A review by rtl199973
The Deer and the Dragon by Piper C.J.

challenging tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I have a lot of feelings about this book. 

First of all, I didn’t like our FMC, Marlow. Supposedly she had a degree in folklore and wrote fantasy books but for an expert she really didn’t know how their world worked when she was thrown into it. That felt unrealistic to me. If you’ve spent years studying something— even if you think it’s all fake— you should know the basics of what not to do. Every time I thought she was growing on me as a character she would do something so unbelievably stupid that we’d be back at square one. 

Now, that being said, I loved pretty much every other character. Our MMC, Caliban? Loved him. Though he was missing for much of my book so unfortunately I didn’t get to spend much time with him. Fauna? Adored her. She made a few questionable choices, but don’t we all 🤷🏽‍♀️ Azrames? OBSESSED with him (I would totally read and entire book just about him) 

There was also an Edna Mode character in the form of a Lilith that was a lot of fun, but the king of hell was a little too happy go lucky for my taste.

Personally, I wanted more spice— I expected more spice. If you’re interested in this book for the romance just know it leans a lot more towards the fantasy elements. I also felt the ending was extremely abrupt. I can get behind a cliffhanger, but I felt like I was missing the final chapter. 

There’s a lot going on in this book. There were so many times I wanted to throw it across the room (both for good and bad reasons). Any type of religion or folklore you can think of is jam packed in here. There’s also a whole lot of religious trauma that could be triggering for some people. If you want an easy fantasy book that’s a quick  read this book isn’t for you. 

Will I continue with this series? Honestly— I don’t know. I crave a resolution for the characters I did like but I don’t feel the need to know how Marlow’s story ends 🤷🏽‍♀️

I did like the mini playlists and drink orders for each characters— it was a nice touch

3.5 ⭐️
2 🌶️

Favorite Quote: 
“If you wouldn’t burn the world to the ground for the one you love, are you even in love?”