There are some great one-liners in this book so I had to use one to start this review!
Let’s start with the obvious“This isn’t some sick sci-fi novel.�
There are some great one-liners in this book so I had to use one to start this review!
Let’s start with the obvious � alien vamps means gore so expect a lot of blood and death. The blurb reveals this and the plot basics so I won’t review those here. There is some great world building slid it into the plot including some non-human gifts and technology. I very much enjoyed those aspects and how they were revealed slowly. This new alien dystopian world incorporates tension and twists from several shifting alliances. While I’m usually more invested in character growth, I kept turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next and how it was going to end. The plot does move along well with a lot of action.
BTW, it’s multiple third person POV which is my preference. However, this means it’ll take a bit to get everyone straight in your head at the beginning and grasp what’s going on. It is a close 3rd person so if you prefer 1st person because you get in a character’s head, no need to worry. You’ll get character thoughts in this book too.
Now, let’s move on to what isn’t as obvious � the mysticism surrounding the Rose and the Blades. This was one of my favorite parts to be honest. It’s more philosophical and magical than the I expected. Clearly, this is the author’s personal spin and it’s unique and fun! There’s also some great foundations laid for next book so expect some outstanding questions left to be resolved. I’m particularly intrigued by Robyn Winter!
If aliens, vampires, or dark fantasy is on your book list, definitely give this one a try � I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
Merged review:
“This isn’t some sick sci-fi novel.�
There are some great one-liners in this book so I had to use one to start this review!
Let’s start with the obvious � alien vamps means gore so expect a lot of blood and death. The blurb reveals this and the plot basics so I won’t review those here. There is some great world building slid it into the plot including some non-human gifts and technology. I very much enjoyed those aspects and how they were revealed slowly. This new alien dystopian world incorporates tension and twists from several shifting alliances. While I’m usually more invested in character growth, I kept turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next and how it was going to end. The plot does move along well with a lot of action.
BTW, it’s multiple third person POV which is my preference. However, this means it’ll take a bit to get everyone straight in your head at the beginning and grasp what’s going on. It is a close 3rd person so if you prefer 1st person because you get in a character’s head, no need to worry. You’ll get character thoughts in this book too.
Now, let’s move on to what isn’t as obvious � the mysticism surrounding the Rose and the Blades. This was one of my favorite parts to be honest. It’s more philosophical and magical than the I expected. Clearly, this is the author’s personal spin and it’s unique and fun! There’s also some great foundations laid for next book so expect some outstanding questions left to be resolved. I’m particularly intrigued by Robyn Winter!
If aliens, vampires, or dark fantasy is on your book list, definitely give this one a try � I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!...more
It was the world building and well handled magical gift that kept me hooked. The MMC is a bit too much of a boy scout for me so the romance wasn't my It was the world building and well handled magical gift that kept me hooked. The MMC is a bit too much of a boy scout for me so the romance wasn't my favorite aspect (as it often is)....more
3.5 stars Easy, enjoyable read that wrapped up nicely enough that I won't continue the series immediately. I'm open to more though!3.5 stars Easy, enjoyable read that wrapped up nicely enough that I won't continue the series immediately. I'm open to more though!...more
The constant stream of one-liners didn't work as well for me as others. I was very interested in the world building but I won't continue this series iThe constant stream of one-liners didn't work as well for me as others. I was very interested in the world building but I won't continue this series immediately....more
While not a 'fast, feel-good' read for me, I did think it was solid book. Below are a few quick details and then a link to the full reader/ writer revWhile not a 'fast, feel-good' read for me, I did think it was solid book. Below are a few quick details and then a link to the full reader/ writer review on my website.
-Known magical world -FMC may appear boring as she's not a super-powered chosen one -magical realism feel with good and bad life issues (which is why it wasn't quite feel-good enough for me)
I consider this a casual read as I was able to put it down. However, it's good enough to keep this series and author on my will read list! Here's the link to my full review:...more
This was my January 2023 book chat read so I have a full review posted on my blog (link below) as bothCute, easy to read...but, yes, it is serialized!
This was my January 2023 book chat read so I have a full review posted on my blog (link below) as both a reader and a writer. Bottom line though: I connected easily with the characters, enjoyed the world, and will read more in this series and by this author.
This is decently well-written, but I couldn't connect to the characters or the world. I'll add a link to my full review as a reader and wr2.5/ 3 stars
This is decently well-written, but I couldn't connect to the characters or the world. I'll add a link to my full review as a reader and writer, but I wanted to share a specific issue here as well.
Georgina says no repeatedly but always caves. This isn't just to one make the hero look special - she's that way with every guy. For a centuries old succubus, she didn't have the strength, power, or confidence I expected or wanted so that was a disappointment. I need to like the MC to continue a series so this clearly isn't the one for me.
If you're reading this despite the large number of positive reviews, here's the link to my full review .
2.5 stars: not my cup of tea *Review will contain one SPOILER/ TRIGGER WARNING*
I'm definitely more of a fantasy romance girl, but this comes highly rec2.5 stars: not my cup of tea *Review will contain one SPOILER/ TRIGGER WARNING*
I'm definitely more of a fantasy romance girl, but this comes highly recommended and as I still miss Grimm, I liked the idea of an urban fantasy procedural police drama set in London. Unfortunately, it's not my cup of tea. I hate to compare art, but it's the easiest way to show my issues with the book so here we go.
1. Location - Portland is a side character in Grimm that adds some unique fun. London is the main character that takes priority of human characters and magic. There are many, many long passages that I ended up skipping. I should have enjoyed the historical and 'current' view of London, but it just fell flat for me.
2. Characters - While I enjoyed the small Grimm romances, it was the bromance between Nick and Monroe that I adored and that anchored all other characters and many plots. Now, this is only book 1 but I wasn't hooked by any of the characters. I truly didn't care and rooting for a character is essential for me to enjoy a book.
And now one SPOILER/ TRIGGER WARNING... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... There is a character death (not a major character) within the first 50 pages that truly just disturbed me. Let's just say I have a problem with anyone other than adult humans dying and leave it at that.
I have a more in-depth review from the reader and writer POVs on my blog. ...more
If you're looking for pure fantasy romance, this might be the one for you! I think it represents well with a deeper focus on the characters (the innerIf you're looking for pure fantasy romance, this might be the one for you! I think it represents well with a deeper focus on the characters (the inner monologue may be too much for some) but also an interesting magical world and a deadly serial killer on the loose. It has a bit of the Alpha Male thing with the shifters, but women hold positions of power and authority in both worlds.
I enjoyed the division from the mental Psy and the physical Changelings and will definitely pick up more in this series. As it is romance heavy, there is a HEA and a new couple in book 2. If you want more from a reader or a writer perspective, check out my review on my blog:
I doubt my opinion is going to sway anyone, but I'll share it anyway. :) I enjoyed the world and liked the characters, but the writing style 3.5 stars
I doubt my opinion is going to sway anyone, but I'll share it anyway. :) I enjoyed the world and liked the characters, but the writing style didn't quite work for me (I'm an impatient reader). Overall, I can understand why this one tops so many favorite lists though as it's a great set up for a series.
If you want more, I do a full reader and writer review on my blog - . ...more
I know this one tops a lot of lists, but I just couldn't connect to Rachel. The world was interesting and I loved Ivy and Jenks. It was Ra2.5/3 stars
I know this one tops a lot of lists, but I just couldn't connect to Rachel. The world was interesting and I loved Ivy and Jenks. It was Rachel that brought my rating lower. As it's first person POV and I didn't particularly like the character, it made the read less enjoyable. However, I'm clearly in the minority, so don't let my opinion sway you! If you do want a bit more info, I had a full review from the reader and writer perspectives on my website: ....more
I struggled to connect to the FMC and wasn't sure if the book was serious or campy... however, I stuck with it and enjoyed it enough to continue the sI struggled to connect to the FMC and wasn't sure if the book was serious or campy... however, I stuck with it and enjoyed it enough to continue the series.
The world is interesting and I have hopes for the romance and the MMC. If the FMC continues to develop I think the next books will be more enjoyable....more
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