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annacrowley92's review against another edition
4.0
The first half of the book started a little slow for me. I found her relationship with Rossa to be a littlest unbelievable after only a few short weeks together BUT by the end of the book It all made sense and I liked it!
The pace definitely picked up for me in the second half. I liked the twists and turns and thought Aglasia and Rossa were both very well written, likeable characters even though they are morally grey.
I thought the writing was beautiful and descriptive but not too much.
I didn’t really love Hunter as a character, he grew on me a little but I would’ve liked more substance to him and also more angst and build up between him and Aglasia.
overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend! A great debut novel. I would love a prequel exploring Rossa, Aglasia and Thalia in their early days with Aphros!
The pace definitely picked up for me in the second half. I liked the twists and turns and thought Aglasia and Rossa were both very well written, likeable characters even though they are morally grey.
I thought the writing was beautiful and descriptive but not too much.
I didn’t really love Hunter as a character, he grew on me a little but I would’ve liked more substance to him and also more angst and build up between him and Aglasia.
overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend! A great debut novel. I would love a prequel exploring Rossa, Aglasia and Thalia in their early days with Aphros!
nirush's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
lifeinthebooklane's review against another edition
3.0
I have to say I'm a little on the fence with this one. The premise was excellent, the pace never lagged and the characterisation was good. Regardless of how I felt about the different individuals described in the book, not one of them felt flat, one-dimensional or like a caricature. The book held my attention fairly well though the very NA vibe it gave off wasn't quite to my taste.
Sadly I struggled greatly with the character of Aglasia, who was introduced as a tough, self-contained, successful and hard-working individual but who, upon meeting Rossa, became a churlish, childish, whining doormat. There is a (possible) explanation for Aglasia's reaction to Rossa, I just wish she had shown self-awareness and acknowledged how out-of-character her irritation and lack of control were. For a siren who had the self-control to only consume a "meal" once a month, she exhibited very little emotional stability around Rossa.
Some passages left me somewhat confused, the dialogue or character actions contradictory to those suggested by the build-up. However, I did finish the story, which I don't bother doing if a book isn't working for me.
Oh and I'm presuming there is going to be a sequel to this. Whilst it didn't end on a cliffhanger as such, there were a fair few subplots that weren't resolved.
Sadly I struggled greatly with the character of Aglasia, who was introduced as a tough, self-contained, successful and hard-working individual but who, upon meeting Rossa, became a churlish, childish, whining doormat. There is a (possible) explanation for Aglasia's reaction to Rossa, I just wish she had shown self-awareness and acknowledged how out-of-character her irritation and lack of control were. For a siren who had the self-control to only consume a "meal" once a month, she exhibited very little emotional stability around Rossa.
Some passages left me somewhat confused, the dialogue or character actions contradictory to those suggested by the build-up. However, I did finish the story, which I don't bother doing if a book isn't working for me.
Oh and I'm presuming there is going to be a sequel to this. Whilst it didn't end on a cliffhanger as such, there were a fair few subplots that weren't resolved.
bachi_04's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kindleandkettle's review
3.0
Anthesis is a dark fantasy that doesn’t shy away from the tragic life of sirens who are cursed to kill for eternity. Aglasia is a solitary siren, who pretends to be human while fighting her bodies urge to feed on men. She has her body trained to only lure and kill a man once a month, but her routine is challenge when she meets Rossa another siren who kills whenever she feels like it. Rossa is a force and pushes herself into Aglasia’s life, giving her no choice but to help Rossa try to transform a man into a siren. Aglasia finds herself drawn to Rossa and starts to reveal forgotten memories from her past.
I really loved how Aglasia’s emotions were portrayed throughout this story. The act of feeding is a necessity to the life of a siren, but it does take a toll on the siren. Aglasia struggles with this a lot throughout the book. She doesn’t take more then she needs because of the emotions she feels.
The beginning of the book is very slow-burn but it does build up to an action packed second half. With lots of twists and turns, it was an engaging book throughout.
I liked Aglasia as a character and the life she built for herself. Initially, I didn’t understand why she didn’t resist Ross’s entering her life more (she literally moves herself into Aglasia’s house
I really loved how Aglasia’s emotions were portrayed throughout this story. The act of feeding is a necessity to the life of a siren, but it does take a toll on the siren. Aglasia struggles with this a lot throughout the book. She doesn’t take more then she needs because of the emotions she feels.
The beginning of the book is very slow-burn but it does build up to an action packed second half. With lots of twists and turns, it was an engaging book throughout.
I liked Aglasia as a character and the life she built for herself. Initially, I didn’t understand why she didn’t resist Ross’s entering her life more (she literally moves herself into Aglasia’s house
laineys_library's review
4.0
Rating
4/5
Read if you like:
~ fantasy romance
~slowburn
~ sirens
~ found family
Anthesis is the debut novel by Lauren Elizabeth and what a great debut novel is was!
This follows our FMC Aglasia, an immortal siren trying to live a normal, human life in the modern world. Everything is going well until another siren, Rossa, chaotically enters her life and needs her help transforming a man into a siren. There are several risks of doing this and Aglasia has to decide what she is willing to lose while helping Rossa.
I was pleasantly surprised by how strong the plot and writing were of Athesis, especially since it's a debut novel. I thought all the characters brought something to the story, the world-building was easy to digest and the events all helped the story flow nicely.
The relationship between Hunter and Aglasia was def a slow burn, and I wish we got to see a bit more of their intimate relationship. Since this book does end on a cliffhanger, I'm hoping we'll see more of them together in the next book! Overall I would recommend it if you like siren stories and are looking for a quick fantasy read with some exceptional banter.
4/5
Read if you like:
~ fantasy romance
~slowburn
~ sirens
~ found family
Anthesis is the debut novel by Lauren Elizabeth and what a great debut novel is was!
This follows our FMC Aglasia, an immortal siren trying to live a normal, human life in the modern world. Everything is going well until another siren, Rossa, chaotically enters her life and needs her help transforming a man into a siren. There are several risks of doing this and Aglasia has to decide what she is willing to lose while helping Rossa.
I was pleasantly surprised by how strong the plot and writing were of Athesis, especially since it's a debut novel. I thought all the characters brought something to the story, the world-building was easy to digest and the events all helped the story flow nicely.
The relationship between Hunter and Aglasia was def a slow burn, and I wish we got to see a bit more of their intimate relationship. Since this book does end on a cliffhanger, I'm hoping we'll see more of them together in the next book! Overall I would recommend it if you like siren stories and are looking for a quick fantasy read with some exceptional banter.
ashleynoelle's review
4.0
*Thank you to Lauren Elizabeth for providing me with an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions remain my own.*
I went into this with zero expectations and as blindly as possible. I'm so glad I did! I enjoyed this novel so much and am so glad I got to experience it with nothing externally influencing me.
This novel did such a good job of taking something terrifying, in this case sirens, and keeping it terrifying. These beasts are scary in the most entertaining way. They are also lonely, loyal and easily slighted. The author does an amazing job of creating imagery that you cannot help but be immersed in, I felt like I could almost taste the salt water!
Beautifully done!
I went into this with zero expectations and as blindly as possible. I'm so glad I did! I enjoyed this novel so much and am so glad I got to experience it with nothing externally influencing me.
This novel did such a good job of taking something terrifying, in this case sirens, and keeping it terrifying. These beasts are scary in the most entertaining way. They are also lonely, loyal and easily slighted. The author does an amazing job of creating imagery that you cannot help but be immersed in, I felt like I could almost taste the salt water!
Beautifully done!
readingwithjanelle's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this and I have to say it was bit different. I had no expectations going in and all I knew about this book was that it’s about sirens. Loved the morally grey characters and how they were just badasses. I look forward to continue their story in the next one when it comes out.
rae_shutupandbookup's review
5.0
"I was always on my own, always striving for solitude." - Aglasia
Aglasia has built a life, a career, and a home for her and her alone. Being a siren who has lived for centuries isn't easy, especially when it comes to food sources. . . She doesn't want to embrace the full horror of being a siren and can't allow herself to get too close to humans. If they knew everything about her, they wouldn't accept her.
Things are going fine with this in-between lifestyle until a redheaded siren barrels into Aglasia's life. The siren is determined to accomplish something and needs help with achieving her goal. Aglasia's life is uprooted as this siren bleeds into everything Aglasia has built. Can this siren actually accomplish what she wants? What are the consequences? And will Aglasia ever get her solitude back?
"Why not just lean into who--what you are?" - Rossa
After reading this book it made me really miss swimming and having access to a swimming pool. . . I absolutely loved the descriptions of the ocean and swimming within the deep waters. I felt how Aglasia felt as she transformed into her siren self and swam through the water. Absorbing it all and healing from the salty currents.
Being alone sometimes seems and feels like it's the only option. Until the loneliness consumes you and you're left feeling empty and sad. Aglasia realizes maybe being on your own isn't the answer when a new siren forces herself into Aglasia's life. I was laughing so much with the dynamics between the two sirens and how they're polar opposites of one another. Aglasia has built up endurance and resistance to things while Rossa's a pure wildcard.
The pair together was the best part and how Aglasia kept referring to her new house mate as babysitting a child. I loved the energy of Rossa and how she drove Aglasia up the wall. Rossa also has so much mystery surrounding her and Aglasia has to really work at getting information out of her.
I loved the take on sirens in this book and the twist with immortality. Living for centuries and how their minds and their memories work. It makes complete sense when you read over the explanation of things. I also really enjoyed how sirens are notorious for being mythical creatures that draw in humans no matter what gender they may be. Being so drawn to them sirens tend to get a very large ego and don't know how to take rejection.
The twists within this story were great and I loved the flow of the story and where things ended up. I was so absorbed in the book I didn't realize I was close to the end. Quickly becoming aware this book would end on a cliffhanger! I am ready for the next part in this journey! I also had to look up the definition of the title because I really wanted to know what it meant. After reading the story it fits the book so well.
"He was soothing water, and I chafing sand." - Aglasia
We do have a love blossoming between a siren and a human. The siren being the grumpy one while the human is the sunshine. It's a slow build and the most action we get is passionate kissing, sorry this is going to be a RIDE. I really loved the human love interest and I hope to see him in the next book! He has that golden retriever energy that draws you to him.
This book is a single POV with Aglasia being the one we see things through. I enjoyed being able to submerge into her character and understand her emotions. The read is a dark fantasy book and there are some scenes that may be triggering. Sirens do need to feed, and their main dish is that of the male human category. I was so emerged in the scene that I forgot to breath.
Gore, violence, eating disorder, thoughts of suicide, and deaths within this book. I loved the siren song and how they can change their songs to fit what they need. This book has language and one scene where things were getting spicy but turned sour, it was ended swiftly. And no, the scene wasn't with our sunshine love interest. I also really appreciated how Aglasia had to differentiate between her siren emotions and what humans feel. Understanding certain things would be considered rude or cold if she had reacted the way a siren would.
Didn't realize how much I loved sirens until this read. I've always liked them, but this book solidified things for me. I cannot wait for the next book and what's to come!
Enjoy this dark fantasy read and don't forget to give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.blogspot.com
Aglasia has built a life, a career, and a home for her and her alone. Being a siren who has lived for centuries isn't easy, especially when it comes to food sources. . . She doesn't want to embrace the full horror of being a siren and can't allow herself to get too close to humans. If they knew everything about her, they wouldn't accept her.
Things are going fine with this in-between lifestyle until a redheaded siren barrels into Aglasia's life. The siren is determined to accomplish something and needs help with achieving her goal. Aglasia's life is uprooted as this siren bleeds into everything Aglasia has built. Can this siren actually accomplish what she wants? What are the consequences? And will Aglasia ever get her solitude back?
"Why not just lean into who--what you are?" - Rossa
After reading this book it made me really miss swimming and having access to a swimming pool. . . I absolutely loved the descriptions of the ocean and swimming within the deep waters. I felt how Aglasia felt as she transformed into her siren self and swam through the water. Absorbing it all and healing from the salty currents.
Being alone sometimes seems and feels like it's the only option. Until the loneliness consumes you and you're left feeling empty and sad. Aglasia realizes maybe being on your own isn't the answer when a new siren forces herself into Aglasia's life. I was laughing so much with the dynamics between the two sirens and how they're polar opposites of one another. Aglasia has built up endurance and resistance to things while Rossa's a pure wildcard.
The pair together was the best part and how Aglasia kept referring to her new house mate as babysitting a child. I loved the energy of Rossa and how she drove Aglasia up the wall. Rossa also has so much mystery surrounding her and Aglasia has to really work at getting information out of her.
I loved the take on sirens in this book and the twist with immortality. Living for centuries and how their minds and their memories work. It makes complete sense when you read over the explanation of things. I also really enjoyed how sirens are notorious for being mythical creatures that draw in humans no matter what gender they may be. Being so drawn to them sirens tend to get a very large ego and don't know how to take rejection.
The twists within this story were great and I loved the flow of the story and where things ended up. I was so absorbed in the book I didn't realize I was close to the end. Quickly becoming aware this book would end on a cliffhanger! I am ready for the next part in this journey! I also had to look up the definition of the title because I really wanted to know what it meant. After reading the story it fits the book so well.
"He was soothing water, and I chafing sand." - Aglasia
We do have a love blossoming between a siren and a human. The siren being the grumpy one while the human is the sunshine. It's a slow build and the most action we get is passionate kissing, sorry this is going to be a RIDE. I really loved the human love interest and I hope to see him in the next book! He has that golden retriever energy that draws you to him.
This book is a single POV with Aglasia being the one we see things through. I enjoyed being able to submerge into her character and understand her emotions. The read is a dark fantasy book and there are some scenes that may be triggering. Sirens do need to feed, and their main dish is that of the male human category. I was so emerged in the scene that I forgot to breath.
Gore, violence, eating disorder, thoughts of suicide, and deaths within this book. I loved the siren song and how they can change their songs to fit what they need. This book has language and one scene where things were getting spicy but turned sour, it was ended swiftly. And no, the scene wasn't with our sunshine love interest. I also really appreciated how Aglasia had to differentiate between her siren emotions and what humans feel. Understanding certain things would be considered rude or cold if she had reacted the way a siren would.
Didn't realize how much I loved sirens until this read. I've always liked them, but this book solidified things for me. I cannot wait for the next book and what's to come!
Enjoy this dark fantasy read and don't forget to give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.blogspot.com
ofmadnessandmagic's review
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book.
I think the book has a lot of potential, I love that we actually get murderous sirens, that was a nice change for sure! I liked the overall writing style, and I think that if you love sirens, you should definitely give this book a try.
Sadly, the book just wasn't my style, I'm not a fan of urban fantasy and the language just wasn't for me. As this has nothing to do with the book and everything to do with my personal preferences, I will not be giving it a rating, I DNF'ed about 80 pages in, so I really don't know enough about it to pass fair judgement.
I think the book has a lot of potential, I love that we actually get murderous sirens, that was a nice change for sure! I liked the overall writing style, and I think that if you love sirens, you should definitely give this book a try.
Sadly, the book just wasn't my style, I'm not a fan of urban fantasy and the language just wasn't for me. As this has nothing to do with the book and everything to do with my personal preferences, I will not be giving it a rating, I DNF'ed about 80 pages in, so I really don't know enough about it to pass fair judgement.