aeirana's review
4.0
4/5⭐️
I went into this book blind, with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised. This was recommended to me by a friend so I thought I’d give it a go.
I didn’t expect to like the characters as much as I do, especially Lara. She’s complex, interesting and conflicted. And the romance in this isn’t cringey, it’s built up pretty nicely. Lots of slow burn, little moments.
I went into this book blind, with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised. This was recommended to me by a friend so I thought I’d give it a go.
I didn’t expect to like the characters as much as I do, especially Lara. She’s complex, interesting and conflicted. And the romance in this isn’t cringey, it’s built up pretty nicely. Lots of slow burn, little moments.
julzangold's review against another edition
5.0
The classic combination of the arranged marriage and enemies to lovers tropes is anything but classic and every bit legendary The Bridge Kingdom.
Aren is the King of Ithicana and Lara is the Princess of his enemy kingdom. Her specific mission is to act on that status of enemies and make Ithicana to its knees, but unfortunately for her and her father, love and the truth have different plans.
This NA fantasy is gripping and full of plenty of scenes that I just had to get through immediately because if I didn't I would just be thinking about the book anyways. There is NOT a lot of spice, so if you are an NA fantasy romance lover and are looking for that, your expectations will not be met. This book is meant to take you on a wild adventure of deception, and while love plays a pivotal role in that adventure, it takes awhile to blossom into anything sexual, let alone spicy.
Aren is a literal dream. Lara is a pain in the ass but such a strong female character. This book is one of my new favorites.
Aren is the King of Ithicana and Lara is the Princess of his enemy kingdom. Her specific mission is to act on that status of enemies and make Ithicana to its knees, but unfortunately for her and her father, love and the truth have different plans.
This NA fantasy is gripping and full of plenty of scenes that I just had to get through immediately because if I didn't I would just be thinking about the book anyways. There is NOT a lot of spice, so if you are an NA fantasy romance lover and are looking for that, your expectations will not be met. This book is meant to take you on a wild adventure of deception, and while love plays a pivotal role in that adventure, it takes awhile to blossom into anything sexual, let alone spicy.
Aren is a literal dream. Lara is a pain in the ass but such a strong female character. This book is one of my new favorites.
darkndani's review
4.0
If you liked The Shadows Between Us and The Cruel Prince, then you would like this book.
The romance reminds me a lot of The Shadows Between Us, except where I felt The Shadows Between Us was lacking this book wasn’t.
The political intrigue reminds me a bit of The Cruel Prince, but mostly Laura reminds me a bit of Jude.
And the best part, this book was adult. Which is always a plus in my opinion!
This book contains all of my favorite things: dual POV, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, I hate everyone but you, “who did this to you” trope, spice, sarcasm, a strong female lead, witty banter, and giant cats.
I mean really, what more could I need in a book!
The romance reminds me a lot of The Shadows Between Us, except where I felt The Shadows Between Us was lacking this book wasn’t.
The political intrigue reminds me a bit of The Cruel Prince, but mostly Laura reminds me a bit of Jude.
And the best part, this book was adult. Which is always a plus in my opinion!
This book contains all of my favorite things: dual POV, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, I hate everyone but you, “who did this to you” trope, spice, sarcasm, a strong female lead, witty banter, and giant cats.
I mean really, what more could I need in a book!
jgligs's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
fast-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
sri_savita's review
5.0
4.5-4.75 stars, but rounded up to 5 - only because I could predict a few of the plot twists near the end - but that didn't make them any less enjoyable! It just means that I've read my fair share of political intrigue/martial strategy-based fantasy and this one was still spectacularly done. It's my favorite type of fantasy story arc. If you enjoyed reading the ACOTAR trilogy, The Folk of the Air trilogy, or the Traitor's Circle trilogy, then you will love this.
Lara is up there with Jude Duarte as one of my favorite take-no-shit heroines.
Fast pacing? Check. Witty banter? Check. Enemies-to-lovers? Check. BAMF Female Assassin? Check. Sublime side characters full of humor that genuinely made me laugh? Ahnna, Nana, Taryn, and Jor. CHECKS ALL AROUND PEOPLE - CHECKS FOR EVERYONE. A CAT? CHECK! I love that Aren is a cat person.
I hear that future books will focus on other characters - I really hope we get to see Ahnna's story play out and whether her marriage alliance goes through.
The hype delivers on this one folks. You better believe I immediately started The Traitor Queen and thank goodness I didn't have to wait for its release.
Lara is up there with Jude Duarte as one of my favorite take-no-shit heroines.
Fast pacing? Check. Witty banter? Check. Enemies-to-lovers? Check. BAMF Female Assassin? Check. Sublime side characters full of humor that genuinely made me laugh? Ahnna, Nana, Taryn, and Jor. CHECKS ALL AROUND PEOPLE - CHECKS FOR EVERYONE. A CAT? CHECK! I love that Aren is a cat person.
I hear that future books will focus on other characters - I really hope we get to see Ahnna's story play out and whether her marriage alliance goes through.
The hype delivers on this one folks. You better believe I immediately started The Traitor Queen and thank goodness I didn't have to wait for its release.
arose213's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
redcerise's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kathrynwarring's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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
3.75
laurenslittlelibrary_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
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? Yes
4.0
Second read through and I loved it just as much this time. Lauren Fortgang is an amazing narrator & makes the story come alive. Lara and Aren are incredibly complex characters who both have to learn to trust. The scene that he saves her from drowning is seriously one of my favorites. I love this series 🩵