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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
3.5/5 i got bored along the way but this was pretty good not my fav but still enjoyable
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Pretty average in my opinion. The thing that stands out most is the characters. Not surprising since this book is definitely character driven, not plot driven. I really liked the two MCs and their relationship.
TL;DR I wanted more and better - characters, world building, writing. Geniuinely interesting aspects, but not fleshed out or polished.
I wanted this one to work and if I had less going on in my life when I picked it up, I probably still would’ve finished. But- here’s why I DNF:
I wanted this one to work and if I had less going on in my life when I picked it up, I probably still would’ve finished. But- here’s why I DNF:
- The main characters are not well developed. They’re basically the same character (trapped royal, duty first) and some sort of distance from parents/family. Once characterization did start to happen, it wasn’t well fleshed out and still left the characters feeling hallow. Likable, but lacking depth that really makes me latch on to them.
- Poor world building. The world was interesting, but poorly constructed and not fleshed out.
- Lackluster writing. Somehow verbose without being actually descriptive.
This one of the best romances I've read in a while despite being absolutely nauseated by the concept of alien adjacent romances scenes. My praise for this story in spite of my aversion for all things spooky-esque when combined with romance is testament to how well written the entirety of the book was. The writing style was so compelling it made me sometimes forget that one of the main characters is considered grotesque looking in this universe. ALSO, one of the oddest plot twists at the end of this story, I may have come for the ooey gooey romance but I'm definitely going to read the sequel for the karma so rightly served to the absolute hag of a villainess at the very end of the book. I am also just an enthusiast for those that are verbose in nature and the vocabulary used throughout the book delivered on that desire!
medium-paced
***The following rambling notes are for me. They may contain spoilers or no information at all. Rating are sometimes based on literary merit and sometimes based on vibes.***
Fantasy romance with the most beautiful relationship. Ilkido and Brishen enter into a political marriage. But they aren’t just learning about new cultures, they are different species. There are more than the usual numbers of relationship problems possible, but they both strive to make the relationship work, becoming friends, and eventually having a lovely marriage. If I reread, ignore the epilogue; it takes away from a very satisfying romance arc. Don’t think I’ll ever continue the series based on the epilogue. Having trouble rating this. Without epilogue - 4.5. Epilogue? Eeek.
Fantasy romance with the most beautiful relationship. Ilkido and Brishen enter into a political marriage. But they aren’t just learning about new cultures, they are different species. There are more than the usual numbers of relationship problems possible, but they both strive to make the relationship work, becoming friends, and eventually having a lovely marriage. If I reread, ignore the epilogue; it takes away from a very satisfying romance arc. Don’t think I’ll ever continue the series based on the epilogue. Having trouble rating this. Without epilogue - 4.5. Epilogue? Eeek.
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⚡️
this was a powerful book, if wishes were horses i would wish for a relationship like Ildiko and Brishen’s and buy a ranch!
what a solid couple. and a solid story.
this was a powerful book, if wishes were horses i would wish for a relationship like Ildiko and Brishen’s and buy a ranch!
what a solid couple. and a solid story.
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-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
P- 5. Engaging the whole way through, well paced.
E- 5. Devoured this book in less than 24 hours.
A- 4.5. Well written and I enjoyed the style. Points off for occasional typos.
C- 5. Loved all the main characters, wish we got more about Anhuset.
H- 5. Would reread, loved it.
4.9 stars
E- 5. Devoured this book in less than 24 hours.
A- 4.5. Well written and I enjoyed the style. Points off for occasional typos.
C- 5. Loved all the main characters, wish we got more about Anhuset.
H- 5. Would reread, loved it.
4.9 stars
This was a poorly edited blatant Game of Thrones ripoff and an example of how monster romances can easily veer into racism. I didn't care for the gender essentialism that continually cropped up; this having been published in 2014 isn't really an excuse. The plot beats were trite and obvious and the romance predictable and lacking much spark. There's a light touch of ableism in the third act for flavor.
The epilogue was the coolest part and the only one that tempted me to read the sequel but I'm probably still not going to do that because there are books I know I'll enjoy on my TBR.
The epilogue was the coolest part and the only one that tempted me to read the sequel but I'm probably still not going to do that because there are books I know I'll enjoy on my TBR.
medium-paced
This was another re-read for me and I rather enjoyed it. I was able to re enter this world and fall for Ildiko and Brishen all over again. Grace Draven has made such a stunning world with memorable characters. Both of these characters are people who are very exceptional. They are thrown into a crazy circumstance and are able to make the most of it. Even though they are thrust into dangers from afar and from within. They are able to excel in spite of everything that is thrown their way. I have very much enjoyed their story as well as what could come in the next book. This book ends with a very interesting situation. I can't wait to see how what happened at the end of this book influences what happens in the next one. Luckily in my case, it's been long enough since I've read this book that it almost feels like something new.
The spice in this book was very nice. I really enjoyed watching these characters grown in love with each other. It also helped to make the spice that much nicer. Strong 4 out of 5 in that respect. Overall, I give this a 4 out of 5! I think the story doesn't take itself too seriously while also giving us the opportunity to learn about the new world that we have been dumped in. I also enjoyed the characters themselves. They were very enjoyable and allowed us to learn about their world through them. From the humans and to the Kai, they were all engaging and memorable. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who hasn't read it yet and even to those who have. Highly recommend.
The spice in this book was very nice. I really enjoyed watching these characters grown in love with each other. It also helped to make the spice that much nicer. Strong 4 out of 5 in that respect. Overall, I give this a 4 out of 5! I think the story doesn't take itself too seriously while also giving us the opportunity to learn about the new world that we have been dumped in. I also enjoyed the characters themselves. They were very enjoyable and allowed us to learn about their world through them. From the humans and to the Kai, they were all engaging and memorable. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who hasn't read it yet and even to those who have. Highly recommend.