laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
The Black Lily
4 Stars
A well written and original retelling of the classic Cinderella fairytale.
In a world ruled by a vampire elite, Arabelle, the leader of The Black Lily resistance, infiltrates Prince Marcus's ball with the goal of assassinating the vampire heir. Needless to say, events do not unfold as planned, and Arabelle finds herself on the run from the charming Prince, who wants more than merely to return her glass slipper.
The world-building is detailed and comprehensive, and the amalgamation of unique plot points together with the classic fairytale elements results in an immersive and engaging storyline. The characters are well-developed and appealing, and the minor mystery plot is suspenseful without being too predictable.
The one problematic issues is actually with the romance. Marcus and Arabelle's forbidden relationship should create incredible chemistry. Unfortunately, this is not the case as their immediate attraction and instalove connection feels forced and unrealistic.
All in all, an entertaining read and I look forward to the follow up books based on additional tales including Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty.
4 Stars
A well written and original retelling of the classic Cinderella fairytale.
In a world ruled by a vampire elite, Arabelle, the leader of The Black Lily resistance, infiltrates Prince Marcus's ball with the goal of assassinating the vampire heir. Needless to say, events do not unfold as planned, and Arabelle finds herself on the run from the charming Prince, who wants more than merely to return her glass slipper.
The world-building is detailed and comprehensive, and the amalgamation of unique plot points together with the classic fairytale elements results in an immersive and engaging storyline. The characters are well-developed and appealing, and the minor mystery plot is suspenseful without being too predictable.
The one problematic issues is actually with the romance. Marcus and Arabelle's forbidden relationship should create incredible chemistry. Unfortunately, this is not the case as their immediate attraction and instalove connection feels forced and unrealistic.
All in all, an entertaining read and I look forward to the follow up books based on additional tales including Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty.
vejohnson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
unicorn's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
alisonb's review against another edition
3.0
In a vampire ruled kingdom where peasants are being found mysteriously murdered, a movement is born and led by a young woman called the Black Lily.
Arabella is a young woman of the peasant class who has witnessed atrocities by vampires. Her need to fight against the “monsters” that treat humans like disposable chattel made her an icon for the movement against the vampire rulers of her kingdom. Arabella is the one they call the Black Lily.
Marius is a vampire prince living in his castle with his harem of blood concubines, oblivious to life outside his lofty domain. When Arabella attempts to assassinate Marius at a ball, his attention is engaged and his heart is not far behind.
I would categorize this book as new adult verging on young adult. The characters felt very young and I had a hard time connecting with them. I read a lot of young adult about a decade ago and this book took me back there with the concept of a heroine who is leading a rebellion, or fighting against an evil opposing force, and the dark hero who falls for her instantly. It was okay, but it didn't feel like a fresh idea and the world building was minimal.
This story was a quick and entertaining read. Will I read the next in the series? Maybe. But I do look forward to tackling Cross’s Stay a Spell series. And I highly recommend listening to Juliette and Jessen on their podcast: Smart Women Read Romance.
Arabella is a young woman of the peasant class who has witnessed atrocities by vampires. Her need to fight against the “monsters” that treat humans like disposable chattel made her an icon for the movement against the vampire rulers of her kingdom. Arabella is the one they call the Black Lily.
Marius is a vampire prince living in his castle with his harem of blood concubines, oblivious to life outside his lofty domain. When Arabella attempts to assassinate Marius at a ball, his attention is engaged and his heart is not far behind.
I would categorize this book as new adult verging on young adult. The characters felt very young and I had a hard time connecting with them. I read a lot of young adult about a decade ago and this book took me back there with the concept of a heroine who is leading a rebellion, or fighting against an evil opposing force, and the dark hero who falls for her instantly. It was okay, but it didn't feel like a fresh idea and the world building was minimal.
This story was a quick and entertaining read. Will I read the next in the series? Maybe. But I do look forward to tackling Cross’s Stay a Spell series. And I highly recommend listening to Juliette and Jessen on their podcast: Smart Women Read Romance.
manuthebooknerd's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
mariek25's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
booksumed's review against another edition
3.0
A good vampire romance, but I couldn't completely connect to the story and the characters.
However, I liked the loose Cinderella retelling vibes with an FMC trying to assassinate the Prince. And I also have to say that Juliette Cross is really good at making me feel the chemistry between the MCs.
This was a good book, but her Stay a Spell series ([b:Wolf Gone Wild|48988286|Wolf Gone Wild (Stay a Spell, #1)|Juliette Cross|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1575128657l/48988286._SY75_.jpg|68697891]) is superior. And I highly recommend checking that one out!
→ Tropes ←
- Fantasy Vampire Romance
- loose Cinderella vibes
- Enemies to Lovers
- Assassin x Prince
- Secret rebellion
- Boy obsessed
- Spice
⚠️Safety: no TW/CWs listed :( - torture & brutal murder, death of loved ones, depiction of blood & blood-letting
However, I liked the loose Cinderella retelling vibes with an FMC trying to assassinate the Prince. And I also have to say that Juliette Cross is really good at making me feel the chemistry between the MCs.
This was a good book, but her Stay a Spell series ([b:Wolf Gone Wild|48988286|Wolf Gone Wild (Stay a Spell, #1)|Juliette Cross|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1575128657l/48988286._SY75_.jpg|68697891]) is superior. And I highly recommend checking that one out!
→ Tropes ←
- Fantasy Vampire Romance
- loose Cinderella vibes
- Enemies to Lovers
- Assassin x Prince
- Secret rebellion
- Boy obsessed
- Spice
⚠️Safety: no TW/CWs listed :( - torture & brutal murder, death of loved ones, depiction of blood & blood-letting