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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
Unfortunately this book wasn’t my personal cup of tea.
It fell into some tropes common in the romantasy genre that I find frustrating. One of these is that the central romance(s) feel more led by lust than true romance or love. Another is the “enemies to lovers” aspect… I found it very hard to connect to a romance when the main love interest is part of a group that commits truly horrendous acts. And the fact that our main character knows what he has done and still can set that aside for her own lust…
Both love interests to me seemed like the same character. The way they spoke, and treated the main character, I didn’t find them distinctly different at all.
Other reviews mention beautiful prose but sadly I can’t say that the writing was anything I was particularly impressed by. The pacing also felt a bit strange to me, not a lot happens in the middle of this book and then the ending suddenly introduces a lot of new things.
Some aspects that I did like:
- the use of music in the audiobook.
- the magic system felt somewhat unique
- the cover is really beautiful
Some aspects that I did like:
- the use of music in the audiobook.
- the magic system felt somewhat unique
- the cover is really beautiful
I’m really sorry to say that I don’t think this book is particularly memorable for me. I would recommend it to romantasy readers who are ok with morally corrupt love interests.
I always feel bad writing a negative review, especially when reviewing an ARC, but alas this is simply my experience reading the book.
Thank you Netgalley for this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This story definitely took me by surprise in a number of ways! It kept me enthralled every time I picked it up and it felt like I’d barely been reading when I realize I was already at the end. The plot had me making theories on theories and then new theories about my theories (Yes, that IS lot of theories) I highlighted a lot more in terms of plot and foreshadowing than I usually do when reading. The ending left me with so many more question and I cannot believe I have to wait for them to be answered 😭
The romance was good, but while it plays a factor in the plot, it was not an overly romantic plot line. It definitely is building for what is to come and setting a foundation. We get a hint of a love triangle but it basically resolves itself in this book. We also get a couple spicy scenes to set the tone. I think there is a lot of potential for the romance side of the story moving forward
The prose in The Seventh Sister is beautifully written and almost felt melodic to me at times. I’m not usually a fan of the style, and I will say it gets a little flowery for me at times, but I really enjoyed M.A. Brown’s writing stifle and felt drawn in for the majority of it. I also loved how there was art the book to really help give a visual to the words. I think Brown’s style is very good at invoking imagery, but this was incredibly helpful to someone like me who can’t visualize in their head.
I was also fortunate to have the ALC for this story and I enjoyed having a truly immersive experience of reading and listening at the same time. I very much enjoyed Jacci Prior as the narrator. She has a really nice voice to listen to, and she did a great job bringing the characters to life with their own tones and accents.
All in all, this was a really intriguing story that left me wanting answers and more in general. I look forward to seeing what comes next!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The premise of this book was very intriguing to me and I was curious about a sort of dark romantasy with fairytale vibes. The beginning of the set up was interesting and the prologue felt truly magical.
Sadly I couldn't really get into other parts of the story as well as the characters and found myself bored for a major part of the story. I also was bothered by the fact that 'day' is spelt 'dey'. At times the modern language was a bit jarring since I expected a more lyrical prose based on the premise and prologue. Ertha was a complicated character to me since she already has a privileged position and a certain magical talent, but stays rather naive throughout the story. The set up to her getting kidnapped by the Sons of Umbra felt like it only happened because of her naivety. I couldn't necessarily understand her choices at that point of the story. I wanted her to grow more, but felt like there wasn't much space for it. I also didn't really feel the chemistry with the love interests and waited to feel invested in them, but it sadly didn't happen.
I think that the idea and premise of the book are really good, but it didn't explore them enough.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc. All opinions are my own.
Sadly I couldn't really get into other parts of the story as well as the characters and found myself bored for a major part of the story. I also was bothered by the fact that 'day' is spelt 'dey'. At times the modern language was a bit jarring since I expected a more lyrical prose based on the premise and prologue. Ertha was a complicated character to me since she already has a privileged position and a certain magical talent, but stays rather naive throughout the story. The set up to her getting kidnapped by the Sons of Umbra felt like it only happened because of her naivety. I couldn't necessarily understand her choices at that point of the story. I wanted her to grow more, but felt like there wasn't much space for it. I also didn't really feel the chemistry with the love interests and waited to feel invested in them, but it sadly didn't happen.
I think that the idea and premise of the book are really good, but it didn't explore them enough.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc. All opinions are my own.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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:
Complicated
An immersive audiobook narrated perfectly by Jacci Prior sucked me into this world of savage men and the people who accepted their fate. One woman, reluctantly, bends to their will, until it's her time to revolt. She is defiant, bold, and strong. Her keeper is strict with her, but for her safety. Many men would wish her harm and will do so if she is not careful. She was warned long ago not to trust anyone, but are some of these savage beasts trustworthy? Some yes, some no. Read this book to find out.
This ALC had me hooked. A healer, magic, feral warriors, deception, carnal need, lies, secrets, and bonds make this book hard to put down. The ending of this book, of course, has a cliffhanger, but luckily not the one I was dreading. It was a surprise, and I am not sure how it will all play out, but I'm already chomping at the bit to read the next book.
Appreciation to NetGalley, the author, and ALC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op in exchange for an honest review.
This ALC had me hooked. A healer, magic, feral warriors, deception, carnal need, lies, secrets, and bonds make this book hard to put down. The ending of this book, of course, has a cliffhanger, but luckily not the one I was dreading. It was a surprise, and I am not sure how it will all play out, but I'm already chomping at the bit to read the next book.
Appreciation to NetGalley, the author, and ALC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is the first book in the Strattarian Chronicles, an epic romantasy where the heater FMC is kidnapped and struggles to learn who she can trust and who she is. I received an advance review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author for my paperback ARC.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Slowburn
✨Meddling gods
✨Viking inspired
✨Captor x captive
✨Forced proximity
✨Smutty book club
✨Magical bond
✨Hidden identity
Rating: 4/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Nickname: Shepherdess
The Lovely: I absolutely loved the world (setting, language, structure) the author created and how amazingly immersive it was. This pairs nicely with the author’s lyrical style of writing.
The Mundane: I struggled with how stationary the character development felt in terms of the main characters, primarily the MMC. It didn’t feel like he grew as a character when you compared him from beginning to end.
Recommendation: This was technically a re-read for me as I previously beta read this book. Note that this is a romantasy in the most accurate sense-it focuses on the fantasy over the romance. While there is some spice, the plot is focused on more than the romance. If you like lore, epic fantasy, vikings and some romance, I think you would like this book.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ALC! 2.75/3
Short summary of the book: First in a duology romantasy following Ertha, who is kidnapped by a spin on Vikings. She has to hide her true identity while learning more about where her healing power comes from and who wants to control it. The premise is very intriguing and there is a <i>lot</i> of worldbuilding that seems to have gone into this (and can sometimes be very confusing with names, places, customs, etc.).
This production quality of this audiobook is wonderful. Background music at appropriate parts. Introductions to chapters with a consistent musical theme. The accents Miss Prior uses made it very easy to know what "group" each character belonged to.
Overall, though, this book wasn't quite for me. There were some anachronisms that brought me out of the story (terms like "eye-fucking" being one). Some words were repeated quite frequently through the entire narration (heady, for one) that seems like it could have been edited out. I also felt that some scenes were lacking in action to the point of just being filler. Since this is a romantasy, there could have been a lot more done with the romantic couples to drive up the tension and make the "which one?" really have high stakes.
Also, Ertha was already being presented as able to handle whatever is thrown at her either due to her blessings or her personality. It made it hard to root for her because there wasn't much growing she had to really do, outside of figuring out what the Red Lady wanted from her. As it was, she is already too blessed in birth-status, magical status, and special-captive-status.
I most likely won't be following the second book in the series, but I will say that for someone who wants a low stakes read in a pseudo-Viking world, this could be a fun listen.
Short summary of the book: First in a duology romantasy following Ertha, who is kidnapped by a spin on Vikings. She has to hide her true identity while learning more about where her healing power comes from and who wants to control it. The premise is very intriguing and there is a <i>lot</i> of worldbuilding that seems to have gone into this (and can sometimes be very confusing with names, places, customs, etc.).
This production quality of this audiobook is wonderful. Background music at appropriate parts. Introductions to chapters with a consistent musical theme. The accents Miss Prior uses made it very easy to know what "group" each character belonged to.
Overall, though, this book wasn't quite for me. There were some anachronisms that brought me out of the story (terms like "eye-fucking" being one). Some words were repeated quite frequently through the entire narration (heady, for one) that seems like it could have been edited out. I also felt that some scenes were lacking in action to the point of just being filler. Since this is a romantasy, there could have been a lot more done with the romantic couples to drive up the tension and make the "which one?" really have high stakes.
Also, Ertha was already being presented as able to handle whatever is thrown at her either due to her blessings or her personality. It made it hard to root for her because there wasn't much growing she had to really do, outside of figuring out what the Red Lady wanted from her. As it was, she is already too blessed in birth-status, magical status, and special-captive-status.
I most likely won't be following the second book in the series, but I will say that for someone who wants a low stakes read in a pseudo-Viking world, this could be a fun listen.
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and M.A. Brown for access to this ARC. Having an ARC did not impact my review.
*SCREAMS INTO THE VOID*
You mean to tell me I have to wait for the next book to come out?! I might die. I loved this book so much. M.A. Brown built a marvelous world with complex (and INFURIATING) characters. I felt so immersed in the story and I desperately want to know more; I want an encyclopedia on the lore of this universe and the gods. Ertha is a fantastic lead - I both loved her and loved to hate her (like, girl, that man is suspicious as heck! Don’t trust him! Perhaps listen to the creepy seer!). And though she’s a captive in a frightening and murderous land, I love the bravery, empathy, and compassion she shows as a healer. I love the friends she makes along the way and the relationships she builds. I’m so ready to see where this story goes next. I know it’s supposed to be a duology, but I think I would gladly devour 5 (or more) books about this world.
Also of note, I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator did a fantastic job. I really liked the use of a music at parts of the story and in between chapters.
Ertha is a true healer living at the Selenyss Temple when she is kidnapped by a band of terrifying, murderous men from the enemy kingdom who leave a path of bloodshed in their wake. She is put into the care of and bonded to one of the most frightening and high ranking of them, but all is not what it seems with him. Faced with healing her enemy, a very much unwanted quest from a goddess, and hiding her true identity, Ertha learns startling truths and struggles to cope with the reality of the situation into which she has been thrust.
*SCREAMS INTO THE VOID*
You mean to tell me I have to wait for the next book to come out?! I might die. I loved this book so much. M.A. Brown built a marvelous world with complex (and INFURIATING) characters. I felt so immersed in the story and I desperately want to know more; I want an encyclopedia on the lore of this universe and the gods. Ertha is a fantastic lead - I both loved her and loved to hate her (like, girl, that man is suspicious as heck! Don’t trust him! Perhaps listen to the creepy seer!). And though she’s a captive in a frightening and murderous land, I love the bravery, empathy, and compassion she shows as a healer. I love the friends she makes along the way and the relationships she builds. I’m so ready to see where this story goes next. I know it’s supposed to be a duology, but I think I would gladly devour 5 (or more) books about this world.
Also of note, I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator did a fantastic job. I really liked the use of a music at parts of the story and in between chapters.
Ertha is a true healer living at the Selenyss Temple when she is kidnapped by a band of terrifying, murderous men from the enemy kingdom who leave a path of bloodshed in their wake. She is put into the care of and bonded to one of the most frightening and high ranking of them, but all is not what it seems with him. Faced with healing her enemy, a very much unwanted quest from a goddess, and hiding her true identity, Ertha learns startling truths and struggles to cope with the reality of the situation into which she has been thrust.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Kidnapping
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual violence, Slavery, Grief, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
TheSeventhSister is book one of the TheStrattarianChronicles by M.A.Brown. And is a 4.75 ⭐️ read.
This is a fast pace, and plot driven, dark romantasy you could fall in love with. I found myself captured from the first chapter and the hold didn’t let go until the last word!
This is a fast pace, and plot driven, dark romantasy you could fall in love with. I found myself captured from the first chapter and the hold didn’t let go until the last word!
It’s a new world, with lore to learn, and worlds too. However, I found it was easy to take a hold of and follow.
The casting of Jacci Prior is in my eyes Chef’s kiss! Their voice and the talented way they could make all the characters come to life in my mind added to the pleasure of the story too,
Warning this book does leave us all on a cliffhanger and you like me will want more I’m sure!
Favourite Quote: “The edges of my heart, jagged and raw, sliced into my meat and bone with each best. Bleeding me to my death, slowly from a wound that no one could see, so no one could fix.”
Spicy Level - 🌶️
Note: Please read and review all trigger warnings before reading any recommended book. We love to read for our pleasure, so keep your mind, and emotions safe!
Audio Book Available
Narrator: JacciPrior
Publication date: 05AUG2025
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Why are we randomly doing yoga in this book?
So this was just plain boring, I hate to say. When writing a book, you really have to ask yourself “will my readers care about any of this?” and unfortunately I found myself not caring one bit. Our main character had more chemistry with the TUBERS she was growing than the two love interests and the plot dragged for 12 hours. Other than the massacre at the beginning of the book (which Ertha doesn’t even see because she is hidden in her cell) and the stand off at the very end, nothing really happens. Anything exiting all takes place off page.
I just kept waiting to become invested in the character and the plot only to be let down time after time. This was just really lack luster. I think if the author sits down and fleshes out her characters more and puts some action on the page, we might have something. But as it currently stands, I won’t be continuing with this series.
And a quick note on the audiobook, I like the idea of putting music in to add to the atmosphere HOWEVER playing that same song at the begging of each chapter really started to drive me insane. Good idea, poor execution.
So this was just plain boring, I hate to say. When writing a book, you really have to ask yourself “will my readers care about any of this?” and unfortunately I found myself not caring one bit. Our main character had more chemistry with the TUBERS she was growing than the two love interests and the plot dragged for 12 hours. Other than the massacre at the beginning of the book (which Ertha doesn’t even see because she is hidden in her cell) and the stand off at the very end, nothing really happens. Anything exiting all takes place off page.
I just kept waiting to become invested in the character and the plot only to be let down time after time. This was just really lack luster. I think if the author sits down and fleshes out her characters more and puts some action on the page, we might have something. But as it currently stands, I won’t be continuing with this series.
And a quick note on the audiobook, I like the idea of putting music in to add to the atmosphere HOWEVER playing that same song at the begging of each chapter really started to drive me insane. Good idea, poor execution.