A review by sotnasck
The Serpent's Curse by Lisa Maxwell

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

If the previous book was slower with its developments and set ups, this one was a bit of a bumpy ride. So much happens (in a good way) and it does not feel overwhelming how we keep going. Throughout the book there's a sense of urgency, of running out time, of missteps causing chain effects and everything keeps on unfolding and it is great. I love how this series keep on expanding with each book, not only with new characters but everything else too. And one of my favorite things is the play with reality, fate and time travelling. How the pieces fall into place every single time is so cool, and sometimes very sad.

On the other hand, Esta has sadly become a character I don't really care for, and her relationship with Harte doesn't really move me. But that is really no problem at all because the cast is big and I have other characters I care for. Jianyu and Cela are simply lovely, Viola is as great as ever, Harte is my absolutely favorite and his storyline in this book made me emotional to the point of almost crying at one point...

All the beats in this book were good except for the unnecessary

pregnancy scare (?) that is going on with Esta and Harte, like nothing take me out of a story more than this kind of thing

but everything else I have no complaints really and I'm ready for the conclusion of this series.