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A review by thepaperreels
In the Jaded Grove by Anela Deen
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!