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4.32 AVERAGE
4.32 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
This book… this series. I was sold a pack of lies. It was framed as if it’s “romantasy but better.” Or, “If you didn’t like ACOTAR or Fourth Wing but want to try romantasy, you’ll love this.”
(For the record, I was entertained by ACOTAR and Fourth Wing, but I’m down for something with more meat on its bones too).
Guys. It’s the same thing. It’s same book as all the rest. Idiot FMC who is “snarky” and “stubborn” as a shitty stand-in for strength, brooding shadow daddy MMC, enemies to lovers, oh turns out she discovers she’s secretly a queen and her powers are the greatest in the realm, he can’t/wont tell her he loves her because he has secrets from his past (they haven’t revealed it yet but it’s clear they’re going to be “mates”), and on and on.
The only difference between this and all the rest is we’re two books in and they haven’t banged. I guess that’s enough for some people to think it’s better/more literary?
It’s not. You’ve read this book, you’ve read this series, before.
Did I dislike it? No. Like the others, I was entertained. So my issue isn’t with the book itself (other than it’s as predictable as couple possibly be), it’s with how it’s been pitched. It’s not different. It’s not “better.”
And if your only measure of “better” is that it makes you feel more literary when the characters wait several books before they fuck, reflect on why that might be.
I’m gonna read the next one - like I said, I was entertained. But the search for “romantasy but better” continues. This is not it.
(For the record, I was entertained by ACOTAR and Fourth Wing, but I’m down for something with more meat on its bones too).
Guys. It’s the same thing. It’s same book as all the rest. Idiot FMC who is “snarky” and “stubborn” as a shitty stand-in for strength, brooding shadow daddy MMC, enemies to lovers, oh turns out she discovers she’s secretly a queen and her powers are the greatest in the realm, he can’t/wont tell her he loves her because he has secrets from his past (they haven’t revealed it yet but it’s clear they’re going to be “mates”), and on and on.
The only difference between this and all the rest is we’re two books in and they haven’t banged. I guess that’s enough for some people to think it’s better/more literary?
It’s not. You’ve read this book, you’ve read this series, before.
Did I dislike it? No. Like the others, I was entertained. So my issue isn’t with the book itself (other than it’s as predictable as couple possibly be), it’s with how it’s been pitched. It’s not different. It’s not “better.”
And if your only measure of “better” is that it makes you feel more literary when the characters wait several books before they fuck, reflect on why that might be.
I’m gonna read the next one - like I said, I was entertained. But the search for “romantasy but better” continues. This is not it.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-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
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
***Disclaimer: Spoilers ahead***
Possible triggers: Death, Decapitation, Depression, Gore, Grief, Murder, Torture, Violence
Overall star rating (out of 5⭐️): 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level (out of 5🌶️): 2 🌶️ (kissing and prelude to sex)
Content review: What great writing and what a great story! Love the characters, their development, the found family dynamics and the chemistry between the two main characters. Lots of up and downs, twists and suspense. Can’t wait for the next book!
Narrator review: great narrator! No complaints - 4 out of 5
Tags: bargain, betrayal, fantasy, fated mates, forced proximity, good banter, great storyline, high fantasy, magic, political intrigue, romantasy, slow burn,
Tropes: he falls first and harder, knife to throat, one horse only, touch her and die
❤️ Love interest: Luther x Diem
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes