anapthine's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Child death, Bullying, Infertility, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, War, Emotional abuse, Grief, Murder, Blood, Confinement, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, and Sexual content
Moderate: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Alcohol, Death of parent, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Cannibalism, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Homophobia
emilyrose_isreading's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This sequel to Queen of Roses is a beautiful romantasy retelling of Camelot. I found myself submerged in the story, and I love Briar Boleyn's writing. With Morgan in a new environment, I love that we learn things about Sorega and the Siabra at the same time as her. There are some elements of this sequel I didn't enjoy as much as the first book, including how manipulate the love interest is however that's my personal preference as the world and character building is once again amazing. I definitely recommend this series to all my romantasy girlies.
Once again there are graphic themes, so please check content/trigger warnings.
Thank you so much to Briar Boleyn, Netgalley and Starwater Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Graphic: Death, Murder, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Animal death, Cannibalism, Infertility, Miscarriage, Genocide, Gore, Incest, and War
Minor: Animal cruelty, Death of parent, and Child death
booksalacarte's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Betrayal
Fake relationship
Morally grey MMC
He Falls First
One bed
Surprise twist
Kingdom politics
Found family
Trials
War
Animal familiars
Miscommunication
🏳️🌈 Side Character Rep
This story begins right where the first left off. I really like how this reimagined Camelot is pulling more and more from the original. Links are being revealed and coming together. All of the little pieces of the original story finding their way into this one, just with a spin. It’s refreshing and highlights taking a misogynistic tale and restructuring it to not be so archaic.
The writing is a little stilted, it felt like the word “F*ck” was added in excessively (mostly by one character) to make things edgier… sometimes it was in juxtaposition to the story creating a jarring harshness of language in situations where you would expect more finesse. And I’m not talking about the bedroom scenes… those were good!
Anyway, it wasn’t off putting enough that I didn’t enjoy the book. Far more than the first, mainly because of the non-stop action and fast pace plot.
Morgan is an infuriating character. It’s almost like she is completely ignorant of court politics or intrigue. (Reminder, she was raised as a princess!) She only sees things in black and white. She is full of flaws; immature, annoyingly defiant for terrible reasons, stubborn, wishy-washy as hell, and seemingly purposefully and idiotically obtuse. Her character arc isn’t evident yet… hopefully she will grow in the next book… and says “f*ck” in more appropriate instances, instead of throwing it around because her character needs to be more daring and grown up… She just sounds like a middle schooler on a playground trying to show how badass she is by saying the worst curse word she can think of.
Draven seems to be an enigma with his loyalty and willingness to do what has to be done. Talk about the definition of “Morally Grey”. A softie with a hard exterior. Exactly what a morally grey man should be. He has killed, been exiled, caught for Morgan and himself, sacrificed himself and his kingdom. I think he is well written… as well written as any other fantasy romance MMC. They all have flaws.
The exmoors are so cool! I’m a sucker for animal familiars. If something happens to them I’ll riot.
The side characters are endearing. I’m undecided if I can get past Morgan’s poor character arc enough to read on… if I do, it’s only for Draven and the exmoors.
Thank you NetGalley and Starwater Press for the advanced reader copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Murder, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Homophobia, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Blood, Bullying, Cannibalism, Child abuse, Child death, Classism, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Gore, Violence, Vomit, and War
seetaylorwriteandreview's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My favorite of the new faces, I believe is Odessa. She’s fierce and loyal, trusting Draven every step of the way. She’s a fighter and just… amazing.
It was just absolutely incredible and I’m so sad I’ve finished it so quickly. I wasn’t able to put it down. Come on November!!!!
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Gore, Sexism, Sexual content, Infertility, Violence, War, Grief, Homophobia, Child death, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Death
Minor: Child death