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sk_popo's review
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
2.5⭐️ An average rating for an average book.
I didn’t particularly enjoy my time with this book but that is largely due to the fact that I hate dark romance and I’m not into smut, I didn’t know that when I bought the book (recommended me). However, to judge the book based on a genre that I’m not into would be entirely biased and unfair so the dark smut didn’t contribute to my rating.
The book was just slow and for no reason, like there was no real character development and the goal of the book was constantly mentioned but nothing was being done to achieve the goal majority of the time. Half the time it just felt like Willow was thinking, “Damn, gotta find these bones….wonder what Gray’s doing?” So it made the book move like a turtle stuck in molasses, it was pointless and tortures.
One of the biggest reasons this book was just average in my opinion was that it was truthfully written like a fan fiction. You have the female character who is just so different, she has thoughts and isn’t a docile woman, then you have the male character, the brooding hot guy who only has eyes for her…..because she’s different. Not to mention she’s more special then the other special people because of her ancestors, but for someone who is sooo much stronger than her peers she sure as hell gets beat up a lot and needs saving. And the characters aren’t even that good! There are simply no redeeming qualities about them or their relationship. Putting aside the toxicity of it, there’s never any real development for them as a couple or individually they just going back and forth from, “You are a monster, but a sexy one” (This works for Gray and Willow)like where is the actual development? Sure Grey becomes obsessed with her but that’s less about his feelings and more about 2 other variables.
My biggest complaint regarding the writing was the redundancy of certain words such as, “Growl”. If I had to take a shot every time it was used I would have dropped dead of alcohol poisoning by like chapter 12. I’m begging for some synonyms, I get that the language is supposed to be erotic, but like wow that was annoying.
I didn’t particularly enjoy my time with this book but that is largely due to the fact that I hate dark romance and I’m not into smut, I didn’t know that when I bought the book (recommended me). However, to judge the book based on a genre that I’m not into would be entirely biased and unfair so the dark smut didn’t contribute to my rating.
The book was just slow and for no reason, like there was no real character development and the goal of the book was constantly mentioned but nothing was being done to achieve the goal majority of the time. Half the time it just felt like Willow was thinking, “Damn, gotta find these bones….wonder what Gray’s doing?” So it made the book move like a turtle stuck in molasses, it was pointless and tortures.
One of the biggest reasons this book was just average in my opinion was that it was truthfully written like a fan fiction. You have the female character who is just so different, she has thoughts and isn’t a docile woman, then you have the male character, the brooding hot guy who only has eyes for her…..because she’s different. Not to mention she’s more special then the other special people because of her ancestors, but for someone who is sooo much stronger than her peers she sure as hell gets beat up a lot and needs saving. And the characters aren’t even that good! There are simply no redeeming qualities about them or their relationship. Putting aside the toxicity of it, there’s never any real development for them as a couple or individually they just going back and forth from, “You are a monster, but a sexy one” (This works for Gray and Willow)
My biggest complaint regarding the writing was the redundancy of certain words such as, “Growl”. If I had to take a shot every time it was used I would have dropped dead of alcohol poisoning by like chapter 12. I’m begging for some synonyms, I get that the language is supposed to be erotic, but like wow that was annoying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, Torture, Cursing, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Vomit, Death of parent, and Death
direguard's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Sexual content, Blood, Gaslighting, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Torture, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Violence, Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, and Stalking
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Death of parent
Minor: Vomit
megreads95's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Self harm, Rape, Blood, Murder, Death, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Gore, Torture, and Violence
Minor: Kidnapping, Child abuse, Bullying, Confinement, Death of parent, and Stalking
courtstrauch13's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Please CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING….
This book wasn’t horrible, but wasn’t great, I enjoyed my time reading it, and getting to know the characters while reading. This was a ROMANTASY, the romance is tied to the plot and the plot is tied to the romance, so for readers not looking for a romance skip this one. At times I found the relationship between Grey and Willow frustrating. But I will say they’re both toxic as hell, and I enjoyed that. The characters are truly not the best people in the world, but it nice. Book def had some spice, on page, which is a bonus for me. 3.75/5 🌶️
I do wish this book dived in deeper to the magic system and history of the coven. I think it would have added more to the plot if the story.
Overall a really enjoyable quick read!
This book wasn’t horrible, but wasn’t great, I enjoyed my time reading it, and getting to know the characters while reading. This was a ROMANTASY, the romance is tied to the plot and the plot is tied to the romance, so for readers not looking for a romance skip this one. At times I found the relationship between Grey and Willow frustrating. But I will say they’re both toxic as hell, and I enjoyed that. The characters are truly not the best people in the world, but it nice. Book def had some spice, on page, which is a bonus for me. 3.75/5 🌶️
I do wish this book dived in deeper to the magic system and history of the coven. I think it would have added more to the plot if the story.
Overall a really enjoyable quick read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Sexual content, Pregnancy, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Domestic abuse, Torture, Emotional abuse, and Blood
Minor: Death of parent
This book has a lot of violence and manipulation, read the authors trigger warnings as wellsavr3485'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
fangirljeanne's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Read for research.
I have a personal problem with overwhelming themes of Christianity in witch stories. This story is steeped in a heavily contemporary Christian interpretation of Satanism and witchcraft. Which makes it feel less witchy and more of a dark messiah story, that in execution isn’t nearly as interesting as it sounds.
The world building was very interesting, lots of potential. But didn’t really exist beyond info dumpy plot points that gracelessly forced the story forward. The romance felt insta-lust to insta-love with little actually relationship development. The FMC is a passive pawn in trying very hard to act like a “strong female character.” She’s reactionary, and her primary motivation isn’t actually her own. She’s less a reluctant hero and more of a super powered dog toy being pushed and pulled between the various powers that be in the story.
The MMC is equally hollow. Yes, he does evil and thinks sexy thoughts. But much of her actions are justified by plot machinations that are later revealed in a rush. Thus he’s just a horny teacher who act like a teenage boy, and less like an ageless immortal demon with some grand evil plan.
The sex scenes are okay, but are overshadowed by some really gross puritanical ideas about virginity and sin, which feels weirdly out of place for a witch who’s powers are grounded in nature. Making sex less about enjoyment or emotional intimacy and more about vulnerability and power.
Overall this is books just fails to be anything more than a string of shocking twists and sex scenes with little real plot or a developed story.
The internalized misogyny is heavy in this one. Fending figures of power are either dead, antagonist, or the FMC.
Meh
I have a personal problem with overwhelming themes of Christianity in witch stories. This story is steeped in a heavily contemporary Christian interpretation of Satanism and witchcraft. Which makes it feel less witchy and more of a dark messiah story, that in execution isn’t nearly as interesting as it sounds.
The world building was very interesting, lots of potential. But didn’t really exist beyond info dumpy plot points that gracelessly forced the story forward. The romance felt insta-lust to insta-love with little actually relationship development. The FMC is a passive pawn in trying very hard to act like a “strong female character.” She’s reactionary, and her primary motivation isn’t actually her own. She’s less a reluctant hero and more of a super powered dog toy being pushed and pulled between the various powers that be in the story.
The MMC is equally hollow. Yes, he does evil and thinks sexy thoughts. But much of her actions are justified by plot machinations that are later revealed in a rush. Thus he’s just a horny teacher who act like a teenage boy, and less like an ageless immortal demon with some grand evil plan.
The sex scenes are okay, but are overshadowed by some really gross puritanical ideas about virginity and sin, which feels weirdly out of place for a witch who’s powers are grounded in nature. Making sex less about enjoyment or emotional intimacy and more about vulnerability and power.
Overall this is books just fails to be anything more than a string of shocking twists and sex scenes with little real plot or a developed story.
The internalized misogyny is heavy in this one. Fending figures of power are either dead, antagonist, or the FMC.
Meh
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Self harm, Torture, Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Stalking, Violence, Abandonment, Blood, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Gore, Grief, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, and Toxic relationship
victoriamark's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Sexual violence, Violence, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Body horror, Blood, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, Bullying, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Gore
one_more_chapter96's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Such an original storyline, really enjoyed the setting, the different Houses and magics & understanding Willow’s lineage. Some parts felt a little rushed/skimmed over and could’ve been fleshed out more (Willow’s past with her father, the build of her and Gray’s relationship, the link between her & Charlotte) but the ending was great and can’t wait for book 2!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Gore
Minor: Child abuse, Death of parent, and Torture
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