puffins57's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Spoiler
This book is hot. I very much enjoyed the scenes and the content (although definitely triggering please check TW before reading this book). That being said, the dub-con early on was very much plainly rapey and even though it later more clearly developed into cnc, some of the earlier moments were slightly hard to read (Although the first hallway scene was incredibly hot and did leave me immediately searching for my boyfriend…). I very much enjoyed the character intros/cross-overs for those who will be stepping into the spotlight for the later books; I thought this was very well done and adds a slight sense of continuity between books despite the shift in main characters that I know is going to hook me and keep me wanting to continue the series. I also thought it was also really cool how the author incorporated various emblemas of Aladdin and character names while also completely changing the story.I loved the way Jafar emphasized the importance of a safe word and aftercare for those he was with- while there were many questionable parts of this book I always love seeing those things incorporated. The Underworld was also something I wasn’t expecting to find so hot yet very much did. Oh and Meg- more specifically Jasmines attraction to Meg and everyone’s enthusiasm to have a threesome was lovely to see. One of the only real major issues I had that took me out of the book a little bit was the way jasmine calls and jafar requests to be referred to as “Daddy”. Now I loved how he called her “Baby girl” and honorifics aren’t usually a turn off for me by any means but the way they used Daddy was a bit much for me and just seemed odd and a bit out of place.
My absolute favorite thing about this book is how Jasmine is able to finally step into her own power all by herself. As wonderful as it is to have someone search for you and defend you and come to your rescue, I love seeing the character growth and see the woman finally get the power she deserves. Also the fact that she can be so powerful yet also be Jaguars sub was a lovely inclusion :)
Graphic: Confinement, Murder, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Bullying, Classism, Cursing, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
tammyaustin's review against another edition
Minor: Emotional abuse
icy_queen's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Murder, Blood, Violence, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual assault, Physical abuse, Sexism, and Emotional abuse
kyrstin_p1989's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Blood, Sexual violence, Vomit, Bullying, Body shaming, Child abuse, Classism, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Violence
bangiebangs's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The world-building is really good (as expected from this author), and I love that the story is extra spicy (4.5/5) and has a good mix of politics/ backstory as well. It's basically a prequel to the Dark Olympus series, which I really love, so I'm eating this up!
That said, this specific book didn't blow me away, and that's likely because of the specific kinks here that just aren't my kind of kink. Not yucking anyone's yum, but the Daddy/ baby girl thing isn't doing anything good for me, and I didn't like the way that consensual non-consent is set up in the story. Somebody here wrote that the last 20 or so pages really pick up - and I can confirm that.
It has very hot scenes though, and Katee Roberts is just fantastic at writing dirty, dirty smut. I really appreciate her knowledge of BDSM, which comes through very clearly here. Also love the queerness throughout, as always.
So I would say, if you liked any of her other books, you will like this series (and probably also this book).
Side note, am already almost finished with #2 (Hades), and that is much more my jive. So I would also recommend reading this to have the basic info for the rest of the books in the series.
Graphic: Kidnapping, Misogyny, Sexual content, Confinement, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Death of parent
morganalexusr's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Graphic: Confinement, Sexual content, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Murder, Terminal illness, Kidnapping, and Rape
deckleeditproof's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Domestic abuse
veryvexatious's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Rape, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Cursing, Sexual violence, Death of parent, Kidnapping, Death, Misogyny, and Violence
Minor: War, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Slavery, Vomit, Child abuse, Blood, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Gore, Sexism, and Physical abuse
caffeinated_or_chaos's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Violence, Sexual content, Confinement, Body shaming, Sexual violence, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Biphobia, Rape, Trafficking, and Toxic relationship
tillyjournals's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Spoiler
Jasmine’s character development into full on slay mode too - nice to see an actual strong women in this kinda book. I also freaking loved that there was romance behind the desire too!If you’re here for a good time, this book has your back!
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexual violence
Moderate: Death of parent and Emotional abuse
Minor: Violence