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bubblewombat's review
4.0
A book in which a cursed princess must travel to marry a prince from a neighbouring kingdom to save her own is usually right up my alley.
I assumed this would be an enemies-to-lovers kind of story, but then the bodyguard (in this case the Captain of the Royal Guard) was introduced and I was like "HELLO THERE".
I shipped it from the beginning honestly, but I was waiting to see the prince to know which team I'm on. And after I did...yeah, the other kingdom can keep him, thanks. He does have a cool name though.
This was a very smooth and easy read, I finished it in one sitting which I like. The writing was better in some parts than others. I think the battle scenes could've been written to be more dynamic.
The characters were the best part of this story. I admire Esme's bravery and everything she's willing to go through to save her kingdom and the people she cares about. And Magnus (another cool name here, how could I NOT simp?) is young, but tries his best to protect her.
About Magnus, his age didn't work for me. In my head I imagined him a few years older, that made more sense.
The plot was the "weakest" part of the book. By which I mean, some things didn't make sense and others weren't explained. Hopefully they will be in later books.
The final chapter is especially guilty of this, left me with even more questions. That's just mean.
Something I didn't like is all the deaths. That many weren't really necessary and I didn't feel their impact as I should've because I barely got to know them.
To end this on a more positive note, I like that Esme isn't the only magical one in the land. I'm interested in learning more about the other person, mainly because of what they said at the end.
And I do hope Esme can find what she's looking for and change her destiny.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I assumed this would be an enemies-to-lovers kind of story, but then the bodyguard (in this case the Captain of the Royal Guard) was introduced and I was like "HELLO THERE".
I shipped it from the beginning honestly, but I was waiting to see the prince to know which team I'm on. And after I did...yeah, the other kingdom can keep him, thanks. He does have a cool name though.
This was a very smooth and easy read, I finished it in one sitting which I like. The writing was better in some parts than others. I think the battle scenes could've been written to be more dynamic.
The characters were the best part of this story. I admire Esme's bravery and everything she's willing to go through to save her kingdom and the people she cares about. And Magnus (another cool name here, how could I NOT simp?) is young, but tries his best to protect her.
About Magnus, his age didn't work for me. In my head I imagined him a few years older, that made more sense.
The plot was the "weakest" part of the book. By which I mean, some things didn't make sense and others weren't explained. Hopefully they will be in later books.
The final chapter is especially guilty of this, left me with even more questions. That's just mean.
Something I didn't like is all the deaths. That many weren't really necessary and I didn't feel their impact as I should've because I barely got to know them.
To end this on a more positive note, I like that Esme isn't the only magical one in the land. I'm interested in learning more about the other person, mainly because of what they said at the end.
And I do hope Esme can find what she's looking for and change her destiny.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
emm_enchanted's review
5.0
My bookstagram: emm_enchanted
A fantastic story!
Esme Oakenheart is prophecized to be a destroyer at her birth. Spending all her time locked up in a library, her only goal is to push down her powers for fear of being unleashed and killing all her people. When she is sent away to marry the prince of another kingdom, her convoy is attacked by mercenaries hired to kill her. With only Captain Magnus left alive, she comes across a deadly plot that threatens her kingdom.
I loved the story right from the start and even though it took me more time than usual to finish it, I was completely hooked. The characters are amazing and I loved Esme. I enjoyed watching her interactions with people, especially after being confined in the castle for so long. She is driven and kind and determined to protect the innocent around her. Also, I always have a soft spot for characters who love books.
Magnus is a sweetheart and I kept rooting for him throughout the book. The thing I liked most about his personality is that, even though he is the Captain and expected to hide his emotions, he has his vulnerabilities and isn't afraid to show them.
I kept waiting for something to happen between the 2 of them and there were instances when I thought they'd kiss, but they didn't. I really hope the next book has some action.
The supporting characters did a great job in helping the story progress.
The world-building was limited, but enough. I think the book had the right amount of description. I don't like it when the details go on and on.
I'm intrigued about Esme's magic and I liked the scenes where she unleashes them. Very badass!
The book ended with a cliffhanger and now I have a lot of questions. I can't wait to read the next book and see how the story unravels.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it has helped me a little with my reading slump.
A fantastic story!
Esme Oakenheart is prophecized to be a destroyer at her birth. Spending all her time locked up in a library, her only goal is to push down her powers for fear of being unleashed and killing all her people. When she is sent away to marry the prince of another kingdom, her convoy is attacked by mercenaries hired to kill her. With only Captain Magnus left alive, she comes across a deadly plot that threatens her kingdom.
I loved the story right from the start and even though it took me more time than usual to finish it, I was completely hooked. The characters are amazing and I loved Esme. I enjoyed watching her interactions with people, especially after being confined in the castle for so long. She is driven and kind and determined to protect the innocent around her. Also, I always have a soft spot for characters who love books.
Magnus is a sweetheart and I kept rooting for him throughout the book. The thing I liked most about his personality is that, even though he is the Captain and expected to hide his emotions, he has his vulnerabilities and isn't afraid to show them.
I kept waiting for something to happen between the 2 of them and there were instances when I thought they'd kiss, but they didn't. I really hope the next book has some action.
The supporting characters did a great job in helping the story progress.
The world-building was limited, but enough. I think the book had the right amount of description. I don't like it when the details go on and on.
I'm intrigued about Esme's magic and I liked the scenes where she unleashes them. Very badass!
The book ended with a cliffhanger and now I have a lot of questions. I can't wait to read the next book and see how the story unravels.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it has helped me a little with my reading slump.
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