cassie_fairbanks's review against another edition
5.0
This book. This damned book, was EVERYTHING! The healing from her abusive traumas, the I will burn the world down for you romance, the way that the characters got back up and reclaimed every broken piece of themselves! I was riveted from beginning to end, the steam/spice was
bookishturtle's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
I really loved the story. It’s pretty slow compared to the first three. It’s more about character development for several characters than action. But it definitely makes up for that at the end! The ending was wow, I did not see that coming at all. I mean I did but the execution of it I did not. I’m guessing the next book is going to be a lot more of the action. The author is so good at evoking emotions. I could feel a character’s love, fear, rage, etc. I loved the male lead in Gleam and needed to know more. I’m so glad that my guess that this will be his book was true. I really like how his character was fleshed out. He basically hit everything I like to see in fantasy male leads. There were some good tropes that I love but don’t get to see often covered in this book. The romance reached such a good point! A lot of their scenes that gave the feeling you get when you’re wrapped in a comfy blanket on a cold day. I’m not big on spicy scenes in fantasy but a certain chapter was a fantastic blend of emotional intimacy and spice.
I rated it down because it was bogged down by pacing and writing. The writing was overly flowery. It worked in the previous books but it felt very different and ineffective here. The content changed and the metaphors and similes didn’t make sense half the time. I didn’t see the usual lack of final edit issues like redundancy, typos, and bad grammar so I think the metaphors need to be revised, cut down, or omitted in some cases. The switches between fantasy and modern language were very odd and detracted from the story because it was so jarring. I don’t think this will be improved upon, it might just be writing style sadly.
I really loved the story. It’s pretty slow compared to the first three. It’s more about character development for several characters than action. But it definitely makes up for that at the end! The ending was wow, I did not see that coming at all. I mean I did but the execution of it I did not. I’m guessing the next book is going to be a lot more of the action. The author is so good at evoking emotions. I could feel a character’s love, fear, rage, etc. I loved the male lead in Gleam and needed to know more. I’m so glad that my guess that this will be his book was true. I really like how his character was fleshed out. He basically hit everything I like to see in fantasy male leads. There were some good tropes that I love but don’t get to see often covered in this book. The romance reached such a good point! A lot of their scenes that gave the feeling you get when you’re wrapped in a comfy blanket on a cold day. I’m not big on spicy scenes in fantasy but a certain chapter was a fantastic blend of emotional intimacy and spice.
I rated it down because it was bogged down by pacing and writing. The writing was overly flowery. It worked in the previous books but it felt very different and ineffective here. The content changed and the metaphors and similes didn’t make sense half the time. I didn’t see the usual lack of final edit issues like redundancy, typos, and bad grammar so I think the metaphors need to be revised, cut down, or omitted in some cases. The switches between fantasy and modern language were very odd and detracted from the story because it was so jarring. I don’t think this will be improved upon, it might just be writing style sadly.
unhingedreader's review against another edition
4.0
3.5⭐️ Oh this is a little crazy…What I like about this couple is that they communicate, there is no room for miscommunication. As for the trauma I can understand why Auren needs her time and it’s not that long for me (which is good). While I do enjoy this book some narratives was repetative so I have to skip some as it do get dragged. Still book 5 coming out on december?? How am I supposed to survive with that ending??
daaylightz's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
oliviasfantasyreads's review against another edition
5.0
Just know…
Auren is one of my favorite MCs
Slade is on my Book Boyfriend Roster
And that ending is why I’m so glad I waited till closer to the next release date.
I try not to give too much away with ongoing series.
This book is long and a bit slow for awhile. It probably could have been shorter… it is a bit of a filler book at times.
But once that plot starts happening it’s great!
Finding out more about Aurens power and how to use it was my favorite parts.
Also the spice in this be spicing!
Auren is one of my favorite MCs
Slade is on my Book Boyfriend Roster
And that ending is why I’m so glad I waited till closer to the next release date.
I try not to give too much away with ongoing series.
This book is long and a bit slow for awhile. It probably could have been shorter… it is a bit of a filler book at times.
But once that plot starts happening it’s great!
Finding out more about Aurens power and how to use it was my favorite parts.
Also the spice in this be spicing!
itsjennie's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
This is the best one yet, but it should be half the length
springalong's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
yarisbooksandbevs's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really liked this book. It was nice to see Slade and Auren grow closer and see their relationship evolve. The ending of this book had me gasping, crying, clutching my pearls. It was nice to see more of Slade’s past and more of the world. Auren has been through so much and although she occasionally slips on her journey she is so resilient. The relationship between Slade and Ryatt is also complex and interesting. There are lots of great written characters and a lot to happen in the impending war. I’m really interested to see where the series goes from here but I’m invested
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Murder, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Death of parent, Drug abuse, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Child abuse, Alcohol, Blood, Classism, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Pregnancy, Religious bigotry, Torture, and Misogyny
claireyeah's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Screaming, crying, throwing up. I need Gold immediately.
I feel like this one could have done with a little more editing in the middle - it just felt a little padded out with things that aren’t super useful / needed in the story and it felt like it dragged a bit. But oh my god that ending! I loved everything about the last 25% of the book!!
I feel like this one could have done with a little more editing in the middle - it just felt a little padded out with things that aren’t super useful / needed in the story and it felt like it dragged a bit. But oh my god that ending! I loved everything about the last 25% of the book!!