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A review by kmartbooks
Bound by Scars & Secrets: Realms of Magic Book 1 by Sienna Archer
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
3.5
Tropes:
✨Queer Love Triangle
✨LGBTQIA+ rep
✨YA Epic Fantasy
✨Slow Burn
✨Queer Throne of Glass meets the Witcher
✨Sisters story, complex family dynamics
✨Found Family
Thanks to the author and R&R for the eARC!
Caught in an oppressive society of 'truths' and watchmen, Alathea is steeped in an intense fear of the magic secreted away inside of her. She strives to protect her rebellious sister after her mothers go missing. When her sister chooses to vanish into the nearby magical kingdom, Ala's resentment toward mages comes to a head. With no other options, Ala is presented with a challenging offer by the mage and the sorceress—they will help her reunite with her sister, but she must cross into their realm and embrace a magical destiny of her own. Faced with the dilemma of trusting those she despises, Alathea grapples with her animosity and must decide whether to forge an uneasy alliance or let her resentment consume her.
This series promises a slow-burn queer love triangle and the unraveling of family secrets. At its heart, this is a story about the complex relationship between two sisters and their parental figures. I adored the exploration of complex family dynamics. The highlight for me was the 'love triangle', both of which seems to be equally compelling relationships. Both are charming and fascinating options and neither seems to blame the other for their attentions. I would love for Ala to get her cake and eat it too, though! I adored the LGBTQIA+ representation in this one!
I will note that the dialogue was sometimes clumsy, the pacing was a little challenging at times, and the world-building (while unique) was sometimes confusing. But the good FAR FAR outweighs any complaints that I had. Very enjoyable.
✨Queer Love Triangle
✨LGBTQIA+ rep
✨YA Epic Fantasy
✨Slow Burn
✨Queer Throne of Glass meets the Witcher
✨Sisters story, complex family dynamics
✨Found Family
Thanks to the author and R&R for the eARC!
Caught in an oppressive society of 'truths' and watchmen, Alathea is steeped in an intense fear of the magic secreted away inside of her. She strives to protect her rebellious sister after her mothers go missing. When her sister chooses to vanish into the nearby magical kingdom, Ala's resentment toward mages comes to a head. With no other options, Ala is presented with a challenging offer by the mage and the sorceress—they will help her reunite with her sister, but she must cross into their realm and embrace a magical destiny of her own. Faced with the dilemma of trusting those she despises, Alathea grapples with her animosity and must decide whether to forge an uneasy alliance or let her resentment consume her.
This series promises a slow-burn queer love triangle and the unraveling of family secrets. At its heart, this is a story about the complex relationship between two sisters and their parental figures. I adored the exploration of complex family dynamics. The highlight for me was the 'love triangle', both of which seems to be equally compelling relationships. Both are charming and fascinating options and neither seems to blame the other for their attentions. I would love for Ala to get her cake and eat it too, though! I adored the LGBTQIA+ representation in this one!
I will note that the dialogue was sometimes clumsy, the pacing was a little challenging at times, and the world-building (while unique) was sometimes confusing. But the good FAR FAR outweighs any complaints that I had. Very enjoyable.