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booklovinglou's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
4.0
Before reading this book please read the triggers and make sure you are okay to read this.
Dark Artificer is the 3 book of The Princess of Ruin series which is made up of interconnected standalone books. With each book you see the same world but from different perspectives.
This book follows Alyse and Kazimir's story. It is full of magic, secrets, spice, vengeance and more. All of which kept me reading and needing to know what happens next.
Dark Artificer is the 3 book of The Princess of Ruin series which is made up of interconnected standalone books. With each book you see the same world but from different perspectives.
This book follows Alyse and Kazimir's story. It is full of magic, secrets, spice, vengeance and more. All of which kept me reading and needing to know what happens next.
tessme23's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
tense
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? No
5.0
what_karla_reads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
4.5
4.5/5 stars
3/5 spice
Tropes:
Dark Fantasy
Forbidden Romance
Pining and minor angst
Dramione vibes
Mentor//Mentee
Lots of toys
Touch her and 💀
He would burn the world to save her
Dual POV
Holy moley... I wanna say this one was the darkest so far in the series because of all the trigger warnings...But honestly it made the story gritty and real. Kazimir and Alyse didn't make us wait too long with admitting their feelings, but the angst was still there. I loved the way they fit together and accepted each other's flaws. I loved both their characters, but I really loved seeing Alyse grow into her confidence.
Overall, I highly recommend this while series for those who like dark fantasy romance. Please check trigger and content warnings before starting this book.
Thank you to the author for giving me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Verbal abuse, body shaming, SA, violence, blood, torture, explicit sexual content and language
3/5 spice
Tropes:
Dark Fantasy
Forbidden Romance
Pining and minor angst
Dramione vibes
Mentor//Mentee
Lots of toys
Touch her and 💀
He would burn the world to save her
Dual POV
Holy moley... I wanna say this one was the darkest so far in the series because of all the trigger warnings...But honestly it made the story gritty and real. Kazimir and Alyse didn't make us wait too long with admitting their feelings, but the angst was still there. I loved the way they fit together and accepted each other's flaws. I loved both their characters, but I really loved seeing Alyse grow into her confidence.
Overall, I highly recommend this while series for those who like dark fantasy romance. Please check trigger and content warnings before starting this book.
Thank you to the author for giving me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Verbal abuse, body shaming, SA, violence, blood, torture, explicit sexual content and language
bethfisch's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Every single book I start, I think I can’t love the characters more than the last book. Then boom! Ember does it again and I find myself freaking out even more than I did before.
***spoilers ahead***
The way we first meet Alyse, doing what she can to help her people as much as she’s able, made me instantly love her. And the connection she first feels with Kazimir just hits in the best way.
I really loved how their relationship developed throughout this while also learning that their feelings go back so much farther. It’s an “it was always you” that just makes me kick my feet.
Another huge plus for me was that you get to see Alyse embrace the darker parts of her and how much power she truly has, while also staying true to herself and the goals she has of making things change for the better.
I also love the fact that her fiancé actually sucks. I’ve read so many books where the other half of an arranged marriage is supposed to be a bad person but they’re just… not. Not in this case! I had zero problems with hating him and was so satisfied with what he got.
The world building also continues to astound me. I’m able to fully picture the things that are happening in this fantasy world in a way that makes me so happy.
The way this series is evolving and how deep the plot has gotten with events unfolding has me so impatiently waiting for the next one.
Absolutely well done to Ember and I hope everyone loves it just as much as I did.
***spoilers ahead***
The way we first meet Alyse, doing what she can to help her people as much as she’s able, made me instantly love her. And the connection she first feels with Kazimir just hits in the best way.
I really loved how their relationship developed throughout this while also learning that their feelings go back so much farther. It’s an “it was always you” that just makes me kick my feet.
Another huge plus for me was that you get to see Alyse embrace the darker parts of her and how much power she truly has, while also staying true to herself and the goals she has of making things change for the better.
I also love the fact that her fiancé actually sucks. I’ve read so many books where the other half of an arranged marriage is supposed to be a bad person but they’re just… not. Not in this case! I had zero problems with hating him and was so satisfied with what he got.
The world building also continues to astound me. I’m able to fully picture the things that are happening in this fantasy world in a way that makes me so happy.
The way this series is evolving and how deep the plot has gotten with events unfolding has me so impatiently waiting for the next one.
Absolutely well done to Ember and I hope everyone loves it just as much as I did.
mylastromancenovel's review
adventurous
dark
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks, BookSirens.
Reading Order: This is the third in an interconnected standalone. Characters from the first book make an appearance and are referenced. You could pick up here, but I would read the first two first.
General Thoughts: Note: this is darker than her other books in the series. Check your triggers. Though less dark than I expected it to be based on her warnings.
This is the third book in this interconnected series that has been building up to this next book since book 1, so I can't wait to see what happens next.
But back to this book: I went in with decently high expectations because I have enjoyed the prior two. I am not sure which has been my favorite because each is so different. Each sister's story, journey, and adventure has been very personalized to their personality. More than many other authors, Ember has done a great job of individualizing each story. I really liked Alyse and Kazimir separately and together. This was paced well and well-written, and I enjoyed the story.
Ember isn't the strongest in world-building, and you'd be a bit lost if you jumped in with this book about the world. But that's okay with me. She's focusing more on the sisters, their journey, and their relationships. There were a few parts that had me a bit confused, but on the whole this was a very enjoyable read, and I'm so happy I read it.
Spice Meter: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 Spicy and graphic.
Romantic Tropes
-dark romance
-fantasy/romantasy
-series
-interconnected standalone
-romance
-magic
-hidden identities
You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks, BookSirens.
Reading Order: This is the third in an interconnected standalone. Characters from the first book make an appearance and are referenced. You could pick up here, but I would read the first two first.
General Thoughts: Note: this is darker than her other books in the series. Check your triggers. Though less dark than I expected it to be based on her warnings.
This is the third book in this interconnected series that has been building up to this next book since book 1, so I can't wait to see what happens next.
But back to this book: I went in with decently high expectations because I have enjoyed the prior two. I am not sure which has been my favorite because each is so different. Each sister's story, journey, and adventure has been very personalized to their personality. More than many other authors, Ember has done a great job of individualizing each story. I really liked Alyse and Kazimir separately and together. This was paced well and well-written, and I enjoyed the story.
Ember isn't the strongest in world-building, and you'd be a bit lost if you jumped in with this book about the world. But that's okay with me. She's focusing more on the sisters, their journey, and their relationships. There were a few parts that had me a bit confused, but on the whole this was a very enjoyable read, and I'm so happy I read it.
Spice Meter: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 Spicy and graphic.
Romantic Tropes
-dark romance
-fantasy/romantasy
-series
-interconnected standalone
-romance
-magic
-hidden identities
You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
brittanysuereads's review
5.0
”And I will reap every soul to keep yours safe.”
3.5 🌶️
OH. MY. GODS! That was my favorite book in the Princesses of Ruin series yet! It was all there and then some! Dark, brutal, forbidden, spicy, captivating, and a little f*€ked up.
There are so many things I loved about this book. The first, and most important, is the phenomenal writing and prose that created a captivating sense of place. Not only did I binge the majority of this book in one day, but when my homemaker duties pulled me away from it, it was very easy for me to jump right back in to the fantasy.
The plot was highly entertaining, I thought the “no touch” forbidden romance was such a tease filled will delicious suspense and anticipation. Not only was it unique, but highly creative in how it played out.
Finally, the characters. I adore Alyse’s character, a relatable and fellow quiet, food loving, bookworm! She’s courageous, determined, and bold, with a heart of pure gold. Her character growth is my favorite because, boundaries! & I love how supportive her love interest is and the role he plays in her character growth. Speaking of the handsome devil, catch me I’m falling head over heels for this man. Also a bookworm, he’s a vigilante, for more selfish reasons, but we’re gonna give him a pass. He has a traumatic backstory. He’s the type to fight a God for you, burn the world to the ground without a second thought, for you. He not only aids in your reading addiction but supports your love for food and personal mission, because he absolutely loves and adores you, f*€k everyone else. 😍
If you’ve read books 1 and 2 in the series then I highly, HIGHLY, recommend you read this one. Now, since this is a standalone series, if you’re into forbidden love, dark themes, dramione vibes, which a hearty serving of spice and content warnings, then this is for you. Even though it can be read as a standalone, I would still recommend reading Brutal Rival and Feral Guardian first. You’ll appreciate the overlap and have some valuable insight and clarity in certain scenes.
*Thank you, Ember Holt, for providing me with a complimentary e-copy. I am voluntarily leaving a review.*
justkarlah's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
▫️Dual 1st person POV▫️
I just want to start my review by saying that I have not read the first two books in the series. I went into it not knowing anything about the first two princesses or their stories. It didn't make the plot or world building too confusing, and I was able to follow along with the story for the most part. The only thing I did have some trouble with was all the characters that had multiple names/were referred to by different names.
Alyse was a strong-willed FMC with a passion for helping her people. She was pretty naive at the beginning, which makes sense since she's a princess, so it was nice to see her grow both in maturity and in delving into/developing her powers.
Kazimir is the definition of a possessive, overprotective MMC with a dark side. He was an interesting character to read about, and it would have been cool to learn more about his past and his progress to becoming a scribe at the castle. I loved that he created mechanisms that helped him use his powers to the best of their ability.
The story progressed at a pretty normal pace, although it did feel like some events passed by too quickly (almost like they had to cut them down to make the book shorter?).
There's a ton of tension between the two main characters, a large amount of sexual content, as well as some non-consensual scenes. I would definitely recommend checking the TWs before reading!
If you're looking for a fantasy book with forbidden love, revenge, and strong princesses, then this might be the book for you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I just want to start my review by saying that I have not read the first two books in the series. I went into it not knowing anything about the first two princesses or their stories. It didn't make the plot or world building too confusing, and I was able to follow along with the story for the most part. The only thing I did have some trouble with was all the characters that had multiple names/were referred to by different names.
Alyse was a strong-willed FMC with a passion for helping her people. She was pretty naive at the beginning, which makes sense since she's a princess, so it was nice to see her grow both in maturity and in delving into/developing her powers.
Kazimir is the definition of a possessive, overprotective MMC with a dark side. He was an interesting character to read about, and it would have been cool to learn more about his past and his progress to becoming a scribe at the castle. I loved that he created mechanisms that helped him use his powers to the best of their ability.
The story progressed at a pretty normal pace, although it did feel like some events passed by too quickly (almost like they had to cut them down to make the book shorter?).
There's a ton of tension between the two main characters, a large amount of sexual content, as well as some non-consensual scenes. I would definitely recommend checking the TWs before reading!
If you're looking for a fantasy book with forbidden love, revenge, and strong princesses, then this might be the book for you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Torture, Death, Rape, Sexual content, Physical abuse, Drug use, Body shaming, Confinement, Murder, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Alcohol and Animal cruelty
Minor: Slavery
wordynerdyanddirty's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
Third book in a series, dark fantasy romance. Incredible story, amazing to watch all of the separate story lines from the three books start to tie in to one another. Love seeing the MMC and FMC figure out imaginative ways to be together. Does include scenes of violence and assault.
sara37's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
smit5674's review
5.0
Once again I love this series.
Alyse is such a force. Not your average 'skinny princess' she spends most of her life hiding from her mother's wrath and being reminded she needs to stop eating so much.
Kazimir is... 🔥🔥 I mean damn. That man is one loyal S.O.B. and I'm here for it. As a servant of the crown, sworn to keep his hands off the princess, it was fun to get inside his head.
These two burn for each other the ENTIRE book and man does it pay off. This one was a bit for graphic, gore filled than the prior ones.
I can't wait for Gareth and Cecillia's short story and can't wait to continue the series.
5⭐
4ish🌶️
*I received an eARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily*
Alyse is such a force. Not your average 'skinny princess' she spends most of her life hiding from her mother's wrath and being reminded she needs to stop eating so much.
Kazimir is... 🔥🔥 I mean damn. That man is one loyal S.O.B. and I'm here for it. As a servant of the crown, sworn to keep his hands off the princess, it was fun to get inside his head.
These two burn for each other the ENTIRE book and man does it pay off. This one was a bit for graphic, gore filled than the prior ones.
I can't wait for Gareth and Cecillia's short story and can't wait to continue the series.
5⭐
4ish🌶️
*I received an eARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily*