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rikkesreadingnook's review
5.0
I love this take on vampires, the world building is quite new and unique in many ways and I love the characters and diversity. The themes around femininity, masculinity, diplomacy, what it can mean to protect etc all great things.
My only small criticism is there are multiple languages in the books, or rather they're referred to when characters switch between them. Two characters use their native language to say 2 terms of endearment, the other language Divine is used literally to say 4 words for human genitalia. It seems so random to me and as if Vela doesn't like the litany of English words and euphemism that exists and instead decided to make up words herself. The impact is that the steamy scenes, to me, become less steamy because I simply cannot get over "her tight krana slips over his rabdos" it just spoils the mood a bit. So I'm skipping those scenes. Rest of the story is great and I can't wait to finish the series.
My only small criticism is there are multiple languages in the books, or rather they're referred to when characters switch between them. Two characters use their native language to say 2 terms of endearment, the other language Divine is used literally to say 4 words for human genitalia. It seems so random to me and as if Vela doesn't like the litany of English words and euphemism that exists and instead decided to make up words herself. The impact is that the steamy scenes, to me, become less steamy because I simply cannot get over "her tight krana slips over his rabdos" it just spoils the mood a bit. So I'm skipping those scenes. Rest of the story is great and I can't wait to finish the series.
share_the_book_dragon's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
andreatraconis's review
3.0
I am SO disappointed, SO SO disappointed. It is very obvious that the author only wanted to prolongue the saga, but didn't even create new enemies or obstacles, just re-opened some first book issues, changing in the process our characters so they become a little dumb. I'm really sad :( I thought this would be ny new favorite saga, maybe only the 4 books. Hope at least the sixth book (which I think is going to be the last) has a redeeming ending.
princessrobotiv's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood
tempest_reign's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? No
5.0
ππ©ππ§ πππ©ππ£π: βββββ
ππ₯πππ πππ©ππ£π: πΆπΆπΆ
This book had me sobbing so many times β mostly tears of joy and happiness.
I loved the true found family, and how Cassia found that she could finally put aside her fears and accept the love of those around her. She has so much past trauma, and I loved getting to see her start to heal.
Without being spoilery, I absolutely adored the homecoming (and yes, I cried over that too), and what news that brought. It was something I had hoped for, but never dreamed would actually eventuate.
The journey that Lio and Cassia went on was great β all of the new characters, and their questionable actions, held me enthralled.
One of my favourite moments in this book was when Cassia stood up for herself to Monsoon, and told him all the ways she was not only a survivor but also someone who was worthy of being a Hesperine (see last quote in graphics). And then Lio's gentleness over her trauma afterwards. I swooned!
π»πππππ π° πππππππ ππππ: diversity, queer rep, biting romance, homecoming, found family, fated & bonded mates, starting to heal after trauma
ππ₯πππ πππ©ππ£π: πΆπΆπΆ
This book had me sobbing so many times β mostly tears of joy and happiness.
I loved the true found family, and how Cassia found that she could finally put aside her fears and accept the love of those around her. She has so much past trauma, and I loved getting to see her start to heal.
Without being spoilery, I absolutely adored the homecoming (and yes, I cried over that too), and what news that brought. It was something I had hoped for, but never dreamed would actually eventuate.
The journey that Lio and Cassia went on was great β all of the new characters, and their questionable actions, held me enthralled.
One of my favourite moments in this book was when Cassia stood up for herself to Monsoon, and told him all the ways she was not only a survivor but also someone who was worthy of being a Hesperine (see last quote in graphics). And then Lio's gentleness over her trauma afterwards. I swooned!
π»πππππ π° πππππππ ππππ: diversity, queer rep, biting romance, homecoming, found family, fated & bonded mates, starting to heal after trauma
andreaw's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-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
traysharps's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.25
It seems like every new book in this series is more interesting than the last. This one felt so much more energized and dangerous and finally we get to explore new magic and new places and people. Iβm so invested in the mysteries and the strife developing all over the place. I have some theories about Solia floating around in my head as well. The twist of this new actual enemy coming for Cassia in the Empire was genuinely unexpected. I knew theyβd face trouble there obviously, but someone unseen specifically after her - that took me by surprise. I like that weβre getting back into more action and a little less politics and sitting around in rooms talking about feelings honestly. Itβs refreshing for the story to gain back some physical movement. Iβm super curious and excited to keep going.
tpkee's review
1.0
Somehow, Solia returned. Iβm so pissed off that this book set up her gift night but no, for some random reasons she couldnβt have that (again, reasons) and instead embarked on a dangerous adventure that made no sense whatsoever to save her sister.
It was a slog to read and I hated that we had so many slaps in the face about her gifting
It was a slog to read and I hated that we had so many slaps in the face about her gifting
jaedee09's review against another edition
3.5
Continue to love Lio. Cassia I go back and forth on. Loved getting to go to the empire. Canβt our girl catch a break, though?!
retrogirlreads's review
5.0
Oh. My. Gosh. This book was absolutely amazing!!! At this point in the series, Cassia is determined to put her past in Tenebra aside in order to become a Hesperine so she can be with Lio forever. Unfortunately, the past isnβt ready to let her go. When new information about a loved one comes to light, Cassia makes the decision to put aside her own happiness in order to pursue the lead given by the new information. I thought Cassiaβs inner turmoil was extremely well written, and I loved how loyal she is. Cassia has always been kindhearted and down to earth, and thatβs why sheβs such a likable main character for me. As for Lioβ¦ could he get any swoonier? I donβt think so. Lio is one of my favorite fantasy romance MMCs of all time because of his strength, dedication, and loving nature. As for that endingβ¦ holy crap!!! I canβt wait for part two!!!