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fictionandfern's review
dark
hopeful
mysterious
slow-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
5.0
Holy Hel. This book is fantastic! Hands-down my best ARC experience to date. This world and it's magic system held me completely captivated from page one. I felt so connected to the FMC, Arken, and truly enjoyed not only her POV, but her genuine curiosity and thirst for knowledge. It's dual POV, and I think the only harp I have is how Keiran's POV was a bit redundant at the beginning. The burn was achingly slow, but worth the wait and the chemistry is 🔥 This has dark, prophetic vibes and I NEED the rest of this series right NOW!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Child abuse
art_books_chemistry's review
dark
emotional
tense
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? Yes
4.75
I was 0.2 seconds away from throwing my kindle across the room at least 3 times during this book.
If that isn't enough of a rave review for you, I guess you can keep reading.
The tension in this book ruined me. There's a wonderful plot but every time Kieran and Arken start verbally sparring with each other, you completely forget about it for a few painfully angsty moments. The main plot point is not a secret from you as the reader and it's one of the most heart-wrenching and wonderful parts of the book as you see their friendship unfold. The last chapter made me heartsick and I almost screamed when I realized we were leaving off this point at such a pivotal moment in the plot.
I'll leave off the flowery prose for a second and real talk of the rest of the novel. I appreciate how much thought Hawthorne has already put into her world building which was thorough in the beginning while still being engaging. She also clearly has developed her side characters well, although I'd like to see more depth in Sienna in book 2. Unlike some adult fantasy authors, I think Hawthorne did a good job of balancing the spice content with the plot and integrating it into the story logically; even if the slow burn absolutely unalived me.
I absolutely recommend Of Blood and Aether for anymore that enjoys darker romantasy in a well built fantasy world.
Thank you The NerdFam for the gifted ARC!
If that isn't enough of a rave review for you, I guess you can keep reading.
The tension in this book ruined me. There's a wonderful plot but every time Kieran and Arken start verbally sparring with each other, you completely forget about it for a few painfully angsty moments. The main plot point is not a secret from you as the reader and it's one of the most heart-wrenching and wonderful parts of the book as you see their friendship unfold. The last chapter made me heartsick and I almost screamed when I realized we were leaving off this point at such a pivotal moment in the plot.
I'll leave off the flowery prose for a second and real talk of the rest of the novel. I appreciate how much thought Hawthorne has already put into her world building which was thorough in the beginning while still being engaging. She also clearly has developed her side characters well, although I'd like to see more depth in Sienna in book 2. Unlike some adult fantasy authors, I think Hawthorne did a good job of balancing the spice content with the plot and integrating it into the story logically; even if the slow burn absolutely unalived me.
I absolutely recommend Of Blood and Aether for anymore that enjoys darker romantasy in a well built fantasy world.
Thank you The NerdFam for the gifted ARC!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, and Alcohol
Moderate: Abandonment and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Misogyny, Stalking, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
alysbookclub's review
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The first in a series, Of Blood and Aether is a solid (spicy!) romantasy with interesting worldbuilding and steamy romance. As soon as I read the prologue I was hooked. If you like the following, you won't be disappointed:
- Dual POV
- Dark prophecy, dangerous secrets
- Charming & clever FMC
- Morally grey shadow daddy MMC
- Banter for days
- Tension, slow burn, angst, and yearning
- 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Spiceeeee
- Arcane university
- Elemental magick
We're left on a cliffhanger, and I'm excited to see what happens in the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual content, and Stalking
hhpartonfantasy's review
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Arken is trying to go to school and learn more about the powers she shouldn't have. Kieran is trying to save missing children while running from his past. From the moment they see each other they are hooked. Thus begins the fight to keep their distance.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the banter between Arken and Kieran and how they clicked from moment one. I also loved the queer-normative worldbuilding. As someone who is neurodivergent, I appreciated the way Arken works on unmasking and letting her true self shine through.
I will say it took a while to get to the juicy bits. I enjoyed the kind of slower burn to it, but at the same time I kept wanting to scream, "KISS!" I do like this kind of story where we see them meet, they become friends, but they both want more. There was just so much tension that I was going crazy.
I pretty much devoured this book until about the 75% mark and then I kept stalling. I just knew things were going to go wrong and I had to mentally prepare myself for it.
All in all, I recommend this book. I am already preparing for the next book just so I can figure out what the heck is really going on. I have so many questions, but in the best way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Sexual content
Minor: Child death
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