A review by amanda_reads13
Amid Clouds and Bones by Ella Fields

lighthearted tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Mildred is a "half-breed" who is forced into an arrangement marriage with Atakan, a fae prince. In her world there are human, Seelie Fae, and Unseelie Fae. Her marriage is meant to bond the humans and Seelie Fae against a common enemy, the Unseelie Fae. The Unseelie Fae have been banished behind a barrier wall of magic and their king, Vane, is trying desperately to free them and get revenge. 

I am torn, this book started off so strong and I was so intrigued, then it all went a bit downhill. I think this could have been a phenomenal series, but as a stand alone, it felt rushed, has too many plot holes, and too many things felt forced. 

I really enjoyed banter and enemies to lovers/mates story between Mildred and Atakan. He was the best part of the book, by far. When she is taken by Vane, I was concerned this would be another Tamlin/Rys copy & paste. I was presently proven wrong. That said, I feel like the whole love triangle was pointless and its purpose was not flushed out at all. 

Mildred (awful name choice) was made to be this strong and independent character, unfortunately she was pretty reliant on men to save her the whole time. I liked how witty and quick she was with the comebacks. BUT When she is taken by Vane, her naivety really shines as she is so easily manipulated by him.
He needs her to fall on love with him to break the barrier and flat out tells her this is his goal!
She doesn't really grow and get the depth of character I was looking for. 

The only thing I didnt really see coming was that
Atakan was actually a shifter and could shift into the dragon thingy.
This could have made for such an incredible climax to the story. Unfortunately the ending felt rushed, flat, and incomplete. The battle scene was lackluster and was over in a flash. What should have felt like a grand battle, felt more like some little boys arguing over a girl. I wanted more. 

Tropes: enemies to lovers/mates, fae/human, fantasy, forced proximity, arrange marriage, one bed, love triange
Expand filter menu Content Warnings