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iliamall's review
dark
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
So, I made up my mind about this. The execution could have been a bit better overall, for example some plot points needed more exploration to fully fit seemlessly and the last part felt a bit rushed and not fully explored.
HOWEVER, this book had very interesting concept ideas and a great couple dynamic, and I particularly liked how the couple's romance actually fitted into the plot. It wasn't just there for no reason, the writers explored this dynamic to the fullest. Also, the dialogues were a charm, especially the male protagonist's lines!!! There weren't too many steamy scenes per se BUT there were constant references to the romance and frequent interaction between the protagonists (not big chunks of texts with zero mention of the romance/couple) which gave a constant foreplay vibe and made it extra steamy!
I overall found this book quite clever and seriously sexy... Too sexy, I'm very interested!! So, well done for that! I will definitely try the second book.
This is a witch-vampirelike/demon dynamic!
HOWEVER, this book had very interesting concept ideas and a great couple dynamic, and I particularly liked how the couple's romance actually fitted into the plot. It wasn't just there for no reason, the writers explored this dynamic to the fullest. Also, the dialogues were a charm, especially the male protagonist's lines!!! There weren't too many steamy scenes per se BUT there were constant references to the romance and frequent interaction between the protagonists (not big chunks of texts with zero mention of the romance/couple) which gave a constant foreplay vibe and made it extra steamy!
I overall found this book quite clever and seriously sexy... Too sexy, I'm very interested!! So, well done for that! I will definitely try the second book.
This is a witch-vampirelike/demon dynamic!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Physical abuse, Sexual content, and Murder
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Emotional abuse
masucolmusings's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
beelzebub??? mammon??? ASMODEUS???????? please send help
in all seriousness, this is the second dark romance book i’ve ever read and im like, shook. i still dk how i feel about forced actions and somewhat genuine feelings that arise because of them but moving on…
i love witch stories i love girlbosses but literally the last 8 chapters sped up so quick and were a whirlwind like WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE’S *******’* ****????
the books synopsis does not at all correlate with its contents, i literally forgot about the whatever trials to survive at the school and i think that plot just got lost by the end but ig that was the point?? i’m honestly confused and intrigued and a bit scared, but i’m gonna read the next one anyway. i’m excited, it comes out this month!!
willows earth magic was beautiful wow! and the descriptions of all the kinds of magic and unearthly powers were awesome! and im pretty sure willow is a woc and has a bigger build than the skinny white witches y’all imagine! v cool
in all seriousness, this is the second dark romance book i’ve ever read and im like, shook. i still dk how i feel about forced actions and somewhat genuine feelings that arise because of them but moving on…
i love witch stories i love girlbosses but literally the last 8 chapters sped up so quick and were a whirlwind like WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE’S *******’* ****????
the books synopsis does not at all correlate with its contents, i literally forgot about the whatever trials to survive at the school and i think that plot just got lost by the end but ig that was the point?? i’m honestly confused and intrigued and a bit scared, but i’m gonna read the next one anyway. i’m excited, it comes out this month!!
willows earth magic was beautiful wow! and the descriptions of all the kinds of magic and unearthly powers were awesome! and im pretty sure willow is a woc and has a bigger build than the skinny white witches y’all imagine! v cool
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual violence, Gore, Physical abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Murder, Blood, Body horror, and Violence
savr3485's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
So, I’m writing this review AS SOON as I finished this book. I’m going to give a review without spoiling anything. Please read all, it’s going to tell you some things you need to know that will immediately get you hooked, as it did for me. 💗💗
As I’m sure you know it’s about a witch and her headmaster (frowned upon romance). The twist is that the characters are witches, vampires, and a few humans. It gives both sides of the story so you get to know both characters and the way they think. It fluctuates between Willow and Gray. (You will absolutely fall in love with the both of them because of that.)
Willow, a witch from 2 blood lines, also the last of them, was conceived to find the bones of her ancestors and restore earth in the process. She was made to be strong and take on anything that came her way. She has both life and d**th running through her veins. She will do anything in her power to achieve the goal her parents set for her, what’s the cost though?
Gray, a viscous vampire, but also headmaster at a vampire school. (Vamps and witches hate one another) Gray is there for a reason though, which you will find out. He is the type of character you would absolutely fall in love with, sweet, caring, 🔥, thoughtful, and genuinely will make you think vamps aren’t that bad.
This story is beautifully written, it was an honorable read. I cannot wait to read “The Cursed” book 2 of this series. It definitely leaves you staring at the wall for the last 20% of the book after you finish. (If you’re anything like me you will finish in under 3 days) I rarely give 5 star ⭐️ reviews to books but oh my god this book deserves it. The thought that went into everything was magnificent. She has a trigger warning at the very start of the book for anyone who may not have read them on the site. Overall one of my best reads, I LOVE!💗💗💗💗
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Animal death, Sexual content, Death, Torture, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Murder, Grief, Self harm, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Cursing, and Blood
giulianalb99's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This is not a bad book, but maybe it just isn’t for me. Because I’m entering my romance era, I decided to read this one because I was seeing everyone reading it so I wanted to give it a try, but maybe this book wasn’t good to start with romance and that’s totally my fault😅
The plot is what definitely made me read it: who doesn’t like witches? not only that, but the book is really short so I was like “fuck it, let’s read this”. At the begging it had me hooked because the tension between the MC and the love interest was superior, but as I kept on reading my enthusiasm went downhill… Given the fact that it’s about a school of witches, I expected more interactions and people to appear, or just more teachers, classes, etc as it felt she forgot the whole book was set on A SCHOOL, but right in the middle of the book it was just pure sex and I felt like the author completely forgot about the important part of it all (Willow’s purpose).
Another thing that I really didn’t enjoy at all was the fact that Willow was basically a possession to Gray: I can totally get the fact that this is a romance book but I draw the line there, and her being compulsed is just rape, and I can’t support that. I also cannot support toxic relationships of any kind, and all of that just threw me off completely. I was sure I was going to give this book more stars but after I read the whole virginity sex I completely changed my mind (I will never think being a virgin is a bad thing because that’s NOT what I’m saying, but the whole “I’m going to be a virgin just to have my first time with the fuckboy love interest” is not my thing).
Is this a dark romance? Are dark romances always like this? I’m genuinely asking because I don’t know! I’m new to the genre and I was surprised such things like that were described as a normal thing🤷🏻♀️.
Again, I don’t think is bad but there are a lot of plot holes (I know there’s a second part coming up this summer) and it’s just too much for me.
The plot is what definitely made me read it: who doesn’t like witches? not only that, but the book is really short so I was like “fuck it, let’s read this”. At the begging it had me hooked because the tension between the MC and the love interest was superior, but as I kept on reading my enthusiasm went downhill… Given the fact that it’s about a school of witches, I expected more interactions and people to appear, or just more teachers, classes, etc as it felt she forgot the whole book was set on A SCHOOL, but right in the middle of the book it was just pure sex and I felt like the author completely forgot about the important part of it all (Willow’s purpose).
Another thing that I really didn’t enjoy at all was the fact that Willow was basically a possession to Gray: I can totally get the fact that this is a romance book but I draw the line there, and her being compulsed is just rape, and I can’t support that. I also cannot support toxic relationships of any kind, and all of that just threw me off completely. I was sure I was going to give this book more stars but after I read the whole virginity sex I completely changed my mind (I will never think being a virgin is a bad thing because that’s NOT what I’m saying, but the whole “I’m going to be a virgin just to have my first time with the fuckboy love interest” is not my thing).
Is this a dark romance? Are dark romances always like this? I’m genuinely asking because I don’t know! I’m new to the genre and I was surprised such things like that were described as a normal thing🤷🏻♀️.
Again, I don’t think is bad but there are a lot of plot holes (I know there’s a second part coming up this summer) and it’s just too much for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Gaslighting, Death, Emotional abuse, Confinement, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Gore, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Bullying, Forced institutionalization, Misogyny, Murder, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Violence
books4plants's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.0
Wtf
I fucking knew something was up with Gray from the start, but there was no fucking way in hell that I saw that ending coming.
Willow was such a breath of fresh air, however I would've liked if she spent more time searching for the bones rather than fucking Gray ( or an equal amount ).
At the end though, it felt like her character moved backwards, she wasn't the same as in the beginning and not in a good way. I'm very excited for The Cursed, especially after that cliffhanger!! Like how tf does Gray think he's gonna fix the shit show he created.
I fucking knew something was up with Gray from the start, but there was no fucking way in hell that I saw that ending coming.
Willow was such a breath of fresh air, however I would've liked if she spent more time searching for the bones rather than fucking Gray ( or an equal amount ).
At the end though, it felt like her character moved backwards, she wasn't the same as in the beginning and not in a good way. I'm very excited for The Cursed, especially after that cliffhanger!! Like how tf does Gray think he's gonna fix the shit show he created.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Physical abuse, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Gaslighting, and Death
asternyx's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
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? N/A
5.0
Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.
Well done, Harper ... you played us all.
I just finished reading this book and it left me completely speechless. From start to finish, it was packed with action, suspense, mystery, dark secrets, and a cast of characters that I found myself rooting for.
⇢ What to expect:
∘ Adult Fantasy
∘ Dark Paranormal Romance
∘ Witches & Demons
∘ Elemental Magic
∘ Epic Worldbuilding
∘ Dark Academia/Gothic vibes
∘ Mysteries, dark secrets, betrayals
∘ Plot Twists that leave you reeling
∘ Dual POV
∘ Revenge Plot
∘ Villain MMC
∘ Strong, fierce FMC
∘ Sexual tension and Spice
⇢ Tropes:
∘ Enemies to Lovers
∘ Forced Proximity
∘ Forbidden Romance
∘ "Touch her and you die"
∘ Villain gets the girl
∘ Hidden Identity
∘ Who Did This To You?
⇢ Trigger Warnings: dub-con, forced feeding, graphic violence, references to past abuse & traumatic reactions to triggering stimuli, knife violence, graphic depictions of blood, physical harm inflicted upon the main character, ritualistic murder
Well done, Harper ... you played us all.
I just finished reading this book and it left me completely speechless. From start to finish, it was packed with action, suspense, mystery, dark secrets, and a cast of characters that I found myself rooting for.
⇢ What to expect:
∘ Adult Fantasy
∘ Dark Paranormal Romance
∘ Witches & Demons
∘ Elemental Magic
∘ Epic Worldbuilding
∘ Dark Academia/Gothic vibes
∘ Mysteries, dark secrets, betrayals
∘ Plot Twists that leave you reeling
∘ Dual POV
∘ Revenge Plot
∘ Villain MMC
∘ Strong, fierce FMC
∘ Sexual tension and Spice
⇢ Tropes:
∘ Enemies to Lovers
∘ Forced Proximity
∘ Forbidden Romance
∘ "Touch her and you die"
∘ Villain gets the girl
∘ Hidden Identity
∘ Who Did This To You?
⇢ Trigger Warnings: dub-con, forced feeding, graphic violence, references to past abuse & traumatic reactions to triggering stimuli, knife violence, graphic depictions of blood, physical harm inflicted upon the main character, ritualistic murder
“If it is order that you value, then I will bring you nothing but chaos.”
⤏ Summary
Willow is a witch who has spent her entire life hiding from the coven of Crystal Hollow and she was raised by her father to fulfill a destiny she wanted no part of. Despite her efforts to stay hidden, Willow's mission forces her to return to Crystal Hollow.
When the handsome but infuriating Headmaster of the school, Alaric Grayson Thorne, is sent to retrieve her, Willow won't go down without a fight. Their mutual loathing for each other and their beliefs only add to the tension between them.
Dark secrets are hidden within the walls of Hollow's Grove University, the prestigious school where witches go to learn their craft. No one talks about the bloody massacre that forced it to close decades prior, only the opportunity it can afford to those fortunate enough to attend.
Despite the dangers that surround her, Willow is determined to complete her mission and overcome the obstacles that stand in her way.
⤏ Plot/Writing
The Coven is an incredible ride, packed with mystery, suspense, and action that will keep you on the edge of your seat, desperate to find out what happens next. The pacing is perfect, with a plot that never drags and keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
The book is full of unpredictable twists and turns that left me reeling. At times, it felt like I would lose something important if I stopped reading.
In addition to Willow's perilous mission, the book also delves deeply into the complex relationship between the two main characters, offering a compelling emotional component to the already gripping plot.
⤏ Worldbuilding
The author has crafted a complex and intriguing world, with secrets hiding behind every corner.
From witches controlling the elements to demons taking over human bodies called 'Vessels,' this book is full of quite interesting creatures.
The magic system is intricate and captivating, and I loved reading about the historical events that led to what is happening in the present day.
The depiction of Hollow's Grove University was really well done, creating a spooky and gothic atmosphere that perfectly suited the story.
⤏ Characters
∘ Headmaster Alaric Grayson Thorne
Demon soul trapped in a human body, his Vessel in the human world, Gray is undeniably a villain.
He's a centuries-old character shrouded in darkness and mystery, whose possessiveness, and manipulative tendencies all serve as major warning signs.
Despite his villainous nature, there are moments when Gray shows tenderness towards Willow and is very protective of her.
“My hands clenched at my sides as I turned away from the sight of what she had given. The Coven didn’t deserve the sacrifice she was willing to make”
I'm always drawn to the villain, and he is no exception.
However, don't let him fool you, he has his own agenda and would stop at nothing to get what he wants. Even if it means using her.
∘ Willow
Willow's kindness, and determination in pursuing her destiny and seeking revenge against the coven make her a truly strong character, and her unwavering love for her brother is admirable.
She's such a good person and didn't deserve all the hardships that were thrown her way. It was clear that she was still dealing with past trauma and I felt so bad for all the bad things that just kept happening to her.
“As much as I hated to cry when I was sad, the rage cries were the absolute worst. They hinted at what I assumed some perceived as weakness, when all I wanted was to commit murder.”
She's also a total badass and I love when I encounter an FMC who knows what she's doing.
“Wearing a skirt was so impractical if I was going to be burying bodies in the woods.”
⤏ Romance
For centuries, Vessels and Witches have harbored deep-seated animosity towards each other. Thus, it comes as no shock that Willow and Gray's intense chemistry sizzles with a mix of both love and hate. ― Enemies-to-lovers trope, welcome ~
The romance was intense, and the tension between them was palpable. Gray, despite being a villain, displayed a surprising vulnerability when it came to Willow. It was clear that he couldn't bear the thought of her being hurt, whether it was by him or anyone else. Things are complicated between these two, but I'm still weak for him.
“Thank you. For coming for me.”
“I’ll always come for you, Witchling”
I loved their banter and even though their relationship is forbidden, every time they clashed, sparks flew. I just can't get enough of it!
“I wanted to tear his throat out. I wanted to tear his clothes off.
The fact that I wasn’t even sure which one I wanted more terrified me.”
⤏ Conclusion
This book is a thrilling page-turner that will satisfy any reader who craves action, mystery, and romance. Once you start reading, you won't want to put it down until you've devoured every last page.
I highly recommend this book to the romance fantasy readers with a soft spot for the villain.
P.s. That ending had me in tears, screaming and the sneak peek of The Cursed DIDN'T HELP. I need the second book ASAP.
“You fight. Every moment of every day, you fight. Because that is who you are,” he whispered, dropping his forehead to mine.
“What happens when I’m tired of fighting?”
“Then you let me do it for you.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Murder
Minor: Medical trauma and Confinement
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