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adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, War, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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:
Complicated
I really enjoyed this book! It’s very fantastical and the characters grow and move the plot along. The romance is a light focus of the story but well-built—I was always rooting for them!
Good writing and easy to read and follow along. The author lays out information well so you can try to puzzle things together as you read, which is something I love to do.
Great world-building in the sense that you learn and see the world as needed. There wasn’t an unnecessary dumping of descriptions at any point. I was glued to my e-reader the whole time!
I love Elsbeth’s relationship with her monster. He’s grouchy, old, and sassy, and speaks in riddles often. We watch her grow and find heart and soul (literally) from the story around her. Although the violence in this story can be a bit much for those adverse to blood and gore.
I was a little disappointed that the monster is not the lover (hahahaa), but this enemies-to-lover setup works well.
-.25 stars because I want just a little more from the romance/relationship depth. But highly recommend because it’s fun to put things together as you’re reading.
Can’t wait to read the second book!
Good writing and easy to read and follow along. The author lays out information well so you can try to puzzle things together as you read, which is something I love to do.
Great world-building in the sense that you learn and see the world as needed. There wasn’t an unnecessary dumping of descriptions at any point. I was glued to my e-reader the whole time!
I love Elsbeth’s relationship with her monster. He’s grouchy, old, and sassy, and speaks in riddles often. We watch her grow and find heart and soul (literally) from the story around her. Although the violence in this story can be a bit much for those adverse to blood and gore.
I was a little disappointed that the monster is not the lover (hahahaa), but this enemies-to-lover setup works well.
-.25 stars because I want just a little more from the romance/relationship depth. But highly recommend because it’s fun to put things together as you’re reading.
Can’t wait to read the second book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Violence, Blood, Murder
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This had a great premise. I just felt the character design was very shallow which resulted in inconsistent actions and undeep relationships.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Sexual content, Blood, Death of parent, Murder
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Violence, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Religious bigotry, Abandonment, Classism
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Genocide, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved the pace of this one! I cannot believe it took me so long to finally pick it up (although I am glad in a way as I can start the second right away!).
I read the first 50 pages and wasn’t immediately taken by it so didn’t pick it up again for a few days. However, once I did I literally didn’t put it down and read the rest in one sitting!
It was such a unique story- after so long of reading fantasy you get used to the general themes. This was something as of yet unseen by myself- the magic system was new and the cards and their lore invigorating.
Of course, the tropes of enemies to lovers, found family, uniquely powerful FMC were there and those were predictable enough- but very enjoyed all the same 😂
We love Ravyn and Emory - I hope Ravyn finds his way back to Elspeth soon. I guess I’ll find out this evening when I read the next so …
I read the first 50 pages and wasn’t immediately taken by it so didn’t pick it up again for a few days. However, once I did I literally didn’t put it down and read the rest in one sitting!
It was such a unique story- after so long of reading fantasy you get used to the general themes. This was something as of yet unseen by myself- the magic system was new and the cards and their lore invigorating.
Of course, the tropes of enemies to lovers, found family, uniquely powerful FMC were there and those were predictable enough- but very enjoyed all the same 😂
We love Ravyn and Emory - I hope Ravyn finds his way back to Elspeth soon. I guess I’ll find out this evening when I read the next so …
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Violence, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Stalking
Minor: Torture
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What a captivating story! I loved the card component and it's similarities/differences to Tarot. I found the characters loveable/hateable as appropriate in the story. I loved the slow build romance but it wasn't the main focus of the book (not much spice). The magic was intriguing and I was so interested in the Nightmare. He gave Cheshire cat vibes which is my JAM. There were a few spots where descriptions were odd to me and there's a spoiler that I foun obvious and discovered in chapter 3 that the main character didn't discover until chapter 22 so I grew a little impatient waiting for her to put the pieces together. Overall I was obsessed and read most of this in one day. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Genocide, Gore, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Police brutality, Fire/Fire injury
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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:
Complicated
This book really surprised me and exceeded my expectations! I tend to avoid first person perspective novels as I often find myself frustrated when trapped inside the mind of one person (even worse when they are annoying and I despise them), but I LOVED Elspeth! The banter between her and the Nightmare was so interesting and I loved how deeply rooted all the characters were with the magic system and history.
There was a whole portion of the book where I read 100 pages straight and didn’t even realize it, looking down at the page number and just absolutely baffled by how hypnotized and sucked into this book I had been.
So many complex characters to try and pick apart, Elm and Emory ended up becoming huge soft spots for me and unlikely favorites. Elm may not the nicest guy in the world, but man is he complex and interesting! The only thing preventing this from being a full 5 stars was Ravyn, as my feelings for him were a bit muddled and hard to place for most of the novel, I was frustrated that I wasn’t liking him as much as I should be. I can’t place my finger on what it is, I’m guessing it may be how quickly he transforms from bad guy to good. I do like him, I was just disappointed that I wasn’t head over heels for him like I usually am (I’m weak for dark and brooding boys okay). These feelings towards him did not take away my interest from the plot at all, and I still actively rooted for him throughout the book, as well as for his relationship with Elspeth. I love those two together, pairings where the big powerful and scary guy becomes whipped and so soft and in love will always be god-tier.
Rachel really knows how to make an atmosphere, the writing was beautiful but not excessive or pretentious, it was just right to leave a lasting and immersive impression without slowing the plot. This is such a strong first novel and the consistency of it from its first page to its last really has me hopeful that the other books in the series will only continue to be as interesting, fast-paced, heart racing, and immersive!
If you want a quick and easy to read dark fantasy with high stakes, interesting characters, and unique world-building, I could not recommend this novel enough!
There was a whole portion of the book where I read 100 pages straight and didn’t even realize it, looking down at the page number and just absolutely baffled by how hypnotized and sucked into this book I had been.
So many complex characters to try and pick apart, Elm and Emory ended up becoming huge soft spots for me and unlikely favorites. Elm may not the nicest guy in the world, but man is he complex and interesting! The only thing preventing this from being a full 5 stars was Ravyn, as my feelings for him were a bit muddled and hard to place for most of the novel, I was frustrated that I wasn’t liking him as much as I should be. I can’t place my finger on what it is, I’m guessing it may be how quickly he transforms from bad guy to good. I do like him, I was just disappointed that I wasn’t head over heels for him like I usually am (I’m weak for dark and brooding boys okay). These feelings towards him did not take away my interest from the plot at all, and I still actively rooted for him throughout the book, as well as for his relationship with Elspeth. I love those two together, pairings where the big powerful and scary guy becomes whipped and so soft and in love will always be god-tier.
Rachel really knows how to make an atmosphere, the writing was beautiful but not excessive or pretentious, it was just right to leave a lasting and immersive impression without slowing the plot. This is such a strong first novel and the consistency of it from its first page to its last really has me hopeful that the other books in the series will only continue to be as interesting, fast-paced, heart racing, and immersive!
If you want a quick and easy to read dark fantasy with high stakes, interesting characters, and unique world-building, I could not recommend this novel enough!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Genocide, Hate crime, Violence
Has the "touch her and I'll kill you" dynamic, protective dark and gloomy love interest shrouded in mystery!
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What a horribly cruel cliffhanger ending!!!
I recommend waiting until the series is complete tbh.
The magic system is fascinating & the lore is intriguing. It’s like a dark and twisted fairytale full of riddles & rhymes. An epic quest full of shock & horror and a sprinkle of slow-burn romance.
It’s not FTB but the spice is mild.
Idk if this is categorized as a romance, but unless there’s an HEA- I might trash it in my fury & rage! I am REELING after that ending!! Toddler tantrum level 3000!!!
Caveat emptor. Buyer beware.
I recommend waiting until the series is complete tbh.
The magic system is fascinating & the lore is intriguing. It’s like a dark and twisted fairytale full of riddles & rhymes. An epic quest full of shock & horror and a sprinkle of slow-burn romance.
It’s not FTB but the spice is mild.
Idk if this is categorized as a romance, but unless there’s an HEA- I might trash it in my fury & rage! I am REELING after that ending!! Toddler tantrum level 3000!!!
Caveat emptor. Buyer beware.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Hate crime, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, Classism