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elfsteel's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction
thereadinghammock's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
I love how Elsie marries the drama of high fantasy with the accessibility of urban fantasy. Her Boundlands universe is a fantastic meet-in-the middle of both genres. Elara is a no fuss half elf, who's skill as an artificer and golemmancer is getting notices--and not always by the kind of people you want to be noticed by. Levi is a landlocked male siren just trying to make his way in the world but resents his mer-heritage. While the two seemingly have nothing in common, happenstance keeping bringing them back together, and neither of them seems too broken up about it.
I love the supporting cast too! Levi's roommates, Grim and Jordan are a hoot and I love the friendly ribbing they give each other throughout the story. Sidney is Elara's ride or die and always happy to jump into the fray on behalf of her best friend; just don't spook her or she'll shift into her magpie form in a panic! The plot driving the undercurrent story has so many layers--sociopolitical, race relations, gangs/mafia/secret orders--there's almost so much that it's too much! But a lot of it I think is more world building for future books, along with setting up some of the plot opportunities for this story. It was a nice addition, since it gave the rest of the romance and love story some greater bearing than just "two people meet and fall in love. Isn't that nice?"
I can't wait for Magpies and Mayhem when it comes out to get more of the happy couple and to get Sidney her fun!
Some of the romance plot details I did love were how up front Levi and Elara were with each other. First with Levi explaining the bonding and contact hesitancy he has at the beginning of their relationship. There was no beating around the bush, or "Oh no, I just don't think he's into me!" I loved when Elara realizes she's used to running scenarios in her head and that Levi can't read her mind, so as their relationship progresses and they're doing things together more, and she realizes his panic as she just starts doing things she remembers she needs to voice her thought process and he immediately relaxes once he knows what's going on. Or how before they're both fully "in it" for the relationship and they're still trying to be careful of Levi's bonding boundaries, the creative ways they find to tough each other without touching each other--pulling the other close by the belt loops, grabbing a fistful of their t-shirt to anchor themselves to the other--I love a good forbidden touch trope! And after Levi calms down about the "paper marriage" idea and they both realize they're ok with it being a for-real for-real marriage, I am such a sucker for a good, "That's my spouse and they're AMAZING! I'm so happy they're mine and I'm theirs. And if you harm a hair on their head you will regret that decision."
Oh my gods, and the baby surprise from Grim at the very end?? I about dies at his awkward exclamation of, "How did you not know!! It's your body!!"
I love the supporting cast too! Levi's roommates, Grim and Jordan are a hoot and I love the friendly ribbing they give each other throughout the story. Sidney is Elara's ride or die and always happy to jump into the fray on behalf of her best friend; just don't spook her or she'll shift into her magpie form in a panic! The plot driving the undercurrent story has so many layers--sociopolitical, race relations, gangs/mafia/secret orders--there's almost so much that it's too much! But a lot of it I think is more world building for future books, along with setting up some of the plot opportunities for this story. It was a nice addition, since it gave the rest of the romance and love story some greater bearing than just "two people meet and fall in love. Isn't that nice?"
I can't wait for Magpies and Mayhem when it comes out to get more of the happy couple and to get Sidney her fun!
Oh my gods, and the baby surprise from Grim at the very end?? I about dies at his awkward exclamation of, "How did you not know!! It's your body!!"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction and Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment, Alcoholism, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Racism, and War
Minor: Kidnapping, Pregnancy, and Stalking
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