Reviews

This book was entertaining and fun. I enjoyed it all around, though I wouldn’t say I was ecstatic about it. It kept me wanting to listen but I also didn’t have a hard time putting it down. Spice level at about 3 🌶️. The romance felt believable, though still quick as is expected with this kind of book. There are a few people in my life I’d recommend this book to, but it wouldn’t be my first choice. I’d suggest this book to people who love Beauty and the Beat (which was a major lure for me), a mfc who is fiery, and romance with magic.

Content Warnings

sinreads's review

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

stardust_heidi's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I’m having such a difficult time rating this book. I think what docks it the most points is the fact that this book could have used at least a few more rounds of editing. In the first half there were multiple missing words, and then I found html structural formatting that wasn’t deleted at one point. Uff. Bummed me out a bit, not gonna lie.

I also cannot decide if I like the use of language in this book; it’s unique from most romantasy that I’ve read in that the author approaches her story with a very old fashioned voice. It’s consistent and done well, though I often had no idea what the insults slung between Louvaen and Ambrose mean. I’m used to authors injecting more of a modern voice to a medieval setting, and this was the opposite. It just took some getting used to.

I think my biggest issue with the book overall is the formality surrounding Cinnia’s virginity. Yes, it was addressed and spoken about, but it still gave me the ick. I realize the author was going for a historical fantasy feel, but still…no. One thing I like about more recently written romantasy is that authors are subverting that trope and saying fuck that noise. It just really grated on me the first half of the book and into the second. On one hand, the author stayed consistent to Louvaen’s role as widowed older sister, but on the other hand…make your own world free of the patriarchy.

It’s probably telling that I’m listing all the things I don’t like about the book before the things I do, but really — I DID truly enjoy it! It’s my first romantasy in a while after overdoing it a few months ago. I liked the characters, and Louvaen’s straight forwardness is a FAVE. It was a simple tale with a twisted curse, but I found it compelling and was easily drawn into the story. I’m really happy with the ending and enjoyed its resolution.

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