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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
This was such a beautiful and romantic fantasy that ended up being a lot more cozy than I expected. I loved the playful banter between Oneira and Stearanos, especially in the letters left for one another before they met. If you’re looking for a book that will punch you in the gut at the end, you need to pick this one up. I really hope that we get more to this story and [spoiler] can save [spoiler] and have a happier ending. That being said, the ending was still perfect and really worked well.
Thank you to @brambleromance for the ARC! All thoughts are my own.
Thank you to @brambleromance for the ARC! All thoughts are my own.
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was really excited to get in to this book. The story sounded amazing. But unfortunately it just didn't do it for me.
I felt like the author left much to the imagination. There could have been much more descriptive detail. The two MCs fell in love but hardly had any interaction in my opinion. The concept of the story was great and I think that it had a lot of potential but I just wasn't impressed.
I felt like the author left much to the imagination. There could have been much more descriptive detail. The two MCs fell in love but hardly had any interaction in my opinion. The concept of the story was great and I think that it had a lot of potential but I just wasn't impressed.
To start, this book has an absolutely gorgeous cover that immediately caught my attention. I went into this book completely blind and based solely on the cover, so I was surprised by how cozy this was. That’s not to say that there aren’t stakes in this story, but the cozy nature of it makes it not feel as dire. It’s also a slower paced book, and I have love/hate relationships with slow paced books. I love the back and forth between the two MCs especially the secret library visits. Additionally, both characters were interesting and well developed. I really appreciate the care Lambert gave to the FMC as she struggled with moving forward after choices she made during the war. It’s easy to see why she craved a different life. I also appreciated how direct the MMC was. Fair warning, the ending will leave you shattered and wanting for more. The audiobook for this was truly magical. I binge read it in one sitting, and loved that separate narrators were used to voice the different POVs. I was especially impressed by Chloe Campbell — the FMC is so complex and Campbell nailed her character. Both narrators brought clear narration that was engaging and easy to follow. I would definitely recommend the audiobook for this.
✨
✨
eARC courtesy of Bramble Romance
ALC courtesy of Macmillan Audio
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was breathtakingly enchanting. while the first few chapters were slow (as with any new fantasy world), I was soon fully consumed with this story of heartbreak, healing, and sacrifice. The fantasy was so well written, the world built beautifully, and I so quickly fell in love with the characters. From the petty *borrowing* of books to full blown confrontations, ever interaction between the main characters was a delight. I am obsessed with this book, even more so this world that Jennifer K. Lambert has created. And at the same time I am emotionally devastated in a way that only a sequel to this story would heal.
Thank you so very much to Bramble for the honor of reviewing this early and gifting me my first physical ARC from their sweepstakes. I will cherish this book for ever and ever💜
slow-paced
I just wanna say thank god for that spoiler page on instagram for book boxes because if I paid Owlcrate for this, I’d go on a murder spree.
This was just bad? We got half way through before the main characters actually talked to either, they immediately fell in love and please for the love of god, do not read the blurb because then you know exactly how this ends.
I’m just convinced that this was written by a teenager because none of the characters had any dimensions, the plot was nonexistent, and let’s not forget that there was ZERO world building. I really had no idea what was happening, and I feel like there was a prequel I missed.
This was just bad? We got half way through before the main characters actually talked to either, they immediately fell in love and please for the love of god, do not read the blurb because then you know exactly how this ends.
I’m just convinced that this was written by a teenager because none of the characters had any dimensions, the plot was nonexistent, and let’s not forget that there was ZERO world building. I really had no idea what was happening, and I feel like there was a prequel I missed.
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC of Never the Roses.
This book is a mature slow-burn romantasy, and I loved it. It is a reimagining of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. The main characters in this story are rival sorcerers, each possessing unique magical abilities. The FMC has exiled herself and has magical animal companions. Without spoiling the book too much, her magical capabilities center around sleeping and dreaming.
This story is more character-driven than plot-driven. The writing is enchanting yet catered to adults. The world-building is rich. The characters are older with lived experiences, unlike the common growing pains or coming-of-age themes we see in most romantasies. I love that the enemies-to-lovers romance builds slowly. This book may not work for those who do not enjoy a "quiet fantasy." It does not have action-packed battle scenes or some sort of grand mission/adventure. I compare the pacing to Sword Catcher or The Invisible Life of Addie Larue. Similar to those two books, you have character development through the main characters daily living in the beginning, the pace picks up after the 50% mark, and the payoff comes together beautifully at the end. The epilogue...the EPILOGUE...that's all I can say.
This is a fantastic debut with emotional depth. I personally enjoy these types of reads and look forward to reading more from the author.
This book is a mature slow-burn romantasy, and I loved it. It is a reimagining of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. The main characters in this story are rival sorcerers, each possessing unique magical abilities. The FMC has exiled herself and has magical animal companions. Without spoiling the book too much, her magical capabilities center around sleeping and dreaming.
This story is more character-driven than plot-driven. The writing is enchanting yet catered to adults. The world-building is rich. The characters are older with lived experiences, unlike the common growing pains or coming-of-age themes we see in most romantasies. I love that the enemies-to-lovers romance builds slowly. This book may not work for those who do not enjoy a "quiet fantasy." It does not have action-packed battle scenes or some sort of grand mission/adventure. I compare the pacing to Sword Catcher or The Invisible Life of Addie Larue. Similar to those two books, you have character development through the main characters daily living in the beginning, the pace picks up after the 50% mark, and the payoff comes together beautifully at the end. The epilogue...the EPILOGUE...that's all I can say.
This is a fantastic debut with emotional depth. I personally enjoy these types of reads and look forward to reading more from the author.
Thank you to Tor Publishing Group/Bramble. NetGalley and Jennifer K. Lambert for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I had some pretty high hopes for this book. Rival sorcerers to lovers, forbidden love and slow burn are the ingredients for a perfect romantasy for me. Especially with the comparison to Circe and The Ashes and the Star Cursed King. Unfortunately, the book just fell flat for me.
Written in third person there is two POVs, one being Oneira who has retired from her position as the queen’s sorcerer and looks to spend the rest of her days in a remote forest, hoping for peace. When she decides to make a reckless journey into her rival sorcerer’s library, stealing a book on rare roses, it sets off a series of events and encounters that lead to forbidden relationships and wars that require the ultimate sacrifice.
Being completely honest, I was so bored throughout the majority of this book. Oneira was such a simple character that I lacked any interest in the development of her story. Add to that the fact that there is barely any dialogue or true plot progression until at least 3/4 of the way through.
The premise was intriguing, especially the whole forbidden love trope and note passing, only to realize there was a total of like 5 notes passed with little to no flirtation (more implied than anything, and even that was a stretch). The ending was also very lacklustre and frankly a bit predictable as “devastating” as it was meant to be. And it seems there’s a hint at a sequel that I most likely will not read.
Really the only thing I liked about the book was the animals and the descriptions of the scenery and the Dream. That’s what kept me the most interested and I wish the rest of the story had captivated me as much.
I had some pretty high hopes for this book. Rival sorcerers to lovers, forbidden love and slow burn are the ingredients for a perfect romantasy for me. Especially with the comparison to Circe and The Ashes and the Star Cursed King. Unfortunately, the book just fell flat for me.
Written in third person there is two POVs, one being Oneira who has retired from her position as the queen’s sorcerer and looks to spend the rest of her days in a remote forest, hoping for peace. When she decides to make a reckless journey into her rival sorcerer’s library, stealing a book on rare roses, it sets off a series of events and encounters that lead to forbidden relationships and wars that require the ultimate sacrifice.
Being completely honest, I was so bored throughout the majority of this book. Oneira was such a simple character that I lacked any interest in the development of her story. Add to that the fact that there is barely any dialogue or true plot progression until at least 3/4 of the way through.
The premise was intriguing, especially the whole forbidden love trope and note passing, only to realize there was a total of like 5 notes passed with little to no flirtation (more implied than anything, and even that was a stretch). The ending was also very lacklustre and frankly a bit predictable as “devastating” as it was meant to be. And it seems there’s a hint at a sequel that I most likely will not read.
Really the only thing I liked about the book was the animals and the descriptions of the scenery and the Dream. That’s what kept me the most interested and I wish the rest of the story had captivated me as much.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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:
No
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC.
Fabulous world building, a sweet romance that builds you up, then breaks your heart in the best way. The two star-crossed sorcerers begin as enemies and end as lovers in a story that takes you across a continent at war.
Great characters who tug at your heart and make you cheer for them and love them. Oneira knows her life is done but manages to eek out one final save in a spectacular way that saves her country from another war and helps to heal her heart from destruction from the past.
Shane East, as one of my favorite narrators as usual, does a spectacular job. Chloe Campbell is a new to me narrator, but she also does an amazing narration.
Fabulous world building, a sweet romance that builds you up, then breaks your heart in the best way. The two star-crossed sorcerers begin as enemies and end as lovers in a story that takes you across a continent at war.
Great characters who tug at your heart and make you cheer for them and love them. Oneira knows her life is done but manages to eek out one final save in a spectacular way that saves her country from another war and helps to heal her heart from destruction from the past.
Shane East, as one of my favorite narrators as usual, does a spectacular job. Chloe Campbell is a new to me narrator, but she also does an amazing narration.
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-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
emotional
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and the author Jennifer K. Lambert for the ALC copy of Never the Roses! 🎧🖤
✨ Tropes:
• Dual POV
• Retired warrior heroine
• Forbidden romance
• Rivals-to-lovers energy
• Sorceress x sorcerer pairing
• Magic and war backdrop
My Thoughts:
I was so excited for this book—it sounded so intriguing, and the edition releasing is beautiful. But it let me down a bit. The first 50% felt so slow… mostly sleeping, stealing books, and Oneira thinking about how this younger guy made her feel alive again (honestly, she just seemed super sex-deprived and horny).
Around 75%, things finally picked up. The ending and the narrators saved this one for me, but I just wish more had happened in the beginning.
✨ Tropes:
• Dual POV
• Retired warrior heroine
• Forbidden romance
• Rivals-to-lovers energy
• Sorceress x sorcerer pairing
• Magic and war backdrop
My Thoughts:
I was so excited for this book—it sounded so intriguing, and the edition releasing is beautiful. But it let me down a bit. The first 50% felt so slow… mostly sleeping, stealing books, and Oneira thinking about how this younger guy made her feel alive again (honestly, she just seemed super sex-deprived and horny).
Around 75%, things finally picked up. The ending and the narrators saved this one for me, but I just wish more had happened in the beginning.