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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
I wanted to like this. The premise sounds good and the character art looked great. Unfortunately, the writing is bad. I'm really not that picky but there are a lot of tense changes within a sentence. The descriptions are all just slightly off. I know ARC reviews pointed out there copy hadn't been edited but I got this off KU once the author said it was published. I don't think it ever got edited.
I ended up skimming the 45 pages in hope that the writing got better but alas, it did not. I'd love to give this another try once it's been polished.
Examples:
"I would like not to bother myself with explanations."
"His voice was velvet and sweet like a deceiving dream, every word an alluring invitation to something that promises to be a pure fairytale instead of the impending calamity it actually was; everything he could say she would believe without a second thought."
"She leaned on the door, slowly sliding down, followed by a quiet sob and then another one."
I ended up skimming the 45 pages in hope that the writing got better but alas, it did not. I'd love to give this another try once it's been polished.
Examples:
"I would like not to bother myself with explanations."
"His voice was velvet and sweet like a deceiving dream, every word an alluring invitation to something that promises to be a pure fairytale instead of the impending calamity it actually was; everything he could say she would believe without a second thought."
"She leaned on the door, slowly sliding down, followed by a quiet sob and then another one."
This book was amazing. A whimsical gothic fantasy tale with wizards, wizardlings, vampires and other magical creatures.
When Violette makes a deal with a handsome stranger, she knows everything can go wrong, but has no other choice. Little did she know, this stranger was really a vampire, a very strong one with a lot of enemies. Dante has many secrets, including why he has to wear an unusual mask over his mouth, but that's the reason he needs her help, and Violette would do anything to help her father feel better, even working together with a creature of the night. And so, their journey begins..
Potion of Deception is Ann Sorstone's debut Upper YA romantasy novel, with the following tropes:
When Violette makes a deal with a handsome stranger, she knows everything can go wrong, but has no other choice. Little did she know, this stranger was really a vampire, a very strong one with a lot of enemies. Dante has many secrets, including why he has to wear an unusual mask over his mouth, but that's the reason he needs her help, and Violette would do anything to help her father feel better, even working together with a creature of the night. And so, their journey begins..
Potion of Deception is Ann Sorstone's debut Upper YA romantasy novel, with the following tropes:
I really enjoyed the magic and potions in the book. I love how we got to see the actuality recipes for some of them. I enjoyed the banter between Violette and Dante. There definitely was some things I was not expecting. I loved getting to see them slowly open up to each other. The ending has me spiraling and I need the next book! If you are looking for a whimsical gothic fantasy book full of witches and vampires this book is for you! Thank you so much Ann Sorstone for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of the ARC Team!❤️
I really wanted to read this. It seemed promising from the author's posts but I just can't. I find it unreadable as it. Not if I want to enjoy my free time reading.
We were warned this arc wasn't edited yet, but the grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure (was this non organically translated for some other language to English?) and using words in expressions that don't make sense (ex just from before I dnfed cuz I can't be bothered to go back: "her forehead cracked" instead of wrinkled, "a confusion hovered over her", "Violette rushed her head in the direction he showed", etc), just make it hard to keep going.
There is also too much inner monologuing, unnecessary descriptions and too many adjectives, like:
“The place we are going to–” Violette started as one of the thorns caught her cloak, “So what exactly is it?” She continued removing the thorn.
What "continued"?? The thorn just appeared in your life.
Violette also is an annoying mc. She won't shut up, she meets Dante and is immediately like attributing all these different adjectives to him to the point they're assumptions (call down, Sherlock Holmes knockoff). Then, during their travel, she won't stop with the questions like he owes her anything. Like they don't have a mutually beneficial deal sealed with magic, like he's her old time friend who should spill all about his life 🙄
Example: “Maybe because you keep secrets from me. I thought we were partners and should share our plans.”
We were warned this arc wasn't edited yet, but the grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure (was this non organically translated for some other language to English?) and using words in expressions that don't make sense (ex just from before I dnfed cuz I can't be bothered to go back: "her forehead cracked" instead of wrinkled, "a confusion hovered over her", "Violette rushed her head in the direction he showed", etc), just make it hard to keep going.
There is also too much inner monologuing, unnecessary descriptions and too many adjectives, like:
“The place we are going to–” Violette started as one of the thorns caught her cloak, “So what exactly is it?” She continued removing the thorn.
What "continued"?? The thorn just appeared in your life.
Violette also is an annoying mc. She won't shut up, she meets Dante and is immediately like attributing all these different adjectives to him to the point they're assumptions (call down, Sherlock Holmes knockoff). Then, during their travel, she won't stop with the questions like he owes her anything. Like they don't have a mutually beneficial deal sealed with magic, like he's her old time friend who should spill all about his life 🙄
Example: “Maybe because you keep secrets from me. I thought we were partners and should share our plans.”
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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:
Yes
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
|ARC|
⋆ slowww burn
⋆ forced proximity
⋆ grumpy x sunshine
⋆ morally grey characters
⋆ intricate magic systems
⋆ gothic/whimsical fantasy
⋆ witch FMC x vampire MMC
______________
Wow. I need a second to process woooow! Potion of Deception is a YA slow burn romantasy where we follow our FMC Violette as she tries to find a cure for her fathers worsening illness and our MMC Dante as he tries to break a curse placed on him years ago. We watch as they create a deal that takes them on an adventure filled with twists, turns, lies and revelations. As they struggle on this journey they are forced to work together and soon a little deal struck between two individuals becomes a unique relationship.
Ugh I love a good fantasy with morally grey characters! I absolutely loved Violette and Dante together, the banter between these two were immaculate! I loved Violette and her character! Her strength to keep going after everything she learns throughout the journey. I was super inspire by her resilience and attitude towards everything!! Such an incredible character! Listen I’m quite obsessed with Dante. I was honestly giggling and kicking my feet. While we didn’t learn that much about him that mystery has hooked me and I can’t wait to learn more about his character! Ugh I can’t wait to see more of these two in the future!!
Okay the writing in this book was so good. I honestly am so obsessed. The vibes of this book was great and it’s been so long since I’ve read a fantasy like this!! The magic system was unique but also familiar which was super cool!! I loved seeing everything unfold but I think the fact we are still so in the dark about certain plot points is everything! I literally need the second book in my hand like now because THAT ENDING??? Excuse me girl back up and pause WHATTTT! Definitely can’t wait to read more from Ann in the future because if this is her debut wow I’m super excited!
Overall, I’m so obsessed with this book and can’t wait to read more of this series!! Thank you so much Ann Sorstone for the amazing ARC!! 💜🗡️
⋆ slowww burn
⋆ forced proximity
⋆ grumpy x sunshine
⋆ morally grey characters
⋆ intricate magic systems
⋆ gothic/whimsical fantasy
⋆ witch FMC x vampire MMC
______________
Wow. I need a second to process woooow! Potion of Deception is a YA slow burn romantasy where we follow our FMC Violette as she tries to find a cure for her fathers worsening illness and our MMC Dante as he tries to break a curse placed on him years ago. We watch as they create a deal that takes them on an adventure filled with twists, turns, lies and revelations. As they struggle on this journey they are forced to work together and soon a little deal struck between two individuals becomes a unique relationship.
Ugh I love a good fantasy with morally grey characters! I absolutely loved Violette and Dante together, the banter between these two were immaculate! I loved Violette and her character! Her strength to keep going after everything she learns throughout the journey. I was super inspire by her resilience and attitude towards everything!! Such an incredible character! Listen I’m quite obsessed with Dante. I was honestly giggling and kicking my feet. While we didn’t learn that much about him that mystery has hooked me and I can’t wait to learn more about his character! Ugh I can’t wait to see more of these two in the future!!
Okay the writing in this book was so good. I honestly am so obsessed. The vibes of this book was great and it’s been so long since I’ve read a fantasy like this!! The magic system was unique but also familiar which was super cool!! I loved seeing everything unfold but I think the fact we are still so in the dark about certain plot points is everything! I literally need the second book in my hand like now because THAT ENDING??? Excuse me girl back up and pause WHATTTT! Definitely can’t wait to read more from Ann in the future because if this is her debut wow I’m super excited!
Overall, I’m so obsessed with this book and can’t wait to read more of this series!! Thank you so much Ann Sorstone for the amazing ARC!! 💜🗡️
Interesting book that DESPERATELY needs a heavy edit ...
✨️ PLOT: 5/5
I loved reading about all of the difference potions, the lore behind them, the different areas they visited, and the magic system was really intriguing. I am always a sucker for any book that has witches. The witch/vampire combo is chef's kiss and I loved that his curse was his mouth being caged.
✒️ WRITING: 1/5
I am sorry because I know this was sent out as an ARC before editing was done but it really shows. Tons of word misuse, tense issues, and most of the scenes where they are talking back and forth to each other have at least a line or two that make 0 sense.
examples:
- "Wasn't they closed because a lot of people drowned using them?"
- "I'll just be talking unstoppable and make staying in the carriage impossible to you so you would want to jump out before we reach our destination."
- "How do you move this quite?" (Instead of quite, which isnt correct either because it should be quietly)
I almost could not finish the book because of this part.
❤️
✨️ PLOT: 5/5
I loved reading about all of the difference potions, the lore behind them, the different areas they visited, and the magic system was really intriguing. I am always a sucker for any book that has witches. The witch/vampire combo is chef's kiss and I loved that his curse was his mouth being caged.
✒️ WRITING: 1/5
I am sorry because I know this was sent out as an ARC before editing was done but it really shows. Tons of word misuse, tense issues, and most of the scenes where they are talking back and forth to each other have at least a line or two that make 0 sense.
examples:
- "Wasn't they closed because a lot of people drowned using them?"
- "I'll just be talking unstoppable and make staying in the carriage impossible to you so you would want to jump out before we reach our destination."
- "How do you move this quite?" (Instead of quite, which isnt correct either because it should be quietly)
I almost could not finish the book because of this part.
❤️
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
ARC review
Phew… where do I even start?
This book reminded me why I fell in love with vampire stories in the first place. It was one of my most anticipated reads, and it did not disappoint. I loved every moment — it genuinely felt like I was right there with them. 😤🩸
The banter between Violette and Dante?? I lived for every second.
Dante is exactly the kind of character that makes you want to duck his head in water and wait until the bubbles stop💀..... and somehow still want him after
Honestly, this book made me remember my long-lost love: Klaus Mikaelson
Honestly? This book would make an amazing movie.
But that ENDING??? 😭😭😭
I’m not okay.
Phew… where do I even start?
This book reminded me why I fell in love with vampire stories in the first place. It was one of my most anticipated reads, and it did not disappoint. I loved every moment — it genuinely felt like I was right there with them. 😤🩸
The banter between Violette and Dante?? I lived for every second.
Dante is exactly the kind of character that makes you want to duck his head in water and wait until the bubbles stop💀..... and somehow still want him after
Honestly, this book made me remember my long-lost love: Klaus Mikaelson
Honestly? This book would make an amazing movie.
But that ENDING??? 😭😭😭
I’m not okay.
This was received as an ARC - Thank you Ann Sorstone
Book: Portion of Deception
Genre: Romantasy
Rating: 5 ⭐
5/5Relationships
5/5 Characters
5/5 Plot
No Spice
Book: Portion of Deception
Genre: Romantasy
Rating: 5 ⭐
5/5Relationships
5/5 Characters
5/5 Plot
No Spice