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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book certainly isn't bad (I can see why some might like it) and I was happy enough to finish it, but unfortunately did not find the overall plot or character building particularly developed. For a significant portion the plot development felt very slow, mostly just BDSM for the sake of BDSM with a very young woman, which, without a very well developed plotline, just wasn't catching enough. The later part of the story development, once exciled and sold to slavery, was more interesting and pulled me back in, although did end up appearing to glorify rape since 'can't help but enjoy the pain', which was a part of the pleasure/pain dynamic I found problematic. Don't think can quite get the balance right in relation to power/control for the MC, seems equally in control and not in control in an unstructured way which, for me, left the overall chatacter a bit underdeveloped. The random drop in of completely convenient unexplained magic that seems inconsistent with the world built was not great. Did feel like a complete story was finished within the first book so wasn't left with enough pull towards the second. The only hook left regarded a relationship between characters I did not like, so no desire to see how that plays out. Have not purchased the sequel and don't see myself doing so.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence
Moderate: Death, Slavery, War
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
There was a lot more political intrigue in this book than I was expecting and I loved it. This is an absolutely epic story. The characters were all complex and interesting. Phedre is one of my favourite main characters.
Parts of this book were really boring for me, such as any of the political parts. "So-and-so is a cousin of so-and-so, so if you bring this guy back from exile and marry him to that girl, so and so has no reason to betray us!" I do think those parts are necessary for the story, but I simply found my interest waning during those sections.
However, the writing style is poetic and beautiful. The story is, for the most part, realistic about war, sex and other aspects of human nature. The characters are rich and varied. It's a nice mixture of the supernatural with everyday life experiences. I have to say I enjoyed the book more than I didn't.
However, the writing style is poetic and beautiful. The story is, for the most part, realistic about war, sex and other aspects of human nature. The characters are rich and varied. It's a nice mixture of the supernatural with everyday life experiences. I have to say I enjoyed the book more than I didn't.
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-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:
Complicated
I first read this trilogy sometime way, way back in college; I remember staying up all night to finish the first book. I did that again this time. It's hard to put this book down. The characters are captivating, the culture of Terre D'Ange is beautifully portrayed (especially the Night Court), and the political intrigue and romance are just plain fun. It's not "a classic" -- it's a romance, and can be a bit cheesy at times -- but it's well-written and enjoyable, and will suck you in.
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-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:
Complicated
Phedre is the ultimate heroine. These books have my heart. An all time great that I will read many times over.
I highly recommend the audiobook, it does justice to the archaic and poetic prose.
I highly recommend the audiobook, it does justice to the archaic and poetic prose.