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thelongroadtosanity's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.25
"Never let anyone else tell you who you are, Remy, not even me. No one decides how bright you shine but you."
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Remy is a red witch, living her entire life hiding from the Northern Court. The Northern Fae King, a vicious, ruthless usurper, had killed the Mountain Court royal family and all of their red witches. Those who managed to flee the coup, like Remy, hide from the King and his soldiers, living in constant fear of losing their heads.
While hiding in plain sight working at a backwoods tavern, Remy is spotted by four Fae soldiers who know who, and what, she is. Nearly kidnapped, she is informed by their leader and Prince, Hale, that he needs her help. There are two ancient artifacts that he needs to find in order to help overthrow the Northern King before he takes over the other courts and the entire continent. On the most dangerous adventure of her life, Remy must come to terms with who and what she is whilst hunting for her people's precious artifacts. Dodging Northern soldiers, royal enemies, and creatures of the night Remy and her group dive headfirst into their dangerous quest. It doesn't help that she and Hale can't seem to take their eyes off of each other.......
This was such an enjoyable read. At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book, simply because of the writing style in the first chapter (I am very picky about my writing styles). After getting through the first few chapters, I really started to get invested into the story. This has a slow burn, enemy-to-lovers type feel with a fantastic magic system and wonderful world building. I really didn't want to put the book down after a while. Also the spice in this is pretty good (4/5 spiciness) although I wish the scenes were slightly a bit longer.
Remy is a great character right from the start, although her backstory may have been a bit predictable, I loved that she maintained some of her flaws through the course of the plot. I also was in love with Hale from the moment she had first laid eyes on him.
I am curious to see how the next book goes in the series. I feel that Remy's story was well concluded in this book, so I am curious if the next one focuses on another character. I certainly will be reading more of this series. (07/2023)
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Remy is a red witch, living her entire life hiding from the Northern Court. The Northern Fae King, a vicious, ruthless usurper, had killed the Mountain Court royal family and all of their red witches. Those who managed to flee the coup, like Remy, hide from the King and his soldiers, living in constant fear of losing their heads.
While hiding in plain sight working at a backwoods tavern, Remy is spotted by four Fae soldiers who know who, and what, she is. Nearly kidnapped, she is informed by their leader and Prince, Hale, that he needs her help. There are two ancient artifacts that he needs to find in order to help overthrow the Northern King before he takes over the other courts and the entire continent. On the most dangerous adventure of her life, Remy must come to terms with who and what she is whilst hunting for her people's precious artifacts. Dodging Northern soldiers, royal enemies, and creatures of the night Remy and her group dive headfirst into their dangerous quest. It doesn't help that she and Hale can't seem to take their eyes off of each other.......
This was such an enjoyable read. At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book, simply because of the writing style in the first chapter (I am very picky about my writing styles). After getting through the first few chapters, I really started to get invested into the story. This has a slow burn, enemy-to-lovers type feel with a fantastic magic system and wonderful world building. I really didn't want to put the book down after a while. Also the spice in this is pretty good (4/5 spiciness) although I wish the scenes were slightly a bit longer.
Remy is a great character right from the start, although her backstory may have been a bit predictable, I loved that she maintained some of her flaws through the course of the plot. I also was in love with Hale from the moment she had first laid eyes on him.
I am curious to see how the next book goes in the series. I feel that Remy's story was well concluded in this book, so I am curious if the next one focuses on another character. I certainly will be reading more of this series. (07/2023)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence, Blood, and Murder
zias's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
I wanted to like this book but there were a few things that made it difficult. Namely, the amount of times “that” or “those” used to describe things like “those dark eyes” or “that warm hand” was really odd. I also found it off-putting how often someone was referred to as male/female. I don’t read many fae books or books with a fated mate trope, but Remy and Hale’s relationship felt shallow and that it relied on the fated mate trope.
However, I do really appreciate the world building, as well as some of the diversity, between thenon-binary character and the amount of same sex relationships. I wished there was more focus on building out the magic system because after the reveal, it felt like it wasn’t as important to Remy.
However, I do really appreciate the world building, as well as some of the diversity, between the
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, and Blood
Minor: Death of parent
green_bone's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Blood
aseel_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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? Yes
3.0
2024: unlike my first read and much to the disappointment of my memory, this wasn't that great... In particular, I hated the MC the entire time and this fated mate bullshit is exhausting. I also don't understand how her brother and adopted mother have just been killed but she wants to have sex with her "mate"? Disgusting. She didn't even see her sister until the last possible moment, such bullshit
The only thing I like is LITERALLY every other character (besides hale) and I do like the world. I'm hoping that the next books are going to better
2023: 3.75/5 ⭐
This was sold to me as: a properly diverse acotar novel and it pretty much delivered. Very easy to read, fun times, not too deep or profound
The only thing I like is LITERALLY every other character (besides hale) and I do like the world. I'm hoping that the next books are going to better
2023: 3.75/5 ⭐
This was sold to me as: a properly diverse acotar novel and it pretty much delivered. Very easy to read, fun times, not too deep or profound
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Child death, Death, Genocide, Hate crime, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
raypaws's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-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
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: War
Minor: Child death and Death of parent
apersonfromflorida's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and War
Minor: Child death and Vomit
pauluszanna's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It is a fantastic magical world I got to know in this book! Fae rules the land of Okrith in four courts - however, 13 years ago it used to be five courts. Up until the North decided to erase the High Mountain Court from history and hunt down the red witches who belonged to it.
We follow Remy, a red witch trying to stay hidden in the backcountry so as to not draw attention to witch hunters and get herself killed. But a voice in her mind keeps getting louder to stop hiding and fight for her right to be free from sneaking around.
An opportunity to get revenge on the North arises she doesn't hesitate to take action and get back what has been stolen from her. Of course with a handsome prince as partner in crime.
One thing I considered giving it 3 stars is the whole Fated mate drama. Why does everyone have to be fated mates? Why do the characters have to say it every second sentence?
I also read the novellas connecting to the Okrith series, I highly recommend reading them as the author suggests - and they are free to download from her website.
We follow Remy, a red witch trying to stay hidden in the backcountry so as to not draw attention to witch hunters and get herself killed. But a voice in her mind keeps getting louder to stop hiding and fight for her right to be free from sneaking around.
An opportunity to get revenge on the North arises she doesn't hesitate to take action and get back what has been stolen from her. Of course with a handsome prince as partner in crime.
I also read the novellas connecting to the Okrith series, I highly recommend reading them as the author suggests - and they are free to download from her website.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and War
Moderate: Death and Grief
koistyfishy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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
3 Comfortable Couch Stars ⭐
🌶️🌶️/5
I picked this up as part of a buddy read with some girls from Instagram and it sounded SOOO GOOD! This had so much potential to be fantastic and I absolutely loved it in the beginning. However, somewhere along the line in reading this, I fell off the hype bandwagon and by the end, I was thankful it was over. This just didn't hit the mark for what I look for in a book, leaving me a little underwhelmed and disappointed.
I must give credit that the worldbuilding in this was done really well, and I think that was one of the elements that were really topnotch and why I was so hooked in the beginning. It's not really info-dumpy. It's a slow pace in which you can learn to understand how the realms fit together. There's politics, there's classism, and I did enjoy the magic system.
The book follows Remy, who has been living in hiding in dark and dingy taverns for 13 years, as she is one of the last remaining Red Witches. Her Court, the High Mountain Court, was originally overtaken by the Northern Court and all the Red Witches were slaughtered for their power. Since Remy is a Red Witch, she needs to stay undercover. Soon she is found by four Fae, one of which happens to be the MOST GORGEOUS MAN she has ever seen, who enlists her help in a quest for two magical items that they believe will help retake back the fallen High Mountain Court.
🌶️🌶️/5
I picked this up as part of a buddy read with some girls from Instagram and it sounded SOOO GOOD! This had so much potential to be fantastic and I absolutely loved it in the beginning. However, somewhere along the line in reading this, I fell off the hype bandwagon and by the end, I was thankful it was over. This just didn't hit the mark for what I look for in a book, leaving me a little underwhelmed and disappointed.
I must give credit that the worldbuilding in this was done really well, and I think that was one of the elements that were really topnotch and why I was so hooked in the beginning. It's not really info-dumpy. It's a slow pace in which you can learn to understand how the realms fit together. There's politics, there's classism, and I did enjoy the magic system.
The book follows Remy, who has been living in hiding in dark and dingy taverns for 13 years, as she is one of the last remaining Red Witches. Her Court, the High Mountain Court, was originally overtaken by the Northern Court and all the Red Witches were slaughtered for their power. Since Remy is a Red Witch, she needs to stay undercover. Soon she is found by four Fae, one of which happens to be the MOST GORGEOUS MAN she has ever seen, who enlists her help in a quest for two magical items that they believe will help retake back the fallen High Mountain Court.
CUE A MINI INTERNAL RANT: I hate when things are referred to as "Most Gorgeous or Most Beautiful", It's a pet peeve - I dunno why, just is....so seeing it not once, BUT NUMEROUS TIMES how GORGEOUS HE WAS....made me a little nauseous. 🤢
I'm almost MAD, as this has elements of everything that you kind of want in a fantasy romance.
I mean LOOOOK at these tropes:
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ One Horse
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Found Family
▶ He falls first
▶ Fae/Witch Romance
There is no one bed though...BECAUSE THE FUCKING COUCH IS MORE COMFORTABLE!!!!! It was right there, A.K Mulford dangled that carrot and then took it away!
The thing that bothered me the most about this book, is the structure of the plot. Let me prefix this to say I had a lot of fun in terms of the speculation with the fellow ladies doing the buddy read as to the direction of the plot. But in the end, there were so many clues thrown in your face that by the time the "big twist" comes around, IT WASN'T SHOCKING! It just felt anti-climactic.
The other aspect that frustrated me to death was as the reader, you are in Remy's mind, but you don't find out her secrets or what's driving her for about 70% of the book. You are left in that dark for the shock factor twist. I would have preferred it and think it would have had more emphasis to the story had the reader known these from the start. This way we could understand how she tried to divert other people from finding out about her secrets.
The romance was sweet; however, there were one too many aspects that made it feel like insta love. The sexual tension is there from the beginning and right of the bat there is INSTALUST and Remy acting like a jealous teenager if any girl might look at Hale. The problem with the romance was we're not really shown how the relationship evolves between Remy and Hale. You're just told that "she gets on his nerves" and that "he's different with her than with other girls." But they have had about 4 conversations at this point??? There is more interaction with the side characters than with Remy and Hale. Hale is also in the instalove camp as he also is very quickly mesmerized and besotted with her. Once their feelings are out in the open, they're nauseatingly infatuated with each other. And that was the point I lost interest (view spoiler)
One thing I dont understand - and had to reread a few times to try was... (view spoiler) This is always why again this book is very tell, not show.
I can see why this has blown up on booktok/bookstagram, given how popular ACOMAF is and people saying that this is like an almost carbon copy. I know that it is sometimes difficult to avoid this in fantasy romance because it is very much a niche genre, but there were way too many overlaps for it not to seem related or inspired by characters/scenes in ACOMAF...
Ultimately, I don't think I will be continuing the series. I was not invested in the end. There was a teaser chapter of the next book, but I skimmed it and I don't really want to continue. This might be something to pick up on a weekend if you just want a quick little fae romance with a little spice in it. It was ok, but not good enough for me to continue with how much is on my TBR.
I mean LOOOOK at these tropes:
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ One Horse
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Found Family
▶ He falls first
▶ Fae/Witch Romance
There is no one bed though...BECAUSE THE FUCKING COUCH IS MORE COMFORTABLE!!!!! It was right there, A.K Mulford dangled that carrot and then took it away!
The thing that bothered me the most about this book, is the structure of the plot. Let me prefix this to say I had a lot of fun in terms of the speculation with the fellow ladies doing the buddy read as to the direction of the plot. But in the end, there were so many clues thrown in your face that by the time the "big twist" comes around, IT WASN'T SHOCKING! It just felt anti-climactic.
The other aspect that frustrated me to death was as the reader, you are in Remy's mind, but you don't find out her secrets or what's driving her for about 70% of the book. You are left in that dark for the shock factor twist. I would have preferred it and think it would have had more emphasis to the story had the reader known these from the start. This way we could understand how she tried to divert other people from finding out about her secrets.
The romance was sweet; however, there were one too many aspects that made it feel like insta love. The sexual tension is there from the beginning and right of the bat there is INSTALUST and Remy acting like a jealous teenager if any girl might look at Hale. The problem with the romance was we're not really shown how the relationship evolves between Remy and Hale. You're just told that "she gets on his nerves" and that "he's different with her than with other girls." But they have had about 4 conversations at this point??? There is more interaction with the side characters than with Remy and Hale. Hale is also in the instalove camp as he also is very quickly mesmerized and besotted with her. Once their feelings are out in the open, they're nauseatingly infatuated with each other. And that was the point I lost interest (view spoiler)
One thing I dont understand - and had to reread a few times to try was... (view spoiler) This is always why again this book is very tell, not show.
I can see why this has blown up on booktok/bookstagram, given how popular ACOMAF is and people saying that this is like an almost carbon copy. I know that it is sometimes difficult to avoid this in fantasy romance because it is very much a niche genre, but there were way too many overlaps for it not to seem related or inspired by characters/scenes in ACOMAF...
Ultimately, I don't think I will be continuing the series. I was not invested in the end. There was a teaser chapter of the next book, but I skimmed it and I don't really want to continue. This might be something to pick up on a weekend if you just want a quick little fae romance with a little spice in it. It was ok, but not good enough for me to continue with how much is on my TBR.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and War
Minor: Vomit
liliana_b's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
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
4.0
Super derivative. Some word choices were odd. World building is okay. But boy am I a sucker for spicy fantasy. Spicy scenes are sparse but the tension between characters makes it. Bonus points for incredible inclusivity that didn’t feel forced and robotic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Genocide, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
bookish_cait's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
tense
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
5.0
Absolutely loved this book. Got me out of my reading slump from the start. So much happening and loved the development of the characters along the way
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, and Blood