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yellow_star's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
5.0
Th main character technically has a disability with an anxiety condition and trauma, but mainly Diana is a multi faceted character and not an annoying disability inspiration caricature abled people often make. It's a fairly diverse set of characters, mixed in both sexuality and race which is rare in romances and fantasy. This is also just an awesome job of story telling in general and deserves to be a best selling book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Death of parent, Death, Kidnapping, Murder, and Panic attacks/disorders
linesiunderline's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.5
Sometimes you just want a good story to really sink into. Sometimes that story will have vampires and witches and romance and Oxford in it, and there will be parts of it you don’t really get but whatever, you won’t be mad about it, even if it is a teensy bit overwritten in places.
Did I think I would really enjoy this one so much, to the point that I put the second audiobook on hold before I finished the first? I did not. But Vampire Matthew has quite a presence. So does Oxford and all of the witchy atmospheric business. I’m all in.
If you are an Outlander fan, this one is for you. I have to go watch the TV series now.
Did I think I would really enjoy this one so much, to the point that I put the second audiobook on hold before I finished the first? I did not. But Vampire Matthew has quite a presence. So does Oxford and all of the witchy atmospheric business. I’m all in.
If you are an Outlander fan, this one is for you. I have to go watch the TV series now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Animal death, Blood, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Murder, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Stalking, Violence, and Xenophobia
readwithde's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-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? No
3.25
I want to rate this book higher, because I love the premise and story, but there are pacing issues that make this nearly 600 page book hard to relish.
This is a book of 3 stories, really: first, Diana and Matthew finding each other and choosing love over the rules of the Congregation. This is the primary plot and takes the most space, as it should. We do get early POV chapters from Matthew that glimpse his secrets, but as a reader, I didn't appreciate being kept in the dark so much, especially as he tends to keep literally everything a secret.
The romance is interesting at first, then picks up and becomes intense and truly lovely, with the pinnacle being their "marriage" when Matthew returns to Sept-Tours at the midway part of the book. The action sequence of Diana's kidnapping and torture changes the romance, and it becomes very needy, desperate, and codependent with the only excuse being, "that's just how vampires are." A bit disappointing
The second story is about Diana's parents and their choice to get married and have a family despite the Congregation's wishes; this includes their decision to spellbind Diana to keep her from accessing her full magic as they seem to knowingly go to their deaths. With her father's ability to timewalk paired with her mother's divination, they set up a path for Diana, essentially leading her to Matthew and Ashmole 782.
This story is revealed in bursts, and is often confusing to follow. While I find it interesting and evocative, it leaves quite a few plotholes that are never directly answered. In fact, many important rules about magic and powers are handed out nonchalantly, making it easy to be confused if you don't pay close attention.
Finally the third story involves Ashmole 782 and the people who want to use it, namely the Congregation and Matthew's Lazarus Order. Apparently it has something to do with the maintaining and evolution of daemons, vampires, and witches, along with how they first came to be, but it is never explained why this knowledge is hidden. If maintaining the species is necessary, why is it not public knowledge in the magical community? Why is it a dangerous, hidden secret?
The whole series seems to be centered on this book, but it is never explained why it is so dangerous, vital, or anything else other than what it may contain in an alchemical sense. It makes it hard for me to care who wants it or why when no one knows what is inside or why it's dangerous. A definite problem that is only obvious when not distracted by Diana and Matthew's romance or some disgruntled friend, ally, or enemy.
Overall, I love the concept, but it didn't need to be so detailed, so cerebral, or so lengthy. Likewise, the final 50 pages add two brand new characters from out of nowhere; they end up causing upheaval to the entire plan and structure. Some better pacing could fix many of these issues and smooth out the extra plotlines.
This is a book of 3 stories, really: first, Diana and Matthew finding each other and choosing love over the rules of the Congregation. This is the primary plot and takes the most space, as it should. We do get early POV chapters from Matthew that glimpse his secrets, but as a reader, I didn't appreciate being kept in the dark so much, especially as he tends to keep literally everything a secret.
The romance is interesting at first, then picks up and becomes intense and truly lovely,
The second story is about Diana's parents and their choice to get married and have a family
This story is revealed in bursts, and is often confusing to follow. While I find it interesting and evocative, it leaves quite a few plotholes that are never directly answered. In fact, many important rules about magic and powers are handed out nonchalantly, making it easy to be confused if you don't pay close attention.
Finally the third story involves Ashmole 782 and the people who want to use it,
The whole series seems to be centered on this book, but it is never explained why it is so dangerous, vital, or anything else other than what it may contain in an alchemical sense. It makes it hard for me to care who wants it or why when no one knows what is inside or why it's dangerous. A definite problem that is only obvious when not distracted by Diana and Matthew's romance or some disgruntled friend, ally, or enemy.
Overall, I love the concept, but it didn't need to be so detailed, so cerebral, or so lengthy. Likewise, the final 50 pages add two brand new characters from out of nowhere; they end up causing upheaval to the entire plan and structure. Some better pacing could fix many of these issues and smooth out the extra plotlines.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, and Alcohol
Minor: Animal death, Blood, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, and Religious bigotry
lilifane's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I know I know I know, there are a lot of flaws in the book, especially with the romance plot, but I just adore the world building and the atmosphere and the characters and the magic and the science and the books and the history. I should care more about the fact that the romance is highly problematic and annoying and is also a major part of the plot. And yes, I hate that part of the book with all my heart. It does not help that the problematic issues are actually addressed... and just ignored by the characters because loooove. But ... the rest is just too good?
The vampire and witch lore is so fascinating in this book. And I love that it's actually rooted in science. The academic setting at the beginning is so nice. And the found family aspects are just wholesome. And I'm in love with the Bishop house. And the thing that happens at the end... I'm just a huge fan of this kind of plot, okay?
So yeah, not a fan of the romance but a big fan of the world.
I'm very curious how the story will unfold, but I'm also prepared to hate it at the end. So we'll see.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Animal death, Blood, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Kidnapping, Medical content, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Toxic relationship, and Violence
applesaucecreachur's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
God this book sucked. It seemed like Matthew’s (the centuries-old vampire love interest) name was on every page at least once, even in scenes where he did not have a physical or dialogue presence. I’ve been calling it “post-grad Twilight”
because of how many similarities there are – Falling ridiculously fast for a vampire who watches the MC sleep, is controlling, and who constantly is explaining how dangerous of a predator he is (ya got that right, pal).
It took everything in me to be able to finish this thing. And I was SO excited about a lighthearted book of witchcraft! How do people enjoy it? Jeez.
... Although, that being said, I REALLY enjoyed the Bishops’ house. It was hands-down the best character. And Em and Sarah were actually a halfway-decent depiction of lesbians.
because of how many similarities there are – Falling ridiculously fast for a vampire who watches the MC sleep, is controlling, and who constantly is explaining how dangerous of a predator he is (ya got that right, pal).
It took everything in me to be able to finish this thing. And I was SO excited about a lighthearted book of witchcraft! How do people enjoy it? Jeez.
... Although, that being said, I REALLY enjoyed the Bishops’ house. It was hands-down the best character. And Em and Sarah were actually a halfway-decent depiction of lesbians.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Death, Torture, and Blood
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexual content, Animal death, and Pregnancy
Minor: Miscarriage and Infertility
stormwise's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
2.5
Hmmmmm.
It's not that I entirely disliked this book - I'll be reading the sequels - but I spent a lot of time complaining about this book as I read it.
On paper this sounded right up my alley: a story that begins with a witch in a library? Nice. However this novel had a much heavier focus on romance than I expected - not necessarily a bad thing, I do like romance, but...
Did anyone else who read this book find it a little...sexist? Misogynistic, even? I struggled to find Matthew an attractive romantic lead when he was so frequently being controlling towards Diana, or having wild mood swings. It was a bit "Twilight for adults" in my opinion. The 'alpha male' bullshit had me rolling my eyes on a regular basis.
Also, if I had a penny for every time my mum recommended a 500+ page fantasy-romance novel that turned out to have multiple sex scenes in it, I'd have two pennies, which isn't a lot but it is weird that it's happened twice (the other one was Outlander which I read last year and, weirdly, have similar criticisms for).
The writing style was also a bit...long-winded. I love a good bit of descriptive writing but sometimes less truly is more and overly floral language just bogs down the scene.
My various grumbles aside, the overall plot was sufficiently compelling, dragged as it was through endless scenes of monotony which were fortunately bolstered by the intriguing cast of characters. I really liked the magic and the way the world worked with witches, vampires and daemons. I just wish Diana had spent less time taking naps or having decisions made for her... </spoiler >
It's not that I entirely disliked this book - I'll be reading the sequels - but I spent a lot of time complaining about this book as I read it.
On paper this sounded right up my alley: a story that begins with a witch in a library? Nice. However this novel had a much heavier focus on romance than I expected - not necessarily a bad thing, I do like romance, but...
Also, if I had a penny for every time my mum recommended a 500+ page fantasy-romance novel that turned out to have multiple sex scenes in it, I'd have two pennies, which isn't a lot but it is weird that it's happened twice (the other one was Outlander which I read last year and, weirdly, have similar criticisms for).
The writing style was also a bit...long-winded. I love a good bit of descriptive writing but sometimes less truly is more and overly floral language just bogs down the scene.
My various grumbles aside, the overall plot was sufficiently compelling, dragged as it was through endless scenes of monotony which were fortunately bolstered by the intriguing cast of characters. I really liked the magic and the way the world worked with witches, vampires and daemons. I just wish Diana had spent less time taking naps or having decisions made for her... </spoiler >
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Sexism, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Death of parent, Blood, and Confinement
Moderate: Sexual content, Stalking, Pregnancy, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Alcohol, and Animal death
Minor: Infertility
macaronsandmermaids's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Animal death, Gore, Murder, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual content, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Stalking
veeronald's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
Moderate: Animal death, Blood, Cannibalism, Death, Grief, Medical content, Stalking, Xenophobia, Violence, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Death of parent, Sexism, and Misogyny
ros_lanta's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
slow-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? Yes
5.0
I love this book. It has great characters, an interesting plot, lots of atmosphere, and intriguing worldbuilding. It's by far the best fantasy/paranormal romance novel I've ever read.
That said, the book will not suit everyone. Fantasy readers may dislike the focus on romance and occasional steamy scenes. Readers looking for a romance focus may be disconcerted by the slow pace and occasional academic feel of the book, with (for example) detailed descriptions of alchemical texts. (Some people may also be disconcerted with Matthew's slightly controlling personality - but, well, it is a vampire novel, Matthew did not grow up in the 20th/21st centuries, and Diana does not allow him to dominate her. You may want to avoid the book if that is likely to be an issue for you though.)
For anyone who likes a combination of fantasy, romance and history, though, I can't recommend this book enough. The author is herself a historian and her knowledge is scattered throughout the novel (and even more so in book 2). The first half of the novel is also set at the University of Oxford, with a strong focus on academia. As someone who has visited the Bodleian Library in Oxford several times, I loved its depiction in the book.
I've heard the book prescribed as 'pretentious' and it is, but I like that about it (as did the reviewer who first used that description). There are scenes where Matthew and Diana are wine tasting, attending yoga classes and other such activities. Yes, they're pretentious, but they're fun and romantic too. Frankly there's a lot about the book that could be deemed wish fulfilment (Matthew is very rich!), but again, I quite like that in a romance novel, and it does fit with the vampire mythos.
This is the first book in a series and there is a lot of setup for things that often aren't resolved until later novels. Diana is also very much new to her magical abilities in book 1, and doesn't know how to use them - rest assured that this does not remain the case by book 3!
The greatest strengths of this series to my mind are the worldbuilding and the characters. The author has clearly spent a lot of time thinking about how the three societies of vampires, witches and daemons work and how they interact with each other. Many of the side characters are fascinating (arguably even more so than the two leads), although it isn't really until future books in the series that most of them get a lot of time and attention, and one of the biggest fan favourites is only introduced in book 2.
Atmospheric, carefully thought out and skillfully written, this is a gripping novel that some people will absolutely adore. It just isn't for everyone.
That said, the book will not suit everyone. Fantasy readers may dislike the focus on romance and occasional steamy scenes. Readers looking for a romance focus may be disconcerted by the slow pace and occasional academic feel of the book, with (for example) detailed descriptions of alchemical texts. (Some people may also be disconcerted with Matthew's slightly controlling personality - but, well, it is a vampire novel, Matthew did not grow up in the 20th/21st centuries, and Diana does not allow him to dominate her. You may want to avoid the book if that is likely to be an issue for you though.)
For anyone who likes a combination of fantasy, romance and history, though, I can't recommend this book enough. The author is herself a historian and her knowledge is scattered throughout the novel (and even more so in book 2). The first half of the novel is also set at the University of Oxford, with a strong focus on academia. As someone who has visited the Bodleian Library in Oxford several times, I loved its depiction in the book.
I've heard the book prescribed as 'pretentious' and it is, but I like that about it (as did the reviewer who first used that description). There are scenes where Matthew and Diana are wine tasting, attending yoga classes and other such activities. Yes, they're pretentious, but they're fun and romantic too. Frankly there's a lot about the book that could be deemed wish fulfilment (Matthew is very rich!), but again, I quite like that in a romance novel, and it does fit with the vampire mythos.
This is the first book in a series and there is a lot of setup for things that often aren't resolved until later novels. Diana is also very much new to her magical abilities in book 1, and doesn't know how to use them - rest assured that this does not remain the case by book 3!
The greatest strengths of this series to my mind are the worldbuilding and the characters. The author has clearly spent a lot of time thinking about how the three societies of vampires, witches and daemons work and how they interact with each other. Many of the side characters are fascinating (arguably even more so than the two leads), although it isn't really until future books in the series that most of them get a lot of time and attention, and one of the biggest fan favourites is only introduced in book 2.
Atmospheric, carefully thought out and skillfully written, this is a gripping novel that some people will absolutely adore. It just isn't for everyone.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Kidnapping, and Torture
Minor: Murder
bdingz's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Animal death
Minor: Death of parent and Panic attacks/disorders
Very entertaining. I definitely see why people call this Adult Twilight, though the world building and character development is much better. Matthew is kind of annoying but there are a lot of interesting female characters. #couldbegayer