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lottie1803's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kair_ree's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this. If I was younger, I'd probably love this.
This is a book where our heroine is tasked with fighting off giant, killer beetles in order to save the world. It sounds ridiculous, because it is, but the author pulls it off.
For the first 50% of this book it was a four or five star read, but then it sort of descended for me and I started falling out of love with it. I loved the central pairing and the world building and the cute banter, but after finishing this I'm not really sure I even want to read the next book in the series.
That being said, it might be due to age. If I were a teen or in my 20s my reaction might not be what it is. There's just something a little immature that starts to creep into this and as someone who has read a lot of fantasy and a lot of romance, it started to pale in comparison to other, better books.
This is a book where our heroine is tasked with fighting off giant, killer beetles in order to save the world. It sounds ridiculous, because it is, but the author pulls it off.
For the first 50% of this book it was a four or five star read, but then it sort of descended for me and I started falling out of love with it. I loved the central pairing and the world building and the cute banter, but after finishing this I'm not really sure I even want to read the next book in the series.
That being said, it might be due to age. If I were a teen or in my 20s my reaction might not be what it is. There's just something a little immature that starts to creep into this and as someone who has read a lot of fantasy and a lot of romance, it started to pale in comparison to other, better books.
justicesky's review against another edition
5.0
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved this book! The synopsis really hooked me and so did the first page of the book. I couldn’t put it down. The story is so unique with Italian influences. Magic, demons, slow-burn romance. The romance is a big part of the plot and I really loved it. The characters chemistry was written so well. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
geodoble's review
3.0
September 2022 Geonette’s(me) Bookclub pick,
I’m unsure on how to rate this book, it was written so wonderfully and pulled me in, and I want to say it got my out of my small slump I was in. But I furiously wish this wasn’t a series, the last words might as well have been ‘to be continued’, the pacing was amazing so for it to have been a one off it would have been longer but maybe that would have been better. Rather ending in heartbreak than letting us believe it could end it a happy ending. (wow depressing…yikes ignore me going through a breakup) 2.5 - 3 stars I’m undecided but this book did make me cry!
I’m unsure on how to rate this book, it was written so wonderfully and pulled me in, and I want to say it got my out of my small slump I was in. But I furiously wish this wasn’t a series, the last words might as well have been ‘to be continued’, the pacing was amazing so for it to have been a one off it would have been longer but maybe that would have been better. Rather ending in heartbreak than letting us believe it could end it a happy ending. (wow depressing…yikes ignore me going through a breakup) 2.5 - 3 stars I’m undecided but this book did make me cry!
thevintagechronicles's review against another edition
5.0
Libby/audio
This was not what i expected. It took me a beat to get into, but man, it was great!
This was not what i expected. It took me a beat to get into, but man, it was great!
kreads24's review against another edition
4.0
This is a fast-paced fantasy novel that I believe many fans of young adult or new adult fantasy would enjoy. I believe this book is technically considered a YA novel, but I personally would categorize it as part of the New Adult age range. I would absolutely recommend this to any reader who read the Shatter Me series and wanted more characters like Juliette. While Alessa definitely has her differences from Juliette, I think readers who enjoyed that series will find themselves captivated by this book.
I was super into this book for the first 60%, but it lost me at that point until the final battle, and it lost me again at the very end when it went from trying to wrap up the story being told to solely functioning to tell the reader exactly what the sequel would be about. Part of the reason why this novel lost me was that I wasn't expecting it to wander into intense romance given the premise of the novel and so that wasn't what I was looking to get from this story. The betrayal storyline during that latter half of the book also wasn't my cup of tea and so I found myself bored and wanting to just get to the battle already.
The world-building of this novel is exquisite and I absolutely loved how immersed I felt in this world. Thiede absolutely captivates you with her descriptions and you feel for Alessa's plight. I wish the side characters had a tad bit more development than what was provided but with such a large cast of characters, that balance can be difficult to strike. Alessa has so much heart and her development throughout the novel is a joy to read.
I was super into this book for the first 60%, but it lost me at that point until the final battle, and it lost me again at the very end when it went from trying to wrap up the story being told to solely functioning to tell the reader exactly what the sequel would be about. Part of the reason why this novel lost me was that I wasn't expecting it to wander into intense romance given the premise of the novel and so that wasn't what I was looking to get from this story. The betrayal storyline during that latter half of the book also wasn't my cup of tea and so I found myself bored and wanting to just get to the battle already.
The world-building of this novel is exquisite and I absolutely loved how immersed I felt in this world. Thiede absolutely captivates you with her descriptions and you feel for Alessa's plight. I wish the side characters had a tad bit more development than what was provided but with such a large cast of characters, that balance can be difficult to strike. Alessa has so much heart and her development throughout the novel is a joy to read.
bookhoardernic's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a fairly quick read. It was a good first in a series to provide a foundation. I do hope in the next book that we learn more about the origins of this world, and also a better understanding of the inner moral and religious tenets that guide it. Interesting premise, pretty cool magic system, and lovable characters. A solid 4 stars for a YA fantasy.
jahayma's review against another edition
2.0
I stopped reading at 81% because I just don’t care enough to finish. Normally I wouldn’t leave a review for a book I didn’t finish, but making it past 80% feels fair. I saw a review that said there was a twist, but I don’t care to find out what it is, especially when the second book isn’t even out until next year. The world building had so much potential, but was just blah. The romance was blah too.
meghanshiner's review against another edition
3.0
fantasy, magic, demons, apocalypse, religion, romance, war… it was a lot to follow during the world building and I definitely didn’t keep up with it throughout.
There were cute parts to the romance and war training (gave me ACOSF nesta/Cassian Valkyrie training vibes). I honestly almost DNFd several times; I didn’t like the ending and I’m not gonna read the sequel
There were cute parts to the romance and war training (gave me ACOSF nesta/Cassian Valkyrie training vibes). I honestly almost DNFd several times; I didn’t like the ending and I’m not gonna read the sequel