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dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Terminal illness, Blood, Death of parent
Minor: Animal cruelty, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Really enjoyed this book, and I loved Genevieve and Rowin. BUT I didn’t feel as thrilled as I did when I read Phantasma :(
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Grief, Alcohol
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
AMAZING GIVE ME 14 MORE! (but literally please give all the Silver siblings a book/novella/HEA)
I wish I could read these books over and over and never have to leave this universe. I am obsessed with Rowin and Genevieve - their banter, their chemistry, and their growth with one another throughout the book is swoon-worthy. Not to mention Umbra - sweet sweet baby.
My only wish with the main characters is that wegot to understand Genevieve's magic a little more. We don't get a lot of explanation as to how she did the thing with Grave to not die lol also I didn't like that Rowin had to give up his immortality (I want all those lovelies to live forever 😭)
The siblingscould not have been written better! Sevin was a demented little angel baby and I want him to find an absolute sunshine of a woman and him be so confused lol. And GRAVE! I knew I was gonna love him! Ellin - gives off the perfect baby sister vibe and I'm here for it. I cannot wait to learn more about Remi, Wells, and Covin - we love them.
Quite a few unanswered questions at the end of this book - but I will wait *impatiently* for my answers in the next books 😉
Also THANK THE LORD she didn't kill off any of the familiars like she said in the acknowledgements cause I WOULD NOT have been okay.
I wish I could read these books over and over and never have to leave this universe. I am obsessed with Rowin and Genevieve - their banter, their chemistry, and their growth with one another throughout the book is swoon-worthy. Not to mention Umbra - sweet sweet baby.
My only wish with the main characters is that we
The siblings
Quite a few unanswered questions at the end of this book - but I will wait *impatiently* for my answers in the next books 😉
Also
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Terminal illness
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
I love Kaylie Smith’s writing, the detailing and descriptiveness about scenery, the characters, even down to the detailing about outfits (especially the stunning dresses Genevieve wore).
I love that this book wasn’t ’instant love’. It gradually progressed throughout the book. The fiery banter between Rowin and Genevieve was just *chefs kiss*. They’re both stubborn and hot headed and I loved reading along as their relationship progressed, how they began to develop feelings for each other and how they navigated this while going through all the different rounds and dangers of The Hunt.
The element of found family was just beautiful. The complexity of each character, how different all the siblings are (personalities, looks, different variations of wraiths) and the dysfunctional family unit - like seriously.. yeah they like you, might even love you (not looking at you Grave) but they’re also going to try to kill you.
‘I worry when you leave there will be no one left to see me’ 😩 Rowin Silver - there were moments where my heart just broke 😩
✨A broody, dark MMC - complete with tattoos and piercings 🫠
✨Feisty, funny, stubborn FMC
✨Marriage of convenience
✨‘Touch her and you die’ vibes
✨Found family
This book was such good fun! I loved it from start to finish!
My only thing is that I would have loved more of the back story with Barrington Silver and Tessie Grimm, and also more about what happened between Remi and Rowin.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Blood, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This did not live up to expectations and I was so excited for this one. This did not live up to my expectations and I was so excited for this one. Maybe this is partly because I've been going into books blind? When I first started this book, I thought this would be a continuation of book 1 and not be a switch to Genevieve's story. I know Ophelia got some hate in book 1 but I liked her and was hoping to have a continuation of her story in Enchantra.
This had a lot of similar elements as Phantasma but for whatever reason I couldn't connect as much with this story. I felt that the games were less exciting and I overall felt myself a lot less connected to the characters within this book. A major hit for me was how quickly and deeply the love interest progressed within this book. I mean, they just met and within days, they've fallen in love? And not only that, but at the end he (Rowin) gives up something that he's been hoping for, all for Genevieve (whom he just met)?? Maybe this is the pessimist in me or maybe I'm just being overly realistic.. but it felt way too deep for how quickly this story moved.
My main call out goes to Umbra. I absolutely adored everything about Umbra and if anything happened to this little cutie, I was going to be an emotional wreck.
While this did not meet my expectations, I know that I'll keep reading on. I still enjoyed reading this book, it just wasn't as much as I was expecting to enjoy it.
Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7425150770
Fable Review: https://fable.co/review/5bc2d82e-de9c-4bd7-a1e3-520d26423ff1/share
This had a lot of similar elements as Phantasma but for whatever reason I couldn't connect as much with this story. I felt that the games were less exciting and I overall felt myself a lot less connected to the characters within this book. A major hit for me was how quickly and deeply the love interest progressed within this book. I mean, they just met and within days, they've fallen in love? And not only that, but at the end he
My main call out goes to Umbra. I absolutely adored everything about Umbra and if anything happened to this little cutie, I was going to be an emotional wreck.
While this did not meet my expectations, I know that I'll keep reading on. I still enjoyed reading this book, it just wasn't as much as I was expecting to enjoy it.
Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7425150770
Fable Review: https://fable.co/review/5bc2d82e-de9c-4bd7-a1e3-520d26423ff1/share
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4.25/5 stars
2.5/5 spice
Tropes:
Strangers to Lovers
Forced Marriage
Deadly game
Cursed family
Magical elements
Big family dynamics
Single POV
I really liked the story overall, but it wasn't a 5 for me because the romance felt rushed. There was attraction and lust, but I couldn't pinpoint a moment that really stood out as a catalyst for that hate to love transition. But it could be that I missed it in the audiobook and will probably need to re-read it again to see it better.
I really like the plot of the game, though. I wanted to see more of the family dynamics before the game started, but the single POV made it all about Genevieve and her interactions. Not that it was bad, but I'm a big fan of family dynamics. Genevieve herself was a really fun character. I liked her spunk and bravery. The banter was great, and you could feel the attraction between her and Rowin. Like I said, though, I would've liked to see a clearer moment where they both transitioned from that hate to love because the lust was there for sure.
Overall, it is an intriguing and fun read. I still recommend this book for fans of Deadly trials, forced or arranged marriage, and morally grey characters. Please check trigger and content warnings before starting this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
2.5/5 spice
Tropes:
Strangers to Lovers
Forced Marriage
Deadly game
Cursed family
Magical elements
Big family dynamics
Single POV
I really liked the story overall, but it wasn't a 5 for me because the romance felt rushed. There was attraction and lust, but I couldn't pinpoint a moment that really stood out as a catalyst for that hate to love transition. But it could be that I missed it in the audiobook and will probably need to re-read it again to see it better.
I really like the plot of the game, though. I wanted to see more of the family dynamics before the game started, but the single POV made it all about Genevieve and her interactions. Not that it was bad, but I'm a big fan of family dynamics. Genevieve herself was a really fun character. I liked her spunk and bravery. The banter was great, and you could feel the attraction between her and Rowin. Like I said, though, I would've liked to see a clearer moment where they both transitioned from that hate to love because the lust was there for sure.
Overall, it is an intriguing and fun read. I still recommend this book for fans of Deadly trials, forced or arranged marriage, and morally grey characters. Please check trigger and content warnings before starting this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Murder
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
If you know me, you know I’ve got low to no tolerance for supposedly strong FMCs who keep constantly and consistently being saved by men or some random convenient plot twist.
So let me just say that Genevieve Grimm as Enchantra’s FMC is the anti-damsel I needed. She isn’t some overpowered “chosen one,” nor does she spend the book waiting for a man to save her, although if a hot shadow man offers to detangle her hair, well, I'm sure she'd let them. She’s got female friendships, personality, curves, confidence, a stubborn streak, a messed up backstory, likes a party and feels like someone I’d grab a coffee/beverage with. Kaylie Smith understood the assignment.
Firstly, the setting is Tuscany, on a sprawling estate with secret passages and giant hedge mazes and Vivi (Genevieve) has somehow found herself trapped in a deadly game of hide and seek with a cursed family who star in some type of reality TV show for a demonic audience. Not exactly a relaxing vacation.
Vivi’s only shot at survival is a marriage of convenience to an Azriel-coded, enigmatic shadow wraith immortal named Rowin Silver. There are corvids (obligatory bird lady appreciation), masquerades, ball gowns, piranhas, secret rooms, animal companion-familiars, the whole touch her and die and fake dating thing, a splash of grumpy-shadow vs. sunshine, plus zippy banter.
Furthermore, the Silver family is peak dysfunction. It’s that special kind of found family dynamic where your in-laws might actually kill you and each other (bonding through murder, love that for them). The sibling relationships were nuanced. Ellin and Sevin were particularly well-developed. That said, I wanted more on Barrington Silver and Tessie Grimm’s backstories, and more insight into the rift between identical shadow-wraith twins, Remi and Rowin.
Nonetheless, I perceived Enchantra to be a lot more romantic than its predecessor. Genevieve and Rowin communicate. Secrets unravel, vulnerabilities crack open. It simmers before it boils, and when it does, the romance feels earned.
Now, the rating dilemma. My heart wants to throw 5 stars at this, because I thought the ending was twisty, heart melting, loved it. But my critic wants to hold it back at 4, due to a few minor nitpicks (an overused nickname and overuse of italics for emphasis, just a personal preference). So, let’s call it 4.5. I loved this more than Phantasma so if you liked that, there is a good chance you’ll like Enchantra too.
A huge thanks to Second Sky/Forever and NetGalley for the invitation to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. So much fun!
TL;DR:
☠️ Found family but make it murderous
☠️ Marriage of convenience-fake dating but with actual stakes
☠️ Masquerades, ball gowns, and piranhas
☠️ Touch her and die
☠️ Shadows vs sunshine
☠️ Cute animal companions
☠️ Shadow appendage 🍆 (I won't elaborate)
☠️ More romantic than Phantasma
So let me just say that Genevieve Grimm as Enchantra’s FMC is the anti-damsel I needed. She isn’t some overpowered “chosen one,” nor does she spend the book waiting for a man to save her, although if a hot shadow man offers to detangle her hair, well, I'm sure she'd let them. She’s got female friendships, personality, curves, confidence, a stubborn streak, a messed up backstory, likes a party and feels like someone I’d grab a coffee/beverage with. Kaylie Smith understood the assignment.
Firstly, the setting is Tuscany, on a sprawling estate with secret passages and giant hedge mazes and Vivi (Genevieve) has somehow found herself trapped in a deadly game of hide and seek with a cursed family who star in some type of reality TV show for a demonic audience. Not exactly a relaxing vacation.
Vivi’s only shot at survival is a marriage of convenience to an Azriel-coded, enigmatic shadow wraith immortal named Rowin Silver. There are corvids (obligatory bird lady appreciation), masquerades, ball gowns, piranhas, secret rooms, animal companion-familiars, the whole touch her and die and fake dating thing, a splash of grumpy-shadow vs. sunshine, plus zippy banter.
Furthermore, the Silver family is peak dysfunction. It’s that special kind of found family dynamic where your in-laws might actually kill you and each other (bonding through murder, love that for them). The sibling relationships were nuanced. Ellin and Sevin were particularly well-developed. That said, I wanted more on Barrington Silver and Tessie Grimm’s backstories, and more insight into the rift between identical shadow-wraith twins, Remi and Rowin.
Nonetheless, I perceived Enchantra to be a lot more romantic than its predecessor. Genevieve and Rowin communicate. Secrets unravel, vulnerabilities crack open. It simmers before it boils, and when it does, the romance feels earned.
Now, the rating dilemma. My heart wants to throw 5 stars at this, because I thought the ending was twisty, heart melting, loved it. But my critic wants to hold it back at 4, due to a few minor nitpicks (an overused nickname and overuse of italics for emphasis, just a personal preference). So, let’s call it 4.5. I loved this more than Phantasma so if you liked that, there is a good chance you’ll like Enchantra too.
A huge thanks to Second Sky/Forever and NetGalley for the invitation to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. So much fun!
TL;DR:
☠️ Found family but make it murderous
☠️ Marriage of convenience-fake dating but with actual stakes
☠️ Masquerades, ball gowns, and piranhas
☠️ Touch her and die
☠️ Shadows vs sunshine
☠️ Cute animal companions
☠️ Shadow appendage 🍆 (I won't elaborate)
☠️ More romantic than Phantasma
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Animal death, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent