Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really should of DNF this book. I could not click with it all and it made reading the book a chore.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-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:
N/A
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was surprised by this book given all the hype and reviews I had read previously. It felt like I was reading 2 separate novels, so I will review separately:
SPOILERS BELOW
The first half: 4.5 stars
I was immediately impressed by the uniqueness of the world and magic system here. I liked the characters, flow of the story, and was excited to read something that was unlike many of the other romantasies I have read recently. Acker was a delightful mysterious yet noble MMC and I liked the chemistry and banter, especially in the journey out of her home. This last until the moment they arrived at the castle; then, it was like a switch flipped into a completely different plot and writing style.
The second half: 2 stars
After arriving at the castle, the plot degrades into the most generic “lost princess struggling to fit into society and angst about having a fated mate” situation possible. Very little happens despite it being a long portion of the book. The main character’s internal monologue completely changes, and becomes one dimensional and hard to follow. Her actions don’t make any sense. There is an immense plot twist at the end that basically renders everything you understood for the whole story to be false, and directly conflicts with the thoughts and feelings that you have been reading from the first-person narration up until that point. There were also scattered grammatical errors, which I hope will be polished when it is traditionally published.
SPOILERS BELOW
The first half: 4.5 stars
I was immediately impressed by the uniqueness of the world and magic system here. I liked the characters, flow of the story, and was excited to read something that was unlike many of the other romantasies I have read recently. Acker was a delightful mysterious yet noble MMC and I liked the chemistry and banter, especially in the journey out of her home. This last until the moment they arrived at the castle; then, it was like a switch flipped into a completely different plot and writing style.
The second half: 2 stars
After arriving at the castle, the plot degrades into the most generic “lost princess struggling to fit into society and angst about having a fated mate” situation possible. Very little happens despite it being a long portion of the book. The main character’s internal monologue completely changes, and becomes one dimensional and hard to follow. Her actions don’t make any sense. There is an immense plot twist at the end that basically renders everything you understood for the whole story to be false, and directly conflicts with the thoughts and feelings that you have been reading from the first-person narration up until that point. There were also scattered grammatical errors, which I hope will be polished when it is traditionally published.
OMG what a book. Hated the ending (but in a good way). I shouldn't have read the sneak peak for the next book because now what am I supposed to do?! 😭
Quite a few spelling/grammatical mistakes which is disappointing. I'm also sad thatMesser just disappeared for a good portion of the book. And I wish we saw a little more of the BTS with Beau but perhaps that's coming in book 2.
The vibes are saying 5 stars even though this book wasn't perfect. I didn't want it to end.
More thoughts:
okay, I read someone else's review who pointed out how the betrayal was tacked on more or less and doesn't make any sense and the more I think about it, I'm starting to agree. If Brynn and Kai were planning this all along then the scene at the dressmakers makes no sense. How did Jovie plan this betrayal at dinner when she just saw her mother via vision just days before? How did the Mailie soldiers come so fast?
Acker and Grenadine saw each other when they were sneaking out. But neither of them recognized each other as mother/son?
Why didn't Jovie/Brynn know about Messer's powers beforehand and how did he become awakened?
Quite a few spelling/grammatical mistakes which is disappointing. I'm also sad that
The vibes are saying 5 stars even though this book wasn't perfect. I didn't want it to end.
More thoughts:
Acker and Grenadine saw each other when they were sneaking out. But neither of them recognized each other as mother/son?
Why didn't Jovie/Brynn know about Messer's powers beforehand and how did he become awakened?
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
Holy shit I did not see that ending coming. 5 stars for plot and just straight vibes, 3 stars for writing (I think the world and characters could have been developed a bit more), so overall 4. Talk about an unreliable narrator. I am shook. And the bonus scene?!?! Did she even love him?!?! I need the second book now.