Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
"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
There is nothing inherently wrong or bad about this, but it wasn’t for me!
From beginning to end, I struggled to connect or bond with the characters and found the world building a bit too bland for my specific taste. I strongly considered DNF just because I found myself skimming and waiting for something to pique my interest. In regard to the main characters, I think Malakais storyline was more appealing than Ophelia. This book is clearly written with the intent of being foundational for the following books but it failed to capture my intrigue so I won’t be continuing sadly.
That being said, I definitely would recommend this read if you enjoy introspective POV, love triangles, and secret prophecies!
From beginning to end, I struggled to connect or bond with the characters and found the world building a bit too bland for my specific taste. I strongly considered DNF just because I found myself skimming and waiting for something to pique my interest. In regard to the main characters, I think Malakais storyline was more appealing than Ophelia. This book is clearly written with the intent of being foundational for the following books but it failed to capture my intrigue so I won’t be continuing sadly.
That being said, I definitely would recommend this read if you enjoy introspective POV, love triangles, and secret prophecies!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I dislike the fmc so much.!
adventurous
did not anticipate that twist. but the writing is very YA which is not what i expected. I don't think I'll continue reading the series bc the soulmate trope i was promised was only in there for like two lines.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
🌶️: 1