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bhrach's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
I wish Tam had a more fleshed out story. I enjoyed getting to know more about Irial's story, and this story makes me appreciate him in later books more.
clara_m27's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
rachelbookdragon's review against another edition
5.0
Well, unsurprisingly, I inhaled this book. I stayed up way too late to finish it and I don’t have any regrets.
To have the opportunity to return to the world of Wicked Lovely, one of my favorite series of all time and one I frequently turn to for a comfort reread, and have more content and context was more than I ever dreamed possible.
In meeting the new character, Tam, a Sighted mortal who catches the attention of Irial as a bold, industrious woman in the late 1800s, so much about what happens before Wicked Lovely takes place is given further context. We get to spend more time with Rika, Niall, Irial, Beira, Gabriel, and more beloved characters, adding layers of relationships and information that was only hinted at, leading to a revelation that made me sit up in surprise and yell “I knew it!”
The court intrigue and politics remain, as well as the delightful characters we know from the main series. If you enjoyed the rest of the books, this is essential reading as more information is revealed about the curse and Irial’s life before Leslie and after Niall. I enjoyed it immensely and couldn’t put it down. I will say, the only thing that took me out of the story was the occasional typo (basalm instead of balm) and small inconsistencies throughout the book (i.e. Tam’s hair is red but once is stated as muddy brown). As a copy edit focused person, I hope those things are fixed in the final print version, as I read an advanced Ebook.
I do think the short story, Love Hurts, included in the book is a necessity beyond the epilogue. Otherwise the story would end on a melancholy note, which is atypical for the series. I would also note that this book has some adult content in comparison to what is only hinted at in the main series. I would certainly classify this installment as adult and not YA.
For anyone who hasn’t read the Wicked Lovely series, now is a great time to start. For smartly woven fairy politics, characters who feel like friends, powerful women, a great example of a queer relationship, as well as great plotting and world-building, this is the series for you. I cannot recommend it enough.
To have the opportunity to return to the world of Wicked Lovely, one of my favorite series of all time and one I frequently turn to for a comfort reread, and have more content and context was more than I ever dreamed possible.
In meeting the new character, Tam, a Sighted mortal who catches the attention of Irial as a bold, industrious woman in the late 1800s, so much about what happens before Wicked Lovely takes place is given further context. We get to spend more time with Rika, Niall, Irial, Beira, Gabriel, and more beloved characters, adding layers of relationships and information that was only hinted at, leading to a revelation that made me sit up in surprise and yell “I knew it!”
The court intrigue and politics remain, as well as the delightful characters we know from the main series. If you enjoyed the rest of the books, this is essential reading as more information is revealed about the curse and Irial’s life before Leslie and after Niall. I enjoyed it immensely and couldn’t put it down. I will say, the only thing that took me out of the story was the occasional typo (basalm instead of balm) and small inconsistencies throughout the book (i.e. Tam’s hair is red but once is stated as muddy brown). As a copy edit focused person, I hope those things are fixed in the final print version, as I read an advanced Ebook.
I do think the short story, Love Hurts, included in the book is a necessity beyond the epilogue. Otherwise the story would end on a melancholy note, which is atypical for the series. I would also note that this book has some adult content in comparison to what is only hinted at in the main series. I would certainly classify this installment as adult and not YA.
For anyone who hasn’t read the Wicked Lovely series, now is a great time to start. For smartly woven fairy politics, characters who feel like friends, powerful women, a great example of a queer relationship, as well as great plotting and world-building, this is the series for you. I cannot recommend it enough.
wildfaeriecaps's review against another edition
3.0
First time reading anything in this series. Definitely interesting and not at all what I expected (honestly, I'm not sure what I expected). Quick read, compelling plot. I'm gathering that it'd have been more impactful if I was already familiar with the series, though.
gracieac's review against another edition
4.0
I loved returning to Marr's world of faery! This book will probably be best enjoyed by people who have already read her other Wicked Lovely books, but you can understand it without reading those first. Reading this and finding out that there is going to be a new book in the series coming out next year has got me re-reading the WL books all over again.
luna_rondo's review against another edition
3.0
There's a part of me that craved for more; there's another part that wishes Marr would leave this series alone.
scarletrose169's review against another edition
5.0
Irial was always one of my favorite characters and his and Leslie's story was my favorite of the Wicked Lovely main series.
This is a fun story of Irial and his first mortal love.
This is a fun story of Irial and his first mortal love.
hebbie4792's review against another edition
3.0
Cold Iron Heart
Strong writing with an ok story. Was not entirely enthralled. Did not like back and forth use of real name Thelma versus nickname Tam. Would have preferred constant use of one or the other. Too many references to sex work and not wanting a husband or kids in the start of the story. Always a fan of Melissa Marr and her creativity.
Strong writing with an ok story. Was not entirely enthralled. Did not like back and forth use of real name Thelma versus nickname Tam. Would have preferred constant use of one or the other. Too many references to sex work and not wanting a husband or kids in the start of the story. Always a fan of Melissa Marr and her creativity.