ela_35's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
The way this book was written wasn’t for me as it made the book slow and boring.
The idea for this book was fine, but nothing is shown, and most scenes are just described. While on a hunt, Cadeyrn finds his mate and kidnaps her in order to protect her from his enemies. Cassie gets angry about it and tells him to stay away and give her time to think – and that’s basically all that happens in this book; Cadeyrn will do something, and Cassie will tell him to leave her alone for weeks at a time.
It didn’t feel like Cadeyrn and Cassie even knew each other because they didn’t really spend any time together. I found Cassie’s character annoying, and I didn’t like her at all. Also, her decision to go with some random fae when she doesn’t even trust the one that’s been treating her well all this time was stupid and seemed inconsistent. Cadeyrn’s character didn’t feel developed as it centred around him being the Huntsman (scenes showing that were short/vague) and wanting Cassie to accept him as her mate.
There were some mentions of other characters, but they were always in the background. Cassie has a pet cat, who gets scenes written from his POV – I didn’t see the point in that. Also, Jillian has a friend rabbit and the scenes from the rabbit’s POV were slightly better.
I didn’t like the writing style. There were lots of descriptions, world building, internal thoughts and monologues, but there weren’t really any character interactions. Also, there were lots of discussions about right and wrong, and I just didn’t care because I found Cassie annoying.
I don’t think I’m going to continue with this series, and I probably won’t try other books by this author as I just didn’t like the writing style.
gothmomauthor's review
5.0
Mesmerizing read!
I was completely spellbound by this story. I had to physically make myself put down my phone to tune back into the real world, I was so enthralled with the one Mistral Dawn created! Such attention to detail as far as the setting, the governing bodies and how they worked, and the characters themselves had me so completely immersed in her world that I could almost taste the food and smell the air.
The story itself was a classic one but done in a modern way of thinking that made it more believable. The big strong man may have made off with the woman he feels bound to against her will, but he understands the repercussions and has no illusions that she will immediately fall in love with him. The characters realize their shortcomings and try to deal with the situations they are thrown into reasonably.
And those steamy scenes, whoa! I had to pause and fan myself a few times!
Excellent read! I cannot wait to read more of Mistral's stories about the world of Faerie.
I was completely spellbound by this story. I had to physically make myself put down my phone to tune back into the real world, I was so enthralled with the one Mistral Dawn created! Such attention to detail as far as the setting, the governing bodies and how they worked, and the characters themselves had me so completely immersed in her world that I could almost taste the food and smell the air.
The story itself was a classic one but done in a modern way of thinking that made it more believable. The big strong man may have made off with the woman he feels bound to against her will, but he understands the repercussions and has no illusions that she will immediately fall in love with him. The characters realize their shortcomings and try to deal with the situations they are thrown into reasonably.
And those steamy scenes, whoa! I had to pause and fan myself a few times!
Excellent read! I cannot wait to read more of Mistral's stories about the world of Faerie.
angelastl's review
4.0
Love the Huntsman
Received a free copy for my honest opinion.
I've always loved stories about the Fae. And this one didn't disappoint. It was different then normal Fae books with the role of he Hunstman being introduced. Love how the story unfolds and you really get involved in the scenery the author describes. Really good book.
Received a free copy for my honest opinion.
I've always loved stories about the Fae. And this one didn't disappoint. It was different then normal Fae books with the role of he Hunstman being introduced. Love how the story unfolds and you really get involved in the scenery the author describes. Really good book.
unlimitedhappylife's review
3.0
Overall, I enjoyed the story but there were a few things that kept me from loving it.
I think the worldbuilding was great and interesting. I liked the variety of faeries that the world had and how different of a system and culture it was. The side characters were unique and I felt like I got to know each one pretty well. I thought the way the Erlking was introduced was interesting and I liked how when he first appeared to Cassie was in full armor which is described as quite frightening.
One of the things that I really liked was the emphasis on consent, especially in the more spicy scenes. While the Erlking did initially kidnap Cassie, he was very focused on making sure she was happy and wanted her full consent in all other areas. When Cassie told him she needed space then he would give her space and wouldn't push it no matter how much Cassie secretly wanted him to.
I thought the Erlking was an interesting character and I liked the dichotomy of how fierce he could be with how gentle and understanding he was with Cassie and his people. His debates with Cassie on morals and discipline was surprisingly deep for a fantasy romance and I have to give it points for that.
On to some of the things I didn't like or wished were done better.
-I felt the story was a bit too wordy and the description of the world was too much of an information dump at times.
-I didn't find myself really liking Cassie, I did not dislike her but she was just kind of meh. I guess you could say she felt a little too one dimensional to me. Everything happened TO Cassie and it was her reacting to whatever happened most of the story and her reaction usually felt too blase'. Her instantly learning the language, making these great decisions for these people in this culture she knows nothing about, and having most of the staff instantly like her also felt too easy. She did spend a ton of time in the library researching so I will give her that.
-While the sex scenes were good, the actual relationship between the Erlking and Cassie felt bland to me. While there wasn't instant love, I felt like we spend a lot of time reading how the Erlking wants to gain her trust and love but I don't feel like we actually earn that declaration of love at the end. The couple spends more time apart and/or Cassie avoiding him than they do together. They don't actually spend any time together until 50% into the book and then most of the time after that Cassie is mad with him.
I did think the story was interesting and the world was so fantastical that I would be interested in reading another one of her stories to explore it further.
I think the worldbuilding was great and interesting. I liked the variety of faeries that the world had and how different of a system and culture it was. The side characters were unique and I felt like I got to know each one pretty well. I thought the way the Erlking was introduced was interesting and I liked how when he first appeared to Cassie was in full armor which is described as quite frightening.
One of the things that I really liked was the emphasis on consent, especially in the more spicy scenes. While the Erlking did initially kidnap Cassie, he was very focused on making sure she was happy and wanted her full consent in all other areas. When Cassie told him she needed space then he would give her space and wouldn't push it no matter how much Cassie secretly wanted him to.
I thought the Erlking was an interesting character and I liked the dichotomy of how fierce he could be with how gentle and understanding he was with Cassie and his people. His debates with Cassie on morals and discipline was surprisingly deep for a fantasy romance and I have to give it points for that.
On to some of the things I didn't like or wished were done better.
-I felt the story was a bit too wordy and the description of the world was too much of an information dump at times.
-I didn't find myself really liking Cassie, I did not dislike her but she was just kind of meh. I guess you could say she felt a little too one dimensional to me. Everything happened TO Cassie and it was her reacting to whatever happened most of the story and her reaction usually felt too blase'. Her instantly learning the language, making these great decisions for these people in this culture she knows nothing about, and having most of the staff instantly like her also felt too easy. She did spend a ton of time in the library researching so I will give her that.
-While the sex scenes were good, the actual relationship between the Erlking and Cassie felt bland to me. While there wasn't instant love, I felt like we spend a lot of time reading how the Erlking wants to gain her trust and love but I don't feel like we actually earn that declaration of love at the end. The couple spends more time apart and/or Cassie avoiding him than they do together. They don't actually spend any time together until 50% into the book and then most of the time after that Cassie is mad with him.
I did think the story was interesting and the world was so fantastical that I would be interested in reading another one of her stories to explore it further.
nicolewhopickedthisbook's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
TW: Dubious Consent
I really did enjoy this book (Mostly Cadeyrn and the fact that your get some of the animals POV which I thought was super cute!) Cassie takes getting kidnapped by Caderyn and the entire existence of fairies very well lol whereas I would be freaking out (maybe not... Cadeyrn is sexy, I might just go with it lol)
I am interested in continuing on with the series
Pop Culture Readathon 80’s Round Prompt: Labyrinth (Fae Lore)
I really did enjoy this book (Mostly Cadeyrn and the fact that your get some of the animals POV which I thought was super cute!) Cassie takes getting kidnapped by Caderyn and the entire existence of fairies very well lol whereas I would be freaking out (maybe not... Cadeyrn is sexy, I might just go with it lol)
I am interested in continuing on with the series
Pop Culture Readathon 80’s Round Prompt: Labyrinth (Fae Lore)
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