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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Pros: It’s different magic than a lot of the other current romantasy.
Cons: A warrior kingdom called Zarr? A gem kingdom called Zem? A knowledge kingdom called Zo? I don’t remember the name of the electricity kingdom, but I bet it was Zap. Also, cars, elevators, and gun are available, but everyone fights with swords? It takes a month to get the message to the infantry soldier, but we can travel between kingdoms and palaces within hours?
The gods and magic are interesting, but the world-building is lacking and what was there was underwhelming.
Cons: A warrior kingdom called Zarr? A gem kingdom called Zem? A knowledge kingdom called Zo? I don’t remember the name of the electricity kingdom, but I bet it was Zap. Also, cars, elevators, and gun are available, but everyone fights with swords? It takes a month to get the message to the infantry soldier, but we can travel between kingdoms and palaces within hours?
The gods and magic are interesting, but the world-building is lacking and what was there was underwhelming.
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book was captivating! The magic was nothing like I’ve read before, and I was absolutely entranced with the concept! I loved the twists and the ending had me in a clutchhold. I cannot wait to read more!! I would love a map so I can envision the world a little more clearer!
Some of my favorite quotes:
Some of my favorite quotes:
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
adventurous
dark
hopeful
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:
Yes
OK… This book has me conflicted & I went back and forth on whether I should DNF or push through.
My initial reaction was THIS IS SO GOOD! The writing was super easy to gobble up, the fantasy romance plot line was familiar but unique enough for me to be hooked.
Then… there started to be some world building issues that inevitably kept pulling me out of the story. There were 3 kingdoms, 1 that is no longer around (the 4th) which had technology, so now this kingdom had access to elevators & cars & guns. But no one knows to how to fix or maintain that technology now the 4th kingdom was gone. They were still using swords and daggers and magic, but would sometimes drive. It was odd…It was explained to some degree but it was so jarring I never felt like I completely understood the world.
BUT I decided to keep going.
The romance was slow burn & I loved the unique MMC who was basically a ghost!
THEN… the modern language hit… & I mean words like, Slay, Shadow daddy, they even had a rave party? I decided to DNF.
But I actually couldn’t stop thinking about it. I wanted to know how it ended.
So I went back at the 40% mark & finihsed the book.
There was still a lot of the components mentioned above through out the rest of the book, but overall I had a good time.
I think the stakes & violence in the duels were almost too high each time the FMC battled, because she would literally be a hairsbreath from dying at least 5 times then she would get up the following paragraph & be fine. It ended up making me feel like the stakes were never really there?
Another thing I will mention is I do not believe the CW’s the author has in the front of the book is adequate. DV is mentioned. But it is extreme on page DV by a parent with alcohol abuse. So pleased if this is a concern for you please beware of that. There was a lot that was hard to read.
Lastly there is a scene where the FMC is almost SA—then her & the mmc have their first kiss. It’s one of my most hated types of scenes tbh. But it kinda made sense with how it was written? I don’t know I feel weird
Lastly there is a scene where the FMC is almost SA—then her & the mmc have their first kiss. It’s one of my most hated types of scenes tbh. But it kinda made sense with how it was written? I don’t know I feel weird
So overall where do I land?
I think this author has real promise. Her writing was easy to read & addictive. I liked the concept of the story. I think she needs a good developmental editor to help iron out the areas that don’t make sense, then a good line+copy edit to smooth it out.
I will definitely give this author another chance in the future, but if you are going to read this book, go in knowing its just a good time!
A fun, new take from typical fantasy stories. I enjoyed the slow burn and story woven throughout.
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Hands down this is by far one of the better romantasys I've read in a while. It was refreshing to read something that is new and not based off common tropes that are typically used.
challenging
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I couldn’t get into this book. The abuse was really graphic and the romance just wasn’t hitting for me. Maybe I’ll try again a different time, but this isn’t for me.
I did end up finishing this book. Review to come.
I did end up finishing this book. Review to come.
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
medium-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:
N/A
A solid 3. There were some parts of the story the author just kinda threw in there and didn't bother to explore more, which were MUCH needed to explore. It didn't make sense. Just say oh hi, there's this info do and you'll never hear it again (no subtle hints or some shit like that)
The smut was mediocre, and rushed.
Also "weak women aren't my type" -Xaden
The smut was mediocre, and rushed.
Also "weak women aren't my type" -Xaden
dark
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:
No