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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
Thank you so much to Storytellers on Tour and the publisher for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“My point is, if you cannot live with the shard of darkness that rests within you, then tell me, princess… How will you live with all of mine?”
I have to be honest. Even after reading the synopsis for this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I love a dark fantasy, but I don’t think I’ve ever read a dark YA fantasy. It sounded intriguing, though, so I decided to give it a go.
Disenchanted is definitely not lacking in action! This was a fast-paced read, with the action starting from chapter one and keeping you in it’s grip until the very end. There was no point in this story that I felt like it was lagging or getting dull. I do enjoy a fantasy that can keep me interested throughout the entire story. This was expertly paced, which made it a very quick read.
I also enjoyed the development of both our main characters, Lilac and Garin. It was interesting to follow a heroine who wasn’t immediately a badass. Lilac is definitely fierce and bold when she is cornered, but you can tell she’s spent most of her life locked away in a castle. She makes some… dubious choices, but, you know what? It’s a little refreshing reading about a heroine that isn’t instantly perfect. Lilac is messy and has flaws and it makes her a nuanced character. I felt like I would have like to see her grow a little more throughout the book, but this is the first book of a series, so it kinda makes sense. Her arc is yet to be completed!
As for Garin, he was an interesting protagonist. Again, like Lilac, he has his issues and flaws that made him come alive on the page. He is kind of your typical, tortured bad boy, but there are little traits sprinkled into him that make him just that much more intriguing. I honestly wish we could have had more of his prospective in the story! Either way, I liked watching his development as I read this book.
The one thing I would say felt a little rushed to me was the romance. This is probably because I went into this expecting more fantasy than romance. The fantasy elements were fantastic, but the romance very quickly took over. It felt a little insta-lovey, which is not my favorite thing. Still, even with the insta-love, I thought the author did a beautiful job of twisting the heartstrings as we watched these two spiral towards one another.
I think my favorite thing about this book was the world-building. I loved all the myths and supernatural creatures that were woven throughout this book! And the creepy, atmospheric descriptions of the forest Brocèliande were just… *chef’s kiss* The author has a way with beautifully wrought descriptions. It was so easy to picture the forest in my mind’s eye. I felt the closeness of the witch’s hut. Strong descriptions are something I always appreciate in my fantasy reads! It makes it so easy to get lost in the story.
Final thoughts: This was a dark, atmospheric fantasy book that will have you captivated from page one. The characters are interesting to follow and I really enjoyed watching their development. I was a little thrown off with how much romance was in this book, but I still enjoyed my reading experience.
“My point is, if you cannot live with the shard of darkness that rests within you, then tell me, princess… How will you live with all of mine?”
I have to be honest. Even after reading the synopsis for this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I love a dark fantasy, but I don’t think I’ve ever read a dark YA fantasy. It sounded intriguing, though, so I decided to give it a go.
Disenchanted is definitely not lacking in action! This was a fast-paced read, with the action starting from chapter one and keeping you in it’s grip until the very end. There was no point in this story that I felt like it was lagging or getting dull. I do enjoy a fantasy that can keep me interested throughout the entire story. This was expertly paced, which made it a very quick read.
I also enjoyed the development of both our main characters, Lilac and Garin. It was interesting to follow a heroine who wasn’t immediately a badass. Lilac is definitely fierce and bold when she is cornered, but you can tell she’s spent most of her life locked away in a castle. She makes some… dubious choices, but, you know what? It’s a little refreshing reading about a heroine that isn’t instantly perfect. Lilac is messy and has flaws and it makes her a nuanced character. I felt like I would have like to see her grow a little more throughout the book, but this is the first book of a series, so it kinda makes sense. Her arc is yet to be completed!
As for Garin, he was an interesting protagonist. Again, like Lilac, he has his issues and flaws that made him come alive on the page. He is kind of your typical, tortured bad boy, but there are little traits sprinkled into him that make him just that much more intriguing. I honestly wish we could have had more of his prospective in the story! Either way, I liked watching his development as I read this book.
The one thing I would say felt a little rushed to me was the romance. This is probably because I went into this expecting more fantasy than romance. The fantasy elements were fantastic, but the romance very quickly took over. It felt a little insta-lovey, which is not my favorite thing. Still, even with the insta-love, I thought the author did a beautiful job of twisting the heartstrings as we watched these two spiral towards one another.
I think my favorite thing about this book was the world-building. I loved all the myths and supernatural creatures that were woven throughout this book! And the creepy, atmospheric descriptions of the forest Brocèliande were just… *chef’s kiss* The author has a way with beautifully wrought descriptions. It was so easy to picture the forest in my mind’s eye. I felt the closeness of the witch’s hut. Strong descriptions are something I always appreciate in my fantasy reads! It makes it so easy to get lost in the story.
Final thoughts: This was a dark, atmospheric fantasy book that will have you captivated from page one. The characters are interesting to follow and I really enjoyed watching their development. I was a little thrown off with how much romance was in this book, but I still enjoyed my reading experience.
I received this book as a review copy in exchange for an honest review! :)
I've been wanting to read this book for a while now, and I was not disappointed!
I've been in a HUGE reading slump for a while, but this book got me out of it!
The fact that I listened to the audiobook definitely helped too, but the book itself did the trick because it was absolutely amazing!
The world is amazing, I loved the atmosphere, the characters and the story.
The premise was so interesting and gripping, I just had to know what's going to happen and the writing is beautiful!
I'm not a big fan of books about vampires and I didn't know going into this that there would be any involved, but I absolutely adored it!
I've been wanting to read this book for a while now, and I was not disappointed!
I've been in a HUGE reading slump for a while, but this book got me out of it!
The fact that I listened to the audiobook definitely helped too, but the book itself did the trick because it was absolutely amazing!
The world is amazing, I loved the atmosphere, the characters and the story.
The premise was so interesting and gripping, I just had to know what's going to happen and the writing is beautiful!
I'm not a big fan of books about vampires and I didn't know going into this that there would be any involved, but I absolutely adored it!
I really liked parts of this book but think there was a lot that could've been developed further (The characters... The story.. ). The kingdom with a forest full of 'darklings' was cool and I really enjoyed the journey through the forest encountering different fairy tale creatures. However on reflection I'm not sure I liked much else.
Lilac was ok, a bit lacklustre for me. if she had grown more throughout the story I could've liked her more but she fell a bit flat. I couldn't really connect to her and didn't feel like her imprisonment was portrayed very well. I couldn't understand her sudden urge to fight for the darklings when she had like 3 good encounters with them and the rest pretty traumatic.
Garin was also... Ok. I quite liked him initially with his attitude and I was invested in his and Lilacs journey for a good afternoon so I must have like something about them at least a little bit to keep reading.
the journey was way to short to justify certain characters choices and for a good relationship to develop. The ending was a bit meh. For the most part I enjoyed it but not sure if I will read the next book.
Lilac was ok, a bit lacklustre for me. if she had grown more throughout the story I could've liked her more but she fell a bit flat. I couldn't really connect to her and didn't feel like her imprisonment was portrayed very well. I couldn't understand her sudden urge to fight for the darklings when she had like 3 good encounters with them and the rest pretty traumatic.
Garin was also... Ok. I quite liked him initially with his attitude and I was invested in his and Lilacs journey for a good afternoon so I must have like something about them at least a little bit to keep reading.
the journey was way to short to justify certain characters choices and for a good relationship to develop. The ending was a bit meh. For the most part I enjoyed it but not sure if I will read the next book.
An interesting journey to accepting oneself and to strive for greatness.
Lilac has a lesson to learn. Well several if we are honest. She is a bit of a push over even at the end she had to be saved. She showed hints of her backbone only to wait for her hero or fate to save the day.
The storyline was predictable but fun. I figured out who the witch was fairly early and it was rewarding to see I had guessed correctly.
Garin was comic relief and our poor tortured hero. He was interesting and I shipped them as a couple. He made her better and stronger. She gave him hope and a second chance at love.
I am interested in seeing how the story will progress since several things at the end hint at a sequel.
Lilac has a lesson to learn. Well several if we are honest. She is a bit of a push over even at the end she had to be saved. She showed hints of her backbone only to wait for her hero or fate to save the day.
The storyline was predictable but fun. I figured out who the witch was fairly early and it was rewarding to see I had guessed correctly.
Garin was comic relief and our poor tortured hero. He was interesting and I shipped them as a couple. He made her better and stronger. She gave him hope and a second chance at love.
I am interested in seeing how the story will progress since several things at the end hint at a sequel.
This book was everywhere and people were raving about it, so I had to read it.
Lilac’s coronation is in a few days but there are riots, the public doesn’t want a Queen who can speak the dark tongue. Sinclair is next in line for the throne and first in line for her future husband. She spent all of her life in the castle, hiding her ability to speak the dark tongue. One day she got an offer from a witch who claimed that Lilac can get rid of her unwanted gift. There goes the rest of the book.
Vampires are not my type, so when I got to know that another MC is vampire, I got a bit alert. On the positive side Garin ended up as one of the most likeable characters of the book after Adeliade. he is dark, sarcastic and caring. Adelaide didn’t get much time but her vibes were totally amazing. Though Lilac was just one dimensional.
I loved the worldbuilding, Author took her time and give us a beautiful, magical and detailed world. I also loved the historical touch of the story.
The pace of the story wasn’t perfect, I skimmed many parts because things got dragged without any reason, and the parts I was looking forward to passed so quickly.
Overall it was an enjoyable book.
Lilac’s coronation is in a few days but there are riots, the public doesn’t want a Queen who can speak the dark tongue. Sinclair is next in line for the throne and first in line for her future husband. She spent all of her life in the castle, hiding her ability to speak the dark tongue. One day she got an offer from a witch who claimed that Lilac can get rid of her unwanted gift. There goes the rest of the book.
Vampires are not my type, so when I got to know that another MC is vampire, I got a bit alert. On the positive side Garin ended up as one of the most likeable characters of the book after Adeliade. he is dark, sarcastic and caring. Adelaide didn’t get much time but her vibes were totally amazing. Though Lilac was just one dimensional.
I loved the worldbuilding, Author took her time and give us a beautiful, magical and detailed world. I also loved the historical touch of the story.
The pace of the story wasn’t perfect, I skimmed many parts because things got dragged without any reason, and the parts I was looking forward to passed so quickly.
Overall it was an enjoyable book.
This is an e-ARC I received from Parliament House Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity. ☺️
A debut novel by Brianna Sugalski, she is a Filipino American Dark Fantasy/YA author. Disenchanted is about a princess who has discovered an ability (or a curse, depending on your views) when she was 10 years old and will make an impact on her future as a ruler. This is set during the peak of French Renaissance, and has different fantasy creatures in the story.
The main protagonist is Lilac, the princess born with a “curse” that changed her fate forever. Her actions from the start of the book till the end for me was because she wanted to be a worthy Queen for her people.
Garin is a delight, although I sometimes thought of that other famous fantasy creature when I read what he is, BUT he still is totally different. He is nice when he wants to, but is dangerous even with that particular “defect” in him. I would’ve liked to read more about Bastion though, he seems to be a handful.
Overall, I was given glimpses of the world of Darklings, but it would be nice too to be given more in-depth description.
I enjoyed this book and was eager to read it when I was a few chapters in. The end was a bit of a cliff hanger though, and seeing that this is a duology, it will hopefully be concluded well by that time.
A debut novel by Brianna Sugalski, she is a Filipino American Dark Fantasy/YA author. Disenchanted is about a princess who has discovered an ability (or a curse, depending on your views) when she was 10 years old and will make an impact on her future as a ruler. This is set during the peak of French Renaissance, and has different fantasy creatures in the story.
The main protagonist is Lilac, the princess born with a “curse” that changed her fate forever. Her actions from the start of the book till the end for me was because she wanted to be a worthy Queen for her people.
Garin is a delight, although I sometimes thought of that other famous fantasy creature when I read what he is, BUT he still is totally different. He is nice when he wants to, but is dangerous even with that particular “defect” in him. I would’ve liked to read more about Bastion though, he seems to be a handful.
Overall, I was given glimpses of the world of Darklings, but it would be nice too to be given more in-depth description.
I enjoyed this book and was eager to read it when I was a few chapters in. The end was a bit of a cliff hanger though, and seeing that this is a duology, it will hopefully be concluded well by that time.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Disenchanted
Author: Brianna Sugalski
Book Series: Disenchanted Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: vampire lovers, fantasy lovers, ya readers, romance lovers
Publication Date: March 10, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (sexual content, romance, language, death, violence, gore)
Publisher: The Parliament House Press
Pages: 456
Synopsis: A Breton princess at the peak of the French Renaissance, Lilac lives prisoner in her parents' castle after a wicked secret is revealed on the eve of her tenth birthday soirée. Years later, her coronation ceremony looms, and between the riotous townsfolk and scheming nobleman bent on snatching the throne, Lilac prepares for the worst... Until a mysterious letter arrives from The Witch of Lupine Grotto, detailing a curious offer to cure her darkness forever.
Lilac begrudgingly trades her coronet for a cloak and ventures into the forest Brocéliande in pursuit of the impious enchantress at the edge of town. With only the protection of an inherited dagger—and unsolicited help of the sardonic stranger who inserts himself on her quest—she must traverse Brocèliande and return in time to claim her rightful position as sovereign monarch.
This is the story of a cursed princess,
A crestfallen killer,
The town that wants them to burn,
And the witch that can save them both.
Review: For the most part I liked the book. I thought the author excelled at world building and I love all the lore she put into the book. The book did well to keep me intrigued in the story as well and the pacing was very on point.
However, wow I didn’t realize that this was a vampire romance book and I was thrown for a loop when I did realize it. The cover does not give that vibe at all lol. The book also had some weird writing, with the characters using modern language and swears and the characters doing some really weird things. The book was also super predictable.
Verdict: It was good, just needs some work.
Book: Disenchanted
Author: Brianna Sugalski
Book Series: Disenchanted Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: vampire lovers, fantasy lovers, ya readers, romance lovers
Publication Date: March 10, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (sexual content, romance, language, death, violence, gore)
Publisher: The Parliament House Press
Pages: 456
Synopsis: A Breton princess at the peak of the French Renaissance, Lilac lives prisoner in her parents' castle after a wicked secret is revealed on the eve of her tenth birthday soirée. Years later, her coronation ceremony looms, and between the riotous townsfolk and scheming nobleman bent on snatching the throne, Lilac prepares for the worst... Until a mysterious letter arrives from The Witch of Lupine Grotto, detailing a curious offer to cure her darkness forever.
Lilac begrudgingly trades her coronet for a cloak and ventures into the forest Brocéliande in pursuit of the impious enchantress at the edge of town. With only the protection of an inherited dagger—and unsolicited help of the sardonic stranger who inserts himself on her quest—she must traverse Brocèliande and return in time to claim her rightful position as sovereign monarch.
This is the story of a cursed princess,
A crestfallen killer,
The town that wants them to burn,
And the witch that can save them both.
Review: For the most part I liked the book. I thought the author excelled at world building and I love all the lore she put into the book. The book did well to keep me intrigued in the story as well and the pacing was very on point.
However, wow I didn’t realize that this was a vampire romance book and I was thrown for a loop when I did realize it. The cover does not give that vibe at all lol. The book also had some weird writing, with the characters using modern language and swears and the characters doing some really weird things. The book was also super predictable.
Verdict: It was good, just needs some work.
Lilac has been held prisoner in her own home for as long as she can remember. She’s heir to her father’s throne, but because she is different from everyone else, her own people and family are afraid of her. Lilac escapes from the castle and begins a journey to find a way to get rid of her “darkness.” It is during this time that she meets Garin, a mysterious man who joins her along the way and makes her realize how strong and powerful she could be.
Disenchanted is a phenomenal book for any and all fantasy lovers. I don't usually read fantasy, but I absolutely devoured this book. There was action, romance, and drama, and everything flowed together so smoothly. I was so captivated by the plot that I was able to read a majority of this book in one sitting! Garin and Lilac are one of my new favorite fictional couples, and I cannot wait to see where their relationship takes them in the sequel.
A huge thank you to Divine Tours and Brianna Sugalski for the copy of this book in exchange for participating in the tour!
Disenchanted is a phenomenal book for any and all fantasy lovers. I don't usually read fantasy, but I absolutely devoured this book. There was action, romance, and drama, and everything flowed together so smoothly. I was so captivated by the plot that I was able to read a majority of this book in one sitting! Garin and Lilac are one of my new favorite fictional couples, and I cannot wait to see where their relationship takes them in the sequel.
A huge thank you to Divine Tours and Brianna Sugalski for the copy of this book in exchange for participating in the tour!