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ellianamaselli's reviews
205 reviews
Esperance by Heather Frost
5.0
Tortured characters, a haunting mystery, thrilling twists, disturbing villains, heartbreaking betrayals, complex characters, swoon-worthy romance, and a plot that keeps you on your toes. This book was SO much more than I expected it to be in every possible good way.
Though there was no cliffhanger, the author left enough threads unresolved that I am on the edge of my seat for book two.
In the meantime, I can’t wait to read more of Heather Frost’s work.
(Also, can we talk about the top-tier fictional men in this book. I am so jealous of our female protagonists. Where do they find these men? Can I have one?)
Thank you.
Though there was no cliffhanger, the author left enough threads unresolved that I am on the edge of my seat for book two.
In the meantime, I can’t wait to read more of Heather Frost’s work.
(Also, can we talk about the top-tier fictional men in this book. I am so jealous of our female protagonists. Where do they find these men? Can I have one?)
Thank you.
Of Stormlarks and Silence by Constance Lopez
4.0
"But if we only forgave those who deserved it, we’d all be condemned."
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book in 24 hours.
That’s three sittings. Which means the book must be good. Or, at the very least, captivating.
And it absolutely was.
My guilty pleasure will forever be, as I like to call them “light, clean, high-fantasy romances/fairytale retellings with overt Christian themes.” (While this book was certainly far more… substantial… than most of the others in that sub-sub-genre, it definitely still fits into that category.) Add onto that a one-sided enemies-to-lovers plot and I’m completely sold.
I enjoyed almost everything about this book, from the politics to the world building and characters, to the romantic chemistry between the leads, to the platonic chemistry between the leads and their (absolutely impeccable) closest allies (can I get a woot-woot for Liam and Uncle Kent, anyone???)
- Let it be known that I have an innate weakness for any and every father/daughter relationship between two characters who are not actually related. As a daughter to a wonderful father, and an “extra daughter” to the most amazing "extra dad" ever, relationships like this in books make me teary-eyed.
- I also have a weakness for bromance (really, though, don’t we all??) and I feel in my heart of hearts that Liam and Tristan’s relationship qualifies.
I know some other reviewer has already said this, but I totally agree that Riona and Tristan’s chemistry was IMMEDIATE. From the moment the two first interacted the sparks were tangible and I was here for it.
So why didn’t I give this five-stars? Because I’m hella picky about the books I give five-stars. And “light, clean, high-fantasy romances/fairytale retellings with overt Christian themes” don’t typically (and by “typically,” I mean ever) fall into that list.
Still, if any of these things sound of interest to you (or you’re like me and just want a guilty-pleasure book you could buddy-read with your mom) I would highly recommend this book.
I myself will be continuing on with the series immediately after writing this review. Hasta la vista, Frijoles.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book in 24 hours.
That’s three sittings. Which means the book must be good. Or, at the very least, captivating.
And it absolutely was.
"The hurt doesn’t go away just because you release the anger—or guilt. I suspect true forgiving is a constant choice. Choosing every day to put the anger aside, to choose to love even when love isn’t deserved."
My guilty pleasure will forever be, as I like to call them “light, clean, high-fantasy romances/fairytale retellings with overt Christian themes.” (While this book was certainly far more… substantial… than most of the others in that sub-sub-genre, it definitely still fits into that category.) Add onto that a one-sided enemies-to-lovers plot and I’m completely sold.
She’d resigned her soul to darkness when she’d first chosen revenge. But in loving her, Tristan had saved her.
I enjoyed almost everything about this book, from the politics to the world building and characters, to the romantic chemistry between the leads, to the platonic chemistry between the leads and their (absolutely impeccable) closest allies (can I get a woot-woot for Liam and Uncle Kent, anyone???)
Liam grinned. ... "If Tristan wasn’t taken with her already, I’d kiss Riona myself." He paused and gagged. "Never mind, I definitely wouldn’t, that sounds terrible. Even getting rid of you isn’t worth kissing her."
- Let it be known that I have an innate weakness for any and every father/daughter relationship between two characters who are not actually related. As a daughter to a wonderful father, and an “extra daughter” to the most amazing "extra dad" ever, relationships like this in books make me teary-eyed.
- I also have a weakness for bromance (really, though, don’t we all??) and I feel in my heart of hearts that Liam and Tristan’s relationship qualifies.
His gaze pierced into hers, serious and searching. “Do you love me, Ria?”
Her heartbeat pounded in her ears. “Yes. Entirely more than is rational.”
I know some other reviewer has already said this, but I totally agree that Riona and Tristan’s chemistry was IMMEDIATE. From the moment the two first interacted the sparks were tangible and I was here for it.
"You're exquisite." ...
"I've never had someone call me that," she said.
"I've never met someone who it fit so well."
So why didn’t I give this five-stars? Because I’m hella picky about the books I give five-stars. And “light, clean, high-fantasy romances/fairytale retellings with overt Christian themes” don’t typically (and by “typically,” I mean ever) fall into that list.
Still, if any of these things sound of interest to you (or you’re like me and just want a guilty-pleasure book you could buddy-read with your mom) I would highly recommend this book.
I myself will be continuing on with the series immediately after writing this review. Hasta la vista, Frijoles.
Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier
4.0
I honestly don't remember much of what happened in this book compared to the other two (this whole trilogy read like one extended book split into three parts). But I'm going to try to discuss it because, honestly, I loved this trilogy.
Gwen and Gideon had a romance that I shouldn't have loved but totally did. The twists were sometimes predictable and, at other times, completely shocking in the best way. Many times, they were somewhere in-between (which is, in my opinion, the best place for twists to be). I was completely invested throughout the entirety of the series and will absolutely be rereading these books at some later point when I've forgotten a lot of what happened.
Beyond just the plot, though, the voice and personality of these books is impeccable and it's something I have never quite seen replicated before. Gwen is a believable sixteen-year-old. Gideon is a very sexy, brooding love interest. The prose is witty, the character work is well-done, and the atmosphere is addicting. Everyone is suspicious and yet, no one is suspicious enough. You suspect almost everyone of foul play at some point but are never sure whether you're right... until you make it to the end and find out that you were. I don't know if that makes sense, and I don't care.
I probably loved this series more than I should have. I'm ready to admit that. Because while all of the books individually got four stars, I would give the series as a whole a good five stars total.
If you love secret societies, time travel, historical fiction, and/or romances that will keep you on the edge of your seat, you will enjoy these books.
to see my review of the first book in the series, click here.
Gwen and Gideon had a romance that I shouldn't have loved but totally did. The twists were sometimes predictable and, at other times, completely shocking in the best way. Many times, they were somewhere in-between (which is, in my opinion, the best place for twists to be). I was completely invested throughout the entirety of the series and will absolutely be rereading these books at some later point when I've forgotten a lot of what happened.
Beyond just the plot, though, the voice and personality of these books is impeccable and it's something I have never quite seen replicated before. Gwen is a believable sixteen-year-old. Gideon is a very sexy, brooding love interest. The prose is witty, the character work is well-done, and the atmosphere is addicting. Everyone is suspicious and yet, no one is suspicious enough. You suspect almost everyone of foul play at some point but are never sure whether you're right... until you make it to the end and find out that you were. I don't know if that makes sense, and I don't care.
I probably loved this series more than I should have. I'm ready to admit that. Because while all of the books individually got four stars, I would give the series as a whole a good five stars total.
If you love secret societies, time travel, historical fiction, and/or romances that will keep you on the edge of your seat, you will enjoy these books.
to see my review of the first book in the series, click here.
Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier
4.0
I had a really fun time reading this one! The characters are realistic (especially Gwen, who actually acts like a 16 year old), and the premise is super exciting. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series (which I would recommend doing all at once, as it really feels like one book split into three parts).
But the fact that that kiss came so soon, and when he still seems to be in love with Charlotte, was pretty suspicious to me. So, regardless of his motives, I think he’s lying to her. (Don’t tell me if I’m wrong.)
to see my spoiler-free review of the whole precious stones trilogy, click here.
Spoiler
Also, I have this feeling that Gideon is lying to Gwen. But I also think he has been brainwashed and is convinced he’s doing the right thing, even though he’s unknowingly working with evil people… if that makes sense?But the fact that that kiss came so soon, and when he still seems to be in love with Charlotte, was pretty suspicious to me. So, regardless of his motives, I think he’s lying to her. (Don’t tell me if I’m wrong.)
to see my spoiler-free review of the whole precious stones trilogy, click here.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
4.0
I love Rebecca Ross.
And no, I don't just mean I love her books or her writing or her plots or her characters (even though all of those things are almost always impeccable [we all know The Queen's Rising is the exception]). I mean exactly what I said: I love Rebecca Ross herself. Not often do you come across an author who truly cares about their readers, who takes the time to curate playlists and content warnings and promote fan art for their fans. Rebecca does all of these things. Does that mean that I love every writing choice she's ever made? No. But I will always, always, always pick up her books because I know when I do, I will be taken care of as a reader.
This book was no different.
Divine Rivals follows two characters: Iris Winnow, and Roman Kitt. Iris and Roman are journalist—you guessed it—rivals who are basically competing for the same job of... editor? Columnist? ...I actually don't remember. But it doesn't matter because that's not the point.
The point is that Iris' brother is off at war. And Iris, in her deep, tragic loneliness, has been writing him letters via her typewriter and sending them into the void via magic (because it wouldn't be a Rebecca Ross book without magic, now would it?). But what Iris doesn't know—and you've probably already guessed—is that these letters are not, in fact, in the void, but in Roman Kitt's wardrobe. And he has read every single one of them.
^Roman, after reading all of Iris' private mail (I can't blame him; I would have done the same)
This goes on for a while, but the book actually starts when Roman decides to write her back.
Of course, you can guess how that goes (it wouldn't be a Rebecca Ross book without a good enemies-to-lovers plot, now would it?). And we all know that anyone in their right mind should appreciate an enemies-to-lovers plot. That should be enough reason for you to read the book right there. But if it isn't, then allow me to present exhibit B: the war.
I don't even like wartime books. The moment you put a character in the non-metaphorical trenches, I tend to lose interest. Well, not this time, baby. Because this is Rebecca-friggin-Ross. And she cares about her readers. She keeps it interesting. And that's good enough for me.
If there's one complaint I had, it was that the romance moved a little too fast for my liking (although, it wouldn't be a Rebecca Ross book without a fast-paced romance), and the ending implied that book two might contain the trope where Iris and Roman are separated for a long time without contact (it wouldn't be a Rebecca Ross book without some good-old frustrating ship-separation, now would it?). This is usually one of my least favorite tropes in fiction. However, if there's one thing that [b:A Fire Endless|60606326|A Fire Endless (Elements of Cadence, #2)|Rebecca Ross|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1663708266l/60606326._SY75_.jpg|84776444] taught me, it's that Rebecca can take even my least favorite tropes and write them in a way that makes me love them (not to mention, the payoff in that book was so good, I can't wait to see what she does here). So I'm holding out hope all the same.
In conclusion, I love Rebecca Ross. Favorite author material over here, seriously. Because while her books aren't always perfect, they're pretty damn close. And the ships are always, always, always pretty damn cute.
I will definitely be reading [b:Ruthless Vows|127280062|Ruthless Vows (Letters of Enchantment, #2)|Rebecca Ross|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1684911482l/127280062._SY75_.jpg|94100488] when it's released later this month.
reviews for rebecca ross novels
A River Enchanted
Divine Rivals
And no, I don't just mean I love her books or her writing or her plots or her characters (even though all of those things are almost always impeccable [we all know The Queen's Rising is the exception]). I mean exactly what I said: I love Rebecca Ross herself. Not often do you come across an author who truly cares about their readers, who takes the time to curate playlists and content warnings and promote fan art for their fans. Rebecca does all of these things. Does that mean that I love every writing choice she's ever made? No. But I will always, always, always pick up her books because I know when I do, I will be taken care of as a reader.
This book was no different.
Divine Rivals follows two characters: Iris Winnow, and Roman Kitt. Iris and Roman are journalist—you guessed it—rivals who are basically competing for the same job of... editor? Columnist? ...I actually don't remember. But it doesn't matter because that's not the point.
The point is that Iris' brother is off at war. And Iris, in her deep, tragic loneliness, has been writing him letters via her typewriter and sending them into the void via magic (because it wouldn't be a Rebecca Ross book without magic, now would it?). But what Iris doesn't know—and you've probably already guessed—is that these letters are not, in fact, in the void, but in Roman Kitt's wardrobe. And he has read every single one of them.
^Roman, after reading all of Iris' private mail (I can't blame him; I would have done the same)
This goes on for a while, but the book actually starts when Roman decides to write her back.
Of course, you can guess how that goes (it wouldn't be a Rebecca Ross book without a good enemies-to-lovers plot, now would it?). And we all know that anyone in their right mind should appreciate an enemies-to-lovers plot. That should be enough reason for you to read the book right there. But if it isn't, then allow me to present exhibit B: the war.
I don't even like wartime books. The moment you put a character in the non-metaphorical trenches, I tend to lose interest. Well, not this time, baby. Because this is Rebecca-friggin-Ross. And she cares about her readers. She keeps it interesting. And that's good enough for me.
If there's one complaint I had, it was that the romance moved a little too fast for my liking (although, it wouldn't be a Rebecca Ross book without a fast-paced romance), and the ending implied that book two might contain the trope where Iris and Roman are separated for a long time without contact (it wouldn't be a Rebecca Ross book without some good-old frustrating ship-separation, now would it?). This is usually one of my least favorite tropes in fiction. However, if there's one thing that [b:A Fire Endless|60606326|A Fire Endless (Elements of Cadence, #2)|Rebecca Ross|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1663708266l/60606326._SY75_.jpg|84776444] taught me, it's that Rebecca can take even my least favorite tropes and write them in a way that makes me love them (not to mention, the payoff in that book was so good, I can't wait to see what she does here). So I'm holding out hope all the same.
In conclusion, I love Rebecca Ross. Favorite author material over here, seriously. Because while her books aren't always perfect, they're pretty damn close. And the ships are always, always, always pretty damn cute.
I will definitely be reading [b:Ruthless Vows|127280062|Ruthless Vows (Letters of Enchantment, #2)|Rebecca Ross|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1684911482l/127280062._SY75_.jpg|94100488] when it's released later this month.
reviews for rebecca ross novels
A River Enchanted
Divine Rivals
The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
I'm putting a wrench in this one for now.
I don't know what the problem is. Maybe the setting of this book isn't for me. Maybe the characters aren't clicking. Maybe the plot is just boring me. Or maybe I just need a little break from Narnia altogether. Regardless, I can practically feel this book dragging me by the skin of my teeth into a reading slump. And I'm not willing to let that happen the week before Christmas.
Maybe I'll pick this up at some later date. Maybe I'll just move on to Prince Caspian. Who knows? What I do know is that this isn't the book for me right now and I would rather not fall into a reading slump because I'm so unbelievably bored with a CoN novel.
Sorry, can't be sorry.
reviews for the chronicles of narnia
book 1: The Magician's Nephew
book 2: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
book 3: The Horse & His Boy
I don't know what the problem is. Maybe the setting of this book isn't for me. Maybe the characters aren't clicking. Maybe the plot is just boring me. Or maybe I just need a little break from Narnia altogether. Regardless, I can practically feel this book dragging me by the skin of my teeth into a reading slump. And I'm not willing to let that happen the week before Christmas.
Maybe I'll pick this up at some later date. Maybe I'll just move on to Prince Caspian. Who knows? What I do know is that this isn't the book for me right now and I would rather not fall into a reading slump because I'm so unbelievably bored with a CoN novel.
Sorry, can't be sorry.
reviews for the chronicles of narnia
book 1: The Magician's Nephew
book 2: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
book 3: The Horse & His Boy
The House Witch 2 by Delemhach
3.0
Not often is the sequel better than the original. This book is the exception.
I seriously debated putting this book down 12% of the way in. (I felt I wouldn't like the direction the story was taking). But I decided to push through and I am so, so glad I did.
While it's still only getting three stars, this part of the story was significantly more fun than the first. This is probably because it's about half as long, so there's not much time to be bored while reading it. Every chapter is important and every scene is eventful. The romance, though mostly resolved is still enjoyable to read about, and we even have a new romance introduced that is everything I never knew I needed.
Furthermore, the entire second act of this book is crazy good. I was even near tears at one point. Delemhach did such a good job of putting these characters through hell and letting each of them react in the exact ways you'd expect them to.
Speaking of characters, can we get a round of applause for Kate, Hannah, Eric, Norman, and Ainsley? Because every single one of these people so completely deserves to be happy. I'm thrilled that they all seem on their way to happy endings (though I worry I speak too soon).
My main complaint with this book is still the writing. Delemhach knows how to construct a good story. They know how to write great characters with incredible relationships. They know how to concoct wacky situations and believably execute them. However, after having one character release a breath she didn't know she was holding, and another be referred to as "the redhead" in every other paragraph, I couldn't help but be more than a little frustrated with this book's obvious need for an editor.
Bottom line: this book was, like the first, good. But, also like the first, it wasn't great. I'm not sure whether I will read the third installment or not, but a substantial part of me feels like I've come too far to turn back now. And who knows? Maybe I'll finally be allowed to forget, if only for a moment, that Finley Ashowan is a redhead.
I seriously debated putting this book down 12% of the way in. (I felt I wouldn't like the direction the story was taking). But I decided to push through and I am so, so glad I did.
"You found your own reason and strength to go after your fate. You didn’t let others push it upon you, or let it be taken away. So I think now, I’m going to do the same."
While it's still only getting three stars, this part of the story was significantly more fun than the first. This is probably because it's about half as long, so there's not much time to be bored while reading it. Every chapter is important and every scene is eventful. The romance, though mostly resolved is still enjoyable to read about, and we even have a new romance introduced that is everything I never knew I needed.
He didn’t want to fight her … he just wanted to take care of her. Gods knew she deserved to be taken care of and perhaps spoiled more than a little.
(I mean, c'mon, tell me they're not adorable.)
Furthermore, the entire second act of this book is crazy good. I was even near tears at one point. Delemhach did such a good job of putting these characters through hell and letting each of them react in the exact ways you'd expect them to.
Speaking of characters, can we get a round of applause for Kate, Hannah, Eric, Norman, and Ainsley? Because every single one of these people so completely deserves to be happy. I'm thrilled that they all seem on their way to happy endings (though I worry I speak too soon).
"You have been, and always will be, the best person I know. Even before I knew you, and even after I’m gone."
My main complaint with this book is still the writing. Delemhach knows how to construct a good story. They know how to write great characters with incredible relationships. They know how to concoct wacky situations and believably execute them. However, after having one character release a breath she didn't know she was holding, and another be referred to as "the redhead" in every other paragraph, I couldn't help but be more than a little frustrated with this book's obvious need for an editor.
Bottom line: this book was, like the first, good. But, also like the first, it wasn't great. I'm not sure whether I will read the third installment or not, but a substantial part of me feels like I've come too far to turn back now. And who knows? Maybe I'll finally be allowed to forget, if only for a moment, that Finley Ashowan is a redhead.
The House Witch by Delemhach
2.0
2.5| I have no idea how to review this book.
On one hand, I was hooked from the beginning and deeply enjoyed the story, characters, and romance. On the other hand... the writing itself was mediocre at best.
Look, I recognize different people have different writing styles, and that's fine. However, while Delemhach knows how to craft a good story and compelling characters, the writing felt a little bit like a first draft. It wasn't enough to pull me out of the story, but it was enough to discourage me from recommending it to the friends I usually recommend books like this.
As far as the positives go, however, there were quite a few. The atmosphere of this book felt cozy and autumnal, despite its spring/summer timeline. The characters were compelling, flawed, and sympathetic. Characters that I started out hating were some of my favorites by the end. Fin himself went through massive character development throughout this novel, but he also never acted outside of what seemed natural for his character. Furthermore, the romance was incredibly well written. Fin and Annika had chemistry from the get-go and their scenes together (particularly from the halfway point on) had just enough sexual tension to keep you invested, without being (unnecessarily) cheesy.
My only last complaint is this: the book was, in my opinion, wayyyy too long. While I loved hanging out with the characters and seeing the fun "shenanigans" they got into, there was a point (around 40% or so) where this book felt like it would never. end. The length wouldn't have bothered me if the romance hadn't also been so ridiculously slow. I will read and enjoy a book for a variety of reasons, but typically, the romance is what keeps me turning pages while I'm reading. In this case, I was invested in the romance. I wanted to keep turning pages... but I did have to look up how long it would freaking take before these two idiots finally got together. And when I thought they would get together, I was wrong and wound up waiting for another two-hundred pages for it to happen. A slow burn wouldn't usually bother me, but honestly, that combined with the ridiculous length of this book made it nearly unbearable. Maybe I'm just impatient lately, but I don't think that's the case (or, at least, not the primary one).
In sum, this book was the very definition of "good, not great." However, I will be reading the sequel, because honestly, I feel like I'm in too deep to stop now (after all, I've put so much time and energy into waiting for Fin and Annika to get together that I feel like I owe it to myself to watch their relationship play out... at least for a little while longer.)
I am not tagging this review for spoilers because, honestly, I think people who read this deserve to know that they are boarding a ship that takes six hundred pages to sail. Just saying.
On one hand, I was hooked from the beginning and deeply enjoyed the story, characters, and romance. On the other hand... the writing itself was mediocre at best.
Look, I recognize different people have different writing styles, and that's fine. However, while Delemhach knows how to craft a good story and compelling characters, the writing felt a little bit like a first draft. It wasn't enough to pull me out of the story, but it was enough to discourage me from recommending it to the friends I usually recommend books like this.
"I am weak, though. I can only do things to promote peace.”
“You think that is weakness?! Kingdoms go to war not because they are strong, but because they are weak!"
As far as the positives go, however, there were quite a few. The atmosphere of this book felt cozy and autumnal, despite its spring/summer timeline. The characters were compelling, flawed, and sympathetic. Characters that I started out hating were some of my favorites by the end. Fin himself went through massive character development throughout this novel, but he also never acted outside of what seemed natural for his character. Furthermore, the romance was incredibly well written. Fin and Annika had chemistry from the get-go and their scenes together (particularly from the halfway point on) had just enough sexual tension to keep you invested, without being (unnecessarily) cheesy.
"You promise you won’t have any second thoughts?” A small smile of her own was beginning to bloom on Annika’s face.
“Love, you’ve been my first and only thought for quite some time.”
My only last complaint is this: the book was, in my opinion, wayyyy too long. While I loved hanging out with the characters and seeing the fun "shenanigans" they got into, there was a point (around 40% or so) where this book felt like it would never. end. The length wouldn't have bothered me if the romance hadn't also been so ridiculously slow. I will read and enjoy a book for a variety of reasons, but typically, the romance is what keeps me turning pages while I'm reading. In this case, I was invested in the romance. I wanted to keep turning pages... but I did have to look up how long it would freaking take before these two idiots finally got together. And when I thought they would get together, I was wrong and wound up waiting for another two-hundred pages for it to happen. A slow burn wouldn't usually bother me, but honestly, that combined with the ridiculous length of this book made it nearly unbearable. Maybe I'm just impatient lately, but I don't think that's the case (or, at least, not the primary one).
In sum, this book was the very definition of "good, not great." However, I will be reading the sequel, because honestly, I feel like I'm in too deep to stop now (after all, I've put so much time and energy into waiting for Fin and Annika to get together that I feel like I owe it to myself to watch their relationship play out... at least for a little while longer.)
I am not tagging this review for spoilers because, honestly, I think people who read this deserve to know that they are boarding a ship that takes six hundred pages to sail. Just saying.
The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson
3.0
I have debated throughout this entire book whether to give it three or four stars. I have mixed feelings about a lot of it. I think if I had been more aware of certain things going in, I would have enjoyed it more. So, in light of that, here are my pros and cons for this book. (Mild spoilers ahead.)
PRO: The Romance
The romance was this book was incredibly charming. I was actually surprised by how much I liked it by the end. In the beginning, I wasn't convinced. I actually preferred Lord Rupert for a little while (I know, shameful, but what can I say?). But I was impressed at how tactfully the author revealed his true intentions, and how we slowly saw how wrong he was for Rose. When everything finally came out, I was happy to root for Lord Wilhelm instead.
Speaking of Lord Wilhelm, I found it incredibly satisfying how everything played out. The romance between him and Rose was incredibly sweet. The wait was long, but the payoff was great.
CON: The... Romance???
This book sort of has a love triangle??? I guess??? I don't know. It didn't really bother me, but I'd understand how it would annoy some people. In my mind, it was clear from the beginning what was going to happen romantically (at least, to a degree), so I didn't mind watching it play out in the slightest. It's pretty well done and doesn't last throughout the whole book, just be aware that it's there before you read.
PRO: The Spirituality
I did not realize this book was Christian until I started reading it, but it's pretty obvious once you start that it is. I recognize that being a Christian myself, my opinion is a little biased here. But I really didn't mind the use of religion in this book. For most of the book, it was very tactfully done (Christian spirituality, specifically concerning demons and intercession, plays a greater role in the last 25% of the book). To me, though, the author did a good job of presenting this in a way that wasn't too preachy. It was just what the characters believed. Unless someone is deeply triggered by Christian themes (which is a concern of the reader, and not a fault of the author), these shouldn't bother readers too much, no matter their background.
CON: It was... Predictable, to Say the Least
On one hand, the book was extremely predictable (both of the big twists are obvious from the moment they're first hinted). On the other hand, it was still fun watching the characters discover these things on their own. It did take them a little long to figure everything out, but the pay-off was good, I guess.
CON: It was a Little... Long... I Think?
When I first saw the premise for this book, I was expecting this book to be a certain length. And it was significantly longer than I expected. I honestly think that if I read it again, I would be more prepared for the length because actually, it wasn't ever boring. The length made sense once I got to the end. There was just more plot than I expected. So... just be aware of that.
In Sum
I still have no idea how to rate this. I guess... read it if you want?
PRO: The Romance
The romance was this book was incredibly charming. I was actually surprised by how much I liked it by the end. In the beginning, I wasn't convinced. I actually preferred Lord Rupert for a little while (I know, shameful, but what can I say?). But I was impressed at how tactfully the author revealed his true intentions, and how we slowly saw how wrong he was for Rose. When everything finally came out, I was happy to root for Lord Wilhelm instead.
Speaking of Lord Wilhelm, I found it incredibly satisfying how everything played out. The romance between him and Rose was incredibly sweet. The wait was long, but the payoff was great.
CON: The... Romance???
This book sort of has a love triangle??? I guess??? I don't know. It didn't really bother me, but I'd understand how it would annoy some people. In my mind, it was clear from the beginning what was going to happen romantically (at least, to a degree), so I didn't mind watching it play out in the slightest. It's pretty well done and doesn't last throughout the whole book, just be aware that it's there before you read.
PRO: The Spirituality
I did not realize this book was Christian until I started reading it, but it's pretty obvious once you start that it is. I recognize that being a Christian myself, my opinion is a little biased here. But I really didn't mind the use of religion in this book. For most of the book, it was very tactfully done (Christian spirituality, specifically concerning demons and intercession, plays a greater role in the last 25% of the book). To me, though, the author did a good job of presenting this in a way that wasn't too preachy. It was just what the characters believed. Unless someone is deeply triggered by Christian themes (which is a concern of the reader, and not a fault of the author), these shouldn't bother readers too much, no matter their background.
CON: It was... Predictable, to Say the Least
On one hand, the book was extremely predictable (both of the big twists are obvious from the moment they're first hinted). On the other hand, it was still fun watching the characters discover these things on their own. It did take them a little long to figure everything out, but the pay-off was good, I guess.
CON: It was a Little... Long... I Think?
When I first saw the premise for this book, I was expecting this book to be a certain length. And it was significantly longer than I expected. I honestly think that if I read it again, I would be more prepared for the length because actually, it wasn't ever boring. The length made sense once I got to the end. There was just more plot than I expected. So... just be aware of that.
In Sum
I still have no idea how to rate this. I guess... read it if you want?