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haleyrayreads's review
adventurous
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Moderate: Child death, Genocide, Death, and Misogyny
dalek_caan's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
4.0
This book made me feel a lot of emotions. It was definitely a can't-put-this-book-down kind of book. I will definitely be reading the next one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, War, Blood, Body horror, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Genocide, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Violence
csantos's review
I just stopped caring about the characters (I don’t think I ever really cared about them.) It seemed as if the author wanted to tell this tale of found-family, close friendships, and epic romance but didn’t want to put in the work of showing us these relationships building on page. Like all of a sudden, Remy is close with Bri and Carys but we never see how it got there. We’re just supposed to buy it. Same with the romance plot line. That wouldn’t bother me so much if the plot kept me intrigued. I guessed what I’m sure was supposed to be a plot-twist about 80 pages in.
I don’t want to say that AK Mulford ripped another author off , because I know that artists are inspired by others they respect, admire, etc. but thelast living member of the royal family who was long thought dead plotting to take back her throne plot<\spoiler> is very reminiscent of the plot of a very popular romantasy author’s first series. Also, when when Remy and Hale are getting sexy and trying to distract the other royal fae by being lewd, and they accidentally get turned on even though they are acting<\spoiler> I can’t help but be reminded of that same romantasy authors very famous throne room scene in another one of her series. It’s practically the same thing. There were so many lines that I highlighted that I’m like , I remember this dialogue from another authors fantasy romance series. I would say this is beyond being inspired or influenced by another author. I don’t want to accuse of plagiarism, but the similarities are too uncanny to be a mere coincidence.
There were some sweet moments, likable characters, and a promising premise, but it all fell flat. I just didn’t believe that the stakes were as high as Mulford was trying to convince us. I did not believe the romantic or platonic connections were there with the characters. I can’t bring myself to care how this story ends. Bottom line:this author spent a lot of time telling us these relationships and stakes exist, but did little to make the reader believe or care.
Props for diversity in race, gender, and sexuality. That was the only thing that didn’t seem forced and it was believable for the characters.
I don’t want to say that AK Mulford ripped another author off , because I know that artists are inspired by others they respect, admire, etc. but the
There were some sweet moments, likable characters, and a promising premise, but it all fell flat. I just didn’t believe that the stakes were as high as Mulford was trying to convince us. I did not believe the romantic or platonic connections were there with the characters. I can’t bring myself to care how this story ends. Bottom line:this author spent a lot of time telling us these relationships and stakes exist, but did little to make the reader believe or care.
Props for diversity in race, gender, and sexuality. That was the only thing that didn’t seem forced and it was believable for the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide and Violence
aseel_reads's review
adventurous
dark
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? Yes
3.75
This was sold to me as: a properly diverse acotar novel and it pretty much delivered. Very easy to read, fun times, not too deep or profound
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Child death, Genocide, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Grief, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Slavery, Torture, and Violence
apersonfromflorida's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Genocide
Moderate: War, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Child death and Vomit
liliana_b's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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? No
4.0
Super derivative. Some word choices were odd. World building is okay. But boy am I a sucker for spicy fantasy. Spicy scenes are sparse but the tension between characters makes it. Bonus points for incredible inclusivity that didn’t feel forced and robotic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death of parent, Genocide, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Child death, and Sexual content
gattolinos_nerdy_nook's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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? No
4.0
I am a sucker for fae romances and this is no exception from my love.
I was intrigued by not only the characters but the world that has been created. The history alone that we learn in book one makes me want to pick up a history book of the world. I also liked how the courts are different in their cultures rather than types of magic they use as is common in fae books. It made the world feel more alive.
I adore Remy and Hale's relationship and interactions. They were just so fun. I thought all the side characters were good and had intriguing plot lines that I hope we explore with the other books in the series. I cannot wait to continue with the series and explore more of the world.
I was intrigued by not only the characters but the world that has been created. The history alone that we learn in book one makes me want to pick up a history book of the world. I also liked how the courts are different in their cultures rather than types of magic they use as is common in fae books. It made the world feel more alive.
I adore Remy and Hale's relationship and interactions. They were just so fun. I thought all the side characters were good and had intriguing plot lines that I hope we explore with the other books in the series. I cannot wait to continue with the series and explore more of the world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Genocide, Torture, and War
Minor: Death of parent, Child death, and Body horror
rhi_'s review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Genocide, Murder, Sexual content, Blood, Death, Gore, and War
Minor: Confinement, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
nikkisbooknook's review
adventurous
mysterious
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? No
4.5
I've not read a fantasy book in ages. I just felt that sometimes they were all style no substance. Well, this book blew that theory out of the water. Whilst there is world-building and an overarching plot, you're not bogged down in made up languages and you don't have to refer to the world map every 5 minutes to remember where you are!
All your favourite fantasy figures are represented: fae, witches, humans. There are fated mates (of all variants not just MF), magic and quests. it feels a bit like Dungeons and Dragons come to life and I really enjoyed it. I'm a sucker for a hidden identity type trope and this delivered.
Remy, a red witch, is hiding in plain sight amongst Brown witches (Healers), trying to stay under the radar of witch hunters. Enter Hale, of the Eastern Court, who is on a quest for some fabled artifacts, and his posse of Fae warriors. Remy is strong, emotionally and magically. She loves her found family and would do anything for them. Hale and his team interrupt their plan of being incognito though. Hale himself has a compelling backstory and I enjoyed learning more about him during their journey. Hale is equally compelling, and I loved learning more about him and his backstory. Don't be too quick to judge some of the characters - allies may be found in some very overlooked places!
The characters are all fully formed and have distinct personalities. They are not "perfect" and have their flaws. What I loved most about the world was its inclusiveness. It's LGBTQ+ friendly, has all sizes of people represented and love is love, no matter who or what you are. Each area has a distinct feel and the descriptions provided really cement the vision of them in your head.
Whilst there is prejudice between the races represented it doesn't mean that Fae/Witches/Humans can't or don't work together to overturn the High King. They just have their own strengths and weaknesses.
The banter is on point and you know that this team may take the pee out of each other but they are in this together.
Onwards and Upwards to book two!
All your favourite fantasy figures are represented: fae, witches, humans. There are fated mates (of all variants not just MF), magic and quests. it feels a bit like Dungeons and Dragons come to life and I really enjoyed it. I'm a sucker for a hidden identity type trope and this delivered.
Remy, a red witch, is hiding in plain sight amongst Brown witches (Healers), trying to stay under the radar of witch hunters. Enter Hale, of the Eastern Court, who is on a quest for some fabled artifacts, and his posse of Fae warriors. Remy is strong, emotionally and magically. She loves her found family and would do anything for them. Hale and his team interrupt their plan of being incognito though. Hale himself has a compelling backstory and I enjoyed learning more about him during their journey. Hale is equally compelling, and I loved learning more about him and his backstory. Don't be too quick to judge some of the characters - allies may be found in some very overlooked places!
The characters are all fully formed and have distinct personalities. They are not "perfect" and have their flaws. What I loved most about the world was its inclusiveness. It's LGBTQ+ friendly, has all sizes of people represented and love is love, no matter who or what you are. Each area has a distinct feel and the descriptions provided really cement the vision of them in your head.
Whilst there is prejudice between the races represented it doesn't mean that Fae/Witches/Humans can't or don't work together to overturn the High King. They just have their own strengths and weaknesses.
The banter is on point and you know that this team may take the pee out of each other but they are in this together.
Onwards and Upwards to book two!
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Death of parent, and Genocide
ka_ke's review
adventurous
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? No
4.0
This is a safe fantasy-romance to read. It’s kind of like if Throne of Glass and FBAA had a love child. The cast is diverse and filled with lovable characters. I would have liked to see more banter between Remy and Hale though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Classism, Cursing, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail, Gaslighting, Grief, Murder, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent and Genocide
Minor: War, Vomit, and Trafficking