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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
This book blew me away. The descriptions were lovely, the sentence length was just right for me, and I fell in love with Hellevir.
I will warn you that it does not have a HEA or HFN ending.
I cannot wait to see where it leads and I highly recommend if you can handle a slow burn romance that may or may not happen- you pick this up.
I will warn you that it does not have a HEA or HFN ending.
I cannot wait to see where it leads and I highly recommend if you can handle a slow burn romance that may or may not happen- you pick this up.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
God this was stunning! I would comp this to something C L Clark’s The Unbroken where the politics just wreck you in the best way. The necromancy was so cool and I loved this personification of death. This is definitely going to be a favorite of the year and I picked it up at the perfect time since book two comes out in a few weeks.
If you’re worried about some of the low ratings on this book don’t be. I think that this book was marketed incorrectly specifically with the cover design which reads very romantasy and not cut throat political fantasy with lesbians. Speaking of lesbians, I’m obsessed with the heterosexual minds that assumed this book would involve a love triangle with death. I read their relationship as extremely paternal. Some people just aren’t prepared for the joys that are toxic lesbians.
If you’re worried about some of the low ratings on this book don’t be. I think that this book was marketed incorrectly specifically with the cover design which reads very romantasy and not cut throat political fantasy with lesbians. Speaking of lesbians, I’m obsessed with the heterosexual minds that assumed this book would involve a love triangle with death. I read their relationship as extremely paternal. Some people just aren’t prepared for the joys that are toxic lesbians.
slow-paced
Loveable characters:
No
I really wanted to enjoy this book, which I received as part of a #Goodreadsgiveaway, but sadly I did not enjoy it. It was very slow and repetative, and I didn’t like the characters.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
To everyone's surprise, death is not the love interest...(I've been reading too much romantasy) but he was my favorite character
The highlight of this book is the writing. I was fully immersed in Gordon's world, hanging onto every beautiful crafted prose and feeling my heart break with Hellevir's. Though the stakes are low (as in we're not fighting in a war), this political fantasy has extremely heavy and dark themes. But she walks with death, able to pull souls back to life, so themes of sacrifice and duty to family were anticipated. Also, a raven companion? LOVED.
The queer representation was spot on, and though I've seen a lot of reviews disliking Sullivan, I loved how complex she was and the constant battle between her own morals and her duty to the crown. Truly morally grey.
My biggest issue is the marketing of this book. The title and the cover lead you to believe this is ACOTAR-adjacent. Do not be fooled. This is not a fantasy romance with death as the love interest. This is a much slower-paced, low stakes, spiceless political fantasy. It is great, just not what I expected when I picked it up. Other reasons I didn't give it 5 stars were: pacing felt a bit off and it was a bit too predictable at times.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Voyager for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The highlight of this book is the writing. I was fully immersed in Gordon's world, hanging onto every beautiful crafted prose and feeling my heart break with Hellevir's. Though the stakes are low (as in we're not fighting in a war), this political fantasy has extremely heavy and dark themes. But she walks with death, able to pull souls back to life, so themes of sacrifice and duty to family were anticipated. Also, a raven companion? LOVED.
The queer representation was spot on, and though I've seen a lot of reviews disliking Sullivan, I loved how complex she was and the constant battle between her own morals and her duty to the crown. Truly morally grey.
My biggest issue is the marketing of this book. The title and the cover lead you to believe this is ACOTAR-adjacent. Do not be fooled. This is not a fantasy romance with death as the love interest. This is a much slower-paced, low stakes, spiceless political fantasy. It is great, just not what I expected when I picked it up. Other reasons I didn't give it 5 stars were: pacing felt a bit off and it was a bit too predictable at times.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Voyager for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Miscarriage
adventurous
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The writing style ruined it for me. I didn’t like how things were handled with certain characters and I fought to get through it.
dark
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes