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dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This started so slowly that I almost bailed, and it took me a while to acclimate to the author’s writing style of using constant metaphors, but I ended up really getting emotionally invested
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Another romantasy book that started out good then went downhill. I loved the world-building but then the romance took over and ruined it. Also, this book was so long yet had zero plot or character development.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Pregnancy
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The author does an amazing job of dropping you into this unique fae world and the beginning grips you easily. Once you get to the middle though, you're having to take more on faith in the author (there's a creature literally called a Fate Herder that seemed strategically placed) and the story.
What is delightfully unique about this story is how the reader is not watching the beginning of a romance, but the complicated and beautiful aftermath. Have faith and if you're hooked in the beginning, be sure to read to the very last page.
What is delightfully unique about this story is how the reader is not watching the beginning of a romance, but the complicated and beautiful aftermath. Have faith and if you're hooked in the beginning, be sure to read to the very last page.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Sexism, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Vomit, Grief, Pregnancy
Minor: Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual violence, Stalking, War
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-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:
Complicated
I can’t lie, this book was a slog to get through. I read the first 150 pages and had to put it down for a good long while. The language felt unnecessarily flowery just for the sake of being “poetic” and the hefty glossary at the beginning is a bit of turn-off for me as a reader.
Because I’m incapable of DNFing, I did pick it back up and I’ll admit things got almost immediately more interesting (or maybe I was just in a more amenable mindset). I got used to the over-abundant adjectives and modifiers and the actual reading experience started to flow a bit better once I had more context for the magic system. I enjoyed the middle of the book the most, specifically the dynamics between Raeve and Kaan. Other readers have commented on Raeve being annoying or emotionally immature, but I chuckled often at her internal dialogue. She makes questionable decisions, sure, but she’s actually relatively self-aware about it. Kaan I imagined as feminist Khal Drogo but with his own dragon and a gigantic bleeding heart.
- SPOILERS FROM HERE -
Maybe it was because I was still struggling to grasp wtf was going on, but the character death at the outset of the of the book did not have much of an impact. We get really only one scene with said character, and instead a whole lot of Raeve just talking about how important they are to her.
Since their death becomes
Raeve’s main driving force throughout the book, I felt the lack of connection cheapened the whole quest for vengeance trope. When everything comes full circle at the end, I was still left feeling like this character death was a pretty shallow plot tactic devised to justify having a rage-filled assassin FMC. Raeve’s revenge-parade is also obviously a mechanism for introducing “The Other” which I HOPE will be important in later books, but maybe this could have been revealed a different way? Given the little hints sprinkled throughout, my money is on “The Other” actually being the spirit (or consciousness? soul?) of Slátra.
- END SPOILERS -
Overall takeaways—Did I enjoy the book? Ultimately, yes. Did I think it could have been about 300 pages shorter? Yeah. Will I keep reading the series? Also, probably yes.
Because I’m incapable of DNFing, I did pick it back up and I’ll admit things got almost immediately more interesting (or maybe I was just in a more amenable mindset). I got used to the over-abundant adjectives and modifiers and the actual reading experience started to flow a bit better once I had more context for the magic system. I enjoyed the middle of the book the most, specifically the dynamics between Raeve and Kaan. Other readers have commented on Raeve being annoying or emotionally immature, but I chuckled often at her internal dialogue. She makes questionable decisions, sure, but she’s actually relatively self-aware about it. Kaan I imagined as feminist Khal Drogo but with his own dragon and a gigantic bleeding heart.
- SPOILERS FROM HERE -
Maybe it was because I was still struggling to grasp wtf was going on, but the character death at the outset of the of the book did not have much of an impact. We get really only one scene with said character, and instead a whole lot of Raeve just talking about how important they are to her.
Since their death becomes
Raeve’s main driving force throughout the book, I felt the lack of connection cheapened the whole quest for vengeance trope. When everything comes full circle at the end, I was still left feeling like this character death was a pretty shallow plot tactic devised to justify having a rage-filled assassin FMC. Raeve’s revenge-parade is also obviously a mechanism for introducing “The Other” which I HOPE will be important in later books, but maybe this could have been revealed a different way? Given the little hints sprinkled throughout, my money is on “The Other” actually being the spirit (or consciousness? soul?) of Slátra.
- END SPOILERS -
Overall takeaways—Did I enjoy the book? Ultimately, yes. Did I think it could have been about 300 pages shorter? Yeah. Will I keep reading the series? Also, probably yes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Physical abuse, Grief
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Gore, Physical abuse, Torture, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Death, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence
Moderate: Mental illness, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
I enjoyed this for the most part. I liked the world building the most. It's a beautiful, interesting, complex setting that I found really intriguing.
I thought the plot was interesting, though overwhelming, with too many plotlines being pulled in different directions which made it hard to follow at times. It has A LOT going on. You would think this maybe wouldn't be an issue in a 543 page book but even with all that real estate many of the characters weren't developed enough. It still somehow felt rushed? Really a missed opportunity to make the reader really connect with the characters. I went back and forth on both Raeve and Kaan. Sometimes I liked them and then just as quickly I found them insufferable. It's an enemies-to-lovers/miscommunication combo that was increasingly frustrating.
And then there's the very graphic sex scenes. Personally, they felt unnecessary and uncomfortable and you can't really skip through them because the characters are simultaneously having important conversation that's moving the plot along. I'm not opposed to including romance/spice in stories as a plot point but these felt needlessly graphic and vulgar in my opinion. There's spice that makes you blush and then there's spice that makes you say "ick". This book was the latter.
Finally, the end of the book felt unfinished. I understand it's intended to be part of a series, and at the end it says the second one comes out in Fall 2025, but nothing was actually brought to a close in this book. None of the problems that were introduced were solved. In other words, this book can't really be read as a standalone, which felt odd to me. Generally a story, even if it's part of a series, follows a standard arc, wrapping up at the end, while still leaving room for further exploration of additional plot lines. This just ended on what felt like a regular chapter and then there was just no more. Pretty unsatisfying.
I thought the plot was interesting, though overwhelming, with too many plotlines being pulled in different directions which made it hard to follow at times. It has A LOT going on. You would think this maybe wouldn't be an issue in a 543 page book but even with all that real estate many of the characters weren't developed enough. It still somehow felt rushed? Really a missed opportunity to make the reader really connect with the characters. I went back and forth on both Raeve and Kaan. Sometimes I liked them and then just as quickly I found them insufferable. It's an enemies-to-lovers/miscommunication combo that was increasingly frustrating.
And then there's the very graphic sex scenes. Personally, they felt unnecessary and uncomfortable and you can't really skip through them because the characters are simultaneously having important conversation that's moving the plot along. I'm not opposed to including romance/spice in stories as a plot point but these felt needlessly graphic and vulgar in my opinion. There's spice that makes you blush and then there's spice that makes you say "ick". This book was the latter.
Finally, the end of the book felt unfinished. I understand it's intended to be part of a series, and at the end it says the second one comes out in Fall 2025, but nothing was actually brought to a close in this book. None of the problems that were introduced were solved. In other words, this book can't really be read as a standalone, which felt odd to me. Generally a story, even if it's part of a series, follows a standard arc, wrapping up at the end, while still leaving room for further exploration of additional plot lines. This just ended on what felt like a regular chapter and then there was just no more. Pretty unsatisfying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Grief, Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Sexual violence
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Once more this is an unfinished book without the main arc of the story being resolved which I despise. This isn't netflix or wattpad, your first story arc is supposed to be resolved within the first book. That did not happen here. I'm not even sure what the first story arc is supposed to be.
This is the setup for another epic, but considering that this book still needed 700 pages to get there and the main character doesn't show a single sign of character growth, I do not feel like forgiving the unreasonable length of this book. Perhaps if we mentioned the words pumping or skipping a beat in connotations to heart, plump, sweet tart taste of fruit or pebbling skin a few times less we could have done it in 600 pages.
The style would not have bothered me, quite the opposite, I enjoy lush and flowery prose but the endless alliterations and similes made my skin itch, to say it in her words.
Raeve showed so little character growth and cooperation with the plot that the author had to invent an invisible cat beast called the fate herder to make her comply with the plot. That was the point where they lost me for a long while because it was so ridiculous to me. If this fate cat had literally herded anyone else it might have been cool, but this? It just served to give me justification for my dislike for Rave. I really do not like her because she kept pushing everyone away until the end. 700 pages and she hasn't listened once. At this point I wish the other characters would give up on her because this is exhausting to read.
On the other hand I enjoyed Veya and Pyrok and I have high hopes for Grim. (or whatever their names are, sorry, I listened to the audiobook) The story grew on me over time whenever it moved away and focused on another character for a while because as I said, I don't like or care for Raeve. But the second we turned to someone else? Much more interesting, especially when they weren't entirely focused on Raeve which was rare sadly. I still barely know anything about other characters but the things I heard seem promising!
So yeh, this was solidly "ok" for me and I'll give the next book a chance.
This is the setup for another epic, but considering that this book still needed 700 pages to get there and the main character doesn't show a single sign of character growth, I do not feel like forgiving the unreasonable length of this book. Perhaps if we mentioned the words pumping or skipping a beat in connotations to heart, plump, sweet tart taste of fruit or pebbling skin a few times less we could have done it in 600 pages.
The style would not have bothered me, quite the opposite, I enjoy lush and flowery prose but the endless alliterations and similes made my skin itch, to say it in her words.
Raeve showed so little character growth and cooperation with the plot that the author had to invent an invisible cat beast called the fate herder to make her comply with the plot. That was the point where they lost me for a long while because it was so ridiculous to me. If this fate cat had literally herded anyone else it might have been cool, but this? It just served to give me justification for my dislike for Rave. I really do not like her because she kept pushing everyone away until the end. 700 pages and she hasn't listened once. At this point I wish the other characters would give up on her because this is exhausting to read.
On the other hand I enjoyed Veya and Pyrok and I have high hopes for Grim. (or whatever their names are, sorry, I listened to the audiobook) The story grew on me over time whenever it moved away and focused on another character for a while because as I said, I don't like or care for Raeve. But the second we turned to someone else? Much more interesting, especially when they weren't entirely focused on Raeve which was rare sadly. I still barely know anything about other characters but the things I heard seem promising!
So yeh, this was solidly "ok" for me and I'll give the next book a chance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Physical abuse, Vomit, Trafficking, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’m so glad I finally read this, it’s been sitting on my TBR forever!
I feel like I’ve lived five lives since starting this book. It’s amazing to think all of that was packed into one book because boy was that a ride! This book was so well done, the writing and world building are next level.
I LOVED Raeve from the beginning. She’s everything I want out of a FMC—she’s sassy, she’s feisty, and she’s a stabby vengeful badass who doesn’t take shit from anyone. Her pain in this book is so heart wrenching and honestly so relatable. She’s my absolute favorite FMC at this point, she speaks to my soul
Kaan is such a beautiful MMC, it’s so easy to fall in love with him and absolutely melt at the devotion he has. Not gonna lie I was debating whether he’s replaced my number one book boyfriend but for now I think he’s a close second.
This book was an incredible adventure and it’s easy to get immersed in this world and feel the journey through the characters’ eyes. I did rate it 4.75 only because it was a little bit of work to get through the first 50% of the book. It’s a little dense and confusing, but one everything clicks into place it really is a beautiful book and I CANNOT wait for book two!
*A disclaimer to anyone who hasn’t read it yet, it’s not an easy, passive read. You really need to dedicate yourself to paying attention and be willing to put in the work, but when you do it’s so worth it. Also it’s pretty graphic, there were a handful of parts that make me squeamish and cringe because of how graphic it is, so don’t say I didn’t warn you!
If you haven’t read it though, I’d definitely recommend giving it a read. If you don’t plan on reading it twice before book two I’d recommend reading it right before book two’s release because there’s a LOT to unpack here. I plan on giving it a reread because I feel like there’s so much I didn’t pick up on the first time through and I’m so excited to be able to dive into this adventure again soon
I feel like I’ve lived five lives since starting this book. It’s amazing to think all of that was packed into one book because boy was that a ride! This book was so well done, the writing and world building are next level.
I LOVED Raeve from the beginning. She’s everything I want out of a FMC—she’s sassy, she’s feisty, and she’s a stabby vengeful badass who doesn’t take shit from anyone. Her pain in this book is so heart wrenching and honestly so relatable. She’s my absolute favorite FMC at this point, she speaks to my soul
Kaan is such a beautiful MMC, it’s so easy to fall in love with him and absolutely melt at the devotion he has. Not gonna lie I was debating whether he’s replaced my number one book boyfriend but for now I think he’s a close second.
This book was an incredible adventure and it’s easy to get immersed in this world and feel the journey through the characters’ eyes. I did rate it 4.75 only because it was a little bit of work to get through the first 50% of the book. It’s a little dense and confusing, but one everything clicks into place it really is a beautiful book and I CANNOT wait for book two!
*A disclaimer to anyone who hasn’t read it yet, it’s not an easy, passive read. You really need to dedicate yourself to paying attention and be willing to put in the work, but when you do it’s so worth it. Also it’s pretty graphic, there were a handful of parts that make me squeamish and cringe because of how graphic it is, so don’t say I didn’t warn you!
If you haven’t read it though, I’d definitely recommend giving it a read. If you don’t plan on reading it twice before book two I’d recommend reading it right before book two’s release because there’s a LOT to unpack here. I plan on giving it a reread because I feel like there’s so much I didn’t pick up on the first time through and I’m so excited to be able to dive into this adventure again soon
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Torture