Scan barcode
sotheresthisbook's review against another edition
4.0
I was honored to receive an eARC for A Curse of Scales and Flame. This review is honest and freely given. Publication Date: November 11, 2023!
3
3
readwithsugar's review against another edition
4.0
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
"Love wasn't learned, it was known from the start."
I'm relatively new to the fantasy genre, but when I came across Max's description of his book on tiktok I was intrigued enough to pick it up for myself. It was a super quick read and I had a great time entering the world of Magic and Marvels. There was, of course, a heavy focus on the world-building aspects of the story, that at times did pull me out of the story but I attribute that to my lack of experience reading this genre.
As for the romance element of the story, I absolutely loved the relationship between Robby and Damien, that unspoken, indescribable connection they seemed to have from the first moment and the way their very different personalities and upbringing meshed together to help them accomplished what they set out to do. Robby was a highlight of the book for me, his unfiltered personality and unique charisma and the way he so easily adapted to his new life and circumstance with such grace, resilience and kindness was admirable and he was fun to watch grow through the book. I loved Robby in contrast to Damien's steady confidence and the ways in which he drew Damien out of himself throughout the book.
This is definitely a fun little rec for me to anyone looking for a quick, fast paced fantasy with great spice and fun characters!!
**SPOILERS**
THAT ENDING THOUGH, HAS GOT ME GAGGED. I need to know what happens.
"Love wasn't learned, it was known from the start."
I'm relatively new to the fantasy genre, but when I came across Max's description of his book on tiktok I was intrigued enough to pick it up for myself. It was a super quick read and I had a great time entering the world of Magic and Marvels. There was, of course, a heavy focus on the world-building aspects of the story, that at times did pull me out of the story but I attribute that to my lack of experience reading this genre.
As for the romance element of the story, I absolutely loved the relationship between Robby and Damien, that unspoken, indescribable connection they seemed to have from the first moment and the way their very different personalities and upbringing meshed together to help them accomplished what they set out to do. Robby was a highlight of the book for me, his unfiltered personality and unique charisma and the way he so easily adapted to his new life and circumstance with such grace, resilience and kindness was admirable and he was fun to watch grow through the book. I loved Robby in contrast to Damien's steady confidence and the ways in which he drew Damien out of himself throughout the book.
This is definitely a fun little rec for me to anyone looking for a quick, fast paced fantasy with great spice and fun characters!!
**SPOILERS**
THAT ENDING THOUGH, HAS GOT ME GAGGED. I need to know what happens.
gkepps's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
sash_marguerite's review against another edition
5.0
Hey folks, just finished reading this gem and boy, was it a ride! I get why some might've expected more "high fantasy" from the title, but honestly? I found it super refreshing to dive into a fantasy world that's not too intense or complex. Plus, I'm a total softie for MM reads - throw in dragons, vampires and basilisks in an uncomplicated setting? Count me in!
Our main characters, Damien and Robby totally stole my heart. The romance between them was well-paced, not rushed at all. Damien is this brooding hot dragon shifter who adores both Robby and his family - what's not to love? And watching Robby grow throughout the story and gain confidence with the help of the Blackthorne family and his training was just amazing.
The world-building was subtle but effective - no headaches trying to make sense of everything! And the setup for book 2 focusing on Maddox at the end got me all excited!
Big shoutout to Max for giving me a chance to read this ARC!
Our main characters, Damien and Robby totally stole my heart. The romance between them was well-paced, not rushed at all. Damien is this brooding hot dragon shifter who adores both Robby and his family - what's not to love? And watching Robby grow throughout the story and gain confidence with the help of the Blackthorne family and his training was just amazing.
The world-building was subtle but effective - no headaches trying to make sense of everything! And the setup for book 2 focusing on Maddox at the end got me all excited!
Big shoutout to Max for giving me a chance to read this ARC!
courtney3141's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
nsharm75's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
claire_melanie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
lostconfusedhappy's review against another edition
5.0
A Curse of Scales and Flame by Max Walker
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
brim010's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? No
3.0