Scan barcode
shaylac's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I'm a little underwhelmed to say the least.
After finishing the first book in the series I was excited to start the second book to get a more in-depth look at some of the characters but it felt like it was a bit lackluster. There wasn't much plot or character building in this book, granted there were a lot of things that happened throughout the book. It almost felt as though there were too many issues instead of the characters having to focus on one or two; as a reader there wasn't a main focal point as it almost felt chaotic.
To be fair, there were a lot of twists and turns that you would have or not have picked up hints on throughout the book. There's also a good amount of spice that was included, which I think we're all here for 😉
After finishing the first book in the series I was excited to start the second book to get a more in-depth look at some of the characters but it felt like it was a bit lackluster. There wasn't much plot or character building in this book, granted there were a lot of things that happened throughout the book. It almost felt as though there were too many issues instead of the characters having to focus on one or two; as a reader there wasn't a main focal point as it almost felt chaotic.
To be fair, there were a lot of twists and turns that you would have or not have picked up hints on throughout the book. There's also a good amount of spice that was included, which I think we're all here for 😉
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Death, Gore, and Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual assault, Grief, and Rape
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, War, and Pregnancy
cjfray's review against another edition
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Abandonment, Body horror, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Rape, War, Sexual assault, and Torture
gattolinos_nerdy_nook's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
3.5
Whilst I didn't like this book as much as the first one I still think it was good and eventually found it's foot towards the last half.
The lore and world building for this series is still very well done in my opinion. We keep learning more history and why certain things are the way they are in their current timeline compared to the past. I think a lot of the secondary characters really pulled the story along and kept it going since Isolde and Adrian were not a highlight this book. The plot of the book was also lackluster but did at least build to a hopefully a more interesting third book.
The real issue I had with this story was Isolde and Adrian and their relationship. It felt very toxic on both sides, a lot of their actions didn't feel like they matched their characters at all. The book bought up so many issues between them and then made waved it away with sex between them.In particular I felt that Isolde was abusive towards Adrian. She would yell and event hit him at times when she was angry at something Adrian did and never apologised for her actions whilst whenever Adrian was in the wrong he at least apologised eventually and in character. Adrian on the other hand doesn't feel like he understand that Isolde is not her past life at all despite what he says. It's not even a struggle that we really see play out and that he comes to terms with, this is a words don't match actions issue. I didn't feel like he loved Isolde at all but only what she was in the past and keeps comparing the two.
Event after everything I will still read the third book and see if any of the build up pays off and hopefully there are some much needed improvements.
The lore and world building for this series is still very well done in my opinion. We keep learning more history and why certain things are the way they are in their current timeline compared to the past. I think a lot of the secondary characters really pulled the story along and kept it going since Isolde and Adrian were not a highlight this book. The plot of the book was also lackluster but did at least build to a hopefully a more interesting third book.
The real issue I had with this story was Isolde and Adrian and their relationship. It felt very toxic on both sides, a lot of their actions didn't feel like they matched their characters at all. The book bought up so many issues between them and then made waved it away with sex between them.
Event after everything I will still read the third book and see if any of the build up pays off and hopefully there are some much needed improvements.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Blood, War, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Religious bigotry and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
booksbytheglass's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
this series is absolutely nuts!! I swear, scarlett st clair must put crack in her writing because the plot is so repetitive, the dialogue is weak, and the characters seem to be regressing on their personalities - BUT I COULD NOT STOP READING THIS!
the secrets and betrayals of war really made this one for me! I appreciated the decrease in spice scenes from the first one to make way for more world building and characterization - except it felt like a lot of the characters definitely were weaker emotionally and physically compared to the first book…
and the plot itself was beyond repetitive, especially when isolde gets betrayed and stabbed by those she trusted approximately three different times 🫠like, we couldn’t switch it up? just betrayal after betrayal?
I felt like I was reading ten fantasy novels at once, and while it felt like lazy writing and editing, I also really loved it so please don’t change hahaha! this review is really just a contradictory mess pls excuse me
and that cliffhanger? that I have to now wait 6+ months on? I shouldn’t be this invested in what happens next, but boy am I 👀 sometimes we need a hot messy book to get us going okay
now delaney needs to hurry up and finish too so we can scream together!!!
rating: 3.5 stars
wine pairing: beaujolais nouveau
the secrets and betrayals of war really made this one for me! I appreciated the decrease in spice scenes from the first one to make way for more world building and characterization - except it felt like a lot of the characters definitely were weaker emotionally and physically compared to the first book…
and the plot itself was beyond repetitive, especially when isolde gets betrayed and stabbed by those she trusted approximately three different times 🫠like, we couldn’t switch it up? just betrayal after betrayal?
I felt like I was reading ten fantasy novels at once, and while it felt like lazy writing and editing, I also really loved it so please don’t change hahaha! this review is really just a contradictory mess pls excuse me
and that cliffhanger? that I have to now wait 6+ months on? I shouldn’t be this invested in what happens next, but boy am I 👀 sometimes we need a hot messy book to get us going okay
now delaney needs to hurry up and finish too so we can scream together!!!
rating: 3.5 stars
wine pairing: beaujolais nouveau
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape
dorleness's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Torture, Death of parent, Blood, Death, Injury/Injury detail, War, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Medical content, Rape, Pandemic/Epidemic, Pregnancy, Child death, and Cursing
kbz_22's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Queen of Myth and Monsters by Scarlett St. Clair is a book that left me with mixed feelings. While it had its moments, there were certain aspects of the story that hindered my overall enjoyment.
One of the main issues I encountered was the shallow and emotionally toxic nature of the relationship between the main characters. Their connection lacked depth, and their interactions often felt forced and contrived. This left me craving more substance and genuine emotion in their bond.
However, what intrigued me more were the plotlines of the minor characters. They provided a refreshing change of pace and added depth to the overall narrative. I found myself more invested in their stories, hoping for further exploration and development.
Towards the end of the book, the story does pick up and improve significantly. The pacing becomes more engaging, and the plot twists add an element of surprise. Despite this improvement, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed by the earlier sections of the book, where the main characters’ relationship dominated the narrative.
One of the main issues I encountered was the shallow and emotionally toxic nature of the relationship between the main characters. Their connection lacked depth, and their interactions often felt forced and contrived. This left me craving more substance and genuine emotion in their bond.
However, what intrigued me more were the plotlines of the minor characters. They provided a refreshing change of pace and added depth to the overall narrative. I found myself more invested in their stories, hoping for further exploration and development.
Towards the end of the book, the story does pick up and improve significantly. The pacing becomes more engaging, and the plot twists add an element of surprise. Despite this improvement, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed by the earlier sections of the book, where the main characters’ relationship dominated the narrative.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Rape, Violence, and Sexual content
thestickwitch's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
3.5
For me this was more of a back story book that really got you connected with the characters and their traumas with some sprinkles of happy moments and spicy scenes. While also showcasing how the character navigate through the traumas even in times of strife. I will be waiting in anticipation for book 3.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Grief, Miscarriage, Murder, Pandemic/Epidemic, Rape, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Torture, War, Body horror, Child death, Colonisation, Cursing, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Blood, Death, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, and Vomit
tamara_loves_reading's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
Definitely a highlight of the year!
This was so good! I couldn‘t stop reading!!
It started where the first book endet and got straight forward.
Though adrian and isolde got finally together and she remembered there were still fights, discussions, fucking, love making, deep talk, betrayal, secrets, sobs, caring. It wasn‘t this fairytale relationship.
This book was so much deeper!
The side characters, world building, the integration of the past, the end ( OMG!).
The empowerment in this book was enormous and i felt it.
I had some goosebumps moments in this books.
The battle cry of isolde before the battle started? goosebumps!
The past before she got burnt and this secret was released? GOOSEBUMPS! ðŸ˜
I really really can’t wait for the third book!
This was so good! I couldn‘t stop reading!!
It started where the first book endet and got straight forward.
Though adrian and isolde got finally together and she remembered there were still fights, discussions, fucking, love making, deep talk, betrayal, secrets, sobs, caring. It wasn‘t this fairytale relationship.
This book was so much deeper!
The side characters, world building, the integration of the past, the end ( OMG!).
The empowerment in this book was enormous and i felt it.
I had some goosebumps moments in this books.
The battle cry of isolde before the battle started? goosebumps!
The past before she got burnt and this secret was released? GOOSEBUMPS! ðŸ˜
I really really can’t wait for the third book!
Content Warnings
Minor: Vomit, Rape, Alcoholism, and War
julienicole1106's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Grief, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Child death, Cursing, Death of parent, Sexual content, Alcohol, Animal death, Sexual assault, Blood, Death, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, War, Pregnancy, Rape, and Toxic friendship
abreanna_j's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
The only reason I did not give this book a five star is because I wish we had more chapters from Adrian’s perspective. Otherwise, this was a really good book. I think it was a good second book. But I would say it does differ from the lovers to enemies trope like the first book. I would also say that this is a romance book, but it was more evolved around Isolde finding her place within the kingdom and her growing. The backstory of Adrian, and the new findings about him are very interesting. I would highly recommend reading the second book. I cannot wait for the third book!!
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape and Child death