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sasclostchild's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
So the first third of the book was very depressing, focusing on our protagonist living the American dream: doing a shitty job they don't like to barely live and to drown their sorrows in alcohol, all while harming a lot of people.
She then turns her life around by quitting alcohol (good for her) and siding with a rebellious group to eat the rich.
This is all accompanied by a very icky straight romance which is not icky because it's straight (although that is a sad part because i was hoping for a sapphic romance but that only exists in a short flashback) but because the dude forces himself on her all the time and the only chemistry they have is some weird interaction between their types of magic that acts as an aphrodisiac making them horny for each other.She still somehow falls in horny because idk if you can call drug addled make outs love
Then the book also fails to close its main arc during the book but fuck I'm not buying the second book.
Still 2.25, because the unfinished story got kinda interesting in the second half
This is all accompanied by a very icky straight romance which is not icky because it's straight (although that is a sad part because i was hoping for a sapphic romance but that only exists in a short flashback) but because the dude forces himself on her all the time and the only chemistry they have is some weird interaction between their types of magic that acts as an aphrodisiac making them horny for each other.
Then the book also fails to close its main arc during the book but fuck I'm not buying the second book.
Still 2.25, because the unfinished story got kinda interesting in the second half
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Physical abuse, Trafficking, Alcoholism, Racism, Murder, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Slavery
Moderate: Genocide, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Drug abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship
stormbringer52's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
My thoughts toward this book are complicated.
The beginning is incredibly heavy. It felt like the author was relying too much on exposition, using it to try and cram how bad the world is down our throats rather than actually showing us. It made living in this world seem almost cartoonishly horrible withdescriptions of dead and starving people lining the streets . This method undercut the characterization of both the protagonist, Keera, and the major antagonist, King Aemon.
With Keera, the author was simultaneously making sure we knew that she was a badass but also beating us over the head with the fact that her life as the King’s Blade has been horrific. Like with the world, this was mostly told to us. Keera's internal monologue switches back and forth between arrogant bravado and utter despair in a way that feels disjointed and unconvincing.I also found it unrealistic that she had been the King's best assassin for 30 years but had been a raging alcoholic for 20 of those years, but that is neither here nor there. Keera's exposition gives us a clear picture of who King Aemon is, showcasing the terrible things he has done and how he feels no remorse over them. This sets him up as a good antagonist. However, in the narrative itself, he is presented simply as a monarch who is stressed about the existence of a rebellious force within his kingdom. We do not actually see him perform any horrendous acts.
However, as the book progresses, the presentation of events becomes more balanced. We leave behind Keera's downtrodden monologue and are actually brought into the present, watching events unfold. We actually meet characters who are impacted by events, and Keera starts to show the effects of her life rather than just tell them to us. The actual plot of the book is revealed, and it is intriguing and compelling. It became interesting. Keera improved as a character for me when she was part of an ensemble cast and had to interact with others.
Now, it is a romantasy book. The romance subplot actually develops somewhat naturally, but it is completely tarnished by inappropriate moments of sexual tension that detract from otherwise serious scenes. The relationship between the leads starts from a point of mutual mistrust, and they gradually get closer as assumptions are broken down. There is a steady progression of the relationship that would otherwise be compelling. However, the constant horniness presenteven during their first fight scene is a major disappointment. Rather than adding anything to these moments, it was a complete disruption that undermined what should have been a tense scene. At one point, I wanted to throw my book across the room.
The book has potential. The plot is interesting, and the cast is diverse and complex. However, the heavy exposition at the beginning and the inappropriate sexual tension completely tarnish it for me. I can't help but leave reading the book with a sour taste in my mouth.
The beginning is incredibly heavy. It felt like the author was relying too much on exposition, using it to try and cram how bad the world is down our throats rather than actually showing us. It made living in this world seem almost cartoonishly horrible with
With Keera, the author was simultaneously making sure we knew that she was a badass but also beating us over the head with the fact that her life as the King’s Blade has been horrific. Like with the world, this was mostly told to us. Keera's internal monologue switches back and forth between arrogant bravado and utter despair in a way that feels disjointed and unconvincing.
However, as the book progresses, the presentation of events becomes more balanced. We leave behind Keera's downtrodden monologue and are actually brought into the present, watching events unfold. We actually meet characters who are impacted by events, and Keera starts to show the effects of her life rather than just tell them to us. The actual plot of the book is revealed, and it is intriguing and compelling. It became interesting. Keera improved as a character for me when she was part of an ensemble cast and had to interact with others.
Now, it is a romantasy book. The romance subplot actually develops somewhat naturally, but it is completely tarnished by inappropriate moments of sexual tension that detract from otherwise serious scenes. The relationship between the leads starts from a point of mutual mistrust, and they gradually get closer as assumptions are broken down. There is a steady progression of the relationship that would otherwise be compelling. However, the constant horniness present
The book has potential. The plot is interesting, and the cast is diverse and complex. However, the heavy exposition at the beginning and the inappropriate sexual tension completely tarnish it for me. I can't help but leave reading the book with a sour taste in my mouth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Alcoholism, Genocide, Death, and Slavery
Moderate: Trafficking, Murder, Sexual harassment, Suicidal thoughts, and Classism
Minor: Physical abuse and War
datgirllani's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
“I do not pretend to know the details of your pain, but I know the weight of it. I will not judge you for how you lighten the load.”
The best fantasy book I’ve ever read. And I don’t even like fantasy. I can’t even pick what my favorite part of the book is. The writing? The characters? The plot? The themes/tropes? I picked this book up and finished in one sitting, that’s how invested I was in it. The main character is so badass that you get jealous. She knows how to put people in their place and isn’t afraid to do it. She does what needs to be done and doesn’t take shit from anybody. She’s a critical thinker, quick witted, ruthless yet merciful, unyielding, I could go on and on about how an amazing character she is. I love this author’s way of writing, some books feel as if they came straight from Wattpad but the flow of the writing keeps you roped in, reading seamlessly. For this being her first book she did amazing. If you love a true enemies to lovers then look no further. I’m talking about both wanting the other dead and willing to do anything to do it. Add in the slow burn of their romance and it’s chefs kiss. Bonus point for the plot twist. If you like fantasy, you will love this book. READ IT!
The best fantasy book I’ve ever read. And I don’t even like fantasy. I can’t even pick what my favorite part of the book is. The writing? The characters? The plot? The themes/tropes? I picked this book up and finished in one sitting, that’s how invested I was in it. The main character is so badass that you get jealous. She knows how to put people in their place and isn’t afraid to do it. She does what needs to be done and doesn’t take shit from anybody. She’s a critical thinker, quick witted, ruthless yet merciful, unyielding, I could go on and on about how an amazing character she is. I love this author’s way of writing, some books feel as if they came straight from Wattpad but the flow of the writing keeps you roped in, reading seamlessly. For this being her first book she did amazing. If you love a true enemies to lovers then look no further. I’m talking about both wanting the other dead and willing to do anything to do it. Add in the slow burn of their romance and it’s chefs kiss. Bonus point for the plot twist. If you like fantasy, you will love this book. READ IT!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Murder, Colonisation, Grief, Alcoholism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Vomit, Blood, and Death
Minor: Cursing, Kidnapping, and Torture
taynation's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Alcoholism, and Violence
Moderate: War and Drug abuse
Minor: Death, Death of parent, Child death, and Child abuse
_alyssar_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Physical abuse, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Self harm, Classism, Grief, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, and Violence
Minor: Drug use, Suicide attempt, Trafficking, Gore, Torture, Domestic abuse, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Body horror, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Slavery
chrisb913's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
5.0
Please read the trigger warnings.
This was an absolute fantastic read from start to finish. Everything from the character growth and the world building was on point.
We start off the story with Keera, the Blade to the King and leader of his Arsenal. As the story progresses we see Keera struggle not only with her personal flaws but her commitment to the King. The character development of Keera through out the book had me desperate to continue the story.
This story has a little bit of everything. Lots of action, a mystery surrounding what is truly happening in the kingdom, a fantastic slow burn enemies to lovers subplot, and an absolute badass master assassin that is not ONLY a FMC but truly feels as though they have earned that title. Melissa writes Keera in such a way that truly outshines many other popular female lead assassin books out on the market today.
This is the first of the four book saga and i will absolutely be continuing on with this story. The first three books are out now and I HIGHLY recommend you pick this up and give it a try.
This was an absolute fantastic read from start to finish. Everything from the character growth and the world building was on point.
We start off the story with Keera, the Blade to the King and leader of his Arsenal. As the story progresses we see Keera struggle not only with her personal flaws but her commitment to the King. The character development of Keera through out the book had me desperate to continue the story.
This story has a little bit of everything. Lots of action, a mystery surrounding what is truly happening in the kingdom, a fantastic slow burn enemies to lovers subplot, and an absolute badass master assassin that is not ONLY a FMC but truly feels as though they have earned that title. Melissa writes Keera in such a way that truly outshines many other popular female lead assassin books out on the market today.
This is the first of the four book saga and i will absolutely be continuing on with this story. The first three books are out now and I HIGHLY recommend you pick this up and give it a try.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Slavery, Alcoholism, Racism, Addiction, Alcohol, Classism, Colonisation, Death, Self harm, and Xenophobia
bergha1998's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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
3.75
I was not expecting this book to be so unique, I thought it would just be a Romantasy. But it’s so much more dialogues about racism, addiction, slavery. Very well done and interesting. I’m excited to read the second book.
Fantasy, Enemies to Lovers, Character Development, 2 🔥
“And still he found beauty in the darkness of it, in my light and my shadows.”
Fantasy, Enemies to Lovers, Character Development, 2 🔥
“And still he found beauty in the darkness of it, in my light and my shadows.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Blood, Genocide, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Alcohol, Classism, Grief, Racism, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Colonisation, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Suicidal thoughts, Misogyny, Addiction, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content and Sexual assault
ruthannejoy's review against another edition
The violence just was too much for me. Torturing and killing good people is not something I'm down to read about right now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Torture, Xenophobia, and Murder
Moderate: Genocide
Minor: Child death
elskede's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Blood, Vomit, Racism, Alcoholism, Mental illness, Medical trauma, Sexual content, Violence, Murder, and Death
anntharai's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I do wonder if this book is a victim of its own hype. I was hesitant to read at first due to the hype around itd then when it came up available on my library app I thought it had been long enough but I still found myself with expectations. It was fine. I'm not sure if it felt like a cliff hanger, Straight up sequel bait, or like they wanted to write a longer book but split it in two...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Xenophobia, Violence, Racism, Murder, Classism, Death, Blood, and Colonisation
Moderate: Torture