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eloquentmuse's reviews
1011 reviews
The Stricken by Morgan Shamy
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
There may be spoilers in this:
Morgan Shamy’s The Stricken is a wild blend of romantic fantasy and fever-dream surrealism, but I’m hesitant to fully label it as either. The story revolves around Clara, a teen living in a small town (Desolation) where relentless storms erase everyone’s memories except hers. As the sole person who can retain her memories, Clara struggles to protect her mother while grappling with loneliness, exhaustion, and the eerie voice in her head—a voice that’s been her constant companion since childhood.
While the premise is imaginative, and the worldbuilding is packed with intriguing concepts—like memory-devouring Diviners, a magical town called Khalom, and a network of Nobles with reality-shifting powers—the execution left me conflicted. The story is undeniably original, but its complexity felt overwhelming at times, and certain aspects were either poorly explained or downright confusing.
Spoiler Section
What worked:
• The creativity in The Stricken deserves credit. Shamy builds a multilayered universe with unique elements like The Dim (a limbo-like realm for the truly dead), The White Room (a torture space reminiscent of Star Trek’s holodeck), and the five types of magic, including Clara’s rare and feared death magic.
• The story explores compelling themes like self-acceptance and the duality of light and dark within us, embodied by the dynamic between Kale and NoWon.
What didn’t work:
• The stakes felt hollow: Death is a central theme, but with so many characters repeatedly “dying” and coming back to life, the tension fizzled. When no loss feels permanent, it’s hard to stay emotionally invested.
• Character inconsistencies: Clara, though understandably shaped by years of loneliness, came across as immature in ways that were frustrating rather than relatable. Similarly, her quick forgiveness of characters who tortured her in The White Room felt unearned and unrealistic.
• Plot gaps and unresolved threads: How did Kale, a voice in Clara’s head for years, fail to notice the Diviners and Nobles living right under their noses in Desolation? Why was Clara so oblivious to the obvious—like the “NoWon” name pun? The ending, too, left me scratching my head. Was it meant to be happy, bittersweet, or something else entirely?
Ultimately, The Stricken left me feeling conflicted. Its dreamlike quality was both a strength and a weakness: while it was imaginative, it often felt disjointed and hard to follow. I wanted to love the world and characters more, but the lack of cohesion and emotional depth kept me from fully connecting.
If you’re a fan of ambitious, abstract fantasy with a touch of romance and don’t mind some narrative confusion, this book might work for you. For me, it was a mixed bag, and I’m not sure I’ll be diving into a sequel.
Morgan Shamy’s The Stricken is a wild blend of romantic fantasy and fever-dream surrealism, but I’m hesitant to fully label it as either. The story revolves around Clara, a teen living in a small town (Desolation) where relentless storms erase everyone’s memories except hers. As the sole person who can retain her memories, Clara struggles to protect her mother while grappling with loneliness, exhaustion, and the eerie voice in her head—a voice that’s been her constant companion since childhood.
While the premise is imaginative, and the worldbuilding is packed with intriguing concepts—like memory-devouring Diviners, a magical town called Khalom, and a network of Nobles with reality-shifting powers—the execution left me conflicted. The story is undeniably original, but its complexity felt overwhelming at times, and certain aspects were either poorly explained or downright confusing.
Spoiler Section
What worked:
• The creativity in The Stricken deserves credit. Shamy builds a multilayered universe with unique elements like The Dim (a limbo-like realm for the truly dead), The White Room (a torture space reminiscent of Star Trek’s holodeck), and the five types of magic, including Clara’s rare and feared death magic.
• The story explores compelling themes like self-acceptance and the duality of light and dark within us, embodied by the dynamic between Kale and NoWon.
What didn’t work:
• The stakes felt hollow: Death is a central theme, but with so many characters repeatedly “dying” and coming back to life, the tension fizzled. When no loss feels permanent, it’s hard to stay emotionally invested.
• Character inconsistencies: Clara, though understandably shaped by years of loneliness, came across as immature in ways that were frustrating rather than relatable. Similarly, her quick forgiveness of characters who tortured her in The White Room felt unearned and unrealistic.
• Plot gaps and unresolved threads: How did Kale, a voice in Clara’s head for years, fail to notice the Diviners and Nobles living right under their noses in Desolation? Why was Clara so oblivious to the obvious—like the “NoWon” name pun? The ending, too, left me scratching my head. Was it meant to be happy, bittersweet, or something else entirely?
Ultimately, The Stricken left me feeling conflicted. Its dreamlike quality was both a strength and a weakness: while it was imaginative, it often felt disjointed and hard to follow. I wanted to love the world and characters more, but the lack of cohesion and emotional depth kept me from fully connecting.
If you’re a fan of ambitious, abstract fantasy with a touch of romance and don’t mind some narrative confusion, this book might work for you. For me, it was a mixed bag, and I’m not sure I’ll be diving into a sequel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Abandonment
Minor: Confinement, Mental illness, Suicide, Terminal illness, Violence
The Fae King's Assassin by Alisha Klapheke
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Fae King’s Assassin by Alisha Klapheke takes readers on a journey through a world of magic, forbidden bonds, and complex political intrigue. Revna, the FMC, is an assassin bound by a magical death rune, enslaved to the will of a brutal Master and human King Darrew. Her berserker blood is exploited for their schemes, forcing her to kill without her consent. She shares a rare and powerful soul bond with a dragon named Arkyn, adding depth to her character and giving her a unique place within the story’s world.
Revna’s mission is a near-suicidal one: she’s ordered to kill the fae king Lysanael, who is rumored to have murdered King Darrew’s daughter. But as she and Lysanael are drawn into a feigned courtship—a ruse to satisfy Lysanael’s council that demands he find a wife to continue fae magic—sparks fly, and their enemies-to-lovers romance unfolds with a mix of teasing heat and genuine chemistry. The tension between them is a major highlight, leading up to a mild but satisfying spicy moment later in the book.
The story maintains steady pacing, with solid world-building and intriguing secondary characters, especially the Druid, who captured my interest with his mysterious depth. However, one thing I wished for was more clarity around the fae’s magical stipulations for lineage and magic—why their magic depends on these marital traditions isn’t fully explained, and it left me with some lingering questions.
Overall, The Fae King’s Assassin delivers an enjoyable romantic fantasy with solid plotting, believable character growth, and a steady flow of action and intrigue. While it didn’t quite blow me away, it was a good read that kept my interest, especially through its well-crafted character dynamics and hints of magic-laced mystery. Perfect for fans who enjoy a blend of romance, fantasy, and a touch of dark intrigue.
Revna’s mission is a near-suicidal one: she’s ordered to kill the fae king Lysanael, who is rumored to have murdered King Darrew’s daughter. But as she and Lysanael are drawn into a feigned courtship—a ruse to satisfy Lysanael’s council that demands he find a wife to continue fae magic—sparks fly, and their enemies-to-lovers romance unfolds with a mix of teasing heat and genuine chemistry. The tension between them is a major highlight, leading up to a mild but satisfying spicy moment later in the book.
The story maintains steady pacing, with solid world-building and intriguing secondary characters, especially the Druid, who captured my interest with his mysterious depth. However, one thing I wished for was more clarity around the fae’s magical stipulations for lineage and magic—why their magic depends on these marital traditions isn’t fully explained, and it left me with some lingering questions.
Overall, The Fae King’s Assassin delivers an enjoyable romantic fantasy with solid plotting, believable character growth, and a steady flow of action and intrigue. While it didn’t quite blow me away, it was a good read that kept my interest, especially through its well-crafted character dynamics and hints of magic-laced mystery. Perfect for fans who enjoy a blend of romance, fantasy, and a touch of dark intrigue.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery, War
Minor: Child abuse, Torture, Grief
Long Live the Elf Queen by J.M. Kearl
(Spoilers ahead!)
The story takes us deeper into the secrets of their world, as both Layala and Thane uncover more about their shared past and the true history behind the conflict. Thane’s father had struck a dangerous bargain with the Dark Mage, hoping to gain mage-like powers himself. Layala is foretold to be the one who could wake this dark entity, a fate she’s desperate to avoid. As they struggle with this destiny, they learn that one or both of them may carry the blood of the gods—a revelation that brings both hope and dread. The book crescendos with a surprising twist and, of course, a cliffhanger (another one!).
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Long Live the Elf Queen by JM Kearl, the second book in the Elf Queen series, picks up as Layala, our fierce FMC, fights to unravel a dark conspiracy entwining her life since infancy when she was magically bonded to the brooding MC, Thane. Their connection deepens, but as they fall further for each other, their families are drawn into the legacy of turmoil caused by Thane’s father and his hunger for power. The haunting voice of the dormant Dark Mage begins to invade Layala’s dreams—what is he plotting, and can she hope to stand against someone so powerful even in his coma-like state?
I’m giving this a 3.5-star rating. Some parts dragged and nearly lost my interest, but the plot was strong enough to keep me hooked until the end.
I’m giving this a 3.5-star rating. Some parts dragged and nearly lost my interest, but the plot was strong enough to keep me hooked until the end.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Violence, Murder, War
The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owens is a romantic fantasy with a fresh twist on the Greek pantheon, though it also includes references to various other mythologies from around the world. The main character, Lyra, is a mortal thief—not particularly skilled, but resourceful. Due to her mother giving birth to her accidentally in Olympus, Zeus cursed Lyra to be “unlovable.” This curse becomes a central theme in the story.
Every so often, the Greek gods hold a Crucible, a series of trials where mortals represent them to determine the new king of the gods. This time, Hades, for the first time, chooses to participate—and he picks Lyra as his champion. The story explores how the gods view humanity, often showing them as petty and indifferent, yet hinting that some gods might actually care about human life or feel guilt, giving a nuanced portrayal of divinity.
I really enjoyed how the characters each had distinct personalities and complex relationships. Lyra’s journey is particularly compelling; her struggle with the curse of being “unlovable” raises questions about whether her isolation is truly from the curse or her own emotional walls. There are signs that people care for her in ways she doesn’t recognize, which adds depth to her character arc.
The book has a slow-burn romance, with only mild spice, and it ends on a cliffhanger. I found myself hooked, even setting aside another book to focus on this one. Overall, I’d rate it around 4 to 4.5 stars, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes in the next installment. Highly recommend for fans of romantic fantasy with mythological twists!
Every so often, the Greek gods hold a Crucible, a series of trials where mortals represent them to determine the new king of the gods. This time, Hades, for the first time, chooses to participate—and he picks Lyra as his champion. The story explores how the gods view humanity, often showing them as petty and indifferent, yet hinting that some gods might actually care about human life or feel guilt, giving a nuanced portrayal of divinity.
I really enjoyed how the characters each had distinct personalities and complex relationships. Lyra’s journey is particularly compelling; her struggle with the curse of being “unlovable” raises questions about whether her isolation is truly from the curse or her own emotional walls. There are signs that people care for her in ways she doesn’t recognize, which adds depth to her character arc.
The book has a slow-burn romance, with only mild spice, and it ends on a cliffhanger. I found myself hooked, even setting aside another book to focus on this one. Overall, I’d rate it around 4 to 4.5 stars, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes in the next installment. Highly recommend for fans of romantic fantasy with mythological twists!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Abandonment
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Possible Spoilers!
I really enjoyed Iron Flame, the second installment in The Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros. I listened to the graphic audio edition, and it was fantastic! The narrators bring each character to life perfectly, especially Xaden, whose voice is (*fans self*) deep and smooth.
In this book, Violet, the FMC, is now a second-year rider. She’s uncovering layers of secrets held by those around her—including from Xaden. Their relationship intensifies as they grapple with trust and honesty amidst brewing revolution, battling both their old leaders and the constant threat of the Venin and Wyvern. A new kind of infiltration tests their bond in ways they hadn’t expected, raising the question: can love really conquer all?
There’s plenty of action and a bit more spice than the first book, along with a solid plot and well-rounded characters. I love the complexity of Violet and Xaden’s relationship, as well as the nuanced connections they share with friends, family, dragons, and even enemies. This book ends on another suspenseful cliffhanger, leaving me eager for the next installment! I’ll be rating it 4 1/2 stars.
I really enjoyed Iron Flame, the second installment in The Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros. I listened to the graphic audio edition, and it was fantastic! The narrators bring each character to life perfectly, especially Xaden, whose voice is (*fans self*) deep and smooth.
In this book, Violet, the FMC, is now a second-year rider. She’s uncovering layers of secrets held by those around her—including from Xaden. Their relationship intensifies as they grapple with trust and honesty amidst brewing revolution, battling both their old leaders and the constant threat of the Venin and Wyvern. A new kind of infiltration tests their bond in ways they hadn’t expected, raising the question: can love really conquer all?
There’s plenty of action and a bit more spice than the first book, along with a solid plot and well-rounded characters. I love the complexity of Violet and Xaden’s relationship, as well as the nuanced connections they share with friends, family, dragons, and even enemies. This book ends on another suspenseful cliffhanger, leaving me eager for the next installment! I’ll be rating it 4 1/2 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Torture, War
Moderate: Violence, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Possible Spoilers:
I’ve been eager to dive into The Empyrean series, especially with all the buzz around it, and I finally started with The Fourth Wing. This fantasy romance centers on Violet, a tough yet physically vulnerable FMC (female main character). She’s not physically strong due to a health condition that isn’t fully explained, making her journey all the more compelling.
Originally, Violet wanted to join the Scribe Quadrant, but her formidable mother forces her into the Rider Quadrant, the most perilous path. Surviving here means facing constant physical and mental trials, as candidates drop off—and die—at every step. Violet meets Xaden, a third-year and part of a rival family, making for a forbidden, enemies-to-lovers romance. Their connection grows despite the risks and his leadership role over her, and the tension is only heightened by secrets and conspiracies lurking within the academy.
The book offers a rich mix of magic, dragons, and a government conspiracy that our underdog FMC might just unravel. It hits a lot of familiar fantasy tropes, but they’re done with such skill that I was completely hooked. I’m already starting the second book and would definitely recommend the series to any fantasy romance fan!
I’ve been eager to dive into The Empyrean series, especially with all the buzz around it, and I finally started with The Fourth Wing. This fantasy romance centers on Violet, a tough yet physically vulnerable FMC (female main character). She’s not physically strong due to a health condition that isn’t fully explained, making her journey all the more compelling.
Originally, Violet wanted to join the Scribe Quadrant, but her formidable mother forces her into the Rider Quadrant, the most perilous path. Surviving here means facing constant physical and mental trials, as candidates drop off—and die—at every step. Violet meets Xaden, a third-year and part of a rival family, making for a forbidden, enemies-to-lovers romance. Their connection grows despite the risks and his leadership role over her, and the tension is only heightened by secrets and conspiracies lurking within the academy.
The book offers a rich mix of magic, dragons, and a government conspiracy that our underdog FMC might just unravel. It hits a lot of familiar fantasy tropes, but they’re done with such skill that I was completely hooked. I’m already starting the second book and would definitely recommend the series to any fantasy romance fan!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, War
Minor: Death
When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Not sure what’s spoilers or not so be warned!!
This is a captivating romance fantasy set in a unique blend of urban and traditional medieval fantasy. The romance is a slow burn (at least for me), but it develops naturally and feels authentic. The characters are complex and well-developed, and there are intriguing hints of worldbuilding and lore that make you eager to learn more about this world, its magic, and its inhabitants. The magic system itself feels fresh and different compared to other fantasy romance books I’ve read, with one standout feature being the imagery of dragons transforming into floating moons after death—such a striking visual!
The story follows Raeve, a skilled assassin with a mysterious past, and Kaan, a notorious dragon rider. It fits the enemies-to-lovers trope, and the plot had me hooked from start to finish. I’m eagerly anticipating the next book in the series!
This is a captivating romance fantasy set in a unique blend of urban and traditional medieval fantasy. The romance is a slow burn (at least for me), but it develops naturally and feels authentic. The characters are complex and well-developed, and there are intriguing hints of worldbuilding and lore that make you eager to learn more about this world, its magic, and its inhabitants. The magic system itself feels fresh and different compared to other fantasy romance books I’ve read, with one standout feature being the imagery of dragons transforming into floating moons after death—such a striking visual!
The story follows Raeve, a skilled assassin with a mysterious past, and Kaan, a notorious dragon rider. It fits the enemies-to-lovers trope, and the plot had me hooked from start to finish. I’m eagerly anticipating the next book in the series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Torture, Blood, Kidnapping, Stalking, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Miscarriage, Grief, Pregnancy
Minor: Sexual assault
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
dark
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Enjoyable fantasy-romance comedy between a grumpy and a sunshine.
After the female MC is attacked by her employer, she desperately needs employment. Her family is poor, a severely ill father and younger sister reliant on her earnings. She runs into a mysterious and handsome villain who is taken instantly by her intelligence and hires her as his secretary. What choice does she have?
There’s a mystery and a rat to sniff out, and the MC spreads her sunshine as she acts as detective. She works in the villain’s castle office that is full of his newest victims’ hanging heads, a talking prince frog, and a dragon.
This was fun and a light read; however, there’s definitely dark and gory situations, sensitive issues discussed, and crazy plot twists.
It’s worth a read.
After the female MC is attacked by her employer, she desperately needs employment. Her family is poor, a severely ill father and younger sister reliant on her earnings. She runs into a mysterious and handsome villain who is taken instantly by her intelligence and hires her as his secretary. What choice does she have?
There’s a mystery and a rat to sniff out, and the MC spreads her sunshine as she acts as detective. She works in the villain’s castle office that is full of his newest victims’ hanging heads, a talking prince frog, and a dragon.
This was fun and a light read; however, there’s definitely dark and gory situations, sensitive issues discussed, and crazy plot twists.
It’s worth a read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Sexual assault, Violence, Murder, Abandonment
Minor: Child death, Death of parent
Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this book. It’s a fantasy romance set in a world that runs on science, magic, and gods. The main character has been dying since she was born, and her love interest is the local vampire hermit.
I liked how well thought out the plot, the characterization, and even their growing romance seemed to be. The god of nature is cruel and fickle but not evil. The vampire-since-birth is ignorant of humanity’s most innate knowledge: the briefness of life, desperation of dying, the inevitability of death. The humans are stiff-necked and narrow in their views and stubborn in their refusal to risk their short lives to better the world. Love is presented in its many forms as the one thing worth living and dying for.
It was poetic in ways and lighthearted in ways. Well worth a read.
I liked how well thought out the plot, the characterization, and even their growing romance seemed to be. The god of nature is cruel and fickle but not evil. The vampire-since-birth is ignorant of humanity’s most innate knowledge: the briefness of life, desperation of dying, the inevitability of death. The humans are stiff-necked and narrow in their views and stubborn in their refusal to risk their short lives to better the world. Love is presented in its many forms as the one thing worth living and dying for.
It was poetic in ways and lighthearted in ways. Well worth a read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Terminal illness
The Audient and The Phantom Night by Sadie Hewitt
You get hints of it and the ending expressed a different mythological/divine world that stayed a mystery.
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is a light romantic fantasy book set on the high seas with a secret magic user and a pirate.
I felt like this was enjoyable but could’ve been better. There was a more detailed background, world, and plot just peeking from the edges that never revealed themselves. The characters did develop into better more tolerable people, but there was something missing deeper that would’ve made them more well-rounded.
Overall, this was a good, surface level read with potential.
I felt like this was enjoyable but could’ve been better. There was a more detailed background, world, and plot just peeking from the edges that never revealed themselves. The characters did develop into better more tolerable people, but there was something missing deeper that would’ve made them more well-rounded.
Overall, this was a good, surface level read with potential.
Content Warnings