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hookedbythatbook's review against another edition
3.0
If you like fantasy with violence, and your romance slightly on the psychotic side, then this is for you.
Roux is one of the Astra who had invaded the harpy realm. He is the third warrior tasked with a challenge that will lead to the defeat of their biggest enemy, Erebus, and freeing the Astra from his influence. His entire life he has only known torture and can’t stand to have another physically touch him. That is until Blythe the Undoing. Is she fated to be his and he hers? Can she ever forgive him for killing her consort and the father of her child? Blythe might have no choice but to rely on him if she is to survive the trials thrown at her on Ation, where Roux is slated to remove the heart of the queen.
Blythe and Roux are two very fascinating and consistent characters. You can count on them to surprise you often, but the outcome will always be the same. They think things through before acting, for the most part. And when confronted with a statement that could be the truth or a lie, they reason it out carefully and usually come to the right conclusion.
I’ve been watching Yellowstone recently, and the harpies, maybe especially Blythe, reminds me of Beth Dutton. She can be all soft and sweet one moment and the next she is stabbing you with a steak knife at the dinner table. In Blythe’s case, she will more likely eviscerate or decapitate you. Roux is very mysterious with all the weirdness going on in his head. I like how their frequent interactions pushed them closer together. Apart from the slow burn, it also gives them a new perspective and appreciation for each other.
I have varied feelings about the tournament on Ation. Initially, there are so many combatants, it becomes more of a bloodbath and is less engaging. The last battle is the most compelling. Ation is also inhabited by a plethora of interesting creatures, but we only get to meet them on the surface.
These books are dark, gritty and violent, and definitely not for everyone. It is worth reading them in order. The first two books do an excellent job of explaining the world and the abilities of everyone in it. They also provide a more detailed explanation of the tasks that the warriors have to complete and why.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
naomilane's review against another edition
5.0
Two words: virgin hero. My kryptonite.
I love this whole universe by Gena Showalter, I love how she writes great paranormal romances with so much humor and such interesting storylines. I will never ever get tired of her writing.
The Phantom is the third book in her Rise of the Warlords series, it’s also part of her Lords of the Underworld universe, and it mainly features the harpies and the Astra Planeta, god-like warriors who have invaded Harpina and need to complete a task in 30 days in order to ascend into superior beings and destroy their enemy: Erebus.
This time around we get to read all about Blythe, Taliyah’s half-sister, and Roux, the Astra who killed Blythe’s consort at the very beginning of the series.
Intense much? YEP!
Boy, oh boy, this book was so chaotic in the best possible way, so much fun, and genuinely heartbreaking at times.
I loved that the story took place in Ation, a prison realm where immortal females of all species are locked up. It was a nice change, and I loved reading about all these different species.
Roux has intrigued me from the start, you don’t really know what’s going on with him, and I really enjoyed discovering more about him and his past. He’s quite a complex character.
I wasn’t too sure about Blythe when I first started this book, I didn’t know how she would come back from having lost her consort and from all that hatred she had in her because of it, but as always Gena managed to surprise me, and made me fall in love with the harphantom.
I think she did an amazing job crafting this story, from Roux’s past, to how Blythe is able to have two consorts, their relationship, and the entire storyline.
Speaking of, this book is a strong enemies to lovers, obviously. Blythe truly hates him and only wants to kill him and make him miserable. As she should. Roux is…more complex than that. He has conflicting emotions and has a hard time dealing with them.
I could say more but I really don’t want to spoil anything for anyone. There are some really great twists in this book. I will say, the sexual tension between them was top-notch and made me lose my mind more than once.
Disclaimer: I was able to read an early copy of this book as I work for the author.
I love this whole universe by Gena Showalter, I love how she writes great paranormal romances with so much humor and such interesting storylines. I will never ever get tired of her writing.
The Phantom is the third book in her Rise of the Warlords series, it’s also part of her Lords of the Underworld universe, and it mainly features the harpies and the Astra Planeta, god-like warriors who have invaded Harpina and need to complete a task in 30 days in order to ascend into superior beings and destroy their enemy: Erebus.
This time around we get to read all about Blythe, Taliyah’s half-sister, and Roux, the Astra who killed Blythe’s consort at the very beginning of the series.
Intense much? YEP!
Boy, oh boy, this book was so chaotic in the best possible way, so much fun, and genuinely heartbreaking at times.
I loved that the story took place in Ation, a prison realm where immortal females of all species are locked up. It was a nice change, and I loved reading about all these different species.
Roux has intrigued me from the start, you don’t really know what’s going on with him, and I really enjoyed discovering more about him and his past. He’s quite a complex character.
I wasn’t too sure about Blythe when I first started this book, I didn’t know how she would come back from having lost her consort and from all that hatred she had in her because of it, but as always Gena managed to surprise me, and made me fall in love with the harphantom.
I think she did an amazing job crafting this story, from Roux’s past, to how Blythe is able to have two consorts, their relationship, and the entire storyline.
Speaking of, this book is a strong enemies to lovers, obviously. Blythe truly hates him and only wants to kill him and make him miserable. As she should. Roux is…more complex than that. He has conflicting emotions and has a hard time dealing with them.
I could say more but I really don’t want to spoil anything for anyone. There are some really great twists in this book. I will say, the sexual tension between them was top-notch and made me lose my mind more than once.
Disclaimer: I was able to read an early copy of this book as I work for the author.
cham721's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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
3.0
ama_reads's review against another edition
2.0
One of my least favorite tropes in romance novels is the virgin who is amazing at sex the very first time. Especially when that virgin has never had any experience at all – including with themselves – and has essentially been asexual for thousands of years. So, that was one negative point for me. Then there is the whole “You killed my mate and now I’m going to get my revenge by killing you. Oh, but wait a moment, you’re hot and sexy and I’m just going to fall in love and screw you instead.” plot. Um. No. Essentially the story is almost all battles and sexcapades. The phrases used as catcalls and “sexy” talk are more often cringy than not. Overall, the book was more annoying than enticing.
Note: I didn’t read the previous books and this was my first book by this author (I think). I don’t think that starting with the third book in the series made much of a difference in my lack of enjoyment – if it affected it at all.
Note: I didn’t read the previous books and this was my first book by this author (I think). I don’t think that starting with the third book in the series made much of a difference in my lack of enjoyment – if it affected it at all.
dragon_lion64's review against another edition
4.0
Can my heart beat again?
I don't know how many times my heart felt like it stopped beating while reading this book. There were just too many dangerous situations to overcome.
I love the way the Harpies can make you laugh in the middle of an intense scene. Blythe was no different. She was funny and confident even while hating Roux.
I'm always left with a sense of loss at the end of one of Gena's books because I'm sad the story is over but I look forward to what's next.
I don't know how many times my heart felt like it stopped beating while reading this book. There were just too many dangerous situations to overcome.
I love the way the Harpies can make you laugh in the middle of an intense scene. Blythe was no different. She was funny and confident even while hating Roux.
I'm always left with a sense of loss at the end of one of Gena's books because I'm sad the story is over but I look forward to what's next.
jp1920's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Sexual content, Death, Grief, Torture, and Child abuse
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Mental illness, Death of parent, War, Blood, Gaslighting, and Stalking
Minor: Kidnapping
bookmom92's review
adventurous
fast-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? No
4.0
allingoodtime's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-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
4.5
Wow. Somehow Gena Showalter got me to accept that Blythe fell in love with Roux although he killed her husband. Very recently, I might add. Although this is the third book that deals with the Warlords and their invasion of Harpina in order for them to complete some vital tasks, only two months have transpired from the invasion until when this story really gets underway. I didn’t know if I’d believe that Blythe could forgive Roux. The author deals with this in a series of subtle and not-so-subtle ways as this story progresses and, in the end, I was all in on these two falling head over heels in love.
In some ways, Roux has the same egotistical slant as his brothers/friends. There are also many differences. Not only does Roux carry many burdens for his group of warriors, but he also has no outlet the way many of them do. It is excruciating for him to be touched so he cannot lose himself to a lover. He cannot even tolerate a friendly hug or slap on the back. Everything is bottled up inside of him, in ways you can’t even imagine, and it’s a wonder he is still standing. But with Blythe, he ends up being patience personified. He’s annoyed and frustrated, yet he understands her hatred of him and accepts her vitriol without argument.
Once the walls come down between these two, in true harpy fashion, Blythe is committed. It takes a while, which is understandable, but also had some parts of the book drag a little bit. Intellectually, I know Blythe needed to have a full arc with every emotion and doubt under the sun for her love and, even more, her devotion to Roux to make sense. Still, I did get frustrated with her at times.
I love going along for the ride as this author always finds a way for the warriors and their mates to find a way to win their battles, time and time again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Child abuse, and Grief
bookloversofantastic's review against another edition
5.0
I received an ARC copy of this book, this review is honest, from my own thoughts and spoiler free