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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
Loveable characters:
No
It's a good thing this was on sale on Audible when I got it because it was terrible. Let me tell you why.
Actually, let me start with what I liked. The worldbuilding and storyline. Both were super interesting and were what ultimately what kept me listening. The narrator: he did an excellent job overall though I couldn't always tell the difference between characters' voices. And the main characters, Morgan and Cassius, even though why Cassius would be attracted to someone who tried to kill him is a mystery.
All of this, however, was ruined by the characters and by bad writing. Let's start with the characters. Not a single side character (except the demon cat and the reaper) were interesting. They were all so incredibly whiny, the women especially. Adrienne, as Morgan's second in command, was awful. Demanding, whiny, making inappropriate sex jokes. All of the side characters were sex starved horny demons and angels, constantly bringing up their own or someone else's sex life. And the dialogue was just atrocious... Upon meeting Cassius, one of the newly introduced women says "Yeah, I'd tap that" (or something to that effect). Come on. *rolls eyes*
Which brings me to the bad writing that desperately needed a competent copyeditor to flag clunky sentences, incorrect dialogue tags, inappropriate language or dialogue (there were a lot), and the repetitive use of adverbs.
"He said wryly."
"She frowned deeply."
"He whispered softly."
Once in a while? Fine. But in sentences that come one after the other? This should've been flagged. I don't care if this is your debut book: every writer who's ever read a book knows not to use copious adverbs.
Not to mention that for law enforcement agents, Morgan and his team are so, so bad at their jobs. I clocked the demon cat being important to the story as soon as the old lady was killed. How could these characters possibly be that stupid?
So. Did I like this? No. I rolled my eyes a lot, considered DNF'ing several times, and wished I could copyedit this book. While the worldbuilding and story were interesting, the bad writing and terrible side characters have totally put me off from reading the rest of the series. Do not recommend.
Actually, let me start with what I liked. The worldbuilding and storyline. Both were super interesting and were what ultimately what kept me listening. The narrator: he did an excellent job overall though I couldn't always tell the difference between characters' voices. And the main characters, Morgan and Cassius, even though why Cassius would be attracted to someone who tried to kill him is a mystery.
All of this, however, was ruined by the characters and by bad writing. Let's start with the characters. Not a single side character (except the demon cat and the reaper) were interesting. They were all so incredibly whiny, the women especially. Adrienne, as Morgan's second in command, was awful. Demanding, whiny, making inappropriate sex jokes. All of the side characters were sex starved horny demons and angels, constantly bringing up their own or someone else's sex life. And the dialogue was just atrocious... Upon meeting Cassius, one of the newly introduced women says "Yeah, I'd tap that" (or something to that effect). Come on. *rolls eyes*
Which brings me to the bad writing that desperately needed a competent copyeditor to flag clunky sentences, incorrect dialogue tags, inappropriate language or dialogue (there were a lot), and the repetitive use of adverbs.
"He said wryly."
"She frowned deeply."
"He whispered softly."
Once in a while? Fine. But in sentences that come one after the other? This should've been flagged. I don't care if this is your debut book: every writer who's ever read a book knows not to use copious adverbs.
Not to mention that for law enforcement agents, Morgan and his team are so, so bad at their jobs. I clocked the demon cat being important to the story as soon as the old lady was killed. How could these characters possibly be that stupid?
So. Did I like this? No. I rolled my eyes a lot, considered DNF'ing several times, and wished I could copyedit this book. While the worldbuilding and story were interesting, the bad writing and terrible side characters have totally put me off from reading the rest of the series. Do not recommend.
I picked up a silly, sexy fantasy story because I just can’t concentrate on anything more involved. If that true, how come that I ended skipping all the making out because I wanted more of the story?
That’s how it goes these days and I’m sure I’ll do it again. I don’t learn.
This probably is not a 3 star book to me by any means. Centuries old characters talking and acting like they are 15 usually drives me up the wall. Will this change in the future books? Will I even remember to read any of them?
I liked the world and the mystery, even if it was something you probably have read plenty of times already. The story was utterly meaningless in the best way possible, I feel like I took a nap on a sunny Saturday afternoon.
That’s how it goes these days and I’m sure I’ll do it again. I don’t learn.
This probably is not a 3 star book to me by any means. Centuries old characters talking and acting like they are 15 usually drives me up the wall. Will this change in the future books? Will I even remember to read any of them?
I liked the world and the mystery, even if it was something you probably have read plenty of times already. The story was utterly meaningless in the best way possible, I feel like I took a nap on a sunny Saturday afternoon.
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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:
Complicated
Fractured Souls is the first book in this new series by, new to me author, Ava Marie Salinger and I loved it! It reminds me of Hailey Turner's Soulbound series in its urban fantasy style with a strong connection between the lead characters and an enemy that wants to take on the world.
Cassius and Morgan are two beings who fell to earth when The Fall happened 500 years ago, creatures from heaven and hell who have been stranded on earth with no way of returning and having to adapt to life here. There are angels, demons and types of magic users. It's a great mix of character types that make up both the good and bad parts of society and things get started straight away in this story when Cassius discovers a body and is then suspected by the Argonaut agents. His history with the agency means that he is instead asked to join their team to help solve the recent murders/sacrifices. This team ends up including his new next door neighbour, Morgan, devastatingly handsome and the two are somehow drawn to each other. It's a connection that neither can deny, going soul core deep which is the source of all their power.
The story and action is fast paced throughout with barely a minute to catch your breath. It's exciting as discoveries are made and battles are fought. Cassius, who has basically been alone since The Fall because of who he is, becomes a part of this team made up of an entertaining group of characters. There are constant revelations but not just about the enemy, also about Cassius and Morgan, leading to more questions than answers due to those who fell not retaining memories of their previous lives.
I enjoyed the relationship developments and emotions portrayed across the story. There are some shocks in store for those involved and some great twists to the plot for readers. I'm excited to see where this story goes next and look forward to book two. Definitely a recommended read.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Cassius and Morgan are two beings who fell to earth when The Fall happened 500 years ago, creatures from heaven and hell who have been stranded on earth with no way of returning and having to adapt to life here. There are angels, demons and types of magic users. It's a great mix of character types that make up both the good and bad parts of society and things get started straight away in this story when Cassius discovers a body and is then suspected by the Argonaut agents. His history with the agency means that he is instead asked to join their team to help solve the recent murders/sacrifices. This team ends up including his new next door neighbour, Morgan, devastatingly handsome and the two are somehow drawn to each other. It's a connection that neither can deny, going soul core deep which is the source of all their power.
The story and action is fast paced throughout with barely a minute to catch your breath. It's exciting as discoveries are made and battles are fought. Cassius, who has basically been alone since The Fall because of who he is, becomes a part of this team made up of an entertaining group of characters. There are constant revelations but not just about the enemy, also about Cassius and Morgan, leading to more questions than answers due to those who fell not retaining memories of their previous lives.
I enjoyed the relationship developments and emotions portrayed across the story. There are some shocks in store for those involved and some great twists to the plot for readers. I'm excited to see where this story goes next and look forward to book two. Definitely a recommended read.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Good ideas. Liked the banter.
Cons:
Full cast of Gary Stus and Mary Sues
Lots of stuff happening in the background that had nothing to do with plot or MCs.
Lots of Hetero stuff
Insta romance AND friendships. Kinda takes the fun out of it when everything is squared away in the first 40%
Cons:
Full cast of Gary Stus and Mary Sues
Lots of stuff happening in the background that had nothing to do with plot or MCs.
Lots of Hetero stuff
Insta romance AND friendships. Kinda takes the fun out of it when everything is squared away in the first 40%
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
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
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes