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mandersdraws's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I found this book absolutely gripping. It immediately grabbed me because the protagonist is an underworld spy (and with a terrible secret, my weakness as a reader lol), but slowly but surely Whitten sprinkled in world building and character tidbits that got me absolutely hooked. Characters feeling the pull of ancient magic. Lore seeing underneath Bastien’s princely facade. Gabriel stuck between his guilt, his sense of justice, and his desires. A mystery that revolves around the remnants of old gods.
Simply put, I love this shit!! I read it twice, once with an audiobook and then again with an ebook. It got me theorizing and highlighting the text like I’m trying to solve a cryptogram. I don’t even mind the love triangle (though I do hope it manages to subvert some of the cliches and tropes we expect with love triangles)
Edit: I’ve also read the sequel, Hemlock Queen, and I can’t wait for more!
Simply put, I love this shit!! I read it twice, once with an audiobook and then again with an ebook. It got me theorizing and highlighting the text like I’m trying to solve a cryptogram. I don’t even mind the love triangle (though I do hope it manages to subvert some of the cliches and tropes we expect with love triangles)
Edit: I’ve also read the sequel, Hemlock Queen, and I can’t wait for more!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Animal death, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Death, Blood, Cursing, and Gore
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Abandonment, Alcohol, Child death, Confinement, Drug use, Murder, Drug abuse, and Vomit
Minor: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Classism, Colonisation, Terminal illness, War, and Body shaming
Manipulation is a big theme of this book.jessclaymakes's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really had a good time with this book. I loved Lore (FMC) and her backstory I thought was really well done. This book had great dialogue and a plot that kept me engaged. I loved the tension between Lore, Gabe, and Bastian and thought that the mystery surrounding the story was enticing.
There were even some borderline scary/disturbing parts which I think speaks to the authors ability to weave a visual with her words.
Where it lacked for me a bit was the end. It felt fairly predictable and also rushed. I will read the next in the series but I’m not rushing to do so.
There were even some borderline scary/disturbing parts which I think speaks to the authors ability to weave a visual with her words.
Where it lacked for me a bit was the end. It felt fairly predictable and also rushed. I will read the next in the series but I’m not rushing to do so.
Content Warnings
Minor: Religious bigotry, Trafficking, Animal death, Drug use, and Drug abuse
chaptermaggot's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Child abuse, Classism, Drug abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Death
Minor: Animal death, War, Blood, Child death, Cursing, Fire/Fire injury, and Terminal illness
kbowles24's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Addiction, Violence, Religious bigotry, Murder, Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, Abandonment, Confinement, Child death, and Animal death
Minor: War, Terminal illness, and Pregnancy
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Deliciously dark and gloriously intriguing! Hannah Whitten’s prose was once again a breathtakingly vivid and atmospheric treat for the senses, merging magic, court intrigue and a deliciously addictive (forbidden) romance that utterly ensnared me.
I adored protagonist, Lore despite her flawed and often selfish tendencies. But her upbringing (raised by poison smugglers) and the necessary secret keeping when it came to her abilities (to control death magic,and even occasionally raise the dead) really showcases her need for self-preservation. When first introduced, Lore’s a sharp witted and incredibly guarded character who rarely trusts anyone, but as she spends more time with warrior priest, Gabriel and roguish Prince Bastian, we begin to unearth a slightly softer, more vulnerable side that I found incredibly endearing.
Bastian and Gabriel, as characters were both quite endearing and in depth as well, as we delve into their pasts and understand the actions and motivations that have shaped them. I liked Bastian who’s flirtatious and outgoing demeanour could rival even Cardan and Jacks at the height of their charm . But, I have to admit it was the brooding but loyal, duke turned monk (Gabriel) that managed to steal my heart.
His chemistry with Lore was palpable and their intensity together was spectacularly swoonworthy. It did get some love triangle esque vibes between Lore, Bastian and Gabriel so interested to see where (and how) things develop.
It’s definitely my fave of Hannah Whitten’s books soo far and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Blood, Drug use, and Child death
Minor: Death of parent, War, and Sexual content
teaand_tomes's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
A dark yet stunning tale that masterfully interweaves elements of magic, mystery, and drug addiction into a dense web of political intrigue. Every element of Whitten’s narrative is unique and beautifully crafted, making this a standout in the realms of romance and fantasy. Her writing style is nothing short of commendable, and this book sets a high bar for the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Death, and Animal death
Minor: Sexual content, Cursing, and Blood
manaledi's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This book started slowly but had some interesting developments and I'm very curious to see where book two goes. A fairly hit you over the head with it religious imagery on themes like separation of church and state. I thought the poison element was interesting but wished mortem was laid out more clearly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Death, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Abandonment, Drug abuse, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Murder, War, Addiction, Animal death, Child death, Cursing, and Grief
mlottermoser's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
3.0
Poison society with magical elements and political intrigue. Death and reanimation are used frequently in the story. (Horse/Small Child)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Animal death
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Suicide attempt, Death, and Alcohol
givemehappyendings's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I genuinely can not figure why this book has not popped off yet, IT’S SO GOOD.
I’ve had this book sitting on my shelf for a year, on a whim I decided to read it, easily one of my top fantasy books this year.
I ate this book up in DAYS
Our FMC is witty, sassy, growing into her power, and I dare say, a GIRLS GIRL. I genuinely love Lore so much and am so excited to see where her character goes.
Bastian and Gabe are the perfect MCs to compliment a strong FMC, and WOOOOWEEEEEEE do we love a flirtatious prince and a religious man tempted by sin😮💨
The world building is immersive but nothing too heavy for those dipping their toes into fantasy.
It’s giving Cruel Prince level political intrigue, and the plot twists do not disappoint.
I’ve had this book sitting on my shelf for a year, on a whim I decided to read it, easily one of my top fantasy books this year.
I ate this book up in DAYS
Our FMC is witty, sassy, growing into her power, and I dare say, a GIRLS GIRL. I genuinely love Lore so much and am so excited to see where her character goes.
Bastian and Gabe are the perfect MCs to compliment a strong FMC, and WOOOOWEEEEEEE do we love a flirtatious prince and a religious man tempted by sin😮💨
The world building is immersive but nothing too heavy for those dipping their toes into fantasy.
It’s giving Cruel Prince level political intrigue, and the plot twists do not disappoint.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Animal death
Minor: Child death
lunaquarius's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The premise of the book felt novel, albeit steeped in well known tropes. Our mail character Lore felt somewhat flat, I found it difficult to parse out her personality, though her shining characteristics in the end were surprising.
I enjoyed the religious overtones of this book, with experts of texts beginning each chapter.
I made a note of each time a character was explicitly described as white, which I count was at least 8 times. Only one other character was described otherwise. It felt awkward and overt to call out each time, especially with insignificant characters. There is no diversity in this book.
I enjoyed the religious overtones of this book, with experts of texts beginning each chapter.
I made a note of each time a character was explicitly described as white, which I count was at least 8 times. Only one other character was described otherwise. It felt awkward and overt to call out each time, especially with insignificant characters. There is no diversity in this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Animal death and Child death