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jadehusdanhicks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-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? It's complicated
3.5
Claires first foray into adult books this romantasy is an absolutely devastating creation with amazing world building and powers weaving through all 600+ pages of it.
Although I personally didn’t love the spicey parts the rest of the book was amazing and if it wasn’t for the spice and the mistakes I spotted I would probably devour this whole series within days. Unfortunately there seemed to be some errors, with the main character Gemma being referred to as Imogen at some points which was confusing and I’m assuming an editing error where the MCs name was intended to be one but had originally been the other.
With found family, betrayal, sisterly bonding, demons, gods, curses and so much more there’s something for everyone in these pages. With intricate world building you feel amongst the pages with our characters and fueled with passion for them to succeed.
Overall it’s a great first foray into adult fantasy from the author and with a few tweaks would’ve been a sure favourite, but otherwise I think would be great for fans of otherwise problematic authors such as s j Maas to replace fan favourites such as ACOTAR
Although I personally didn’t love the spicey parts the rest of the book was amazing and if it wasn’t for the spice and the mistakes I spotted I would probably devour this whole series within days. Unfortunately there seemed to be some errors, with the main character Gemma being referred to as Imogen at some points which was confusing and I’m assuming an editing error where the MCs name was intended to be one but had originally been the other.
With found family, betrayal, sisterly bonding, demons, gods, curses and so much more there’s something for everyone in these pages. With intricate world building you feel amongst the pages with our characters and fueled with passion for them to succeed.
Overall it’s a great first foray into adult fantasy from the author and with a few tweaks would’ve been a sure favourite, but otherwise I think would be great for fans of otherwise problematic authors such as s j Maas to replace fan favourites such as ACOTAR
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Blood, Vomit, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
emeraldrina's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would. At first Gemma is a very unloveable character, but as you learn more about her and her family you begin to sympathize with her. I’m not completely sold on her character development though - the switch from selfish to self-sacrificing was a bit abrupt. But her pain and panic attacks and self-harm were more believably dealt with.
I really enjoyed the world building and magic system. The mystery about the family heritage is interesting enough to make me want to read more. Although I figured out both “twists” before they were revealed, there were enough questions about them that the reveals were still intriguing.
The romance was the weakest part for me. Especially given the twist, it makes little sense to me how they fell in love so fast. And there are several points where Gemma is way too instantly forgiving. It felt like there was conflict stirred up then rapidly waved aside. Talan is also a bit bland, weirdly. He should be the most flawed and contradictory character, but instead he’s just whatever Gemma needs him to be. More real flaws and conflict would’ve made the romance more believable and interesting.
I really enjoyed the world building and magic system. The mystery about the family heritage is interesting enough to make me want to read more. Although I figured out both “twists” before they were revealed, there were enough questions about them that the reveals were still intriguing.
The romance was the weakest part for me. Especially given the twist, it makes little sense to me how they fell in love so fast. And there are several points where Gemma is way too instantly forgiving. It felt like there was conflict stirred up then rapidly waved aside. Talan is also a bit bland, weirdly. He should be the most flawed and contradictory character, but instead he’s just whatever Gemma needs him to be. More real flaws and conflict would’ve made the romance more believable and interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, and Violence
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
the_dana's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, and Sexual content
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
nukie19's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This novel has a great premise but doesn't quite live up to it. It seems like Legrand was overambitious and couldn't decide what kind of book this was supposed to be - a romance, a dark fantasy, YA or adult? It was refreshing to read about a main character who is so different than usual due to her chronic pain, but she veers way too much into whiny and petulant teenager for a book that is billed as adult. It definitely has some pretty heavy steamy scenes but I didn't feel like this really was worth the length of the read. Save yourself and just stick with her other works.
Narration from Evelyn Rose was excellent. She was wonderful to listen to and I appreciated her subtle changes for each character.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an audiobook ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Narration from Evelyn Rose was excellent. She was wonderful to listen to and I appreciated her subtle changes for each character.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an audiobook ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Alcohol
taryn_g's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content, Blood, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Child abuse, Grief, Medical trauma, and Abandonment
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