sleepycharlene's review against another edition
5.0
5 stars★★★★★
☞ Trigger warnings: **contains spoilers*
Spoiler
abusive relationship, adoption, alcohol consumption, blood and gore depictions, body shaming, dead bodies & body parts, death of a child, death of mentor, mentions of death of a parent, decapitation, confinement, mentions of child abuse, mentions of death of mother by childbirth, estrangement, grief and loss depictions, mentions of imprisonment, intimate partner abuse, intrusive thoughts, knife violence, mentions of medical experimentation, mention of miscarriages, misogyny, mass murder, murder & attempted murder, nightmares, panic attacks, parental neglect, physical injuries & wounds, poisoning, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), scars, self-harm, sexism, verbal abuse, mentions of torture, war themes & military violence, weight loss.
✿ Representation: Queer rep (literally nearly everyone is queer), POC rep.
Is this a perfect book? No. I rated this 5 stars for the vibes.
Nothing less, nothing more.
This book is basically [b:Dead Moons Rising|56668914|Dead Moons Rising (Honest Scrolls, #1)|Jack Whitney|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1610655363l/56668914._SX50_.jpg|88567898] without inflicting trauma on the reader. It had great world-building, enemies-to-lovers (ish) and a spicy attempted coup. Whats not to love?
The dialogue is a little clunky and can be jarring but the action and spice more than make up for it.
On that note, some thoughts:
- I cannot find it in me to forgive Marik. I don't think I can ever forgive him. He said all those things with his chest!! Unforgivable. Never trust a man and here is proof.
- If Sev chooses Marik over her, I won't be able to forgive him either.
- The ending was way to confusing. My brain cells couldn't connect the dots on that one but I trust the author will iron out the kinks and answer questions in the next book
RTC? idk.
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thepageladies's review
4.0
This was a great read! I was quite surprised when I went to look up more books by the author to find out this was her debut. The world building is amazing! So many layers and different demons that make this book unique! The characters are complex; they all have their good qualities and their faults! Sevryn and Marik had me laughing out loud a few times! Really an outstanding book! The writing is wonderful! To think this is the first book in a series I can only imagine how good the next book is going to be!
atouchofsteamyromance's review
5.0
The Empress of Change
I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for The Empress of Scarred Secrets, and I can't wait for everyone to be able to read this book.
The world and character building that Andrea created was something I've only seen in a few other books. At the beginning of the book, Verena is pushed into a position of power that she didn't want or ask for. But her journey through the book proves that she's the woman for the job. She is trying to make a change in a world that has been set in its ways for centuries. She also tries to change the minds of the demon men who have had the same ideals and beliefs for far too long.
So much of Verena's life has been hidden from her, and the truths that unfold along the way not only change her but help build her as a character. She deals with loss and betrayal but comes out stronger for it. When her back is against the wall, she fights for herself and doesn't let anyone sway her decisions.
I absolutely adore Verena's friendship with Wren, and her bond with her guardians, Severyn and Marik. Though the relationship with her guardians is put to the test. Then there is Hadeon, our silver wolf. When I first met the character, I wanted to hate him, but then you start to fall for the handsome demon.
There are so many twists and turns throughout the story. So many revelations come to light that had my jaw on the floor. But the book as a whole was one of the best I've read in a long time. I can't wait to continue reading about Verena's journey in book 2!
I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for The Empress of Scarred Secrets, and I can't wait for everyone to be able to read this book.
The world and character building that Andrea created was something I've only seen in a few other books. At the beginning of the book, Verena is pushed into a position of power that she didn't want or ask for. But her journey through the book proves that she's the woman for the job. She is trying to make a change in a world that has been set in its ways for centuries. She also tries to change the minds of the demon men who have had the same ideals and beliefs for far too long.
So much of Verena's life has been hidden from her, and the truths that unfold along the way not only change her but help build her as a character. She deals with loss and betrayal but comes out stronger for it. When her back is against the wall, she fights for herself and doesn't let anyone sway her decisions.
I absolutely adore Verena's friendship with Wren, and her bond with her guardians, Severyn and Marik. Though the relationship with her guardians is put to the test. Then there is Hadeon, our silver wolf. When I first met the character, I wanted to hate him, but then you start to fall for the handsome demon.
There are so many twists and turns throughout the story. So many revelations come to light that had my jaw on the floor. But the book as a whole was one of the best I've read in a long time. I can't wait to continue reading about Verena's journey in book 2!
lolavsr's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
buriedwithinpages's review
4.0
DEMON-SHIFTERS + HALF DEMONS?!
BONDED/MATES?!?!
Say no more.
There was chemistry, immediate sexual tension, and we were also given the gift of S P I C E too?!?!
BONDED/MATES?!?!
Say no more.
There was chemistry, immediate sexual tension, and we were also given the gift of S P I C E too?!?!
lunarbookwyrm's review
5.0
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I just finished this a few minutes ago and emotions are raw and my fuckin my was blown. I admit in the beginning there were a lot of names for me to remember, but then omg I got too attached to the characters, the places, and EVERYTHING. LOL.
I am so in love with the characters honestly. Verena was the type of girl I could relate to, but who I wish to be. I could relate to her because she wanted the best for everyone and wanted to put people she loves first. She is always a badass character who will not take shit from anyone and will kick your ass. I LOVE VEEEEEE! OMG! She is so cool. NGL. She won't take shit no matter who the hell you are! If you hurt anyone she loves, yikes. RIP you. She is clever, witty, and I love her dry humor. She is everything. I love her living her life.
Male Character -> I AM FREAKING OBSESSED. I love him. He is the broody, long-haired, won't tell you the hair color (but my fave hair color), and every time he chuckles darkly...MAAM! I AM DECEASED! He can hold me hostage anytime thank you very much.
I love the chemistry between both pairs. I came for the smut, but my heart, my sweet heart melted. I don't usually feel emotions for books and it's so amazing how well written these characters are. My heart literally aches for them. I am rooting for them SO HARD! This author deserves so much cred to be honest. It was like watching a movie reading this book tbh. I was too focused I didn't even realize my husband or friends were talking in the background. The ending just blew my mind. I just can't wait for book 2 because... Secret :)
I am so in love with the characters honestly. Verena was the type of girl I could relate to, but who I wish to be. I could relate to her because she wanted the best for everyone and wanted to put people she loves first. She is always a badass character who will not take shit from anyone and will kick your ass. I LOVE VEEEEEE! OMG! She is so cool. NGL. She won't take shit no matter who the hell you are! If you hurt anyone she loves, yikes. RIP you. She is clever, witty, and I love her dry humor. She is everything. I love her living her life.
Male Character -> I AM FREAKING OBSESSED. I love him. He is the broody, long-haired, won't tell you the hair color (but my fave hair color), and every time he chuckles darkly...MAAM! I AM DECEASED! He can hold me hostage anytime thank you very much.
I love the chemistry between both pairs. I came for the smut, but my heart, my sweet heart melted. I don't usually feel emotions for books and it's so amazing how well written these characters are. My heart literally aches for them. I am rooting for them SO HARD! This author deserves so much cred to be honest. It was like watching a movie reading this book tbh. I was too focused I didn't even realize my husband or friends were talking in the background. The ending just blew my mind. I just can't wait for book 2 because... Secret :)
crazy_book_lover_'s review
5.0
Let me start by saying I didn’t know much about this book when I started it, I was drawn to it mainly because of that stunning cover but I just finished it and my. mind. is. blown! The Empress of Scarred Secrets by Andrea Corbin is such a great new adult fantasy romance I have no idea why I haven’t heard of it before. It is evenly paced with some great battle and action scenes but also fascinating politics that made me constantly want to know what happens next and made me finish this book in one sitting. Also the world described by the author was really unique, I don’t think I have ever read anything even slightly similar, I really liked it. The romance is slow burn but the moment Hadeon was introduced I knew I would love his and Verena’s relationship and I was not disappointed. I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything but I actually screamed at the end of the book, that epilogue was so unexpected and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book.
krisalexcole's review against another edition
1.0
This was incredibly poorly written. I don't know if I've ever dnf'd a book after just one chapter before. Did they accidentally submit their alpha copy to be published? Just yikes.
tmanning710's review
5.0
*I was provided an arc in exchange for an honest review.*
I’m sitting here having recently finished this book and my mind is blown. For starters, I can’t believe that this was a debut novel, it was so damn good! Everything from the world building, to the plot, to the characters was amazing and sucked me in from the very beginning. Any book that starts with the line “I never wanted to be an executioner.” is going to have my attention from the get go.
I love, love, love these characters so damn much! Verena is such a badass female character. She’s compassionate, smart, thoughtful, courageous, and sticks to her convictions. And she is all of this despite tragedies in her past. I truly admire how she fights for what she believes in, for those who can’t fight for themselves, and for everyone (human, demon, and half demon) to be treated equally. Also, while she she never wanted power and is a reluctant leader, she makes a damn good one, and always puts her people first. She makes sure that she talks and listens to them and in turn they truly admire and love her. Don’t get me wrong, she has her faults, she’s afraid of getting close to anyone and she doesn’t process her emotions in the best way possible. But, nobody is perfect, so all this does is make her more relatable. Vee’s chemistry with the male MC, who I’m not doing to name for REASONS, is off the charts! Like, panty melting, needing a fan and water bottle to cool myself off HOOOOT! And the male MC himself is absolutely scrumptious. Seriously, I would like one of my own, so if someone can tell me where to find one of him, please let me know. The side characters are fabulous as well, from her guardians Marik and Sev, to her friends Wren and Niko, to the High Lords Vasuko and Hadeon, they all have distinct and interesting personalities that I cannot wait to see more of in future books.
I’m usually pretty good at guessing plot twists but there was one bit of information that looking back on, it seems obvious, but when I found out I was shocked. Shocked I tell you! And that ending!! I cannot even begin to describe what that ending did to me, short of saying that it completely blew mind and I never saw it coming. In fact, I sat there for a good 10 or 15 minutes just staring into space once I finished. Honestly I’m still shocked about it.
If you’re looking for a new fantasy world to get lost in, not to mention an amazing new author to support, then this is a book that you NEED to check out!
I’m sitting here having recently finished this book and my mind is blown. For starters, I can’t believe that this was a debut novel, it was so damn good! Everything from the world building, to the plot, to the characters was amazing and sucked me in from the very beginning. Any book that starts with the line “I never wanted to be an executioner.” is going to have my attention from the get go.
I love, love, love these characters so damn much! Verena is such a badass female character. She’s compassionate, smart, thoughtful, courageous, and sticks to her convictions. And she is all of this despite tragedies in her past. I truly admire how she fights for what she believes in, for those who can’t fight for themselves, and for everyone (human, demon, and half demon) to be treated equally. Also, while she she never wanted power and is a reluctant leader, she makes a damn good one, and always puts her people first. She makes sure that she talks and listens to them and in turn they truly admire and love her. Don’t get me wrong, she has her faults, she’s afraid of getting close to anyone and she doesn’t process her emotions in the best way possible. But, nobody is perfect, so all this does is make her more relatable. Vee’s chemistry with the male MC, who I’m not doing to name for REASONS, is off the charts! Like, panty melting, needing a fan and water bottle to cool myself off HOOOOT! And the male MC himself is absolutely scrumptious. Seriously, I would like one of my own, so if someone can tell me where to find one of him, please let me know. The side characters are fabulous as well, from her guardians Marik and Sev, to her friends Wren and Niko, to the High Lords Vasuko and Hadeon, they all have distinct and interesting personalities that I cannot wait to see more of in future books.
I’m usually pretty good at guessing plot twists but there was one bit of information that looking back on, it seems obvious, but when I found out I was shocked. Shocked I tell you! And that ending!! I cannot even begin to describe what that ending did to me, short of saying that it completely blew mind and I never saw it coming. In fact, I sat there for a good 10 or 15 minutes just staring into space once I finished. Honestly I’m still shocked about it.
If you’re looking for a new fantasy world to get lost in, not to mention an amazing new author to support, then this is a book that you NEED to check out!
genhuggins's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5