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3.21 AVERAGE
3.21 AVERAGE
The book was okay it felt rushed with little world building/ relationship building just not my kind of fantasy
adventurous
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
- 5*
- ends in cliffhanger (but it's bearable)
- spice 3/5 (not so many scenes - yet? - but a lot of smoulder)
THIS WAS SO DAMN GOOD!
I couldn't put this down. It's like SJM with a less annoying FMC (I'm not a Feyre/Aelin fan) and an equally as tortured and mysterious MMC as our favorite high lord. The names (Asteria and Nox) are a bit on the nose, but I can forgive this.
That said, I wouldnt call this a direct clone. True, there are many similarities, but in terms of "secret princess finds dark and supposedly enemy prince" this is really well executed. I enjoy the mixing of fae and other deities, but what I liked most is how the book deals with sexual trauma. I thought that was really well executed. Plus delicious spice, even if it takes a while. But the tension between the two is palpable almost from the first page.
Also really loved that this doesnt draw out stuff with miscommunication tropes but the pacing still feels good. Also really enjoyable world-building!
So, short an sweet, I am already eagerly awaiting the next book(s). Such a delightful read!
(Heed the CNs!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual violence
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’m going to start by saying I really enjoyed this book and I would live and die for Lil. The relationship between Lil and Aster is absolutely one of the best things about this book and I need her to be safe throughout the next book or I will cry.
With that said, this book is not for everyone. I had a lot of fun, at times this book felt like a mix of a bunch of the best tropes that was loosely sewn together into a book, and I was all there for it but I can see how some people would not be.
Also if you are going to read 100% check the trigger warnings because several of them are explored in-depth and are extremely well handled which for me was cathartic.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I will absolutely be reading the next one. Thank you so much for the ARC Rachel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Death of parent
Moderate: Child death, Sexual violence, Violence, Abandonment
Minor: Confinement
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to Rachel for the eARC, I was so happy to read this book and this is my honest opinion.
Why can't a girl just live her life? Due to a freak encounter on a night out, Aster's path is no longer her own as she must confront the past she's been running from since she was 12. Aster (or more formally Asteria) is the Seelie princess and heir to the throne her Uncle has been sitting on since she was a small child.
Toss in a mysterious Unseelie King, a prophecy, demons, oh and a curse and you've got the basis for a fun spicy new fae series. I really loved Aster and Nox (MMC), her best friend Lil and Lil's brother Raven. The story is interesting because it doesn't immediately set the main characters as enemies, even if historically Seelie and Unseelie have always been portrayed that way.
Highly recommend for those who enjoy Fae modern fantasy books (think Crescent City).
4.5 out of 5 stars, and 3 out of 5 🌶 for the spice level.
Why can't a girl just live her life? Due to a freak encounter on a night out, Aster's path is no longer her own as she must confront the past she's been running from since she was 12. Aster (or more formally Asteria) is the Seelie princess and heir to the throne her Uncle has been sitting on since she was a small child.
Toss in a mysterious Unseelie King, a prophecy, demons, oh and a curse and you've got the basis for a fun spicy new fae series. I really loved Aster and Nox (MMC), her best friend Lil and Lil's brother Raven. The story is interesting because it doesn't immediately set the main characters as enemies, even if historically Seelie and Unseelie have always been portrayed that way.
Highly recommend for those who enjoy Fae modern fantasy books (think Crescent City).
4.5 out of 5 stars, and 3 out of 5 🌶 for the spice level.