A review by bellebookcorner
Scythe and Pen by A.C. Hobbs

dark 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

4.5

Calling all dark fantasy lovers—you need to grab this book asap! 
Especially if you love: 
• Enemies to brothers
• Slow-burn romance
• Heists and political intrigue
• Angels and demons
• Hades/Persephone vibes 
 
There’s a lot going on in this story from the murder mystery to vampires-human political intrigue and gangsters. 
Numerous dark secrets and hidden agendas make it difficult to know which character to trust as I read this story. 
 
The book is divided into four parts. 
The first part felt slightly slow due to the introduction of characters and the world-building, but things started to get a lot more interesting by the second part. By the third and fourth part I couldn’t put my Kindle down! 
 
The characters are complex and well-developed. 
Gabriella's character development is particularly striking, as she undergoes significant changes after what she learned and went through. 
I was also deeply invested in Hades, who remains a dark enigma with uncertain motives. Despite his ambiguity, I absolutely adore the brother-friend complex relationship between Hades and Demetrius throughout the story! 
 
The romance wasn’t the centre of the plot but added a great touch. Seeing the forbidden romance between a politician and an assassin, as well as the enemies-to-lovers romance between the mafia boss and a journalist, was intriguing. 
I’m looking forward to see more of them in the next book! 
 
Overall, this is a remarkably well-written story with a massive cliff-hanger ending and a gripping storyline. Such a page turner! 
I’m definitely keeping an eye out for the sequel once it comes out! 
 
Thank you to Book of Matches Media and the author for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
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