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4.24 AVERAGE
4.24 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
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
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Mansfield Park meets Snow White and the Huntsman, but make it ✨Fae✨
This was a really enjoyable, fairly fast-paced read, perfect for the winter season.
Florentia is sacrificed to the Fae by her younger brother, left to fend for herself in unfamiliar territory that's crawling with unsavoury creatures.
Enter wolf-shifter Garrick: a swoon-worthy hunter willing to aid our lady Ren in avoiding said creatures, which have been sent to hunt her down on behalf of the cruel royal family that rule the land.
But all is not as it seems, and we soon find ourselves on a rollercoaster of twists and turns as the story unfolds.
The royal siblings really are despicable, and you cannot help hate them. Ren's character development is a delight to behold, and the growing feelings between her and Garrick leave you hoping all will work out in the end.
There was enjoyable banter, and I particularly enjoyed side-character Aspen as the friend Ren really needed while navigating her current circumstances.
This was the first time I've read this author's work, but it definitely won't be my last!
Thank you to Rachel L. Schade for sending me an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review 🤍
This was a really enjoyable, fairly fast-paced read, perfect for the winter season.
Florentia is sacrificed to the Fae by her younger brother, left to fend for herself in unfamiliar territory that's crawling with unsavoury creatures.
Enter wolf-shifter Garrick: a swoon-worthy hunter willing to aid our lady Ren in avoiding said creatures, which have been sent to hunt her down on behalf of the cruel royal family that rule the land.
But all is not as it seems, and we soon find ourselves on a rollercoaster of twists and turns as the story unfolds.
The royal siblings really are despicable, and you cannot help hate them. Ren's character development is a delight to behold, and the growing feelings between her and Garrick leave you hoping all will work out in the end.
There was enjoyable banter, and I particularly enjoyed side-character Aspen as the friend Ren really needed while navigating her current circumstances.
This was the first time I've read this author's work, but it definitely won't be my last!
Thank you to Rachel L. Schade for sending me an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review 🤍
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Slavery, Vomit, Kidnapping, Death of parent, War
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Ren, with her unusual silver hair and possible fae parentage, is an outsider among her village in this reimagining of Jane Austen's Mansfield Park. When her high emotions yield ice magic, Ren is cast into the realm of the fae as a sacrificial offering to the ruthless royal family. The story takes an unexpected turn as Ren forms an alliance with Garrick, a charismatic wolf shifter and hunter.
There is delightful banter and swoony romance. The exchanges between Ren and Garrick bring a spark of humor and warmth, providing a counterbalance to the darker undertones of the story. The twists in the plot kept me engaged with surprises unfolding in a satisfying manner.
However, I did not like that forgiveness was extended to a certain character and the resolution of certain plot events, at times, feels too convenient, lacking the natural flow that would make them seamlessly integrated into the narrative. This aspect slightly detracts from the authenticity of the story, making some developments appear forced.
The strength of "Fortress of Blood and Power" lies in its ability to weave a tale of romance amidst the complexities of a fae world. The chemistry between Ren and Garrick is palpable, adding a layer of romantic tension that keeps readers invested in their journey. This is altogether a fun fantasy romance that blends elements of Jane Austen's classic with the allure of fae magic.
Thanks to the author for the eARC. This is an honest review.
There is delightful banter and swoony romance. The exchanges between Ren and Garrick bring a spark of humor and warmth, providing a counterbalance to the darker undertones of the story. The twists in the plot kept me engaged with surprises unfolding in a satisfying manner.
However, I did not like that forgiveness was extended to a certain character and the resolution of certain plot events, at times, feels too convenient, lacking the natural flow that would make them seamlessly integrated into the narrative. This aspect slightly detracts from the authenticity of the story, making some developments appear forced.
The strength of "Fortress of Blood and Power" lies in its ability to weave a tale of romance amidst the complexities of a fae world. The chemistry between Ren and Garrick is palpable, adding a layer of romantic tension that keeps readers invested in their journey. This is altogether a fun fantasy romance that blends elements of Jane Austen's classic with the allure of fae magic.
Thanks to the author for the eARC. This is an honest review.
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
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:
Yes
This second installment of the Fae of Brytwilde series is just as good as the first. Though this book is listed as the second in the series, this series is comprised of interconnected standalone novels so you do not have to read them in publication order to enjoy them. I also have never read any classic literature such as Mansfield Park, Pride and Prejudice, etc so I don’t know how loosely based these books are but they are enjoyable nonetheless.
Let me tell you that Garrick is one of my new favorite MMCs. Flirtatious but courteous, protective without being overbearing, a cinnamon roll character that loves to bring humor to situations and tells stories, but will hurt/kill to protect those he loves. I just absolutely love him and appreciated the reprieve from brooding, grumpy, fae MMCs.
Florentia (Ren) is our lovely FMC that goes through some character growth in this story. I don’t want to give too much away but this is Ren’s story so she is the main protagonist and the story is told through her POV so it’s only natural that growth is centered around her. Her personality definitely comes out more as the story progresses and she becomes less restricted from her conservative, human upbringing/societal standards and learns to fully embrace who she is.
The villains in this story are true villains and as much as I love some morally grey or misunderstood villains, it’s nice to see some protagonists be just straight up evil.
You may enjoy this story if you like:
❄️ cinnamon roll MMC with a dash of touch her and 💀 vibes
❄️ Chosen heroine/destiny
❄️ rebellion
❄️ variety of magical abilities
❄️ shifter fae
❄️ truly evil villains
❄️ a dash of fae politics
❄️ rooting for the underdog/outcasts
❄️ Swoony and tension filled romance
❄️ no spice fantasy
I thoroughly enjoy this series and I look forward to the next in then series as there’s a tiny sneak peak at the end of the book as to what the next one will be.
I’m appreciative for the ARC that was given to me by the author. These thoughts and opinions are my own and are left voluntarily
Let me tell you that Garrick is one of my new favorite MMCs. Flirtatious but courteous, protective without being overbearing, a cinnamon roll character that loves to bring humor to situations and tells stories, but will hurt/kill to protect those he loves. I just absolutely love him and appreciated the reprieve from brooding, grumpy, fae MMCs.
Florentia (Ren) is our lovely FMC that goes through some character growth in this story. I don’t want to give too much away but this is Ren’s story so she is the main protagonist and the story is told through her POV so it’s only natural that growth is centered around her. Her personality definitely comes out more as the story progresses and she becomes less restricted from her conservative, human upbringing/societal standards and learns to fully embrace who she is.
The villains in this story are true villains and as much as I love some morally grey or misunderstood villains, it’s nice to see some protagonists be just straight up evil.
You may enjoy this story if you like:
❄️ cinnamon roll MMC with a dash of touch her and 💀 vibes
❄️ Chosen heroine/destiny
❄️ rebellion
❄️ variety of magical abilities
❄️ shifter fae
❄️ truly evil villains
❄️ a dash of fae politics
❄️ rooting for the underdog/outcasts
❄️ Swoony and tension filled romance
❄️ no spice fantasy
I thoroughly enjoy this series and I look forward to the next in then series as there’s a tiny sneak peak at the end of the book as to what the next one will be.
I’m appreciative for the ARC that was given to me by the author. These thoughts and opinions are my own and are left voluntarily