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corinnab's review against another edition
5.0
This book was fantastic. I'm not typically an urban fantasy gal, so this truly pleasantly surprised me! I Loooooved it! I loved the characters, the dialougue, the sass, the steam. I loved the plot, the pace, the setting, and of course the fact that there's a princess named Corinna and literally named after me
hollyblack56's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Somehow I finished this book but it took me a good 150pages before I got accustomed to the writing style.
What I liked:
- lovely reprensentation of positive/no drama LGBTQIA+ relationship.
- no drama pregnancy
- characters actually put on condoms and discuss STIs before sex in the choas of passion.
- the love triangle of sort isnt dragged for effect for too long.
-the weight and feel of the paperback edition of the book (atmosphere press)!
What I disliked:
- the writting style. My minds eye could not conjure up scenes and characters when I usually don't have a problem with it. Sentiments where repeated twice in different ways, some dialogue or character actions seemed counter intuitive from what we know of them. A lot of tell don't show as well. If you are in a crowded night club you aren't finding a seat. If you are at a dive bar there is no audience to applaud your performance beyond the 5 friends you invited. If you own a bakery your hands are not always cladded in flour. If you attend classes, surely you have a goal in mind, you don't just dismissed the whole college narrative because characters have other better excuses to meet up.
- Riordan is only Irish because of his name. For someone who has never been to the USA, he has all the references (pottery barn, best buy...), seems to drive well on the otherside of the road in any car, and has no cultural shock however minor. He only used 2 irish words and doesn't have any of the british slang in his speech.
- the spelling/grammar mistakes. At least 20 or so across the book. Someone should have re-read the last draft before print. It kept on taking me out of the story.
- everyone lusts over everyone. all I know about the side characters is that they are sexually active no one seem to have bigger problems than their next f#ck. Also everyone want to f#ck Ash, Riordan and Bry. Characters attraction to them is just a given when in reality, people can be in relationship and not wet their panties because Bry walked in. Back to the show don't tell. Don't tell me Bry is handsome, show me that he plays with womens attention (and men, i dont trust an immortal who has never dabbled beyond heterosexuality).
Riordan and Ash are just hot and everyone want them. As soon as they are together though, no one else is looking at them. As if it was all just an excuse to see them as hot eligible not-ready-for-a-relationship single people. 50pages later their are both commited without much difficulty. Its tiring and superficial. Makes for a good teenager's fantasy but this is written by a grown woman for grown people.
- character development was lacking. They develop for sure, but for no reason. They just decide they accept magic and they do. They decide to be romantic with someone and they become it. They decide to love someone and they do. There is no influence of their past trauma or history playing in their struggle with the development once they have passed the first hurddle and accepted whatever life changing situation.
- What becomes of some of the characters from the beginning? (Amber). What was the point of her beyond showing that Riordan was DTF and Ash could feel it through the bond creating an awkward moment??
- the ending isn't satisfying enough. I take it there are lose threads for book 2, but it didnt satiate my interest enough.
UPDATE: I finished book 2 and 3 thinking that new authors improve with time and I was not disappointed. I also was curious about the development of Riorda and Bry in relation to each other and Ash. It is well executed, with a fair amount of spice. The characters get more complex and interesting and the plot gets more jeopardy. Would recommend to stick with it and let the smaller frustrating points wash over!
What I liked:
- lovely reprensentation of positive/no drama LGBTQIA+ relationship.
- no drama pregnancy
- characters actually put on condoms and discuss STIs before sex in the choas of passion.
- the love triangle of sort isnt dragged for effect for too long.
-the weight and feel of the paperback edition of the book (atmosphere press)!
What I disliked:
- the writting style. My minds eye could not conjure up scenes and characters when I usually don't have a problem with it. Sentiments where repeated twice in different ways, some dialogue or character actions seemed counter intuitive from what we know of them. A lot of tell don't show as well. If you are in a crowded night club you aren't finding a seat. If you are at a dive bar there is no audience to applaud your performance beyond the 5 friends you invited. If you own a bakery your hands are not always cladded in flour. If you attend classes, surely you have a goal in mind, you don't just dismissed the whole college narrative because characters have other better excuses to meet up.
- Riordan is only Irish because of his name. For someone who has never been to the USA, he has all the references (pottery barn, best buy...), seems to drive well on the otherside of the road in any car, and has no cultural shock however minor. He only used 2 irish words and doesn't have any of the british slang in his speech.
- the spelling/grammar mistakes. At least 20 or so across the book. Someone should have re-read the last draft before print. It kept on taking me out of the story.
- everyone lusts over everyone. all I know about the side characters is that they are sexually active no one seem to have bigger problems than their next f#ck. Also everyone want to f#ck Ash, Riordan and Bry. Characters attraction to them is just a given when in reality, people can be in relationship and not wet their panties because Bry walked in. Back to the show don't tell. Don't tell me Bry is handsome, show me that he plays with womens attention (and men, i dont trust an immortal who has never dabbled beyond heterosexuality).
Riordan and Ash are just hot and everyone want them. As soon as they are together though, no one else is looking at them. As if it was all just an excuse to see them as hot eligible not-ready-for-a-relationship single people. 50pages later their are both commited without much difficulty. Its tiring and superficial. Makes for a good teenager's fantasy but this is written by a grown woman for grown people.
- character development was lacking. They develop for sure, but for no reason. They just decide they accept magic and they do. They decide to be romantic with someone and they become it. They decide to love someone and they do. There is no influence of their past trauma or history playing in their struggle with the development once they have passed the first hurddle and accepted whatever life changing situation.
- What becomes of some of the characters from the beginning? (Amber). What was the point of her beyond showing that Riordan was DTF and Ash could feel it through the bond creating an awkward moment??
- the ending isn't satisfying enough. I take it there are lose threads for book 2, but it didnt satiate my interest enough.
UPDATE: I finished book 2 and 3 thinking that new authors improve with time and I was not disappointed. I also was curious about the development of Riorda and Bry in relation to each other and Ash. It is well executed, with a fair amount of spice. The characters get more complex and interesting and the plot gets more jeopardy. Would recommend to stick with it and let the smaller frustrating points wash over!
eesnow940's review against another edition
5.0
I’m pretty sure I got this book in an unplugged book subscription box.
This book is definitely very much a modern take on magic and romance. If you have very conservative views and aren’t open to other beliefs lifestyles etc this isn’t for you.
I’ve never read a book like this before, I mean that in a good unique way. The characters are likable and very community like in the way they treat each other. It’s not a top favorite I will be passing this book on but I will read the rest of the series as it comes out and look out for her other books which is a good review and recommendation.
This book is definitely very much a modern take on magic and romance. If you have very conservative views and aren’t open to other beliefs lifestyles etc this isn’t for you.
I’ve never read a book like this before, I mean that in a good unique way. The characters are likable and very community like in the way they treat each other. It’s not a top favorite I will be passing this book on but I will read the rest of the series as it comes out and look out for her other books which is a good review and recommendation.
mscoleman1920's review against another edition
3.0
Oddly written and a little difficult to fall into but once I got into it, I was able to REALLY get into it. The characters were okay but seemed very young. This had strong YA vibes but with lots of sexy time and cursing. I wish the perspective was in the first person specifically if it was going to shift between Aisling and Riordan. It seemed unnecessary in 3rd but it wasn't difficult.
I don't know if it was the book box edition or just bad editing but this is not an ARC and it had SO MANY mistakes. It was actually distracting.
I appreciate a good throuple but this one was too easy. I would keep reading to see what happens but honestly, it was way too unrealistic and lacked a lot of authenticity in my opinion.
LINE TO REMEMBER:
"I'd let that man break me abnd thank him for it in the morning." Lettie about Brynach
I don't know if it was the book box edition or just bad editing but this is not an ARC and it had SO MANY mistakes. It was actually distracting.
I appreciate a good throuple but this one was too easy. I would keep reading to see what happens but honestly, it was way too unrealistic and lacked a lot of authenticity in my opinion.
LINE TO REMEMBER:
"I'd let that man break me abnd thank him for it in the morning." Lettie about Brynach
spellbookspines's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
A Curse in Ash is a character centered book. There is a plot, but most of the book is spent on building character relationships. For a character-centered story like this, the characters need to be very compelling and well written...and that is the case here.
The FMC Ash is bestie material. She's badass and confident, but so genuinely thoughtful and kind and that's shown in every scene she's in. I loved reading this book mostly because I was hanging out with her. She is the Main Character in a way that felt natural because of course her friends would go to her, she's a good person as well as a powerful witch.
The MMC Riordan was less compelling, but he was more relatable. He has an anxiety disorder and deals with BS in a sarcastic "this might as well happen!" response that matches my internal monologue. He made me laugh out loud.
And the other love interest.... Do you hate alphaholes? Do you like alpha heros for the sexy part of it? Either way, this is the LI for you because Brynach is the alpha without the bullshit. He's also genuinely a chill nerd once you get to know him. He's not my type, but we could sit in comfortable silence and talk about weird documentaries we've watched at 3am.
If this review is weirdly familiar it's because the characters were so well written I felt like I got to know them. If you start this and don't like the characters then that would be a different reading experience.
The contemporary fantasy take on the faerie courts and witchcraft was very fun and well thought out. And there's familiars!! Sassy animal friends! I think we'll get more magic and fae in the future books and I'm looking forward to it.
Here's the cons and why it's not a 5 star:
I did not like the Meet Cute or the bonding moment between Ash and Riordan. It felt awkwardly written and uncomfortable, and when it comes to soulmate type magic in books I don't care if it's cheesy or too dramatic as long as it's memorable and exciting. And I was cringing the whole scene.
I'm confused about the intention because I have yet to read book two. Either we were using this book to build characters and we will transition to a more plot-driven fantasy, or we will stay character-driven and the ending relationship stuff was rushed for no reason. Either way it felt really unnaturally rushed that the three were a close-knit unit. We had one scene of them all bonding together, then a magic plot divice to show how the prickly character really felt, thenboom they were a power throuple. We spent so much time building the main POV characters relationship I would have loved if we saved them bonding with Brynach for the future book. It made the back part of the book feel corny when I had previously felt so close to the characters.
A lot of the relationship moments in this felt unearned while the scenes where they could earn it in felt boring. Like the "dates" were not where they bonded and I felt like I could skim read them.
Not a con but neutral because I am a indifferent asexual: this is a very sexy book. The sex scenes were well written (I do know when it's bad and this was not that) and consent and safety conversations were had so it gets a thumbs up.
No one is doing it like indie fantasy authors. Do you have a gripe about trad pub about the type of books published? And indie author probably has the book to heal your heart. This book healed a crack in my heart and made me look forward to book 2 to see what else my new friends get up to.
The FMC Ash is bestie material. She's badass and confident, but so genuinely thoughtful and kind and that's shown in every scene she's in. I loved reading this book mostly because I was hanging out with her. She is the Main Character in a way that felt natural because of course her friends would go to her, she's a good person as well as a powerful witch.
The MMC Riordan was less compelling, but he was more relatable. He has an anxiety disorder and deals with BS in a sarcastic "this might as well happen!" response that matches my internal monologue. He made me laugh out loud.
And the other love interest.... Do you hate alphaholes? Do you like alpha heros for the sexy part of it? Either way, this is the LI for you because Brynach is the alpha without the bullshit. He's also genuinely a chill nerd once you get to know him. He's not my type, but we could sit in comfortable silence and talk about weird documentaries we've watched at 3am.
If this review is weirdly familiar it's because the characters were so well written I felt like I got to know them. If you start this and don't like the characters then that would be a different reading experience.
The contemporary fantasy take on the faerie courts and witchcraft was very fun and well thought out. And there's familiars!! Sassy animal friends! I think we'll get more magic and fae in the future books and I'm looking forward to it.
Here's the cons and why it's not a 5 star:
I did not like the Meet Cute or the bonding moment between Ash and Riordan. It felt awkwardly written and uncomfortable, and when it comes to soulmate type magic in books I don't care if it's cheesy or too dramatic as long as it's memorable and exciting. And I was cringing the whole scene.
I'm confused about the intention because I have yet to read book two. Either we were using this book to build characters and we will transition to a more plot-driven fantasy, or we will stay character-driven and the ending relationship stuff was rushed for no reason. Either way it felt really unnaturally rushed that the three were a close-knit unit. We had one scene of them all bonding together, then a magic plot divice to show how the prickly character really felt, then
A lot of the relationship moments in this felt unearned while the scenes where they could earn it in felt boring. Like the "dates" were not where they bonded and I felt like I could skim read them.
Not a con but neutral because I am a indifferent asexual: this is a very sexy book. The sex scenes were well written (I do know when it's bad and this was not that) and consent and safety conversations were had so it gets a thumbs up.
No one is doing it like indie fantasy authors. Do you have a gripe about trad pub about the type of books published? And indie author probably has the book to heal your heart. This book healed a crack in my heart and made me look forward to book 2 to see what else my new friends get up to.
corruptaura's review against another edition
5.0
I never write reviews but holy heck this one had me on the edge of my seat. I finished it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. Great character and world building. I read it on a whim not knowing it just came out but I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series. 10/10
suzquinn97's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
birdieandthebooks7's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
I absolutely love this book and can't wait to continue in the series.
For more in-depth thoughts watch the live show link below where I speak with the author regarding a curse in Ash
https://www.youtube.com/live/lGEvY3Uxt0Q?feature=share
For more in-depth thoughts watch the live show link below where I speak with the author regarding a curse in Ash
https://www.youtube.com/live/lGEvY3Uxt0Q?feature=share
brookelorennn's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
ginniereads's review against another edition
4.0
Review coming soon on my YouTube channel. Subscribe so you don't miss it.