Scan barcode
elaine707's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
A forbidden love in more ways than one. When the Gods are playing their games and keeping their secrets, Arrah is just trying to keep her and her own alive, yet she might be carrying the biggest secret of them all.
To be honest, it lost me for a little. The ending saved the book for me, but the beginning was a good recap and transition from the last book. Something about her voice seems choppy, but I like her struggles and her story. I liked the dual POV and the plot twists.
There was also a missing quotation mark that an editor should have caught that threw me out of the world. It's not a big deal; I'm just pointing it out.
Overall, this was a fascinating story of gods, demons, and magic. I love the subplot and all of the different relationships!
To be honest, it lost me for a little. The ending saved the book for me, but the beginning was a good recap and transition from the last book. Something about her voice seems choppy, but I like her struggles and her story. I liked the dual POV and the plot twists.
There was also a missing quotation mark that an editor should have caught that threw me out of the world. It's not a big deal; I'm just pointing it out.
Overall, this was a fascinating story of gods, demons, and magic. I love the subplot and all of the different relationships!
literary_steph's review against another edition
Reaper picks up weeks after Kingdom of Souls. Like the first novel, the world is atmospherically dark, wicked and foreboding. While the tone is dark, there's plenty of comedic relief to break up the tension. At this point, I'm completely invested in Arrah, Rudjek and their world. They must be protected at all costs. Don't even get me started on the romance(s). Which, I also want to point out, some readers may not like the love triangle, but there's so much more to it. Clearly, Barron like to play and taunt.
It's a matter of perspective, I suppose, as the characters all feel that their acts seem justified in the name of love and justice. Who's at fault for that? Who's the villain in this story? Maybe they all are. And I'm not upset at Arrah's decision to choose herself for once, although I think some readers will disagree with me. Where there's a will, there's a way, and Arrah's a force, and she's going to find some way or another to save her kingdom, and it's people.
Overall, my dark fantasy heart loved it! It was filled with twists, turns and revelations, I can't wait to read the conclusion.
Read this if you enjoy...
• a vast world inspired by West African folklore and mythology
• dark magic & meddling gods
• #IsThisAKissingBook a complicated star crossed romance that will leave a hole or melt your heart or both
It's a matter of perspective, I suppose, as the characters all feel that their acts seem justified in the name of love and justice. Who's at fault for that? Who's the villain in this story? Maybe they all are. And I'm not upset at Arrah's decision to choose herself for once, although I think some readers will disagree with me. Where there's a will, there's a way, and Arrah's a force, and she's going to find some way or another to save her kingdom, and it's people.
Overall, my dark fantasy heart loved it! It was filled with twists, turns and revelations, I can't wait to read the conclusion.
Read this if you enjoy...
• a vast world inspired by West African folklore and mythology
• dark magic & meddling gods
• #IsThisAKissingBook a complicated star crossed romance that will leave a hole or melt your heart or both
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
5.0
Rena Barron once again keeps me on the edge of my seat with this amazing story of magic, struggle, power, love, and loyalty. She packed in so much, yet I couldn’t stop wondering what would happen next, and who would survive.
Arrah continues to be a powerful young woman out of her depth against gods and demons. She has many powerful enemies and allies she isn’t sure she can trust. I adore her and want to know where she goes from here. Rudjek is as charming and mesmerizing as ever, and I thrilled to see him fight demons and stand against his adversaries. The love between these two is worthy of a legend itself.
So many side characters made a return and entangled themselves in Arrah and Rudjek’s lives. Each were more complex than the last, and none were safe in this world. Not even the gods were spared, which made for some truly shocking moments. There were so many twists in this action-filled adventure that I was almost afraid to find out what happened next! But I pushed forward, and Barron’s wonderful prose compelled me to keep on with the journey.
An absolute must have for anyone who wants a book that will constantly surprise them, sweep them off their feet, and transport them into a truly magical realm.
Arrah continues to be a powerful young woman out of her depth against gods and demons. She has many powerful enemies and allies she isn’t sure she can trust. I adore her and want to know where she goes from here. Rudjek is as charming and mesmerizing as ever, and I thrilled to see him fight demons and stand against his adversaries. The love between these two is worthy of a legend itself.
So many side characters made a return and entangled themselves in Arrah and Rudjek’s lives. Each were more complex than the last, and none were safe in this world. Not even the gods were spared, which made for some truly shocking moments. There were so many twists in this action-filled adventure that I was almost afraid to find out what happened next! But I pushed forward, and Barron’s wonderful prose compelled me to keep on with the journey.
An absolute must have for anyone who wants a book that will constantly surprise them, sweep them off their feet, and transport them into a truly magical realm.
dragonwriter's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Arrah possesses the ka of the tribal chieftains, but though she has all the magic she dreamed of, it has come with a price. Rudjek cannot touch her without hurting her, and both long for the kisses and touches they’re denied. They are distracted from their longing when Arrah learns that some of the tribal people have survived, and Rudjek learns that demons have been wreaking havoc. Reluctant to part ways, they know the other is safer without them, and both learn that the Demon King has escaped. While Rudjek searches for the Demon King’s knife, Arrah struggles with growing realization that she is the reincarnation of the unnamed orisha, Dima, the Demon King’s wife. Still, Arrah loves Rudjek, loves her people, and though Dima inside her still loves the Demon King Daho, only one love can survive.
I thoroughly enjoyed the continuation of the story! I liked the exploration of Dima and Daho’s relationship, and how the orishas all contributed to the terrible decisions Dima makes. It brought in both Dima’s and Rudjek’s points of views, and really expanded the story, following Dima’s memories of what brought them to this point, as well as Rudjek’s own growth in his path as a Craven prince. Then you have Arrah’s struggle with being both Dima and herself, and in love with Daho and Rudjek. There are so many twists and turns that it can be hard to keep up at times! I did catch one twist, but there were moments when I doubted! Plus, the ending is leaving me eager for book 3!
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
Holy cow.
Just like Kingdom of Souls, I devoured and fell in love with Reaper of Souls. This did not get hit by the second book syndrome and that's probably why I'm so happy right now. Hot damn - this book was so freaking good!
Even though I have said I hate love triangles, like all the time - on repeat, I couldn't get enough out of this one. I just feel like this has so many elements to it that I'm never bored or annoyed with anyone for a long period of time. Sometimes I feel like I get whiplash from certain events that happen but it just sucks me into the book that much more.
I'm also really happy that there's another book because if this ended as a duology, and I got the ending I just read, well - I would be completely pissed and disappointed. I still have plenty of questions that need answers. I also really need more adventures, craziness, and betrayals (and such) from all these characters.
It's seriously a crazy ass ride and I loved every single second of it. Ugh, I'm so mad that I finished this book so quickly and have to wait for the next one to come out. Waiting sucks donkey balls.
Just like Kingdom of Souls, I devoured and fell in love with Reaper of Souls. This did not get hit by the second book syndrome and that's probably why I'm so happy right now. Hot damn - this book was so freaking good!
Even though I have said I hate love triangles, like all the time - on repeat, I couldn't get enough out of this one. I just feel like this has so many elements to it that I'm never bored or annoyed with anyone for a long period of time. Sometimes I feel like I get whiplash from certain events that happen but it just sucks me into the book that much more.
I'm also really happy that there's another book because if this ended as a duology, and I got the ending I just read, well - I would be completely pissed and disappointed. I still have plenty of questions that need answers. I also really need more adventures, craziness, and betrayals (and such) from all these characters.
It's seriously a crazy ass ride and I loved every single second of it. Ugh, I'm so mad that I finished this book so quickly and have to wait for the next one to come out. Waiting sucks donkey balls.
dreareads_'s review against another edition
4.0
Pretty good sequel! The last 100 or so pages make reading the rest of the book worth it. Cannot wait for book 3 to come out!
_geminigenres's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
5.0
Rarely does the second book in a series do better than the third but this one was a happy surprise. 😊 the twists, the action, etc. Excited to get to book 3.
tarynstudies's review against another edition
2.0
Not a fan this was so slow compared to the first one. It felt like a filler story to me ☹️
spicedragon's review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5
I am obsessed.... I am losing my mind.... the number of twists and turns..... had me screaming!!!
It started off slow not gonna lie, but once it picked up speed it did NOT stop and I have so many conflicted feelings... ESPECIALLY THE END......
I am obsessed.... I am losing my mind.... the number of twists and turns..... had me screaming!!!
It started off slow not gonna lie, but once it picked up speed it did NOT stop and I have so many conflicted feelings... ESPECIALLY THE END......