Reviews

Stained Egos by Helen Scott, Serena Akeroyd

nyxesss's review against another edition

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2.0

That world is fucked up.

Characters 4
Writing 4
Plot 4
Entertainment 3
3.8★

courtney_saba's review against another edition

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2.0

This was generally enjoyable. RH naughtiness was solid.

I really liked the setting and worldbuilding. I'm expecting more details as the series progresses, but the Brotherhood and Sixth aspects and abilities are definitely unique.

I'm uncertain about Marcella and the guys, though. Marcella comes off as this innocent (of course, she's a virgin, ugh), young, and naive girl even though she's 24 and has had years to grow and toughen up. Sometimes her characterization is off, too, as if 2 authors with different styles are writing her (definitely a possibility). Same with the Brotherhood. We're told about them, not shown, and given a tiny bit of detail, so they're still sort of vague in my mind. I'm struggling to see them all clearly and distinctly.

The plot is okay. The 5 are looking for a 6th member to close the bond and they're being controlled by perverse and corrupt leaders at the Academy. No one is good other than the Brotherhood and Marcella. Kind of unrealistic and contrived, but I'm willing to overlook it as long as the story engages me.

The characters are also sometimes immature and young and rarely acting their age. They're in their mid to late twenties. They shouldn't be acting like teenagers or letting their tempers control them or saying "No shit, Sherlock" or calling literally everyone a bitch. I don't know about you, but these things make me cringe.

The instalust isn't unbearable, but it's borderline. I wish more for slow burn and building up relationships, rather than immediate intrigue, lust, and declarations of "perfect" this and "perfect" that. I want more character development and showing of the Brotherhood bond, too. With multiple books in this series, the authors could have pulled off the slow burn and complexity. Unfortunately, though I enjoyed reading this more than I expected, I'm unsure about the future. It may just become unbearable.

Would I re-read this? No.
Would I recommend this? It wouldn't be the first RH series I would recommend, but it's a solid starting point in the genre. Especially if you love academy settings and vampires.
Was I entertained? Yes. Let's hope for better experiences and complexity in the next installments.

Happy reading, Goodreads fiends.

gypsydawn's review against another edition

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4.0

Need book 2!

This book was a little hard to follow in the beginning, mainly because the supernatural rules are different in this world and there isn’t a whole lot of explanation given. That leaks out over the chapters, dutifully filling you in on the ‘need to know’ info. Once I really got in to it, I couldn’t stop reading. I was completely caught by the struggle, the rules, the back stabbing and the budding romance. Fantastic!

Pros:
- world is totally unique.
- FMC is straight up boss.
- The quintet is amazing and each member of the group actually stands out - unlike some RH novels where the guys sorta blend together, with little character definition.
- Well written.

Cons:
- While thankful this intro to a new series avoided the dreaded first book info dump curse, a bit more revelation would have been helpful.
- Questions, so many questions....
- A few editing issues, did not detract.

diloretobeth89's review against another edition

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5.0

Loved it

Walkers, shifters, and weavers galore. I was absolutely enchanted with the world building. This is another stay up all night, and read it series.

mrose21's review against another edition

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2.0

Do I have to review this??

This was to me pretty boring. I'm close to marking this a 1 star.

The heroine was extremely immature.

cravynsrook's review

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4.0

Second time reading as the series is now finished, and I'm realizing why I loved this book to begin with. There's clear personalities with the guys, the MC is bad-ass due to working hard for it rather than being a special snowflake. I remember the next book disappointing me but I can't remember why.... Lets hope the good vibes continue.

lavendermarch's review

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4.0

I really enjoyed this reverse harem. Marcella, the main character, was strong but vulnerable. I liked her guys. All the characters had interesting powers. I look forward to getting to know each of them better, and seeing how their powers change and interact. The whole vampire/walker/shifter/etc. power variety was surprising but well done. The plot was good, and I look forward to the release of book two. 4 stars.

bunnerz's review

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3.0

Ratings - abandoned series:
#1 Stained Egos (this book): ★★★☆☆
#2 Stained Hearts: ★★★☆☆

book_lover_97's review

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4.0

Stained Egos has an intriguing plot line with even more intriguing characters. This book is an enthralling read that creates a world that is amazing built.
Marcella's life is far from easy and will only get harder before she can have her brotherhood. This book will have you wanting more!

I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased , honest review.

shelovestoread81's review

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5.0

I got this book free from kindle. Man was it so very interesting. I typically don't like books that change perspective every chapter but this one made it work for them. I had to try and remembered who was talking but other than that it was great writing. I loved it!