readingwithkelsey's review
3.0
I think were this to have been just a tad shorter, I would have enjoyed this so much more! I did really enjoy the intricate worldbuilding and the way Roth revealed elements to readers, but this was very slow moving which really hindered my interest in the long run. And while being both interested in Lio and the Hesperines lore and Cassia relationship with her father, I really wasn't invested in their romance until well into the second half of the novel. However, once we got there I was very intrigued by the political movements between the two groups and how Cassia and Lio were going to move forward in their relationship. (Also, this spiciness in this book is V hot and well worth the wait when you finally get to it (also also, Lio is a wonderful romantic interest)). I feel so conflicted because I really enjoyed what Roth is doing with this novel and I think she has created a very interesting magic system and world, but this book almost put me into a slump.
tara_whitaker's review
emotional
slow-paced
- 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
3.5
danikeleher's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. I loved Lio and Cassia and really enjoyed the book overall, I just thought that the book felt a little difficult to get into initially.
cearamcvey's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
5.0
readwithjulez's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
literatureaesthetic's review
dnf at 14% - just not in the mood for this rn. slow and boring and the writing was so dry??
maybe i'll give it another go at a later date, we'll see
maybe i'll give it another go at a later date, we'll see
ma_riaf's review
4.0
This is a slow-burn DREAM! You really get to know so much about the world and characters before they get together, and I loved that.
It was a bit hard to get into it because the writing is more on the formal side (which does lend its hand to the historical-esque vibes of the book), and a lot of the plot seems secondary. I'd say this book is 70% character driven and 30% plot driven.
These vampires may not sparkle in the sunlight, but Hesperines have my stamp of approval. This had the sexiest blood-drinking scenes AND cute banter!!! Loved it!
It was a bit hard to get into it because the writing is more on the formal side (which does lend its hand to the historical-esque vibes of the book), and a lot of the plot seems secondary. I'd say this book is 70% character driven and 30% plot driven.
These vampires may not sparkle in the sunlight, but Hesperines have my stamp of approval. This had the sexiest blood-drinking scenes AND cute banter!!! Loved it!