Reviews with content warning for Sexual violence - Fortuna Sworn

I read this as part of my owl crate monthly reads. If it wasn't for that, I probably would have put this down pretty quickly. It's a dark fantasy that takes place in modern times- which means that we are placed in a world with fae, vampires, werewolves, and the imprisonment and black market slavery of them, but at the same time there are references to iPhones and the dark fairy castle is filled with high-end security cameras. It felt like the author was trying too hard to make this book too many things that it fell flat and empty. Maybe I don't like "dark fantasy" or maybe I just don't like the romanticization of abusive characters. They wanted me to feel pity and love for a man who let his "mate" get whipped in front of him. Save yourself the mental health and just read something else honestly.

Content Warnings

thebookishfarmer's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

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aniwisniewski's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious tense 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? Yes

4.5

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ophealian's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Don't get me wrong, this is definitely an entertaining book. The main character is interesting, the plot is fast-paced, the world-building both fantastical and urban and refreshingly "gritty" in the way that it's very honest about how young 20-somethings think and talk, even when the main character isn't exactly human.

The ONLY thing that I thought was a bit off-putting about this book was how often the narrative would make a SHARP left turn into sex. Now, I'm not prudish by any stretch (being raised by the likes of FF.net and AO3 has cured me of that completely) but it was still a bit jarring for me to be reading about how the main character has someone by the throat with a knife and is literally plundering the depths of their worst fears and then for her to suddenly be like "I can feel his arousal against my leg". Like, wait what?

And maybe that's the point -- maybe fae in this universe are just Horny All The Time (TM) -- the author does make a point to have a character in-universe remark upon this, but just because there's logical explanation for it didn't make it any less whip-lashy of a reading experience.

Fortuna also makes a point to tell you that she's a Virgin. Make do with that info what you will.

But other than that very specific prickle-point, I ripped through this book and really enjoyed it.

It's very effective in its portrayal of the illogical, unreasonable, unwavering love and loyalty that Fortuna has for her brother Damon, and Damon's brokenness and intense Stockholm Syndrome. It works as a reminder that these creatures are not human; in fact they are distinctly inhumane. Their cruelty and carelessness is played in contrast with their beauty, and I think Fortuna's initial confusion in reconciling these dual qualities is very believable.

I had to constantly remind myself that Fortuna is not human, as much as she might act like one.

The ending leaves a lot of mysteries unsolved and propels you right into the next book in the series. The cliffhanger/twist? *chefs kiss*

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xxxwooha's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

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diana_archeron's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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nastashastarr3's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

A new dark faerie romance that I devoured.

Fortuna is a nightmare, the last of her kind. Her ability to see your greatest fear and turn it against you. Fortuna was such a good main character, she was feisty, loyal, and determined. She wanted to find her brother, Damon, at all costs, the love she had for him was poured out on every page. When an attractive and powerful fae male helps her escape being sold, she is forced into a bargain, marriage, with the mysterious Colith.

This was dark and atmospheric in the Unseelie court. It was absolutely amazing to read. The trials were amazing, complex and mind manipulating in each case. I was there with Fortuna, begging her to get up, to do what needed to be done.

Absolutely loved this and I can't wait to dive into book 2 and 3 once it's out!

Content Warnings

pairedpages's review against another edition

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dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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