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carat_svt's review
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
rrgailey's review
3.0
This book was pretty predictable and the ending felt rushed, but it was a fun, mindless fantasy romance read while my brain continues to feel like mush with the cold that will not end.
speedireads's review against another edition
4.0
I think this might be my favorite book in the Dark Rulers series. If you shipped Prince Zuko and Katara, definitely give this a read. I thought the main characters were good foils to one another, making the enemies-to-lovers feel believable.
I sometimes struggle when you have an unlikeable main character in romance. It can be hard for the reader to get on board with the sunshine character pining after the grump - especially if they're a violent caricature. But I think Kenney did a good job of making The Ash King genuinely unlikeable at first before slowly peeling back layers for both the reader and our girl, Cailin. That being said, The Ash King didn't suddenly become a virtuous non-violent puppy in an instant. His progress is non-linear and he remains somewhat cruel up until the end.
I really enjoyed the plot, magic system, violence, and I especially enjoyed the smut (dear god, that massage scene almost killed me).
I may just have to read this one again.
I sometimes struggle when you have an unlikeable main character in romance. It can be hard for the reader to get on board with the sunshine character pining after the grump - especially if they're a violent caricature. But I think Kenney did a good job of making The Ash King genuinely unlikeable at first before slowly peeling back layers for both the reader and our girl, Cailin. That being said, The Ash King didn't suddenly become a virtuous non-violent puppy in an instant. His progress is non-linear and he remains somewhat cruel up until the end.
I really enjoyed the plot, magic system, violence, and I especially enjoyed the smut (dear god, that massage scene almost killed me).
I may just have to read this one again.
remil's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
romaverse's review
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Well... that was interesting.
Cailin is insufferable sometimes, a lot of times. That is all I have to say.
And the Ash King singing? Peak entertainment.
Again, I will be here waiting for the day I come to fully appreciate books like this.
Cailin is insufferable sometimes, a lot of times. That is all I have to say.
And the Ash King singing? Peak entertainment.
Again, I will be here waiting for the day I come to fully appreciate books like this.
kaseylitch's review against another edition
5.0
Not gonna lie this one had me stressed out. RFK strapped me down on a rollercoaster of emotions and slapped the back of that bad boy with a big smile on her face. Do I love the Ash King? Yes. Is he a horrible bastard? Also yes. I’m not a strong woman.
allymarciewrites's review against another edition
1.0
DNF. The Ash King is toxic AF and I wanted Caillin to kill him so bad