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lyss008's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
eesh25's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars
I planned to write the review sooner. But then there were other reviews and books to finish, and I just forgot. So I'm gonna attempt one now.
I liked the book. Objectively, it's better than the first. It introduced a series-wide plot, the pacing is better, the world is better developed, the story flows better, and even the writing is slightly improved. But I didn't enjoy it as much as the first. Also, the protagonist never fully grew on me.
We met Matthew in the first book while he was being an incompetent fuckwit. It wasn't entirely his fault, but that still doesn't make me like him. This book made me like him over time, but still not... enough. Arik was even more difficult to deal with. A part of me felt bad for everything he went through. But parts of his crappy life were just bad decisions. And he never quite stopped blaming the Armitage pack for keeping him locked up in the beginning! Like dude, you tried to kill them all and put a love spell on their leader! You're lucky all they're doing is keeping you in a basement!
Speaking of... I hate love spells. Like really really hate them. And the one in this book lasted too long for my taste.
Overall, a better written book, but if I were to pick one to reread, it'd be the first. Still, I'm excited for the rest of the series now that we have an idea of what the big picture is. And I'm even open to Matthew and Arik being in them. Maybe they'll be better as side-characters.
I planned to write the review sooner. But then there were other reviews and books to finish, and I just forgot. So I'm gonna attempt one now.
I liked the book. Objectively, it's better than the first. It introduced a series-wide plot, the pacing is better, the world is better developed, the story flows better, and even the writing is slightly improved. But I didn't enjoy it as much as the first. Also, the protagonist never fully grew on me.
We met Matthew in the first book while he was being an incompetent fuckwit. It wasn't entirely his fault, but that still doesn't make me like him. This book made me like him over time, but still not... enough. Arik was even more difficult to deal with. A part of me felt bad for everything he went through. But parts of his crappy life were just bad decisions. And he never quite stopped blaming the Armitage pack for keeping him locked up in the beginning! Like dude, you tried to kill them all and put a love spell on their leader! You're lucky all they're doing is keeping you in a basement!
Speaking of... I hate love spells. Like really really hate them. And the one in this book lasted too long for my taste.
Overall, a better written book, but if I were to pick one to reread, it'd be the first. Still, I'm excited for the rest of the series now that we have an idea of what the big picture is. And I'm even open to Matthew and Arik being in them. Maybe they'll be better as side-characters.
yamuna_rai's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
grover_25's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked the first book so I was excited for this one…but I was really slugging through it and just wanted it to end for most of the book. The main reason was that I really disliked Arik. Like a lot. He wasn’t an enjoyable character for me to read. I also didn’t get how they fell in love with each other….we didn’t seem much connecting till the end. Also, they all forgave Arik pretty dang fast and easy. But I liked the book pretty well the last 15-10% or so, and am excited to continue the series.
Nate was still my fav character, and Matthew was good too.
Oh, I almost forgot, I totally got teary eyed when….spoiler alert….the forest helped Arik save Nate! Such a good moment. I love trees.
Nate was still my fav character, and Matthew was good too.
Oh, I almost forgot, I totally got teary eyed when….spoiler alert….the forest helped Arik save Nate! Such a good moment. I love trees.
zie22214's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
4.0
minnerain's review
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
spinach69888's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
woodland's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rowan111's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thewitchykitty's review against another edition
5.0
The second book didn’t disappoint at all! While Ian and Nate are still my favorite couple, Matthew and Arik are still super cute and hot.
I understand why some readers had a hard time warming up to Erik. He’s a villain turned captive and he’s got an attitude and so much trauma buried in that pretty body. Put yourself in his shoes, and you might be able to understand him better.
With that said, I adored Arik as a character. He’s complex and complicated with a squishy spot that made me squeal when Matthew finally found it.
Actually, none of these characters are “normal”. Every single one has flaws or baggage or trauma. Just like every single one of us do in reality. And maybe that’s why I connect so well with these characters and this story. No one is perfect but we get to watch these characters grow and become who they’ve always wanted to be.
I loved that Nate and Ian were still big characters in this story. And we saw more of their relationship and how Nate is growing into himself and becoming a better warlock. I just seriously appreciate that the author didn’t just shove them to the side and derailed their development because there’s a new couple to focus on. Linear storylines throughout multiple books are my favorite and I’m so glad I found this author!
I understand why some readers had a hard time warming up to Erik. He’s a villain turned captive and he’s got an attitude and so much trauma buried in that pretty body. Put yourself in his shoes, and you might be able to understand him better.
With that said, I adored Arik as a character. He’s complex and complicated with a squishy spot that made me squeal when Matthew finally found it.
Actually, none of these characters are “normal”. Every single one has flaws or baggage or trauma. Just like every single one of us do in reality. And maybe that’s why I connect so well with these characters and this story. No one is perfect but we get to watch these characters grow and become who they’ve always wanted to be.
I loved that Nate and Ian were still big characters in this story. And we saw more of their relationship and how Nate is growing into himself and becoming a better warlock. I just seriously appreciate that the author didn’t just shove them to the side and derailed their development because there’s a new couple to focus on. Linear storylines throughout multiple books are my favorite and I’m so glad I found this author!