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fairytalearista's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting start to a new saga, set in a dark, richly built world that had a few not-too-subtle fairy tale references that made me pretty happy. (Their order wears red hoods and her shade is a wolf; the legendary villain is named Odille, and there is a sleeping curse that requires a kiss to break) I have a couple guesses where this is going, but this book closes with more questions than answers. One star knocked for the fact that I spent a good portion of the climax very lost, which made it hard to stay engaged.
Still, I look forward to finding out where this story is going!
Still, I look forward to finding out where this story is going!
brooke_w's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
3.0
amybraunauthor's review
5.0
A great start to what promises to be a thrilling fantasy series! The story is well-written, inventive, and surprisingly frightening. There are a lot of unanswered questions, and in truth, this felt more like a prequel story than anything else, but I did enjoy it.
Ayleth is an ambitious, strong young woman who carries incredible power. Despite being new to her chosen destiny, she proves to be quite capable. She crosses paths with different characters, one of whom is Terryn, who has a dark secret as well. I think they both played off each other very well, though I would have liked a little more time to get to know them both.
The author has a vivid imagination, and I actually really enjoyed the settings Mercedes immersed me in, especially when it came to the end. It was creepy, exciting, and definitely piqued my interest.
The story could have been longer and answered more questions that I had, but the writing is solid and I'm intrigued enough by the world-building and lore to continue. If you enjoy headstrong female characters, inventive magic, mystery, and a dash of horror, this could be the series for you.
Ayleth is an ambitious, strong young woman who carries incredible power. Despite being new to her chosen destiny, she proves to be quite capable. She crosses paths with different characters, one of whom is Terryn, who has a dark secret as well. I think they both played off each other very well, though I would have liked a little more time to get to know them both.
The author has a vivid imagination, and I actually really enjoyed the settings Mercedes immersed me in, especially when it came to the end. It was creepy, exciting, and definitely piqued my interest.
The story could have been longer and answered more questions that I had, but the writing is solid and I'm intrigued enough by the world-building and lore to continue. If you enjoy headstrong female characters, inventive magic, mystery, and a dash of horror, this could be the series for you.
requiemofliss's review against another edition
4.0
This book held my attention all the way through. I loved the characters and the story. However it is so slow moving that you find yourself asking more questions than you are getting answers. You find out nothing about Ayleth's past or why Hollis is locking away her memories and why she's waiting till her birthday. It's so frustratingly open ended.
rayonx's review against another edition
4.0
This book in one sentence: In a world where spirits possess beings and imbue them with magical powers, Ayleth is both possessed, and a hunter of other possessed, trying to find her place, understand her past and compete for the prince's favor.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steaminess:
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steaminess:
_camk_'s review against another edition
3.0
The story and the concept was interesting but the book fell flat a little bit with mediocre writing and somewhat bland characters.
brii_brii's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
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? No
4.0
micolreads's review against another edition
4.0
Ebook provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
https://www.sylviamercedesbooks.com/
It took me a while to come up with right words for this review. The book was completely different from what I thought, in a better way.
I loved the main character Ayleth, I really felt like reading about an ordinary girl with flaws. I didn’t particularly liked Terryn, which was actually a disappointment, nor Hollis, in which I only saw a bitter woman with a lot of regrets. I didn’t read the prequel, so maybe I’m going to understand her better in her book.
I loved the world building, even if it was a bit hard to dive into. It took me around 100 pages to really enter in the book, but I am happy I kept reading.
I do suggest everyone reading it because it’s a lot different from other books we are used to read.
Main character--> Ayleth: 4/5, Terryn: 3/5
Supporting chacacter-->Hollis: 3/5
World building: 4/5
Writing style: 4/5
Plot and plot twists: 4/5
Final vote: 3.75/5
https://www.sylviamercedesbooks.com/
It took me a while to come up with right words for this review. The book was completely different from what I thought, in a better way.
I loved the main character Ayleth, I really felt like reading about an ordinary girl with flaws. I didn’t particularly liked Terryn, which was actually a disappointment, nor Hollis, in which I only saw a bitter woman with a lot of regrets. I didn’t read the prequel, so maybe I’m going to understand her better in her book.
I loved the world building, even if it was a bit hard to dive into. It took me around 100 pages to really enter in the book, but I am happy I kept reading.
I do suggest everyone reading it because it’s a lot different from other books we are used to read.
Main character--> Ayleth: 4/5, Terryn: 3/5
Supporting chacacter-->Hollis: 3/5
World building: 4/5
Writing style: 4/5
Plot and plot twists: 4/5
Final vote: 3.75/5
musgrovej's review
adventurous
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75