am very excited to read the continuation of this group's adventure and hopefully some of my many questions will be answered.
I think this is the start of another amazing series. I love the mixture between urban fantasy and this made up world that is Brume.
I am a huge fan of Olivia Wildenstein's novels. Katie Hayoz is a new author to me but after reading this story I am definitely adding her other books to my TBR.
Just like a few other Wildenstein novels, this book contains other languages, in this case French and Breton, which can be quite confusing at first but I found myself understanding it more easily as the book went on. I felt that the addition of the other languages livened up the dialogue, specifically when it came to Slate's swearing.
The writing flows quite beautifully although this novel felt a bit younger than most of her other fantasy, likely because of the age of the main characters, but it didn't feel juvenile.
I think I was a bit thrown off by the pace of the novel. It starts off normally but then the chapters get shorter and shorter during the climax and then it ended quite abruptly. It does not end quite on a cliffhanger but I was left with a lot of questions still so I hope the next book comes out quickly after this one.
I quite enjoyed the romance of this novel. There seemed to be a bit of insta-love from Slate's perspective although there is a lot of denial from his side so the pace of the romance/relationship is still very good.
I adored Slate - he is a great example of mysterious with a dark past but very redeemable. He seems to have a good heart underneath it all.
I was on the fence about Cadence at first. She felt more naïve and sheltered at the beginning, although compassionate and loving. I usually prefer my heroines on the bolder side, but as the story went on, I realized that her more tame nature did not make her any less strong. This is a combination of characteristics that I have not seen as often and it felt refreshing.
I am very excited to read the continuation of this group's adventure and hopefully some of my many questions will be answered.
I really enjoyed reading this book. There was something nostalgic for me about reading about a protagonist with a secret magical heritage who ends up on a dangerous magical quest, and this seemed to be a more adult version of some of my childhood favorites. I found the plot interesting and intriguing, and there were plenty of moments of action, mystery solving, romance, and family drama. This book had the right stakes and the right amount of surprising reveals to keep me interested. I also loved the voice of each character, particularly our protagonists Slade and Cadence, whose POV we alternate between. I liked the fit of Slade's slightly jaded, very sarcastic manner with Cadence's sweet but fierce and intelligent demeanor. I liked the romance elements of the story as well as the general plot (and the many secret revelations). I will say, while not done in a too over the top way, Cadence is basically described as one of those female protagonists who is sweet and innocent but also really sexy that many guys seem attracted to, and that's not my favorite thing. It tends to make the person seem more like a doll than a real-person, but Cadence's personality definitely made up for it. Overall I really liked the book and I already can't wait for the next one!
I listened to the audiobook version of this on Netgalley with thanks to the authors and publishers to give an honest review.
It did take me a while to get into this and warm to the characters. The character of Slate I did not like at the beginning. He’s definitely vulgar and crude at times! He was definitely a character that had a penchant for swearing ..! I got used to him though and then actually started to like him! I think him being an ass at the beginning was of importance to the story and he really gradually grew on me. The dialogue was hilarious and there was plenty of laugh out loud moments. Some of the quips and funny things Slate came out with, I have to admit, did really amuse me. Cadence’s character too was one I really warmed to.
I loved the premise of the story and anything with hints of Arthurian legend is a win for me. It was a clever plot and I rapidly became invested. I also liked the split chapters between Cadence and Slate and reading each chapter from their perspectives. Slate, a character I struggled to like rapidly became a favourite and his chapters were ones I almost looked forward to the most. His straight to the point, funny narrative were brilliant!
The narrators are great too and make for very easily listening. This book started as a 3 for me, then I was completely hooked, upped it up to a 4 and then it rapidly because a 5 in quick succession and I couldn’t wait to listen to it again whenever I was pulled away from my audiobook! I loved the adventure feel and the quest to find the 4 quatrefoil pieces, it was filled with action and drama. And ahhh, that ending! I so can’t wait for the next book. I’m so glad there’s more! So so good.
It did take me a while to get into this and warm to the characters. The character of Slate I did not like at the beginning. He’s definitely vulgar and crude at times! He was definitely a character that had a penchant for swearing ..! I got used to him though and then actually started to like him! I think him being an ass at the beginning was of importance to the story and he really gradually grew on me. The dialogue was hilarious and there was plenty of laugh out loud moments. Some of the quips and funny things Slate came out with, I have to admit, did really amuse me. Cadence’s character too was one I really warmed to.
I loved the premise of the story and anything with hints of Arthurian legend is a win for me. It was a clever plot and I rapidly became invested. I also liked the split chapters between Cadence and Slate and reading each chapter from their perspectives. Slate, a character I struggled to like rapidly became a favourite and his chapters were ones I almost looked forward to the most. His straight to the point, funny narrative were brilliant!
The narrators are great too and make for very easily listening. This book started as a 3 for me, then I was completely hooked, upped it up to a 4 and then it rapidly because a 5 in quick succession and I couldn’t wait to listen to it again whenever I was pulled away from my audiobook! I loved the adventure feel and the quest to find the 4 quatrefoil pieces, it was filled with action and drama. And ahhh, that ending! I so can’t wait for the next book. I’m so glad there’s more! So so good.
fast-paced
First off a trigger warning: This has a TON of HP references. Mostly "house elf" references but it's noticeable. Here's to hoping this decreases by next year.
If that doesn't turn you away. This was such a fun concept for a paranormal fantasy. I loved the magic and mystery in the little small town. It was a bit intense at times. Iffy about the maturity level of our female MC. Full RTC on the blog.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If that doesn't turn you away. This was such a fun concept for a paranormal fantasy. I loved the magic and mystery in the little small town. It was a bit intense at times. Iffy about the maturity level of our female MC. Full RTC on the blog.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It was fine. I at least wanted to finish it. But I didn't want them to succeed so that doesn't help my investment. Aside from not wanting Slate to die, I hoped they would fail. Nothing in the book leads you to hope that magic will return.
Also, everyone leave this child alone. She is 17 and there's two love interest potentials- one is 21 and the other is one of her professors and around 27ish. Please. Stop.
(Netgalley ARC)
Also, everyone leave this child alone. She is 17 and there's two love interest potentials- one is 21 and the other is one of her professors and around 27ish. Please. Stop.
(Netgalley ARC)
Very interesting, fast-paced and with a male MC that really had a distinctive voice (I wasn't that thrilled with the female MC in the beginning, but she grew on me). And although I would have liked a couple more chapters towards the end so that the resolution doesn't feel rushed, this was an engaging YA romantic fantasy adventure in a refreshing setting and with an intriguing magic system. I'd love to read more books in this world.