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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
Possibly 4.5 stars, but this was a good book, and I don’t think my reason is good enough, so we’re rounding up. I loved the MCs/their romance and the fact that this book is a standalone, but my hesitation on 5 stars came from my finding some of the writing confusing (though that may just be me not putting in enough thought).
Atakan was a phenomenal MMC. I loved how he never loses the coldness he’s introduced with and the whole playing games to increase tension thing never left him and Mildred. So many MMCs (especially morally grey/black ones) feel like different people after they fall in love, but not Atakan. The romance between Atakan and Mildred was also phenomenal. There is a love triangle and an ACOTAR-style Spring to Night court plot, but it kept me on my toes and made the rest of the plot that much better.
There were also a couple points in the book where I was super confused about what was going on and what Mildred was thinking. For example, in chapter 33, However, the handful of moments like this were made up for with something that I am extremely pleased about: the building of the world’s context. Our story starts with Mildred when she’s ten and each chapter jumps forward a few years. It’s a perfect story-telling technique for three reasons: (1) it gives us context for what’s been happening in the 10-15 years prior to our story that make the FMC’s life so dramatic, dire, etc.; (2) it builds up the bully romance. Instead of having Mildred say she hates Atakan at the beginning and have us just have to believe it, we see what has transpired to get them to that point so everything feels less abrupt; (3) it was fun to see Mildred be a true Fae in behavior (I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love when Fae characters act like the tricksters they’re supposed to be and not simply humans with pointy ears.) so that we see her cleverness and trick-proclivity as opposed to hearing about it later and having to take the author at their word. Essentially, this allowed the author to tell us a lot of background information while still feeling like it’s showing us not telling us.
Lastly, this book is packed. I was actually surprised when I finished it that it was only 400 pages. It feels like 700. A lot happened, I was never bored, and I everything was resolved sufficiently.
Atakan was a phenomenal MMC. I loved how he never loses the coldness he’s introduced with and the whole playing games to increase tension thing never left him and Mildred. So many MMCs (especially morally grey/black ones) feel like different people after they fall in love, but not Atakan. The romance between Atakan and Mildred was also phenomenal. There is a love triangle and an ACOTAR-style Spring to Night court plot, but it kept me on my toes and made the rest of the plot that much better.
Spoiler
I was worried about Mildred actually falling in love with Vane and couldn’t tell if that was what we wanted or not. There were several moments where the author easily could’ve painted Atakan as the villain and turned Mildred against him and the not knowing which way it would go just made the whole book angsty-er. Though I will admit, rooting for Atakan while she was with Vane made me question myself and whether I wanted to finish the book.There were also a couple points in the book where I was super confused about what was going on and what Mildred was thinking. For example, in chapter 33,
Spoiler
Mildred goes to Vane and thinks “I didn’t even make it to the paver he stood on. He reached out and snatched my hand. He was too strong for me to fight, and fighting was useless when I’d made my choice.” Um, what choice? It was not clear why she was choosing to go with him. To spare Atakan? Idiotic since we all know he’ll go to her regardless.Lastly, this book is packed. I was actually surprised when I finished it that it was only 400 pages. It feels like 700. A lot happened, I was never bored, and I everything was resolved sufficiently.
I really enjoyed listening to this book. I think the author is really talented. I’ll read more from her. Original story: good!
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
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:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-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:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am actually pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book. I almost didn’t read it because of some of the reviews on here but I’m glad I did. I enjoyed their games and banter, with the twists along the way.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Another booktok recommendation that fails to amuse me, I didn't really get why there was the third party involved (I understand the plot but like it could have been done better and without him) the ending was rushed and then no one knew anything else about that man 🤷🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️
so uh im surprised i even finished this one. i didn't particularly enjoy the writing or the lack of any meaningful worldbuilding. the vast majority of this book was just unoriginal and i'll leave it at that.
how many times do i need to be told that he has green flecks in his eyes. i also dont know why atakan brings up his NETHER REGIONS in practically every conversation its almost like that’s where all the thinking happens
how many times do i need to be told that he has green flecks in his eyes. i also dont know why atakan brings up his NETHER REGIONS in practically every conversation its almost like that’s where all the thinking happens