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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
*I received this book as an ARC from Net Galley for an honest review *
3/5đ
I think the story of Layla (FMC) was fascinating, well written and kept my interest through out the entirety of the story.
It was a bit of a slow build up; but once it picked up; I couldn't put it down. I am excited to see how the story continues.
3/5đ
I think the story of Layla (FMC) was fascinating, well written and kept my interest through out the entirety of the story.
It was a bit of a slow build up; but once it picked up; I couldn't put it down. I am excited to see how the story continues.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
This book was a fantastic find and had me completely absorbed in this world. If you're after a story that's quick-paced and easy to dive into, you've found it!
The way the author crafted this world was incredible. I enjoyed the concept of magical abilities only among royals and the use of the soul shards as animal companions which brought a lot of depth. The banter between Layla and Rune was a highlight, though I wished there were more of those moments. Layla's trust issues and the complexities of the kingdom took precedence, leaving little space for their interactions. I thoroughly enjoyed the spice between the characters; their fiery personalities and shared shadows promise a great development and chemistry ahead.
Caitlin sprinkled hints of twists and secrets throughout the book, which is something that is very important to me within stories. The surprises, betrayals, and unexpected character turns had me completely shocked, despite me actively trying to figure out what our characters next moves would be. Let me tell you, that ending... has me dead! It was a unfathomable cliffhanger that left me yearning for more in the best ways.
Overall, this was a thrilling adventure that hooked me right in and keeps you eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Caitlin's storytelling is captivating, will leave you hungry for what comes next since I know I am dying for more!
The way the author crafted this world was incredible. I enjoyed the concept of magical abilities only among royals and the use of the soul shards as animal companions which brought a lot of depth. The banter between Layla and Rune was a highlight, though I wished there were more of those moments. Layla's trust issues and the complexities of the kingdom took precedence, leaving little space for their interactions. I thoroughly enjoyed the spice between the characters; their fiery personalities and shared shadows promise a great development and chemistry ahead.
Caitlin sprinkled hints of twists and secrets throughout the book, which is something that is very important to me within stories. The surprises, betrayals, and unexpected character turns had me completely shocked, despite me actively trying to figure out what our characters next moves would be. Let me tell you, that ending... has me dead! It was a unfathomable cliffhanger that left me yearning for more in the best ways.
Overall, this was a thrilling adventure that hooked me right in and keeps you eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Caitlin's storytelling is captivating, will leave you hungry for what comes next since I know I am dying for more!
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
ARC Review
Okay first of all, the cliff hanger at the end of this work was just beyond cruel and had me pondering like at 1am đ
However, I loved Layla, she was the definition of an independent woman in this book who graciously allowed a man to tag along. This fantasy work has magic, and world building but thankfully without the heavy confusion of new magic systems, races, tiers, and more that is known to accompany fantasy works.
Unraveling the character of Layla as she strives to take over her kingdom while navigating the relationships around her made for an engrossing read which I highly recommend.
4âď¸ from me easily!
Okay first of all, the cliff hanger at the end of this work was just beyond cruel and had me pondering like at 1am đ
However, I loved Layla, she was the definition of an independent woman in this book who graciously allowed a man to tag along. This fantasy work has magic, and world building but thankfully without the heavy confusion of new magic systems, races, tiers, and more that is known to accompany fantasy works.
Unraveling the character of Layla as she strives to take over her kingdom while navigating the relationships around her made for an engrossing read which I highly recommend.
4âď¸ from me easily!
This book had me hanging on the edge of my seat, I loved the tension between Layla and rune. If you like books with plot twists, betrayal, FMC that arenât constantly talking about how fragile they are and a race against time to save the kingdom youâll love this book! Canât wait for book 2!!
adventurous
fast-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
Blood Queen is book one in Caitlin Denmanâs new fantasy series. I had the privilege of reading Blood Queen as an eARC, so thank you so much to the author and NetGalley for providing me with this copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review!
What I loved:
- This was action packed! I love a FMC who knows what sheâs doing. It was so exciting to watch her take on her battles!
- Rune. Thatâs it, thatâs the bullet point. đĽľ
- The whole cast of characters was exciting and fleshed out. I especially loved Keir and Marv!
- The idea of soul shards was so cool to me. This was a fun and fresh take on magic!
- Laylaâs perspective was so interesting. Her overall arc was captivating and kept me on the edge of my seat!
What I didnât love:
- The pacing was a little off for me at times, but it didnât detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.
- Some of the characterization didnât make sense to me, like Rune being clumsy in the dungeon scene while also being a super skilled warrior. But there were not a ton of instances of this, so this is a minor point.
Overall, I am rating Blood Queen 4.5 out of 5 stars! I would recommend this to fans of TOG, An Heir Comes to Rise, Song of the Marked, and Court of Dragons.
4.5 on StoryGraph, 4 on GR
What I loved:
- This was action packed! I love a FMC who knows what sheâs doing. It was so exciting to watch her take on her battles!
- Rune. Thatâs it, thatâs the bullet point. đĽľ
- The whole cast of characters was exciting and fleshed out. I especially loved Keir and Marv!
- The idea of soul shards was so cool to me. This was a fun and fresh take on magic!
- Laylaâs perspective was so interesting. Her overall arc was captivating and kept me on the edge of my seat!
What I didnât love:
- The pacing was a little off for me at times, but it didnât detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.
- Some of the characterization didnât make sense to me, like Rune being clumsy in the dungeon scene while also being a super skilled warrior. But there were not a ton of instances of this, so this is a minor point.
Overall, I am rating Blood Queen 4.5 out of 5 stars! I would recommend this to fans of TOG, An Heir Comes to Rise, Song of the Marked, and Court of Dragons.
4.5 on StoryGraph, 4 on GR
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"Seems like a lot of people think the worst of me, but I perpetuated that persona. I let people fear me."
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Overall, I enjoyed the book. The writing was easy to read and allowed for an immersive experience, and the story held my attention. I liked seeing Layla progress from being a sheltered queen who allowed others to rule her kingdom to understanding what was happening in her kingdom. However, there were also some things that I did not like about the book. I felt like the book's first half had good pacing, but the last 50% was very fast-paced and could have been slowed down to provide more detail and let the characters work things out more in their relationship. I also wish some parts of it included Rune's POV to understand some of his thoughts because the way his personality seemed to flip sometimes made it hard to tell if I liked him. I look forward to picking up the next book in this series to see how the cliffhanger resolves itself and how Layla and Rune's relationship progresses. Thank you, NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence
Minor: Child abuse, Death of parent
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I tore through this book and was left wanting more. The book in the series features Layla who is a fierce woman who kicks absolute butt. Rune is the mysterious, dark brooding man everyone secretly longs for. Their banter had me laughing and I can't wait to see more of it. The cliffhanger at the end had me gaping and I can't wait to read what happens next.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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:
Yes
This is a really good read!
The chemistry, the flirting, the bickering laced with sexual tension; I'm all the way here for it.
The twist was predictable, but Layla and Rune are both incredibly likeable, and the buildup and storytelling are done very well.
â˘â˘â˘
I received a free ARC. My opinions are my own.
The chemistry, the flirting, the bickering laced with sexual tension; I'm all the way here for it.
The twist was predictable, but Layla and Rune are both incredibly likeable, and the buildup and storytelling are done very well.
â˘â˘â˘
I received a free ARC. My opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence
Minor: Child abuse, Death of parent