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3.29 AVERAGE
3.29 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Comfortable
This was a very comfortable read. The FL is very easy to relate too, her emotions are easy to understand. The ML is easy to like. And oh boy is this a wonderful slow burn.
This was a very comfortable read. The FL is very easy to relate too, her emotions are easy to understand. The ML is easy to like. And oh boy is this a wonderful slow burn.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Language is a bit hard to read. Makes more sense aloud.
I won this e-book in an @goodreads giveaway.
⚓️ I really enjoyed the Irish elements, the world building of the Fae, and the writing of this story overall. It was easy to read and kept me intrigued.
⚓️ There we’re pieces of this story that felt underdeveloped and at times just out of place. This is especially true of the climactic moments of the story which was disappointing.
Overall a decent start to this series. While I won’t go out of my way to read the next book due to having so many on TBR, I wouldn’t mind reading more about these characters and the Fae world.
⚓️ I really enjoyed the Irish elements, the world building of the Fae, and the writing of this story overall. It was easy to read and kept me intrigued.
⚓️ There we’re pieces of this story that felt underdeveloped and at times just out of place. This is especially true of the climactic moments of the story which was disappointing.
Overall a decent start to this series. While I won’t go out of my way to read the next book due to having so many on TBR, I wouldn’t mind reading more about these characters and the Fae world.
lighthearted
fast-paced
2 ⭐️ Loved the concept but I had too many issues with the execution
"Our love was but a song,
Our dreams could not be wrong,
But it's so lonely round the sea of Innisfail."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ irish fae
✨ fantasy quest
✨ unknown family past
✨ strong, independent sea captain FMC
✨ charming, witty landscape architect MMC
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ haters to lovers
✨ forced proximity
✨ found family
✨ banter
✨ dual pov
✨ one sex scene with minimum details
My Thoughts:
First off, I wanted to thank the author, Tricia O'Malley, and The Nerd Fam for sending me a lovely PR box with lots of goodies along with paperbacks of the first two books. I really appreciate it.
I was intrigued by the concept of Irish fae, so I eagerly dove into this first book. But sadly, it just wasn't for me.
What I liked:
- The Irish lore
- The concept of heart songs between mates
- Imogen's hero's journey
- Bianca's friendship with Imogen
What I didn't like:
The plot. You're telling me the Prince of all the fae, his best mate/the King of the water fae, and a random fae/human couple are going on a rescue mission to save the Prince's mate, Lily, by commandeering a tourist boat from our heroine, Imogen? Even though the Prince's mother has a whole freaking fleet or he could just offer Imogen money for her boat and skills as a captain?
Then, they have ZERO plan but to listen to Lily's mate/heart song to try to find her? So twelve hours into their quest, they are attacked and seek shelter in a magical cove where a ghost literally says, "The goddesses are willing to reward those who act in pure intent and not out of malice. Your journey thus far has been such. Therefore, I can tell you Lily is being held on the Aran Islands." Okay, well that was easy.
Then, they reach the islands and this band of FIVE decides to take on an army of who knows how many, and they end up saving Lily because SPOILER, the heroine Imogen actually has powers and ends up wiping out the bad fae.
The story was predictable and juvenile. I think if the one sex scene was removed, this would be better for a younger audience (12+) who isn't familiar with intricate fantasy stories.
The world-building wasn't developed enough and what was written wasn't very strong. There's goddesses, fae, ghosts, humans, royal courts, and realms. It's a lot of information. And while I was intrigued by this world, it felt overly complicated and not explained well enough. Also, having the two Fae groups be the Domnua and Danula can be confusing to readers since they both start with D. But, the worst part was explaining how they are colloquially known as the good fae and bad fae. This is another aspect of the story that felt very juvenile.
The romance. I liked Imogen. Nolan was alright. I did like the hate-to-love trope. However, I didn't believe there was any real chemistry. These idiots basically full-on hate each other until the end when they realize they're fated mates. And even though Nolan thought she was a traitor and he completely betrayed Imogen's trust two days before, he's suddenly all about her. I'm happy Imogen took a step back to reflect on everything, but two hours later she's sealing the bond with Nolan and saying 'I love you'. Which, in Imogen's own words, "it seemed impossible". Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. By the way, this one sex scene is at 88% of the book, so if you're here for the smut, you'll have to wait a while.
The writing. The sentences were structured fine. So I was able to read the story quickly. However, the way the characters would ignore relevant information in order to move the story forward while keeping the conflict at bay drove me INSANE and wasn't believable in the slightest. It's one thing to have a predictable story. It's another when the characters, who are supposed to be intelligent beings, are acting like massive idiots.
For example, the fae in this world hold matehood in the highest regard, meaning everyone knows about it and would be able to understand the signs pointing out you've found your mate. But apparently being unusually drawn to someone, feeling their emotions, dreaming about them, thinking about fucking them every second of every day, and losing your magik powers apparently aren't obvious signs that your fated mate is right in front of you! No one would ignore these things, especially in a world that values and understands matehood.
Overall, the story was just too juvenile and there were too many inconsistencies for me to get on board with this story. Maybe if I were younger, it wouldn't bother me as much, but I guess I had higher hopes for this adult fantasy novel.
"Our love was but a song,
Our dreams could not be wrong,
But it's so lonely round the sea of Innisfail."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ irish fae
✨ fantasy quest
✨ unknown family past
✨ strong, independent sea captain FMC
✨ charming, witty landscape architect MMC
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ haters to lovers
✨ forced proximity
✨ found family
✨ banter
✨ dual pov
✨ one sex scene with minimum details
My Thoughts:
First off, I wanted to thank the author, Tricia O'Malley, and The Nerd Fam for sending me a lovely PR box with lots of goodies along with paperbacks of the first two books. I really appreciate it.
I was intrigued by the concept of Irish fae, so I eagerly dove into this first book. But sadly, it just wasn't for me.
What I liked:
- The Irish lore
- The concept of heart songs between mates
- Imogen's hero's journey
- Bianca's friendship with Imogen
What I didn't like:
The plot. You're telling me the Prince of all the fae, his best mate/the King of the water fae, and a random fae/human couple are going on a rescue mission to save the Prince's mate, Lily, by commandeering a tourist boat from our heroine, Imogen? Even though the Prince's mother has a whole freaking fleet or he could just offer Imogen money for her boat and skills as a captain?
Then, they have ZERO plan but to listen to Lily's mate/heart song to try to find her? So twelve hours into their quest, they are attacked and seek shelter in a magical cove where a ghost literally says, "The goddesses are willing to reward those who act in pure intent and not out of malice. Your journey thus far has been such. Therefore, I can tell you Lily is being held on the Aran Islands." Okay, well that was easy.
Then, they reach the islands and this band of FIVE decides to take on an army of who knows how many, and they end up saving Lily because SPOILER, the heroine Imogen actually has powers and ends up wiping out the bad fae.
The story was predictable and juvenile. I think if the one sex scene was removed, this would be better for a younger audience (12+) who isn't familiar with intricate fantasy stories.
The world-building wasn't developed enough and what was written wasn't very strong. There's goddesses, fae, ghosts, humans, royal courts, and realms. It's a lot of information. And while I was intrigued by this world, it felt overly complicated and not explained well enough. Also, having the two Fae groups be the Domnua and Danula can be confusing to readers since they both start with D. But, the worst part was explaining how they are colloquially known as the good fae and bad fae. This is another aspect of the story that felt very juvenile.
The romance. I liked Imogen. Nolan was alright. I did like the hate-to-love trope. However, I didn't believe there was any real chemistry. These idiots basically full-on hate each other until the end when they realize they're fated mates. And even though Nolan thought she was a traitor and he completely betrayed Imogen's trust two days before, he's suddenly all about her. I'm happy Imogen took a step back to reflect on everything, but two hours later she's sealing the bond with Nolan and saying 'I love you'. Which, in Imogen's own words, "it seemed impossible". Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. By the way, this one sex scene is at 88% of the book, so if you're here for the smut, you'll have to wait a while.
The writing. The sentences were structured fine. So I was able to read the story quickly. However, the way the characters would ignore relevant information in order to move the story forward while keeping the conflict at bay drove me INSANE and wasn't believable in the slightest. It's one thing to have a predictable story. It's another when the characters, who are supposed to be intelligent beings, are acting like massive idiots.
For example, the fae in this world hold matehood in the highest regard, meaning everyone knows about it and would be able to understand the signs pointing out you've found your mate. But apparently being unusually drawn to someone, feeling their emotions, dreaming about them, thinking about fucking them every second of every day, and losing your magik powers apparently aren't obvious signs that your fated mate is right in front of you! No one would ignore these things, especially in a world that values and understands matehood.
Overall, the story was just too juvenile and there were too many inconsistencies for me to get on board with this story. Maybe if I were younger, it wouldn't bother me as much, but I guess I had higher hopes for this adult fantasy novel.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Poor grammar throughout story. I understand she incorporates Irish terms and phrases but I’m surprised this got through publishing. The story also takes wild and unrealistic jumps. The whole thing happens over a course of a week? Certain plot points were wrapped up in ways it seemed like she forgot she introduced them and were an after thought. The premise of the story was so promising but the execution was poorly lacking.
adventurous
hopeful
relaxing
fast-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:
N/A