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arwenlotr's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-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
4.5
The only thing I would say against it is sometimes the writing is harder to follow, but it is beautifully written, just a more challenging read. Also Nyte is a true morally grey character and I love how that’s captured. Deeply character driver with such a compelling romance and beautiful storytelling.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
megnut's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Violence, and Grief
Moderate: Confinement and Sexual content
Minor: Suicide attempt
kayceeisbookish's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Stars are Dying... as well as my attention span throughout this book at times. It has the bones of a great plot but drawls on and on at various places. Just when I would think "ok let's DNR," another carrot on a stick would nudge me to read another chapter. Overall, I'm glad I stuck with it. The story was decent but hits lulls at times. Characters were well written. I'll read book 2.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Gaslighting
thebookandwineclub's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is a hard book to review because I loved so much about the concept and the characters but I think it just got a bit lost in itself.
The world build is rather dense and whilst it focuses around creatures we often see in fantasy, the societal structure felt rather different, so there was a lot to learn.
And the main PoV is from a character with fragmented memories so I feel you spend a lot of the book as confused as her. I suspect it is a book that would completely click into place on a 2nd read.
✨🌙✨🌙
Premise:
Astraea can only remember the last 5 years of her life. And is trapped by a man who claims to be her protector, in a world riddled with vampires.
Every century, each land is allowed the chance to send a selected victor to the Libertatem, to complete a series of trials for safety from the vampires for 100 years.
And after a strange encounter with a mysterious man, Nyte, Astraea enters into a bargain with him, to help her escape her captivity, and leave with their land’s selected. But when things go wrong whilst travelling to the competition, Astraea finds herself having to enter the trails herself.
✨🌙✨🌙
Even summarising the book above was a challenge, because there’s so many different parts to it. But it’s definitely a fantastic concept and now so much more of the world is developed, I’m excited to see what happens in book 2.
And the dynamic between Astraea and Nyte was great. Nyte is kind of feral in his nature at times and has the filthiest mouth. And whilst Astraea finds his constant presence annoying at first, I love how he keeps prodding and aggravating her. Their dialogue and push/pull dynamic made the book for me. And there is a bit of spice in the last quarter of the book!
And I love a trail focused book and I liked how the trails really played into the competitors own mind, using their own thoughts against them.
And the general plot and bargain was great. Whilst I spent the first half of the book thinking I knew where this was all going, there’s a particular point (the first cave scene), that completely shocked me, and had me questioning so much more.
And also, the wider characters were fab! I loved the bonus chapter for Zath and Rose and wish we could have seen more of them in this book but suspect we will in the second. And I’m intrigued what happens next with Drystan.
Definitely keen to see what happens next, although there’s a lot of questions I have going into book 2. Plus I really hope we get to see more of their previous life but let’s see!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Violence, and Grief
mboucher96's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book was totally bananas. It's up to you to decide whether that is a good thing or a bad thing. I felt like I got whiplash in my brain from trying to figure out what was even happening, but I'm still intrigued enough to be on the look out for further novels in what is supposed to be a series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Blood, and Sexual harassment
palmkd's review against another edition
3.0
A lot of this book feels like a fever dream, and I think that's intentional. There's a lot going on, but ultimately it didn't work so well for me despite really liking the world and most of the characters. I really wanted more from it. I think it showed a lot of potential, but ultimately didn't deliver and took a lot of pages to do so. It does end with a good hook and promise of more to come. My understanding is it's a duology so I will probably try to borrow book 2 at some point.
That being said... I have some extended thoughts about this one. I read it for a readalong which meant I spent some extra time reflecting on the book.
I'll start with what I thought worked.
The concept and characters were great and I really wanted to root for them in their own situations. I hated Astraea's cruel protector who we meet at the start and everything with him made me so uncomfortable I really struggled with the book. I think this might be a bit of a trigger for me, this level of controlling,. This mindset of: oh we know better than you, and know what's best for you and will just make decisions to keep you safe but... you don't get to know any truth. Okay personal rant aside, I think those were somewhat intended feelings/reactions, we're not supposed to like him, but it was a LOT of ick for me.
Nyte is a good complex character with lots of sides, and with Cassia it was so nice to see Astraea have an actual friend and some normalcy.
I liked the Liberatem and the world building. The vampires were intriguing with their different types and traits. The fae were a fun touch. The whole back story with the stars was interesting.
There are some lovely moments and quotes. Really a lot of good nuggets in here.
Unfortunately while solid characters and world building are to two must haves, there was a lot that really through me out of this book and lessened my enjoyment.
I think with some more editing and polishing this would have been such a strong story. If I'm not mistaken it was first self-published before getting picked up so I have to wonder why there wasn't more editing for the version I read, or what happened there. Wording of many sentences were clunky and awkward. I found the wrong word a couple times in a few spots. I know these things happen but it was at too high a rate.
The unreliable narrator is a trope that can be really hit or miss for me. I think it's part of why I struggled so much in the beginning of the story before her escape. Unfortunately that same feeling of dislike came back a few times, when things were especially confusing.
When books give you that fever dream/confusion/unreliable narrator bit, they're asking you to step out on a ledge with them. There needs to be some trust in something for me to feel secure with that and I didn't feel that with this story. I didn't feel invested or committed to go through this level of confusion, and the payoff unfortunately wasn't there in the end. I felt bad for Astraea but I cared a lot more for everyone else than her somehow.
All that being said, I do still think this is an OK read, thus the 3 star rating. I'm disappointed that it wasn't more because there was a lot of potential.
That's not to say this isn't a good story for someone else, but it was not the right read for me at this time, that's for sure.
That being said... I have some extended thoughts about this one. I read it for a readalong which meant I spent some extra time reflecting on the book.
I'll start with what I thought worked.
The concept and characters were great and I really wanted to root for them in their own situations. I hated Astraea's cruel protector who we meet at the start and everything with him made me so uncomfortable I really struggled with the book. I think this might be a bit of a trigger for me, this level of controlling,. This mindset of: oh we know better than you, and know what's best for you and will just make decisions to keep you safe but... you don't get to know any truth. Okay personal rant aside, I think those were somewhat intended feelings/reactions, we're not supposed to like him, but it was a LOT of ick for me.
Nyte is a good complex character with lots of sides, and with Cassia it was so nice to see Astraea have an actual friend and some normalcy.
I liked the Liberatem and the world building. The vampires were intriguing with their different types and traits. The fae were a fun touch. The whole back story with the stars was interesting.
There are some lovely moments and quotes. Really a lot of good nuggets in here.
Unfortunately while solid characters and world building are to two must haves, there was a lot that really through me out of this book and lessened my enjoyment.
I think with some more editing and polishing this would have been such a strong story. If I'm not mistaken it was first self-published before getting picked up so I have to wonder why there wasn't more editing for the version I read, or what happened there. Wording of many sentences were clunky and awkward. I found the wrong word a couple times in a few spots. I know these things happen but it was at too high a rate.
The unreliable narrator is a trope that can be really hit or miss for me. I think it's part of why I struggled so much in the beginning of the story before her escape. Unfortunately that same feeling of dislike came back a few times, when things were especially confusing.
When books give you that fever dream/confusion/unreliable narrator bit, they're asking you to step out on a ledge with them. There needs to be some trust in something for me to feel secure with that and I didn't feel that with this story. I didn't feel invested or committed to go through this level of confusion, and the payoff unfortunately wasn't there in the end. I felt bad for Astraea but I cared a lot more for everyone else than her somehow.
All that being said, I do still think this is an OK read, thus the 3 star rating. I'm disappointed that it wasn't more because there was a lot of potential.
That's not to say this isn't a good story for someone else, but it was not the right read for me at this time, that's for sure.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Rape and Self harm
frawst_disasta_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The amount that I love this book cannot be overstated. I think this book works so well because Astrea doesn’t have her memories. We get to learn along with her.
A few parts feel messy, but the book doesn’t lose anything for its messiness. In fact, I think I love it because I don’t know everything.
I hope to learn more in book 2.
A few parts feel messy, but the book doesn’t lose anything for its messiness. In fact, I think I love it because I don’t know everything.
I hope to learn more in book 2.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Sexual content, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Self harm
ishura's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I genuinely would've DNF'd this book 18 pages in but the only reason I didn't is because it was the FIRST subscription box book I'd picked up and I was *so* determined to finish it so I could finally say I read one (ugh).
I honestly have so many complaints, I'm not sure where to start. Almost all of the characters felt shallow and had no personality. Hektor was an evil caricature, Nyte was just horny, Rose was the Badass Independent Girl. I'm not even sure Cassia and Zath had much personality outside of the other characters to ascribe anything to them... but *Astraea* was by far the worst offender because while she *had* personality, she was a naive, wet rag of a FMC who could literally never make up her mind as to whether she trusted Nyte or not. I read another review that said she kept changing her mind up to the last page and I thought that was a joke - no, dear reader, she does in fact go from loving him to hating him probably 20+ times in the last few chapters (sometimes multiple times a page, nevermind THE WHOLE ENTIRE REST OF THE BOOK).
I genuinely could not believe that Astraea was supposed to be some "mythical savior of mankind" considering that she a) was constantly in distress and always needed saving, b) could not make decisions for herself at all, and c) felt so immature. Something about the way she acted was too childish for my liking? I'm not sure if that was because of her memory loss or the abuse she'd experienced making her extremely sheltered, but for a 100+ year old character who'd literally fought in celestial wars, Astraea had no real emotional maturity. I *think* it was probably supposed to convey that she's just got an open heart and really cares for everyone, but the execution fell too flat for me. Also - it's giving a little too "pure innocent woman" and "evil corrupting love influence" which, blegh.
It sucks because I actually really like stories that deal with a character overcoming heartbreak/abuse and even though a solid 20% of this book focused on Astraea leaving her abusive relationship, it felt like the most stereotypical unserious take on an abusive relationship? She hardly ever thought about him once she left (no guilt?? no struggle? that's it?) and when he *was* weaponized against her in the later part of the book, she genuinely considered going back to him (LIKE DID YOU LEARN NOTHING?????). I think if the story had painted her waffling mistrust of Nyte more as a reaction to the abuse she suffered at the hands of Hektor it would've been more compelling, but instead it was absolutely frustrating!!
Don't even get me started on Cassia's plot either. I couldn't be bothered to care for her or her characterization so when *things* started happening and Astraea almost unalived herself over it, it just did not hit for me at all. I hate comparing books, but Crescent City had such a similar plotline (re: the relationship between the FMC and their best friend) and yet that one made me feel *far* more for Bryce/Danika than this one ever did with Astraea/Cassia.
Also, I have to say I think the writing style was one of this book's biggest failings. It felt like it was meant to be poetic, but instead came across as extremely passive and stilted. It was just *off*. Like, here's a few examples:
"At first glance, the sky was a blanket of tiny crystals, but there were layers I could measure the distance between, and the sizes, they blinked."
"My eyes didn't get the chance to fully express their incredulity before his grin dimpled one cheek, showing off his brilliant teeth."
"His switch of tone coiled my gut, racing my blood with alarm as I tried to find what had caused such a lethal, firm guard on his face."
I genuinely think that if the writing style had been tighter/more coherent, I could've given the poor characterization and predictable plot a pass, but there were soooooo many times a wacky sentence took me out of the book.
I was combing through a lot of other reviews and saw people say Nyte was the most interesting part. I gotta agree, but only after *finishing* the book (with what's revealed about his backstory at the end). The other 90% of the book and his interactions with Astraea was entirely him just wanting to screw her, which uuuggggghhhhh. Like how is the entire middle of this book **just** him coming onto her and her changing her mind every page about whether she's into it or not. I can't! I just can't!!
Weirdly, though, I think this book had the best spice of any adult book I've read (which is not saying much because that's like 4 total)? There's only two *full* on scenes (and one other bit of third base, iirc), and yet for as much as I hated the two main characters I had to say I was into it. THAT SAID, I did hate that the book made Astraea immediately despise Nyte after their first time together, it just felt so icky!! Do not have her finally get intimate with him only to then suddenly feel horrified and distrust him! (fwiw it was not because they got intimate, only because she learned something about him she didn't like... but STILL. would've been better as a slow burn).
I gotta say - for all the flaws, I think the premise and setup was actually interesting enough I'd be super interested in a prequel? I want to know how Nyte and Astraea originally met, the whole enemies-to-lovers story and everything (especially since it paints her as a far more capable person than she is during this plot). The fact that they legit led *wars* against each other and fell in love despite it all is intriguing to me! But honestly... I do not care to see the rest of this story through for all of book 1's disappointing bits, so I don't think I'll be finishing the trilogy. It was just so utterly frustrating from start to finish.
I honestly have so many complaints, I'm not sure where to start. Almost all of the characters felt shallow and had no personality. Hektor was an evil caricature, Nyte was just horny, Rose was the Badass Independent Girl. I'm not even sure Cassia and Zath had much personality outside of the other characters to ascribe anything to them... but *Astraea* was by far the worst offender because while she *had* personality, she was a naive, wet rag of a FMC who could literally never make up her mind as to whether she trusted Nyte or not. I read another review that said she kept changing her mind up to the last page and I thought that was a joke - no, dear reader, she does in fact go from loving him to hating him probably 20+ times in the last few chapters (sometimes multiple times a page, nevermind THE WHOLE ENTIRE REST OF THE BOOK).
I genuinely could not believe that Astraea was supposed to be some "mythical savior of mankind" considering that she a) was constantly in distress and always needed saving, b) could not make decisions for herself at all, and c) felt so immature. Something about the way she acted was too childish for my liking? I'm not sure if that was because of her memory loss or the abuse she'd experienced making her extremely sheltered, but for a 100+ year old character who'd literally fought in celestial wars, Astraea had no real emotional maturity. I *think* it was probably supposed to convey that she's just got an open heart and really cares for everyone, but the execution fell too flat for me. Also - it's giving a little too "pure innocent woman" and "evil corrupting love influence" which, blegh.
It sucks because I actually really like stories that deal with a character overcoming heartbreak/abuse and even though a solid 20% of this book focused on Astraea leaving her abusive relationship, it felt like the most stereotypical unserious take on an abusive relationship? She hardly ever thought about him once she left (no guilt?? no struggle? that's it?) and when he *was* weaponized against her in the later part of the book, she genuinely considered going back to him (LIKE DID YOU LEARN NOTHING?????). I think if the story had painted her waffling mistrust of Nyte more as a reaction to the abuse she suffered at the hands of Hektor it would've been more compelling, but instead it was absolutely frustrating!!
Don't even get me started on Cassia's plot either. I couldn't be bothered to care for her or her characterization so when *things* started happening and Astraea almost unalived herself over it, it just did not hit for me at all. I hate comparing books, but Crescent City had such a similar plotline (re: the relationship between the FMC and their best friend) and yet that one made me feel *far* more for Bryce/Danika than this one ever did with Astraea/Cassia.
Also, I have to say I think the writing style was one of this book's biggest failings. It felt like it was meant to be poetic, but instead came across as extremely passive and stilted. It was just *off*. Like, here's a few examples:
"At first glance, the sky was a blanket of tiny crystals, but there were layers I could measure the distance between, and the sizes, they blinked."
"My eyes didn't get the chance to fully express their incredulity before his grin dimpled one cheek, showing off his brilliant teeth."
"His switch of tone coiled my gut, racing my blood with alarm as I tried to find what had caused such a lethal, firm guard on his face."
I genuinely think that if the writing style had been tighter/more coherent, I could've given the poor characterization and predictable plot a pass, but there were soooooo many times a wacky sentence took me out of the book.
I was combing through a lot of other reviews and saw people say Nyte was the most interesting part. I gotta agree, but only after *finishing* the book (with what's revealed about his backstory at the end). The other 90% of the book and his interactions with Astraea was entirely him just wanting to screw her, which uuuggggghhhhh. Like how is the entire middle of this book **just** him coming onto her and her changing her mind every page about whether she's into it or not. I can't! I just can't!!
Weirdly, though, I think this book had the best spice of any adult book I've read (which is not saying much because that's like 4 total)? There's only two *full* on scenes (and one other bit of third base, iirc), and yet for as much as I hated the two main characters I had to say I was into it. THAT SAID, I did hate that the book made Astraea immediately despise Nyte after their first time together, it just felt so icky!! Do not have her finally get intimate with him only to then suddenly feel horrified and distrust him! (fwiw it was not because they got intimate, only because she learned something about him she didn't like... but STILL. would've been better as a slow burn).
I gotta say - for all the flaws, I think the premise and setup was actually interesting enough I'd be super interested in a prequel? I want to know how Nyte and Astraea originally met, the whole enemies-to-lovers story and everything (especially since it paints her as a far more capable person than she is during this plot). The fact that they legit led *wars* against each other and fell in love despite it all is intriguing to me! But honestly... I do not care to see the rest of this story through for all of book 1's disappointing bits, so I don't think I'll be finishing the trilogy. It was just so utterly frustrating from start to finish.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and Suicide attempt
dragonaion's review against another edition
Within the first thirteen pages, the story was already about a Mary Sue who started out watching people from the rafters, admiring dancers (and copying them on said rafters), to running back to her room so she wouldn't get caught, trapping herself in a room with a guy where she just decides to dance for him. You know, still being chased, but she can stop to dance. Then suddenly is entranced by a vampire who takes out her soul, shows it to her, and says that only she can defend herself against him.
The thing about fantasy is that you write it like reality. This is clearly a fantasy because this could only be imagined in the author's head. It's a real shame because the book is physically gorgeous.
The thing about fantasy is that you write it like reality. This is clearly a fantasy because this could only be imagined in the author's head. It's a real shame because the book is physically gorgeous.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Murder
Minor: Sexism and Sexual content
stuffed_with_books's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
.5⭐️ for how pretty this book is-the cover is attractive and the art inside is well done.
.5⭐️ for a decent spice scene and content warnings. We love a consent king.
.5⭐️ for an interesting concept.
This book is bad. The stakes don't matter, you rarely find answers, and this badly needed an editor.
.5⭐️ for a decent spice scene and content warnings. We love a consent king.
.5⭐️ for an interesting concept.
This book is bad. The stakes don't matter, you rarely find answers, and this badly needed an editor.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Emotional abuse and Torture