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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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:
No
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
🌶.5
Ladies and gents, we have ANOTHER 6 star read. Phenomenal first entry into the series, literally no notes.
If the rest of this series is as good as this first book, it's about to become my entire personality. This book deserves so much more hype, I hardly ever see it talked about anywhere.
All of the characters introduced were so loveable, and I definitely feel a connection with all of them. I'm intrigued to see how romantic storylines will develop throughout the rest of the series, and to see who will end up with who. The overall plot is super unique and I was hooked from the very beginning. I'd say this is quite a fast paced book, it didn't feel like there was any useless waffle and I literally couldn't put it down.
This book is more of an Epic Fantasy kind of vibe, as the romance elements are not the main focus (this may change in later books). This installment is focused more on a quest to fulfil a prophecy given to Ophelia by one of the angels. I spent every chapter from Malakai's perspective just incredibly confused with no idea what was going on. But then there was a massive plot twist towards the end, and my jaw was 👏 on 👏 the 👏 floor 👏. The last 20% of this book was an absolute whirlwind, I did not see any of that coming.
There was one tiny spicy scene right at the end of this book, but it was only a couple of pages so you can skip past if you don't enjoy them. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am so glad I decided to finally jump into this series. Everything was perfect, and I will be moving immediately on to book 2. Can't wait to see what's going to happen next.
🌶.5
Ladies and gents, we have ANOTHER 6 star read. Phenomenal first entry into the series, literally no notes.
If the rest of this series is as good as this first book, it's about to become my entire personality. This book deserves so much more hype, I hardly ever see it talked about anywhere.
All of the characters introduced were so loveable, and I definitely feel a connection with all of them. I'm intrigued to see how romantic storylines will develop throughout the rest of the series, and to see who will end up with who. The overall plot is super unique and I was hooked from the very beginning. I'd say this is quite a fast paced book, it didn't feel like there was any useless waffle and I literally couldn't put it down.
This book is more of an Epic Fantasy kind of vibe, as the romance elements are not the main focus (this may change in later books). This installment is focused more on a quest to fulfil a prophecy given to Ophelia by one of the angels. I spent every chapter from Malakai's perspective just incredibly confused with no idea what was going on. But then there was a massive plot twist towards the end, and my jaw was 👏 on 👏 the 👏 floor 👏. The last 20% of this book was an absolute whirlwind, I did not see any of that coming.
There was one tiny spicy scene right at the end of this book, but it was only a couple of pages so you can skip past if you don't enjoy them. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am so glad I decided to finally jump into this series. Everything was perfect, and I will be moving immediately on to book 2. Can't wait to see what's going to happen next.
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
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:
No
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
"Angels, they were ridiculous. But I smiled at my brigade of courage and chaos."
My favourite part of this book was definitely the found family. You very quickly just get and fall in love with the dynamic of these friends and every scene where they are together was just so fun.
The Curse of Ophelia starts shortly after Ophelia's world has been torn apart by war. While she drowns in her sadness and her friends helplessly try to keep her afloat, she is visited by an angel, telling her the fate of her people rests in her hands.
I loved the worldbuilding and the way you get to explore it while Ophelia's group travels across their country.
What I didn't quite enjoy is that the sacred ritual, "the Undertaking", which is build up throughout the book, actually felt quite easy and so fell flat for me.
I truls feel like this book is more of an 'origin story' and just aims to get the characters where they need to be in order to tackle the real conflict in book 2.
I will still continue the series though, because I got so invested in the characters and want to see how their relationships further develops.
My favourite part of this book was definitely the found family. You very quickly just get and fall in love with the dynamic of these friends and every scene where they are together was just so fun.
The Curse of Ophelia starts shortly after Ophelia's world has been torn apart by war. While she drowns in her sadness and her friends helplessly try to keep her afloat, she is visited by an angel, telling her the fate of her people rests in her hands.
I loved the worldbuilding and the way you get to explore it while Ophelia's group travels across their country.
What I didn't quite enjoy is that the sacred ritual, "the Undertaking", which is build up throughout the book, actually felt quite easy and so fell flat for me.
I truls feel like this book is more of an 'origin story' and just aims to get the characters where they need to be in order to tackle the real conflict in book 2.
I will still continue the series though, because I got so invested in the characters and want to see how their relationships further develops.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
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:
Complicated
3.5/5 ⭐️
I think this book will be great for any fan of Sarah J Maas. The story and the style of writing reminded me a lot of hers. Plus, I really enjoyed this one aspect where a side character was having almost a Jacob Black moment from Twilight, where we all know he’s in love with the main character, but it’s never giving to happen.
This was an interesting story with a cool premise and intriguing world. However, I do wish the world was explained a little more and a little better. I think we needed things explained more but in a way that feels like the characters would’ve naturally brought it up.
There was a few things I probably would have pointed out if I was beta reading this story. However, I think the premise was fascinating and I loved the character relationships. I breezed through this book and would recommend it to others.
Thank you to the author & BookFunnel for providing an advance reader copy for my honest review.
I think this book will be great for any fan of Sarah J Maas. The story and the style of writing reminded me a lot of hers. Plus, I really enjoyed this one aspect where a side character was having almost a Jacob Black moment from Twilight, where we all know he’s in love with the main character, but it’s never giving to happen.
This was an interesting story with a cool premise and intriguing world. However, I do wish the world was explained a little more and a little better. I think we needed things explained more but in a way that feels like the characters would’ve naturally brought it up.
There was a few things I probably would have pointed out if I was beta reading this story. However, I think the premise was fascinating and I loved the character relationships. I breezed through this book and would recommend it to others.
Thank you to the author & BookFunnel for providing an advance reader copy for my honest review.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I was in a rut and wanted a fantasy romance book. This wasnt great. I didn’t enjoy the writing, I thought the world building wasn’t very interesting, dialogue could be cheesy. I am interested in the potential love triangle that could emerge in the next book so I guess I’ll read the next one in the series.
"Everyone must sacrifice something, Ophelia. That is a truth you must learn if you wish to play this twisted game."
Who doesn't love an absolute bad ass warrior FMC? This Dual POV with both the FMC and MMC both believing they've made/are making the biggest sacrifices to save the people they love was a story that kept me on the edge! Plus, a little bit of chaos wrapped in undying friendships? Brilliance. ✨
What I Enjoyed
The Chaos Crew: (I think that's what they're called- I can't find the reference! Please correct me in the comments if I'm wrong) Not gonna lie, Tolek, Cypherion, Santorina, Jezebel straight held the book on their backs. I continued reading purely in anticipation of seeing more of the whole crew interact with one another. Cyph is just the big grizzly bear that's the group's protector, Jezzie holds Ophelia and the crew together like glue. Rina is the ACTUAL glue + voice of reason, while Tolek.... we'll explore more of Tolek below. I'm here for the crew's dynamic and dialogue!
Tolek: I just needed a special mention for Tolek here- the poor guy. He's got a place in my heart. I feel his love and yearning for Ophelia. He is so extremely patient, and goofy. The golden retriever if you will - but with a bite. There are so many things left unsaid (my heart hurts for him), and I am intrigued to see how his character will grow in the continual books, and how his relationship with Ophelia will develop.
Malakai's POV: I flip flopped between getting annoyed at his POV when we weren't privvy as to who he was being held captive by. It felt a little drawn out, but over all, I think it really added some darkness and mystery to the plot. The fact that it took us so long to learn who it was (honestly, I guessed right way before we were exposed to the *twist*) kinda added to the suspense. It built to a perfect fruitition though, so I'm not mad about it. We also get a glimpse into this Warrior Price Ophelia is head over heels for - learn of his inner workings and really, I just felt so much pity for him.
World Building in terms of the Mystique Warrior path: I definitely enjoyed learning about the Mystique Warriors and their paths to becoming a warrior. It's basically the book's main plot, but to see a different rendition of magical warriors and how they come to be- I always love a different view. I'm curious and ready to learn about all the other clans.
Ophelia's Character arc: We see Ophelia go from basically alcoholism because her life's been turned upside down- having what she's worked toward her who life halted, and her loved ripped from her heart... The pity party and the martyrdom (more in the next section on this) seemed a little much, but- I get it. She's supposed to be this all powerful, strong, independent, warrior and she isn't. It's all the emotional healing and dependencies on others that bring about this healing- which made it a little more relatable as well, I think. However, once we get to the last 35-40% of the book, Ophelia becomes this beacon of hope and strength- a star that shines all in her own right, and I swell with so much pride thinking of her.
What I Didn't Like
Ophelia Kept Playing this Martyr Game: Truly, I understand the need for Ophelia to want to protect everyone, for her friends to not want to sacrifice for her, for her to want to do it all by herself. I get it. But the constant repetitious reminder of it? It got a little repetitious and redundant after a while. *Spoiler* This does resolve itself somewhat in the Undertaking with the Spirits- so it's not entirely for moot. Just a little annoying.
Vague and Ominous Angels: I GET IT THOUGH, I GET IT. Sometimes the Angels responses and appearances are just... "what?" "huh?" "why?" LOL - but I'm this is definitely Platania's writing to make us just as annoyed and confused as Ophelia. And I get it. It irked me and made me feel like I was in Ophelia's shoes. It created a *REACTION* from me as a reader, and that's what you do as a writer.
Who doesn't love an absolute bad ass warrior FMC? This Dual POV with both the FMC and MMC both believing they've made/are making the biggest sacrifices to save the people they love was a story that kept me on the edge! Plus, a little bit of chaos wrapped in undying friendships? Brilliance. ✨
What I Enjoyed
The Chaos Crew: (I think that's what they're called- I can't find the reference! Please correct me in the comments if I'm wrong) Not gonna lie, Tolek, Cypherion, Santorina, Jezebel straight held the book on their backs. I continued reading purely in anticipation of seeing more of the whole crew interact with one another. Cyph is just the big grizzly bear that's the group's protector, Jezzie holds Ophelia and the crew together like glue. Rina is the ACTUAL glue + voice of reason, while Tolek.... we'll explore more of Tolek below. I'm here for the crew's dynamic and dialogue!
Tolek: I just needed a special mention for Tolek here- the poor guy. He's got a place in my heart. I feel his love and yearning for Ophelia. He is so extremely patient, and goofy. The golden retriever if you will - but with a bite. There are so many things left unsaid (my heart hurts for him), and I am intrigued to see how his character will grow in the continual books, and how his relationship with Ophelia will develop.
Malakai's POV: I flip flopped between getting annoyed at his POV when we weren't privvy as to who he was being held captive by. It felt a little drawn out, but over all, I think it really added some darkness and mystery to the plot. The fact that it took us so long to learn who it was (honestly, I guessed right way before we were exposed to the *twist*) kinda added to the suspense. It built to a perfect fruitition though, so I'm not mad about it. We also get a glimpse into this Warrior Price Ophelia is head over heels for - learn of his inner workings and really, I just felt so much pity for him.
World Building in terms of the Mystique Warrior path: I definitely enjoyed learning about the Mystique Warriors and their paths to becoming a warrior. It's basically the book's main plot, but to see a different rendition of magical warriors and how they come to be- I always love a different view. I'm curious and ready to learn about all the other clans.
Ophelia's Character arc: We see Ophelia go from basically alcoholism because her life's been turned upside down- having what she's worked toward her who life halted, and her loved ripped from her heart... The pity party and the martyrdom (more in the next section on this) seemed a little much, but- I get it. She's supposed to be this all powerful, strong, independent, warrior and she isn't. It's all the emotional healing and dependencies on others that bring about this healing- which made it a little more relatable as well, I think. However, once we get to the last 35-40% of the book, Ophelia becomes this beacon of hope and strength- a star that shines all in her own right, and I swell with so much pride thinking of her.
What I Didn't Like
Ophelia Kept Playing this Martyr Game: Truly, I understand the need for Ophelia to want to protect everyone, for her friends to not want to sacrifice for her, for her to want to do it all by herself. I get it. But the constant repetitious reminder of it? It got a little repetitious and redundant after a while. *Spoiler* This does resolve itself somewhat in the Undertaking with the Spirits- so it's not entirely for moot. Just a little annoying.
Vague and Ominous Angels: I GET IT THOUGH, I GET IT. Sometimes the Angels responses and appearances are just... "what?" "huh?" "why?" LOL - but I'm this is definitely Platania's writing to make us just as annoyed and confused as Ophelia. And I get it. It irked me and made me feel like I was in Ophelia's shoes. It created a *REACTION* from me as a reader, and that's what you do as a writer.
adventurous
funny
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:
No