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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
SPOILERS AHEAD!
This second of the Grimstone series from Sophie Lark is better than the first.
The ending was, however, unrealistic given Elena has a phobia of small cramped spaces. I’m sorry but I woman who has childhood trauma of being pinned inside a cat and is then trapped in a wall Edgar-Allan-Poe-style would not likely want to sex up her rescuer immediately after her rescue. I also felt that it took waaaaaay too long to get to such a short ending, which made it unsatisfying.
This second of the Grimstone series from Sophie Lark is better than the first.
The ending was, however, unrealistic given Elena has a phobia of small cramped spaces. I’m sorry but I woman who has childhood trauma of being pinned inside a cat and is then trapped in a wall Edgar-Allan-Poe-style would not likely want to sex up her rescuer immediately after her rescue. I also felt that it took waaaaaay too long to get to such a short ending, which made it unsatisfying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Blood, Car accident, Death of parent
Made a mistake picking up book 2 before reading book 1 which I DNF’d. This series is just not for me.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
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:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
fast-paced
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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:
Complicated
Such A Dark, Thrilling, Emotionally Beautiful Rollercoaster Ride
I went straight from reading Grimstone into reading Monarch. In my humble opinion, Monarch by Sophia Lark is better than Grimstone, but just barely. This story is less gloomy yet still as compelling and dark, more thriller than suspense. You get flashes of truth here and there throughout this story, which leads you to believe the story is going one way only to have that thought obliterated by the next flash. The only constant for me was the knowledge that Lorne is an absolute evil person that in no way deserves Elena. Elena is the FMC that you cheer for from beginning to end, the one you want nothing but the best for because she truly does deserve all the best things; love, safety, happiness. I also found Ivy to be a wonderful addition and am thankful that she gets the loving family she deserves in the end. Atlas is the MMC, perfection personified. He is the sexy, tall, broody protector who has never believed in love at first sight, or any of those sappy moments… Until he sees her, then he will do anything to keep her safe which turns into my favorite thing… “Touch her and die.” I get shivers and goosebumps every time. I was so intrinsically enticed by this story that once I started, I could NOT put it down. Lark has weaved her magical words so effectively that I was spellbound. The imagery, characters, and plot were intrinsically woven to create a powerful narrative that had me hooked and craving more! It’s definitely an emotional rollercoaster I was sad to leave. My only regret is that I cannot read this book for a first time again.
dark
emotional
reflective
Definitely a good follow up and a look into the little town of Grimstone.
Loved the story between Atlas and Elena. I remember hearing about Atlas in book 1 and it was this thought process that he is this larger than life personality. well to me he was and though I loved Dane I could not wait to read about Atlas and the story did not disappoint. he was just as protective as I thought he would be. he was just as kind and gentle as I thought he would be and he was just as angry and grumpy as I thought he would be. I just wanted a little bit more towards the end. that's the only reason for the three and a half Stars. I wanted more of a fight between him and who he goes up against.
Loved the story between Atlas and Elena. I remember hearing about Atlas in book 1 and it was this thought process that he is this larger than life personality. well to me he was and though I loved Dane I could not wait to read about Atlas and the story did not disappoint. he was just as protective as I thought he would be. he was just as kind and gentle as I thought he would be and he was just as angry and grumpy as I thought he would be. I just wanted a little bit more towards the end. that's the only reason for the three and a half Stars. I wanted more of a fight between him and who he goes up against.
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
While Monarch purports to be a dark romance, there's not really anything dark about it. There's a lot of romance build up between Elena and Atlas, a lot of talk about how Lorne is a a liar and controlling, but right when it could become a dark book it's all over. The plot could be great but there was so much build up to an epic confrontation for it all to fizzle out in the end. For what this book is, it is enjoyable minus how Sophie Lark speaks about Ukranians throughout (there's a lot of subtle shade thrown and it's distasteful). Elena, Atlas and Ivy were gripping by their fingertips to hold up this book until the end.
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No