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blurrypetals's review against another edition
5.0
I was a little afraid this would suffer from the same sophomore slump Bind the Soul did, but instead this just got better than the first book. Fingers crossed that can hold up for book three, which is, unfortunately the final stop on the fun train that is Annette Marie's daemon world books...for now.
But for now? Holy shit this was a great ride. Even though this is one of the few prequel series I've read that has a lot of things spoiled for it in its sister series (such as the fact that Lyre and Ash live and buddy up enough to meet Piper a few years later in Chase the Dark) it doesn't make this any less fun.
I failed to mention in the review of the first book how cool I thought Clio's ability to mimic other magics was, so I'm mentioning it now. I thought it was so fucking rad to see her start to collect all these different abilities, such as the aphrodisia from Lyre and the other incubi, the reapers' teleportation, and so on. It's so fun seeing this arsenal of baddassery build up in her.
I also really enjoyed watching Lyre using his aphrodisia as a compulsion so much more in this book. Like, obviously the spell weaving stuff he can do is fucking cool, don't get me wrong, but not only was it fun to see him using something I had personally brushed off as just an ability Lyre had to convince people to have fun sexytimes with him (except for his little battle with Piper in Unleash the Storm when she's possessed by the Sahar) being used as a weapon, it was also fun to see him using his...ahem..."natural talents" to his advantage, especially in his fight with Ash.
It was really fun to see Ash as genuinely threatening in this book, too! Like, obviously he and Lyre end up being best bros forever at some point (which looks to be happening sooner rather than later, it seems) but their fight was so damn cool, seeing them have a real, all-out one on one battle with one another. Lyre with his spells and arrows, Ash with his kickass combat training, Lyre sneaking in a poisoned arrow, Ash being immune to that poison unbeknownst to Lyre, then Lyre using his aphrodisia on Ash to distract him...and the way all of it wrapped up. Just...damn. Good stuff.
I'm very excited to see how this little spinoff trilogy wraps up, especially since my forever girl Jorjeana Marie is credited on the audiobook, probably for a little epilogue of some sort, not unlike the one Ash got with this book (which was another fun surprise), so I'm done describing all my favorite bits to you, dear reader. Onward to the finale!
But for now? Holy shit this was a great ride. Even though this is one of the few prequel series I've read that has a lot of things spoiled for it in its sister series (such as the fact that Lyre and Ash live and buddy up enough to meet Piper a few years later in Chase the Dark) it doesn't make this any less fun.
I failed to mention in the review of the first book how cool I thought Clio's ability to mimic other magics was, so I'm mentioning it now. I thought it was so fucking rad to see her start to collect all these different abilities, such as the aphrodisia from Lyre and the other incubi, the reapers' teleportation, and so on. It's so fun seeing this arsenal of baddassery build up in her.
I also really enjoyed watching Lyre using his aphrodisia as a compulsion so much more in this book. Like, obviously the spell weaving stuff he can do is fucking cool, don't get me wrong, but not only was it fun to see him using something I had personally brushed off as just an ability Lyre had to convince people to have fun sexytimes with him (except for his little battle with Piper in Unleash the Storm when she's possessed by the Sahar) being used as a weapon, it was also fun to see him using his...ahem..."natural talents" to his advantage, especially in his fight with Ash.
It was really fun to see Ash as genuinely threatening in this book, too! Like, obviously he and Lyre end up being best bros forever at some point (which looks to be happening sooner rather than later, it seems) but their fight was so damn cool, seeing them have a real, all-out one on one battle with one another. Lyre with his spells and arrows, Ash with his kickass combat training, Lyre sneaking in a poisoned arrow, Ash being immune to that poison unbeknownst to Lyre, then Lyre using his aphrodisia on Ash to distract him...and the way all of it wrapped up. Just...damn. Good stuff.
I'm very excited to see how this little spinoff trilogy wraps up, especially since my forever girl Jorjeana Marie is credited on the audiobook, probably for a little epilogue of some sort, not unlike the one Ash got with this book (which was another fun surprise), so I'm done describing all my favorite bits to you, dear reader. Onward to the finale!
magikspells's review against another edition
4.0
I did not expect to like any of these books, they were a happenstance checkout at the library but I’m enjoying them so much. There’s so many details but I don’t feel bogged down by them, interesting characters, magic that happens in interesting ways, and complex society.
Clio is pretty likable as a main character but to be honest I was on the fence about Lyre until he had his verbal battle with Bastian. Amazing. Also can’t wait to see more Ash!
Clio is pretty likable as a main character but to be honest I was on the fence about Lyre until he had his verbal battle with Bastian. Amazing. Also can’t wait to see more Ash!
jessdone's review against another edition
2.0
The Middle One! Good enough for me to keep reading but not good enough I recommend the series. This series isn't immersive. I'm asking myself "who was this series written for?" Marie's work caters to a YA audience but the conflict in this series feels like a watered down fairy tale. The story lacks both complexity or stakes. I'm missing the general teen "finding your place in the world" "making a place in the world" vibes. There is no rebellious spirit or questioning of authority, all the stuff that make the YA a fun market for non conformists of all ages to read. There's a desperation to fit into the worlds the main characters have been kicked out of, worlds that weren't so great to start with. I'm not compelled.
As always, Marie creates imaginative creatures and has interesting action pieces integrated into her story. Her writing is pleasant and her world feels lived in, it just seems like Clio and Lyre haven't live in this world long.
As always, Marie creates imaginative creatures and has interesting action pieces integrated into her story. Her writing is pleasant and her world feels lived in, it just seems like Clio and Lyre haven't live in this world long.
steffi_au_penguinbooks's review against another edition
5.0
5 well deserved stars!
Annette Marie giving me heartattacks since 2018 continues with this book.
Is it possible to fall even more in love with characters?! I mean, I already deeply love Lyre since the Steel&Stone series (which takes place five years after the Spell Weaver trilogy. However .... Clio ... that girl has received a very special place in my heart. Although being a nymph and therefore being physicially weak, she keeps fighting and fighting and FIGHTING and she is so brave and determined but also caring and cute!!! I missed her being a walking disaster, but her character growth is amazing!
I loved and laughed out loud at Clio and Piper's interactions. Thirteen year old Piper was already such a mood! You don't have any idea how much I am longing to get the new series Blackfire ❤
Furthermore, the "bonding" of Ash and Lyre is definitely way different than I had imagined while reading S&S!
As for the writing - is as alaways - amazing. The story is fast paced with many many super cool magical fights and quiet romantic scenes. I'm so addicted to her books (despite of frequent heartattacks) I guess Annette Marie has become one of my favourite authors!
So, if you're looking for a fast paced magical urban fantasy - go for it!!
Annette Marie giving me heartattacks since 2018 continues with this book.
Is it possible to fall even more in love with characters?! I mean, I already deeply love Lyre since the Steel&Stone series (which takes place five years after the Spell Weaver trilogy. However .... Clio ... that girl has received a very special place in my heart. Although being a nymph and therefore being physicially weak, she keeps fighting and fighting and FIGHTING and she is so brave and determined but also caring and cute!!! I missed her being a walking disaster, but her character growth is amazing!
I loved and laughed out loud at Clio and Piper's interactions. Thirteen year old Piper was already such a mood! You don't have any idea how much I am longing to get the new series Blackfire ❤
Furthermore, the "bonding" of Ash and Lyre is definitely way different than I had imagined while reading S&S!
As for the writing - is as alaways - amazing. The story is fast paced with many many super cool magical fights and quiet romantic scenes. I'm so addicted to her books (despite of frequent heartattacks) I guess Annette Marie has become one of my favourite authors!
So, if you're looking for a fast paced magical urban fantasy - go for it!!
rlstrayer1's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
***I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review***
Annette Marie has done it again
Even in the middle of major slump, I utterly DEVOURED this book. And believe me, when I'm slumping so hard that I'm watching 20 episodes of anime a day (I LOVE YOU NATSU)...that's saying something.
The Shadow Weave is a direct sequel to the first book, The Night Realm. I didn't reread The Night Realm before starting The Shadow Weave, but there was a brief overview at the beginning of the book so I didn't feel too lost or confused. Some books have major info-dumps at the beginning of each book which can get super tedious when reading a series, but I did not feel like The Shadow Weave was like that.
I absolutely loved Lyre in the Steel and Stone series, and I'm so excited to get more of him in this series! There are some cameos from some major characters in Steel and Stone, and it was a lot of fun to see them as their younger selves. I love how the characters interact, and that everything flows so naturally. I get sucked into the story so easily, and it's so incredibly hard to come back to reality.
I'm docking half a star simply because this book does suffer a bit from middle book syndrome. The plot-line does a great job at moving, but there were still places where I felt like it dragged on a bit (). Overall though, this was a fantastic read, and I'm so happy that it's my first official book of 2018 =)
----------------
Saw this eARC in my inbox this morning and started it immediately! I can't think of a better way to end 2017 and start 2018 than by reading the newest from [a:Annette Marie|8546572|Annette Marie|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1456181856p2/8546572.jpg] =)
***I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review***
Annette Marie has done it again
Even in the middle of major slump, I utterly DEVOURED this book. And believe me, when I'm slumping so hard that I'm watching 20 episodes of anime a day (I LOVE YOU NATSU)...that's saying something.
The Shadow Weave is a direct sequel to the first book, The Night Realm. I didn't reread The Night Realm before starting The Shadow Weave, but there was a brief overview at the beginning of the book so I didn't feel too lost or confused. Some books have major info-dumps at the beginning of each book which can get super tedious when reading a series, but I did not feel like The Shadow Weave was like that.
I absolutely loved Lyre in the Steel and Stone series, and I'm so excited to get more of him in this series! There are some cameos from some major characters in Steel and Stone, and it was a lot of fun to see them as their younger selves. I love how the characters interact, and that everything flows so naturally. I get sucked into the story so easily, and it's so incredibly hard to come back to reality.
I'm docking half a star simply because this book does suffer a bit from middle book syndrome. The plot-line does a great job at moving, but there were still places where I felt like it dragged on a bit (
Spoiler
mostly the Earth scenes...they didn't make it to the Overworld until about 50% of the way through----------------
Saw this eARC in my inbox this morning and started it immediately! I can't think of a better way to end 2017 and start 2018 than by reading the newest from [a:Annette Marie|8546572|Annette Marie|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1456181856p2/8546572.jpg] =)
gypsydawn's review against another edition
5.0
Book 2 in this fantastic series keeps the punches coming. These two can't seem to catch a break, running into trouble - and desire - left and right. It's intense, intriguing and downright exciting. Great Urban Fantasy!
lucerez's review against another edition
3.0
Clio continues to be frustratingly dim and naive. There's also a feeling that her skills are unearned - she just naturally was born with them - and so the reader doesn't feel much when she's successful at anything. Lyre is much more compelling because he put work into his skills and talents, but he has a major character flaw I'd refer to as "not like other incubi", which the author doesn't seem to have any awareness of. He looks down on other members of his caste even as he suffers from the same stereotypes that he puts on them - it's a classic oppressed outgroup situation, and yet the author might be unfamiliar with the dynamic because she seems to lean into it. The plot and world-building is compelling enough to continue to finish the series, however.
steffi_au_penguinbooks's review
5.0
5 well deserved stars!
Annette Marie giving me heartattacks since 2018 continues with this book.
Is it possible to fall even more in love with characters?! I mean, I already deeply love Lyre since the Steel&Stone series (which takes place five years after the Spell Weaver trilogy. However .... Clio ... that girl has received a very special place in my heart. Although being a nymph and therefore being physicially weak, she keeps fighting and fighting and FIGHTING and she is so brave and determined but also caring and cute!!! I missed her being a walking disaster, but her character growth is amazing!
I loved and laughed out loud at Clio and Piper's interactions. Thirteen year old Piper was already such a mood! You don't have any idea how much I am longing to get the new series Blackfire ❤
Furthermore, the "bonding" of Ash and Lyre is definitely way different than I had imagined while reading S&S!
As for the writing - is as alaways - amazing. The story is fast paced with many many super cool magical fights and quiet romantic scenes. I'm so addicted to her books (despite of frequent heartattacks) I guess Annette Marie has become one of my favourite authors!
So, if you're looking for a fast paced magical urban fantasy - go for it!!
Annette Marie giving me heartattacks since 2018 continues with this book.
Is it possible to fall even more in love with characters?! I mean, I already deeply love Lyre since the Steel&Stone series (which takes place five years after the Spell Weaver trilogy. However .... Clio ... that girl has received a very special place in my heart. Although being a nymph and therefore being physicially weak, she keeps fighting and fighting and FIGHTING and she is so brave and determined but also caring and cute!!! I missed her being a walking disaster, but her character growth is amazing!
I loved and laughed out loud at Clio and Piper's interactions. Thirteen year old Piper was already such a mood! You don't have any idea how much I am longing to get the new series Blackfire ❤
Furthermore, the "bonding" of Ash and Lyre is definitely way different than I had imagined while reading S&S!
As for the writing - is as alaways - amazing. The story is fast paced with many many super cool magical fights and quiet romantic scenes. I'm so addicted to her books (despite of frequent heartattacks) I guess Annette Marie has become one of my favourite authors!
So, if you're looking for a fast paced magical urban fantasy - go for it!!
toastedbagel's review
4.0
A blackout and impending responsibilities didn't stop me from devouring this book. It has enough action and suspense to keep readers on the edge.
Clio is a gem and despite the naivety and innocence she's also fiercely loyal, determined and definitely a force to be reckoned with. Lyre, too, is definitely well-loved. He's smart, quick on his feet and simply, inherently, good at heart even with all that he has suffered. To see these two contrasting characters protect and rely on each other so naturally as they go through all the trials and tribulations of their journey, it's easy to develop a soft spot for them.
At this point it's safe to say I'm addicted to Annette Marie's writing and I'm craving for more!
Clio is a gem and despite the naivety and innocence she's also fiercely loyal, determined and definitely a force to be reckoned with. Lyre, too, is definitely well-loved. He's smart, quick on his feet and simply, inherently, good at heart even with all that he has suffered. To see these two contrasting characters protect and rely on each other so naturally as they go through all the trials and tribulations of their journey, it's easy to develop a soft spot for them.
At this point it's safe to say I'm addicted to Annette Marie's writing and I'm craving for more!