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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
adventurous
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:
Yes
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Kidnapping, Murder
Minor: Confinement
4 stars
I always said that Australian writer have magic on their writing and Bec McMaster is no exception. I remember when read her Kiss of Steel, and the silly reason why I read it at the first place was because the cover have Paul Marron on it XD. Surprisely, I enjoy it. I also gave it 5 stars (you can read my review here) and since that I follow her London Steampunk because her writing and world building is superb.
I got info for Shadowbound from McMaster's newsletter, when she said that she will going indie. While it irked me that her London Steampunk will continue in indie pub, I decide to give her new series a chance. Did I regret it? Nope, as usual, McMaster still delivers. Shadowbound is not a steampunk, rather a paranormal romance set in historical setting. I'm glad with "no steampunk" element, because it can be overwhelming of sort when read about nano machines and its technology. Shadowbound's big theme is about magic and while McMaster is no Brandon Sanderson when it comes to magic system, her system is still unique even some part like "bond" concept is a recurring theme in the world of PNR. It just need a little more development.
I read some review that Shadowbound is so erotic and have so many sex scenes. Compared to her London Steampunk, I don't think that Shadowbound is erotic. More like steamy. I think the amount of sex scenes are normal, not too much, not so little. I did appraise the way McMaster write about sex, especially about orgasm. Often I read that women SO EASILY have orgasm, even its either her first time as virgin or her first time after years she didn't have sex. The hero always make her FRIKKIN' HAVE ORGASM" No matter that she had hurt or feel uncomfortable, bla bla. Ianthe didn't get her orgasm when first have sex with Lucien, because she's so stressed out with her problem, and I can feel very related. I know that fiction is a fiction, but it feel nice to read something "ordinary", something usual when it comes to sex.
I feel that Lucien in the last part kinda overshadowed by Ianthe. Ianthe is so strong, complex and even she have angst with Lucien, I enjoy read it. The drama and angst are handled perfectly without make me "gag". Also, the problem with Lucien's condition seems is not over yet. I think McMaster save it for her next book.
Not just about Ianthe and Lucien, McMaster give us a story from the "villain" side. Poor Sebastian, he's already suffered so much and until the end, he's still suffer. I already rooted for his and his wife, Cleo's story, but alas, the next is about Adrian Bishop, not Sebastian. Oh, right, I forgot to tell that The Dark Arts series is a series about three brothers, sired by same father but each have different mothers. Lucien is the first (or I think first), Sebastian is the middle child, and Adrian is the last. They sired by Drake, a Prime (like leader of sort) of current magic organization in England, and he's so powerful. In the end, the problem still not solved yet, and this is what make me want to read what next in Dark Arts series.
I'm sad that this series comes in e-book because I want to collect the paperback. Alas, the price is too much, lol! McMaster fans or not, if you love PNR (and I do miss a good PNR nowadays), don't miss this one. I hope McMaster will still writing about PNR, steampunk, anything that have fantasy on it, and not try to jump into NA-YA-conrom wagon. Like some authors I know :/.
I always said that Australian writer have magic on their writing and Bec McMaster is no exception. I remember when read her Kiss of Steel, and the silly reason why I read it at the first place was because the cover have Paul Marron on it XD. Surprisely, I enjoy it. I also gave it 5 stars (you can read my review here) and since that I follow her London Steampunk because her writing and world building is superb.
I got info for Shadowbound from McMaster's newsletter, when she said that she will going indie. While it irked me that her London Steampunk will continue in indie pub, I decide to give her new series a chance. Did I regret it? Nope, as usual, McMaster still delivers. Shadowbound is not a steampunk, rather a paranormal romance set in historical setting. I'm glad with "no steampunk" element, because it can be overwhelming of sort when read about nano machines and its technology. Shadowbound's big theme is about magic and while McMaster is no Brandon Sanderson when it comes to magic system, her system is still unique even some part like "bond" concept is a recurring theme in the world of PNR. It just need a little more development.
I read some review that Shadowbound is so erotic and have so many sex scenes. Compared to her London Steampunk, I don't think that Shadowbound is erotic. More like steamy. I think the amount of sex scenes are normal, not too much, not so little. I did appraise the way McMaster write about sex, especially about orgasm. Often I read that women SO EASILY have orgasm, even its either her first time as virgin or her first time after years she didn't have sex. The hero always make her FRIKKIN' HAVE ORGASM" No matter that she had hurt or feel uncomfortable, bla bla. Ianthe didn't get her orgasm when first have sex with Lucien, because she's so stressed out with her problem, and I can feel very related. I know that fiction is a fiction, but it feel nice to read something "ordinary", something usual when it comes to sex.
I feel that Lucien in the last part kinda overshadowed by Ianthe. Ianthe is so strong, complex and even she have angst with Lucien, I enjoy read it. The drama and angst are handled perfectly without make me "gag". Also, the problem with Lucien's condition seems is not over yet. I think McMaster save it for her next book.
Not just about Ianthe and Lucien, McMaster give us a story from the "villain" side. Poor Sebastian, he's already suffered so much and until the end, he's still suffer. I already rooted for his and his wife, Cleo's story, but alas, the next is about Adrian Bishop, not Sebastian. Oh, right, I forgot to tell that The Dark Arts series is a series about three brothers, sired by same father but each have different mothers. Lucien is the first (or I think first), Sebastian is the middle child, and Adrian is the last. They sired by Drake, a Prime (like leader of sort) of current magic organization in England, and he's so powerful. In the end, the problem still not solved yet, and this is what make me want to read what next in Dark Arts series.
I'm sad that this series comes in e-book because I want to collect the paperback. Alas, the price is too much, lol! McMaster fans or not, if you love PNR (and I do miss a good PNR nowadays), don't miss this one. I hope McMaster will still writing about PNR, steampunk, anything that have fantasy on it, and not try to jump into NA-YA-conrom wagon. Like some authors I know :/.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Almost a 5. Good characters and really awful villain. Good world building and a good plot which doesn't quite wind itself up. Lots left up in the air for the next book but the two main characters got their ending so that part works.
I quite enjoyed this one. There were some parts that I found confusing (the magic), but I imagine it will be clearer to me as the series progresses. The epilogue also made me keen to read the next book in the series.
3.5 stars
Magic-based stories probably are my least favorite type of fantasy/paranormal novels. Too many dwell excessively on the mechanics of the magic, much like a Tom Clancy novel goes into excruciating detail about military hardware. I tend to be more interested in the relationships and interactions between characters. Fortunately, this novel spent more time on these than on the magic.
I enjoyed how the relationship developed between Ianthe and Lucian, a satisfying enemies to lovers story that was complicated by some shared history and family issues. The main magical conflict remains unresolved, and there is plenty of story and some other relationships to explore. I actually found Chloe more interesting and compelling than Ianthe, and I'm hoping the next book in the series will focus more on her and Sebastian.
In any case, I'll keep my eyes open for the remainder of the series.
Magic-based stories probably are my least favorite type of fantasy/paranormal novels. Too many dwell excessively on the mechanics of the magic, much like a Tom Clancy novel goes into excruciating detail about military hardware. I tend to be more interested in the relationships and interactions between characters. Fortunately, this novel spent more time on these than on the magic.
I enjoyed how the relationship developed between Ianthe and Lucian, a satisfying enemies to lovers story that was complicated by some shared history and family issues. The main magical conflict remains unresolved, and there is plenty of story and some other relationships to explore. I actually found Chloe more interesting and compelling than Ianthe, and I'm hoping the next book in the series will focus more on her and Sebastian.
In any case, I'll keep my eyes open for the remainder of the series.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
"When the red comet rules the skies, the Prime shall fall.
A new Prime shall Ascend to the head of the Order. Three sons. Three relics. Three sacrifices. Only then can the Prime be torn down.
Three sons, three brothers. When you first lay eyes upon them all, the end will begin.You shall be their deaths. You shall turn their graves."
Drake sang Prime, adalah pria yang paling berkuasa di London. Tapi kejatuhan kekuasaannya sudah di ramalkan jauh sebelum kelahiran putra-putranya. Saat satu dari tiga relik sihir terpenting hilang, dia tahu bahwa ramalan itu akan mulai terwujud. Dan dia tidak bisa mundur lagi dari masa depannya.
Devilish Lord Lucien Rathbourne, namanya sudah menunjukan dirinya dimata tiap orang. Penjahat berbahaya, tak bisa dipercaya dan penuh dendam pada tiap orang yang sudah menjebloskannya ke penjara untuk para psikopat dengan pengamanan maksimum dan penyiksaan tanpa akhir. Ketika seorang lady cantik, penerus penguasa London yang sangat dia benci mendatanginya dengan penawaran yang sulit ditolak dan kesempatan untuk membalaskan dendamnya, dia tak akan berkata tidak.
Miss Ianthe Martin, terjebak dalam aib masa lalunya selama bertahun-tahun. Ketika gurunya dan pria yang paling berarti membutuhkan bantuannya, dia tidak bisa menolak walaupun itu artinya harus menghadapi iblis masa lalunya.
Dengan setting universe yang berbeda dari London tahun 1894, Bec membuatku jatuh cinta pada serial paranormalnya yang baru. Gaya berceritanya kental dihiasi dengan nuansa Victorian Sorcery yang gelap, intens dan memikat. Tarik ulur dan banter Lucien dan Ianthe membangun tensi panas dari awal sampai akhir.
Dibandingkan seri London Steampunk, seri pnr ini dari awal lebih terasa erotis dan steamy. Jangan lupakan bom kejutan bertubi-tubi yang dijatuhkan tanpa ampun sejak awal-awal chapter. Hebatnya, semua twist itu tidak akan mengurangi sisi seru cerita ini. Unsur romance, aksi laga, sisi suspens dan fantasy berpadu sempurna yang akan membuatmu berdebar tanpa henti. Detail angst yang intens dan plot yang detail mungkin agak menyiksa untuk pembaca yang tak terbiasa dengan nover HR tapi setiap kalimatnya sepadan dengan kepuasan yang akan kau dapatkan saat selesai membacanya.
"I have nothing, Ianthe. I've never belonged to anybody. Except for you. I kept telling myself that this wasn't happening. But there's a limit to how much I can lie to myself. You scare me. Because I want you more than I've ever wanted anything in my life. I need to know, whether I am alone in this situation. Do you care for me? Do you want me too?"
Aku juga menyukai penggalian mendalam dari para karakter pendamping. Bahkan beberapa dari mereka (termasuk si villain Sebastian) berhasil membuatku super penasaran dan menunggu kisah mereka akan di tuliskan di lanjutan buku ini. Seri yang berpotensi dan pantas dikoleksi.
"I am too used to dealing with those do not own a heart, and there you are, wearing yours on your sleeve. I cannot touch you Cleo, for a thousand reason. The irony of this situation is that in trying to protect you from them, I have brought you into the realm of a far more dangerous. My self." (Sebastian to Cleo, in their wedding night)
My Rating :
Star : 4/5
Bikini : 3/5
A new Prime shall Ascend to the head of the Order. Three sons. Three relics. Three sacrifices. Only then can the Prime be torn down.
Three sons, three brothers. When you first lay eyes upon them all, the end will begin.You shall be their deaths. You shall turn their graves."
Drake sang Prime, adalah pria yang paling berkuasa di London. Tapi kejatuhan kekuasaannya sudah di ramalkan jauh sebelum kelahiran putra-putranya. Saat satu dari tiga relik sihir terpenting hilang, dia tahu bahwa ramalan itu akan mulai terwujud. Dan dia tidak bisa mundur lagi dari masa depannya.
Devilish Lord Lucien Rathbourne, namanya sudah menunjukan dirinya dimata tiap orang. Penjahat berbahaya, tak bisa dipercaya dan penuh dendam pada tiap orang yang sudah menjebloskannya ke penjara untuk para psikopat dengan pengamanan maksimum dan penyiksaan tanpa akhir. Ketika seorang lady cantik, penerus penguasa London yang sangat dia benci mendatanginya dengan penawaran yang sulit ditolak dan kesempatan untuk membalaskan dendamnya, dia tak akan berkata tidak.
Miss Ianthe Martin, terjebak dalam aib masa lalunya selama bertahun-tahun. Ketika gurunya dan pria yang paling berarti membutuhkan bantuannya, dia tidak bisa menolak walaupun itu artinya harus menghadapi iblis masa lalunya.
Dengan setting universe yang berbeda dari London tahun 1894, Bec membuatku jatuh cinta pada serial paranormalnya yang baru. Gaya berceritanya kental dihiasi dengan nuansa Victorian Sorcery yang gelap, intens dan memikat. Tarik ulur dan banter Lucien dan Ianthe membangun tensi panas dari awal sampai akhir.
Dibandingkan seri London Steampunk, seri pnr ini dari awal lebih terasa erotis dan steamy. Jangan lupakan bom kejutan bertubi-tubi yang dijatuhkan tanpa ampun sejak awal-awal chapter. Hebatnya, semua twist itu tidak akan mengurangi sisi seru cerita ini. Unsur romance, aksi laga, sisi suspens dan fantasy berpadu sempurna yang akan membuatmu berdebar tanpa henti. Detail angst yang intens dan plot yang detail mungkin agak menyiksa untuk pembaca yang tak terbiasa dengan nover HR tapi setiap kalimatnya sepadan dengan kepuasan yang akan kau dapatkan saat selesai membacanya.
"I have nothing, Ianthe. I've never belonged to anybody. Except for you. I kept telling myself that this wasn't happening. But there's a limit to how much I can lie to myself. You scare me. Because I want you more than I've ever wanted anything in my life. I need to know, whether I am alone in this situation. Do you care for me? Do you want me too?"
Aku juga menyukai penggalian mendalam dari para karakter pendamping. Bahkan beberapa dari mereka (termasuk si villain Sebastian) berhasil membuatku super penasaran dan menunggu kisah mereka akan di tuliskan di lanjutan buku ini. Seri yang berpotensi dan pantas dikoleksi.
"I am too used to dealing with those do not own a heart, and there you are, wearing yours on your sleeve. I cannot touch you Cleo, for a thousand reason. The irony of this situation is that in trying to protect you from them, I have brought you into the realm of a far more dangerous. My self." (Sebastian to Cleo, in their wedding night)
My Rating :
Star : 4/5
Bikini : 3/5