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caitsreadingcorner's review
dark
emotional
tense
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? It's complicated
4.25
This is strikingly similar to a book I started writing so it’s no surprise that I really enjoyed it. I absolutely adored the banter between Kieran and Arken and loved how truly slow burn their romance was. That said, the world building was a bit dizzying at times, I found myself getting lost in all the politics. I also knew that Kieran would emotionally betray her at the end but that didn’t make it any less devastating. Am very impressed with this book considering it was the author’s debut. I love me a morally grey shadow wielder and a woman he softens for. Also really enjoyed their intimacy and the power dynamic there. Excited to see where this goes. My main complaint is that it deviated a lot from the main conflict in the plot and became very romance heavy. It was well written so I don’t mind a ton but I think there could have been more to propel that storyline forward
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing, Blood, and Alcohol
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
katvou's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,5 / 🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Little Conduit”
“You know that you’re the exception to most of my rules. And I’m lucky to have you around.”
The world-building was well-written and quite intense. I enjoyed it but might not be a great fit for everyone.
I enjoyed the slow-burn friends-to-lovers relationship between the MMC, Kieran, and the FMC, Arken. I loved the tension and banter, as well as their written correspondence.
I liked the side characters and how they both added depth to the story and helped to move the plot forward. I would love to learn more about them.
The pacing was quite slow, especially at the beginning, but it got faster towards the end. I enjoyed the magical training and the magic system.
There are lots of questions left unanswered, and some plotlines could have been explored a bit more, but hopefully, those will be addressed in the coming book.
Overall, it's an interesting and well-written story. I'm definitely going to check out the next book in the series.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Blood, Medical content, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail