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melissadegraffbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked the setting of the story and also enjoyed the romance. Towards the end, I was getting annoyed with several characters for making stupid decisions. A little too much drama for me, but this is YA, so that's to be expected. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
a_ab's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
Too long, too meandering and too focused on endless stream of abuse from everything and everyone (or by everything and everyone). The fact that this endless nonsense is just a first book, which ends in the middle of one of its pointless skirmishes doesn't help matters.
I gave up on wanting to know the story this author was telling around 75%, because I stopped trusting that she is able to tell one (I skimmed to the end and was, unfortunately, gratified in my suspicions).
In the entire book there isn't a single half-decent male — all are either possessive brutes or manipulative posturers, both types full of self pitying excuses for their inexcusable actions. Never fear, most women aren't much better, but they have a more valid excuse of complete lack of agency in most situations they find themselves in, so they end up accomplishing marginally less harm due to sheer lack of opportunity. Why would anyone want to spend any time in that world willingly is beyond me.
I gave up on wanting to know the story this author was telling around 75%, because I stopped trusting that she is able to tell one (I skimmed to the end and was, unfortunately, gratified in my suspicions).
In the entire book there isn't a single half-decent male — all are either possessive brutes or manipulative posturers, both types full of self pitying excuses for their inexcusable actions. Never fear, most women aren't much better, but they have a more valid excuse of complete lack of agency in most situations they find themselves in, so they end up accomplishing marginally less harm due to sheer lack of opportunity. Why would anyone want to spend any time in that world willingly is beyond me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Misogyny, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, Violence, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Torture, War, Rape, and Religious bigotry
rodica_b's review against another edition
4.0
While the book is fast paced and it involves a magic forbidden forest, there were some cliches I could have gone without. I would be curious to read the second part of the series, though.
ce_loveless's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
books_over_everything's review against another edition
5.0
Initial Thoughts
This series has been on my TBR for a while but when I saw Audiobookworm Promotions had a tour for the audiobook, I jumped at the chance to join. The description gave me all kinds of fairytale and whimsical vibes and I couldn’t wait to see that come alive through narration.
Some Things I Liked
Retelling. I absolutely loved the way the author wove the tale of The Pied Piper and Beauty and the Beast together to form this world and story. I have never read a Pied Piper retelling but I’ve read plenty of Beauty and the Beast. While there were familiar elements, the story felt wholly unique.
The romance. I loved the romance plot. Denan and Larkin are officially on my list of favorite OTPs and I love their enemies to lovers banter.
ACOTAR vibes. Seriously, I loved this. So much of this world reminded me of one of my favorite series but in the best way. I loved all of the dynamics between the characters.
Dark themes. I’ll note this as a positive, but, please be advised, some of these themes are not suitable for all audiences. This story has descriptions of abusive relationships that all readers might not find appropriate. Disclaimer aside, I really enjoyed how the darker themes were included in this story. Many of the hardships that the characters faced propelled them forward and drove the plot. I found myself increasingly engaged and interested in their actions because of these realistic qualities.
Series Value
Full disclosure, I already started the second book. While it is terribly disappointing to have to read, instead of listening to Lynn Bradfords enchanting narration, I must know what’s next in this story.
I would most certainly revisit this series once the audiobooks of the next books become available.
Audiobook Value
I listened to this one a bit slower than I usually listen at 2.3x speed. I’m a 2.5x kind of gal normally. But, I slowed this one down to really capture the names, accents, and voice distinctions. I loved that each character had a unique voice.
Similarly, the mark of a great narrator is my ability to actually understand the names of the places and characters. After cross checking against the print book, I can confirm that I knew every character’s name and was even able to spell them (within 1 letter). I spelled Venna, Vena, but close enough. The narration was crisp even at an accelerated speed and I was able to understand every word.
Lastly, I loved the narrator’s voice. I will definitely be looking up the body of her work so I can download more of the books she has narrated. Her voice was the perfect blend of engaging and soothing and made for an incredible listen.
Final Thoughts
I adored this book. I am officially obsessed with this series. Just a few weeks ago, I was in a huge slump because I finally caught up on Sarah J. Maas’s ACOTAR series. But, finding this series was an amazing happenstance. For me to praise this as highly as I praise SJM is SERIOUS PRAISE.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendations for Further Reading
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas – if you enjoyed the Beauty and the Beast elements of this story as well as the romance, magic, and world building, try this super popular series.
A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova – again, if you liked the Beauty and the Beast and arranged marriage elements, try this book by Elise Kova. It will be part of a series but each book can be read as a standalone.
This series has been on my TBR for a while but when I saw Audiobookworm Promotions had a tour for the audiobook, I jumped at the chance to join. The description gave me all kinds of fairytale and whimsical vibes and I couldn’t wait to see that come alive through narration.
Some Things I Liked
Retelling. I absolutely loved the way the author wove the tale of The Pied Piper and Beauty and the Beast together to form this world and story. I have never read a Pied Piper retelling but I’ve read plenty of Beauty and the Beast. While there were familiar elements, the story felt wholly unique.
The romance. I loved the romance plot. Denan and Larkin are officially on my list of favorite OTPs and I love their enemies to lovers banter.
ACOTAR vibes. Seriously, I loved this. So much of this world reminded me of one of my favorite series but in the best way. I loved all of the dynamics between the characters.
Dark themes. I’ll note this as a positive, but, please be advised, some of these themes are not suitable for all audiences. This story has descriptions of abusive relationships that all readers might not find appropriate. Disclaimer aside, I really enjoyed how the darker themes were included in this story. Many of the hardships that the characters faced propelled them forward and drove the plot. I found myself increasingly engaged and interested in their actions because of these realistic qualities.
Series Value
Full disclosure, I already started the second book. While it is terribly disappointing to have to read, instead of listening to Lynn Bradfords enchanting narration, I must know what’s next in this story.
I would most certainly revisit this series once the audiobooks of the next books become available.
Audiobook Value
I listened to this one a bit slower than I usually listen at 2.3x speed. I’m a 2.5x kind of gal normally. But, I slowed this one down to really capture the names, accents, and voice distinctions. I loved that each character had a unique voice.
Similarly, the mark of a great narrator is my ability to actually understand the names of the places and characters. After cross checking against the print book, I can confirm that I knew every character’s name and was even able to spell them (within 1 letter). I spelled Venna, Vena, but close enough. The narration was crisp even at an accelerated speed and I was able to understand every word.
Lastly, I loved the narrator’s voice. I will definitely be looking up the body of her work so I can download more of the books she has narrated. Her voice was the perfect blend of engaging and soothing and made for an incredible listen.
Final Thoughts
I adored this book. I am officially obsessed with this series. Just a few weeks ago, I was in a huge slump because I finally caught up on Sarah J. Maas’s ACOTAR series. But, finding this series was an amazing happenstance. For me to praise this as highly as I praise SJM is SERIOUS PRAISE.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendations for Further Reading
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas – if you enjoyed the Beauty and the Beast elements of this story as well as the romance, magic, and world building, try this super popular series.
A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova – again, if you liked the Beauty and the Beast and arranged marriage elements, try this book by Elise Kova. It will be part of a series but each book can be read as a standalone.
simply_sam's review against another edition
5.0
I was wavering between 4 and 5 stars but figured why not just round up. I'm in a charitable mood I guess. Larkin gets a tad...um...insufferable? at times, though I'm on the fence between admiring her tenacity and face palming because she just doesn't get it. There's also a little too much back and forth and back and forth (capture, escape, repeat) but I honestly COULD. NOT. PUT. IT. DOWN. It's an extremely fascinating world, with a suitably creepy forest (which I adore) and one that still has plenty of mystery to uncover... I'm anxious to see what book 2 brings. Definitely recommend for lovers of fantasy with a fairy tale twist.
Spoiler
like, what is the purpose of the curse really??lilytholfsen's review against another edition
4.0
(3.5 stars, but I put 4 instead of 3 because I am nice? I guess?)
I went into this book without reading any reviews or even a real synopsis, which was refreshing, and I think I'll try to do that more. I read it quickly, and was drawn into the story. There was one point where the characters acted stupid, and it took me right out of the story, and I almost gave up reading, but I plowed through and eventually was back on board. I'm still mad about that part though, and I wish it had been done differently.
This book does have quite a few tropes (fast love, love triangle, chosen one), but in my opinion, they were all handled in a unique way, and I was not really bothered by them, except maybe the "fast love" one, I'm still not sure.
Some great aspects of this book are that it is well written, and I was hooked. Although, what with the forced marriage, there was plenty of opportunity for rapey scenes that are prevalent in Fantasy, everything was consensual, and I LOVED that. I also appreciated the racial diversity of the characters.
Now, on to why the book didn't get 5 stars (besides that one scene I already mentioned). If I'm going to be super nit-picky, there were a few times I thought there was a plot hole and it was explained later, but I wished it had been sooner. Time also felt a little weird in the book— I wish it had been more clear how much time had passed. Also, although there was racial diversity, I was sad that there was no mention of homosexuality or gender queer characters, even though this book dealt with a lot of gender issues, and there was a society of only men, so like, you'd think a few would get together? And the idea of a man and woman being destined to work together perfectly (and their magic being complementary) felt a little hetero-normative. As a gay woman, these are things that I look for, but I'm sure others don't notice/care about, and if you don't, that's fine.
Overall, I would suggest this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy, probably over 18 just because it talks about rape and abuse (although rape is never shown). A fun read.
I went into this book without reading any reviews or even a real synopsis, which was refreshing, and I think I'll try to do that more. I read it quickly, and was drawn into the story. There was one point
Spoiler
when she discovers Bane is there, and they escape together, and like what?? Everyone acted so rash and stupidThis book does have quite a few tropes (fast love, love triangle, chosen one), but in my opinion, they were all handled in a unique way, and I was not really bothered by them, except maybe the "fast love" one, I'm still not sure.
Some great aspects of this book are that it is well written, and I was hooked. Although, what with the forced marriage, there was plenty of opportunity for rapey scenes that are prevalent in Fantasy, everything was consensual, and I LOVED that. I also appreciated the racial diversity of the characters.
Now, on to why the book didn't get 5 stars (besides that one scene I already mentioned). If I'm going to be super nit-picky, there were a few times I thought there was a plot hole and it was explained later, but I wished it had been sooner
Spoiler
like they had bread, even though they couldn't light fires, and then like 10 chapters later you find out fires can be lit on islands. I know that's stupid but it bothered me.Overall, I would suggest this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy, probably over 18 just because it talks about rape and abuse (although rape is never shown). A fun read.
claudia_marcela's review against another edition
2.0
Larkin sabe que el bosque es peligroso y no debe acercarse, pero cuando su hermana menor se pierde allí, no puede hacer más que ir a buscarla. Y así se topa con un monstruo y un chico que las salva, pero que parece entrañar un peligro mucho mayor.
~~~
Sabiendo que esto es un retelling de la bella y la bestia, ya nos damos idea de la dinámica que existirá entre los protas y cómo empiezan su relación. Lo que es diferente en esta versión es la ambientación.
Larkin vive en un mundo donde las mujeres solo sirven para casarse. Los hombres toman las decisiones. Pero ella sabe bien que los hombres no son confiables; su padre golpea a su madre y hermanas, así que ella ha aprendido a salir adelante con sus propios recursos en la medida de lo posible. Y ese miedo visceral que le han inculcado toda la vida por el bosque cerca de su pueblo, no evita que se lance de inmediato tras su hermana cuando ésta desaparece. En eso y en muchos otros detalles posteriores, podemos ver su fortaleza y temple.
El problema empieza cuando aparece Denan, un misterioso desconocido que salva a Larkin y a su hermana y desea llevarlas a lo profundo del bosque, y una vez que Larkin escucha la canción del bosque, ya no puede huir a su llamado. Esa es toda la química que existe entre esta "pareja destinada" que escuchan la canción del otro... No hay momentos emotivos, ni cortejo siquiera. "Te secuestro porque sé que serás mi esposa"
~~~
Sabiendo que esto es un retelling de la bella y la bestia, ya nos damos idea de la dinámica que existirá entre los protas y cómo empiezan su relación. Lo que es diferente en esta versión es la ambientación.
Larkin vive en un mundo donde las mujeres solo sirven para casarse. Los hombres toman las decisiones. Pero ella sabe bien que los hombres no son confiables; su padre golpea a su madre y hermanas, así que ella ha aprendido a salir adelante con sus propios recursos en la medida de lo posible. Y ese miedo visceral que le han inculcado toda la vida por el bosque cerca de su pueblo, no evita que se lance de inmediato tras su hermana cuando ésta desaparece. En eso y en muchos otros detalles posteriores, podemos ver su fortaleza y temple.
El problema empieza cuando aparece Denan, un misterioso desconocido que salva a Larkin y a su hermana y desea llevarlas a lo profundo del bosque, y una vez que Larkin escucha la canción del bosque, ya no puede huir a su llamado. Esa es toda la química que existe entre esta "pareja destinada" que escuchan la canción del otro... No hay momentos emotivos, ni cortejo siquiera. "Te secuestro porque sé que serás mi esposa"
kkrs28's review against another edition
5.0
This book is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
I heard a lot of negative things about Argyle’s writing because of her witchsong duo-logy, so I just downloaded the book because I was bored. But this book was a ride, there are those typical YA books and then there are those typical YA books that stand out. Confused? Let me explain.
I won’t lie this was a typical ya book, equipped with all the typical YA things.
-Love triangle between two guys, both of whom the heroine loves to some degree.
-A prince as one of the love interests in question.
-The main character being SUPER special and having magical powers that of which have not been seen for centuries.
Etc. And even though this book was typical... it somehow managed to be atypical at the same time.
Instead of just telling, the author did a really good job of showing us the reasons for everything. I completely understood the love triangle and I understood why she was so conflicted in who she wanted to be with. (Also don’t worry 😉 she figures out who she wants to be with by the end of the book... and you’ll definitely approve of her choice.)
CAN I ALSO TALK ABOUT HOW THIS BOOK BASICALLY HAS THE EQUIVALENT OF MATES!!!! if you know me at all you KNOW I love the idea of having a mate... and though they aren’t called mates in this book (they are called heartsongs.) they are definitely mates.
Anyways the plot of the story is basically (in a condensed version.) The main character Larkin goes into the forest 🌳 and meets a hella creepy man 👹 who saved her from dying from the dangerous creatures in the creepy forest🌳👺👻🌳. But this mans is talking all sorts of nonsense, and basically tries to kidnap our home girl😳. She escapes him, and manages to get back home 🏠. But she ain’t the same and she feels a weird pull to the creepy forest 🌳 😲. Anyways back at home she has a lover😍😘 but it’s complicated, and after a series of unfortunate events 😭😪 our homegirl Larkin has to run 🏃🏼♀️for her life in to the forbidden forest🌳 with creepy dude👹👹... and we follow them as they try to figure out what tf a heartsong is💖... and Larkin realizes the true powers of Stockholm syndrome 💀💀💀.
Anyways despite all of this I loved this book (and don’t emojis make every synopsis better? Or is that just me 😂🤷🏾♀️) a whole 5 🌟’s!!!
I heard a lot of negative things about Argyle’s writing because of her witchsong duo-logy, so I just downloaded the book because I was bored. But this book was a ride, there are those typical YA books and then there are those typical YA books that stand out. Confused? Let me explain.
I won’t lie this was a typical ya book, equipped with all the typical YA things.
-Love triangle between two guys, both of whom the heroine loves to some degree.
-A prince as one of the love interests in question.
-The main character being SUPER special and having magical powers that of which have not been seen for centuries.
Etc. And even though this book was typical... it somehow managed to be atypical at the same time.
Instead of just telling, the author did a really good job of showing us the reasons for everything. I completely understood the love triangle and I understood why she was so conflicted in who she wanted to be with. (Also don’t worry 😉 she figures out who she wants to be with by the end of the book... and you’ll definitely approve of her choice.)
CAN I ALSO TALK ABOUT HOW THIS BOOK BASICALLY HAS THE EQUIVALENT OF MATES!!!! if you know me at all you KNOW I love the idea of having a mate... and though they aren’t called mates in this book (they are called heartsongs.) they are definitely mates.
Anyways the plot of the story is basically (in a condensed version.) The main character Larkin goes into the forest 🌳 and meets a hella creepy man 👹 who saved her from dying from the dangerous creatures in the creepy forest🌳👺👻🌳. But this mans is talking all sorts of nonsense, and basically tries to kidnap our home girl😳. She escapes him, and manages to get back home 🏠. But she ain’t the same and she feels a weird pull to the creepy forest 🌳 😲. Anyways back at home she has a lover😍😘 but it’s complicated, and after a series of unfortunate events 😭😪 our homegirl Larkin has to run 🏃🏼♀️for her life in to the forbidden forest🌳 with creepy dude👹👹... and we follow them as they try to figure out what tf a heartsong is💖... and Larkin realizes the true powers of Stockholm syndrome 💀💀💀.
Anyways despite all of this I loved this book (and don’t emojis make every synopsis better? Or is that just me 😂🤷🏾♀️) a whole 5 🌟’s!!!
beesandbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Potentially problematic gender issues aside, I did enjoy this book. It occupies that nice New Adult middle ground in that it’s mature enough to entertain an older audience, but young enough to reach down as well. The fantasy elements are tantalizing and unique in a lot of ways, though my concern about the use of a gender binary system remains strong. I also appreciated the blending of fantasy elements with fairy tales, reaching for a more creative and original story line and only incorporating a handful of the tropes of Beauty and the Beast and the Pied Piper. Altogether, the story is interesting, the characters developed, and the world built up well.
For the full review check out my blog beesandbooks.home.blog
For the full review check out my blog beesandbooks.home.blog