Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Harper Voyager, for providing me with an ARC! I was so excited to be approved for this one!!
When I first read the premise of this book, I knew it was going to be different. It was dark and unique, and honestly there was a lot packed into this book.
Fans of The Serpent and the Wings of Night will appreciate the high-stakes trials and complex father-daughter dynamic, while the eerie, monster-within element evokes the same gothic allure as One Dark Window.
At its core, this is a story about devotion, love, and the fierce struggle for self-determination. The protagonist doesn’t just face trials; she claws her way through them, fighting to carve her own path in a world that seeks to define and shame her.
If you’re craving a dark fantasy that’s original and bold, pick this one up!
When I first read the premise of this book, I knew it was going to be different. It was dark and unique, and honestly there was a lot packed into this book.
Fans of The Serpent and the Wings of Night will appreciate the high-stakes trials and complex father-daughter dynamic, while the eerie, monster-within element evokes the same gothic allure as One Dark Window.
At its core, this is a story about devotion, love, and the fierce struggle for self-determination. The protagonist doesn’t just face trials; she claws her way through them, fighting to carve her own path in a world that seeks to define and shame her.
If you’re craving a dark fantasy that’s original and bold, pick this one up!
dark
mysterious
tense
I stumbled with this to start because I think I was expecting a more mature voice. I wouldn’t say this reads as YA necessarily but very much skirting the line with New Adult. Once I shifted my expectations I quickly fell in love. I grew to care about all of the characters, even being moved by the minor Dreadguards.
I love Alma, and the story handles the complexity of Aster so well. I sobbed through the ending and am absolutely wrecked now. This is one of the worst book hangovers I’ve had in recent history.
I love Alma, and the story handles the complexity of Aster so well. I sobbed through the ending and am absolutely wrecked now. This is one of the worst book hangovers I’ve had in recent history.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Gore
dark
emotional
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
This one huuuuuuuurrrt but I loved every moment of it.
After her mother’s death and being taken in by her father and pledged to her family’s god, Alma is alone… except for her imaginary friend and his assurances of revenge.
This is a dark, tragic fantasy with a lot of violence but also a lot of hope and healing. The romantic subplot had my heart even with the distance Alma tries to enforce for the reader and herself.
I am trash for Alma and Aster, unfortunately. I tried so hard to fight it but I failed. My brain knew better but my heart won out.
The side characters were wonderful and I wish we could have spent more time with them (but obviously we couldn’t because reasons…).
Despite the darkness and violence, it did read a little bit younger than I was expecting- not sure if it was due to being 1st person or because we did spend so long with Alma as a child.
Overall, I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a dark fantasy with anime vibes and gorgeous illustrations.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the ARC- all thoughts my own!
After her mother’s death and being taken in by her father and pledged to her family’s god, Alma is alone… except for her imaginary friend and his assurances of revenge.
This is a dark, tragic fantasy with a lot of violence but also a lot of hope and healing. The romantic subplot had my heart even with the distance Alma tries to enforce for the reader and herself.
I am trash for Alma and Aster, unfortunately. I tried so hard to fight it but I failed. My brain knew better but my heart won out.
The side characters were wonderful and I wish we could have spent more time with them (but obviously we couldn’t because reasons…).
Despite the darkness and violence, it did read a little bit younger than I was expecting- not sure if it was due to being 1st person or because we did spend so long with Alma as a child.
Overall, I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a dark fantasy with anime vibes and gorgeous illustrations.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the ARC- all thoughts my own!
dark
fast-paced
I became interested in this book when I saw a few different reviews comp the book to Full Metal Alchemist. There was a bit of FMA vibes with the mechanical arm, dead mother and eldritch type horrors.
The writing style was very simple and straightforward which I think worked really well in conjunction with Alma’s character.
In some ways the book felt a little more YA which isn’t my preference. The book starts off when the character is 10ish and most of the book is when the FMC is in her late teens. Her motivations and worldview are very simplistic.
The book is fast paced and there is a lot of fun fight scenes to enjoy.
I really enjoyed that the author included illustrations throughout.
Overall, I think I enjoyed the book more conceptually than in reality. There were a lot of unique world building ideas here but nothing fully captivating me.
This masterpiece had everything I’ve been looking for. The characters, plot and world building were phenomenal. I was immersed from the beginning to the end because it was packed with action.
There are also illustrations throughout the book, which are hand drawn by the author themself! As a fan of anime, manga and manwha, I admire and respect the artwork. It was a game changer and brought the book to life.
Alma and Aster hold a special place in my heart. Two lonely individuals fighting for survival against the broken system. They are the definition of soul mates. Inseparable and tragic. “You will never be alone again.” I could not cry enough over them.
I also have to give a shoutout to the best supporting characters, Fion and Kaim (I ship them so much) as well as Six and Sevelie. Everyone suffered hardship and I couldn’t help but root for their happiness.
❥ Thank you Harper Voyage and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the ARC e-book.
There are also illustrations throughout the book, which are hand drawn by the author themself! As a fan of anime, manga and manwha, I admire and respect the artwork. It was a game changer and brought the book to life.
Alma and Aster hold a special place in my heart. Two lonely individuals fighting for survival against the broken system. They are the definition of soul mates. Inseparable and tragic. “You will never be alone again.” I could not cry enough over them.
I also have to give a shoutout to the best supporting characters, Fion and Kaim (I ship them so much) as well as Six and Sevelie. Everyone suffered hardship and I couldn’t help but root for their happiness.
❥ Thank you Harper Voyage and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the ARC e-book.
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Thanks to Avon & HarperVoyager and NetGalley for the preview. All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars
Wow absolutely wrecked me! This is a dark and twisty fantasy full of characters on the morally grey spectrum; some are light grey, and some are so morally black. It's a story of revenge, with gods that demand sacrifices, and some gory battles at the end. Seriously, it gets pretty bloody at points, and no ones motives are pure.
Alma as our POV character is captivating. She's reviled by most people because of her origins, so her desire for revenge is totally understandable. It's also understandable how she falls under Aster's thrall, with him being her only friend (that only she can see), and him coaching her in her revenge plot. I do want to emphasize though that this is NOT a romance. This is a heart-wrenching and tragic story, though it ends on a hopeful note. I could not look away, and I absolutely was crying at the end. There was a twist too that had me gasping.
This was such a gripping tale, and I highly recommend it.
4.5 stars
Wow absolutely wrecked me! This is a dark and twisty fantasy full of characters on the morally grey spectrum; some are light grey, and some are so morally black. It's a story of revenge, with gods that demand sacrifices, and some gory battles at the end. Seriously, it gets pretty bloody at points, and no ones motives are pure.
Alma as our POV character is captivating. She's reviled by most people because of her origins, so her desire for revenge is totally understandable. It's also understandable how she falls under Aster's thrall, with him being her only friend (that only she can see), and him coaching her in her revenge plot. I do want to emphasize though that this is NOT a romance. This is a heart-wrenching and tragic story, though it ends on a hopeful note. I could not look away, and I absolutely was crying at the end. There was a twist too that had me gasping.
This was such a gripping tale, and I highly recommend it.
adventurous
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