I’ve never read an eerie fantasy novel before—guess I can check that off the list! Definitely not horror, but the magic and mystery around the WilderwI’ve never read an eerie fantasy novel before—guess I can check that off the list! Definitely not horror, but the magic and mystery around the Wilderwood definitely gave spooky vibes. I really liked how well the author wrote the mood of the forest into the story because it really did seem like the Wilderwood was a character itself, not just a magical force.
I enjoyed the other characters, even though they seemed relatively simple. Some authors try to create character depth through unnecessary tragic pasts or “chosen one� tropes etc etc, but this story didn’t really cater to those tropes as much. The tragic pasts were realistic to the story and to the way the characters developed, and the “chosen one� trope didn’t really match with how the plot ended up developing. I think one of the strong points of the story is the simplicity of the characters and their development� makes them easy to follow and easy to root for.
The romance was also simple in nature. The on-page chemistry wasn’t the strongest and I didn’t always understand the love between characters, but I appreciated the simplicity of the relationships. I feel like this romance is a more realistic type in how it developed, which made the story more sweet.
My biggest critique of the story is that the worldbuilding was confusing at times and I think the book needed an extra edit. The beginning of the story almost seemed secretive with important details—in an annoying way, not in an “I’m excited and anticipating more� way. It eventually became clearer, but the magic of the forest, of Eammon, and of Red were initially hard to puzzle together.
All in all, lovely story with a fun and interesting plot. It was a breath of fresh air to read a fantasy romance that wasn’t involved in courts of something or other, but a new and spooky setting.
Disclaimers There is swearing with a couple instances of the f word.
Sex is implied and is fade to black.
Violence is present. There is one scene in particular that is quite grotesque. Blood is used as a means of magic throughout the story in a way that adds to the eeriness of the story. ...more
I still love the humor in this book! However, it isn’t the same as in book one.
Book one was humorous because it seemed to be poking fun at common romaI still love the humor in this book! However, it isn’t the same as in book one.
Book one was humorous because it seemed to be poking fun at common romance tropes with some irony and some breaking of the fourth wall. There was some of that in this book, but not on the same level. Which was mildly disappointing.
The banter between characters was still fun and witty, but some humor seemed to repeat over and over, thus losing its comedic effect. After the hundredth time, I no longer think it’s funny that the Villain just ³¦²¹²Ô’t look at Evie, for her beauty is too strong and tempting.
Character development in this installment was also lacking. The Villain didn’t change really at all. Evie only kind of changed to be slightly more evil. And the side characters, were fun, but ultimately added nothing to character development either.
I’ve seen some label this story as a slow burn, but I would disagree. To me, a slow burn indicates that the two characters take a while to fall in love with each other. In this story, however, the characters are very much in love and very much just avoiding each other. This is fine and dandy, except it just dragged on for the entirety of the book with no improvement insight. This isn’t a story where two characters slowly realize they’ve come to care for each other, it’s a story where both characters very obviously want each other the entirety of the story.
The plot itself is interesting, and I like the adventure involved throughout the story. I also really like the side characters and the little side stories happening between them. I’m not entirely a fan of the romance that is everywhere, but I don’t mind it either. It does make for an interesting dynamic between all the characters.
All in all, I’m interested in where book three will take us!
Disclaimers Swearing is more present and more explicit in book two than it was in the first book. A lot more f words used casually.
There was no on page sex. There were innuendos and lots of sexual wanting and admiring, but nothing explicit.
Violence is present, but it isn’t gory. Again, the premise of the book is about helping a murderous and torturous villain, so some violence or violent implications are expected....more
This was enjoyable enough, but the pacing of the story was off and the book was entirely too long.
I liked the characters and the banter—it was fun anThis was enjoyable enough, but the pacing of the story was off and the book was entirely too long.
I liked the characters and the banter—it was fun and cute and cheesy, which is all I was looking for. However, the amount of repetitive sex scenes and lack of plot progression because of it was annoying. The book could have easily been half as long and it would have been a better read in my opinion.
The romance was cute, but I was left unsatisfied as a reader because the romance and build up pretty much stopped about 1/3 of the way through the book. Then it turned into chapters and chapters of various sex scenes in different settings for almost 2/3 of the book until they suddenly made a quick resolution. To me, this would be labeled as B-O-R-I-N-G.
The real reason I read this book was because it was one of the few available at my library that didn’t have a hold. I can now see why no one was waiting in line for this one.
Disclaimers Swearing is present in the story and a wide variety of swearing is consistent throughout.
Sex is very present and explicit. It pretty much is the plot. ...more
This is an original work of art. I have never laughed at a story or rooted for evil quite so much while reading. Everything in this book was absolute This is an original work of art. I have never laughed at a story or rooted for evil quite so much while reading. Everything in this book was absolute brilliance.
Evie’s character was strong and feminine and awkward, which made her relatable and lovable. She wasn’t strong in the way that she can become an army incarnate in a single training montage, but strong in character and in her resolve to be kind.
The Villain was probably one of the most well written characters I’ve ever been graced with. He was evil, but written in such a way that I sympathized and rooted for him.
The plot was intriguing while also poking fun at common tropes and other romantasy characteristics. I am invested to know how the story continues.
The only critique I have is that the series isn’t finished yet, so I am disappointed that I must wait for the whole series to come book by book instead of bingeing it all straightaway.
*sigh* O the pains of reading.
Disclaimers There is more explicit swearing throughout the story, including f words.
Sex is implied, including sexual assault, rape, and innuendos. Nothing explicit is written on page.
Violence is pretty prevalent and is treated jovially. Murder and torture are common topics in the book and are written in a comedic way most of the time. There is some gore, but it isn’t inherently grotesque. ...more
Once again, I enjoyed this story enough that I finished it in a day even though I was rolling my eyes and criticizing the characters and story all thrOnce again, I enjoyed this story enough that I finished it in a day even though I was rolling my eyes and criticizing the characters and story all throughout.
This story delved into the inner workings of court life and the lives of the Descendants whereas the first really fortified the mortal peoples POV. I liked the new characters, even though their own development fell flat.
I have mixed feelings about the slow burn. Secretly, I LIVE for it. But at the same time, I feel like some of the relationship dynamics that are slowing down the romantic progression are flimsy and dramatic. There’s a lot of simple miscommunication or misunderstanding which is so utterly boring and unoriginal. I can kind of understand the trust issues, but at the same time Diem, use the brain and wits that every other character says you have! For being a supposedly smart character, Diem doesn’t think things through and makes a lot of stupid assumptions and conclusions.
I also want more from the side characters. I like their dynamics and banter, but so far none of them have had any development of their own. They just blindly follow without questioning anything, and I just find that to be too convenient.
Diem’s determination is great and I like that this quality of hers stays relatively consistent throughout the story. I do have a problem with the fact that her power is completely useless until the very last possible moment. Again, how convenient.
The epilogue though. THAT was absolutely a stellar ending. I predicted some of the events in the epilogue, but I didn’t know how exactly they’d mesh together. I am impressed with the execution of the story up until this point. I ³¦²¹²Ô’t say too much for fear of spoiling more than I already have, but different events that occur and puzzle pieces really fall into place.
The story is honestly very good, I just have some of my own problems with the character developments and some elements of storyline execution. However, major respect still for the author because she’s a successfully published writer and I, unfortunately, am not. *sigh*
Overall, I will definitely be picking up book three asap.
Disclaimers:
Language is, once again, present in this book. It’s more frequent than in book one with more f-words and so forth.
There is no explicit sex in this book. There is a LOT of suggestive language and innuendo. That seems to be half of the banter between a lot of the characters.
One particular scene could be considered more gory and disturbing. However, throughout the rest of the novel, there isn’t much gore. Again, the premise of the story is building up to war, so there is a lot of violence or suggestive violence....more
I’d say that the first book of the year was a success. Even though I find several faults with the characters and plot, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m geI’d say that the first book of the year was a success. Even though I find several faults with the characters and plot, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m getting the second book and hoping for the intriguing story to continue.
I’m not 100% sure what I like about the story, but I am intrigued to continue. There’s enough substance to keep me interested in knowing how the story pans out. There’s enough substance are some hints here and there that I’d like to see come to fruition.
I can say that I enjoyed the different stances that characters took on how to handle the issues between the Mortals and Descendants. I liked that the story explored some of the nuances of each group of people and various political opinions of people in each group. I liked the multidimensional nature of that.
Otherwise, the rest of the story was a total dumpster fire. First of all, I’ve never read a story with such an underwhelming climax. How the story was set up makes me think this book is just a long background explanation for the characters and plot for the rest of the series.
Diem did go through a character development and learned some hard lessons, but for being a supposedly smart, clever, strong FMC, she was insanely stupid and immature. It’s ok for her to have a temper, but it almost seemed like instead of a temper she just made brash and dangerous decisions that always risked someone’s life in a rather dramatic way. She’s also described to be determined, but she never really put in a ton of effort to accomplish one of her biggest goals from the beginning of the book. Like, she only asks one time about her lost mother even though the mother is supposedly a central part of the story.
Also, I was LIVING for the slow burn until it suddenly wasn’t slow burn anymore. Like, the romance was just a few glances and brief touches and then ba-BAM *generic dark and broody male* is declaring their undying feelings. It was honestly a bit shocking compared to how things had been developing for the majority of the story. Although. I do really like their chemistry and I’m invested to know more.
The side characters are a bit boring and generic. It’s a generically matronly woman, a generic father figure, a generic annoying love-interest, and an actually decent sibling relationship. I don’t have any problem with the roles any of the characters played, but none of them are terribly unique or deep.
Despite all this. I still utterly enjoyed the read. So the author must’ve done something well!!
Disclaimers:
There are a couple of f-words throughout the story. However, I wouldn’t say it’s overused as I’ve often found in other stories. There isn’t much swearing other than those few occurrences.
Sex does happen once on page, but it doesn’t describe the look or shape of the bodies, and it isn’t described with much sensuality. Although, I anticipate this changing more in the rest of the series. There are other innuendos, suggestive banter, and suggestive content.
Sexual assault and rape are implied throughout the story to varying degrees.
Violence is a theme of the story, but I wouldn’t describe the writing as gory or overly descriptive....more
This one was� rough. I almost DNF’d it several times but kept pushing forward in hopes that something would happen. Alas, I was disappointed.
The wholThis one was� rough. I almost DNF’d it several times but kept pushing forward in hopes that something would happen. Alas, I was disappointed.
The whole story was as follows (not really spoilers fyi):
- Chaos ensues - Journey away from chaos - Zander and Romeria are on questionable terms - Journey continues - Zander and Romeria miraculously make up without much reason behind it - Journey continues - Journey continues - Meet some people, kill some people - Journey continues
That was a summer up version of the while book. I don’t even know what the climax was, there was no battle, no gut wrenching romance, no stakes in the story whatsoever.
It may have been better if Zander and Romeria’s breakup and makeup was more reasonable. But it was like little kids fighting saying, “I don’t want to be your friend anymore.� And then a few days later they decide to play together at recess because they forgot why they were upset. They just had some make up breakup sex and then that was all their relationship consisted of. There was no fun banter, no relationship building. Zander knows zilch about Romeria’s previous life in NYC. Honestly, I was hoping that Romeria and Jorek could get together because that dynamic is way more interesting than the two horny teenagers (I know that Zander and Romeria aren’t teenagers, but that’s how their dynamic feels to me—shallow and immature).
Or even if some characters actually died, it could have been improved. But it was just SO BORING. I don’t really know what this book is supposed to accomplish except that they got from Point A to Point B and they understand a tiny but more about the prophesies revolving around the whole situation.
This story could have been easily summed up in a few chapters. I’m sure it’s mostly a set up for book 3, but it feels like a waste of time right now because it was so long and not worth the entertaining reward I was hoping for.
All in all, I think I might start book 3 because it seems that Romeria and Jarek might have some more time together, and that dynamic is really all that’s saving the story for me right now. And Pan, he’s a cutie.
Disclaimers Swear words occur, a few f-bombs are dropped.
Sex is explicit and referenced frequently.
Violence is a bit gruesome at times. Gory at times and some more disturbing images regarding killing and torture are depicted and implied....more
I’m not giving this book a rating as I didn’t even make it through the first chapter. I wanted to give the story a try, but the POV problems found in I’m not giving this book a rating as I didn’t even make it through the first chapter. I wanted to give the story a try, but the POV problems found in book #1 are just as present. I’m compelled by a romantic story, but not at the cost of good writing....more
After watching the show, Bridgerton, I decided it was high time for me to delve into the historical romance genre. I’ve never read it before as I’ve nAfter watching the show, Bridgerton, I decided it was high time for me to delve into the historical romance genre. I’ve never read it before as I’ve never been very interested until recently. This story was recommended to me so I picked it up.
I ³¦²¹²Ô’t say that the historical aspect of it was too apparent either. There were balls and societal structures, but it was a story that could have easily taken place during the medieval era or even 1900. I didn’t feel there was much necessity to place a specific year in the story as it didn’t make any difference to the development of the novel. I suppose that some technological advancements mentioned in the book would be more relevant to the specific time period, but those elements didn’t play too much into the development of the story, in my opinion.
My biggest issue with the story was the writing. The point-of-view was all over the place. Even within the same paragraph, it would be from the perspective of Annabelle and then Simon and then some other random character. I don’t mind third person narration at all, but if you’re going to use that view, then you need a better grip on who you focus on narrating. It made the writing a little harder to follow as the narrator randomly switched between characters on a whim and the voice between the characters didn’t change drastically enough to make the change easier to follow.
All in all, the story was a simplistic romance with some writing issues. I’m inclined to read the next story because I find the characters funny and compelling and I hope the writing improves over the next installment.
Disclaimers Swearing occurs often enough, it’s not on every page and it isn’t the most vulgar language you’ll find in a romance.
Sex is explicit and present. A decent chunk of the book includes sex scenes and sexual exploration. Rape and exploitation are mentioned, threatened, and implied in various scenes....more
I loved the premise of this story. The magic and fantasy elements were so cool. I loved the implementation of Fates and their respective roles in the I loved the premise of this story. The magic and fantasy elements were so cool. I loved the implementation of Fates and their respective roles in the story.
Each character had a role to play and none were filled with trifle conversations or useless relationships. They all had their own motives and secrets that made the story a bit more realistic and compelling.
I think there could have been more done to contrast Romeria’s language and personality to the other characters, meaning that she could’ve contrasted more in her personal thoughts and actions to demonstrate that she really was an outsider. Obviously, the plot hinges on her being able to fit into this other society, but she just seemed confused the whole time. I guess I would’ve appreciated more internal dialogue that was very American with some colloquial or modern phrases that definitely wouldn’t have matched with the setting of some medieval, fantastical land.
The plot and relationships were compelling enough to already start the second book.
Disclaimers Swearing is present.
Sex is explicit.
Slavery and human ownership is a big plot of the book....more
I read City of Brass in two days. This one took me... two months. I've been in a reading slump and actively planning and executing a wedding (woot wooI read City of Brass in two days. This one took me... two months. I've been in a reading slump and actively planning and executing a wedding (woot woot). And I just wasn't in the mood to read. But my boredom has risen again so I picked this back up again and I am intrigued again to know what happens in book three.
Thus I have checked it out and will be starting it as soon as I finish this review.
With a lot of starting and stopping due to business and a reading slump, I am going to refrain from a more detailed review as I do not feel confident in my ability to recall necessary details.
However, I would like to say that this story does a fantastic job at covering the complexities and ethics of revenge, vengeance, love, and human nature. The betrayals in this book are marvelous because they depict the complexity of emotion during those moments. We ask ourselves, 'how can you still care for someone who has betrayed you or done something very bad?' And I think this book shows so well why there is not a simple answer to that question.
I do think that this book was slower than book 1, but still good nonetheless.
Disclaimers: Racism and classism are heavy elements in this book. That's kind of the premise for the story.
There is cruelty and violence described. Gore is not overly descriptive, but is present in a few scenes.
There are references to sex, but nothing is described in detail, only implied. ...more
This was.... sublime, transcendent, and divine in every way.
The story had a plot that was intriguing aside from the romance, but the romance was wholesomeThis was.... sublime, transcendent, and divine in every way.
The story had a plot that was intriguing aside from the romance, but the romance was wholesome and full of butterflies and anxiety for the characters. From start to finish, I was ensnared into the story of Iris and Roman. And now I am forced to pick up the next boo because the ending was perfect, and yet also heart wrenching. Thus, to my library I must go.
Despite the almost perfection in this book, I wish we could have gotten more time with Attie and Marisol. At one point, Iris said she felt like they were her family, and I just didn't feel the bonds through the pages. Don't get me wrong, I loved the two characters, but they didn't have as much depth as I would have liked. That being said, it did not, in any way, take away from my enjoyment from the story. I like them enough to want to know them better and feel their connections with Iris.
This whole story was so wholesome but it also touched on some very great topics: war, loss, and addiction. Each of these was illustrated so masterfully through the writing because it showed the complexity of each of these topics in a way that has me still thinking about it.
All in all, this was one of my best reads so far this year. I'm excited for #2!
Disclaimers Swearing is minimal, maybe only one or two occurrences of minor swear words.
Sex is not graphic. There is pretty much a single paragraph summary of the scene. Sex is alluded to and there are some flirtatious glances and mild innuendo. But it was a rather wholesome read.
War is a heavy topic in the story. Nothing is gory, but there are images of wounded and dying soldiers, bombs, poisonous gas, and gunshots. ...more
The Scarlet Alchemist is definitely different than a lot of the fantasy-romance stories I read. I'd say it has much to do with the setting as most thaThe Scarlet Alchemist is definitely different than a lot of the fantasy-romance stories I read. I'd say it has much to do with the setting as most that I read are more Medieval Europe type settings. I loved the freshness and the diversity of the story being placed in Tang Dynasty China.
The characters and culture in the story were interesting. Each character had a distinct personality--they didn't all mesh together. However, some of the dynamics of relationships just didn't quite make sense.
Zilan was a fine enough character, but she was stupid and impulsive pretty much all the time. There was no thinking through plans, just doing. Which isn't a problem in and of itself, but it got annoying when her plans never worked out and instead always ended in catastrophe. The plot felt a bit forced at times because the stakes kept escalating in increasingly dramatic ways--it was almost jarring because the story took such an unexpected turn so many times that it became less interesting to read because the anticipation was not as fun.
Additionally, Zilan's relationship with her cousin/siblings was not very convincing. I was just annoyed that she was always so worried about being the odd woman out even when her siblings never really made me feel like her anxieties were warranted. This unconvincing dynamic is part of what made me feel like some of the escalated drama throughout the story was almost too dramatic because it just felt too forced.
Don't even get me started on Hong either. In the beginning, I thought his character and his dynamic with Zilan were hilarious. I loved it in the first half of the story because it felt like a cute budding romance. However, it suddenly took a drastic turn and they were both like "I'll die for you" after a singular kiss that came out of left field. There wasn't any yearning or pining or other buildup that made me really root for their relationship.
I did really like the Empress's character because she had a motivation for her evil and she was smart. Some villains in books are so bland and boring and just evil for the fun of it. The Empress is the evil of all evils, but she really sold it well in the story because I really didn't like her.
The story itself was unique and I appreciated the plot development, even though I feel like it could have been developed a bit further so the turns in the story didn't feel so outrageous. The climax of the story was honestly one of my favorite parts because it made sense for Zilan's character and the discoveries she made from throughout the story. I'm interested in seeing where the next part of the story goes... and it just so happens that the second book is available at my library (yay!). So we'll see how that one goes.
Disclaimers: There is some swearing--I think one of two f-words throughout. There are a few minor ones as well, but it didn't feel overused or outrageous to me.
Sex is implicated in a couple different ways because the story involves some concubines. But none of the characters have sex on or off the page. There really isn't any innuendo that I noticed either.
Violence is where this book will get you. People die left and right in so many different ways. The whole story pretty much revolves around death and there are some pretty gruesome on-page deaths. Lots of blood and some gore. ...more
I never finished the book. And I don’t even remember what it’s really about. I was entertained enough to read to 85%. But at some point I stopped and I never finished the book. And I don’t even remember what it’s really about. I was entertained enough to read to 85%. But at some point I stopped and didn’t want to start again. ...more
Read this in a class. Very intriguing American Gothic elements that really question the American cultural ideals. It discusses hard topics and it’s faRead this in a class. Very intriguing American Gothic elements that really question the American cultural ideals. It discusses hard topics and it’s fascinating from a literary point of view.
Disclaimers: Race and racism is discussed or portrayed in many stories. The n-word is used on multiple occasions.
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