Scan barcode
angelareads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a very fun read! The magic was great, the more of the kingdom was interesting, the world was a little basic, but easily navigable, and the plot didn't drag.
My only issue with this book was the nature of the character development. Our two main characters do change. I like their arcs. They learn and grow, though one goes through a chapter or two at the end when they just didn't seem like themselves. However, there was one side character who changed drastically in a sudden way. This was treated as a plot twist, but it didn't land, so this character didn't get the story they really deserved.
Other than that I had a fantastic time! This is a fantasy story with magical objects and stolen thrones. It's not amazingly new in any surprising ways, but it is comforting and a great time.
My only issue with this book was the nature of the character development. Our two main characters do change. I like their arcs. They learn and grow, though one goes through a chapter or two at the end when they just didn't seem like themselves. However, there was one side character who changed drastically in a sudden way. This was treated as a plot twist, but it didn't land, so this character didn't get the story they really deserved.
Other than that I had a fantastic time! This is a fantasy story with magical objects and stolen thrones. It's not amazingly new in any surprising ways, but it is comforting and a great time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Murder, Self harm, and Violence
Moderate: Kidnapping, Mental illness, and Pregnancy
Minor: Miscarriage, Torture, and Terminal illness
melaniereadsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Thank you to Netgalley and RB Media for the alc of this book!
Maralyth has wanted nothing more from her life than to be able to work her secret magic on her father's vineyards. Alac wants nothing to do with the dark magic his bloodline has stolen, making themselves kings. When Mara finds out she is the true heir to the throne, her and Alac are set at odds with each other even though they feel something else.
I really loved the writing in this book. It was captivating and flowed well. I felt it did a good job not info dumping but still providing necessary world building!
I really loved the two main characters and thought they had great charisma. The plot was intriguing, even though the heavy focus on vineyards seemed a little odd to me.
I really loved Mara's magic, and would have liked to see her use it in even more ways.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read, and the audiobook narrators were great!
Maralyth has wanted nothing more from her life than to be able to work her secret magic on her father's vineyards. Alac wants nothing to do with the dark magic his bloodline has stolen, making themselves kings. When Mara finds out she is the true heir to the throne, her and Alac are set at odds with each other even though they feel something else.
I really loved the writing in this book. It was captivating and flowed well. I felt it did a good job not info dumping but still providing necessary world building!
I really loved the two main characters and thought they had great charisma. The plot was intriguing, even though the heavy focus on vineyards seemed a little odd to me.
I really loved Mara's magic, and would have liked to see her use it in even more ways.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read, and the audiobook narrators were great!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Death, and Kidnapping
Minor: Animal death, Death of parent, Grief, and Violence
themixedpages's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Kidnapping, Death, Murder, Animal death, and Death of parent
More...