Scan barcode
fae_noir's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Overall this was a good start to a series. I loved the hybrid worldbuilding of Regency-style social customs blended with the technology and advancements of the 21st century. The entire cast of characters was fun, and while I'm so sorry for Brandr, I did like the murder mystery.
My one main gripe with this book was that it suffered from Muddy Middle syndrome. What I really wanted to see was Cas and Saphir go from reluctant partners to dynamic duo as they focused on the investigation, with the culmination of realizing that they fell in love along the way. Sadly, what happens is that once they team up, too much of their investigation happens off page. The romance gets pretty insta-lovey, and anything Dahlia related goes AWOL from a large part of the story while Cas instantly starts to have misgivings about keeping secrets from a man he's only just getting to know. This drove me nearly insane, and was a big part of the reason I took so long to finish the book. I didn't want to switch back and forth between the romance and the investigation, and have the two story lines competing for attention and real estate on the page. I would have preferred my original expectation of the mystery being the primary focus, with romantic moments that amp up as the story continues.
The final 25% of the book did improve well enough to bump my rating up from a 3 star to a 4, and convince me to continue the series. I'm especially glad that the mystery wasn't fully resolved, and that we'll see more of Duke Everard in the sequel, since I really wanted to know more of his side of things.
My one main gripe with this book was that it suffered from Muddy Middle syndrome. What I really wanted to see was Cas and Saphir go from reluctant partners to dynamic duo as they focused on the investigation, with the culmination of realizing that they fell in love along the way. Sadly, what happens is that once they team up, too much of their investigation happens off page. The romance gets pretty insta-lovey, and anything Dahlia related goes AWOL from a large part of the story while Cas instantly starts to have misgivings about keeping secrets from a man he's only just getting to know. This drove me nearly insane, and was a big part of the reason I took so long to finish the book. I didn't want to switch back and forth between the romance and the investigation, and have the two story lines competing for attention and real estate on the page. I would have preferred my original expectation of the mystery being the primary focus, with romantic moments that amp up as the story continues.
The final 25% of the book did improve well enough to bump my rating up from a 3 star to a 4, and convince me to continue the series. I'm especially glad that the mystery wasn't fully resolved, and that we'll see more of Duke Everard in the sequel, since I really wanted to know more of his side of things.
chloeinbooksland's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
- 3rd: 09/09/2024
3,5-3,75/5
I still vastly enjoyed the book! The romance aspect of the book was the best part.
- 2nd: 13/02/23
3,5/5
Despite a lower rating, I still vastly enjoyed the book! The romance aspect of the book was the best part ; the mystery-villain aspect of the plot was the weakest part though.
- 1st: 01/12/22
4/5
I was hesitating to give this book a 3,75/5 but it was so GOOD that it largely deserves a full 4⭐ What consolidated this decision was the moment these two idiots were shouting their love to each other while surrounded and fighting for their lives!
I loved everything about this book: the story, the romance, the characters... The narrator was also at his A-game and I cannot wait for the next book!
3,5-3,75/5
I still vastly enjoyed the book! The romance aspect of the book was the best part.
- 2nd: 13/02/23
3,5/5
Despite a lower rating, I still vastly enjoyed the book! The romance aspect of the book was the best part ; the mystery-villain aspect of the plot was the weakest part though.
- 1st: 01/12/22
4/5
I was hesitating to give this book a 3,75/5 but it was so GOOD that it largely deserves a full 4⭐
I loved everything about this book: the story, the romance, the characters... The narrator was also at his A-game and I cannot wait for the next book!
jennifox's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Death of parent
janetted's review
4.0
What more do you need than mystery, romance and espionage?
On its face, Charlie Cochet & Macy Blake build a compelling world of paranormal romance with plenty of action & suspense that manages to incorporate just enough elements of historical romance to create something really unique. On the PNR side, you have a shifter society representing a myriad of animals ruled by the almighty Dragon King. The titled aristocracy, extravagant balls, and social propriety are all a nod to Regency romance. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine combining two of my favorite genres in this way would work, but it just does. Perhaps because traditional shifter societies typically have a social hierarchy and rigid structure? Maybe but honestly, whatever it is, I’m not questioning it.
Cochet & Blake waste no time setting up what looks to be a series-long whodunit paired with an improbable romance between two strong characters. Rather than a slow steady build, it catapults forward in leaps and bounds with some of the emotional evolution happening off page or in solo scenes and affirmed by later events. Overall it's an exciting, captivating tale that will leave readers hungry for more.
On its face, Charlie Cochet & Macy Blake build a compelling world of paranormal romance with plenty of action & suspense that manages to incorporate just enough elements of historical romance to create something really unique. On the PNR side, you have a shifter society representing a myriad of animals ruled by the almighty Dragon King. The titled aristocracy, extravagant balls, and social propriety are all a nod to Regency romance. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine combining two of my favorite genres in this way would work, but it just does. Perhaps because traditional shifter societies typically have a social hierarchy and rigid structure? Maybe but honestly, whatever it is, I’m not questioning it.
Cochet & Blake waste no time setting up what looks to be a series-long whodunit paired with an improbable romance between two strong characters. Rather than a slow steady build, it catapults forward in leaps and bounds with some of the emotional evolution happening off page or in solo scenes and affirmed by later events. Overall it's an exciting, captivating tale that will leave readers hungry for more.
isalaur's review
medium-paced
4.0
This first book in a new shifter series is certainly unique. It is, to a certain extent, a historical which takes place in modern times. The characters posses all the modern conveniences but adhere to regency mores.
Cas is the best friend of the dragon prince. A Duke with a reputation he is more than he appears. Saphir is the former Captain of the King’s Guard. When the King summons him to request a favor it puts Saphir on a collision course with Cas. There is intrigue and danger afoot as well as a slow developing romance.
The beginning of the book moved at a fairly slow pace. I was unsure if I was going to continue with the book. But since I am normally a fan of these authors I figured I’d stick with it a bit longer. Eventually things picked up and the story got exciting, tense, and made for an entertaining read.
Several aspects of the suspense plot were pretty obvious from the beginning. I was kind of shocked that Cas and the others didn’t cotton on to them earlier. The crisis moment was tense (and yet strangely amusing) and the ending of the book was sweet. There’s a curious scene which is the segue into the next book. Intriguing enough that I will definitely check out book two.
Cas is the best friend of the dragon prince. A Duke with a reputation he is more than he appears. Saphir is the former Captain of the King’s Guard. When the King summons him to request a favor it puts Saphir on a collision course with Cas. There is intrigue and danger afoot as well as a slow developing romance.
The beginning of the book moved at a fairly slow pace. I was unsure if I was going to continue with the book. But since I am normally a fan of these authors I figured I’d stick with it a bit longer. Eventually things picked up and the story got exciting, tense, and made for an entertaining read.
Several aspects of the suspense plot were pretty obvious from the beginning. I was kind of shocked that Cas and the others didn’t cotton on to them earlier. The crisis moment was tense (and yet strangely amusing) and the ending of the book was sweet. There’s a curious scene which is the segue into the next book. Intriguing enough that I will definitely check out book two.
More...