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the_library_of_mary's reviews
130 reviews
Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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
4.25
I would say the hype for this book is appropriate. I have heard great things about this series and about Tisaanah as a main character, so I had higher expectations going into this listen. And this book met the expectations, I would say it didn't "wow" me every single scene but overall it is a really compelling and interesting story.
The Orders and the kingdom of Ara set the scene very well for a political commentary. This book is political, it deals with slavery and political ploys to gain power and brought a level to this story that I enjoyed. Tisaanah is a former enslaved person that has managed to break herself out of her previous situation and seems to fall into another complicated dynamic in Ara. I really really enjoy how driven Tisaanah is and how she works hard to motivate herself to accomplish tasks not just for herself, but for others. I think she is a great balance of charitable without being a self sacrificing one dimensional character ( As i think some fantasy character become, especially female characters). Her strength is earned, and I like that.
Max, oh Max. What are we going to do with you haha. I am a sucker for a grumpy character that gets pulled out of their shell. The relationship beginning and development between Tisaanah and Max, I was eating it up! Also those spicy scenes, wasn't expecting that but was LOVING IT. They have chemistry, what can I say.
I don't want to give to much away, but if you are looking for a story with political plots, a strong FMC, and magical apprenticeship then look here. I'm eager to start the next book in this trilogy.
Reshaye. What an interesting magic system/ twist / character. I was so surprised and I really enjoy this chaos element it brings in. I feel bad for my girl Tesaanah, but I just think a sentient weapon/magic thing is such a great thing to play against a character that can read people and changes herself to appeal to them. She can't hide from Reshaye. I really really like it.
The Orders and the kingdom of Ara set the scene very well for a political commentary. This book is political, it deals with slavery and political ploys to gain power and brought a level to this story that I enjoyed. Tisaanah is a former enslaved person that has managed to break herself out of her previous situation and seems to fall into another complicated dynamic in Ara. I really really enjoy how driven Tisaanah is and how she works hard to motivate herself to accomplish tasks not just for herself, but for others. I think she is a great balance of charitable without being a self sacrificing one dimensional character ( As i think some fantasy character become, especially female characters). Her strength is earned, and I like that.
Max, oh Max. What are we going to do with you haha. I am a sucker for a grumpy character that gets pulled out of their shell. The relationship beginning and development between Tisaanah and Max, I was eating it up!
I don't want to give to much away, but if you are looking for a story with political plots, a strong FMC, and magical apprenticeship then look here. I'm eager to start the next book in this trilogy.
Reshaye. What an interesting magic system/ twist / character. I was so surprised and I really enjoy this chaos element it brings in. I feel bad for my girl Tesaanah, but I just think a sentient weapon/magic thing is such a great thing to play against a character that can read people and changes herself to appeal to them. She can't hide from Reshaye. I really really like it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Trafficking
Moderate: Death, Sexual assault
A Harvest of Hearts by Andrea Eames
Did not finish book. Stopped at 76%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 76%.
UGH I'M SO DISAPPOINTED!
I love Howl's Moving Castle and I love a bit of a dark fantasy, so on paper this is something I should love. And while I did find it enjoyable enough, I just couldn't stayed hooked on it. I got halfway through and it felt like a chore to read, and with so many others lined up I just couldn't prioritize it.
I think the inspiration from Howl's Moving Castle was a little to on the nose for my liking, the set up felt a little "fanfiction-y" to me. I think Foss was a great character concept and it was a dark and intersting plot, but it just fell flat.
Maybe I will try this again at some point, maybe I wasn't in the right headspace. But overall this wasn't bad, but I don't feel the need to keep reading it.
I love Howl's Moving Castle and I love a bit of a dark fantasy, so on paper this is something I should love. And while I did find it enjoyable enough, I just couldn't stayed hooked on it. I got halfway through and it felt like a chore to read, and with so many others lined up I just couldn't prioritize it.
I think the inspiration from Howl's Moving Castle was a little to on the nose for my liking, the set up felt a little "fanfiction-y" to me. I think Foss was a great character concept and it was a dark and intersting plot, but it just fell flat.
Maybe I will try this again at some point, maybe I wasn't in the right headspace. But overall this wasn't bad, but I don't feel the need to keep reading it.
Barbarian Mine by Ruby Dixon
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I needed to read this. I have been in a HUGE reading slump and needed to re-read one of these books. They just always get me out of a slump.
This book focuses on Harlow and Rukh and is basically alien Tarzan. Rukh has been alone on Not-Hoth avoiding the tribe because his fathered told him they were the "bad ones" When Rukh begins resonating to Harlow when she is out trying to get wood to save Haeden's life, he doesn't know what to do and just straight up kidnaps her. I swear the book is not stockholm syndrome.
Harlow has to teach Rukh everything and they begin their survivalist relationship. Rukh is caring and attentive to Harlow, but incredible possessive to the point where he wants go kill one of them when he spots them hunting. Harlow is constantly talking her man down for this book haha. The two of them are really cute and the book was a fast and fun read for me. Harlow is a bit of a martyr in the beginning which I always need to tell myself that this is a romance book and we are going to suspend some disbelief here.
We also get the first babies in this book! I was surprised by the year time skip during my first read, but i think it makes perfect sense and we now have the ball rolling for the next couples.
Like all of these books, they are good fun and are exactly what I needed.
This book focuses on Harlow and Rukh and is basically alien Tarzan. Rukh has been alone on Not-Hoth avoiding the tribe because his fathered told him they were the "bad ones" When Rukh begins resonating to Harlow when she is out trying to get wood to save Haeden's life, he doesn't know what to do and just straight up kidnaps her. I swear the book is not stockholm syndrome.
Harlow has to teach Rukh everything and they begin their survivalist relationship. Rukh is caring and attentive to Harlow, but incredible possessive to the point where he wants go kill one of them when he spots them hunting. Harlow is constantly talking her man down for this book haha. The two of them are really cute and the book was a fast and fun read for me. Harlow is a bit of a martyr in the beginning which I always need to tell myself that this is a romance book and we are going to suspend some disbelief here.
We also get the first babies in this book! I was surprised by the year time skip during my first read, but i think it makes perfect sense and we now have the ball rolling for the next couples.
Like all of these books, they are good fun and are exactly what I needed.
Gallant by V.E. Schwab
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was a surprise high rated read for me. I listen to a lot of audiobooks, mostly through my library. So when I'm in between holds, I'll normally just browse what is available now to listen to. This was one of those books. I hadn't heard of this title, but I had heard of the author so I decided to give it a try.
I really enjoyed it! It had the perfect level of spooky for me to enjoy, being someone that doesn't really enjoy horror. Olivia was a great narrator because she was also learning information with us being kept on the outside of the Prior family her whole life. She has a great character motivation of desperately wanting a family, which seems realistic for her age.
I sometimes struggle with younger narrator and find it hard to connect to them, but did not have that issue with Oliva. The way she navigates this world she has been thrust into is keeps you invested and rooting for her.
The paranormal aspect of this book was a win for me. The ghouls were an incredibly interesting aspect to me, how they were fragments of the family Olivia was desperate for. I also really enjoyed the journal scenes and the sound effects that were used in the audiobook.
This was a nice read. I would reccomend checking it out if you are looking for a spooky adventure due to a family bloodline, with some tragically heartfelt family moments.
I really enjoyed it! It had the perfect level of spooky for me to enjoy, being someone that doesn't really enjoy horror. Olivia was a great narrator because she was also learning information with us being kept on the outside of the Prior family her whole life. She has a great character motivation of desperately wanting a family, which seems realistic for her age.
I sometimes struggle with younger narrator and find it hard to connect to them, but did not have that issue with Oliva. The way she navigates this world she has been thrust into is keeps you invested and rooting for her.
The paranormal aspect of this book was a win for me. The ghouls were an incredibly interesting aspect to me, how they were fragments of the family Olivia was desperate for. I also really enjoyed the journal scenes and the sound effects that were used in the audiobook.
This was a nice read. I would reccomend checking it out if you are looking for a spooky adventure due to a family bloodline, with some tragically heartfelt family moments.
Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I was reorganizing my bookshelves and needed a quick listen for while I worked on it. I had kept hearing about this a while ago, so when I saw it was available on libby I jumped on it.
I have had mixed success with T Kingfisher, some books I love while others I'm not crazy about. This one however, was great! In all of their books there is a theme of bending fairytales and magic. This book follows Toadling. Toadling is the human child that got swapped with a changeling, and it focuses on her life. Normally changeling stories focus on the changeling child, not the human child it was swapped with. I really enjoyed the character and the perspective.
There is a plot and actions that take place during the story, but this read more to be like a retelling of her life ( which I loved!). It felt very intimate, like we were having a conversation over coffee and I was listening to a friend vent. Toadling was an endearing narrator and as a character I loved her a lot.
There is a smidge of romance, I wouldn't even really consider this a romance. I interpreted it more as just connection, as she as been without it for sometime.
Overall, if you are looking for a quick and sentimental fantasy book I would definitely give this a try. I read this in basically one sitting and I was engaged the whole time.
I have had mixed success with T Kingfisher, some books I love while others I'm not crazy about. This one however, was great! In all of their books there is a theme of bending fairytales and magic. This book follows Toadling. Toadling is the human child that got swapped with a changeling, and it focuses on her life. Normally changeling stories focus on the changeling child, not the human child it was swapped with. I really enjoyed the character and the perspective.
There is a plot and actions that take place during the story, but this read more to be like a retelling of her life ( which I loved!). It felt very intimate, like we were having a conversation over coffee and I was listening to a friend vent. Toadling was an endearing narrator and as a character I loved her a lot.
There is a smidge of romance, I wouldn't even really consider this a romance. I interpreted it more as just connection, as she as been without it for sometime.
Overall, if you are looking for a quick and sentimental fantasy book I would definitely give this a try. I read this in basically one sitting and I was engaged the whole time.
Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I will start this off by saying that I don't think I was in the best head space "attention" wise when listening to this book.
The setting of this story is beautiful and the imagery of the sea and different islands was lovely to read, especially as it gets colder here where I am. The fantasy system being based on Pacific Islander folklore was also something I really liked about the book. It felt very refreshing, as I haven't really read a lot of fantasy books that take inspiration from it. This book definitely pushed me to go look into other books based on the mythology.
Now, I hate to say it, this audiobook was only 8 hours long and it dragged for me. I normally listen to audiobooks while at work, so I should have been able to knock this out in a day or two. I actually specifically rented this audiobook to listen at work. I found myself only able to listen to chunks of it at a time and not get fully immersed and invested in the characters. Hanalei and Sam are two characters that on paper I should be in love with, especially Hanalei. But I just couldn't get the attachment to any of the characters that I normally get while reading.
I think I did myself a disservice by listening to this so sporadically because I felt like the plot was kind of all over the place. And I really do think my lack of following it was my own fault. I felt like instead of unravelling a mystery, we were just kind of "task hopping". Things were connected, but didn't feel really deeply connected.
For a standlone fantasy I think the author did have a complete story, I liked the ending and it felt good. Enough was settled to feel completed, but enough left open to let our minds imagine how this story might continue.
Overall I am still glad I read this book and I think if you are looking to diversify your fantasy reads, this one would be a good try. It was an easy read.
The setting of this story is beautiful and the imagery of the sea and different islands was lovely to read, especially as it gets colder here where I am. The fantasy system being based on Pacific Islander folklore was also something I really liked about the book. It felt very refreshing, as I haven't really read a lot of fantasy books that take inspiration from it. This book definitely pushed me to go look into other books based on the mythology.
Now, I hate to say it, this audiobook was only 8 hours long and it dragged for me. I normally listen to audiobooks while at work, so I should have been able to knock this out in a day or two. I actually specifically rented this audiobook to listen at work. I found myself only able to listen to chunks of it at a time and not get fully immersed and invested in the characters. Hanalei and Sam are two characters that on paper I should be in love with, especially Hanalei. But I just couldn't get the attachment to any of the characters that I normally get while reading.
I think I did myself a disservice by listening to this so sporadically because I felt like the plot was kind of all over the place. And I really do think my lack of following it was my own fault. I felt like instead of unravelling a mystery, we were just kind of "task hopping". Things were connected, but didn't feel really deeply connected.
For a standlone fantasy I think the author did have a complete story, I liked the ending and it felt good. Enough was settled to feel completed, but enough left open to let our minds imagine how this story might continue.
Overall I am still glad I read this book and I think if you are looking to diversify your fantasy reads, this one would be a good try. It was an easy read.
The Absinthe Underground by Jamie Pacton
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This book was not on my radar, I saw it was available at my library as an audiobook when I was in between loans . So I gave it a shot.
This was a fun, easy, and nice read. It focuses on 2 queer female characters who make the majority of their money as thieves. These two girls find out that there is another world of Fae and get hired to complete a job there.
I'm struggling to find the exact words because I don't want it to sound like a bad point. The heist aspect of this book was simple, but fun to read. Nothing really hit me in the face with these crazy plot twists and reveals, but it didn't seem like the author was overly concerned with shock value in those moments. The plot itself was fun, the setting is really exciting, and these two girls are so sweet and charming. Each with their own quirks and hidden feelings, this was a nice queer budding romance read.
If you want an easy fantasy revolving around completing heist "goals/tasks", a taste of fantasy world building, and some fluffy feel good sapphic love, give this a try!
This was a fun, easy, and nice read. It focuses on 2 queer female characters who make the majority of their money as thieves. These two girls find out that there is another world of Fae and get hired to complete a job there.
I'm struggling to find the exact words because I don't want it to sound like a bad point. The heist aspect of this book was simple, but fun to read. Nothing really hit me in the face with these crazy plot twists and reveals, but it didn't seem like the author was overly concerned with shock value in those moments. The plot itself was fun, the setting is really exciting, and these two girls are so sweet and charming. Each with their own quirks and hidden feelings, this was a nice queer budding romance read.
If you want an easy fantasy revolving around completing heist "goals/tasks", a taste of fantasy world building, and some fluffy feel good sapphic love, give this a try!
Flamefall by Rosaria Munda
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
4.75
I was blown away by this book! The last half of it and the ending pushed it high for me. Just..wow.
This is the second book in the trilogy and I read the first book at the beginning of this year. My library finally got this book on libby so I borrowed it with only a quick refresher on the first book. I feel like this series is not talked enough about AT ALL. If you enjoy Fourth Wing, but don't want the romance and romantic scenes to be a huge portion of the book you should definitely check out this series.
This book swaps between multiple narrators as the characters navigate the political scene after the actions of last book. Annie, Lee, and Griff give major insight into the different groups plotting and schemes.
These characters HAVE DEPTH, just wow. Throughout the book these characters have to grow and change and make decisions that have such consequence behind them. I was enthralled reading about what decisions they would make and found myself actively getting upset over choices or reactions toward the others ( in a good way!). They all have made mistakes and have made choices that others may disagree with, but the have to continue to interact with each other and make decisions for their people to the best of their abilities.
Annie, my girl.
The ending had me SCREAMING. DUCKKKKK, OMG. I was shocked, genuinely. I thought that the deaths were really to motivate Cor's actions and commitment to Megara and the cause. The fact that he was being used by Ixion. ( I listened to the audiobook, I don't know about spelling)
Annie, my poor girl. She was dragged through the mud during this book and I felt so bad for her. Megara, it's on sight. Sorry I get you had your reasons, but Annie is it for me. I loved her growing relationship with Power and actually kind of found myself rooting for the two of them.
I do enjoy Lee and Annie's complex relationship, they clearly have a deep bond that I enjoy reading about. But I wasn't a huge huge fan of the romance rekindling at the end. I think at this point with the betrayals they have felt against each other, they need to just have a platonic connection. I don't mind the romance, but I think it would be more interesting.
This is the second book in the trilogy and I read the first book at the beginning of this year. My library finally got this book on libby so I borrowed it with only a quick refresher on the first book. I feel like this series is not talked enough about AT ALL. If you enjoy Fourth Wing, but don't want the romance and romantic scenes to be a huge portion of the book you should definitely check out this series.
This book swaps between multiple narrators as the characters navigate the political scene after the actions of last book. Annie, Lee, and Griff give major insight into the different groups plotting and schemes.
These characters HAVE DEPTH, just wow. Throughout the book these characters have to grow and change and make decisions that have such consequence behind them. I was enthralled reading about what decisions they would make and found myself actively getting upset over choices or reactions toward the others ( in a good way!). They all have made mistakes and have made choices that others may disagree with, but the have to continue to interact with each other and make decisions for their people to the best of their abilities.
Annie, my girl.
The ending had me SCREAMING. DUCKKKKK, OMG. I was shocked, genuinely. I thought that the deaths were really to motivate Cor's actions and commitment to Megara and the cause. The fact that he was being used by Ixion. ( I listened to the audiobook, I don't know about spelling)
Annie, my poor girl. She was dragged through the mud during this book and I felt so bad for her. Megara, it's on sight. Sorry I get you had your reasons, but Annie is it for me. I loved her growing relationship with Power and actually kind of found myself rooting for the two of them.
I do enjoy Lee and Annie's complex relationship, they clearly have a deep bond that I enjoy reading about. But I wasn't a huge huge fan of the romance rekindling at the end. I think at this point with the betrayals they have felt against each other, they need to just have a platonic connection. I don't mind the romance, but I think it would be more interesting.
A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
5.0
It's official, I LOVE this series. I think the hype it received is well deserved and I enjoyed every book. This world is so inviting, I just want to know more and more about these characters and their individual plots. I'm excited to read the Caraval series to fill in some gaps.
Eva and Jacks, oh my HEART. The chemistry, tension, and emotion between them, ugh it simultaneously broke and warmed my heart. The way their relationship developed and changed throughout their story was beautiful and raw. I really felt like we saw the highs and lows of their dynamic and we saw the work that they both put into it.
The plot with Apollo, the Valors, and the other Fates. Amazing, I truly enjoyed every scene because it felt honest. Even Apollo, who I'm not the biggest fan of, displayed his logic and reasoning in his chapters. You believe that HE really believes his logic, know what I mean?
I loved the introduction of the dual POV in this bookEspecially with a lot of the beginning o the book being around Eva's memory loss, having Apollo chapters helped keep the "true" plot going while Eva's chapters were obviously also a part of the plot, but she has significant gaps.
I'm so happy I gave this series a go. I would consider this a "romance" romantasy. With the magic system feeling more fairytale-like, I really was focusing on the romance aspect of this series. The worldbuilding is also really interesting, but they was the author writes the romantic tension and chemistry was unmatched.
I'm so happy that Eva and Jacks got their happy ending. When we had like the "fake out" happy ending I got SO nervous, y'all have no idea. I was terrified that they wouldn't get anything out of this tragic story. I'm so happy they did.
I was so impressed with Apollo's character arc. In the first book I found myself really rooting for him and trying to see the good in him like Eva was. But the way he spiraled into this obsessive and controlling man, while still deluding himself that he was a good guy was done so well. I found myself wanting to keep giving him chances and excuses, until it was to late and then my eyes were violently opened to the kind of character he was.
By not reading Caraval, I have a feeling that a lot of the Castor, Aurora, and Jacks drama was lost on my a little bit. I understood the dynamics, but I bet it would have hit harder if I had some backstory.
Eva and Jacks, oh my HEART. The chemistry, tension, and emotion between them, ugh it simultaneously broke and warmed my heart. The way their relationship developed and changed throughout their story was beautiful and raw. I really felt like we saw the highs and lows of their dynamic and we saw the work that they both put into it.
The plot with Apollo, the Valors, and the other Fates. Amazing, I truly enjoyed every scene because it felt honest. Even Apollo, who I'm not the biggest fan of, displayed his logic and reasoning in his chapters. You believe that HE really believes his logic, know what I mean?
I loved the introduction of the dual POV in this book
I'm so happy I gave this series a go. I would consider this a "romance" romantasy. With the magic system feeling more fairytale-like, I really was focusing on the romance aspect of this series. The worldbuilding is also really interesting, but they was the author writes the romantic tension and chemistry was unmatched.
I'm so happy that Eva and Jacks got their happy ending. When we had like the "fake out" happy ending I got SO nervous, y'all have no idea. I was terrified that they wouldn't get anything out of this tragic story. I'm so happy they did.
I was so impressed with Apollo's character arc. In the first book I found myself really rooting for him and trying to see the good in him like Eva was. But the way he spiraled into this obsessive and controlling man, while still deluding himself that he was a good guy was done so well. I found myself wanting to keep giving him chances and excuses, until it was to late and then my eyes were violently opened to the kind of character he was.
By not reading Caraval, I have a feeling that a lot of the Castor, Aurora, and Jacks drama was lost on my a little bit. I understood the dynamics, but I bet it would have hit harder if I had some backstory.
Crier's War by Nina Varela
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
The concept, characters, and setting of this book are all very interesting and have the makings of being something great. This is definitely a "high school" YA book, I would have eaten this up if I read it when I was in high school.
The pacing felt a little quick in terms of the relationship between Ayla and Crier. There were some really beautiful lines and scenes, but it felt a little insta-love to me. More so in an attraction way not a relationship way, so maybe that was the intention. Overall their relationship dynamics, romantic and otherwise, was fluid having high and low moments.
I think it was a good move to include a historical timeline in the beginning of the book. The story itself is set in the reign of the Automae and we see how the current rule treats humans very poorly. We obviously sympathize with the humans in this setting, but in the timeline we see that originally the Automae were created and treated as pets and novelties. I'm sure historically there is also the perspective of the Automae revolting against the cruel human rule, similiar to the setting of this story.
I will read the second book of the duology for sure, I am interested in the political situation that this book leaves and I want to see where the characters end up and where their stories go.
If you are looking for a non-"heavy" fantasy with an interesting concept, easy to digest political plotting, and some complicated sapphic feelings I think you should give this book a try.
I'm very interested to see where Queen Junn falls and if she is truly betraying/using Crier similiar to Kinok. I want to believe that Queen Junn is really trying to make a better future, but how ruthlessly she gets there I do not know.
Kinok is a great "villian" / enemy. This book plays a lot with political power, so him being the leader of a fantatic group really adds to this story. He stinks though, we don't like Kinok haha. The reveal about Crier not having the 5 pillars, what a dick.
Ayla and Crier, these two discovering feelings they don't want for different but similiar reasons. I personally like a bit of yearning in my romances, and these two just had a tiny amount of it. I wouldn't even really consider this a romance, more a book that has a romance in it.
The pacing felt a little quick in terms of the relationship between Ayla and Crier. There were some really beautiful lines and scenes, but it felt a little insta-love to me. More so in an attraction way not a relationship way, so maybe that was the intention. Overall their relationship dynamics, romantic and otherwise, was fluid having high and low moments.
I think it was a good move to include a historical timeline in the beginning of the book. The story itself is set in the reign of the Automae and we see how the current rule treats humans very poorly. We obviously sympathize with the humans in this setting, but in the timeline we see that originally the Automae were created and treated as pets and novelties. I'm sure historically there is also the perspective of the Automae revolting against the cruel human rule, similiar to the setting of this story.
I will read the second book of the duology for sure, I am interested in the political situation that this book leaves and I want to see where the characters end up and where their stories go.
If you are looking for a non-"heavy" fantasy with an interesting concept, easy to digest political plotting, and some complicated sapphic feelings I think you should give this book a try.
I'm very interested to see where Queen Junn falls and if she is truly betraying/using Crier similiar to Kinok. I want to believe that Queen Junn is really trying to make a better future, but how ruthlessly she gets there I do not know.
Kinok is a great "villian" / enemy. This book plays a lot with political power, so him being the leader of a fantatic group really adds to this story. He stinks though, we don't like Kinok haha. The reveal about Crier not having the 5 pillars, what a dick.
Ayla and Crier, these two discovering feelings they don't want for different but similiar reasons. I personally like a bit of yearning in my romances, and these two just had a tiny amount of it. I wouldn't even really consider this a romance, more a book that has a romance in it.