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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
In this epic fantasy romance, Princess Candra's seven-year confinement in a tower to appease a vengeful goddess is transformed by her unlikely companion, Nemeth, a warrior from the enemy Fellian race. Initially hostile, their relationship blossoms into love, set against the backdrop of political intrigue and war. The story's rich world-building and suspenseful twists kept me captivated. Candra's evolution from a spoiled princess to a resilient woman and Nemeth's noble character added depth to their romance. With its blend of mystery, emotional growth, and intense romance, this story was an enchanting and passionate escape. Ruby Dixon masterfully uses the enemies-to-lovers trope, making this a compelling read that I couldn't put down.
I was given the book by NetGalley as an ARC and I honestly couldn't finish it. I don't think it's a bad book it's just I was not in the head space for this book, it was not as easy of a read as previous Dixon books I have read. I may return to this story later when I am in the right place for it, please don't judge this book by my review. This was on me.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The first half of the book I adored but after that some things made me upset. I loved the traveling. I loved up until they got to Darkfell and he started keeping secrets and so did she which made me not give the book 5 stars. I liked the last pages. I liked the ending but because of a few things I’m giving the book a 4.25
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I actually loved this. I thought the pacing was a bit jarring but it made sense in the context of this world and story. I loved the world building.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Confinement, Sexual content, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Death of parent, Abandonment, War
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Bound to the Shadow Prince by Ruby Dixon is a fun story that is inspired by Greek Tales loosely but provides an interesting fantasy plot that gives a unique fantasy tale that many folks might enjoy when looking for their next Romantasy read. I don't know what I was expecting when I picked up this book, but when I saw the author of Ice Planet Barbarians, I couldn't help but start diving into this story.
This is more fantastical compared to her other tales, but something I love about Ruby is the world building that occurs within the story. This is more of a standalone story though I can definitely see some spin offs of this tale that can happen. Overall this story follows Princess Candra as she is unexpectedly supposed to go into a tower in order to prevent the gods from being upset with the human race for 7 years. They are also joined by Nemeth from a race called Fellians who are bat-like humanoid creatures. A part of the story includes Candra being sick and having to take medicine. Being in such close quarters also means that the two will run into each other, and they will learn and survive together.
The plot of this story is so fun, and I enjoyed reading Ruby's author note afterwards because it made this book go from 4.5 to 5 stars for me. If you also read this book make sure to read that afterwards because there were details I didn't even notice until the end. I loved how this book presented itself as a simple stay in the tower, but then there were many twists and turns. I would encourage folks to keep reading this because it is not what you expect at the end.
Of course the characters are lovable too. I love Nemeth as he is just an introverted guy who just wanted to read War Poetry, but is always trying to do right by his people and the people he loves. There was a moment where I wanted to kill him, but all was forgiven by the end, but I love that I can still feel so many emotions. I will say though Candra was not my favorite. I think she annoyed me more because her mind was very much, "Woe is me, I am sick, I am screwed, I hate it here" for the first half of the book. I get it, but in the end, I think Nemeth makes up for her poor attitude.
So at the end of the day, if you are looking for a spicy romantasy with another bat boy who is more bat then boy who is super endearing I think this one is a good choice for you. I loved this story and really enjoyed it, and I think that more people would enjoy it too, especially if you love Ruby Dixon in general.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this ebook.
Ruby Dixon created yet another totally unique, rich fantasy setting. I continue to be in awe of her ability to write female lead who starts out hard to love (like I start these books sure I could never possibly like this chick) and ends up being a favorite character, along with a brooding, enigmatic monster hero. Her world-building is, as always, particularly impressive, with a dark atmosphere that immerses readers in a realm filled with magic, intrigue, and peril.
The plot is expertly paced initially then takes a turn (just over half-way through), which is really my only complaint.
PS if you ever had a weird feeling for a gargoyle this book is probably for you
Spice: 3/5 - open door, repeated, explicit language
CW: chronic illness, war, slavery, fatphobia, rape/attempted rape, child death
Ruby Dixon created yet another totally unique, rich fantasy setting. I continue to be in awe of her ability to write female lead who starts out hard to love (like I start these books sure I could never possibly like this chick) and ends up being a favorite character, along with a brooding, enigmatic monster hero. Her world-building is, as always, particularly impressive, with a dark atmosphere that immerses readers in a realm filled with magic, intrigue, and peril.
The plot is expertly paced initially then takes a turn (just over half-way through), which is really my only complaint.
PS if you ever had a weird feeling for a gargoyle this book is probably for you
Spice: 3/5 - open door, repeated, explicit language
CW: