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A review by chasingsilhouettes
This Vicious Dream by Stacia Stark
medium-paced
4.25
"A woman who was caught within a vicious dream. One that wasn’t truly a dream at all." (Ch 5)
She spent three long years tortured then locked up, and now she's out beyond the tower and the thorns. All she wants to do is get revenge and find her friends. But it is not so easy. Two hunt her. They both want what she knows, but should she lead one there, that power would be too great for any one-being and the world could not handle it should they reunite.
An epic journey for enemies turned allies. They are at odds with each other and the feels that war within them, neither willing to give in. The quest teems with secrets, curses, lost/fragmented memories, the irresistible draw to a dark power, vengeance, and battles with predatory beasts and creatures to add to the strife. It's a race, to the victor the spoils... and to the world, possibly devastation if a dark god is unleashed.
How will the story end for Madinia and Calysian? Is it fated that they're to be torn apart again and again, pit against each other as enemies?
“"If you run, I will find you.” It’s a dark promise, but the little witch winks ..... Her flames shoot high into the air, so hot that no soldiers dare brave the fire. And still I can hear her voice. “Sounds like a date,” she purrs. “But something tells me you’re going to miss it.”" (ch 7)
There was always so much discord between Medinia and Calysian that it was a bit hard to determine if the flame they had between them was more than just physical attraction. Though I think it was more in part to her denial, feminine rage, and fight against her feelings. He showed more care and consideration toward her. This isn't a grand love story or all that romantic, but it's an absorbing page turner for the most part, with a little bit of steam and a whole lot of conflict.
"This woman would slit my throat if she could. And then she would gleefully burn my body to ash. There must be something wrong with me, because that look in her eye makes me want to crush my mouth to hers." (Ch 6)
eARC Review
She spent three long years tortured then locked up, and now she's out beyond the tower and the thorns. All she wants to do is get revenge and find her friends. But it is not so easy. Two hunt her. They both want what she knows, but should she lead one there, that power would be too great for any one-being and the world could not handle it should they reunite.
An epic journey for enemies turned allies. They are at odds with each other and the feels that war within them, neither willing to give in. The quest teems with secrets, curses, lost/fragmented memories, the irresistible draw to a dark power, vengeance, and battles with predatory beasts and creatures to add to the strife. It's a race, to the victor the spoils... and to the world, possibly devastation if a dark god is unleashed.
How will the story end for Madinia and Calysian? Is it fated that they're to be torn apart again and again, pit against each other as enemies?
“"If you run, I will find you.” It’s a dark promise, but the little witch winks ..... Her flames shoot high into the air, so hot that no soldiers dare brave the fire. And still I can hear her voice. “Sounds like a date,” she purrs. “But something tells me you’re going to miss it.”" (ch 7)
There was always so much discord between Medinia and Calysian that it was a bit hard to determine if the flame they had between them was more than just physical attraction. Though I think it was more in part to her denial, feminine rage, and fight against her feelings. He showed more care and consideration toward her. This isn't a grand love story or all that romantic, but it's an absorbing page turner for the most part, with a little bit of steam and a whole lot of conflict.
"This woman would slit my throat if she could. And then she would gleefully burn my body to ash. There must be something wrong with me, because that look in her eye makes me want to crush my mouth to hers." (Ch 6)
eARC Review
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, War