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thethingwithfeathers's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Murder, Kidnapping, and Grief
nikogatts's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
1.75
Like a few books I've read this year, this had an amazing premise but fell well short of expectations when it came to worldbuilding, character arcs, and the development of the main characters' relationship. The romantic leads were instantly and wildly attracted to each other and the sex scenes veered between generic and absurd.
Rounded up to just under 2 stars, since the plot involved the characters questioning authority and fighting a corrupt system, and at least the book synopsis actually matched the contents of the book.
Rounded up to just under 2 stars, since the plot involved the characters questioning authority and fighting a corrupt system, and at least the book synopsis actually matched the contents of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol and Death of parent
flyingryndeer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Blood, and Sexual content
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Death of parent and Gun violence
beecomet's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Lots of sex.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content
ka_ke's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Violence, Cursing, Gaslighting, and Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Grief
stephs_bookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
mynameisrebecca's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Sexual content, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Minor: Death of parent and Slavery
regagibs's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Murder
Minor: Cursing and Grief
kleinepanda's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
4.5
A story worth being told, and read, for numerous reasons. Told in a duel POV: a golden retriever MMC that has deep dedication and loyalty to a system that he follows without question and a black cat FMC that questions absolutely everything, even direct orders meant to keep her safe. The underlying narratives of attachment and creating your found family are there while the open door bedroom scenes are spicy, but also very true to the characters. Intimacy and sexual tension not just to have it but because it makes sense to their nature.
Highly recommend this book both because it's otherworldly and I could feel the salt water on my face but also because it's well grounded and easy to connect with.
Highly recommend this book both because it's otherworldly and I could feel the salt water on my face but also because it's well grounded and easy to connect with.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Slavery, Violence, Death, Grief, and Trafficking
Minor: Injury/Injury detail and Cannibalism
enslavement under threat of deathbangiebangs's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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? Yes
4.0
4*
- Ends on a soft cliffhanger (ie the story isn't finished, this is only book 1, but it has a finished first arc and doesn't end mid scene or on some huge emotional open question).
- spice 4/5 (lots and detailed)
I've read quite a lot by Katee Robert so far (Bloodline Vampires, Wicked Villains, Dark Olympus, and some I'm probably forgetting now) and really love their writing style. This book didn't disappoint: the story flows well, the POVs are well done (and we love a plucky heroine). The love story could have been more drawn out, I do like a bit of a slow burn, but it does work like this as well.I did think that it felt a tad abrupt in some places, for both of them. Lust, yes, but the sudden love admissions were a tad sudden and I don't think it suits the characters, especially as they both have so much else to deal with.
The world-building here is really enjoyable (kinda-pirates, portals) and I'm looking forward to more. Plus, the overarching arc is set up now as well- so we can wonder, who is the rebellion group, who is the leader, will the Council fall or be defeated? .
So to sum up:
A feel-good book, easy to get into and fast-paced, driven by a (slightly chaotic) love story and spiiiice, with interesting world-building and a lighthearted vibe. Much lighter and less serious than Dark Olympus, so if you want intricate politics then you might be disappointed. If you want to feel good and read about ships, the sea, a dashing captain, with dragons and vampires and witches.. then you'll have a good time reading this!
- Ends on a soft cliffhanger (ie the story isn't finished, this is only book 1, but it has a finished first arc and doesn't end mid scene or on some huge emotional open question).
- spice 4/5 (lots and detailed)
I've read quite a lot by Katee Robert so far (Bloodline Vampires, Wicked Villains, Dark Olympus, and some I'm probably forgetting now) and really love their writing style. This book didn't disappoint: the story flows well, the POVs are well done (and we love a plucky heroine). The love story could have been more drawn out, I do like a bit of a slow burn, but it does work like this as well.
The world-building here is really enjoyable (kinda-pirates, portals) and I'm looking forward to more. Plus, the overarching arc is set up now as well
So to sum up:
A feel-good book, easy to get into and fast-paced, driven by a (slightly chaotic) love story and spiiiice, with interesting world-building and a lighthearted vibe. Much lighter and less serious than Dark Olympus, so if you want intricate politics then you might be disappointed. If you want to feel good and read about ships, the sea, a dashing captain, with dragons and vampires and witches.. then you'll have a good time reading this!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, and Sexual content