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enchantedfiction's reviews
185 reviews
Tangled Power by Jillian Witt
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
*Thank you to Jillian Witt for an eARC copy!*
Tangled Power is the second book in this series and picks up where Compass Points left off. Since it is book 2, I will refrain from giving a synopsis.
This was a very good follow-up story to Compass Points. I felt like it was a typical second story in a trilogy/series, where the story is more character driven as we get to know more about them as they gear up for whatever mission they did not quite complete in the first book. I'm not saying that is a bad thing, I always love it when we get to learn more about the characters and connect more with them. There was enough emphasis on the main objective as well, with a few side quests that helped push the story forward.
To me, the ending felt a little dragged out, like there was too much repetitive explanation over what they were doing and how they (both Rose and Luc chapters) justified their feelings and actions. But the ultimate action of the ending has left a wonderful objective for book three, and I'm very excited to see where the story goes.
I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially with fae, with a new perspective and concept with a small amount of spice!
Tangled Power is the second book in this series and picks up where Compass Points left off. Since it is book 2, I will refrain from giving a synopsis.
This was a very good follow-up story to Compass Points. I felt like it was a typical second story in a trilogy/series, where the story is more character driven as we get to know more about them as they gear up for whatever mission they did not quite complete in the first book. I'm not saying that is a bad thing, I always love it when we get to learn more about the characters and connect more with them. There was enough emphasis on the main objective as well, with a few side quests that helped push the story forward.
To me, the ending felt a little dragged out, like there was too much repetitive explanation over what they were doing and how they (both Rose and Luc chapters) justified their feelings and actions. But the ultimate action of the ending has left a wonderful objective for book three, and I'm very excited to see where the story goes.
I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially with fae, with a new perspective and concept with a small amount of spice!
Six More Months of June by Daisy Garrison
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
*Thank you Macmillan audio and Netgalley for the audio copy!*
Six More Months of June is a dual POV story of two best friends, Mina and Caplan, who are in their last month of high school. An unlikely pair with Caplan being the golden boy and Mina being a bookish loner type, they have been best friends since third grade, withstanding the social norms of school. And when Caplan's friend confesses he thinks he has feelings for Mina, both of their worlds get turned sideways. Mina is starting to become friends with all of the people she has been avoiding for years, and Caplan just wants things to stay as they've always been. Filled with funny quips, teenage shenanigans, and end of high school jitters, this sweet story makes you realize that sometimes destiny has been right in front of you all along.
This was a really cute, fun story that was done very well as an audiobook. I enjoyed both narrators, the nostalgia I felt while listening, and the kind of cliche high school hot boy realizes the nerdy girl is actually pretty and someone he might have more feelings for trope. I really liked Caplan and Mina's relationship and how even when Caplan became the golden boy of the school that he never let Mina go as a friend. I liked the breaking of the social norms, that Mina did have some necessary character growth, and the resolution of the story.
I would recommend to anyone looking for a pretty light story that is a pretty classic high school story with a little twist, funny characters, and a suburban small town feel.
Six More Months of June is a dual POV story of two best friends, Mina and Caplan, who are in their last month of high school. An unlikely pair with Caplan being the golden boy and Mina being a bookish loner type, they have been best friends since third grade, withstanding the social norms of school. And when Caplan's friend confesses he thinks he has feelings for Mina, both of their worlds get turned sideways. Mina is starting to become friends with all of the people she has been avoiding for years, and Caplan just wants things to stay as they've always been. Filled with funny quips, teenage shenanigans, and end of high school jitters, this sweet story makes you realize that sometimes destiny has been right in front of you all along.
This was a really cute, fun story that was done very well as an audiobook. I enjoyed both narrators, the nostalgia I felt while listening, and the kind of cliche high school hot boy realizes the nerdy girl is actually pretty and someone he might have more feelings for trope. I really liked Caplan and Mina's relationship and how even when Caplan became the golden boy of the school that he never let Mina go as a friend. I liked the breaking of the social norms, that Mina did have some necessary character growth, and the resolution of the story.
I would recommend to anyone looking for a pretty light story that is a pretty classic high school story with a little twist, funny characters, and a suburban small town feel.
When Among Crows by Veronica Roth
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Thank you to Macmillan for the audio copy!
I don't think I'm going to include a synopsis in my review because this story was short and fast-paced, so I don't want to unintentionally give anything away.
When I started listening to this, I honestly forgot what it was about, and I think that kind of peaked my interest even more. But I also didn't realize that it is a standalone novella. I wanted soooo much more from this story because I was so interested in the dynamics of the world and what it could hold. Like I said above, this story was very fast-paced, so if you weren't paying close attention, you could miss something important.
I rarely finish a book and not know what to talk about in my review, but I guess there's always a first! I liked the characters well enough, I just felt like I didn't get to know them very well. Their relationships felt pretty important to moving the story along, but they all felt like they were surface level, not a lot of depth into what was really driving them to work together. I just don't know. So that's why it's getting a 3.5 from me. I just really wanted more.
I don't think I'm going to include a synopsis in my review because this story was short and fast-paced, so I don't want to unintentionally give anything away.
When I started listening to this, I honestly forgot what it was about, and I think that kind of peaked my interest even more. But I also didn't realize that it is a standalone novella. I wanted soooo much more from this story because I was so interested in the dynamics of the world and what it could hold. Like I said above, this story was very fast-paced, so if you weren't paying close attention, you could miss something important.
I rarely finish a book and not know what to talk about in my review, but I guess there's always a first! I liked the characters well enough, I just felt like I didn't get to know them very well. Their relationships felt pretty important to moving the story along, but they all felt like they were surface level, not a lot of depth into what was really driving them to work together. I just don't know. So that's why it's getting a 3.5 from me. I just really wanted more.
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Listen for the Lie follows Lucy, a woman who has run from her past. 5 years prior, she was found walking on a road, covered in her best friend's blood. Obviously, this made her look guilty for Savvy's murder. But with not enough evidence to prove she did it, Lucy left her hometown in Texas for what she thought was for good. But it's been 5 years, her grandmother is asking her to come back, and more light has been shed on the cold case thanks to a true crime podcast. Lucy might not be completely ready to face her past, but she feels like she should get answers on what happened to Savvy, even if it means she'll find out she's a murderer. All you have to do is listen for the lie.
Listen for the Lie was my first Amy Tintera book, and it did not disappoint! This was such a great audio experience, and I literally listened to this during my son's nap time within 2 days. I needed to know what happened to Savvy! The narrators were absolutely wonderful, and I love that during the podcast sections, they used multiple voices like a true interview.
Now, into the actual parts of the story that drew me in:
I love having an unreliable first-person POV in books like this. Be it that they don't know what happened because of repressed memories or amnesia, or they are just trying to get the reader on their side. It makes everything feel tense. Lucy's internal dialogue throughout the story gives the reader reason to doubt her and question her motives, and I would argue she's not a super likable character, though I don't think she would be surprised with me saying so.
I love small town murder stories because in cold case stories, you know someone, or multiple someones, are hiding something. People talk and maybe don't realize they saw something that could be pivotal, and the pressure of the podcast makes things come to light.
I thought the pacing was done very well, and the story flowed nicely. The side characters were great in the ways they either made you love or hate them, and the reveal at the end was believable.
I will definitely be checking out more of Amy Tintera's books after this one, and would highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller and would encourage the audiobook because it's such a great experience!
Listen for the Lie was my first Amy Tintera book, and it did not disappoint! This was such a great audio experience, and I literally listened to this during my son's nap time within 2 days. I needed to know what happened to Savvy! The narrators were absolutely wonderful, and I love that during the podcast sections, they used multiple voices like a true interview.
Now, into the actual parts of the story that drew me in:
I love having an unreliable first-person POV in books like this. Be it that they don't know what happened because of repressed memories or amnesia, or they are just trying to get the reader on their side. It makes everything feel tense. Lucy's internal dialogue throughout the story gives the reader reason to doubt her and question her motives, and I would argue she's not a super likable character, though I don't think she would be surprised with me saying so.
I love small town murder stories because in cold case stories, you know someone, or multiple someones, are hiding something. People talk and maybe don't realize they saw something that could be pivotal, and the pressure of the podcast makes things come to light.
I thought the pacing was done very well, and the story flowed nicely. The side characters were great in the ways they either made you love or hate them, and the reveal at the end was believable.
I will definitely be checking out more of Amy Tintera's books after this one, and would highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller and would encourage the audiobook because it's such a great experience!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Death, Violence, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship
Funny Story by Emily Henry
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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
5.0
*Thank you to Libro.fm for the audio copy!*
Funny Story is about Daphne Vincent, a children's librarian who has just had her life fall apart. Her fiance left her just months before their wedding for his best friend, and the only person she can fall back on in a town she doesn't have her own friends and family, is her ex-fiance's best friend's ex-boyfriend. It's complicated. But Daphne only plans on staying in Waning Bay, Michigan, until the read-a-thon at the library happens. But when she gets an invitation to her ex's wedding, she tells him she'll be bringing her new boyfriend, his new fiancé's ex. But as she gets to know Miles more and more, he might just end up being more than a little lie.
This was my first Emily Henry book, and I must say, I am going to be searching out more of them now! I absolutely loved her story-telling, her characters, and the plot. I love characters who are bookish, and even better that Daphne was a children's librarian. And Miles was such a refreshing character. I love how the reader's perspective of him changed as Daphne got to know him better and that he also had things he had to work through to let his character grow. The beauty of this book was the character growth of the main characters and the amazing side characters. There were times I did laugh throughout this at some of the dialogue, too, which is also a bonus.
I feel like this might feel like a condensed review, but I honestly don't have any qualms with this one. It quickly became my favorite rom-com story I have read so far and cracked my favorites overall. I highly recommend this one!
Funny Story is about Daphne Vincent, a children's librarian who has just had her life fall apart. Her fiance left her just months before their wedding for his best friend, and the only person she can fall back on in a town she doesn't have her own friends and family, is her ex-fiance's best friend's ex-boyfriend. It's complicated. But Daphne only plans on staying in Waning Bay, Michigan, until the read-a-thon at the library happens. But when she gets an invitation to her ex's wedding, she tells him she'll be bringing her new boyfriend, his new fiancé's ex. But as she gets to know Miles more and more, he might just end up being more than a little lie.
This was my first Emily Henry book, and I must say, I am going to be searching out more of them now! I absolutely loved her story-telling, her characters, and the plot. I love characters who are bookish, and even better that Daphne was a children's librarian. And Miles was such a refreshing character. I love how the reader's perspective of him changed as Daphne got to know him better and that he also had things he had to work through to let his character grow. The beauty of this book was the character growth of the main characters and the amazing side characters. There were times I did laugh throughout this at some of the dialogue, too, which is also a bonus.
I feel like this might feel like a condensed review, but I honestly don't have any qualms with this one. It quickly became my favorite rom-com story I have read so far and cracked my favorites overall. I highly recommend this one!
If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
*Thank you, Macmillan and Netgalley, for the audiobook copy!*
Alison Lane disappeared 5 years ago, and the only person who might know who took her was her boyfriend, Ryan Richardson. But Ryan was knocked unconscious the night of her abduction, and any lead he tried giving to police were dismissed. Still feeling guilty, Ryan finds himself taken back in time when the car Alison had been driving turns up at the bottom of a lake, with two bodies inside. A note was discovered entitled 'if something happens to me' written in Alison's handwriting.
New deputy sheriff, Poppy Mcgee, has returned to her old stomping grounds after being discharged from the military, and it just so happens to be at the same time Alison's case gains new evidence. Can she finally put the case to bed and figure out just what happened to Alison?
In this multi-POV thriller, there are twists and turns that move the story forward and will keep you wanting to know how it all ends.
This was my first Alex Finlay book, and I will say I'm going to look into others! The suspense was held throughout the story as more and more pieces of the events were revealed, and there was one point when the two storylines converged that I just had to know how it ended. Instead of being solidly from the POVs of three of the characters, the end jumped around a bit to be from other perspectives, and I thought that was really interesting. I feel like it fit the story, but it's not something you see happen very often.
I did get a little frustrated with the way some of the POVs would abruptly end and switch, causing all of these cliff-hanger moments that just felt like too much. I understand that it's a thriller, but to end some of the scenes the way they did felt choppy to me. I just wish that certain parts had gone on a little longer before shifting to feel a little more fluid. I also guessed some of the ending, and the way that it was revealed made me think that maybe I was supposed to have guessed it, but it was kind of unclear. If I wasn't supposed to, then I feel like it was kind of obvious. But if I was supposed to be screaming at one of the characters because of a poor decision they made and add to the suspense, then mission accomplished.
With all of that being said, obviously I did still really enjoy this story and would actually consider listening to it again in the future to see if I can pick up any other foreshadowing moments I might have missed the first time around. I feel like thrillers tend to have a lot of subtle hints at things to come, and if you're really invested in the emotion of it and feeling anxious, you might miss them. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys thrillers with multiple POVs, interconnecting storylines, and suspense.
Alison Lane disappeared 5 years ago, and the only person who might know who took her was her boyfriend, Ryan Richardson. But Ryan was knocked unconscious the night of her abduction, and any lead he tried giving to police were dismissed. Still feeling guilty, Ryan finds himself taken back in time when the car Alison had been driving turns up at the bottom of a lake, with two bodies inside. A note was discovered entitled 'if something happens to me' written in Alison's handwriting.
New deputy sheriff, Poppy Mcgee, has returned to her old stomping grounds after being discharged from the military, and it just so happens to be at the same time Alison's case gains new evidence. Can she finally put the case to bed and figure out just what happened to Alison?
In this multi-POV thriller, there are twists and turns that move the story forward and will keep you wanting to know how it all ends.
This was my first Alex Finlay book, and I will say I'm going to look into others! The suspense was held throughout the story as more and more pieces of the events were revealed, and there was one point when the two storylines converged that I just had to know how it ended. Instead of being solidly from the POVs of three of the characters, the end jumped around a bit to be from other perspectives, and I thought that was really interesting. I feel like it fit the story, but it's not something you see happen very often.
I did get a little frustrated with the way some of the POVs would abruptly end and switch, causing all of these cliff-hanger moments that just felt like too much. I understand that it's a thriller, but to end some of the scenes the way they did felt choppy to me. I just wish that certain parts had gone on a little longer before shifting to feel a little more fluid. I also guessed some of the ending, and the way that it was revealed made me think that maybe I was supposed to have guessed it, but it was kind of unclear. If I wasn't supposed to, then I feel like it was kind of obvious. But if I was supposed to be screaming at one of the characters because of a poor decision they made and add to the suspense, then mission accomplished.
With all of that being said, obviously I did still really enjoy this story and would actually consider listening to it again in the future to see if I can pick up any other foreshadowing moments I might have missed the first time around. I feel like thrillers tend to have a lot of subtle hints at things to come, and if you're really invested in the emotion of it and feeling anxious, you might miss them. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys thrillers with multiple POVs, interconnecting storylines, and suspense.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Violence
Minor: Murder, Kidnapping, Torture, and Gun violence
Attached At The Hip by Christine Riccio
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
*Thank you, Macmillan, for the audiobook copy!*
Attached at the Hip is a fun rom-com that focuses on a spin-off show of Survivor that makes it a romantic connection show. Orie, the MC, has had a bit of a life crisis after her sister leads her to a realization she heavily relies on others to make decisions in her life. Orie gets chosen to be on the romantic Survivor spin-off show, and is confronted with a missed love connection from her past. But maybe things aren't as they seem, as people will do anything to make themselves likable on a reality show.
I went into this story hoping it would be light and fun, especially with the game show premise. Unlike some other rom-coms I have read recently, this one reads more on a YA level even though the characters are a bit older than in most YA stories. The only intimacy is kissing and light touching. Which was not a problem for me, especially with Orie's past with relationships. I felt like the pacing was done well and there was just enough focus on the game show itself and the behind the scenes of the characters as they played.
I really liked how nerdy but also smart Orie's character was, and buckle up for a lot of pop culture references! I felt like these were appropriate in the story because of Orie's personality, which she says many times she loves books and movies and finding others that connect with her in this way. I also liked having a main character in a rom-com who was a little older but not very experienced with love and relationships since she was in the same one since she was 13. I feel like a lot of the time in rom-coms, the MCs always have been in multiples of relationships, and that isn't the case for every reader.
Since I went into this with the expectation of it being fun, light, and fluffy, I feel like that helped with my star rating. Was it eye-opening and life changing? No. But was it engaging, and I had a fun time listening? Absolutely!
I would recommend to anyone who enjoys light, no smut rom-coms and a liking for reality tv.
Attached at the Hip is a fun rom-com that focuses on a spin-off show of Survivor that makes it a romantic connection show. Orie, the MC, has had a bit of a life crisis after her sister leads her to a realization she heavily relies on others to make decisions in her life. Orie gets chosen to be on the romantic Survivor spin-off show, and is confronted with a missed love connection from her past. But maybe things aren't as they seem, as people will do anything to make themselves likable on a reality show.
I went into this story hoping it would be light and fun, especially with the game show premise. Unlike some other rom-coms I have read recently, this one reads more on a YA level even though the characters are a bit older than in most YA stories. The only intimacy is kissing and light touching. Which was not a problem for me, especially with Orie's past with relationships. I felt like the pacing was done well and there was just enough focus on the game show itself and the behind the scenes of the characters as they played.
I really liked how nerdy but also smart Orie's character was, and buckle up for a lot of pop culture references! I felt like these were appropriate in the story because of Orie's personality, which she says many times she loves books and movies and finding others that connect with her in this way. I also liked having a main character in a rom-com who was a little older but not very experienced with love and relationships since she was in the same one since she was 13. I feel like a lot of the time in rom-coms, the MCs always have been in multiples of relationships, and that isn't the case for every reader.
Since I went into this with the expectation of it being fun, light, and fluffy, I feel like that helped with my star rating. Was it eye-opening and life changing? No. But was it engaging, and I had a fun time listening? Absolutely!
I would recommend to anyone who enjoys light, no smut rom-coms and a liking for reality tv.
Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
*Thank you Libro.fm for the audio copy!*
Fangirl Down was my first Tessa Bailey book, and it did not disappoint! I enjoyed the overall plot of the story and the characters, and the narration for the audio was done very well. It was a pretty light and fluffy story, which I feel most rom-coms are anyway, with no major conflicts.
The only real thing I had a little issue with was how Wells seemed to be this closed off, angry guy at the beginning, and it felt like he started changing a little too quickly to be believable. I kind of wish he had fought himself a little harder against Josephine's pull to create a little more of a sexual tension. I personally love slow burn, so maybe that part of me is in the forefront today. Not to say I thought Wells' character development wasn't believable, because I do think it was, but when it came to the suddenly letting someone into his life so easily that came as the harder to believe.
If you're looking for a fun, sports rom-com, I would definitely recommend this one. It was pretty funny and entertaining.
Fangirl Down was my first Tessa Bailey book, and it did not disappoint! I enjoyed the overall plot of the story and the characters, and the narration for the audio was done very well. It was a pretty light and fluffy story, which I feel most rom-coms are anyway, with no major conflicts.
The only real thing I had a little issue with was how Wells seemed to be this closed off, angry guy at the beginning, and it felt like he started changing a little too quickly to be believable. I kind of wish he had fought himself a little harder against Josephine's pull to create a little more of a sexual tension. I personally love slow burn, so maybe that part of me is in the forefront today. Not to say I thought Wells' character development wasn't believable, because I do think it was, but when it came to the suddenly letting someone into his life so easily that came as the harder to believe.
If you're looking for a fun, sports rom-com, I would definitely recommend this one. It was pretty funny and entertaining.
Compass Points, Book 1 by Jillian Witt
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Compass Points is a fae story incorporating the different elemental magics per point. Our main character, Rose, lives in a rural mountain town, forging magical weapons and keeping to herself. But when one of the Compass Points comes calling for her abilities in hopes to fight the mist plague, Rose must return to the one place she said she never would. As her past is uncovered, Rose must face it head on, all while she navigates what it might mean to fall for one of the most powerful fae in the land.
I really enjoyed listening to this story as an audiobook. I was engaged in the story and wanted to know more about Rose and what lay in her past, and how she would overcome it. I also love a good slow burn romance, which this has, and was very satisfactory. I liked Rose and Ari's banter, as it kept a light element throughout the story. I did want to know more about Luke, but as it was a single POV story, I hope we get more about him in the next book.
Where I felt the pacing was good for the most part, I felt like the action scenes were kind of rushed and a little convenient. I wasn't ever really fearing for any of the characters' lives, where I felt like there should have been maybe a bit more controversy or conflict in these moments to add more tension.
I am excited to see where the story goes and how things will pan out! I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys fae stories with elemental magic and slow burn romance.
I really enjoyed listening to this story as an audiobook. I was engaged in the story and wanted to know more about Rose and what lay in her past, and how she would overcome it. I also love a good slow burn romance, which this has, and was very satisfactory. I liked Rose and Ari's banter, as it kept a light element throughout the story. I did want to know more about Luke, but as it was a single POV story, I hope we get more about him in the next book.
Where I felt the pacing was good for the most part, I felt like the action scenes were kind of rushed and a little convenient. I wasn't ever really fearing for any of the characters' lives, where I felt like there should have been maybe a bit more controversy or conflict in these moments to add more tension.
I am excited to see where the story goes and how things will pan out! I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys fae stories with elemental magic and slow burn romance.
The Cursed Soul by K.C. Smith
adventurous
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
*Thank you to KC Smith for the beautiful hardcover copy!*
The Cursed Soul is a duel POV story of Doraan, a man with his crew who have been cursed for 10 years to never step foot on land again, and Kamira, a runaway Sorceress in hiding. Sorcerers have been nearly wiped clean from Emmoria's lands, and even though Doraan has no love for them, he feels as though they are his only answer on how to break the curse. When Kamira flees her unfortunate situation and stows away on the first ship she comes upon, it just so happens to be The Cursed Soul. Without revealing who she is, Kamira tries to blend into the pirate life, but when the truths start unraveling, the two realize that maybe they are what the other needs.
This Davy Jones meets elemental magic tale was very engaging and had me wanting to know how everything would play out. There were certain elements I thought were going to fall into a trope that didn't, and that was pretty refreshing. I like being surprised by what characters do or the consequences of their actions because it feels way more relatable. I really enjoyed the magic system, and the pacing felt pretty comfortable.
I liked the characters, though I did wish we had a bit more gradual growth for both of them. I felt that Doraan kind of had a switch that got flipped instead of leaning on the knob, if that makes sense. Kamira also did a LOT of eye-rolling, which I feel could have been cut down, and maybe a different gesture of frustration could have been used a few times. I also wanted more of the Temple of Gorria! This felt like such a turning point to the story, and it felt so rushed to me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and EXCUSE ME THE ENDING. I need to know more! Can't wait for book 2! I recommend to anyone who enjoys pirate stories with elemental magic and both plot and character driven narrative.
The Cursed Soul is a duel POV story of Doraan, a man with his crew who have been cursed for 10 years to never step foot on land again, and Kamira, a runaway Sorceress in hiding. Sorcerers have been nearly wiped clean from Emmoria's lands, and even though Doraan has no love for them, he feels as though they are his only answer on how to break the curse. When Kamira flees her unfortunate situation and stows away on the first ship she comes upon, it just so happens to be The Cursed Soul. Without revealing who she is, Kamira tries to blend into the pirate life, but when the truths start unraveling, the two realize that maybe they are what the other needs.
This Davy Jones meets elemental magic tale was very engaging and had me wanting to know how everything would play out. There were certain elements I thought were going to fall into a trope that didn't, and that was pretty refreshing. I like being surprised by what characters do or the consequences of their actions because it feels way more relatable. I really enjoyed the magic system, and the pacing felt pretty comfortable.
I liked the characters, though I did wish we had a bit more gradual growth for both of them. I felt that Doraan kind of had a switch that got flipped instead of leaning on the knob, if that makes sense. Kamira also did a LOT of eye-rolling, which I feel could have been cut down, and maybe a different gesture of frustration could have been used a few times. I also wanted more of the Temple of Gorria! This felt like such a turning point to the story, and it felt so rushed to me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and EXCUSE ME THE ENDING. I need to know more! Can't wait for book 2! I recommend to anyone who enjoys pirate stories with elemental magic and both plot and character driven narrative.