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buffyreads's reviews
131 reviews
- 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? Yes
2.5
2.0
This novel was a twist of the popular "vampire turns teenage girl and loves her for eternity". The antagonist in this story seemingly has an obsession with replaying this fantasy with different girls every few decades.
The Good:
I enjoyed the implementation of new vampire lore. From the literally being frozen in time, the addition of heirlooms, to the always having to be tied to their sire's location these were interesting worldbuilding elements that made me want to know more about the vampires in this world.
The Bad:
I unfortunately did not enjoy the characters nor the pacing of the book. I felt that having to collect all the heirlooms in order to kill him was introduced too early so the middle chunk felt super slow. The fact that Parker annoyed me as a character also lead to me feeling like the story was dragging on. She felt like a teenager, which I at first thought was the point, until the main character fell in love with her. My dislike continued as every character introduced grated my nerves in some way. The ending was okay but didn't leave an impression on me. The concept of them losing their memoires was new and different but because I didn't care about the romance aspect it had no effect on me.
The Rating:
I originally gave this a 3/5 but changed it to a 2/5 after thinking about whether I actually liked what I read or the idea of the book. I liked the concept more than the execution, which is why this was so disappointing. I wouldn't recommend this book unless they have a high threshold for annoying characters.
3.0
Ra's Mini Review!~
Characters:
Percy is my son forreal. I loved his anger and bravery. I loved that he felt like a kid with flaws and impulsivity. Grover is such a great balance to Percy and Annabelle. My sweet little empath. He too has a goal and ambition but his shyness and cation balances Percy's impulsivity and Annabelle's warrior mindset very well. He too is my son. Annabelle is so smart and determined. I liked that she has her own desires and goals for going on the quest and has a lot to prove to herself.
Plot:
The story is very straightforward and I liked the world building. The pacing was great especially when the trio begins the quest. I do feel like it was tiny different bits over and over but that's what a quest is. They aren't slogged down with long bouts of exposition. I wish there was much more emotional weight to the story but that will probably happen later.
Secret Sauce:
I loved randomly recognizing easter eggs from greek mythology before they are reveled.
Rating: I give this book a 3/5
3.0
Ra's Mini Review!~
*This is a reread from many years ago*
Characters:
Jude was full of rage and arrogance and I loved it. I love characters who just want power for themselves. Cardan was a nutcase loser but in a good way. Taryn made me want to rip my hair out. I had forgotten the "plot twist" and rolled my eyes so hard at her.
Plot:
I remember liking this book a lot so I was shocked at how bad they get bullied in the beginning. Their "father" was either willfully ignorant or prideful to send them to school with people who could easily kill them. I prefer fantasy like this that lack a crazy adventure and is character focused so this was good. The romance aspect was lacking for me but I love Jude so it was okay.
Secret Sauce:
I loved this world building and how cruel (no pun intended) the fae are. I realized 20% into the book how much it reminded me of Hana no Dori (Boys over Flowers) with the bullying, the friend group and the demands of begging for forgiveness. This may be way I was okay with how aggressive it got.
Rating: I give this book a 3/5
5.0
'You make me want to break my vows,” he says, or thinks, or just knows deep in his bones.
The Good
Lucían is down terrible. I love how obsessed he is with how big and strong she is. I really liked his character. He was selfless, kind and caring. I loved Glory as well. She was a badass but also just a sweet and charming woman. I loved the reverse size difference aspect. Both of them were three dimensional lovely characters and even the secondary/background character were notable and fun. Usually I roll my eyes at men being described as these gigantic muscular walls but I loved it here. I thought the slow traveling was going to get repetitive or feel slow but because their relationship is progressing so sweetly and deeply I enjoyed each chapter even if nothing happened plot-wise. The romance and their relationship development was done well enough that I didn't mind. I really liked that while Lucian was really attracted to Glory, their relationship as friends first was developed so well I understood why they cared for each other so much. It was deeper than sexual tension, they understood each other and were vulnerable with each other.
The Bad
There was no bad in this book. The only bad was that it ended and that's not a con because there is a second novel out!
The Rating
I give this book a 5/5