Well done, Harper ... you played us all. I just finished reading this book and it left me completely spDefinitely one of my favorite reads of the year.
Well done, Harper ... you played us all. I just finished reading this book and it left me completely speechless. From start to finish, it was packed with action, suspense, mystery, dark secrets, and a cast of characters that I found myself rooting for.
� What to expect: � Adult Fantasy � Dark Paranormal Romance � Witches & Demons � Elemental Magic � Epic Worldbuilding � Dark Academia/Gothic vibes � Mysteries, dark secrets, betrayals � Plot Twists that leave you reeling � Dual POV � Revenge Plot � Villain MMC � Strong, fierce FMC � Sexual tension and Spice � Tropes: � Enemies to Lovers � Forced Proximity � Forbidden Romance � "Touch her and you die" � Villain gets the girl � Hidden Identity � Who Did This To You?
� Trigger Warnings: dub-con, forced feeding, graphic violence, references to past abuse & traumatic reactions to triggering stimuli, knife violence, graphic depictions of blood, physical harm inflicted upon the main character, ritualistic murder
“If it is order that you value, then I will bring you nothing but chaos.�
� Summary Willow is a witch who has spent her entire life hiding from the coven of Crystal Hollow and she was raised by her father to fulfill a destiny she wanted no part of. Despite her efforts to stay hidden, Willow's mission forces her to return to Crystal Hollow. When the handsome but infuriating Headmaster of the school, Alaric Grayson Thorne, is sent to retrieve her, Willow won't go down without a fight. Their mutual loathing for each other and their beliefs only add to the tension between them. Dark secrets are hidden within the walls of Hollow's Grove University, the prestigious school where witches go to learn their craft. No one talks about the bloody massacre that forced it to close decades prior, only the opportunity it can afford to those fortunate enough to attend. Despite the dangers that surround her, Willow is determined to complete her mission and overcome the obstacles that stand in her way.
� Plot/Writing The Coven is an incredible ride, packed with mystery, suspense, and action that will keep you on the edge of your seat, desperate to find out what happens next. The pacing is perfect, with a plot that never drags and keeps you engaged from beginning to end. The book is full of unpredictable twists and turns that left me reeling. At times, it felt like I would lose something important if I stopped reading. In addition to Willow's perilous mission, the book also delves deeply into the complex relationship between the two main characters, offering a compelling emotional component to the already gripping plot.
� Worldbuilding The author has crafted a complex and intriguing world, with secrets hiding behind every corner. From witches controlling the elements to demons taking over human bodies called 'Vessels,' this book is full of quite interesting creatures. The magic system is intricate and captivating, and I loved reading about the historical events that led to what is happening in the present day. The depiction of Hollow's Grove University was really well done, creating a spooky and gothic atmosphere that perfectly suited the story.
� Characters � Headmaster Alaric Grayson Thorne Demon soul trapped in a human body, his Vessel in the human world, Gray is undeniably a villain. He's a centuries-old character shrouded in darkness and mystery, whose possessiveness, and manipulative tendencies all serve as major warning signs. Despite his villainous nature, there are moments when Gray shows tenderness towards Willow and is very protective of her.
“My hands clenched at my sides as I turned away from the sight of what she had given. The Coven didn’t deserve the sacrifice she was willing to make�
I'm always drawn to the villain, and he is no exception. However, don't let him fool you, he has his own agenda and would stop at nothing to get what he wants. Even if it means using her.
� Willow Willow's kindness, and determination in pursuing her destiny and seeking revenge against the coven make her a truly strong character, and her unwavering love for her brother is admirable. She's such a good person and didn't deserve all the hardships that were thrown her way. It was clear that she was still dealing with past trauma and I felt so bad for all the bad things that just kept happening to her.
“As much as I hated to cry when I was sad, the rage cries were the absolute worst. They hinted at what I assumed some perceived as weakness, when all I wanted was to commit murder.�
She's also a total badass and I love when I encounter an FMC who knows what she's doing.
“Wearing a skirt was so impractical if I was going to be burying bodies in the woods.�
� Romance For centuries, Vessels and Witches have harbored deep-seated animosity towards each other. Thus, it comes as no shock that Willow and Gray's intense chemistry sizzles with a mix of both love and hate. � Enemies-to-lovers trope, welcome ~ The romance was intense, and the tension between them was palpable. Gray, despite being a villain, displayed a surprising vulnerability when it came to Willow. It was clear that he couldn't bear the thought of her being hurt, whether it was by him or anyone else. Things are complicated between these two, but I'm still weak for him.
“Thank you. For coming for me.� “I’ll always come for you, Witchling�
I loved their banter and even though their relationship is forbidden, every time they clashed, sparks flew. I just can't get enough of it!
“I wanted to tear his throat out. I wanted to tear his clothes off. The fact that I wasn’t even sure which one I wanted more terrified me.�
� Conclusion This book is a thrilling page-turner that will satisfy any reader who craves action, mystery, and romance. Once you start reading, you won't want to put it down until you've devoured every last page. I highly recommend this book to the romance fantasy readers with a soft spot for the villain.
P.s. That ending had me in tears, screaming and the sneak peek of The Cursed DIDN'T HELP. I need the second book ASAP.
“You fight. Every moment of every day, you fight. Because that is who you are,� he whispered, dropping his forehead to mine. “What happens when I’m tired of fighting?� “Then you let me do it for you.�
� For more bookish content, you can follow me on : @gabrielashelf...more
I have mixed feelings ... I have to say this book did not manage to make me want to continue the series but I decided to give the second book a go.
� WhI have mixed feelings ... I have to say this book did not manage to make me want to continue the series but I decided to give the second book a go.
� What to expect: � New Adult Fantasy � Urban Fantasy � Romance � Vampires, Fae, Dragons & Lycans � Royalty � Rebellion � Insta Love...more
� What to expect: � Adult � Paranormal Romance � Standalone � Dark Fae King � Fae Realm x Our world � Dual POV � Mates � Spicy scenes � BDSM
� Tropes: � Forced � What to expect: � Adult � Paranormal Romance � Standalone � Dark Fae King � Fae Realm x Our world � Dual POV � Mates � Spicy scenes � BDSM
� Tropes: � Forced Marriage � Enemies to Lovers � Grumpy x Sunshine � Found Family
Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this one. For starters, I think it could've been much shorter, things were starting to get repetitive and even a little boring.
I liked the characters, even the secondary ones were interesting and likeable � Fiona, Finni, Tiernan, Seamus, Conall, Connor. I'm really happy to see more of them in the next books ❤️
I will read the other books in the series because I'm curious to find out what happens next. That was an unexpected ending but I'm exicted for the next book xD...more
I haven't read many bodyguard romances, but I might look for more of these because of this book heheh
� What to expect: � New Adult Contemporary � RomancI haven't read many bodyguard romances, but I might look for more of these because of this book heheh
� What to expect: � New Adult Contemporary � Romance � Royals � Drama � Princess x Bodyguard � Dual POV � Possessive Alpha Hero � Tropes: � Slowburn � Hate to Love � Grumpy x Sunshine � Age Gap (23 x 33) � Forced Proximity � "I hate everyone but you" � "Touch her and you die" � Mutual Pining � Found Family � Trigger Warnings: blood, shooting, mentions of PTSD, grief & loss, death of a parent (mentioned)
I don't usually enjoy step-brother romance books, I think it's just too taboo for me, but I wanted to give this one a try. I regret that I did.
� What I don't usually enjoy step-brother romance books, I think it's just too taboo for me, but I wanted to give this one a try. I regret that I did.
� What to expect: � New Adult � Dual POV � Mystery � *kink * Somnophilia � Tropes: � Dark Romance � Step-brother - Forbidden romance � Hate to Love � Trigger Warnings: violence, bully, death threats, harassment
� Summary The story takes place in Woodsboro, a small town where Carrington and her two step-brothers (Sebastian and Blaine) attend the university. Carrington and Blaine are best friends and as best friends tend to do, they knew each other's secrets. Tragedy hits town when Blaine is found dead and some people think he was murdered. Sebastian always thought their relationship is more than friendship. And after Blaine dies, he blames Carrington for his death, and he's not the only one.
� Characters � Carrington I don't why, but I couldn't stand this girl. She had the sass, the backbone, but I don't know, something really bothered me and I can't figure out what exactly that is. I appreciate her loyalty to Blaine though. � Sebastian My dude has some serious problems. He's a stalker, has an unhealthy obsession for this girl, and his possessiveness ... no. I like my men possessive but he's not it. He's unhinged. Also, the sick jealousy he had over her friendship with his brother? yeah, no.
� Romance Being a dark romance, of course the romance was on the dark side, but I also found it a little disturbing. That's mainly because I couldn't get over all the step-sister/step-brother thing, I think.
� Conclusion It's not like I haven't read dark romance before, but some books just aren't my cup of tea and, in my case, step-brother romances will remain in the "no thx" box....more
� What to expect: � Adult Fantasy Romance � Dual POV � Dark Magic � Loveable female MC � Alphahole � Royalty � Tropes: � Instnope. no. thx, i'm out.
� DNF 30%
� What to expect: � Adult Fantasy Romance � Dual POV � Dark Magic � Loveable female MC � Alphahole � Royalty � Tropes: � Insta-Love � Love triangle � Friends to Lovers � Soulmates � Hidden-identity
� Summary Raven, a queen with no family and an unsavory past. The late king has declared her heir to his throne and left her with a burden she wasn't meant to carry and a kingdom in need of a ruler. At twenty-five year olds, she still doesn't know why the king has made this decision. Raven also has a secret that she's only shared with his best friend and adviser, Cade: she possesses dark magic and she thirsts for blood. When this stranger arrives in her kingdom, she starts having dreams that show her who she is.
� Romance Yeah, no. Two tropes I dislike coming together: insta-love & love triangle. One of them would've been enough.
� Thoughts Now, the main reason I decided to dnf this one? It was boring, annoying and I decided a long time ago that I won't spend my time reading books I don't enjoy reading. Most characters were annoying, especiallyZeke. A male character to annoy me? That rarely happens, but here we are. I won't even bring Cade in this discussion, because it's not worth it. I liked how their friendship was portrayed, but when he started to act all jealous and stuff... yeah... no. I liked Raven, her powers were unique and she was a pretty good character.
This wasn't for me, but maybe it is for you! ...more
I'll come back with a review soon! I'll forever swoon over Dianna, my favorite villain I'll come back with a review soon! I'll forever swoon over Dianna, my favorite villain ...more
� What to expect: � Adult Contemporary � Billionaire // Workplace Romance � Dual POV � Boss x Employee � Tropes: � Hate to Love � Insta Love � Grumpy x Suns� What to expect: � Adult Contemporary � Billionaire // Workplace Romance � Dual POV � Boss x Employee � Tropes: � Hate to Love � Insta Love � Grumpy x Sunshine � Forced Proximity...more
I'm not even bothering to write a review for this one. I'll only say one thing: not worth your time.I'm not even bothering to write a review for this one. I'll only say one thing: not worth your time....more
This book was the high-fantasy book I was looking for. Short, easy to read, with an interesting plot, a great cast of characters and a true villain. WThis book was the high-fantasy book I was looking for. Short, easy to read, with an interesting plot, a great cast of characters and a true villain. What more can I ask for?
� What to expect: � Adult High-Fantasy � Romance � Dual POV � Kickass heroine � Royalty � Magic � Dark Entities � Betrayals & Manipulation � Tropes: � Enemies to Lovers � Childhood friends � Found family
� Summary Twelve years ago Shaye's world is turned upside down. In the present she's just living her life, traveling the world and enjoying everything the life has to give. When a darkness starts spreading in Asterion, the newly crowned King has to track her down. Being the last living Druid, she just may be their last chance in stopping this darkness that threatens to swallow them all. Shaye must get over the fact that Sorin's father slaughtered her family, in order to help him and the kingdom that's always been her home.
� Plot/Writing Embarking in a quest to find the artifact that can help them save the kingdom of Asterion, their path isn't an easy one. The stakes are high. Dark entities are waiting on the side, ready to stop them. I enjoy a good adventure story and this was one of the few I read in a long time. This story is fast paced and captivating, not easy to put down.
� Worldbuilding I have to admit, when I saw how short this high-fantasy is, I thought for a moment "I don't think this is going be such a good one, but let's give it a try". I'm glad I decided to, because this was such a good book! Amazing and beautifully detailed worldbuilding. The magic system well described and easy to understand. Creatures that may give you nightmares.
� Characters � Shaye This woman is such a strong character, brave, wouldn't let herself be fooled by anyone and would literally kick your ass if she feels like it. I adore her. � Sorin Sorin is such a great character. Respectful, honorable, kind and loyal, would do anything for the ones he loves, but also cares for his the good of his people. � The villain I hated him from the beginning and that won't change. This man is evil incarnate, doesn't care about anyone, has no scruples and would do anything to anyone to take revenge on the ones who wronged him. In a way, I admire his dedication, but he's so far gone ... truly a villain.
� Romance The relationship between the main characters has a slow build and I really liked that. We are witnessing how enemies turn to lovers and it's my favorite trope in the world. When another man makes an appearance and twists everything around I got so pissed. We have a love triangle moment, which is so frustrating and not because of her but because ... you'll get it when you read it.
� Conclusion The last few pages made me want to scream and throw something. Things take an ugly twist and we're left to suffer. I had angry tears in my eyes and I wanted to throw that someone off a cliff. I hope Shaye does it in my place.
This is definitely one of the books that deserve more hype. If you're looking for a short high-fantasy read, with a great cast of character, dark vibes and a drop of romance, this may be just the perfect one for you ❤️�
«� A Legacy of Darkness series ⋯� #1 A Legacy of Darkness � 4...more
� Gabriela
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