3.6 AVERAGE

dark fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated

My god, how can something be so cruel and precious at the same time? I went into this book with little expectations other than knowing to read it after A Kiss of Iron and to say I’m pleasantly surprised is an understatement. Can’t way for more of these two in the Sabreverse 🖤

Idek how to rate this, idk why I read this lmao

Honestly liked it more than I thought I would! Very spicy

Interesting story

Zita and Sepher were an interesting couple. I enjoyed the tail during spice time. The plot twist was good. Zita was relentless about revenge. Sepher was a jerk most of the book. Decent book. Enjoyed the slow burn.
dark emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

It was a Dom and sub plot from the beginning. I hated the MMC because he was so cruel but the minute he showed he cared for her I shed a tear. I think I have Stockholm Syndrome.
challenging emotional 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: Yes
dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book had a strong basis of revenge. I wasn't prepared for the torture and emotional abuse in the book. There were several moments where things changed and that change seemed abrupt, but the twists at the end were worth the read.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes

This is such a fun series to return to because you get to try out different author's fictional worlds without the commitment of a series, since these are all stanadalones.

I really enjoyed the acrobatic aspects of this book and Clare does an amazing job of describing Zita's performances to the point where I could envision exactly what was happening. I also have to commend the FMC on her sheer determination and willpower — Zita was not backing down for literally anything, death be damned.

Zita had been so focused on her revenge that she had lost herself along the way (quite literally we find out) and I did enjoy watching her realize her own worth through the love of Sepher. The switch scene netween iut main characters was also super steamy.

2.5 stars? I can’t judge too much bc it was just not really my cup of tea, mostly bc I’m not a fan of bully romance.
I’ll read some smut with bdsm but paired with the bully romance and imprisonment, it’s a bit much. Also not a fan of the sexual threats and the fact that Roark was never killed for being a creep. There were way too many missed opportunities for Sepher to be protective and show that he could be cruel to someone other than the FMC.
With that being said, overall it was a quick, entertaining read. Pacing was good. Definitely romance with a little fantasy. I wouldn’t call this a beauty and the beast retelling. Not the most complex plot or characters, but I did like that the FMC was an acrobat and how it played into the story.