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the_bookish_chimera's Reviews (361)
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
“You make me feel like a better version of myself.”
I had such a lovely time with Learning Curves. This is a tender and healthy romance, in which both characters do not hesitate to communicate –once the channel “established”– and honestly I think we need more of that kind of romances (BTW, were most of the healthy romances I’ve read this last few months queer? Yes. I let you do whatever you want with that observation).
Audrey is such a great young character (she’s in her late 20s), with the same positive energy as a Golden Retriever puppy, while Michelle is tired, difficult to approach, and, yes, very black cat. I loved how her mental state is described, as much as how she reborns during the story. I’m not one to read a lot of age gap romances, but this one was great, especially because there isn’t a true power imbalance in favor of just one of them, and because that’s something that worries them, and that they discuss together.
But what was my fav’ part is how important art –especially women artists– is in this story. It helps them to get closer to one another, but also to discuss feminism (and patriarchy) in both art and academia.
Add to that a magnificent scenery, fall vibes and some super hot moments (that pottery scene!) and you have a cute romance, both sweet and hot… a very good time!
Thanks to the author and Montlake for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
I had such a lovely time with Learning Curves. This is a tender and healthy romance, in which both characters do not hesitate to communicate –once the channel “established”– and honestly I think we need more of that kind of romances (BTW, were most of the healthy romances I’ve read this last few months queer? Yes. I let you do whatever you want with that observation).
Audrey is such a great young character (she’s in her late 20s), with the same positive energy as a Golden Retriever puppy, while Michelle is tired, difficult to approach, and, yes, very black cat. I loved how her mental state is described, as much as how she reborns during the story. I’m not one to read a lot of age gap romances, but this one was great, especially because there isn’t a true power imbalance in favor of just one of them, and because that’s something that worries them, and that they discuss together.
But what was my fav’ part is how important art –especially women artists– is in this story. It helps them to get closer to one another, but also to discuss feminism (and patriarchy) in both art and academia.
Add to that a magnificent scenery, fall vibes and some super hot moments (that pottery scene!) and you have a cute romance, both sweet and hot… a very good time!
Thanks to the author and Montlake for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
“Aimer, c’est aussi respecter sa volonté.”
Ce dernier tome malmène les héros, malmène les lecteurs, de la torture à la guerre en passant par l’attente indiscible (cette tension! Ce passage était vraiment si bien écrit). Jamais ce tome ne se pause, même dans l’attente, il court dans toutes les directions pour nous laisser pantelant.e.s.
Un peu comme dans le tome 2, j’aurais pu me passer de certaines scènes explicites (mais bon, on est dans un H.I. on sait pour quoi on signe), mais j’ai tellement aimé que Leigh rende son humanité à Neven. (Je ne pensais pas avoir de préféré, mais apparemment c’est LE personnage qui m’a marqué.e puisque 2 mois après ma lecture, ce sont ses scènes qui me reviennent le plus à l’esprit). Néanmoins, comme dans les 3 autres tomes, les sentiments sont au coeur du récit et ce dernier opus m’a tiré des litres de larmes… c’est donc que l’équilibre est juste comme il faut <3.
J’ai aimé que de nouvelles questions arrivent, que ce dernier tome ne soit pas qu’une conclusion mais qu’il introduisent de nouveaux concepts et histoires (bon, j’attendais certaines réponses, je ne les ai pas eues… MAIS je vais avoir une nouvelle série à la place donc… on ne va pas se plaindre, au contraire!).
En tout cas, c’est avec regret que je quitte la meute après cet HEA sanglant, et je lirai la nouvelle série avec un plaisir non dissimulé.
Ce dernier tome malmène les héros, malmène les lecteurs, de la torture à la guerre en passant par l’attente indiscible (cette tension! Ce passage était vraiment si bien écrit). Jamais ce tome ne se pause, même dans l’attente, il court dans toutes les directions pour nous laisser pantelant.e.s.
Un peu comme dans le tome 2, j’aurais pu me passer de certaines scènes explicites (mais bon, on est dans un H.I. on sait pour quoi on signe), mais j’ai tellement aimé que Leigh rende son humanité à Neven. (Je ne pensais pas avoir de préféré, mais apparemment c’est LE personnage qui m’a marqué.e puisque 2 mois après ma lecture, ce sont ses scènes qui me reviennent le plus à l’esprit). Néanmoins, comme dans les 3 autres tomes, les sentiments sont au coeur du récit et ce dernier opus m’a tiré des litres de larmes… c’est donc que l’équilibre est juste comme il faut <3.
J’ai aimé que de nouvelles questions arrivent, que ce dernier tome ne soit pas qu’une conclusion mais qu’il introduisent de nouveaux concepts et histoires (bon, j’attendais certaines réponses, je ne les ai pas eues… MAIS je vais avoir une nouvelle série à la place donc… on ne va pas se plaindre, au contraire!).
En tout cas, c’est avec regret que je quitte la meute après cet HEA sanglant, et je lirai la nouvelle série avec un plaisir non dissimulé.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
“Je n’aurais jamais pensé que les émotions puissent être plus douloureuses que les coups de mon père.”
Ce tome est mon favori jusque là. On sent qu’on est aux ¾ de la série et l’action s’enchaîne, palpitante, sans qu’on ne puisse s’arrêter de tourner les pages. Grâce aux nombreux rebondissements, on découvre de nouvelles zones et territoires, de nouveaux peuples et leurs coutumes, et l’univers s’expanse énormément.
J’ai adoré le retour à Tenebrae et tout le discours autour de la spiritualité. De nombreuses choses restent sans réponse, et je sens que le tome 4 (ou le spin-off ?) va tout chambouler sur ce qu’on pensait savoir.
Dans ce troisième tome, c’est Leigh qui a son moment privilégié avec Neven. C’est vraiment une autre chose que j’aime dans cette série, que bien que nous soyons sur un why choose, chaque héros a plus ou moins son tome, chaque romance étant développée séparément avant tout. J’aime vraiment ce personnage qui est celui qui fait le plus grandir Neven, mais j’ai aussi adoré la façon dont le récit s’équilibre, alors que Joren prend aussi de plus en plus de place. Comme dans les autres tomes, le rapprochement se fait avant tout via une “proximité forcée” alors que les héros accomplissent leur quête, et nous explorons cette thématique de la famille, très présente dans la saga, avec de plus en plus de détails.
Mais les thèmes du sacrifice et du choix sont aussi de plus en plus présents, même si la plupart des actions sont ici des conséquences de ce qu’il s’est passé auparavant, ce qui donne du corps et de la cohérence à la série. Ce tome est plus noir, plus violent, plus emprint de rejet. Les personnages payent leurs erreurs et les raccourcis qu’ils ont emprunté plus tôt.
Et encore une fois, on a besoin d'entamer le tome 4 immédiatement, car il promet une fin en apocalypse… euh… apothéose.
Ce tome est mon favori jusque là. On sent qu’on est aux ¾ de la série et l’action s’enchaîne, palpitante, sans qu’on ne puisse s’arrêter de tourner les pages. Grâce aux nombreux rebondissements, on découvre de nouvelles zones et territoires, de nouveaux peuples et leurs coutumes, et l’univers s’expanse énormément.
J’ai adoré le retour à Tenebrae et tout le discours autour de la spiritualité. De nombreuses choses restent sans réponse, et je sens que le tome 4 (ou le spin-off ?) va tout chambouler sur ce qu’on pensait savoir.
Dans ce troisième tome, c’est Leigh qui a son moment privilégié avec Neven. C’est vraiment une autre chose que j’aime dans cette série, que bien que nous soyons sur un why choose, chaque héros a plus ou moins son tome, chaque romance étant développée séparément avant tout. J’aime vraiment ce personnage qui est celui qui fait le plus grandir Neven, mais j’ai aussi adoré la façon dont le récit s’équilibre, alors que Joren prend aussi de plus en plus de place. Comme dans les autres tomes, le rapprochement se fait avant tout via une “proximité forcée” alors que les héros accomplissent leur quête, et nous explorons cette thématique de la famille, très présente dans la saga, avec de plus en plus de détails.
Mais les thèmes du sacrifice et du choix sont aussi de plus en plus présents, même si la plupart des actions sont ici des conséquences de ce qu’il s’est passé auparavant, ce qui donne du corps et de la cohérence à la série. Ce tome est plus noir, plus violent, plus emprint de rejet. Les personnages payent leurs erreurs et les raccourcis qu’ils ont emprunté plus tôt.
Et encore une fois, on a besoin d'entamer le tome 4 immédiatement, car il promet une fin en apocalypse… euh… apothéose.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
“Aucun livre ne mérite d’être maltraité parce que je n’arrive pas à communiquer avec le Premier.”
Dans ce second tome, après les péripéties d’usage, haletantes et démarrant en feu d’artifice, une intimité (sentimentale, pas celle des corps) se noue entre les personnages. J’ai beaucoup aimé cet aspect qui malheureusement se perd un peu en romance de nos jours –et que je n’avais jamais retrouvé en H.I. jusque là.
Néanmoins, ce second tome de la saga Tenebrae est probablement celui que j’ai le moins aimé, car il comportait un peu trop de scènes +18 à mon goût, surtout en milieu de tome. Mais leur présence est également logique, puisque le récit ralenti alors que Neven découvre la vie de la meute et que l’intrigue se met un peu entre parenthèse alors qu’elle cherche à s’intégrer dans son nouveau quotidien. En même temps, Neven se découvre, s’invente une nouvelle identité en dehors de celle qui lui avait été jusque-là imposée, sa vraie identité. Si tous y contribuent, j’ai aimé le rôle prépondérant de Leigh, qui la guide “houleusement”, l’air de rien.
Le dernier tiers repart dans un rythme “infernal” tel qu’il est impossible de mettre la lecture en pause car le plot reprend son cours, plus haletant que jamais. Après cette respiration au sein de la meute, plein de nouvelles aventures démarrent, et nous conduisent au tome 3 (qu’on a absolument envie de découvrir instantanément).
adventurous
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
“Il ne peut pas me distinguer, à travers le voile. Pourtant j’ai l’impression qu’il me voit vraiment. Pas la princesse-trophée, mais Neven, bien cachée derrière toutes ces couches de mensonge.”
Cette série me faisait peur car je n’aime généralement pas les “why choose”. Pourtant, je me suis laissé.e entraîner par l’histoire que je n’ai pas vue passer (je l’ai dévorée en une matinée). La plume de l’autrice est toujours aussi belle et évocatrice, et dans ce premier tome, on découvre les personnages, le fonctionnement des différents peuples et surtout on se pose beaucoup de questions –qui trouveront leurs réponses dans les tomes suivants, sans aucun doute.
J’ai beaucoup aimé le personnage de Neven, qui dans ce tome fait sa coming of age story, alors qu’elle se libère des entraves paternelles, et qu’elle accepte de plus en plus sa (ses) différence(s) par rapport à ses semblables, qui la marginalisent.
L’attirance entre les personnages est très bien menée, grandissante, progressive, en un slow burn délicieux, sans overdose de scènes explicites, ce qui est si rare en H.I.. Et surtout, en plus de la romance, nous avons une vraie histoire, des conflits de fantasy classiques, avec de très chouettes scènes d’action qui laissent présager des moments d’anthologie pour la suite. Et dans tous les cas, les pages se tournent toutes seules.
Et puis, comme d’habitude avec Anna, la fin donne envie de lire la suite immédiatement, car vu tout ce que Neven a laissé derrière elle, il risque de s’en passer, des choses…
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
“Someone has to worry about you. You’re not going to do it yourself, infuriating creature.”
It was a pleasure to come back to this world after The Last Hour Between World. If you liked this first book, you’ll for sure will love the Last Soul Among Wolves. This is a follow-up of the story, even though you can expect a few differences.
First, there is less world building, which is logical as all the settings have been exposed in the first book. That allows this sequel to be more fast paced, but it’s also a bit less immersive IMO. But what you lose in WB, you gain in the plot. In this one, the plot is centered around a murder mystery, that if it’s not completely closed doors brings totally the vibes (with the addition of the fantasy). That makes it very addictive —even more than book 1— and as a consequence I’ve read it in almost only one go.
But what I might have enjoyed the most was that in this one Kembral and Rika are in an established relationship, even though it’s still green. It allows to explore different things than what we are used to, especially as it creates more tensions and conflicts, exposing them to different dangers in their adventures. I also loved Kembral’s evolution. As she is a bit more installed in her role as a mother, she realizes how much she ALSO wants to work. I loved this duality, and I can’t wait to know more about this, and about the romance in the next book.
The found family aspect, with Kembral’s childhood friends, is also a nice one. I loved the resulting feelings, mixing nostalgia, regrets and hope (!) for the future.
I can’t wait to read the next one!
Thank you to the author and Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
It was a pleasure to come back to this world after The Last Hour Between World. If you liked this first book, you’ll for sure will love the Last Soul Among Wolves. This is a follow-up of the story, even though you can expect a few differences.
First, there is less world building, which is logical as all the settings have been exposed in the first book. That allows this sequel to be more fast paced, but it’s also a bit less immersive IMO. But what you lose in WB, you gain in the plot. In this one, the plot is centered around a murder mystery, that if it’s not completely closed doors brings totally the vibes (with the addition of the fantasy). That makes it very addictive —even more than book 1— and as a consequence I’ve read it in almost only one go.
But what I might have enjoyed the most was that in this one Kembral and Rika are in an established relationship, even though it’s still green. It allows to explore different things than what we are used to, especially as it creates more tensions and conflicts, exposing them to different dangers in their adventures. I also loved Kembral’s evolution. As she is a bit more installed in her role as a mother, she realizes how much she ALSO wants to work. I loved this duality, and I can’t wait to know more about this, and about the romance in the next book.
The found family aspect, with Kembral’s childhood friends, is also a nice one. I loved the resulting feelings, mixing nostalgia, regrets and hope (!) for the future.
I can’t wait to read the next one!
Thank you to the author and Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
“What I liked about my relationship with Charles was how nice, in a surprisingly uncomplicated way.”
Behind the Frenemy Lines was a nice workplace romance, but a few things prevented me from completely enjoying the story.
My main trouble came from the MMC. If I love when the authors give their characters truly different voices, it was a bit too much for me in this case. I would have understood if it had been in the dialogues, but in the text, the very synthetic, sometimes just words without true sentences, prevented me from bonding with this character (even though I am a neurodivergent person who actually has trouble to express correctly when I talk) —and it almost pushed me to DNF.
That being said, I loved that we actually saw the characters work, that what they did had a true importance in the plot, and gave a lot of rhythm. I loved their combativity, how they are both proud but also feel restrained by their obligations. The romance between them feels mostly easy and logical, and conflicts come from other characters/situations. I absolutely adored how Charles acts with Kriya, how he supports her but doesn’t act instead of her. He gives her space, because he knows she’s completely able to deal with the situation, and that’s something we need to see more in romance.
Thank you to the author, Colored Pages PR and Tor Publishing Group | Bramble the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
Behind the Frenemy Lines was a nice workplace romance, but a few things prevented me from completely enjoying the story.
My main trouble came from the MMC. If I love when the authors give their characters truly different voices, it was a bit too much for me in this case. I would have understood if it had been in the dialogues, but in the text, the very synthetic, sometimes just words without true sentences, prevented me from bonding with this character (even though I am a neurodivergent person who actually has trouble to express correctly when I talk) —and it almost pushed me to DNF.
That being said, I loved that we actually saw the characters work, that what they did had a true importance in the plot, and gave a lot of rhythm. I loved their combativity, how they are both proud but also feel restrained by their obligations. The romance between them feels mostly easy and logical, and conflicts come from other characters/situations. I absolutely adored how Charles acts with Kriya, how he supports her but doesn’t act instead of her. He gives her space, because he knows she’s completely able to deal with the situation, and that’s something we need to see more in romance.
Thank you to the author, Colored Pages PR and Tor Publishing Group | Bramble the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
“No one gets to dictate the truth of who you really are.”
I had a lovely time with this romance filled with queer joy. Be warned, you’ll get caught in the thrill of the chase too, and in all the interlaced quests, and will turn page after page. Because this book isn’t only about a treasure (even though the hunt is super fun), it’s also about finding your roots, and choosing them as you find yourself. Eve and Harper start as complete opposites, yet their motivations are pretty similar. Both want to escape their “parental models” but try to find a connection with their familial legacy at the same time. At the beginning of the book, Eve is more advanced in this path, yet she will discover herself too. But Harper is the one with the most beautiful evolution, as she questions everything in her life, thanks to that article she’s supposed to write. That felt very empowering to see these women choose themselves first after living a life to do the opposite.
But what I loved the most is how their quest reveleaded a lot of different queer stories, sewed in the mystery. It was a very cute mirror of their blossoming relationship, but also particularly emotional (yes, I cried with the last reveal).
Thank you to the author and Entangled publishing for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own
I had a lovely time with this romance filled with queer joy. Be warned, you’ll get caught in the thrill of the chase too, and in all the interlaced quests, and will turn page after page. Because this book isn’t only about a treasure (even though the hunt is super fun), it’s also about finding your roots, and choosing them as you find yourself. Eve and Harper start as complete opposites, yet their motivations are pretty similar. Both want to escape their “parental models” but try to find a connection with their familial legacy at the same time. At the beginning of the book, Eve is more advanced in this path, yet she will discover herself too. But Harper is the one with the most beautiful evolution, as she questions everything in her life, thanks to that article she’s supposed to write. That felt very empowering to see these women choose themselves first after living a life to do the opposite.
But what I loved the most is how their quest reveleaded a lot of different queer stories, sewed in the mystery. It was a very cute mirror of their blossoming relationship, but also particularly emotional (yes, I cried with the last reveal).
Thank you to the author and Entangled publishing for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
“Gent of Fem, bets.” “Lady of Man… bets”
The whole Night Market series has my heart, but the Heartbreak Show might be my favorite among them. As usual, the narrators killed the game in the audiobook. They give life to the characters like no other, and their interpretation –yes, with the Irish accents– allow the reader/listener to dive into the story. Like for the other installments in this series, I did an immersive reading (audio+ebook), and I have absolutely no regrets. Oh, and there’s a bonus in the audio, the short story heartshot, that you can grab with the author’s NL as an ebook, is added in the end.
I loved the relationship between Glenna and Cian. The banter, especially, is delicious, and clearly carries JS’s touch (I mean… this bet? Super fun, super hot!). She writes that like no other. These two are clearly friends, very close, and the longing is a lot different than in the other books. They chose to be together, and that brings something more –IMO– in this story. I also adored the gender “non conformity” in this one, and I mean that above the fact that Cian is a genderfluid character (which is a great thing already). Glenna is self-assured, doesn’t apologize, impose herself, is a tad jealous –but without being a caricature or rude. She knows who she is and where she goes, while Cian has a long journey in front of him –quite literally.
Because this book is first and foremost about Cian’s quest. I loved how the author took (and twisted) the Irish myths to adapt them into that fantasy romcom. I loved his trajectory, how he becomes a hero but –first of all– can truly be himself, loved for who he is, freed from some “legacies” and associated fears.
So if you are looking for a fantasy romcom, mixing coziness, banter, spice and adventure, consider the Heartbreak Show (but you should, IMO, read the whole series, as they’re interconnected standalones).
The whole Night Market series has my heart, but the Heartbreak Show might be my favorite among them. As usual, the narrators killed the game in the audiobook. They give life to the characters like no other, and their interpretation –yes, with the Irish accents– allow the reader/listener to dive into the story. Like for the other installments in this series, I did an immersive reading (audio+ebook), and I have absolutely no regrets. Oh, and there’s a bonus in the audio, the short story heartshot, that you can grab with the author’s NL as an ebook, is added in the end.
I loved the relationship between Glenna and Cian. The banter, especially, is delicious, and clearly carries JS’s touch (I mean… this bet? Super fun, super hot!). She writes that like no other. These two are clearly friends, very close, and the longing is a lot different than in the other books. They chose to be together, and that brings something more –IMO– in this story. I also adored the gender “non conformity” in this one, and I mean that above the fact that Cian is a genderfluid character (which is a great thing already). Glenna is self-assured, doesn’t apologize, impose herself, is a tad jealous –but without being a caricature or rude. She knows who she is and where she goes, while Cian has a long journey in front of him –quite literally.
Because this book is first and foremost about Cian’s quest. I loved how the author took (and twisted) the Irish myths to adapt them into that fantasy romcom. I loved his trajectory, how he becomes a hero but –first of all– can truly be himself, loved for who he is, freed from some “legacies” and associated fears.
So if you are looking for a fantasy romcom, mixing coziness, banter, spice and adventure, consider the Heartbreak Show (but you should, IMO, read the whole series, as they’re interconnected standalones).
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
“I can’t blame him for his secrets. I keep my own.”
I had a great time with Arcana Academy, especially thanks to the developed WB, but also with the rich plot (the romance, the escape plan, the mysteries, etc), with several “side quests” that make it thicker but not too heavy. The characters are wonderfully crafted, pondered and multilayered. They’re full of secrets but it never falls into some stereotypes. Of course, at the end of book 1, we know that we still have a lot of discoveries to make, secrets to unbury, hoping that it will feel just as natural as it felt in this first installment. Because the pacing is also so good. It’s fast-paced in the sense that a lot is happening but it’s not at the WB’s detriment. Arcana Academy isn’t a “green screen book”. The places and characters are described (without being overwhelming), and the WB is rich and unveiled little by little.
I adored the magical system, based on the tarot cards, but mixing a lot of other aspects that interlock with each other to create something truly unique. Because the world also has its secrets, and we learn –very gradually– what is hidden to the “average people”.
As soon as something is untangled, new knots appears, giving density to the story. Indeed, if Arcana Academy is easy to understand in a first read, it also feels that rereads will reveal even more, in order to enjoy every subtleties.
The romance part is secondary but also very important to the plot. I loved that “pas de deux” between both characters, how they play cat and mouse, how we never know what to think, between fascination and repultion…
But the book also questions things, especially about “revolutions”. If you were to change the world, would it be better than it is? What would be your priorities? Would you privilege your personal dreams or something bigger? What would be the consequences? I can wait to read book 2 to know more about everything!
I had a great time with Arcana Academy, especially thanks to the developed WB, but also with the rich plot (the romance, the escape plan, the mysteries, etc), with several “side quests” that make it thicker but not too heavy. The characters are wonderfully crafted, pondered and multilayered. They’re full of secrets but it never falls into some stereotypes. Of course, at the end of book 1, we know that we still have a lot of discoveries to make, secrets to unbury, hoping that it will feel just as natural as it felt in this first installment. Because the pacing is also so good. It’s fast-paced in the sense that a lot is happening but it’s not at the WB’s detriment. Arcana Academy isn’t a “green screen book”. The places and characters are described (without being overwhelming), and the WB is rich and unveiled little by little.
I adored the magical system, based on the tarot cards, but mixing a lot of other aspects that interlock with each other to create something truly unique. Because the world also has its secrets, and we learn –very gradually– what is hidden to the “average people”.
As soon as something is untangled, new knots appears, giving density to the story. Indeed, if Arcana Academy is easy to understand in a first read, it also feels that rereads will reveal even more, in order to enjoy every subtleties.
The romance part is secondary but also very important to the plot. I loved that “pas de deux” between both characters, how they play cat and mouse, how we never know what to think, between fascination and repultion…
But the book also questions things, especially about “revolutions”. If you were to change the world, would it be better than it is? What would be your priorities? Would you privilege your personal dreams or something bigger? What would be the consequences? I can wait to read book 2 to know more about everything!