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tsukibunny68's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
agravereader's review against another edition
4.5
Definitely my favorite of the 3! This one went back to dual POVs and had just the right blend of angst and tenderness. I found the story intriguing amd I really loved how Steph and Lucien's relationship progressed.
magikspells's review against another edition
4.0
I’m just really pleased about how this series ended. Overall I really enjoyed the characters. I really liked that it was mostly focused on Stephen and Crane but I do wish some of the other characters had been more prevent too. Still it was definitely another good read.
bitchie's review against another edition
5.0
This series just keeps getting better! There were a few heart stopping moments between Lucien and Stephen. It's romance, so I knew it would all be ok, but for just a few minutes there, I worried, I admit it. But the ending was perfect, and as another reviewer said, if the series ended right there, it would be the perfect ending. (but here's hoping this is NOT the case, because I want to see where life leads these people!)
a_reader_obsessed's review against another edition
5.0
5 Stars!
There’s really no point in actually talking about the story here, because if you haven't read [b:The Magpie Lord|34715150|The Magpie Lord (A Charm of Magpies, #1)|K.J. Charles|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1490703800s/34715150.jpg|24803707] first, then all you need to know is that this last full length novel for this series was absolutely fantastic. I can’t quite put my finger on why this book appealed to me so much, because I typically balk at historic M/M since it has the potential to cause great anxiety. I’m just going to chalk it up to Charles’s wonderful writing at evoking a rich world of magic and darkness, embroiled with justice and forbidden love that simply made this an intensely compelling, nail biting, romantic read.
Of course, what makes this series so good is the dynamic between arrogant aristocrat Crane, who pretty much needs nothing or no one as he has the world at his fingertips due to his wealth. What Crane can’t buy though, is Stephen, a man whose strength he admires despite his small unassuming size, a man whose goodness draws Crane in despite their clashing natures.
Stephen on the other hand, has never thought to even hope for any kind of happiness, and he doesn’t quite know how to deal with Crane’s blunt devotion. Understandably, Stephen basks in it, is astounded that he could have such moments of fulfillment, but he’s also at conflict with his sense of duty and responsibility that have been the only things that have kept him warm at night. Now that Stephen has options for something different, he’s at a loss as to how to go about reconciling what he’s always done and what he’s always desired.
Obviously, I can’t say enough about these two. These men are not perfect. They each know their own limitations (mostly) but are willing to sacrifice much for the other. Crane and Stephen are frustrating and stubborn. Both men are not prone to effusiveness but the small gestures, the quiet murmurings, the hot loving, all were gobbled up like the delicious morsels they were!
I don’t give out a lot of 5 stars, but all the points go towards the series as a whole, which consistently brought intricate world building, complex motives and emotions, and a wonderful magical smexy that has left me in despair knowing that future stories are not forthcoming. I don’t know if any of Charles’s other works will ever measure up, but I’m going to find out!!
There’s really no point in actually talking about the story here, because if you haven't read [b:The Magpie Lord|34715150|The Magpie Lord (A Charm of Magpies, #1)|K.J. Charles|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1490703800s/34715150.jpg|24803707] first, then all you need to know is that this last full length novel for this series was absolutely fantastic. I can’t quite put my finger on why this book appealed to me so much, because I typically balk at historic M/M since it has the potential to cause great anxiety. I’m just going to chalk it up to Charles’s wonderful writing at evoking a rich world of magic and darkness, embroiled with justice and forbidden love that simply made this an intensely compelling, nail biting, romantic read.
Of course, what makes this series so good is the dynamic between arrogant aristocrat Crane, who pretty much needs nothing or no one as he has the world at his fingertips due to his wealth. What Crane can’t buy though, is Stephen, a man whose strength he admires despite his small unassuming size, a man whose goodness draws Crane in despite their clashing natures.
Stephen on the other hand, has never thought to even hope for any kind of happiness, and he doesn’t quite know how to deal with Crane’s blunt devotion. Understandably, Stephen basks in it, is astounded that he could have such moments of fulfillment, but he’s also at conflict with his sense of duty and responsibility that have been the only things that have kept him warm at night. Now that Stephen has options for something different, he’s at a loss as to how to go about reconciling what he’s always done and what he’s always desired.
Obviously, I can’t say enough about these two. These men are not perfect. They each know their own limitations (mostly) but are willing to sacrifice much for the other. Crane and Stephen are frustrating and stubborn. Both men are not prone to effusiveness but the small gestures, the quiet murmurings, the hot loving, all were gobbled up like the delicious morsels they were!
I don’t give out a lot of 5 stars, but all the points go towards the series as a whole, which consistently brought intricate world building, complex motives and emotions, and a wonderful magical smexy that has left me in despair knowing that future stories are not forthcoming. I don’t know if any of Charles’s other works will ever measure up, but I’m going to find out!!
hex_meghead's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I hated the side pairing of Merrick and Saint . It ruined both characters for me and felt incredibly forced.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and Sexual content
negs's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
thesporkidentity's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
bhookjunkhie's review against another edition
5.0
This was the best one yet!! I love this series!!!
I hope there is more to come!
I hope there is more to come!
capnlinnius's review against another edition
Tied up some of the loose ends from the first book, but ultimately I feel the same as I did throughout the previous two books.