4.98k reviews for:

Sabat

Harper L. Woods

3.64 AVERAGE

dark mysterious sad tense 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

This was...fine. 

I heard witches and vampires and a ran to this book. Unfortunately, it fell a bit flat for me. 

Normally, with books like this, I expect quality smut or a good plot. I got neither. The spice was medium at best. Honestly, the flirting was hotter than the actual sex was. 

I think the intention for the plot was there but it just ended up being way too rushed. I needed more time for it to be believable that we went from
"Imma dust his ass when I get my hands on the bones"
to
"Shit, I'm in love with him."


I did really enjoy the last twenty or so pages and I felt like that along with learning about the "old ways" were the best parts of the book. 

It was fine. But it isn't something I'll be actively recommending.

⁝⁝ ARC REVIEW ⁝⁝

“I am the invitation.”

• • •

"We both know I’m far more likely to bend you over this desk and f*ck you until you cannot breathe."

• • •

“You fight. Every moment of every day, you fight. Because that is who you are.”
“What happens when I’m tired of fighting?”
“Then you let me do it for you.”

✦ CHARACTERS

» Willow Madizza – I love her. She’s a fierce, fearless, stubborn and snarky Green Witch who knows how to fight, and has been trained to use her powers, which I LOVE. Her journey in this book teases at what’s coming next for her and I can't wait to see it! She’s badass!
» Gray (Alaric Grayson Thorne) – I have no words to describe how much I love this tall, dark and devilishly handsome man. You can't resist him, and I don't think anyone would want to, really. He's magnetic, dangerous, hot as hell and completely unapologetic about what he does or says. Book boyfriend material with a villanous charm. He had me in a puddle in only a few chapters. And it’s true, HE is the invitation.
» Iban – I really liked him and I’m intrigued about his part in the next book.
» Susannah – I hate her to the bone! (Pun intended? Definitely.)

✦ CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

» Willow is a very strong-minded and goal-oriented character who knows how to use her powers right from the start. She struggles a lot with how she feels about her family, her past, her present, where she comes from, and Gray, but she never once whines about it, which I found refreshing. By the end of the book, you get a glimpse of what’s coming next and I have high expectations.

» Gray knows exactly what he wants and will do anything to get it. He’s resourceful, powerful, domineering and imposing. He has you in a chokehold for the entire book! Literally and figuratively. He has become my newest obsession!

» Willow and Gray’s relationship throughout the book sucks you right in. It doesn’t take much for that to take off, and turn into a cat and mouse sort of game. Willow goes toe to toe with Gray at every chance she gets, and the banter between them is simply addictive. Dark doesn't even begin to cover their romance but I can assure you, you'll be left wanting more! The tension between them is compelling, and the spice is pure fire.

✦ WRITING STYLE

It’s my first time reading one of Harper’s books, and I have to say that I was genuinely surprised as how much I loved it. It’s dynamic, beautiful, and precise and it doesn’t feel repetitive or boring in the slightest.

✦ PLOT DEVELOPMENT & WORLDBUILDING

This book is a true page turner, filled with unexpected turns and twists. The pace was good and fast, but I did find myself pausing at certain points to digest what was happening because there are many elements to take into account.

The worldbuilding is captivating and intriguing, packed with creatures and elements we already know but have their own fascinating twist.

The gothic setting and spooky vibes make Hollow’s Grove University come to life. You can't help but be drawn to this new, mysterious place and want to explore every corner.

The magic system is intricate but has familiar elements that are used in new ways to make it unique.

Beware! Brace yourself for a wild conclusion that ends in a cliffhanger.

✦ DETAILS & TWs

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
catherine_selanders's profile picture

catherine_selanders's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 10%

I didn't like the writing. :/ It's hard to say something specific; the vibes were off.
dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

This was not a safe read for work yet I read it all during work.

The beginning and the ending were so strong and had me clenching the edges of my seats but the middle?? Was?? Just a weird porno??

Which some of you girlies (*cough* Stephanie *cough*) are gonna love but to me it felt the plot was forgotten for the majority of the book. Kept me interested enough, though.
dark medium-paced

Very dark romance with magic. TW: consent is more than a little iffy in one part. Lots of spice.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated