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inkbee's review
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rovie_reads's review
4.0
Full review here: https://thecaffeinatedrareder.wordpress.com/2021/04/29/3335/
Much thanks to Caffeine Tours for including me in
the #KindredRealmsTour ✨ In the Jaded Grove is a fantasy novel lead by a Filipina poet and a pixie knight warrior. They were caught up in this century-long war between trolls and fairies and most of the scenes seems like came out straight from a picture book! The writing is so descriptive, the world is whimsical and it transported me to an exciting, magical realm! It also has mentions of anxiety, grieving, and some violence (killings). Gorgeous cover and entertaining writing!
Much thanks to Caffeine Tours for including me in
the #KindredRealmsTour ✨ In the Jaded Grove is a fantasy novel lead by a Filipina poet and a pixie knight warrior. They were caught up in this century-long war between trolls and fairies and most of the scenes seems like came out straight from a picture book! The writing is so descriptive, the world is whimsical and it transported me to an exciting, magical realm! It also has mentions of anxiety, grieving, and some violence (killings). Gorgeous cover and entertaining writing!
thepaperreels's review
4.0
Color me surprised AND amazed. I will not be forgetting this book in such a long time.
If you’ve been one of my followers ever since I started, you’ll know that I don’t read the Fantasy genre a lot. I just started last year to support BIPOC creators (and will continue to do so) but, I’m really more of a Contemporary reader to be honest. So I found myself stunned when I started reading In The Jaded Grove. I finished it in two days with no struggle but left it yearning for more.
The story focuses on our two main leads, Jessa and Simith. One being on the mortal world and the other one being a Pixie and residing in the Jaded Grove. I don’t want to say anything more but this is one of the MOST well written Fantasy book I’ve ever read. Its so well written BUT the pacing didn’t suffer. Which is what I’m really looking for in any fantasy book. In The Jaded Grove is that fast paced, well thought out plot with authentic characters that you won't help but root for book that you're looking for. Plus, the main character is a Filipina! One of of my pet peeves when it comes to reading a Filipino character is when they're written in a way that the readers feel like he author is trying tp force to bring out the Filipino-ness (I know that's not a word) of the character into the story. Jessa wasn't written in that way. She is well-aware of her roots but still acknowledging that part of her that really distanced her from home. I really like that side of her.
As much as I love our main character though, I can't help but be enamored by our main hero as well. Heroes for Fantasy books are usually marketed as Alpha Male and that apparently should justify their arrogance. Well, I'm glad Simith isn't written this way. Don't get me wrong, Simith is still an Alpha. He's definitely a Pixie you can't help but swoon over, however, he seems more real because of how conscious he is with his faults. That makes him more likeable and believable in my eyes. Secondary characters such as Relle and Katie were written in such a rich manner too. I wouldn't mind a sequel or a book about them. Plus lets face it, we all need a Katie in our lives.
I am leaving one star for two reasons-- I'm not entirely sold with this cover. I just feel like the cover should be something MORE. The story is SO GOOD that the cover should reflect how epic it is. Second reason would be the ending,
I can see how and why the author did this, however, I feel like it was wrapped up abruptly even with that last chapter. I hope the author will be able to explore Simiths world, I wouldn't even mind if they're different main leads.
In The Jaded Grove will win you over from the first chapter. I can assure an engrossing story and set of characters that will touch you heart strings. With a fast paced plot and very readable writing, In The Jaded Grove should be you next Fantasy read!
If you’ve been one of my followers ever since I started, you’ll know that I don’t read the Fantasy genre a lot. I just started last year to support BIPOC creators (and will continue to do so) but, I’m really more of a Contemporary reader to be honest. So I found myself stunned when I started reading In The Jaded Grove. I finished it in two days with no struggle but left it yearning for more.
The story focuses on our two main leads, Jessa and Simith. One being on the mortal world and the other one being a Pixie and residing in the Jaded Grove. I don’t want to say anything more but this is one of the MOST well written Fantasy book I’ve ever read. Its so well written BUT the pacing didn’t suffer. Which is what I’m really looking for in any fantasy book. In The Jaded Grove is that fast paced, well thought out plot with authentic characters that you won't help but root for book that you're looking for. Plus, the main character is a Filipina! One of of my pet peeves when it comes to reading a Filipino character is when they're written in a way that the readers feel like he author is trying tp force to bring out the Filipino-ness (I know that's not a word) of the character into the story. Jessa wasn't written in that way. She is well-aware of her roots but still acknowledging that part of her that really distanced her from home. I really like that side of her.
As much as I love our main character though, I can't help but be enamored by our main hero as well. Heroes for Fantasy books are usually marketed as Alpha Male and that apparently should justify their arrogance. Well, I'm glad Simith isn't written this way. Don't get me wrong, Simith is still an Alpha. He's definitely a Pixie you can't help but swoon over, however, he seems more real because of how conscious he is with his faults. That makes him more likeable and believable in my eyes. Secondary characters such as Relle and Katie were written in such a rich manner too. I wouldn't mind a sequel or a book about them. Plus lets face it, we all need a Katie in our lives.
I am leaving one star for two reasons-- I'm not entirely sold with this cover. I just feel like the cover should be something MORE. The story is SO GOOD that the cover should reflect how epic it is. Second reason would be the ending,
I can see how and why the author did this, however, I feel like it was wrapped up abruptly even with that last chapter. I hope the author will be able to explore Simiths world, I wouldn't even mind if they're different main leads.
In The Jaded Grove will win you over from the first chapter. I can assure an engrossing story and set of characters that will touch you heart strings. With a fast paced plot and very readable writing, In The Jaded Grove should be you next Fantasy read!
plaidpladd's review against another edition
4.0
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was solid! I liked the fantasy world building, a unique and interesting take on fairies, fae, trolls, pixies, and the world they inhabit. I also liked both main characters and how they each had their own arc, aided by each other but not dependent on each other. I kind of wish they had had a little more interaction near the beginning to establish their chemistry and relationship. I think it's there a bit, but I wanted more of it. I also would have loved more info on the fairy world and its mechanics and history.
This book was solid! I liked the fantasy world building, a unique and interesting take on fairies, fae, trolls, pixies, and the world they inhabit. I also liked both main characters and how they each had their own arc, aided by each other but not dependent on each other. I kind of wish they had had a little more interaction near the beginning to establish their chemistry and relationship. I think it's there a bit, but I wanted more of it. I also would have loved more info on the fairy world and its mechanics and history.
baileyraebooks's review
this book has been sitting in my "currently reading" for so long. i really enjoyed it initially, and i kept thinking I would go back to it. I won't. I'm not a fan of the trope introduced about 45% in.
kaylacreviews's review
4.0
In the Jaded Grove by Anela Deen was a charming New Adult portal fantasy with a strong cast of diverse characters, clean romance, and a refreshing twist on fairy lore. Anela succeeded in covering heavy topics, including grief, PTSD, and depression, in a candid yet compassionate way. I consider this work New Adult because Jessa was twenty-two, but it's also suitable for mature young adults. Anela wrote this book using alternating points of view, which provided me a better understanding of both Jessa and Simith. I identified well with the main characters and enjoyed their development. I also loved the supporting characters, and I appreciated that none of the romance was rushed or bogged down with lust.
While I enjoyed the author's concise, crisp writing style, I did wish for a little more detail when it came to world-building. There were some beautiful descriptions of various settings, but I still had a hard time envisioning the world. Furthermore, some passages felt a bit clipped. The author had a way of jumping right to the chase, cutting out many details of the characters' adventure. Most of the time, I was thankful for this because it quickened the pace. There were times, however, when it simply made the story feel rushed, especially at the end. It was great that the author wrapped the story up so neatly, but the resolution seemed glossed over. That said, I adored In the Jaded Grove and I'd love to read more from Anela Deen.
(Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this book from Storytellers On Tour for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased.)
Trigger Warning: This story contains themes of violence, trauma, torture, grief, and mentions of the death of a loved one (in the past, not on page)
While I enjoyed the author's concise, crisp writing style, I did wish for a little more detail when it came to world-building. There were some beautiful descriptions of various settings, but I still had a hard time envisioning the world. Furthermore, some passages felt a bit clipped. The author had a way of jumping right to the chase, cutting out many details of the characters' adventure. Most of the time, I was thankful for this because it quickened the pace. There were times, however, when it simply made the story feel rushed, especially at the end. It was great that the author wrapped the story up so neatly, but the resolution seemed glossed over. That said, I adored In the Jaded Grove and I'd love to read more from Anela Deen.
(Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this book from Storytellers On Tour for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased.)
Trigger Warning: This story contains themes of violence, trauma, torture, grief, and mentions of the death of a loved one (in the past, not on page)
thepaperreels's review against another edition
4.0
Color me surprised AND amazed. I will not be forgetting this book in such a long time.
If you’ve been one of my followers ever since I started, you’ll know that I don’t read the Fantasy genre a lot. I just started last year to support BIPOC creators (and will continue to do so) but, I’m really more of a Contemporary reader to be honest. So I found myself stunned when I started reading In The Jaded Grove. I finished it in two days with no struggle but left it yearning for more.
The story focuses on our two main leads, Jessa and Simith. One being on the mortal world and the other one being a Pixie and residing in the Jaded Grove. I don’t want to say anything more but this is one of the MOST well written Fantasy book I’ve ever read. Its so well written BUT the pacing didn’t suffer. Which is what I’m really looking for in any fantasy book. In The Jaded Grove is that fast paced, well thought out plot with authentic characters that you won't help but root for book that you're looking for. Plus, the main character is a Filipina! One of of my pet peeves when it comes to reading a Filipino character is when they're written in a way that the readers feel like he author is trying tp force to bring out the Filipino-ness (I know that's not a word) of the character into the story. Jessa wasn't written in that way. She is well-aware of her roots but still acknowledging that part of her that really distanced her from home. I really like that side of her.
As much as I love our main character though, I can't help but be enamored by our main hero as well. Heroes for Fantasy books are usually marketed as Alpha Male and that apparently should justify their arrogance. Well, I'm glad Simith isn't written this way. Don't get me wrong, Simith is still an Alpha. He's definitely a Pixie you can't help but swoon over, however, he seems more real because of how conscious he is with his faults. That makes him more likeable and believable in my eyes. Secondary characters such as Relle and Katie were written in such a rich manner too. I wouldn't mind a sequel or a book about them. Plus lets face it, we all need a Katie in our lives.
I am leaving one star for two reasons-- I'm not entirely sold with this cover. I just feel like the cover should be something MORE. The story is SO GOOD that the cover should reflect how epic it is. Second reason would be the ending,
I can see how and why the author did this, however, I feel like it was wrapped up abruptly even with that last chapter. I hope the author will be able to explore Simiths world, I wouldn't even mind if they're different main leads.
In The Jaded Grove will win you over from the first chapter. I can assure an engrossing story and set of characters that will touch you heart strings. With a fast paced plot and very readable writing, In The Jaded Grove should be you next Fantasy read!
If you’ve been one of my followers ever since I started, you’ll know that I don’t read the Fantasy genre a lot. I just started last year to support BIPOC creators (and will continue to do so) but, I’m really more of a Contemporary reader to be honest. So I found myself stunned when I started reading In The Jaded Grove. I finished it in two days with no struggle but left it yearning for more.
The story focuses on our two main leads, Jessa and Simith. One being on the mortal world and the other one being a Pixie and residing in the Jaded Grove. I don’t want to say anything more but this is one of the MOST well written Fantasy book I’ve ever read. Its so well written BUT the pacing didn’t suffer. Which is what I’m really looking for in any fantasy book. In The Jaded Grove is that fast paced, well thought out plot with authentic characters that you won't help but root for book that you're looking for. Plus, the main character is a Filipina! One of of my pet peeves when it comes to reading a Filipino character is when they're written in a way that the readers feel like he author is trying tp force to bring out the Filipino-ness (I know that's not a word) of the character into the story. Jessa wasn't written in that way. She is well-aware of her roots but still acknowledging that part of her that really distanced her from home. I really like that side of her.
As much as I love our main character though, I can't help but be enamored by our main hero as well. Heroes for Fantasy books are usually marketed as Alpha Male and that apparently should justify their arrogance. Well, I'm glad Simith isn't written this way. Don't get me wrong, Simith is still an Alpha. He's definitely a Pixie you can't help but swoon over, however, he seems more real because of how conscious he is with his faults. That makes him more likeable and believable in my eyes. Secondary characters such as Relle and Katie were written in such a rich manner too. I wouldn't mind a sequel or a book about them. Plus lets face it, we all need a Katie in our lives.
I am leaving one star for two reasons-- I'm not entirely sold with this cover. I just feel like the cover should be something MORE. The story is SO GOOD that the cover should reflect how epic it is. Second reason would be the ending,
I can see how and why the author did this, however, I feel like it was wrapped up abruptly even with that last chapter. I hope the author will be able to explore Simiths world, I wouldn't even mind if they're different main leads.
In The Jaded Grove will win you over from the first chapter. I can assure an engrossing story and set of characters that will touch you heart strings. With a fast paced plot and very readable writing, In The Jaded Grove should be you next Fantasy read!
onebookmore's review
5.0
The first book in the Kindred Realms series, In the Jaded Grove follows Jessa, a human, and Simith, a pixie warrior, a pair inadvertently bound together and trying to find a way to end the impending war that threatens to invade the human realm. Simith is tired of his battle-filled life and longs for a different, more peaceful future. But war always looms in his world, and he, one of the fiercest and most notorious warriors, is often in the middle of it.
Simith is wounded and fleeing from his enemies when he goes through a portal and meets Jessa. Their lives become magically bound, and, as the truth behind the wars between trolls and pixies emerges, Jessa and Simith must reevaluate all they know about the worlds they live in and the conflicts that threaten them both.
The story is broken up into three parts. In the first section, Simith goes through a portal to the human world, which is where he first meets Jessa. In the second, Simith returns to his world, and Jessa follows him. Here the reader is introduced to a fantastical place of pixies, pookas, trolls, fairies, and more. The final part explores both the human and supernatural worlds. I love that the settings are varied, vivid, and well-developed, from the sunflower fields of Michigan to the various settings in the supernatural world. I also love the reactions of both characters as they experience new things for the first time. When Simith first hears and sees a car, for example, and when Jessa first sees a troll, their reactions are fantastic.
The characters are also dynamically developed and intriguing. Details about Simith’s life and what led him to the portal that took him to the human world are devastating, riddled with anger and guilt, and complex. Jessa’s story, in turn, is tragic and moving, and the terrible events she’s experienced very much define her. A gifted poet, Jessa has lost her ability to write, and she closed herself off from the world. Her experiences with Simith, and the bond that they share helps to heal them both.
One consequence of Jessa and Simith’s magical bond is that their dreams reveal the other person’s memories. Jessa sees the tragedy that led to Simith’s ruthlessness. Simith, in turn, sees Jessa’s lovely yet lonely childhood, and her grief-filled world. Both characters understand, empathize, and accept each other completely, which I love. The pair teaches each other what it feels like to be accepted no matter what and that it is ok to trust and depend on others.
I am a sucker for a good romance, and this one is slow-building and lovely. Jessa and Simith are two wounded people who feel incapable of giving and receiving love. The pair has a strong connection from the start, but fear and feelings of unworthiness stand in their way. I love how they find each other and slowly learn to feel again. Though they are from different worlds and many obstacles stand in their way, they are tied together by a magical and an emotional bond, and this bond strengthens as the story progresses. They are stronger together, and they seem to offer the wisdom, strength, and support that the other so desperately needs. They also have an incredible amount of chemistry!
Filled with action, adventure, and a few unexpected twists, In the Jaded Grove is an engrossing and immersive story. The world-building and the character development are fabulous, as is the political intrigue. And I liked the secondary characters almost as much as Simith and Jessa. Jessa’s best friend, her best friend’s love interest, Simith’s family, several troll leaders, and more add so much to the story.
I’m very thankful to Anela Deen for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the Kindred Realms series. Deen is a gifted storyteller, and I always look forward to reading her unique and beautifully written stories! I think readers who enjoy YA or NA fantasy and urban fantasy will love this captivating new series.
Simith is wounded and fleeing from his enemies when he goes through a portal and meets Jessa. Their lives become magically bound, and, as the truth behind the wars between trolls and pixies emerges, Jessa and Simith must reevaluate all they know about the worlds they live in and the conflicts that threaten them both.
The story is broken up into three parts. In the first section, Simith goes through a portal to the human world, which is where he first meets Jessa. In the second, Simith returns to his world, and Jessa follows him. Here the reader is introduced to a fantastical place of pixies, pookas, trolls, fairies, and more. The final part explores both the human and supernatural worlds. I love that the settings are varied, vivid, and well-developed, from the sunflower fields of Michigan to the various settings in the supernatural world. I also love the reactions of both characters as they experience new things for the first time. When Simith first hears and sees a car, for example, and when Jessa first sees a troll, their reactions are fantastic.
The characters are also dynamically developed and intriguing. Details about Simith’s life and what led him to the portal that took him to the human world are devastating, riddled with anger and guilt, and complex. Jessa’s story, in turn, is tragic and moving, and the terrible events she’s experienced very much define her. A gifted poet, Jessa has lost her ability to write, and she closed herself off from the world. Her experiences with Simith, and the bond that they share helps to heal them both.
One consequence of Jessa and Simith’s magical bond is that their dreams reveal the other person’s memories. Jessa sees the tragedy that led to Simith’s ruthlessness. Simith, in turn, sees Jessa’s lovely yet lonely childhood, and her grief-filled world. Both characters understand, empathize, and accept each other completely, which I love. The pair teaches each other what it feels like to be accepted no matter what and that it is ok to trust and depend on others.
I am a sucker for a good romance, and this one is slow-building and lovely. Jessa and Simith are two wounded people who feel incapable of giving and receiving love. The pair has a strong connection from the start, but fear and feelings of unworthiness stand in their way. I love how they find each other and slowly learn to feel again. Though they are from different worlds and many obstacles stand in their way, they are tied together by a magical and an emotional bond, and this bond strengthens as the story progresses. They are stronger together, and they seem to offer the wisdom, strength, and support that the other so desperately needs. They also have an incredible amount of chemistry!
Filled with action, adventure, and a few unexpected twists, In the Jaded Grove is an engrossing and immersive story. The world-building and the character development are fabulous, as is the political intrigue. And I liked the secondary characters almost as much as Simith and Jessa. Jessa’s best friend, her best friend’s love interest, Simith’s family, several troll leaders, and more add so much to the story.
I’m very thankful to Anela Deen for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the Kindred Realms series. Deen is a gifted storyteller, and I always look forward to reading her unique and beautifully written stories! I think readers who enjoy YA or NA fantasy and urban fantasy will love this captivating new series.
under_the_aurora_borealis's review
5.0
After a tragic accident befalls her family, Jessa is overcome by lose and despair.
Simith is a pixie, forced into fighting a war but hoping for peace.
When Simith is set upon by fairies disguised as trolls, he escapes through a portal into a non-magical human realm. Here he stumbles across Jessa, where their unexpected meeting results in them being inadvertently bound together.
Unbeknownst to them, Simith soon returns to his world to help bring about peace but soon realizes things are not what they seem. Jessa upon learning of the bond must journey to Simith’s world to warn him.
Filled with magic, war, hurt and healing, In the Jaded Grove is a wonderfully engrossing narrative full of unexpected twist and turns. With a variety of world settings, which in some books can be poorly invested in, everything in this book is so well developed that the places are vividly imagined by the reader. Combine this with wonderful main characters and intriguing side characters and you can see why people easily fall in love with this book.
I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I loved this book and highly recommend it for anyone with a love for fantasy.
I received an eARC by BookSirens in exchange for a honest review.
Simith is a pixie, forced into fighting a war but hoping for peace.
When Simith is set upon by fairies disguised as trolls, he escapes through a portal into a non-magical human realm. Here he stumbles across Jessa, where their unexpected meeting results in them being inadvertently bound together.
Unbeknownst to them, Simith soon returns to his world to help bring about peace but soon realizes things are not what they seem. Jessa upon learning of the bond must journey to Simith’s world to warn him.
Filled with magic, war, hurt and healing, In the Jaded Grove is a wonderfully engrossing narrative full of unexpected twist and turns. With a variety of world settings, which in some books can be poorly invested in, everything in this book is so well developed that the places are vividly imagined by the reader. Combine this with wonderful main characters and intriguing side characters and you can see why people easily fall in love with this book.
I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I loved this book and highly recommend it for anyone with a love for fantasy.
I received an eARC by BookSirens in exchange for a honest review.
lindsaybonnez's review against another edition
5.0
I’m a bit flabbergasted to be completely honest. I know I may come across as if I always have deep feelings about a book and will kind of love anything you push into my hands, but I know for a fact ‘in the jaded grove’ will be my top one read of 2021. (Also I do always have deep feelings about books, that’s just who I am, but that doesn’t matter right now). I havn’t read fantasy in awhile, and after loving the cruel prince series & Heartless so much, I wasn’t sure if I just got lucky with two good books, or if I liked the genre that much. In the jaded grove didn’t make me any wiser, cause it’s 1. Amazing & 2. It reminds me of the parts I love most of the books stated above so it’s absolutely perfect in every way.
In the jaded grove has an amazing world, a fastpaced feel and good plottwists, and amazing lore. The story is intricate and thought-through and we haven’t even discussed the characters yet. Deen’s word choice to state the difference between Jessa’s world & Simmith’s has this intricate magical feel to it and her overall choice of words is pleasant & makes you want to deepdive in the book. The side characters are fun, detailed and fit Jessa & Simmith well.
As mentioned in the description, grief is heavy to hold. It is one thing to make that come across as something you can relate too in a way that makes it fit for your story, but to me personally it’s another to make it right. In the last 9 months of carrying my personal grief, I have had lots of moments where I felt like I was going crazy by the way it is romanticized in movies, series and even books. Like it’s another way to make your story deeper, but without actually considering how it really feels. As if you feel the big implode and then you just move on. Whereas I’m 9 months in and have only been properly allowing my grief for the last few weeks. Anela Deen understands. And I don’t think I have felt this understood in my whole process. I felt pain when the characters felt pain because I knew exactly what she was talking about, as she voices it so so right. It gave me insights I didn’t know I needed, and I know I will think back of this book fondly.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy. My opinion however is entirely my own.
In the jaded grove has an amazing world, a fastpaced feel and good plottwists, and amazing lore. The story is intricate and thought-through and we haven’t even discussed the characters yet. Deen’s word choice to state the difference between Jessa’s world & Simmith’s has this intricate magical feel to it and her overall choice of words is pleasant & makes you want to deepdive in the book. The side characters are fun, detailed and fit Jessa & Simmith well.
As mentioned in the description, grief is heavy to hold. It is one thing to make that come across as something you can relate too in a way that makes it fit for your story, but to me personally it’s another to make it right. In the last 9 months of carrying my personal grief, I have had lots of moments where I felt like I was going crazy by the way it is romanticized in movies, series and even books. Like it’s another way to make your story deeper, but without actually considering how it really feels. As if you feel the big implode and then you just move on. Whereas I’m 9 months in and have only been properly allowing my grief for the last few weeks. Anela Deen understands. And I don’t think I have felt this understood in my whole process. I felt pain when the characters felt pain because I knew exactly what she was talking about, as she voices it so so right. It gave me insights I didn’t know I needed, and I know I will think back of this book fondly.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy. My opinion however is entirely my own.