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siglerbooknook's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This was well on its way to being a five star read despite the copious amount of grammar and spelling issues, but then she left me with a cliffhanger ending. The very definition of a romance book promises a happily ever after and I really dislike when authors make the readers wait multipble books to get it. It feels like cheating.
That said, I absolutely loved this book!
Valera, the lead is definitely not the brightest heroine and I found myself yelling at the pages many times because I wanted to shake her, but in the world setting we're given her choices and fears make sense.
I adored Erolas as a character. He is everything a mysterious love interest should be without all the excess brooding that has become popular. His efforts are so dang sweet!
However, it was the antics of the side characters that made me rave about this book to friends. The shenanigans the goblins and Ellie get into had me laughing out loud at least once every few chapters.
Some of the imagery was hard to picture, but when I could picture it, it was breathtaking. I truly enjoyed the teasing bits of romance instead of being beaten over the head with spice.
I'm diving right into book two and if it's anywhere near as good this will become a favorite reread duology.
That said, I absolutely loved this book!
Valera, the lead is definitely not the brightest heroine and I found myself yelling at the pages many times because I wanted to shake her, but in the world setting we're given her choices and fears make sense.
I adored Erolas as a character. He is everything a mysterious love interest should be without all the excess brooding that has become popular. His efforts are so dang sweet!
However, it was the antics of the side characters that made me rave about this book to friends. The shenanigans the goblins and Ellie get into had me laughing out loud at least once every few chapters.
Some of the imagery was hard to picture, but when I could picture it, it was breathtaking. I truly enjoyed the teasing bits of romance instead of being beaten over the head with spice.
I'm diving right into book two and if it's anywhere near as good this will become a favorite reread duology.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism and Kidnapping
Minor: Child abuse, Death of parent, Grief, Sexual content, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse
kathis_wonderland's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Moonfire Bride by Sylvia Mercedes is the first book in the Of Candlelight and Shadows series. Valera is pulled into the fae world to become the wife of a mysterious lord. She is not allowed to see her husband's face and therefore, only sees him at night. First being against their union, she soon realizes that this life is not that bad. But she wants to return to her sister and other forces try to separate Valera and Erolas, too.
I binge-read this book and have nearly no memory of it now. But what I can't get out of my mind is how much this book reminded me of the story of The Beauty and the Beast. Even Erolas' shadow (because Valera is not allowed to see his face) reminded me of the beast. But I like retellings. If they are done well. This was kind of okay. I never fully liked Valera. She blamed Erolas on everything, even though he explained everything as well as he could. And in my opinion, it was her own decision to become his bride, even though she blames him for forcing her, but in the end, it was her decision, because she did not listen to those who gave her advice. Erolas was nothing but kind, respected her wishes and looked after her. Especially towards the end, Valera became were dislikable. The betraying part was not the worst (this one was quite reasonable, but still unnecessary), but she led him on. She was quite manipulative, which I did not like, because overall, Valera is quite caring.
The book ends with a massive cliffhanger! I panicked so hard that I immediately downloaded the second book, even though I did not fully enjoy this one. But I really need to know how this series ends!
The book was okay. I did not fully enjoy it, but the cliffhanger made me buy the next book.
I binge-read this book and have nearly no memory of it now. But what I can't get out of my mind is how much this book reminded me of the story of The Beauty and the Beast. Even Erolas' shadow (because Valera is not allowed to see his face) reminded me of the beast. But I like retellings. If they are done well. This was kind of okay. I never fully liked Valera. She blamed Erolas on everything, even though he explained everything as well as he could. And in my opinion, it was her own decision to become his bride, even though she blames him for forcing her, but in the end, it was her decision, because she did not listen to those who gave her advice. Erolas was nothing but kind, respected her wishes and looked after her. Especially towards the end, Valera became were dislikable. The betraying part was not the worst (this one was quite reasonable, but still unnecessary), but she led him on. She was quite manipulative, which I did not like, because overall, Valera is quite caring.
The book ends with a massive cliffhanger! I panicked so hard that I immediately downloaded the second book, even though I did not fully enjoy this one. But I really need to know how this series ends!
The book was okay. I did not fully enjoy it, but the cliffhanger made me buy the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Blood
Minor: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, and Death of parent
teri_b's review against another edition
Me and this female main character are not getting along well, I dislike her more by every page I read.
And again, I find that motivation because another family member is in danger is just tricky and in my point of view, difficult to get it right, so that sufficient motivation for the main character is there.
I will not finish this book.
And again, I find that motivation because another family member is in danger is just tricky and in my point of view, difficult to get it right, so that sufficient motivation for the main character is there.
I will not finish this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Confinement, Addiction, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
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