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Maybe the real Fonte is the friends we made along the way.
Jokes aside, it's been a long while since I've last thoroughly enjoyed a YA fantasy like this. The concept wasn't exactly unique but the execution made up for it, plus the writing was immaculate and the slow burn romance was exquisite. It checked all the fantasy must-haves in my list.
Nevermind that the middle chunk of the book was weird because it focused a little too much on the romance but once you realize this was written as a romantic fantasy, reading through the rest of the book was a breeze. I was literally up until 3 AM because I was that invested (in both the romance and plot, obviously!)
I can't believe the author expects me to wait until August 2023 for the sequel. Waiting with bated breath as we speak.
Jokes aside, it's been a long while since I've last thoroughly enjoyed a YA fantasy like this. The concept wasn't exactly unique but the execution made up for it, plus the writing was immaculate and the slow burn romance was exquisite. It checked all the fantasy must-haves in my list.
Nevermind that the middle chunk of the book was weird because it focused a little too much on the romance but once you realize this was written as a romantic fantasy, reading through the rest of the book was a breeze. I was literally up until 3 AM because I was that invested (in both the romance and plot, obviously!)
I can't believe the author expects me to wait until August 2023 for the sequel. Waiting with bated breath as we speak.
Not at all what I was expecting but I loved it. It made me laugh, cry, and scream. I need book 2 yesterday as the ending just killed me.
The main characters have such growth that you can't help but cheer for them.
The main characters have such growth that you can't help but cheer for them.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-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
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
You can definitely tell that this book is YA, but I really liked it nonetheless! 4.5 stars ⭐️ Can’t wait for the second book to come out in August!
Fantasy is not a genre I typically gravitate towards, but I had seen some buzz about this book and every post I saw made me want to read it! Also…bodyguard romance! Yes please!
This book had a great mix of magic, demons, Italian influence, romance, friendship…and did not feel overwhelmingly fantasy for someone like me who rarely reads fantasy. I enjoyed not just Alessa and Dante’s characters, but the side characters as well!
While I read it primarily for the romance, I really enjoyed the other parts of this book too! Alessa’s powers have turned deadly, leaving her isolated and unable to be touched by another person. After killing 3 others, the island is ready to be rid of her, but is she really still their only hope at survival? Knowing people are willing and able to kill her to get her out of the way, she decides to get her own bodyguard, Dante. As it turns out, Dante is more than meets the eye, and he might just be the solution Alessa needs.
I truly enjoyed this story so much, and have continued to think about it (well, mostly think about Alessa and Dante
This book had a great mix of magic, demons, Italian influence, romance, friendship…and did not feel overwhelmingly fantasy for someone like me who rarely reads fantasy. I enjoyed not just Alessa and Dante’s characters, but the side characters as well!
While I read it primarily for the romance, I really enjoyed the other parts of this book too! Alessa’s powers have turned deadly, leaving her isolated and unable to be touched by another person. After killing 3 others, the island is ready to be rid of her, but is she really still their only hope at survival? Knowing people are willing and able to kill her to get her out of the way, she decides to get her own bodyguard, Dante. As it turns out, Dante is more than meets the eye, and he might just be the solution Alessa needs.
I truly enjoyed this story so much, and have continued to think about it (well, mostly think about Alessa and Dante
4.5 rounded up
Alessa has received a gift from the gods that is supposed to be used to amplify her partner’s powers and safe their people, however, she ends up killing anyone she touches instead. With only a short time left before her home island is devoured by demons, Alessa must find a way to find a partner without killing them before it’s too late. After an assassination attempt by one of her soldiers, Alessa recruits a killer off the streets, Dante, to be her personal bodyguard. Will Dante be able to help Alessa control her powers, or will one (or both) of them die trying??
Love love love!! I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for the next one! I listened to the audiobook and will by buying a physical copy so I can reread before the next book comes out!
I truly loved the characters and can’t wait to read more about them. Alessa and Dante were obviously by far my favorites. They were just so real, flaws and all.
One of my favorite things about the book was that it didn’t just focus on saving the world and romance like so many fantasy books do. Alessa developing friendships, first with Dante, then her Fonti (the chosen group she has to pick from to become her next partner) made the book so much more real.
I loved the world and enjoyed how easy it was to understand. I especially loved the Old World Italian influence. The world was a character itself, adding to the story which is something I always love in books.
I don’t want to say too much and ruin the plot but I’ll leave it with this, that cliff hanger!!! Oh my! I CANNOT WAIT for the next book to see what happens after the cliff hanger!
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Alessa has received a gift from the gods that is supposed to be used to amplify her partner’s powers and safe their people, however, she ends up killing anyone she touches instead. With only a short time left before her home island is devoured by demons, Alessa must find a way to find a partner without killing them before it’s too late. After an assassination attempt by one of her soldiers, Alessa recruits a killer off the streets, Dante, to be her personal bodyguard. Will Dante be able to help Alessa control her powers, or will one (or both) of them die trying??
Love love love!! I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for the next one! I listened to the audiobook and will by buying a physical copy so I can reread before the next book comes out!
I truly loved the characters and can’t wait to read more about them. Alessa and Dante were obviously by far my favorites. They were just so real, flaws and all.
One of my favorite things about the book was that it didn’t just focus on saving the world and romance like so many fantasy books do. Alessa developing friendships, first with Dante, then her Fonti (the chosen group she has to pick from to become her next partner) made the book so much more real.
I loved the world and enjoyed how easy it was to understand. I especially loved the Old World Italian influence. The world was a character itself, adding to the story which is something I always love in books.
I don’t want to say too much and ruin the plot but I’ll leave it with this, that cliff hanger!!! Oh my! I CANNOT WAIT for the next book to see what happens after the cliff hanger!
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I found this confusing, either because it was poorly written or because I wasn't paying attention to it. Either option is a problem. I didn't like the dynamic between the main characters and wasn't interested in them or their romance.