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bloomsburybaker's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was cute. If you liked the other books in this universe then definitely read it because it’s a nice backstory. It’s very short, not that ground breaking and doesn’t really contribute to the overall plot of the world but it’s a nice meet cute for the two side characters that are in the other books.
megan_marie93's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
There was so much packed into such a short book, an easy 5⭐️
Someone on BookTok said to read Little Fire before this, and I’m so glad a did. Seeing the snippets of Killian and Mailin in book 1 then going back and reading their story made it feel more emotional, like, seeing how far they’ve come from where they started.
Someone on BookTok said to read Little Fire before this, and I’m so glad a did. Seeing the snippets of Killian and Mailin in book 1 then going back and reading their story made it feel more emotional, like, seeing how far they’ve come from where they started.
mimig312's review
5.0
4.5 Stars
A fast paced, action packed, and passionate fantasy romance. I found myself reading this one quickly as the story draws you in from the first chapter and the pace moves along well. The character development unfolds at a good pace too ... which helps to draw you in to better understand the motives of the characters. But of course it's the chemistry that has to be spot on to really hold your interest and Mands does a great job of building up the tension and melting your heart along the way. You'll be rooting for these two lovebirds all the way through.
This is a prequel to a 3 book series. I enjoyed it enough to pick up the next book in the series.
A fast paced, action packed, and passionate fantasy romance. I found myself reading this one quickly as the story draws you in from the first chapter and the pace moves along well. The character development unfolds at a good pace too ... which helps to draw you in to better understand the motives of the characters. But of course it's the chemistry that has to be spot on to really hold your interest and Mands does a great job of building up the tension and melting your heart along the way. You'll be rooting for these two lovebirds all the way through.
This is a prequel to a 3 book series. I enjoyed it enough to pick up the next book in the series.
torilovesheas's review
4.0
For this to be a prequel novella, this was so good.
I’m leaning more toward a 3.75 stars but I’m rounding up to 4, because most of my complaints are kind of wiped out by the whole novella length aspect of this prequel.
First of all, this is a fantasy romance. The world building was really nice and drew me in immediately. I loved that even though it’s a prequel novella, I never felt like I was getting globs of world building info lobbed at my head. It flowed very smooth! The different kingdoms were unique and interesting. The prison island??? Why is that not a thing in more fantasy novels? I thought that was a really cool concept.
Moving onto the characters: I really enjoyed how Scar/Killian was a softer H. I’ve read a lot of dark/psycho/alphahole romance lately and it was a nice break to have an H that was silently strong. My mans just wanted to protect and live with his lady. He was so determined and willing to battle anyone it took to save his girl. Love. Mailin was so enjoyable as an h. I loved that while she was willing to do the hard things herself, she also recognized that she was a small lady on a freaking prison island and might need Killian’s assistance. Not TSTL thank god. She was a tad naive, but she’s a Lady™️ of the realm, so I wasn’t mad about it.
I am so intrigued by Declan! What was up with that children’s fable, my guy?? It just released and it’s next in my TBR.
Also: MATES. I’m such a sucker for the mates trope. It’s like catnip for me. Just chefs kiss.
I had very few complaints if any, but I did feel like it was a tad bit insta-lovey. However, it is a novella, so I wasn’t exactly expecting a slow burn. I don’t mind a good insta love as long as it makes a fair bit of sense, and I felt like this did under the circumstances. I mean, you survive a shipwreck and a prison island with someone, there’s a bond there. Some things felt like they wrapped up a little too easily, but again: novella.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one! Hollee’s prose is so nice and flows really well without being forced! This was a really good beginning to a new series. Would recommend. :)
TW: discussions/threats of SA (not by H), attempted SA (not by H), talk of torture
I’m leaning more toward a 3.75 stars but I’m rounding up to 4, because most of my complaints are kind of wiped out by the whole novella length aspect of this prequel.
First of all, this is a fantasy romance. The world building was really nice and drew me in immediately. I loved that even though it’s a prequel novella, I never felt like I was getting globs of world building info lobbed at my head. It flowed very smooth! The different kingdoms were unique and interesting. The prison island??? Why is that not a thing in more fantasy novels? I thought that was a really cool concept.
Moving onto the characters: I really enjoyed how Scar/Killian was a softer H. I’ve read a lot of dark/psycho/alphahole romance lately and it was a nice break to have an H that was silently strong. My mans just wanted to protect and live with his lady. He was so determined and willing to battle anyone it took to save his girl. Love. Mailin was so enjoyable as an h. I loved that while she was willing to do the hard things herself, she also recognized that she was a small lady on a freaking prison island and might need Killian’s assistance. Not TSTL thank god. She was a tad naive, but she’s a Lady™️ of the realm, so I wasn’t mad about it.
I am so intrigued by Declan! What was up with that children’s fable, my guy?? It just released and it’s next in my TBR.
Also: MATES. I’m such a sucker for the mates trope. It’s like catnip for me. Just chefs kiss.
I had very few complaints if any, but I did feel like it was a tad bit insta-lovey. However, it is a novella, so I wasn’t exactly expecting a slow burn. I don’t mind a good insta love as long as it makes a fair bit of sense, and I felt like this did under the circumstances. I mean, you survive a shipwreck and a prison island with someone, there’s a bond there. Some things felt like they wrapped up a little too easily, but again: novella.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one! Hollee’s prose is so nice and flows really well without being forced! This was a really good beginning to a new series. Would recommend. :)
TW: discussions/threats of SA (not by H), attempted SA (not by H), talk of torture
brii_brii's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
rburrows299's review
4.0
Rated 3.5-4.0 stars. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lullaby Scars introduces readers to the world of the Five Realms with the headstrong, but clever Mailin and Killian, an indentured bondservant with a terrible past. While manipulating her way free from her conniving father, Mailin and Killian's paths collide. The melancholy martyr and the naive lady forced together in a fantasy romance of terrible circumstances. Hollee Mands weaves a story of magic, violence, and love that will capture readers' attention and leave them wanting more.
Overall as a first novel and an introduction to the series, Hollee Mands creates a sweet, love story between two seemingly incompatible characters. Amidst the romance, Mands delivers a tantalizing view of a fantasy world that will surely engage readers in the next novels of the Five Realms. Lullaby Scars was a delightfully fast-paced, romance with a good introduction into an exciting fantasy world. While I am not a major fan of insta-love, Mands was able to use the attraction between Mailin and Killian to progress the story in a rather compelling fashion. The fantasy realm was described in the barest of details, leaving readers who love knowing much more than the base facts (i.e. myself) very eager for more. If I had one major piece of advice, I would add more detail and slow the pace of the story. Granted, this is a prequel, so there are some things that cannot really be achieved in such a short introduction. However, for readers who gravitate towards insta-love, enjoy protective men with a heart of gold, and love courageous heroines, Lullaby Scars will certainly provide a gratifying fantasy start to a promising new series.
Lullaby Scars introduces readers to the world of the Five Realms with the headstrong, but clever Mailin and Killian, an indentured bondservant with a terrible past. While manipulating her way free from her conniving father, Mailin and Killian's paths collide. The melancholy martyr and the naive lady forced together in a fantasy romance of terrible circumstances. Hollee Mands weaves a story of magic, violence, and love that will capture readers' attention and leave them wanting more.
Overall as a first novel and an introduction to the series, Hollee Mands creates a sweet, love story between two seemingly incompatible characters. Amidst the romance, Mands delivers a tantalizing view of a fantasy world that will surely engage readers in the next novels of the Five Realms. Lullaby Scars was a delightfully fast-paced, romance with a good introduction into an exciting fantasy world. While I am not a major fan of insta-love, Mands was able to use the attraction between Mailin and Killian to progress the story in a rather compelling fashion. The fantasy realm was described in the barest of details, leaving readers who love knowing much more than the base facts (i.e. myself) very eager for more. If I had one major piece of advice, I would add more detail and slow the pace of the story. Granted, this is a prequel, so there are some things that cannot really be achieved in such a short introduction. However, for readers who gravitate towards insta-love, enjoy protective men with a heart of gold, and love courageous heroines, Lullaby Scars will certainly provide a gratifying fantasy start to a promising new series.