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tessa_b's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
5.0
skateanddonate's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book. It was a comfortable one day read. A bit disappointed, because there was no series progression and it just felt like a lot of back story. Always think of this series as paranormal romance and after finishing this book it took me awhile to figure out who the romance couple was. So basically no character progression just a bunch of side stories fleshing out characters.
louisanheinrich's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
deardarlingreader's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
nancybeth's review
3.0
I was torn on this book. In the first half, almost nothing happens. Instead, every person's attire is described in detail, there are a ton of backstory info dumps that had no bearing on events in this novel, and EVERY conversation Elena has is described word for word. Literally every conversation - with every person she interacts with. And she interacts with a lot of people. So much of this was filler and did not contribute AT ALL to the main storyline.
There is little conflict for Elena and Raphael as a couple. What I enjoyed about their previous books, and what makes them my favorite couple in the series, is watching them grow as a couple and figure things out as a new unit. But their growth as a couple happens in the two years prior to this book, and this book's pages devote little time to exploring their relationship.
The second half was more interesting as the actual plot of the novel came to the forefront. I was held in suspense and genuinely spooked by the atmosphere of Lumia. I couldn't put the book down because I wanted to learn what secrets the Luminata were hiding. While the second half held many of the same weaknesses as the first half, I noticed them less because I was caught up in the progression of the mystery.
I finished the book with mixed emotions. I would rate the first half of the book a 2 and the second half a 4. So I settled with a 3 for the overall book.
There is little conflict for Elena and Raphael as a couple. What I enjoyed about their previous books, and what makes them my favorite couple in the series, is watching them grow as a couple and figure things out as a new unit. But their growth as a couple happens in the two years prior to this book, and this book's pages devote little time to exploring their relationship.
The second half was more interesting as the actual plot of the novel came to the forefront. I was held in suspense and genuinely spooked by the atmosphere of Lumia. I couldn't put the book down because I wanted to learn what secrets the Luminata were hiding. While the second half held many of the same weaknesses as the first half, I noticed them less because I was caught up in the progression of the mystery.
I finished the book with mixed emotions. I would rate the first half of the book a 2 and the second half a 4. So I settled with a 3 for the overall book.
n_avya24's review against another edition
3.0
while I feel like this was necessary, at the same time I feel like it dragged on a little and was boring at times.
I am really happy we got more of Elena’s backstory because I really like her
I am really happy we got more of Elena’s backstory because I really like her
illiumbluebell's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
We are back with Elena and Raphael as the Cadre is called together to Lumia in order to decide whether or not Lijuan has gone to Sleep/is dead. While there they investigate the mystery of the cult like Luminata and Elena's family history.
Liked the plot...but adored all the Aodhan content. After only a few years back into the world he's finding his place. He smiles and not only lets Elena touch him, he even initiates touch with her...with Illium. While Illium is happy to have his friend back he also forgets that Aodhan can be strong on his own causing friction between the two.
Is it obvious that Bluebell and Sparkles are my favorites?
Great addition to the series.
Liked the plot...but adored all the Aodhan content. After only a few years back into the world he's finding his place. He smiles and not only lets Elena touch him, he even initiates touch with her...with Illium. While Illium is happy to have his friend back he also forgets that Aodhan can be strong on his own causing friction between the two.
Is it obvious that Bluebell and Sparkles are my favorites?
Great addition to the series.
Graphic: Violence