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cardanrry's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, Grief, and Sexual content
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Sexual assault and Pregnancy
sophiesmallhands's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Sexual content
Moderate: Gun violence, Grief, Blood, Classism, Violence, Police brutality, Injury/Injury detail, and Gore
Minor: Emotional abuse, War, Vomit, Suicide, Pregnancy, Torture, Rape, Misogyny, and Bullying
micheala's review against another edition
4.0
I was quite nervous going into this one. I really enjoyed the first book, and had some significant issues with the second book, so I was afraid this was going to be a similar issue, especially when I saw it was hate to love.
Thankfully, I did end up enjoying it. I think book 1 focused 60/40 on the romance vs plot, book 2 was 30/70, and book 3 is 50/50. Book 1 is a Sunshine/Grump (a trope I love), book 2 is a murder mystery with a side of holiday romance, and book 3 is hate to love (a trope I don't usually enjoy)
Both as an individual book, as well as the conclusion to the trilogy, I think this did a really good job. I liked the character growth we got between Alan and Jake as we/they found out more about each other. I also appreciated that they, like Edward and Robin, got on the same page with a good amount of the book left (~50-60% as opposed to Violet and Maude who didn't manage that until the very end, and ended their book with me unsure if they would keep seeing each other let alone have a HFN never mind a HEA)
From a fantasy perspective, I loved how much worldbuilding we got in this book. Seeing the exploration of the magic was fascinating and definitely increased my enjoyment.
I'm very happy where this trilogy left off, and I'll be interested to see what Marske puts out next - these have all pulled a little more angsty then my personal preference, but the quality is amazing so depending on tropes I'll give the next thing a shot.
Not quite a content warning, but the sexual encounters are all rape fantasies. The two characters have explicite concent and boundaries discussed prior, however if power imbalances and "not" being able to say no is a trigger, I would suggest skipping this.
Thankfully, I did end up enjoying it. I think book 1 focused 60/40 on the romance vs plot, book 2 was 30/70, and book 3 is 50/50. Book 1 is a Sunshine/Grump (a trope I love), book 2 is a murder mystery with a side of holiday romance, and book 3 is hate to love (a trope I don't usually enjoy)
Both as an individual book, as well as the conclusion to the trilogy, I think this did a really good job. I liked the character growth we got between Alan and Jake as we/they found out more about each other. I also appreciated that they, like Edward and Robin, got on the same page with a good amount of the book left (~50-60% as opposed to Violet and Maude who didn't manage that until the very end, and ended their book with me unsure if they would keep seeing each other let alone have a HFN never mind a HEA)
From a fantasy perspective, I loved how much worldbuilding we got in this book. Seeing the exploration of the magic was fascinating and definitely increased my enjoyment.
I'm very happy where this trilogy left off, and I'll be interested to see what Marske puts out next - these have all pulled a little more angsty then my personal preference, but the quality is amazing so depending on tropes I'll give the next thing a shot.
Not quite a content warning, but the sexual encounters are all rape fantasies. The two characters have explicite concent and boundaries discussed prior, however if power imbalances and "not" being able to say no is a trigger, I would suggest skipping this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy, Suicide, Murder, Police brutality, Violence, Death, Gun violence, Blood, Grief, and Sexual content
ladythana's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Grief
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Police brutality, Classism, Suicide, Murder, Blood, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Mental illness, Injury/Injury detail, Torture, Rape, Pregnancy, and Emotional abuse
booksthatburn's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
5.0
Finishing out the trilogy, A POWER UNBOUND finally provides answers as to why Lord Hawthorn (Jack) lost his magic and his sister all those years ago. It wraps up the mysteries around the Last Contract, and while it doesn't contain any wholly new storylines, that's much less crucial for the end of a series. The way it approaches Jack and Alan's relationship it almost sufficient to stand on its own if necessary, though several delightful aspects (such as their first meeting and Alan's selling of pornography) are show in A RESTLESS TRUTH. Most aspects of Alan's life are introduced for the first time, as well as the specifics of Jack's. It's a strange balance that lets many details feel completely new even though the main characters and their current situation were set up in first two books. I've been hoping Jack would be a protagonist since he was first introduced as Lord Hawthorne in A MARVELLOUS LIGHT, so I was absolutely delighted to get my wish at last. They're very different narrators from any of the others, somehow continuing the pattern of one person having magic and the other not, but in a way I wasn't expecting.
The first chapter cements George as not only the detestable and power-hungry person shown into the earlier books, but truly vicious and uncaring in pursuit of his aims. There's something extra terrible in the way he destroyed Elsie and Jack's lives and then was so concerned with hiding what he'd done that he laid a secret-bind on both of them and didn't give a shit what became of them afterwards. Now, with a trail of the dead in George's wake, Jack and his strange new group of friends have one last chance to stop him once and for all.
Much of the magical worldbuilding was set up in the first two books, but there's a focus on class dynamics which is made possible by Alan's perspective when juxtaposed with the richer and titled members of the group. For all the Blythe's money troubles, they're on a vastly different scale than whether Alan's family will starve due to accident or injury. That perspective helps make obvious that the Last Contract was meant to accomplish something it's no longer really doing, and enables the group to come up with new solutions as things spin wildly out of control.
A POWER UNBOUND is (somehow) even sexier that A MARVELLOUS LIGHT and A RESTLESS TRUTH, or maybe this is just a sign that my tastes run closer to Alan's than any of the previous protagonists. Good sex scenes provide character development in addition to titillation. Great sex scenes are so seamlessly a part of character development that to skip them would be to miss something crucial, fervent, and deeply personal about the characters involved. Jack and Alan's relationship is one of playing with power dynamics and trusting that the other person won't cross any lines, that fantasies made flesh are a wonderful kind of vulnerability, and that consent can be withdrawn mid-scene. They get the thrill of fighting without being in true danger, though it takes a while for Alan to be sure enough of Lord Hawthorne that he can accept this vulnerability with Jack. For his part, Jack is enjoying the extra level of intimacy which comes from having unknowingly read Alan's work for years, now able to use that knowledge erotically and to devastating effect.
A POWER UNBOUND is a satisfying ending to a great trilogy. The epilogue is a perfect snapshot of everyone, I cackled at Alan's attempt at an interview after the big event. I'm eager for whatever Freya Marske writes next.
The first chapter cements George as not only the detestable and power-hungry person shown into the earlier books, but truly vicious and uncaring in pursuit of his aims. There's something extra terrible in the way he destroyed Elsie and Jack's lives and then was so concerned with hiding what he'd done that he laid a secret-bind on both of them and didn't give a shit what became of them afterwards. Now, with a trail of the dead in George's wake, Jack and his strange new group of friends have one last chance to stop him once and for all.
Much of the magical worldbuilding was set up in the first two books, but there's a focus on class dynamics which is made possible by Alan's perspective when juxtaposed with the richer and titled members of the group. For all the Blythe's money troubles, they're on a vastly different scale than whether Alan's family will starve due to accident or injury. That perspective helps make obvious that the Last Contract was meant to accomplish something it's no longer really doing, and enables the group to come up with new solutions as things spin wildly out of control.
A POWER UNBOUND is (somehow) even sexier that A MARVELLOUS LIGHT and A RESTLESS TRUTH, or maybe this is just a sign that my tastes run closer to Alan's than any of the previous protagonists. Good sex scenes provide character development in addition to titillation. Great sex scenes are so seamlessly a part of character development that to skip them would be to miss something crucial, fervent, and deeply personal about the characters involved. Jack and Alan's relationship is one of playing with power dynamics and trusting that the other person won't cross any lines, that fantasies made flesh are a wonderful kind of vulnerability, and that consent can be withdrawn mid-scene. They get the thrill of fighting without being in true danger, though it takes a while for Alan to be sure enough of Lord Hawthorne that he can accept this vulnerability with Jack. For his part, Jack is enjoying the extra level of intimacy which comes from having unknowingly read Alan's work for years, now able to use that knowledge erotically and to devastating effect.
A POWER UNBOUND is a satisfying ending to a great trilogy. The epilogue is a perfect snapshot of everyone, I cackled at Alan's attempt at an interview after the big event. I'm eager for whatever Freya Marske writes next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Blood, Death, Sexual content, Violence, Murder, and Cursing
Moderate: Sexism, Suicide, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, and Torture
Minor: Rape, Gore, Vomit, Gun violence, Grief, Sexism, Racism, Infidelity, and War
jencolumb0's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I was really excited to read Jack’s story but found it hard to stan him and Alan, which made this book a less-gripping read than the first two. I understood why it had to be the person in Alan’s role to advance the social commentary the author wanted to weave in (and think the kink elements woven in are a clear way to explore those dynamics with some heat) but he and Jack always *felt* half a step off from one another even if the plain meaning of the words didn’t reflect it. Somehow, there managed to be a lack of chemistry between two thoroughly fictional people who worked well in theory. I have yet to put my finger on why, exactly, but it is what stopped me from giving this book a full five stars.
Anyway, this is not a book you can step into without reading the first two so, um, don’t. Know that it is bloodier than the first two but delivers a satisfying resolution across the board . . . which makes it worth reading even if it’s not as easy to gobble up as the first two. I’m looking forward to reading what Marske takes on next.
Anyway, this is not a book you can step into without reading the first two so, um, don’t. Know that it is bloodier than the first two but delivers a satisfying resolution across the board . . . which makes it worth reading even if it’s not as easy to gobble up as the first two. I’m looking forward to reading what Marske takes on next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Sexual content, Death, Murder, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicide, Bullying, and Pregnancy
Minor: Death of parent, Gun violence, and Police brutality
sapphic_in_the_stacks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
A thrilling, beautiful, hopeful conclusion to the series. Marske manages to deliver an exciting yet elegant resolution to the enormous setup of the last two books. Not only that, but this book brings back all our favorite people from the last two installments, and has them working together alongside our new characters in a formidable team. While we don't get anything from the perspectives of our old favorites, this book allows us a peak back into those romantic and personal dynamics, as well as presents new dynamics between characters we know but haven't seen together.
This book manages to ride the line between historical fiction, fantasy, and romance, incorporating elements of each genre without feeling like it belongs more to one than the others. The historical context is interesting but not overpowering. The magic system is well developed and fascinating to learn, though the rules governing it continue to be discovered by the characters (and the audience) in a way that feels organic and makes sense in the context of the world. The romance plot in this book might be my favorite in the series. It manages to tackle the tricky but alluring subject of power imbalance in a way that keeps the dynamic both fun and unquestionably consensual. The intimacy is driven by character choices and alongside character development.
I really couldn't say enough good things about this book. It made me feel all the emotions, it caught my attention in the beginning and didn't let go until the end. I was genuinely loathe to stop reading and leave the world of this book. I can only say that I hope Marske continues to write more in this world, so I can come back again soon!
This book manages to ride the line between historical fiction, fantasy, and romance, incorporating elements of each genre without feeling like it belongs more to one than the others. The historical context is interesting but not overpowering. The magic system is well developed and fascinating to learn, though the rules governing it continue to be discovered by the characters (and the audience) in a way that feels organic and makes sense in the context of the world. The romance plot in this book might be my favorite in the series. It manages to tackle the tricky but alluring subject of power imbalance in a way that keeps the dynamic both fun and unquestionably consensual. The intimacy is driven by character choices and alongside character development.
I really couldn't say enough good things about this book. It made me feel all the emotions, it caught my attention in the beginning and didn't let go until the end. I was genuinely loathe to stop reading and leave the world of this book. I can only say that I hope Marske continues to write more in this world, so I can come back again soon!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Suicide, Grief, and Child death
Minor: Pregnancy and Gun violence
ramakn22's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Suicide, Murder, Misogyny, and Classism
Moderate: Child death, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Death, Sexual assault, Homophobia, Rape, and Pregnancy
20sidedbi's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Gaslighting, Violence, Blood, Sexual content, and Murder
Moderate: Racism, Homophobia, Misogyny, Classism, and Suicide
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Vomit, Sexual assault, and Pregnancy
ramreadsagain's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I'm absolutely devastated to have finished this. I have adored this series for over a year and I'm delighted to say that the final book in the trilogy could not have been more perfect.
I have loved the exploration of Jack Hawthorn's character especially after getting to know him better in A Restless Truth. Alan as well was fantastic, a character that has provided some good political balance in a series where most characters belong to the upper class. Their romance was done very well, in a way that feels realistic to them but still had me kicking my feet in the air and giggling.
I adored seeing Robin and Edwin again after their lack of presence in A Restless Truth, and Maud and Violet where great as well.
The plot!! It didn't go in the direction I was expecting, and while there was less action than I anticipated, the additional world-building as well as overall plot development was top notch.
And the ending? So so satisfying, emotional and heartwarming. It also leaves room for the imagination to continue following our beloved characters to see what else they get up to.
Note to self to ask the author if Adelaide Morrisey is canonically aromantic. I loved her subplot in this and her marriage to Robin has added a sense of realism to the queer happily ever afters we get.
Overall I could not imagine a better end for this series, I am in love with these characters and this world. I also desperately need some sort of spin off or something else set in this universe. Desperately.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advance reader copy of this book. This is my honest review.
I have loved the exploration of Jack Hawthorn's character especially after getting to know him better in A Restless Truth. Alan as well was fantastic, a character that has provided some good political balance in a series where most characters belong to the upper class. Their romance was done very well, in a way that feels realistic to them but still had me kicking my feet in the air and giggling.
I adored seeing Robin and Edwin again after their lack of presence in A Restless Truth, and Maud and Violet where great as well.
The plot!! It didn't go in the direction I was expecting, and while there was less action than I anticipated, the additional world-building as well as overall plot development was top notch.
And the ending? So so satisfying, emotional and heartwarming. It also leaves room for the imagination to continue following our beloved characters to see what else they get up to.
Note to self to ask the author if Adelaide Morrisey is canonically aromantic. I loved her subplot in this and her marriage to Robin has added a sense of realism to the queer happily ever afters we get.
Overall I could not imagine a better end for this series, I am in love with these characters and this world. I also desperately need some sort of spin off or something else set in this universe. Desperately.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advance reader copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Sexual content
Moderate: Torture and Blood
Minor: Gun violence, Suicide, Pregnancy, Classism, and War
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