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stephslibraryy's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-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
What originally drew me to this book was the filipino representation, but I ended up loving the story and all the other characters! It’s a fast paced story that also deals with grief and loss, which brings the two main characters together and shows that they are still deserving of love.
adominiquereads's review
4.0
"Matibay and walis, palibhasa'y magkabigkis."
"A broom is sturdy because its stands are tightly bound."
I received an e-ARC copy of this book from the author and Caffeine Tours in exchange for an honest review.
I honestly did not know anything about this book aside from its gorgeous cover, and that it is a portal fantasy standalone with fae in it - and I always did like those mythical creatures in my stories. To say I was pleasantly surprised and highly entertained is an understatement.
In the Jaded Grove is a very fast-paced, lyrical fantasy standalone that features the vast world of the fae world called the Kindred Realms wherein creatures such as fae, pixies, trolls and other faeirie creatures reside. In this book, we follow a pixie warrior named Simith who finds his hands tied when the species he has served for many years has turned against him. He then unexpectedly finds himself travelling through a portal towards the human world to escape his enemies, thereby encountering a human girl named Jessa on the other side of it. Both of them are suddenly thrust into a head-spinning series of events that force them to be near each other, and find themselves in the middle of a war in the Kindred Realms.
The characters were definitely something I really enjoyed and loved. Jessa and Simith were introduced with a lot of tragedy and grief in their lives, and it was clearly evident to see these emotions in them all throughout the book. The awful stuff that happened to them in the past (and continually haunt them) had not only served as a fuel to their actions, but also see parts of them that they needed to discover yet. It was also interesting to see how those things helped both Simith and Jessa out in this book, and them overcoming those tragedies. The other side characters, such as their friends and other faerie creatures, were also a nice treat that complimented the main characters immensely. The dynamics and relationships played throughout this book was evident and prevalent, and I would have wished to see a bit more of it. While there was a clear romance play in this book, I found myself not really getting attached to it because it just felt insta-love almost immediately, though it did occur in a slow burn motion. It was cute towards the end, but I wouldn't have minded it if it wasn't there.
The world-building and magic system were highly enjoyable. I always did enjoy a fae-centered story that featured the very dark and twisted core of the fae, and this book delivered. No cutesy, Disney-like creatures in this novel! Everything was very easy to understand and digest, and it was painted very vividly that it gripped me immediately. On the flipside in the mortal realm, I was actually really shocked that Jessa is a Filipina (yay!) so I could immediately put myself into her shoes so easily, especially whenever she talks about the language, culture, and little nuisances of every Filipino family. The mix of the magic and non-magic worlds were something that thoroughly entertained me and added a need spice into the world, especially with how both worlds were beneficial and disastrous to one another.
The plot very action-packed and fast-paced. It wasn't short on action, adventure, and a lot of political scheming and intrigue. While it did have its few crazy twists and turns, it didn't exactly have the wow factor for me, but it still kept my mind whirling. I also did find the pacing to be very fast for my liking. I don't normally mind a quick read, the story just felt a bit too rushed for my tastes, and that some transitions could have been done better. It would have been really amazing to see certain scenes and events simmered further.
Over-all, I still highly recommend this book to any readers who are looking for a quick, heart-aching yet full of hope kind of fantasy tale. The poetry featured in this book also helped to give it more interest!
Other favorite quotes:
"No monster lives but for the evil others have done before him."
"If a shard of her broken heart had survived, maybe she would have something to offer the tiny ember growing within her.
"A broom is sturdy because its stands are tightly bound."
I received an e-ARC copy of this book from the author and Caffeine Tours in exchange for an honest review.
I honestly did not know anything about this book aside from its gorgeous cover, and that it is a portal fantasy standalone with fae in it - and I always did like those mythical creatures in my stories. To say I was pleasantly surprised and highly entertained is an understatement.
In the Jaded Grove is a very fast-paced, lyrical fantasy standalone that features the vast world of the fae world called the Kindred Realms wherein creatures such as fae, pixies, trolls and other faeirie creatures reside. In this book, we follow a pixie warrior named Simith who finds his hands tied when the species he has served for many years has turned against him. He then unexpectedly finds himself travelling through a portal towards the human world to escape his enemies, thereby encountering a human girl named Jessa on the other side of it. Both of them are suddenly thrust into a head-spinning series of events that force them to be near each other, and find themselves in the middle of a war in the Kindred Realms.
The characters were definitely something I really enjoyed and loved. Jessa and Simith were introduced with a lot of tragedy and grief in their lives, and it was clearly evident to see these emotions in them all throughout the book. The awful stuff that happened to them in the past (and continually haunt them) had not only served as a fuel to their actions, but also see parts of them that they needed to discover yet. It was also interesting to see how those things helped both Simith and Jessa out in this book, and them overcoming those tragedies. The other side characters, such as their friends and other faerie creatures, were also a nice treat that complimented the main characters immensely. The dynamics and relationships played throughout this book was evident and prevalent, and I would have wished to see a bit more of it. While there was a clear romance play in this book, I found myself not really getting attached to it because it just felt insta-love almost immediately, though it did occur in a slow burn motion. It was cute towards the end, but I wouldn't have minded it if it wasn't there.
The world-building and magic system were highly enjoyable. I always did enjoy a fae-centered story that featured the very dark and twisted core of the fae, and this book delivered. No cutesy, Disney-like creatures in this novel! Everything was very easy to understand and digest, and it was painted very vividly that it gripped me immediately. On the flipside in the mortal realm, I was actually really shocked that Jessa is a Filipina (yay!) so I could immediately put myself into her shoes so easily, especially whenever she talks about the language, culture, and little nuisances of every Filipino family. The mix of the magic and non-magic worlds were something that thoroughly entertained me and added a need spice into the world, especially with how both worlds were beneficial and disastrous to one another.
The plot very action-packed and fast-paced. It wasn't short on action, adventure, and a lot of political scheming and intrigue. While it did have its few crazy twists and turns, it didn't exactly have the wow factor for me, but it still kept my mind whirling. I also did find the pacing to be very fast for my liking. I don't normally mind a quick read, the story just felt a bit too rushed for my tastes, and that some transitions could have been done better. It would have been really amazing to see certain scenes and events simmered further.
Over-all, I still highly recommend this book to any readers who are looking for a quick, heart-aching yet full of hope kind of fantasy tale. The poetry featured in this book also helped to give it more interest!
Other favorite quotes:
"No monster lives but for the evil others have done before him."
"If a shard of her broken heart had survived, maybe she would have something to offer the tiny ember growing within her.
mothandnessieread's review
5.0
I may have just found another favorite book! Even though this story took me a bit to get into, I ended up really enjoying it and absolutely loving the characters. I don’t often see a mix of fantasy and reality quite like this, and I loved it! Aside from the characters, I also loved the whole plot of this story. The quest they embarked on in order to obtain freedom for themselves and others from their true names was so fun. It was pretty new to me, too, for a human character to still be helpful and powerful during this quest. The teamwork the author wrote into the quest was so natural and fun to read. All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it for other fantasy fans out there. I received a free copy of this story from Hidden Gems and am choosing to leave an honest review of it.
el_rincon_de_lena's review
3.0
---Spanish---
*Recibí una copia de revisión anticipada de forma gratuita y dejo esta revisión voluntariamente. Gracias BookSirens!*
En general: 3/5 estrellas
Spice: No
Personajes: 3/5
Tensión: 3/5
Trama: 4/5
Esta es una historia llena de fantasía, faes y guerra. Nuestra personaje principal, por las coincidencias de la vida se encuentra con un extraño hombre en las afueras de un bosque. Y para peor, que está herido y que alguien lo persigue para matarlo. En un pobre intento de ayudarlo ella se ve involucrada en una antigua guerra de otro mundo.
Lo bueno es que no es la típica historia de faes que intenta copiar el estilo de Sarah J. Maas. Es decir, en ese sentido la trama se me ha hecho super original y entretenida.
Mi problema principal con éste libro es que no logré conectar con los personajes, y el tema de que la personaje principal estuviera embarazada (no es spoiler, lo mencionan al principio del libro), se me hizo totalmente innecesario, sobre todo porque los otros personajes la alejan de las peleas e intentan protegerla todo el tiempo y yo prefiero leer el tipo de personaje principal más fuerte.
Aparte de eso, es un buen libro, la trama es original y el mundo ésta bien construido.
---English---
Overall: 3/5 stars
Spice: No
Characters: 3/5
Tensión: 3/5
Plot: 4/5
This is a story full of fantasy, faes, and war. By the coincidences of life, our main character meets a strange man on the outskirts of a forest. And soon discovers that he is injured and that someone is after him to kill him. In a poor attempt to help him, she finds herself involved in an ancient war from another realm.
The good news about this book is that it is not your typical fae story that tries to copy the style of Sarah J. Maas, in that sense, I found the plot and the romance super original and entertaining.
My main problem with this book is that I couldn't connect with the characters, and the fact that the main character is pregnant (not a spoiler, they mention it at the beginning of the book),
felt unnecessary for me, like... why? It didn´t have any sense and didn't have any relation with the plot. And obviously, because she is pregnant the other Characters keep her out of fights and try to protect her all the time, but I prefer to read a strong female lead.
Apart from that, it is a good book, the plot is original and the world is well constructed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thanks, BookSirens!
*Recibí una copia de revisión anticipada de forma gratuita y dejo esta revisión voluntariamente. Gracias BookSirens!*
En general: 3/5 estrellas
Spice: No
Personajes: 3/5
Tensión: 3/5
Trama: 4/5
Esta es una historia llena de fantasía, faes y guerra. Nuestra personaje principal, por las coincidencias de la vida se encuentra con un extraño hombre en las afueras de un bosque. Y para peor, que está herido y que alguien lo persigue para matarlo. En un pobre intento de ayudarlo ella se ve involucrada en una antigua guerra de otro mundo.
Lo bueno es que no es la típica historia de faes que intenta copiar el estilo de Sarah J. Maas. Es decir, en ese sentido la trama se me ha hecho super original y entretenida.
Mi problema principal con éste libro es que no logré conectar con los personajes, y el tema de que la personaje principal estuviera embarazada (no es spoiler, lo mencionan al principio del libro), se me hizo totalmente innecesario, sobre todo porque los otros personajes la alejan de las peleas e intentan protegerla todo el tiempo y yo prefiero leer el tipo de personaje principal más fuerte.
Aparte de eso, es un buen libro, la trama es original y el mundo ésta bien construido.
---English---
Overall: 3/5 stars
Spice: No
Characters: 3/5
Tensión: 3/5
Plot: 4/5
This is a story full of fantasy, faes, and war. By the coincidences of life, our main character meets a strange man on the outskirts of a forest. And soon discovers that he is injured and that someone is after him to kill him. In a poor attempt to help him, she finds herself involved in an ancient war from another realm.
The good news about this book is that it is not your typical fae story that tries to copy the style of Sarah J. Maas, in that sense, I found the plot and the romance super original and entertaining.
My main problem with this book is that I couldn't connect with the characters, and the fact that the main character is pregnant (not a spoiler, they mention it at the beginning of the book),
felt unnecessary for me, like... why? It didn´t have any sense and didn't have any relation with the plot. And obviously, because she is pregnant the other Characters keep her out of fights and try to protect her all the time, but I prefer to read a strong female lead.
Apart from that, it is a good book, the plot is original and the world is well constructed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thanks, BookSirens!
theheavycrown's review
4.0
This book could easily be a cover buy, but it has a story on the inside that is just as lovely!
In the Jaded Grove has everything that I look for in a GREAT novel—complex characters, beautifully deft world building, thought provoking concepts, & fantastic relationships. I LOVE Jessa, a Filipino poet, & Simith, a Pixie warrior, the 2 leads from entirely different worlds that crossed paths & became irrevocably bound in a slow burn romance that had me rooting for them with hearts in my eyes (plus some great blushes as their attraction developed). I highly recommend you read it...& then come talk to me about it.
In the Jaded Grove has everything that I look for in a GREAT novel—complex characters, beautifully deft world building, thought provoking concepts, & fantastic relationships. I LOVE Jessa, a Filipino poet, & Simith, a Pixie warrior, the 2 leads from entirely different worlds that crossed paths & became irrevocably bound in a slow burn romance that had me rooting for them with hearts in my eyes (plus some great blushes as their attraction developed). I highly recommend you read it...& then come talk to me about it.
tinyelfarcanist's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
Another Anela Deen’s story about broken people from different worlds who find sanctuary in each other: A lonely and wary man who cannot admit his gentle heart; a kind woman surviving recent trauma whose life is about to change. The characters and their relationship are close enough to Beneath Cruel Fathoms to taint my enjoyment by comparison. If you enjoyed this book, I recommend checking Beneath Cruel Fathoms.
Deen shines in her character development; their emotions are palpable and the romantic tension thrilling. She's one of my favorite writers.
Deen shines in her character development; their emotions are palpable and the romantic tension thrilling. She's one of my favorite writers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, and Mental illness
Minor: Abortion
kateisreading's review
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
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
3.75
parisakamali's review
3.0
it's good, but it's not amazing.
i like how the two characters explore their grief and i appreciate how they slowly come together. i've been so indecisive with my rating because i love the filipino rep and i'm tempted to give it a half star, but the story is pretty basic and it's not memorable to me. tbh i got bored somewhere around the second and third act, but the ending is sweet and nice. i'm going for a solid 3 stars here because i like it!
i like how the two characters explore their grief and i appreciate how they slowly come together. i've been so indecisive with my rating because i love the filipino rep and i'm tempted to give it a half star, but the story is pretty basic and it's not memorable to me. tbh i got bored somewhere around the second and third act, but the ending is sweet and nice. i'm going for a solid 3 stars here because i like it!
aruerra's review
4.0
**I received a review copy from the publisher and Caffeine Book Tours in exchange of an honest review as a tour participant but this does not affect my opinion on the book.**
Full review can be viewed on What Polly Reads' blog.
Full review can be viewed on What Polly Reads' blog.
In the Jaded Grove is a breath of fresh air for me. As someone who loves reading fantasy, I can say that this book offers something different from the others. I genuinely enjoyed reading it. I love how it is not so hard to read even though we were introduced to a new world. I also love how the story was paced. Another thing that I love about it is how everything fell into place. Also, unlike other fantasy novels, In the Jaded Grove has a subtle romance. I love how the romance was not forced and not rushed, but it still worked out in the end.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading In the Jaded Grove and I am looking forward to reading more from this world! I would highly recommend In the Jaded Grove to my fellow fantasy lovers who would like to read a fantasy that is purely magical with lots of turns and twists.
thereadingchemist's review
4.0
Filipino MC ☑️
Queer characters ☑️
Magical creatures ☑️
Epic fight scenes ☑️
Immersive and rich worldbuilding ☑️
There were so many things to love about this book, and I’ve just picked a few. If you love fast paced fantasy books that throw you into the middle of chaos alongside the characters then this one is definitely for you!
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
Queer characters ☑️
Magical creatures ☑️
Epic fight scenes ☑️
Immersive and rich worldbuilding ☑️
There were so many things to love about this book, and I’ve just picked a few. If you love fast paced fantasy books that throw you into the middle of chaos alongside the characters then this one is definitely for you!
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.