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A review by k_cao_xai
Commanded by Night by Zelda Knight
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I’m not sure I can summarize what this story is about.
Character Impressions:
Veronica
The scientist looking for a cure to a dangerous virus.
She's trying to save her best friend, but seeing her ex-girlfriend often prevents her from thinking about the right things. I thought her research into TV3 and what she does to help omegas at the heat clinic was interesting, but for most of the story, she simply has the hots for her asshole ex.
Jasmine
Catching the love interest in the aftermath of an orgy does not make a good first impression.
It’s hard writing likeable characters who are also players. There should be something to contrast this: an endearing character trait or something so I know sleeping with people isn’t the only thing on her mind. I guess the only redeeming factor is that Jasmine points out she messes around to try and fill in the hole left behind by Veronica, but again, these moments didn’t feel like an inner struggle, but rather another Tuesday. I think she was more ashamed she was caught post-orgy by Veronica rather than ashamed she resorted to sex to try and forget her ex-girlfriend.
The scientist looking for a cure to a dangerous virus.
She's trying to save her best friend, but seeing her ex-girlfriend often prevents her from thinking about the right things. I thought her research into TV3 and what she does to help omegas at the heat clinic was interesting, but for most of the story, she simply has the hots for her asshole ex.
Jasmine
Catching the love interest in the aftermath of an orgy does not make a good first impression.
It’s hard writing likeable characters who are also players. There should be something to contrast this: an endearing character trait or something so I know sleeping with people isn’t the only thing on her mind. I guess the only redeeming factor is that Jasmine points out she messes around to try and fill in the hole left behind by Veronica, but again, these moments didn’t feel like an inner struggle, but rather another Tuesday. I think she was more ashamed she was caught post-orgy by Veronica rather than ashamed she resorted to sex to try and forget her ex-girlfriend.
Minor Characters:
There are a handful of minor characters, some of who play important roles in getting the story to move forward. I’m not sure how old some of these characters are supposed to be. Some vampires who have been alive for years speak or text like teenagers, so it’s a bit jarring since they’re written to be distinguished or royalty-like.
Story Impressions:
The worldbuilding has a lot of potential to be explored. I hope the author builds on it in other books set in the same universe. Things like the Otherside or what researchers do at Eclipse Heat Clinic are interesting.
The world map looks like a fantasy map, but I believe this is set in a contemporary city, so it took me a while to imagine what kind of setting this is supposed to look like.
That entire scene with Veronica…displaying herself…thinking it was for Jasmine…was…unexpected.
Given more time and research, I think the author can write great things with what she brings into this genre.
The world map looks like a fantasy map, but I believe this is set in a contemporary city, so it took me a while to imagine what kind of setting this is supposed to look like.
That entire scene with Veronica…displaying herself…thinking it was for Jasmine…was…unexpected.
Given more time and research, I think the author can write great things with what she brings into this genre.
Highlights:
- Highlight 1: Must-go-save-the-future-wife scene.
My Personal Tags About the Book:
- Lesbian protagonists
- f/f omegaverse
- Happily ever after
- FemPreg? Not really. It’s a passing remark at the end.
- Class difference
- Interracial couple