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shinyfox's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual harassment, Animal death, Violence, Murder, Blood, Gore, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Sexual violence, Sexism, Adult/minor relationship, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Vomit, Death of parent, Grief, War, and Abandonment
greystory's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
I got talked into finally digging into this one by Opal Reyne's new discord. Overall, enjoyed, and especially loved the worldbuilding and the way we eventually come to meet the female main character, Ivy.
I liked Ivy quite a bit. While her story was sad, she was still determined and strong and doing her best in a really shit situation, both prior to meeting Ketahn and afterwards.
Ketahn. Man, I really wanted to like Ketahn more. In general he was alright and there were times I could really dig him but then he'd go and do something pretty dub-con-y with Ivy and I'd be very displeased with him again.
Although Ivy is ultimately always OK with whatever bullshit he pulls, it's clear it's not always immediately consensual or wanted. I was always hoping they'd at least address it afterwards or something but nope, they never do.
The closest they get is actually the worst offense when they first mate and she tries to talk about it. He reiterates that she's been claimed and when she tries to say "you can't just decide that!" he becomes threatening. Instead of it turning into sex (and only sex), I would have really loved a moment of them connecting on another level and communicating better. Why couldn't he just explain what a claiming is and how it works instead of insisting on his own way?Like why did he never actually say the dress he made was supposed to be a wedding dress?? That alone could have made the tone of the initial claiming way different and maybe Ivy wouldn't have been so scared? (WHY was she even written as scared to begin with???)
One of the things he did do well was be a complete smartass about the self-centered shitty queen. I especially loved this little comeback:
I liked Ivy quite a bit. While her story was sad, she was still determined and strong and doing her best in a really shit situation, both prior to meeting Ketahn and afterwards.
Ketahn. Man, I really wanted to like Ketahn more. In general he was alright and there were times I could really dig him but then he'd go and do something pretty dub-con-y with Ivy and I'd be very displeased with him again.
Although Ivy is ultimately always OK with whatever bullshit he pulls, it's clear it's not always immediately consensual or wanted. I was always hoping they'd at least address it afterwards or something but nope, they never do.
The closest they get is actually the worst offense when they first mate and she tries to talk about it. He reiterates that she's been claimed and when she tries to say "you can't just decide that!" he becomes threatening. Instead of it turning into sex (and only sex), I would have really loved a moment of them connecting on another level and communicating better. Why couldn't he just explain what a claiming is and how it works instead of insisting on his own way?
One of the things he did do well was be a complete smartass about the self-centered shitty queen. I especially loved this little comeback:
Telok straightened also, drumming his forelegs on the branch. “And you, Ketahn. I am glad she did not eat you alive.”
“Had she done so, I would have used my final breath to ensure she choked.”
Again, the worldbuilding was cool and I was very engrossed in the mystery of the story around Ivy's people.
That ending kinda sucked. It was very abrupt, no resolution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Violence, Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, and Gore
Moderate: War and Religious bigotry
readingwithdee's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism and Sexual harassment
deans_reads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
4.0
I was not expecting to like this as much as I did. Over the last year I have really started to read unapologetically. For the first 30-35% or so, I had the roughest time connecting to this book, I had to keep going back to the cover to envision Ketahn’s physicality and the worldbuilding was confusing for a bit. The writing was really well done, the descriptions were great. There is a bit of the standard hands exploring with dubious consent and some forcible mating. Not SA, but moreso “You are my mate now” type situation. Ivy’s journey through this book was an interesting interpretation of how someone would handle waking up on a new planet with a person-thing you can’t understand. Her acceptance of her attraction to Ketahn and her new life was delightful.
I didn’t love the cliffhanger ending, and I will read the next book and hold off judgment until I can see how it wraps up; trilogies aren’t usually my favorite things.
I didn’t love the cliffhanger ending, and I will read the next book and hold off judgment until I can see how it wraps up; trilogies aren’t usually my favorite things.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, Sexual harassment, Sexism, Death, Blood, Animal death, and Sexual content
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