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verafogel's review
adventurous
medium-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? No
4.0
Got hooked really quick and stayed that way throughout the whole book. I actually want to read the second right away. The smut scenes didn’t feel very realistic, and I didn’t appreciate how Wolf thought so much about her hymen and the possibility of it being broken or not.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
jillbeansreads's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
I enjoyed this book for the most part, but I did feel like it was missing something that I can't fully put my finger on.... I also felt like the main characters relationship was more lust fueled than love, but given the circumstances, the pining is certainly there. I'm excited to read the next book because I feel like this book was just an intro for the real story to begin.
That being said, I love a good travel book and this was that. Due to circumstances explained in the book, there's not really magical creatures and things like that, but there is "godkissed power" which I thought was fun because the people who do possess it, all have different powers. Our main character can speak to animals which I truly adored and hope we see even more of in the next book!
I'm also a sucker for forbidden love which this definitely has a heaping dose of!
That being said, I love a good travel book and this was that. Due to circumstances explained in the book, there's not really magical creatures and things like that, but there is "godkissed power" which I thought was fun because the people who do possess it, all have different powers. Our main character can speak to animals which I truly adored and hope we see even more of in the next book!
I'm also a sucker for forbidden love which this definitely has a heaping dose of!
rubisbooknook's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
3.0
soily26's review
3.0
This book felt like lots of different threads that didn't really work together.
I gave up about 70% in, the romance and smut was too cringe for me.
I actually loved the magic system and all the creative ways Sabine used her powers.
I gave up about 70% in, the romance and smut was too cringe for me.
I actually loved the magic system and all the creative ways Sabine used her powers.
cass1699's review against another edition
3.0
i only have one word to describe this book, and that word is: average.
average characters, average setting, average lore—you get the idea. admittedly, the second half of the novel was far more engrossing than the first half. this was shaping up to be a 2-star read, because quite frankly, i wasn't very interested in wolf and sabine's journey across the kingdom. in fact, i was wondering how the hell the author was going to drag it out long enough to cover the span of an entire book. furthermore, the romance between our two main characters progressed a little too quickly for my liking.
but thankfully, upon reaching our destination, things finally started to pick up. i particularly enjoyed the angst, the whirlwind lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies-again, and the wisps of political intrigue that were woven into the last quarter of the book. not to mention, rian valvere is a total enigma and a dangerous wildcard; i'm curious to see where his true loyalties lie.
other than that, there wasn't anything especially noteworthy about this novel. it very much felt like an introduction to this world—like dipping your toe into the shallow end of the pool. i do intend to pick up the sequel, because i get the feeling it will act as a far more compelling instalment. but as for this first book... it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. it was just fine
average characters, average setting, average lore—you get the idea. admittedly, the second half of the novel was far more engrossing than the first half. this was shaping up to be a 2-star read, because quite frankly, i wasn't very interested in wolf and sabine's journey across the kingdom. in fact, i was wondering how the hell the author was going to drag it out long enough to cover the span of an entire book. furthermore, the romance between our two main characters progressed a little too quickly for my liking.
but thankfully, upon reaching our destination, things finally started to pick up. i particularly enjoyed the angst, the whirlwind lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies-again, and the wisps of political intrigue that were woven into the last quarter of the book. not to mention, rian valvere is a total enigma and a dangerous wildcard; i'm curious to see where his true loyalties lie.
other than that, there wasn't anything especially noteworthy about this novel. it very much felt like an introduction to this world—like dipping your toe into the shallow end of the pool. i do intend to pick up the sequel, because i get the feeling it will act as a far more compelling instalment. but as for this first book... it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. it was just fine
darktwistedreads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
So so good. Loved the entire adventure.
Didn't like the keeping important things from her to "protect" her though.
Cannot wait to continue the series.
Didn't like the keeping important things from her to "protect" her though.
Cannot wait to continue the series.
cjackson451's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sundragonscrolls's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Tropes
*enemies to lovers
*forbidden romance
*forced marriage
*bodyguard
*magic
Language: yes
Spice: 3/5
Overall Rating: 8/10
plot: 1
pacing: 1
themes: 1
setting: .5
originality: 1
characters: 1
writing style: .5
emotional impact: .5
ending: .5
overall enjoyment: 1
Summary
Sabine Darrow, after being locked away for years, is sold as a bride to a cruel high lord. Her only hope for escape is Basten, her gruff guard, who soon finds himself torn between duty and his growing feelings for Sabine. As they travel together, ancient threats reemerge, and their forbidden connection deepens. Set in the magical kingdom of Astagnon, the novel combines romance, danger, and self-discovery.
Plot
The plot focuses on Sabine’s journey from captivity to potential freedom, with the tension between her and Basten adding depth. The growing threats to the kingdom introduce a sense of urgency, balancing romance with action.
Pacing
The pacing is steady, with moments of tension interspersed with character development, leading to some plot twists that keep the reader engaged.
Setting
Astagnon is a magical, dark kingdom where power struggles play out in both the political and personal spheres. The setting enhances the sense of danger and intrigue throughout the story.
Originality
Though it draws on familiar fairytale elements, the book weaves them into a fresh narrative with dark, emotional layers. This is a retelling of Snow White and Lady Godiva.
Writing Style
The writing is immersive, with strong emotional beats and vivid descriptions that bring both the characters and the setting to life.
Ending
Without giving spoilers, the ending is designed to set up the next installment in the series, leaving some questions unanswered but providing resolution to key plot points. Expect a mix of satisfaction and anticipation for what’s to come.
*enemies to lovers
*forbidden romance
*forced marriage
*bodyguard
*magic
Language: yes
Spice: 3/5
Overall Rating: 8/10
plot: 1
pacing: 1
themes: 1
setting: .5
originality: 1
characters: 1
writing style: .5
emotional impact: .5
ending: .5
overall enjoyment: 1
Summary
Sabine Darrow, after being locked away for years, is sold as a bride to a cruel high lord. Her only hope for escape is Basten, her gruff guard, who soon finds himself torn between duty and his growing feelings for Sabine. As they travel together, ancient threats reemerge, and their forbidden connection deepens. Set in the magical kingdom of Astagnon, the novel combines romance, danger, and self-discovery.
Plot
The plot focuses on Sabine’s journey from captivity to potential freedom, with the tension between her and Basten adding depth. The growing threats to the kingdom introduce a sense of urgency, balancing romance with action.
Pacing
The pacing is steady, with moments of tension interspersed with character development, leading to some plot twists that keep the reader engaged.
Setting
Astagnon is a magical, dark kingdom where power struggles play out in both the political and personal spheres. The setting enhances the sense of danger and intrigue throughout the story.
Originality
Though it draws on familiar fairytale elements, the book weaves them into a fresh narrative with dark, emotional layers. This is a retelling of Snow White and Lady Godiva.
Writing Style
The writing is immersive, with strong emotional beats and vivid descriptions that bring both the characters and the setting to life.
Ending
Without giving spoilers, the ending is designed to set up the next installment in the series, leaving some questions unanswered but providing resolution to key plot points. Expect a mix of satisfaction and anticipation for what’s to come.