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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the eARC of A Court Bright and Broken in exchange for my honest review!
I wanted to like this SO much more than I did! It’s super unfortunate because on paper, this book has a lot of elements I really enjoy when it comes to romantasy, but this fell extremely flat.
The entire book felt like one big introduction to the second book. I didn’t feel like we had enough world building and the glamours felt like they went mostly unexplored. The book just plodded along without really moving the plot forward in an enjoyable way. I also found the writing style to be extremely clunky.
The biggest issue I had with this book was the two main characters, Raewyn and Stellon. Stellon felt legitimately dumb?? Like no shade to that man, but I feel like there were minimal thoughts behind his eyes at all times and we were even in his POV. Disliking the main characters also made me not root for their romance, but even if I had liked them, the chemistry was nonexistent.
A big swing and a miss unfortunately for me!! I’m still so grateful to have been gifted the eARC and hope that others have a better experience than I do! Thank you again to The Nerd Fam for the eARC!
I wanted to like this SO much more than I did! It’s super unfortunate because on paper, this book has a lot of elements I really enjoy when it comes to romantasy, but this fell extremely flat.
The entire book felt like one big introduction to the second book. I didn’t feel like we had enough world building and the glamours felt like they went mostly unexplored. The book just plodded along without really moving the plot forward in an enjoyable way. I also found the writing style to be extremely clunky.
The biggest issue I had with this book was the two main characters, Raewyn and Stellon. Stellon felt legitimately dumb?? Like no shade to that man, but I feel like there were minimal thoughts behind his eyes at all times and we were even in his POV. Disliking the main characters also made me not root for their romance, but even if I had liked them, the chemistry was nonexistent.
A big swing and a miss unfortunately for me!! I’m still so grateful to have been gifted the eARC and hope that others have a better experience than I do! Thank you again to The Nerd Fam for the eARC!
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Thanks to Nerd Fam for providing an arc copy to review
Synopsis:
Synopsis:
A Court So Bright And Broken is a dual POV Cinderella retelling that follows a human girl, Raewyn, and a fae prince, Stellon. This book is great for those looking for a fast-paced, character focused romance, set in a fantasy world.
Characters:
Whilst I read this book relatively quickly once I got to roughly 30%, this book leaves far too much to the imagination in terms of character development.
I am not one to hate on romance in fantasy books, however the characters within this book only existed for the purpose of the romance and nothing more.
Essentially, you spend 2/3 of the book within one room where you just bounce between either characters POV as they justify feelings that developed practically instantaneously
World building:
Usually, I like to have a section discussing the world and magic. However, we don’t get much of that within this book, which is a huge disappointment! Tell me more about the earthwives because they seem sick!!
While what we did get of the MMCs magic was super interesting, it didn’t feel fully fleshed out because of the lack of world building
Story:
This book is definitely of an era that I think readers are tired of: blond hair and dark hair fae fight over impoverished and super skinny FMC. Essentially, this read like SJM fan fic.
Conclusion:
Overall, this retelling was a fun take on an old tale. However, it lacks originality and needs a large dose of world building and character development.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
This has been the second arc this year that I have devoured in only a few days (it was that good).
𝘈 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 follows the story of the tyrant fae royal family of Avrandar. King Pontus, prince Stellon, prince Pharis, and princess Mareth.
We first meet Prince Stellon, who loves to visit the human market where he dresses like a beggar so he can be unnoticed while he draws.
Once there, he notices a band of thieves acting suspicious following a young lady around the market. He simply cannot just watch and decides to keep a closer look, and that’s how we meet our FMC, Raewyn.
Raewyn is from a poor family, and the purpose of her being at the Rough Market that day is to sell her mother’s locket given that her family is struggling and barely have anything to eat. Once she’s saved by the prince, she goes on her way, but a while later notices that the guy that saved her is actually getting a beating from the band of thieves so she decides to return the favor.
She helps the guy get to his village but gets nervous when she notices they’re getting close to the royal palace, and this is when she finds out he’s fae, and not a beggar at all.
This story has a bit of Cinderella retelling, a dangerous bargain, magical fae, and a tyrant king who hates humans. The story will grabbed your attention from the very first page, and you’ll want to know what secrets Raewyn keeps.
The world building was very interesting, and even though there were a few unanswered questions, as I got closer to the end, I have a feeling I may have been rooting for the wrong Prince👀
This book is out February 14th. I 100% recommend it. 🖤
𝘈 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 follows the story of the tyrant fae royal family of Avrandar. King Pontus, prince Stellon, prince Pharis, and princess Mareth.
We first meet Prince Stellon, who loves to visit the human market where he dresses like a beggar so he can be unnoticed while he draws.
Once there, he notices a band of thieves acting suspicious following a young lady around the market. He simply cannot just watch and decides to keep a closer look, and that’s how we meet our FMC, Raewyn.
Raewyn is from a poor family, and the purpose of her being at the Rough Market that day is to sell her mother’s locket given that her family is struggling and barely have anything to eat. Once she’s saved by the prince, she goes on her way, but a while later notices that the guy that saved her is actually getting a beating from the band of thieves so she decides to return the favor.
She helps the guy get to his village but gets nervous when she notices they’re getting close to the royal palace, and this is when she finds out he’s fae, and not a beggar at all.
This story has a bit of Cinderella retelling, a dangerous bargain, magical fae, and a tyrant king who hates humans. The story will grabbed your attention from the very first page, and you’ll want to know what secrets Raewyn keeps.
The world building was very interesting, and even though there were a few unanswered questions, as I got closer to the end, I have a feeling I may have been rooting for the wrong Prince👀
This book is out February 14th. I 100% recommend it. 🖤
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you so much to Nerd Fam and Amy Patrick for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Once I started the book and got into it, I got sucked in. It’s a Cinderella, The Selection, mixed with magic and two hot brothers.
I will be reading book 2 because I got this ARC. I’m not sure I would’ve picked up this book if it was not for Nerd Fam.
Things I docked points for:
- The ending wasn’t as shocking or cliff hanging as I would’ve expected. I also think the boys could have more development as characters.
- I wish when we were in Stellon’s POV developed him as a very desirable MMC. I do think the bones are there. I’m more interested in his brother hahah.
- insta-love trope
Things I liked
- the miscommunication or secrets weren’t a main driver of conflict which a lot of these books do.
- a villain to hate and a FMC to cheer on.
- I actually appreciated the plot moved quickly and got to the point.
Overall, I highly recommend giving this book a try!
Once I started the book and got into it, I got sucked in. It’s a Cinderella, The Selection, mixed with magic and two hot brothers.
I will be reading book 2 because I got this ARC. I’m not sure I would’ve picked up this book if it was not for Nerd Fam.
Things I docked points for:
- The ending wasn’t as shocking or cliff hanging as I would’ve expected. I also think the boys could have more development as characters.
- I wish when we were in Stellon’s POV developed him as a very desirable MMC. I do think the bones are there. I’m more interested in his brother hahah.
- insta-love trope
Things I liked
- the miscommunication or secrets weren’t a main driver of conflict which a lot of these books do.
- a villain to hate and a FMC to cheer on.
- I actually appreciated the plot moved quickly and got to the point.
Overall, I highly recommend giving this book a try!
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is a Fae romantasy retelling of Cindarella, which I think readers looking for slow-burn, spice-free romance will enjoy.
This book is mischaracterized as enemies-to-lovers. It's definitely not: golden retriever cinnamon roll Prince Stellon insta-falls for human Raewyn. But it is forbidden love. This would likely make better reading for YA readers than adults looking for more nuanced, developed connection between the main characters.
Thanks to Amy Patrick and The Nerd Fam for the advance reader copy.
This book is mischaracterized as enemies-to-lovers. It's definitely not: golden retriever cinnamon roll Prince Stellon insta-falls for human Raewyn. But it is forbidden love. This would likely make better reading for YA readers than adults looking for more nuanced, developed connection between the main characters.
Thanks to Amy Patrick and The Nerd Fam for the advance reader copy.
Firstly, I'd like to thank NetGalley and Oxford South Press for giving me the opportunity to read & review A Court Bright and Broken by Amy Patrick.
This story follows Raewyn as she does everything she can to save her family from definite starvation. She ends up making a deal with the village's Earthwife where she has to decide whether or not she will do the unthinkable to save her family.
That is until her feelings for the Fae prince makes things difficult.
A Court Bright and Broken felt like a retelling of Cinderella with a dark Fae twist. It was beautifully written and kept me so engaged that I never wanted to put it down, I recommend this book to those with a love for Disney and those new to romantasy.
This story follows Raewyn as she does everything she can to save her family from definite starvation. She ends up making a deal with the village's Earthwife where she has to decide whether or not she will do the unthinkable to save her family.
That is until her feelings for the Fae prince makes things difficult.
A Court Bright and Broken felt like a retelling of Cinderella with a dark Fae twist. It was beautifully written and kept me so engaged that I never wanted to put it down, I recommend this book to those with a love for Disney and those new to romantasy.
medium-paced
This was a true romantasy book with a village girl and a Fae Prince. There was a serious “Cinderella” vibe going on with our main character, Raewyn, who had an opportunity to attend a ball with the help of a magical older woman. There was even a lost slipper! However, the story takes a turn where our Fae Prince, Stellon, has to figure out what he wants. There’s also a dark haired handsome brother named Pharis who I’m keeping an eye on. 👀 I liked this book and I am now desperate for the sequel which looks to be more action packed. Raewyn is not a warrior or with powers (that we know of) but a really malnourished village girl trying to keep her family alive. She loves to read and spends quite a bit of time in the book reading by the fireplace or staring at a man sweating outside her window. Girl is living the dream. There is like close to zero spice in this book and it would be a perfect YA book. There is romance and grand gestures of love that are sweet. I can’t speak for the sequels but I feel comfortable recommending this to anyone starting off in the fantasy world.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. All thoughts are my own!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. All thoughts are my own!
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you so much to Nerd Fam and Amy Patrick for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the premise of the book, and I think the series as a whole has a lot of potential. It's a Cinderella retelling but with fae, humans, and magic. The plot and writing style are very easy to follow and only get better throughout the book.
Things I liked about the book:
✨️ I did really like Raewyn as our FMC. She's strong willed ans will stand up for her beliefs, which i loved, and she will do anything for her family.
✨️I'm always a fan of forced proximity/forbidden love
✨️Strong minded FMC
Things I think could have been better:
✨️ I felt like our MMC fell a little flat, I would have liked to see more complexity/personality from him but instead his character came off a little surface level (Pharis on the other hand I actually really enjoyed and felt a lot more connected to him)
✨️The worldbuilding/magic system is pretty basic, and I would have loved to see it explored more and have more complexity.
✨️The two main characters had a very insta-love connection that i personally didn't enjoy. I love witty banter, tension, and yearning, but it doesn't quite work when the MMC is in love with our FMC at first sight.
Overall, the premise of the book was intriguing, and the ending did make me want to continue the series to see where things go. There is definitely a lot about Raewyn that we have yet to discover. I would also love to see more interactions between Rae and Pharis (i honestly would not be mad at them being a love interest).
If you are a fan of high fantasy, this book may not be for you. However, if you enjoy easy to understand worldbuilding and a more simple magic system, then absolutely give this book a try!
I really enjoyed the premise of the book, and I think the series as a whole has a lot of potential. It's a Cinderella retelling but with fae, humans, and magic. The plot and writing style are very easy to follow and only get better throughout the book.
Things I liked about the book:
✨️ I did really like Raewyn as our FMC. She's strong willed ans will stand up for her beliefs, which i loved, and she will do anything for her family.
✨️I'm always a fan of forced proximity/forbidden love
✨️Strong minded FMC
Things I think could have been better:
✨️ I felt like our MMC fell a little flat, I would have liked to see more complexity/personality from him but instead his character came off a little surface level (Pharis on the other hand I actually really enjoyed and felt a lot more connected to him)
✨️The worldbuilding/magic system is pretty basic, and I would have loved to see it explored more and have more complexity.
✨️The two main characters had a very insta-love connection that i personally didn't enjoy. I love witty banter, tension, and yearning, but it doesn't quite work when the MMC is in love with our FMC at first sight.
Overall, the premise of the book was intriguing, and the ending did make me want to continue the series to see where things go. There is definitely a lot about Raewyn that we have yet to discover. I would also love to see more interactions between Rae and Pharis (i honestly would not be mad at them being a love interest).
If you are a fan of high fantasy, this book may not be for you. However, if you enjoy easy to understand worldbuilding and a more simple magic system, then absolutely give this book a try!
Thank you to Nerd Fam and the author for this gifted eARC!
This was a cute book and a quick read. I didn't realize it was a sort of Cinderella retelling until I got to the part about the ball. It started slotting into place for me.
It's a slow burn, forbidden love, hidden identity story with a lot of magic and a little bit of action. There might also be a love triangle between the elven High Fae brothers. We shall in the coming book(s). Overall, I enjoyed this one. My main complaint was the overuse of italics to stress words throughout a sentence, but I got used to it by the end.
I look forward to more of this author's work in the future. The story got really good at the end so I'm intrigued how it's going to work out.
This was a cute book and a quick read. I didn't realize it was a sort of Cinderella retelling until I got to the part about the ball. It started slotting into place for me.
It's a slow burn, forbidden love, hidden identity story with a lot of magic and a little bit of action. There might also be a love triangle between the elven High Fae brothers. We shall in the coming book(s). Overall, I enjoyed this one. My main complaint was the overuse of italics to stress words throughout a sentence, but I got used to it by the end.
I look forward to more of this author's work in the future. The story got really good at the end so I'm intrigued how it's going to work out.
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Very well paced... made for a fun quick read! Gave Cinderella vibes but with a tall fae prince