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saramackenzi's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
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
4.0
I was skeptical going in as this is a stand-alone fantasy novel but I absolutely loved it. From the first line, I was hooked and finished the book in a matter of a couple of hours.
I loved Alessandra’s character. I was going to refer to her as morally grey but she’s not, she wants to rule the kingdom and she’s not going to let anything stop her. She is unapologetically herself throughout the entire book and I loved it. From the first chapter, it’s clear she is her own person and she will do what she wants, from murder to sex, she doesn’t care.
This book was described as a Slytherin romance and I definitely agree. Alessandra is cunning, one of the main traits of a Slytherin, and as I stated previously, will not let anything get in her way of the kingdom. I think one of my favorite things is in the first chapter (not really a spoiler because this is told on page 3 so). She reveals to her father that every man she’s had sex with will keep it a secret (as women are to remain virgins until marriage) because she has found incriminating information about them that she will reveal if they open their mouths. She had a plan and I love it. She has a plan when going to the prince. I just really loved her character. The Shadow King is the same and holds similar characteristics to Alessandra, cunning, and ambitious. Both characters want to rule and nothing will stop them.
I really liked the plot and mystery surrounding it. While some things were predictable, there was one plot twist that I was surprised about and enjoyed. However, there was one particular plot point that agitated me even though I knew it was going to happen. I’m not going to spoil it but it involved the lovely Alessandra towards the last quarter of the book. She makes a mistake that’s just really out of character, for someone that has planned out everything and is so goal-oriented, I would have thought she would’ve remembered this particular detail.
In the end, I was so sad it was over, I wanted to see what happened in the aftermath of it all but at the same time, I’m content with the ending.
Sex is mentioned but there are never any graphic scenes as it’s a YA book.
If you’re looking for a fantasy romance with villainous characters I definitely recommend trying this out. As it’s a stand-alone, it’s perfect for someone who doesn’t want to be committed to a long series.
I loved Alessandra’s character. I was going to refer to her as morally grey but she’s not, she wants to rule the kingdom and she’s not going to let anything stop her. She is unapologetically herself throughout the entire book and I loved it. From the first chapter, it’s clear she is her own person and she will do what she wants, from murder to sex, she doesn’t care.
This book was described as a Slytherin romance and I definitely agree. Alessandra is cunning, one of the main traits of a Slytherin, and as I stated previously, will not let anything get in her way of the kingdom. I think one of my favorite things is in the first chapter (not really a spoiler because this is told on page 3 so). She reveals to her father that every man she’s had sex with will keep it a secret (as women are to remain virgins until marriage) because she has found incriminating information about them that she will reveal if they open their mouths. She had a plan and I love it. She has a plan when going to the prince. I just really loved her character. The Shadow King is the same and holds similar characteristics to Alessandra, cunning, and ambitious. Both characters want to rule and nothing will stop them.
I really liked the plot and mystery surrounding it. While some things were predictable, there was one plot twist that I was surprised about and enjoyed. However, there was one particular plot point that agitated me even though I knew it was going to happen. I’m not going to spoil it but it involved the lovely Alessandra towards the last quarter of the book. She makes a mistake that’s just really out of character, for someone that has planned out everything and is so goal-oriented, I would have thought she would’ve remembered this particular detail.
In the end, I was so sad it was over, I wanted to see what happened in the aftermath of it all but at the same time, I’m content with the ending.
Sex is mentioned but there are never any graphic scenes as it’s a YA book.
If you’re looking for a fantasy romance with villainous characters I definitely recommend trying this out. As it’s a stand-alone, it’s perfect for someone who doesn’t want to be committed to a long series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Murder, and Violence
kenziewol's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Murder
kreads10's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content and Violence
valyn_grebe's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a great book if you like a female main character that is morally grey and a male love interest with dark hair and equally morally grey.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence and Death
willemke's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Misogyny, Sexual content, and Violence
wilhelmena's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved this so much! It was beautiful and intense and funny! It empowered women on a level that wasn’t fighting and being masculine it was being divine feminine energy and knowing that it was that!
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexism and Violence
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