Reviews

The Blood Curse by Annette Marie

magikspells's review against another edition

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4.0

A really fun end to a fun series, lots of things happening, multiple villains, new and old friends. I'm not disappointed about how it ended, I don't think a mushy riding off into the sunset is right for every story.

jessdone's review against another edition

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3.0

I got through the whole series, do I get a prize? The book wasn't bad. Annette Marie is a wonderful writer, this series just didn't work for me. I've spent weeks evaluating what I think of this series and I'm still very conflicted.  

The writing is solid and the description of these magical worlds and ideas is solid. Action scenes are exciting and blocked well. The plot of the story and the stakes seem underwhelming. Clio as a character does not work.  I can't get too far into all the ways she doesn't work without spoiling the books, but the "innocence, wide eyed" girl just doesn't work in these circumstances.  Beyond her character not fitting the story and situation she's in, her skills don't line up.  Her fighting and magic skills are too sophisticated for her to be so sheltered. Most disappointing, is pairing an inadequate character with Lyre, who was such a cool character in the Steel & Stone series.  I know the Steel $ Stone series happens years after this one, but it's disheartening for Ash to be badass and noble in both with Lyre sucks in this one (and THIS is supposed to be the book where he's the badass lead).  

As a whole it's not good or bad, just "meh". 

steffi_au_penguinbooks's review against another edition

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5.0

I a just going to hide in a corner and cry for the next hours until my heart stops hurting.

Another masterpiece by Annette Marie.

rlstrayer1's review against another edition

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5.0

**I received an eARC from the author in exchange for my honest review**

5 Master Weaver stars

GUYS



I CAN'T



JUST....WOW....





The Blood Curse is the final book in the Spell Weaver trilogy, and the bridge to the next series: Steel and Stone. A per the usual Annette Marie guarantee, The Blood Curse DELIVERS. Action, romance, feels, plot twists....it has everything and it is done so well!

I won't go into plot stuff, since this is the third book. It does pick up right where book 2 left off, so there's no time gaps between books.

The character development throughout this series is amazing. I loved seeing how much Clio grew through the trilogy. I loved how she still had her weaknesses and limits, but she still strove to overcome and ended up being such a badass. Lyre....I just want to hold him because throughout the entire series (and the next) he is my favorite. His snark and charm and brilliance is magnetic, and why can't he just be a real person already?

Steel and Stone was released before this series, and as this is a prequel series I knew how certain things were going to turn out
Spoilerlike why Clio wasn't in any of the Steel and Stone books
. I feel like knowing certain events ahead of time made the reading experience that much richer; however, for new readers I would recommend reading this series first before delving into Steel and Stone. I feel like it would tie together some loose ends that were a bit confusing in Steel and Stone, plus it would give the reader a much deeper look into Lyre and his character. He is very mysterious in Steel and Stone, but his character is so rich in personality that knowing the events in this prequel series will help readers gain a better appreciation for him (and his friendship with Ash).

Annette Marie is one of the most underrated authors today. Her books are absolutely incredible and full of detail and life. Her stories are unique, and her characters are so life-like that I'm shocked they don't actually exist. I am GREATLY looking forward to the Steel and Stone sequel series!

--------------------

AHHHHHH I'M A WRECK IT'S HERE IT'S HERE



SpoilerI'M SO SCARED

gypsydawn's review against another edition

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5.0

This is the stunning, and fantastic end to this series - or at least THIS PART of the story. Lyre and Clio aren't done, thankfully - and it explains some of the events that happen in Steel & Stone. There is another series set to come out, probably in 2021, Blackfire. It picks up a few years after Steel & Stone, and features all the characters we've grown to love, or so the brief descriptions I've heard imply.

After falling even MORE in love with Lyre here, in his own origin story, and still harboring deep emotions surround Ash from the next series... well, let's just say I can't wait to see them, along with Piper and Clio, again.

As for this series, like most of Annette Marie's work, it's well done. Deep, interwoven and a bit brutal, it's a shiny bow atop a messed up situation - and it's perfect.

kaycheer2899's review

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5.0

An amazing end to an amazing series!!

sincerelykayladawn's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

A beautiful, action-packed, heart-wrenching finale to this series. I loved every moment between Lyre and Clio. 

lucerez's review against another edition

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3.0

This book dragged for me, especially the second half - it's just one fight after another, almost checklist style. The reader can guess who's going to be toast by the end very early on, it's just a matter of when and how. As with the last book, Lyre carries this for me - earned skill is always more satisfying to me than genetic gifts where the character does little work, or what learning that does occur is over the course of a few days, and is still able to get to others' levels. It's not as satisfying to see unearned wins as to see hard-earned wins. Sorry, Clio - also, she's still naive in this one, but there's a little character development to where she's more tolerable. I suppose the biggest endorsement for this series as a whole is that I did finish it, which makes 9 (!) books that I listened to all the way through on audiobook from this universe. Much more than I can say for most urban fantasy YA/young adult content.

steffi_au_penguinbooks's review

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5.0

I a just going to hide in a corner and cry for the next hours until my heart stops hurting.

Another masterpiece by Annette Marie.

toastedbagel's review

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4.0

It's been a fun ride. Annette Marie creates the most wonderful characters. I liked that we got to delve into Lyre's vulnerabilities and insecurities and getting to see more of him and his perspective. I'm not sure I'd ever get over his snark and shrewd intelligence. Despite first impressions, Ash and Miysis are both characters that I'm sure readers will grow to love. Is it too much to ask for Miysis' story too? Interactions with them are sometimes laced with humour and man, I'm loving it. Not forgetting Clio, the tender soul that I'd always root for. This series and its characters have weaved its way to a soft spot in my heart, and I can't believe I have to wait another year for the sequel.