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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
This is a good execution of the enemies to lovers trope. The rivalry between Isidora and Rowan seems a little silly to be taken so seriously by both of them, but it is believable with how stubborn both of them can be. Thankfully, Harper avoids the common pitfall of enemies to lovers stories by making one of the leads an irredeemable asshole. I also enjoyed how Harper used Isidora and Rowan's opposing magic types to add to their initial dislike of each other.
The mystery plot was entertaining, and I was not able to guess who was the culprit until I had read most of the book. I felt that Isidora's panic attacks and sometimes strained relationship with her family was handled quite well. I also appreciated that Isidora and Rowan were able to communicate well with each other, instead of having a subplot devoted to misunderstanding. That is common in romances, and often just ends up being annoying. Despite their good communication, Isidora and Rowan are allowed to mess up and say things wrong. They say something insensitively or in the wrong way a couple of times and are able to course correct afterwards. I appreciate this because I often find characters that always say what they mean perfectly to be unrealistic and not relatable.
This story is obviously mainly focused on Isidora and Rowan, but I also liked the deeper dive into Avramov magic. The main characters from the first book also show up here as supporting characters, which is fun.
I did not rate this any higher because, while it was a fun enough adventure, it did not seem to stand out as above average. In the middle, the story dragged. While the main characters were not flat, I still did not connect strongly with them. That probably contributed to me not liking this more. I would recommend this to people who enjoy romance heavy fantasy or just romance, but I do not think this would interest anyone else.
cw: anxiety, panic attacks
The mystery plot was entertaining, and I was not able to guess who was the culprit until I had read most of the book. I felt that Isidora's panic attacks and sometimes strained relationship with her family was handled quite well. I also appreciated that Isidora and Rowan were able to communicate well with each other, instead of having a subplot devoted to misunderstanding. That is common in romances, and often just ends up being annoying. Despite their good communication, Isidora and Rowan are allowed to mess up and say things wrong. They say something insensitively or in the wrong way a couple of times and are able to course correct afterwards. I appreciate this because I often find characters that always say what they mean perfectly to be unrealistic and not relatable.
This story is obviously mainly focused on Isidora and Rowan, but I also liked the deeper dive into Avramov magic. The main characters from the first book also show up here as supporting characters, which is fun.
I did not rate this any higher because, while it was a fun enough adventure, it did not seem to stand out as above average. In the middle, the story dragged. While the main characters were not flat, I still did not connect strongly with them. That probably contributed to me not liking this more. I would recommend this to people who enjoy romance heavy fantasy or just romance, but I do not think this would interest anyone else.
cw: anxiety, panic attacks
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-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:
Yes
This is the coziest series and I’m so glad to know there is more to come! It was great getting a deep-dive into the Anramovs, I think the most misunderstood of the founding families. Cute story! Just a little lower than the first because in was hoping for some more gayness haha
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
Loved this one as much as the last it’s cute witchy and fun. She k owes how to make you stay up past your bedtime reading.
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Huge fan. Will officially add this author to my must buy. Absolutely love the charm and the wit of these characters, with that dash of mystery!!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
medium-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:
Yes
I'm very very picky about how authors write the mechanics of magic, and I gotta say I love how Lana Harper did it! Especially with Isidora's magic, it was so descriptive I could FEEL it!!
However, and this could be a spoiler, but at the end I thought she wasn't so in the wrong with the Haunted House? Like obviously done in poor taste, but the Thorns have been AWFUL to the Avramovs and I don't think that was an unwarranted take?? I mean even at the end they were blamed for everything? Idk just sat weird with me but
However, and this could be a spoiler, but at the end I thought she wasn't so in the wrong with the Haunted House? Like obviously done in poor taste, but the Thorns have been AWFUL to the Avramovs and I don't think that was an unwarranted take?? I mean even at the end they were blamed for everything? Idk just sat weird with me but