Reviews

Bound to the Shadow Prince by Ruby Dixon

ellie_klemm's review against another edition

adventurous emotional reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

brookesbooksta's review against another edition

5.0

Ruby Dixon fan here.... this is my favorite of all her books that I have read!!

First, it was much longer than I expected and I really enjoyed the whole thing! It was a wonderful spice-to-plot ratio.

I was super curious how the book would explain the timeline but I was delightfully surprised.

I am obsessed with Candra!! I loved how flirty and carefree she is and watching her evolve was amazing.

As usual, the spice was *chef's kiss* - but we expect nothing less from Queen Ruby.

nikco's review against another edition

1.0

This could have been maybe 1/3 of the size. Pacing is sooo slow it’s painful. The characters are…not great. The MMC isn’t bad and I honestly wanted to ask him multiple times if he honestly wanted to spend the rest of his life with the FMC. The FMC is one of the most unlikeable characters I’ve ever come across. I get that she is supposed to be a spoiled princess but she is so surprised by the consequences of her actions at every single turn. She’s selfish as hell and while she has a little character growth it is super minuscule and honestly largely takes place the last maybe three chapters. So 71 chapters you are just hoping that she goes away.

I have really liked Ruby Dixon’s books but this one is a huge miss for me.

littlesyd85's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

Overall I enjoyed this story but I’ll admit that I struggled a bit. The FMC was really hard to like. She doesn’t have many redeeming qualities and she doesn’t really mature in character until the last 25% or so. 

smasshton's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

3.75

booksandbaking's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Being a lover of epic fantasy and ruby Dixon, I was excited for this. I even got this book at a signing. It's good, but could have used some editing. The pacing is slow. She very clearly paints a picture of what's happening and it's easy to imagine. I would have liked for things to progress a bit quicker. I feel like we still have unanswered questions about the things Nameth was hiding and why he lied. Perhaps this will be a series and we'll get more answers. I wonder if Ernne wanted her sister to die in the tower and that's why the supplies were so inadequate.  I appreciated Candra's development. Overall it was good, just a little too long. 

book_trish's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious 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

4.75

fsmeurinne's review against another edition

5.0

In this epic fantasy romance, Princess Candra's seven-year confinement in a tower to appease a vengeful goddess is transformed by her unlikely companion, Nemeth, a warrior from the enemy Fellian race. Initially hostile, their relationship blossoms into love, set against the backdrop of political intrigue and war. The story's rich world-building and suspenseful twists kept me captivated. Candra's evolution from a spoiled princess to a resilient woman and Nemeth's noble character added depth to their romance. With its blend of mystery, emotional growth, and intense romance, this story was an enchanting and passionate escape. Ruby Dixon masterfully uses the enemies-to-lovers trope, making this a compelling read that I couldn't put down.

kristyloves2read's review against another edition

3.0

I was given the book by NetGalley as an ARC and I honestly couldn't finish it. I don't think it's a bad book it's just I was not in the head space for this book, it was not as easy of a read as previous Dixon books I have read. I may return to this story later when I am in the right place for it, please don't judge this book by my review. This was on me.

zazze91's review against another edition

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

4.0