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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
“The Mortal Fates” is becoming one of top favorite series. It continues from the first book seamlessly. I didn’t think the world building could get any richer, but learning more about the magic system, the history of the land, and the traditions of the witches, high faes, and goblins brings so much more depth to the story. I also loved the political intrigue and I thought the mind games was so well crafted in this novel. Best of all though, was definitely the complexity of the characters, the relationships, and the secrets. Each character endures their own struggles and trauma and I loved the gentle care the author took in their healing as well as their journey in overcoming their prejudice views. As for the romance, it is still one of my favorite slow burn. I thought the redemption was well done. You can truly see the changes in Soren’s heart as he set aside his preconceived opinions and pride in order to create the future his fated mate dreams of. Finally, the secrets that were revealed had me in disbelief. I had an inkling, but it still caught me off guard. THAT FREAKING CLIFFHANGER!!!! I don’t know how I am going to wait for book 3, but I know it will be worth it.
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
After a very meh first installment where the author gave us all enemies and no lovers to the point where I was rooting for the FMC to take out every bloodline that ever wronged her, and they all wronged her, this book surprised me & had me fully seated! You’d think I’d have learned my lesson to not start unfinished series by now but alas I have not.
Also @Amazon this release was a MESS. @Publisher my god get her next book proofread because this one was an absolute mess.
Also @Amazon this release was a MESS. @Publisher my god get her next book proofread because this one was an absolute mess.
I just really couldn’t get behind the two main characters. The FMC in my opinion for gave the MMC way too quickly for all the things he did to her. And now we’re supposed to believe they have this great love when she was literally his captive like a few weeks prior
slow-paced
2 stars because I’ll never 0 stars someone’s art. And I want to be clear that I purchased this book (even after my preorder was cancelled) to support the author because that’s how much I loved the first one.
This book was such a let down. The first book was incredible. Rooke is such an amazing FMC and the first book led me to believe this book would be an epic follow up. But it just fell completely flat. If this was the first book in a series, it would not be a bad book. The story line was a bit clunky in places and the timing was confusing. The ending was a bit cringy, it reminded me of a 90s super hero cartoon where everyone shows up one by one for their grand reveal. I won’t get into the editing mistakes because I absolutely hate when people get on their high horse about being grammar experts. Like, sit down please, you can go write your own book if you’re so good at it. But this book as the follow up was so disappointing. So much promise for epic pining and tension and we got none of that. Just a mature badass woman accepting her fate and letting some asshole who did nothing to deserve her, have her.
I’m not sure I will read book 3.
This book was such a let down. The first book was incredible. Rooke is such an amazing FMC and the first book led me to believe this book would be an epic follow up. But it just fell completely flat. If this was the first book in a series, it would not be a bad book. The story line was a bit clunky in places and the timing was confusing. The ending was a bit cringy, it reminded me of a 90s super hero cartoon where everyone shows up one by one for their grand reveal. I won’t get into the editing mistakes because I absolutely hate when people get on their high horse about being grammar experts. Like, sit down please, you can go write your own book if you’re so good at it. But this book as the follow up was so disappointing. So much promise for epic pining and tension and we got none of that. Just a mature badass woman accepting her fate and letting some asshole who did nothing to deserve her, have her.
I’m not sure I will read book 3.
You can find this review of The Throne of Honor and Blood on my blog, Heart's Content!
The absolute devastation this book has wrought.
I have never before experienced this level of despair at the ending of a book. Even the worst of cliffhangers I've seen and shrugged off, but Bree has truly crafted the perfect sword, made us watch every single moment of it being made and entering the world and it feels like that's the very sword that has pierced me straight through my reader heart. I have never said this before in my life, but I wish we went back to the way things were in book one, The Crown of Oaths and Curses. Things were so much more staight-forward and simpler then. *feels the pierce of the sword in her heart again*
Oh God, J. Bree. What have you done?
Let me start from the very beginning.
I think entering The Throne of Honor and Blood, we all presumed to know exactly what was to unfold. There was surely going to be grovelling, eventual forgiveness, more information about the world, romance and action. Usual. Not like it's going to blow my mind or anything.
Here's the thing though, I was right. But I had also grossly underestimated the story that Bree wished to share with the world. The book begins with a small recap of a moment from many years ago, an event that was mentioned in passing and never brought up again. All the little threads that Bree has been weaving and winding through the series are slowly revealing themselves and I have never been more scared (read the book and then come and talk to me about pain). But the immediate next chapter leaps into the very moment that the previous book ended at. I will say that I was extremely surprised with the change in tone of the MMC's thoughts—I mean we're all prickly after book one, let's admit it—and all I could think was he had a long way to go with forgiveness and patience.
My favourite thing about Bree is she's one of the few author's I've seen who actually writes enemies to lovers where the characters actually hate one another. Additionally, she also writes redemption arcs like a pro and I do think she's done a good job of baring the MMC's heart and soul and constantly humbling him in our eyes. So, for all those who need to know this first before anything else, I will say that he gets there, with time; he learns, he watches, he admits to mistakes, he's constantly realising how wrong he was and he tries again and again. Also the Fates are on our side by torturing him a lot in the ways us readers will find both amusing and think he is deserving of.
Now, the world-building. I can't explain the complexities of the world that Bree has created. TCoOaC was but the tip of an ice-berg. In fact, I would go as far to say whatever we see in TCoOaC was nothing. (We know nothing, Jon Snow). It's only while reading TToHaB that you see the absolute unraveling of the largest, most intricate tapestry that reveals what feels like glimpses of the much much larger picture that we're yet to see. With multiple character introductions, several landscape, livelihood, blood and bond revelations and intense scenes with action, emotion and power, TToHaB takes us readers one step closer to the end. I will say that Bree keeps us so busy that we sometimes don't notice the moments where there's supposed to be more information but isn't, that is later dropped on us like an emotional avalanche that we were not prepared for. Well, I learnt my lesson; definitely guard your heart. Bree is coming for it.
The main plot of this whole series can honestly be written down in a paragraph. Technically. Sort of. It's outwardly seemingly simple. The strength of this series comes in in showcasing how the achievement of this "simple" plot line can be riddled with many complexities, hardships, pain and love. Bree takes no prisoners as she expands the world-view of the story-line and demonstrates to the readers the delicate, devastating intricacy of the knot she has tied the plot threads into. With each page she clarifies the set-up, brings characters from different worlds together, creates strife and resolution (for some), creates power and vulnerability, creates pride and humility. There's not a single emotion or situation written in this book whose contradiction does not exist.
The pace in this book is amazingly even for the first half. There was a section from the 50% mark to the 60% mark where I personally felt a drag. It felt like I was fighting against the nature of that section of that book; as though the book was promising me something but I was being impatient to see what it was. I think Bree wanted us to feel that way during that section because of what happens there, what was being revealed and I couldn't see the purpose of it until later. Then as if in punishment, the book hits a high point and just sprints. There's no other way to describe the rest of the book that just takes off flying. I had to physically stop myself and re-read sections again because of how fast it all felt like it was going.
The narrative in this story follows similarly to how TCoOaC does; it's a first person switching perspective between the FMC Rooke and the MMC Soren. I'm not sure why I expected there to be many more perspectives but I was extremely happy it retained its initial style and also extremely impressed Bree managed to keep as much as she did hidden, despite us being in the minds of the protagonists. The voices of the characters remain the same: snarly impatient High-Fae Prince, Soren Celestial and steady, wise Favored Child, Rookesbane Eveningstar. However, what I found interesting is not just Soren's takeaway about his past behaviours and transgressions but Rooke's too. I thought it fit her personality to criticise herself and want to do better but darn if I thought she was perfect then and perfect now. Watching the two characters growing into their current roles and revealing themselves and their stories further to the readers was an emotional journey (especially Rooke who has more hidden away than Soren does). I'm sorry, I'm a Rooke fan-girl, she deserves everything.
The characters in book one, I thought were many, but that's nothing compared to the characters in book two. There are several concentric (primary, secondary, tertiary) layers of characters that are introduced, with criss-crossing older connections and even newer ones. It's not an easy feat, as an author, keeping track of so many characters, their personalities, their quirks, speaking styles, pasts and tying them into roles that are not just props to the plot; but Bree manages it with a flare that seems to come naturally to her. Even if sometimes it took a second to place a name/character, I was never overwhelmed by them.
Bree's writing, and I think I've mentioned this before, has reached fantastic heights with this series and TToHaB is only further proof of it. I have never felt this kind of devastation at an ending, this intensity of emotion and I'm not sure if I will in the future. Bree has truly brought her best with hard-hitting writing, drawing the reader's attention and never letting it stray. With the gripping ability to story-tell, Bree has held not just my mind but my heart through the whole of this series and I cannot explain how impressed I am with how different the voice of this book feels to her previous writing, which is a fantastic skill to possess and I greatly applaud that her writing has the ability to morph to the nature of the protagonist/story.
I will say I was extremely surprised to find a lot of typing errors—not spelling mistakes but misplaced words that confuse the meaning of a sentence and haven't been edited out or a random letter or two being where it shouldn't, etc. It didn't take away anything for me, so it hasn't affected my rating, but I'm aware that's something that some readers find difficult so it's a heads-up to them!
OH! Special mention to the surprise I felt when I found a character whose name matched mine! I have never in my nearly one and a half decades of reading seen my name in a book as a character's name and I was so pleased I cannot explain it. (My name's Ahana, by the way, find me in the book *wink*. It's a great entrance, you can't miss it).
The unpredictability of this book is one of its shining glories. I will admit there was one thing that I did figure out as soon as a glimpse of it was mentioned but I was so extremely blindsided by the other—*clutches heart*. Any author that can still do that to me, any series that can still do that to me will always stay with me.
Five stars! I know this book released a little later than it was slated to, but believe me, you'll be happy to have had an extra month of preparing for the utter wreckage of emotion this book renders to your heart. This book is absolutely free for KU subscribers! Check trigger warnings please, this book has violence, crude language, speaks of social evils, torture and has graphic content!
The absolute devastation this book has wrought.
I have never before experienced this level of despair at the ending of a book. Even the worst of cliffhangers I've seen and shrugged off, but Bree has truly crafted the perfect sword, made us watch every single moment of it being made and entering the world and it feels like that's the very sword that has pierced me straight through my reader heart. I have never said this before in my life, but I wish we went back to the way things were in book one, The Crown of Oaths and Curses. Things were so much more staight-forward and simpler then. *feels the pierce of the sword in her heart again*
Oh God, J. Bree. What have you done?
Let me start from the very beginning.
I think entering The Throne of Honor and Blood, we all presumed to know exactly what was to unfold. There was surely going to be grovelling, eventual forgiveness, more information about the world, romance and action. Usual. Not like it's going to blow my mind or anything.
Here's the thing though, I was right. But I had also grossly underestimated the story that Bree wished to share with the world. The book begins with a small recap of a moment from many years ago, an event that was mentioned in passing and never brought up again. All the little threads that Bree has been weaving and winding through the series are slowly revealing themselves and I have never been more scared (read the book and then come and talk to me about pain). But the immediate next chapter leaps into the very moment that the previous book ended at. I will say that I was extremely surprised with the change in tone of the MMC's thoughts—I mean we're all prickly after book one, let's admit it—and all I could think was he had a long way to go with forgiveness and patience.
My favourite thing about Bree is she's one of the few author's I've seen who actually writes enemies to lovers where the characters actually hate one another. Additionally, she also writes redemption arcs like a pro and I do think she's done a good job of baring the MMC's heart and soul and constantly humbling him in our eyes. So, for all those who need to know this first before anything else, I will say that he gets there, with time; he learns, he watches, he admits to mistakes, he's constantly realising how wrong he was and he tries again and again. Also the Fates are on our side by torturing him a lot in the ways us readers will find both amusing and think he is deserving of.
Now, the world-building. I can't explain the complexities of the world that Bree has created. TCoOaC was but the tip of an ice-berg. In fact, I would go as far to say whatever we see in TCoOaC was nothing. (We know nothing, Jon Snow). It's only while reading TToHaB that you see the absolute unraveling of the largest, most intricate tapestry that reveals what feels like glimpses of the much much larger picture that we're yet to see. With multiple character introductions, several landscape, livelihood, blood and bond revelations and intense scenes with action, emotion and power, TToHaB takes us readers one step closer to the end. I will say that Bree keeps us so busy that we sometimes don't notice the moments where there's supposed to be more information but isn't, that is later dropped on us like an emotional avalanche that we were not prepared for. Well, I learnt my lesson; definitely guard your heart. Bree is coming for it.
The main plot of this whole series can honestly be written down in a paragraph. Technically. Sort of. It's outwardly seemingly simple. The strength of this series comes in in showcasing how the achievement of this "simple" plot line can be riddled with many complexities, hardships, pain and love. Bree takes no prisoners as she expands the world-view of the story-line and demonstrates to the readers the delicate, devastating intricacy of the knot she has tied the plot threads into. With each page she clarifies the set-up, brings characters from different worlds together, creates strife and resolution (for some), creates power and vulnerability, creates pride and humility. There's not a single emotion or situation written in this book whose contradiction does not exist.
The pace in this book is amazingly even for the first half. There was a section from the 50% mark to the 60% mark where I personally felt a drag. It felt like I was fighting against the nature of that section of that book; as though the book was promising me something but I was being impatient to see what it was. I think Bree wanted us to feel that way during that section because of what happens there, what was being revealed and I couldn't see the purpose of it until later. Then as if in punishment, the book hits a high point and just sprints. There's no other way to describe the rest of the book that just takes off flying. I had to physically stop myself and re-read sections again because of how fast it all felt like it was going.
The narrative in this story follows similarly to how TCoOaC does; it's a first person switching perspective between the FMC Rooke and the MMC Soren. I'm not sure why I expected there to be many more perspectives but I was extremely happy it retained its initial style and also extremely impressed Bree managed to keep as much as she did hidden, despite us being in the minds of the protagonists. The voices of the characters remain the same: snarly impatient High-Fae Prince, Soren Celestial and steady, wise Favored Child, Rookesbane Eveningstar. However, what I found interesting is not just Soren's takeaway about his past behaviours and transgressions but Rooke's too. I thought it fit her personality to criticise herself and want to do better but darn if I thought she was perfect then and perfect now. Watching the two characters growing into their current roles and revealing themselves and their stories further to the readers was an emotional journey (especially Rooke who has more hidden away than Soren does). I'm sorry, I'm a Rooke fan-girl, she deserves everything.
The characters in book one, I thought were many, but that's nothing compared to the characters in book two. There are several concentric (primary, secondary, tertiary) layers of characters that are introduced, with criss-crossing older connections and even newer ones. It's not an easy feat, as an author, keeping track of so many characters, their personalities, their quirks, speaking styles, pasts and tying them into roles that are not just props to the plot; but Bree manages it with a flare that seems to come naturally to her. Even if sometimes it took a second to place a name/character, I was never overwhelmed by them.
Bree's writing, and I think I've mentioned this before, has reached fantastic heights with this series and TToHaB is only further proof of it. I have never felt this kind of devastation at an ending, this intensity of emotion and I'm not sure if I will in the future. Bree has truly brought her best with hard-hitting writing, drawing the reader's attention and never letting it stray. With the gripping ability to story-tell, Bree has held not just my mind but my heart through the whole of this series and I cannot explain how impressed I am with how different the voice of this book feels to her previous writing, which is a fantastic skill to possess and I greatly applaud that her writing has the ability to morph to the nature of the protagonist/story.
I will say I was extremely surprised to find a lot of typing errors—not spelling mistakes but misplaced words that confuse the meaning of a sentence and haven't been edited out or a random letter or two being where it shouldn't, etc. It didn't take away anything for me, so it hasn't affected my rating, but I'm aware that's something that some readers find difficult so it's a heads-up to them!
OH! Special mention to the surprise I felt when I found a character whose name matched mine! I have never in my nearly one and a half decades of reading seen my name in a book as a character's name and I was so pleased I cannot explain it. (My name's Ahana, by the way, find me in the book *wink*. It's a great entrance, you can't miss it).
The unpredictability of this book is one of its shining glories. I will admit there was one thing that I did figure out as soon as a glimpse of it was mentioned but I was so extremely blindsided by the other—*clutches heart*. Any author that can still do that to me, any series that can still do that to me will always stay with me.
Five stars! I know this book released a little later than it was slated to, but believe me, you'll be happy to have had an extra month of preparing for the utter wreckage of emotion this book renders to your heart. This book is absolutely free for KU subscribers! Check trigger warnings please, this book has violence, crude language, speaks of social evils, torture and has graphic content!
Another really great book, the first time I felt an actual sequel lives up to the majesty of the first book and doesn't feel "filler". I did have to knock a star off for the poor editing; that usually doesn't bother me but there were words missing and misspelled and the tenses kept changing within the same paragraphs. It became really distracting. And I am still unsure of some of the "reveals" because nothing was explained very well towards the end? But I am so looking forward to the final book in the trilogy. I know it'll likely be next May when it gets here, but I will definitely be rereading the books out again before it's release.
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated