Scan barcode
rshute95's review
adventurous
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.25
This was kind of sci-fi meets dystopia with a mix of cultiness that was never fully named. I kept waiting for some kind of lesson but none came in book 1. For parts of the book I definitely had nooooo idea what was going on but it became more and more lovable as I read and I'm interested to read book 2!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Lots of swearing and descriptions of sex/orgasms so just FYI for young readers or readers who just aren't into that! Not smut thoughel_wheel's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I'll start by saying I won this book in a giveaway and am grateful for the opportunity but unfortunately, this is a book I have some very mixed feelings on. The idea is a very interesting one and I like the concept but I found I always had more questions than answers. It could be argued this is due to it being assumedly the first of a series, but it was frustrating at times and made it hard to get into the book. I just wanted more explanation than was usually provided, mostly about the supernatural elements of the story and on the goddess worshippers which were intriguing, especially as a fully male group, but who I feel never get proper attention in the story due to a focus on the story's relationships.
On that note, I also am not sure how to feel about one particular romance in the book. Firstly, I think this book has much more romance and is much more of a romance novel than it's description leads one to believe, and while I like romance novels that's not what I expected of this book which effects my feelings on it as well. Additionally, while Will and Xenia are sweet, I don't understand the need for the secondary "romance" in the book, if you can even call it that. It was creepy and felt very coerced and non-consensual frequently which was uncomfortable. I would compare it to a Stockholm Sydrome situation more than an "enemies-to-lovers" concept.
My other big note on the story is with the actual writing. While the content of the book itself was interesting and the writing was well done, there were a few structural elements that broke my flow of reading. For example, grammatical errors left me rereading passages multiple times to understand them, and inconvenient footnote locations meant I had to flip between pages to get further context. This second issue was especially noticeable in the digital format I read the book in, but would likely be less of an issue with a physical copy.
On that note, I also am not sure how to feel about one particular romance in the book. Firstly, I think this book has much more romance and is much more of a romance novel than it's description leads one to believe, and while I like romance novels that's not what I expected of this book which effects my feelings on it as well. Additionally, while Will and Xenia are sweet, I don't understand the need for the secondary "romance" in the book, if you can even call it that. It was creepy and felt very coerced and non-consensual frequently which was uncomfortable. I would compare it to a Stockholm Sydrome situation more than an "enemies-to-lovers" concept.
My other big note on the story is with the actual writing. While the content of the book itself was interesting and the writing was well done, there were a few structural elements that broke my flow of reading. For example, grammatical errors left me rereading passages multiple times to understand them, and inconvenient footnote locations meant I had to flip between pages to get further context. This second issue was especially noticeable in the digital format I read the book in, but would likely be less of an issue with a physical copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Sexual content
Moderate: Confinement, Kidnapping, and Dysphoria
Minor: Drug use, Medical content, and Sexual assault
eleanor_r's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I love how this book weaves together stories of two women, one traversing the post-climate-change wilds of a near-future Midwestern America, one covering similar ground on the early 19th century frontier.
The near-future story follows Xenia, a prickly, no-nonsense character who's challenged and changed by her experiences in the Flood Zone. The historical story follows Camilla, a woman seeking creative fulfillment and purpose beyond the confined society of early America. Both of them are surprised by what they find in Harmonie, and I can't wait for book 2 to see what happens next!
If you like spice in your SFF, you won't be disappointed here. But I also really appreciate that Xenia and Cam's stories aren't totally driven by their relationships- they have other goals and dreams beyond hooking up.
I've been to some of the places the novel is set in, like New Harmony, Indiana, and I love the strong sense of place in the book. Even though set in different times, this book captures the people and places I know and love.
Disclaimer: I know the author and was a beta reader, but I'm not being compensated for this review+
The near-future story follows Xenia, a prickly, no-nonsense character who's challenged and changed by her experiences in the Flood Zone. The historical story follows Camilla, a woman seeking creative fulfillment and purpose beyond the confined society of early America. Both of them are surprised by what they find in Harmonie, and I can't wait for book 2 to see what happens next!
If you like spice in your SFF, you won't be disappointed here. But I also really appreciate that Xenia and Cam's stories aren't totally driven by their relationships- they have other goals and dreams beyond hooking up.
I've been to some of the places the novel is set in, like New Harmony, Indiana, and I love the strong sense of place in the book. Even though set in different times, this book captures the people and places I know and love.
Disclaimer: I know the author and was a beta reader, but I'm not being compensated for this review+
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Sexual content
Moderate: Medical content and Dysphoria
More...