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I felt like everything that happened in the book happened at the end. I don't think Atlas and Elena getting to know each other needed to take that long. That was like a week but then at the end of the book she was taken then instantly saved..? and because that was the end of book it was a quick not very emotional thing and boom they are having sex again. I get the need to make it like smutty but no.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
When I say I want a quick gothic dark romance, this is what I mean. It may not have the dark academia vibes, but a Gothic hotel overtop a cliff? That’s close enough for government work. Of the Grimstone series, this is definitely my favorite.
While my favorite part of this book was the setting, the FMC gets points for not being an idiot. Sure, she makes some unfortunate decisions, but none of her motivations that led to that decision are unbelievable. Plus, our MMC is a classic dark and broody bear-of-a-man which is a comforting trope to read.
What’s keeping this book from 5 stars is certainly not a unique complaint: a lot of books in this genre are very insta-lovey. The relationship between the FMC and MMC is pretty immediate. Sure, our MMC complains morally about being interested in the FMC, but that really didn’t seem to hinder him at all. Lastly, I wish we got some background on Ivy’s refusal to speak. Is it by choice? Is it trauma-based? I was hoping either for an explanation or an extended epilogue where she speaks to Atlas or something.
While my favorite part of this book was the setting, the FMC gets points for not being an idiot. Sure, she makes some unfortunate decisions, but none of her motivations that led to that decision are unbelievable. Plus, our MMC is a classic dark and broody bear-of-a-man which is a comforting trope to read.
What’s keeping this book from 5 stars is certainly not a unique complaint: a lot of books in this genre are very insta-lovey. The relationship between the FMC and MMC is pretty immediate. Sure, our MMC complains morally about being interested in the FMC, but that really didn’t seem to hinder him at all. Lastly, I wish we got some background on Ivy’s refusal to speak. Is it by choice? Is it trauma-based? I was hoping either for an explanation or an extended epilogue where she speaks to Atlas or something.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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:
Yes
I wasn’t sure what I thought at the start but really enjoyed it the more I read. I listened to the audiobook whilst reading. Atlas was a cutie but Lorne. Eurgh
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
. I enjoyed this book. It had an interesting storyline. The twist at the end was something you could tell was coming. Atlas is definitely book boyfriend material. Elena was a character I liked. She had her moments for sure. The antagonist was icky and annoying. It’s a slow burn, with most of the spice happening in the second half, and majority of it being near the end. I do recommend this book
dark
emotional
mysterious
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Overall, I think this was a great book. There were lots of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The relationship between Elena and Atlas was something that they both needed. I hate what the girls went through towards the end of the book, but more than happy that they made it through and could have the ending they deserve.