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4.52 AVERAGE
4.52 AVERAGE
adventurous
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
Thank you to NetGalley and Evelyn Flood for the advanced copy of this book.
The world-building and characters completely drew me in. I'm not usually a big romantasy reader, but this story had me hooked from the beginning. The slow-burn romance and the gradual build-up between the MMC and FMC had me absolutely swooning.
Selene’s story was heart-wrenching—I was rooting for her success every step of the way. And Callan? Total sweetheart. I’m a sucker for a good “he falls first” trope.
And that cliffhanger! I did not see that ending coming. I was left staring at the wall with my jaw on the floor!!
The world-building and characters completely drew me in. I'm not usually a big romantasy reader, but this story had me hooked from the beginning. The slow-burn romance and the gradual build-up between the MMC and FMC had me absolutely swooning.
Selene’s story was heart-wrenching—I was rooting for her success every step of the way. And Callan? Total sweetheart. I’m a sucker for a good “he falls first” trope.
And that cliffhanger! I did not see that ending coming. I was left staring at the wall with my jaw on the floor!!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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
EDIT** as I have now been sent the correct file and devoured this book!
I have ADORED this book. I had no idea what I was getting into upon starting this story as it was the first book I read from this author, and let me tell you that any upcoming fantasy is automatically on my to-read list from there on.
I have loved the world building as much as I did the characters. The magic system was wonderfully set into place, the stakes immediately clear, and the characters only grew from there on. I jumped into this expecting a high-stakes romantasy, and I love that I got just that.
Both Selene and Callan had their depth and their flaws, fleshed out onto paper the way I love my romantasies to be written; first as separate characters before setting up any kind of romance trope. I have nothing but love for this story and where it took me. I love a found family trope and there’s nothing I like more than being instantly and pleasantly surprised by a good read!!
Thank you kindly netgalley for the arc and opportunity to read and review this book!
5 ⭐️
I have ADORED this book. I had no idea what I was getting into upon starting this story as it was the first book I read from this author, and let me tell you that any upcoming fantasy is automatically on my to-read list from there on.
I have loved the world building as much as I did the characters. The magic system was wonderfully set into place, the stakes immediately clear, and the characters only grew from there on. I jumped into this expecting a high-stakes romantasy, and I love that I got just that.
Both Selene and Callan had their depth and their flaws, fleshed out onto paper the way I love my romantasies to be written; first as separate characters before setting up any kind of romance trope. I have nothing but love for this story and where it took me. I love a found family trope and there’s nothing I like more than being instantly and pleasantly surprised by a good read!!
Thank you kindly netgalley for the arc and opportunity to read and review this book!
5 ⭐️
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I got this book on NetGalley. It started off promising and then wasted a lot of time in the middle on a sub par forced feeling romance that felt like a distraction from the actual plot. There are many instances of things being hinted at that don’t pay off and are delayed in the reveal that ended up being either a let down or too obvious. The world building seemed interesting but feels like it will be going nowhere.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Grief, Murder
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexual violence, Violence
Minor: Body horror, Vomit
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this ARC!
The dark fairytale vibes are such a sweet spot in my interests and I find it difficult to find an author that does it ✨ just right✨-- but this book blew past those expectations.
This was such a unique, refreshing romantasy and I'm so grateful to be introduced to Evelyn Flood's work!
The dark fairytale vibes are such a sweet spot in my interests and I find it difficult to find an author that does it ✨ just right✨-- but this book blew past those expectations.
This was such a unique, refreshing romantasy and I'm so grateful to be introduced to Evelyn Flood's work!
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Thank you netgalley and publisher for allowing me access to this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
On her 16th birthday, Selene Amaris was supposed to have a celebration ceremony. She was supposed to be blessed by her Goddess Hala and recieve her Calling, learn how to fly for the first time and to have power bestowed upon her. Instead what happens is what would be a nightmare for anyone.
Instead of a celebration, she's met with a blood bath, as the nearby neighbors who suffered a plight, invade and slaughter all in their path.
Everyone she knows is gone and she's the last of her kind. Now it's time to go back to the home that she fled 10yrs prior but things are not what they seem to be.
With the help of Callan and his friends, her enemies that were there the day her kind were all slaughtered she discovers what has become of her home. What she finds is horrifying.
Review: I loved this so much. It was unique, I loved how the sea became the sky and the sky became bottomless, literally falling forever. Sounds insanely scary. The romance was slow to build but so very satisfying to me. There was so much emotion in this, it had me smile, laugh and even cry. Callan was just so sweet to her especially during her PTSD episodes which was just so sad to read about. That cliffhanger though! Ugh. That is such a big one.
My biggest qualm I had though was... who put her on the ship to begin with? Who chained her to the wall? It's annoying that it wasn't even investigated nor solved. Lol I know it's minor but it stuck with me throughout the entire book.
The King is one of those ones who needs to be assassinated immediately, just saying.
I will be buying this when it comes out and I am DEFINITELY reading the sequel.
On her 16th birthday, Selene Amaris was supposed to have a celebration ceremony. She was supposed to be blessed by her Goddess Hala and recieve her Calling, learn how to fly for the first time and to have power bestowed upon her. Instead what happens is what would be a nightmare for anyone.
Instead of a celebration, she's met with a blood bath, as the nearby neighbors who suffered a plight, invade and slaughter all in their path.
Everyone she knows is gone and she's the last of her kind. Now it's time to go back to the home that she fled 10yrs prior but things are not what they seem to be.
With the help of Callan and his friends, her enemies that were there the day her kind were all slaughtered she discovers what has become of her home. What she finds is horrifying.
Review: I loved this so much. It was unique, I loved how the sea became the sky and the sky became bottomless, literally falling forever. Sounds insanely scary. The romance was slow to build but so very satisfying to me. There was so much emotion in this, it had me smile, laugh and even cry. Callan was just so sweet to her especially during her PTSD episodes which was just so sad to read about. That cliffhanger though! Ugh. That is such a big one.
My biggest qualm I had though was... who put her on the ship to begin with? Who chained her to the wall? It's annoying that it wasn't even investigated nor solved. Lol I know it's minor but it stuck with me throughout the entire book.
The King is one of those ones who needs to be assassinated immediately, just saying.
I will be buying this when it comes out and I am DEFINITELY reading the sequel.
4⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
What was that???
I never thought I would like this book this much! I was sucked in from the very start, the beginning takes you right into the action and the pacing at the start was really good.
I’m usually not a fan of dual POV (and especially in first person) because I find that the characters end up being too similar and if it wasn’t for the name of the chapter, you wouldn’t really know who was talking. But in this book, it was done really well! Selene and Callan were very distinct from one another, all characters were fleshed out, and the writing was really good (though sometimes a tiny bit repetitive but nothing major so it wasn’t a bother).
I took a star out because there was a bit of a lull after the 50% mark, but it really picked up afterward and that ENDING???? It KILLED me. I can’t wait for December for book 2.
Overall, this was a great surprise and a really good read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
What was that???
I never thought I would like this book this much! I was sucked in from the very start, the beginning takes you right into the action and the pacing at the start was really good.
I’m usually not a fan of dual POV (and especially in first person) because I find that the characters end up being too similar and if it wasn’t for the name of the chapter, you wouldn’t really know who was talking. But in this book, it was done really well! Selene and Callan were very distinct from one another, all characters were fleshed out, and the writing was really good (though sometimes a tiny bit repetitive but nothing major so it wasn’t a bother).
I took a star out because there was a bit of a lull after the 50% mark, but it really picked up afterward and that ENDING???? It KILLED me. I can’t wait for December for book 2.
Overall, this was a great surprise and a really good read!
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Evelyn Flood for an advanced reader copy of this book.
Did I expect the flood of emotions that came with reading this? No, but I am so glad for it! What a devastating hidden gem of a read! I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on this I will absolutely need the paperback in my hand! Callan is solidifying himself as one of my new favourite mmcs, and Selene my baby Selene is so strong and it’s incredibly easy to root for her. Apart from the romance elements which I loved, this has found family, adventure across a sea of stars, yearning, healing, survival, and feminine rage! I am on the edge of my seat for the next instalment!
Did I expect the flood of emotions that came with reading this? No, but I am so glad for it! What a devastating hidden gem of a read! I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on this I will absolutely need the paperback in my hand! Callan is solidifying himself as one of my new favourite mmcs, and Selene my baby Selene is so strong and it’s incredibly easy to root for her. Apart from the romance elements which I loved, this has found family, adventure across a sea of stars, yearning, healing, survival, and feminine rage! I am on the edge of my seat for the next instalment!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
I really, really like the writing style in this book. I'll be honest, it took a while for me to settle into this style. Was that me or was that how the first chapter flowed? We'll never know. I can't re-read it for the first time ever again. But I'll say this: if you're struggling with the first chapter, KEEP GOING. I just fell into this book and into the world. In the way that I didn't want to go to work because I wanted to keep reading.
Some of my fav things: The slow burn between the MMC and FMC was delightful. The description of friendships between people of varying ages and personalities warmed my cold dead heart. Chef's Kiss. Also all this was going on while I was still wondering [semi spoiler mini ahead] about who tied her up? [mini spoiler over]. I loved being in the dark along with the FMC and figuring out the world and the people with her. Also the author describes the feelings of falling in love, even if the character doesn't know that it's happening to her, so beautifully. Just... it was so good!
Something I didn't love: We got almost no answers to any of the questions this book sets up. I understand and even love a cliffhanger but I, personally, don't find an unfinished arc to be a cliffhanger. If a book series is a war I want each book to be a battle. They don't have to win the whole war in a single book, but I need them to at least win one battle. This book didn't win any battles. It won my heart but no battles. Which is sad, because, as I've noted, I really loved the writing style of this book and could have read another 200 pages in this sitting rather than wait months for the end/any answers. This book would have been easily a 5 star had it given *some* answers. Also, another book making brown eyes "muddy" or boring. Boo, I'm over that.
What made my weirdo heart happy:
The sass! The FMC is tall! The descriptions of friendships and love. Swoon.
Will I read more books by this author?: Yes. I have to know things! Also loved the style.
Would I recommend this book to a friend?: Yes. For those I know can handle cliffhangers.
[I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.]
Some of my fav things: The slow burn between the MMC and FMC was delightful. The description of friendships between people of varying ages and personalities warmed my cold dead heart. Chef's Kiss. Also all this was going on while I was still wondering [semi spoiler mini ahead] about who tied her up? [mini spoiler over]. I loved being in the dark along with the FMC and figuring out the world and the people with her. Also the author describes the feelings of falling in love, even if the character doesn't know that it's happening to her, so beautifully. Just... it was so good!
Something I didn't love: We got almost no answers to any of the questions this book sets up. I understand and even love a cliffhanger but I, personally, don't find an unfinished arc to be a cliffhanger. If a book series is a war I want each book to be a battle. They don't have to win the whole war in a single book, but I need them to at least win one battle. This book didn't win any battles. It won my heart but no battles. Which is sad, because, as I've noted, I really loved the writing style of this book and could have read another 200 pages in this sitting rather than wait months for the end/any answers. This book would have been easily a 5 star had it given *some* answers. Also, another book making brown eyes "muddy" or boring. Boo, I'm over that.
What made my weirdo heart happy:
The sass! The FMC is tall! The descriptions of friendships and love. Swoon.
Will I read more books by this author?: Yes. I have to know things! Also loved the style.
Would I recommend this book to a friend?: Yes. For those I know can handle cliffhangers.
[I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.]
I’ll admit, I was a little unsure about the world building at the start, but goodness, am I glad I stuck with it! This story was everything! Absolutely adored all the characters, and that ending! *chef’s kiss* Cannot wait for the next book!
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Tropes:
He falls first
She would die for him
He would protect her at any cost
Found Family
Magic system
I just finished this book and i am speechless. Evelyn Flood created this amaizing world where gods give and also punish.
Serene is a faeyte and she is the only one left from her kind. Forced to run and suffered a lot. She is traumatised and has lost her trust in everyone, but in the same time she is strong and won't stop to nothing to protect the people she loves.
Callan is my new dream character. He is gentle and caring, fearless and offers support.
The chemistry between them two was perfect and there is nothing that was missing.
I loved every side character as well.
Esme was so kind and I loved the way she instantly accepted Selene in there group and as a friend. She was always there for her.
Sol was tough, but when he warmed towards Selene was kind and protective.
Rio and Leo were so sweet and funny.
Merrik was the oldest amongst them and the wisest. I loved how he guided and advised Selene and was always there for her.
The ending had me gasping. I didn't expected that and I can't wait to read the next book to see what will happen.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me this book in exchange of my honest opinion.
He falls first
She would die for him
He would protect her at any cost
Found Family
Magic system
I just finished this book and i am speechless. Evelyn Flood created this amaizing world where gods give and also punish.
Serene is a faeyte and she is the only one left from her kind. Forced to run and suffered a lot. She is traumatised and has lost her trust in everyone, but in the same time she is strong and won't stop to nothing to protect the people she loves.
Callan is my new dream character. He is gentle and caring, fearless and offers support.
The chemistry between them two was perfect and there is nothing that was missing.
I loved every side character as well.
Esme was so kind and I loved the way she instantly accepted Selene in there group and as a friend. She was always there for her.
Sol was tough, but when he warmed towards Selene was kind and protective.
Rio and Leo were so sweet and funny.
Merrik was the oldest amongst them and the wisest. I loved how he guided and advised Selene and was always there for her.
The ending had me gasping. I didn't expected that and I can't wait to read the next book to see what will happen.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me this book in exchange of my honest opinion.