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crownedaimee's reviews
363 reviews
The Crimson Moth by Kristen Ciccarelli
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
When I tell you I devoured this book, I mean it with my whole heart. I had high hopes for this book and let me tell you, it did not disappoint one bit. Can next year hurry up already because I need the next books in my hands right now. I don't know how you can expect me to cope until then.
The Crimson Moth follows Rune and Gideon who play a deadly game of cat and mouse between a witch and a witch hunter. Rune spends her days pretending to be a witch hating socialite but at night, she is the Crimson Moth, a vigilante who rescues witches from being killed. In a place where witches are outlawed, Gideon stops at nothing to hunt the witches, especially after they murdered almost everyone in his family. When word spreads about Rune's possible involvement with the Crimson Moth, he decides to fake court her in hopes to get more information. But what happens when they fall in love?
Their romance is doomed from the start and whilst pretending to woo each other they find themselves falling for each other. It was enemies to lovers at its absolute finest. The tension was so delicious, I was rooting for them so much, you don't understand. I couldn't read this fast enough, the way they were constantly trying to outsmart the other? Had me in an chokehold the entire time. The chemistry between Rune and Gideon was off the charts and I can't wait to see how they develop in the sequel.
Individually, both of the characters were so well written and I'm so glad that we got a dual pov with these two otherwise I don't think it would've worked so well just reading from one. I so can't wait to see the character development in the next book, especially after the ending! I just know it's gonna get juicy.
I absolutely love the magic system within this book. The witches aren't made to be invincible and do actually have weakness which is something that I have rarely read in books. I do however think this could be marketed more towards older young adults or even new adult so keep that in mind, as well as any potential triggers with the mention of abuse both physical and sexual, and self harm.
Prepare for the emotional damage that this book will you give and the rollercoaster you'll definitely be in. I cannot recommend this enough, you all need to go read this right now.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Crimson Moth follows Rune and Gideon who play a deadly game of cat and mouse between a witch and a witch hunter. Rune spends her days pretending to be a witch hating socialite but at night, she is the Crimson Moth, a vigilante who rescues witches from being killed. In a place where witches are outlawed, Gideon stops at nothing to hunt the witches, especially after they murdered almost everyone in his family. When word spreads about Rune's possible involvement with the Crimson Moth, he decides to fake court her in hopes to get more information. But what happens when they fall in love?
Their romance is doomed from the start and whilst pretending to woo each other they find themselves falling for each other. It was enemies to lovers at its absolute finest. The tension was so delicious, I was rooting for them so much, you don't understand. I couldn't read this fast enough, the way they were constantly trying to outsmart the other? Had me in an chokehold the entire time. The chemistry between Rune and Gideon was off the charts and I can't wait to see how they develop in the sequel.
Individually, both of the characters were so well written and I'm so glad that we got a dual pov with these two otherwise I don't think it would've worked so well just reading from one. I so can't wait to see the character development in the next book, especially after the ending! I just know it's gonna get juicy.
I absolutely love the magic system within this book. The witches aren't made to be invincible and do actually have weakness which is something that I have rarely read in books. I do however think this could be marketed more towards older young adults or even new adult so keep that in mind, as well as any potential triggers with the mention of abuse both physical and sexual, and self harm.
Prepare for the emotional damage that this book will you give and the rollercoaster you'll definitely be in. I cannot recommend this enough, you all need to go read this right now.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Girl Abroad by Elle Kennedy
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
Girl Abroad follows nineteen year old Abbey who is the daughter of a famous musician and tired of being in his shadow, she sets out to have her own adventures as an exchange student for the next year at a university in London. But she doesn't have the easiest start to her trip when she discovers she won't being living in with three other female roommates but rather three guys. During her time in London, Abbey is caught between a love triangle with two potential bachelors, one who happens to be rugby playing housemate and the other, a bass guitarist who just happens to have a girlfriend.
Despite this book having a love triangle, I really enjoyed this book, especially the plot that centred around the painting, all the mystery surrounding it and I loved how it paralleled Abbey's own life and struggles. I also loved the relationships in the book, especially with Lee, Cece, Jamie and other side characters. The found family dynamic is well written within in this book.
However I do feel like it read more of a Young Adult contemporary rather than a New Adult romance, if it wasn't for the spice then I would've easily mistaken it as Young Adult. While this isn't necessary a bad thing, we all know that Elle Kennedy can write New Adult quite well, just look at the Off Campus Series.
If you're a fan of any other Elle Kennedy's books or looking for a quick lighthearted romance then you'll definitely love this. I would highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Despite this book having a love triangle, I really enjoyed this book, especially the plot that centred around the painting, all the mystery surrounding it and I loved how it paralleled Abbey's own life and struggles. I also loved the relationships in the book, especially with Lee, Cece, Jamie and other side characters. The found family dynamic is well written within in this book.
However I do feel like it read more of a Young Adult contemporary rather than a New Adult romance, if it wasn't for the spice then I would've easily mistaken it as Young Adult. While this isn't necessary a bad thing, we all know that Elle Kennedy can write New Adult quite well, just look at the Off Campus Series.
If you're a fan of any other Elle Kennedy's books or looking for a quick lighthearted romance then you'll definitely love this. I would highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Secrets Ever Green: The Everlight Series by Sara Knightly
2.0
This book had a lot of potential and was looking forward to reading it based off the synopsis but it just felt a little flat to me.
Secrets Ever Green follows Ivy Rune who is on a quest to unravel her father's mysterious legacy when she discovers a hidden world that alters her destiny.
I think my main issue was the writing, it felt a lot more telling than showing what was going on and felt like it's more targeted towards middle grade fiction rather than young adult. Additionally, there are a lot of questions and I get its through Ivy's inner monologue but when it happens nearly every chapter, it starts to become repetitive. Also I don't understand why the Count had a randon pov towards the end, it felt out of place. It would've worked better if it was actually at the end of the book.
I was also confused on what the whole situation was Nicholas. He was introduced then completely disappeared for the rest of the book. I didn't quite understand the point of introducing this character for it to not even go away.
Another issue I had was I didn't feel like the plot was actually going anywhere until it got to the last couple of chapters and I was like finally, we're getting somewhere but then it ended. It felt as if it was more of a mystery then a fantasy book, whether that be something that is explored more for the second book, I'm not sure. I also felt like this book didn't have any conclusion, it just ended and rather sets the scene for the next book. If this book was longer than I think my rating would've be higher as it could've tied up any loose ends.
I'm still torn on whether I will read the second book or not, my interest is there and I am intrigued to see where the story continues but at the moment, I'm not itching to get my hands on it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Secrets Ever Green follows Ivy Rune who is on a quest to unravel her father's mysterious legacy when she discovers a hidden world that alters her destiny.
I think my main issue was the writing, it felt a lot more telling than showing what was going on and felt like it's more targeted towards middle grade fiction rather than young adult. Additionally, there are a lot of questions and I get its through Ivy's inner monologue but when it happens nearly every chapter, it starts to become repetitive. Also I don't understand why the Count had a randon pov towards the end, it felt out of place. It would've worked better if it was actually at the end of the book.
I was also confused on what the whole situation was Nicholas. He was introduced then completely disappeared for the rest of the book. I didn't quite understand the point of introducing this character for it to not even go away.
Another issue I had was I didn't feel like the plot was actually going anywhere until it got to the last couple of chapters and I was like finally, we're getting somewhere but then it ended. It felt as if it was more of a mystery then a fantasy book, whether that be something that is explored more for the second book, I'm not sure. I also felt like this book didn't have any conclusion, it just ended and rather sets the scene for the next book. If this book was longer than I think my rating would've be higher as it could've tied up any loose ends.
I'm still torn on whether I will read the second book or not, my interest is there and I am intrigued to see where the story continues but at the moment, I'm not itching to get my hands on it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
I actually don't know where to go from here. This book completely recked me in the best way possible. I'm not ready to stay goodbye to this characters so there better be another book because I honestly don't know how the story will be able to continue after the events that happened in this book. However I do feel like Tharion might have his own book, or at least a novella, after that last chapter. I don't know whether I am excited or not.
As much I loved the book, I did feel like there was some things that stopped me giving this book a five stars which is a shame. The writing and the world building is absolutely beautiful but at times the book did feel a little slow, like a lot of time they were in caves and during the time that Bryce was in the Prison with Nesta and Azriel there was so much information about the story of the Asteri that I just needed a moment and put the book down because I couldn't process it all. I still couldn't even tell you what really happened.
One thing that threw me off a lot was the shift between the different character's povs mid chapter. Sarah knows how to work multiple povs, all you need to is read Throne of Glass, but I felt like it didn't flow well in this book. There was one particular part that something important was happening with Bryce and then it would switch to Ithan or Tharion and completely throw me off.
Let's talk about characters. Lidia is easily my favourite character within in this book, if not my favourite, alongside Bryce, in this series. She is a badass and I will take no slander against her, ever. Her backstory was heartbreaking and the way she did everything for her sons. I was so excited when we got her own pov. She has my whole entire heart. Though having TWO KIDS was not on my bingo card.
Ruhn Danaan, the Crown Prince of the Valbaran Fae... yeah that's no more. He can do no wrong. Just like Lidia, I will accept no slander against him. When he gave up the crown for Bryce, I think I cried inside. I was so worried that he was possibly going to die because of what the Oracle said, I'm glad that it was just simply him and Byrce abolishing the crown.
As much I love Bryce and she is one of my favourites in the whole massverse I felt like she was a little out of character within House of Flame and Shadow. She had all of these secret plots and it worked for Aelin because that's the character she has always been but for Bryce not so much. Don't get me wrong, I did like it but when it was done so often, her character didn't feel the same anymore.
I struggled a lot with Tharion chapters the most, and sadly to say, Ithan's. I don't feel like Ithan's chapters really gave us anything, I didn't think that the Fendyr/Reaper was interesting which is a complete shame because I absolutely love his character in House of Sky and Breath and was so looking forward to reading more of his character in House of Flame and Shadow. However I am glad that he got to actually goodbye to Connor and got some resolution at the book by becoming the Prime. Do I see a potential mates with him and Perry? Also the elemental power with the snow. Does this mean another connection to the Throne of Glass, and more importantly Dorian.
Tharion didn't give me anything at all. Sarah really said how much can we make one character screw up. It felt as if every chapter of his was him making mistakes and terrible decisions one after the after. It's hard to keep track of who actually owns him now. Like where is his character progression? He had none without the entire series.
The side characters are okay, I almost felt like Declan, Flynn and Baxian weren't really needed. They didn't really do much, I can't even begin to tell you what Flynn did, at least Declan did some hacking. Don't even get me started on Fury and Juniper returning? There was no point, they came and they stayed in Avallen, it just wasn't enough. Sathia was only there to be part of the setup for the next book and Sigrid had no purpose, she was just there to further Ithan's character arc.
The absolute excitement that came over me when Ruhn finally admitted that him and Lidia were mates, I don't think you guys realise how much of a chokehold they have over me. Is it bad to say that I prefer them over Bryce and Hunt? I am not responsible for the demon that processed my body when I screamed when I read this scene. Let's be honest, every single one of their scenes had be squealing like a little girl. I do feel as though we were robbed of their romantic journey though a little and wished we had gotten more scenes of them two.
As much as I love Bryce and Hunt together, this book kinda let them down a little for me and I don't know why.
This book really put me through the emotions. I wasn't expecting to cry but yet there I was. Like first you had almost crying about Lidia dying to screaming when the Autumn King and Morven dying then crying when Bryce died, having Jesba sacrifice herself to save Bryce and Bryce sees Danika, the pack and Lebabah? I fear this impacted me more than Rhysand 'dying' ngl.
Is it just me or was anyone else a little disappointed about the crossover? We all thought that it was going to be a huge thing within in this book and before anyone says anything, yes I know it's a Crescent City book and not a A Court of Thorns and Roses book. I just felt like there could've been something more, you know? I was kinda hoping that maybe they could've gone to Midgard and helped even if it was only Nesta and Azriel. Also can we talk about Ember with Nesta? My heart. I firmly believe that Nesta and Bryce could be besties though.
I loved seeing Nesta and Azriel in action though, they both deserve five stars each, which is something I hadn't thought I would say about Nesta. I'm not that much of a Nesta stan even after A Court of Silver Flames but I really liked her in this. I think it was good that we saw her in a outsider's perspective so we have no prior judgement towards her character. I do feel like Nesta is going to have an important role within ACOTAR5 like she was given Gwydion/Starsword and she now has the eight-pointed star tattoo? The dynamic between Nesta and Azriel is incredible, I love their bond and seeing them in action together. I need more of that within ACOTAR5.
However the amount of references about Throne of Glass surrounding Lidia! "What are you?" Ace breathed. Still panting, blazing with fire, Lidia said, "An old bloodline," and got to her feet. It was Daybright, as Ruhn has seen her in his mind. She'd presented herself-her true self-to him all this time." Her flames!! Brannon!! The ring!! Are you really telling me that she isn't a descendant of rowaelin, like there's no way I am making this up. If this is the case then I'm really intrigued to read more about her story and how she come to be in Midgard.
So one theory I had was that Hunt had a connection to Thurr as there was so many references and comparisons but yet nothing was even said about this. Was it just a coincidence or was it just to throw us off and be shocked when the actual reveal of Hunt's heritage happened. I also called it regarding Azriel being connected to the Starborn because how else would he able to wield his knife.
So we all know that the Asteri was in the ACTOAR5 right, but surely the Asteri is the Valg in the Throne of Glass world? Did anyone notice the mention of the black collars: "The black crowns were collars in Hel," ... "Spells, crafted by the Asteri to enslave us. They are a binding, one the Asteri adapted to their next war-upon Midgard." like does this not scream the Valg?!
I totally forgot how similar Bryce/Danika's story is to Celaena/Nehamia are. Both Danika and Nehamia died leading Bryce and Celaena on the path to become the leaders they both needed to be.
Overall, I really enjoyed House of Flame and Shadow and liked how everything tied together. It makes more excited for what comes next, even if it's a marriage of connivence between Tharion and Sathia. Whatever Sarah J Maas writes, I will read regardless.
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
this review will contain spoilers so read at your own risk.
"So her said to her, mind-to-mind, I love you, I feel in love with you in the depths of my soul and it's my soul that will find yours again in the next life."
I actually don't know where to go from here. This book completely recked me in the best way possible. I'm not ready to stay goodbye to this characters so there better be another book because I honestly don't know how the story will be able to continue after the events that happened in this book. However I do feel like Tharion might have his own book, or at least a novella, after that last chapter. I don't know whether I am excited or not.
As much I loved the book, I did feel like there was some things that stopped me giving this book a five stars which is a shame. The writing and the world building is absolutely beautiful but at times the book did feel a little slow, like a lot of time they were in caves and during the time that Bryce was in the Prison with Nesta and Azriel there was so much information about the story of the Asteri that I just needed a moment and put the book down because I couldn't process it all. I still couldn't even tell you what really happened.
One thing that threw me off a lot was the shift between the different character's povs mid chapter. Sarah knows how to work multiple povs, all you need to is read Throne of Glass, but I felt like it didn't flow well in this book. There was one particular part that something important was happening with Bryce and then it would switch to Ithan or Tharion and completely throw me off.
"You're my home, Hunt. Our love spans across stars and worlds, remember? She smiled slightly. "I'll always find you."
Let's talk about characters. Lidia is easily my favourite character within in this book, if not my favourite, alongside Bryce, in this series. She is a badass and I will take no slander against her, ever. Her backstory was heartbreaking and the way she did everything for her sons. I was so excited when we got her own pov. She has my whole entire heart. Though having TWO KIDS was not on my bingo card.
Ruhn Danaan, the Crown Prince of the Valbaran Fae... yeah that's no more. He can do no wrong. Just like Lidia, I will accept no slander against him. When he gave up the crown for Bryce, I think I cried inside. I was so worried that he was possibly going to die because of what the Oracle said, I'm glad that it was just simply him and Byrce abolishing the crown.
As much I love Bryce and she is one of my favourites in the whole massverse I felt like she was a little out of character within House of Flame and Shadow. She had all of these secret plots and it worked for Aelin because that's the character she has always been but for Bryce not so much. Don't get me wrong, I did like it but when it was done so often, her character didn't feel the same anymore.
I struggled a lot with Tharion chapters the most, and sadly to say, Ithan's. I don't feel like Ithan's chapters really gave us anything, I didn't think that the Fendyr/Reaper was interesting which is a complete shame because I absolutely love his character in House of Sky and Breath and was so looking forward to reading more of his character in House of Flame and Shadow. However I am glad that he got to actually goodbye to Connor and got some resolution at the book by becoming the Prime. Do I see a potential mates with him and Perry? Also the elemental power with the snow. Does this mean another connection to the Throne of Glass, and more importantly Dorian.
Tharion didn't give me anything at all. Sarah really said how much can we make one character screw up. It felt as if every chapter of his was him making mistakes and terrible decisions one after the after. It's hard to keep track of who actually owns him now. Like where is his character progression? He had none without the entire series.
The side characters are okay, I almost felt like Declan, Flynn and Baxian weren't really needed. They didn't really do much, I can't even begin to tell you what Flynn did, at least Declan did some hacking. Don't even get me started on Fury and Juniper returning? There was no point, they came and they stayed in Avallen, it just wasn't enough. Sathia was only there to be part of the setup for the next book and Sigrid had no purpose, she was just there to further Ithan's character arc.
"Ruhn snarled, saying the words that he hadn't dared voice until now, "She is my mate, you fucker."
The absolute excitement that came over me when Ruhn finally admitted that him and Lidia were mates, I don't think you guys realise how much of a chokehold they have over me. Is it bad to say that I prefer them over Bryce and Hunt? I am not responsible for the demon that processed my body when I screamed when I read this scene. Let's be honest, every single one of their scenes had be squealing like a little girl. I do feel as though we were robbed of their romantic journey though a little and wished we had gotten more scenes of them two.
As much as I love Bryce and Hunt together, this book kinda let them down a little for me and I don't know why.
"Ithan turned. And there was Connor, as vibrant as he'd ever been in life, standing in the temple doorway."
This book really put me through the emotions. I wasn't expecting to cry but yet there I was. Like first you had almost crying about Lidia dying to screaming when the Autumn King and Morven dying then crying when Bryce died, having Jesba sacrifice herself to save Bryce and Bryce sees Danika, the pack and Lebabah? I fear this impacted me more than Rhysand 'dying' ngl.
"But Bryce began running again, hurtling through the cave. Back toward Nesta and Azriel. And prayed there was something left for her to save."
Is it just me or was anyone else a little disappointed about the crossover? We all thought that it was going to be a huge thing within in this book and before anyone says anything, yes I know it's a Crescent City book and not a A Court of Thorns and Roses book. I just felt like there could've been something more, you know? I was kinda hoping that maybe they could've gone to Midgard and helped even if it was only Nesta and Azriel. Also can we talk about Ember with Nesta? My heart. I firmly believe that Nesta and Bryce could be besties though.
I loved seeing Nesta and Azriel in action though, they both deserve five stars each, which is something I hadn't thought I would say about Nesta. I'm not that much of a Nesta stan even after A Court of Silver Flames but I really liked her in this. I think it was good that we saw her in a outsider's perspective so we have no prior judgement towards her character. I do feel like Nesta is going to have an important role within ACOTAR5 like she was given Gwydion/Starsword and she now has the eight-pointed star tattoo? The dynamic between Nesta and Azriel is incredible, I love their bond and seeing them in action together. I need more of that within ACOTAR5.
However the amount of references about Throne of Glass surrounding Lidia! "What are you?" Ace breathed. Still panting, blazing with fire, Lidia said, "An old bloodline," and got to her feet. It was Daybright, as Ruhn has seen her in his mind. She'd presented herself-her true self-to him all this time." Her flames!! Brannon!! The ring!! Are you really telling me that she isn't a descendant of rowaelin, like there's no way I am making this up. If this is the case then I'm really intrigued to read more about her story and how she come to be in Midgard.
"It had confirmed what Lidia had long guessed. Why she had named Brannon after the oldest legends from her family's bloodline: of a Fae King from another world, fire in his veins, who created stags with the power of flame to be his sacred guard."
So one theory I had was that Hunt had a connection to Thurr as there was so many references and comparisons but yet nothing was even said about this. Was it just a coincidence or was it just to throw us off and be shocked when the actual reveal of Hunt's heritage happened. I also called it regarding Azriel being connected to the Starborn because how else would he able to wield his knife.
So we all know that the Asteri was in the ACTOAR5 right, but surely the Asteri is the Valg in the Throne of Glass world? Did anyone notice the mention of the black collars: "The black crowns were collars in Hel," ... "Spells, crafted by the Asteri to enslave us. They are a binding, one the Asteri adapted to their next war-upon Midgard." like does this not scream the Valg?!
I totally forgot how similar Bryce/Danika's story is to Celaena/Nehamia are. Both Danika and Nehamia died leading Bryce and Celaena on the path to become the leaders they both needed to be.
Overall, I really enjoyed House of Flame and Shadow and liked how everything tied together. It makes more excited for what comes next, even if it's a marriage of connivence between Tharion and Sathia. Whatever Sarah J Maas writes, I will read regardless.
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
September, 2019.
I absolutely loved rereading A Court of Wings and Ruin. It was much better the second time round, especially the War. I was so hooked and I didn’t want to stop reading. Additionally, I still like Tamlin. Despite every hurtful thing he said and did, he truly is a good person. He does horrible things for the right thing. He did love Feyre but he was too blinded by that love to see what was happening and it’s sad. He needs to find happiness because he does deserve it.
Furthermore, Cassian and Nesta are mates and in love. I don’t care what anyone says. That is the truth.
May, 2017.
I FINALLY FINISHED (due to lack of reading time and revision) AND I'M SO HAPPY AND SAD.
THIS BOOK ABSOLUTELY WRECKED ME. Even though I had high expectations for this because of A Court of Mist and Fury, it didn't live up to the expectations as much.
Firstly can we just talk about the characters? Every single character has a increase of character development. Especially Feyre. From having such low self worth in the first book to an incredible character who has completely forgiven and grown to love herself. Yes, she is still flawed but who isn't? She makes some sketchy choices and it's constantly healing. Tamlin has definitely redeemed himself. I admit, I didn't like him as much in ACOMAF but I never doubted that he was a full blown villain and still had some humanity left inside him. If you disliked him in the second book then you'll grow to love him again.
Another thing is how each character shows a different way for being strong, especially on how each sacrificed themselves to save their family.
Secondly can we talk about the Weaver, the Bone Carver and the Suriel... NEVER GET OVER IT. I never thought I would be emotional over it. If you've read the book then would understand. Let's just leave it at that.
Thirdly can we talk about how much Maas included the LGBT+ and more diversity. There are several gay couples, a High Lord is either bisexual or pansexual and a major character who is gay. And let me tell you, the latter is someone you won't expect but had me smiling nevertheless.
Another thing is one of the last scenes - yes the scenes when my emotional state was high, when I knew it was coming, that the two people were alive but yet i still cried. This book had me on a ride of emotions, especially on the emotional scenes with the beloved characters and the stressful battles.
However even though there was more Lucien in this book, THERE WASN'T ENOUGH. I hope that there will be a book based on Lucien because I need more of him.
The ships... oh my god I can't explain. Nessian I want more, you guys are killing me. Moriel... *cries* can we not even talk about that.
Even though this book had weak and slow points, it was such a gripping book with characters that you love and wish was real.
Overall this book is one of favourites and I cannot wait to see what is next for these characters. Definitely recommend and a definite re-read.
I absolutely loved rereading A Court of Wings and Ruin. It was much better the second time round, especially the War. I was so hooked and I didn’t want to stop reading. Additionally, I still like Tamlin. Despite every hurtful thing he said and did, he truly is a good person. He does horrible things for the right thing. He did love Feyre but he was too blinded by that love to see what was happening and it’s sad. He needs to find happiness because he does deserve it.
Furthermore, Cassian and Nesta are mates and in love. I don’t care what anyone says. That is the truth.
May, 2017.
I FINALLY FINISHED (due to lack of reading time and revision) AND I'M SO HAPPY AND SAD.
THIS BOOK ABSOLUTELY WRECKED ME. Even though I had high expectations for this because of A Court of Mist and Fury, it didn't live up to the expectations as much.
Firstly can we just talk about the characters? Every single character has a increase of character development. Especially Feyre. From having such low self worth in the first book to an incredible character who has completely forgiven and grown to love herself. Yes, she is still flawed but who isn't? She makes some sketchy choices and it's constantly healing. Tamlin has definitely redeemed himself. I admit, I didn't like him as much in ACOMAF but I never doubted that he was a full blown villain and still had some humanity left inside him. If you disliked him in the second book then you'll grow to love him again.
Another thing is how each character shows a different way for being strong, especially on how each sacrificed themselves to save their family.
Secondly can we talk about the Weaver, the Bone Carver and the Suriel... NEVER GET OVER IT. I never thought I would be emotional over it. If you've read the book then would understand. Let's just leave it at that.
Thirdly can we talk about how much Maas included the LGBT+ and more diversity. There are several gay couples, a High Lord is either bisexual or pansexual and a major character who is gay. And let me tell you, the latter is someone you won't expect but had me smiling nevertheless.
Another thing is one of the last scenes - yes the scenes when my emotional state was high, when I knew it was coming, that the two people were alive but yet i still cried. This book had me on a ride of emotions, especially on the emotional scenes with the beloved characters and the stressful battles.
However even though there was more Lucien in this book, THERE WASN'T ENOUGH. I hope that there will be a book based on Lucien because I need more of him.
The ships... oh my god I can't explain. Nessian I want more, you guys are killing me. Moriel... *cries* can we not even talk about that.
Even though this book had weak and slow points, it was such a gripping book with characters that you love and wish was real.
Overall this book is one of favourites and I cannot wait to see what is next for these characters. Definitely recommend and a definite re-read.