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bambinochance's review
2.0
This book was so generic. The characters were 1 note and I did not buy into their love story at all.
southernbibliomom's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
So, this was … mediocre. The writing style is not good, however the story itself has potential. It is super similar to ACOTAR, but not nearly as good. Where ACOTAR had specific world building, interesting characters all across the board (even the villains), and a plot with purpose, this one is all over the place. Problem is that there is slightly too much going on and the FMC is entirely not likeable. I found myself hoping someone - anyone - would just kill her already and give us someone new. Tessa is how a 12 year old thinks an adult woman would act and behave. She runs ENTIRELY on emotion (and that emotion is usually anger) and makes decisions without any thought, never once thinking about the consequences. Consequences that are usually paid for by others. Tessa is being forced into marriage by Light Fae King Oberon because he catches her trying to steal his powerful gems. She is stealing the gems to help the resistance captain who she trusts implicitly even when her friend says there is really no reason for that much trust as they've never actually met, but Tessa trusts him so there. Oberon is a terrible tyrant trying to break her and keep her in line. She ends up escaping and fleeing into the mists which keep all the light fae from leaving their borders. There, she is taken by the Mist King. She hates him and thinks him a tyrant because Oberon has told all the people how awful he is and given them all the “history” of the war that leaves them secluded by mists. And then to the surprise of no one ***SPOLIER ALERT, I GUESS*** he turns out to be the captain. Was this part predictable, yes. Did that predictability upset me, no because I thought this is where she will actually listen to what he has to say. But no not really. Don’t even get me started on the absurdity of her believing a letter from someone she never trusted and going forth with a terrible plan with no thought (again) without even giving a chance to hear the other side even though he had literally just saved her life. There is a miscommunication trope and then there’s this. The good part is that I like the mist king and think he will be a good character and there are some interesting side characters. And there are enough questions about what is actually going on that I will probably give the next book a listen while I’m cleaning or something. But without some serious character growth for Tessa, I’m out.
lindapool's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
leggothemeggoreads's review against another edition
4.0
I overall enjoyed this book but parts dragged and there was something about the writing that felt off at times. I did the love the characters, plot and tension. I will definitely read the next book.
retrogirlreads's review against another edition
5.0
Tessa Baran has never been happy in the vicious Fae King Oberon’s human city. Desperate to get out from under his thumb, Tessa is willing to do anything to escape - even steal the king’s precious gemstones. But when he catches her, he is determined to punish her. But out of all the things he could have done, Tessa never imagined that he would choose her to become his next mortal bride. Once she is in his glimmering palace, Oberon does everything in his power to break her.
When Tessa escapes her newfound prison, she hopes for a better life. Unluckily for her, she is found by someone far worse. The Mist King is arrogant and deadly, one of the most powerful Fae alive… but he’s also handsome and charming, and soon, Tessa doesn’t know what to believe. The Mist King offers her a chance at revenge, but at the same time, she doesn’t trust his motives.
Oh my gosh, wow. This book was certainly something else! I was immediately drawn into this world Wolfhart has created, and I was fascinated by the story! The political aspects of this novel were incredibly interesting as well. I loved learning more about the reasons behind the conflict between the Mist King and King Oberon. I also loved the addition of the Mist King’s advisors, I though all three of them were very well written. As for that ending… I couldn’t take it. I am lying in wait for book two!!!
Tessa. She’s definitely no damsel in distress, that’s for sure. I think she’s incredibly strong and brave, if a bit stubborn and reckless. I admired Tessa for her quick wit and her ability to bounce back no matter what happened. Oberon. Okay, I really want to punch him. He is a horrible, awful person, and I absolutely hate the way he treats humans. And finally, the Mist King. I actually really loved him, I thought he was fun and mysterious. I’m also insanely curious about his past! All in all, I would definitely recommend this book!
When Tessa escapes her newfound prison, she hopes for a better life. Unluckily for her, she is found by someone far worse. The Mist King is arrogant and deadly, one of the most powerful Fae alive… but he’s also handsome and charming, and soon, Tessa doesn’t know what to believe. The Mist King offers her a chance at revenge, but at the same time, she doesn’t trust his motives.
Oh my gosh, wow. This book was certainly something else! I was immediately drawn into this world Wolfhart has created, and I was fascinated by the story! The political aspects of this novel were incredibly interesting as well. I loved learning more about the reasons behind the conflict between the Mist King and King Oberon. I also loved the addition of the Mist King’s advisors, I though all three of them were very well written. As for that ending… I couldn’t take it. I am lying in wait for book two!!!
Tessa. She’s definitely no damsel in distress, that’s for sure. I think she’s incredibly strong and brave, if a bit stubborn and reckless. I admired Tessa for her quick wit and her ability to bounce back no matter what happened. Oberon. Okay, I really want to punch him. He is a horrible, awful person, and I absolutely hate the way he treats humans. And finally, the Mist King. I actually really loved him, I thought he was fun and mysterious. I’m also insanely curious about his past! All in all, I would definitely recommend this book!
bookishpea's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to Jenna Wolfhart and Netgalley for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a fast-paced read full of betrayals! It contained so many of my favourite tropes:
•enemies to lovers (possibly back to enemies?)
•forced proximity
• only one bed / one horse
• who did this to you
...to name a few!
The amount of betrayals and plot twists in this book was insane. Just when you think you know what's going on, all your thoughts are ripped to shreds by yet another revelation. Personally, I love a book that keeps me on my toes and this did exactly that!
I also love slow burn romance and the tension between Kalen and Tessa was exquisite. I definitely think the second book will see some progression of that romance and it's setting it up for something spicy. I mean he's called the Mist King and it's clear he knows how to use those mists...
The thing that stops me giving it 5 stars is the main character Tessa. Sometimes I found her dialogue extremely awkward, especially in the first third of the book. She almost said too much. It was clear the author was trying to convey important information in her dialogue but it just felt out of place a lot of the time and the conversations never flowed naturally. This got much better as the book went on but sadly her character got worse. I love books with older MCs but I kept forgetting Tessa wasn't a 16 year old and was in fact 25!! Her inner dialogue and decision making was quite immature and that put me off.
That being said, I still really enjoyed the book and can't wait to read more about this unique Faerie world!
This book was a fast-paced read full of betrayals! It contained so many of my favourite tropes:
•enemies to lovers (possibly back to enemies?)
•forced proximity
• only one bed / one horse
• who did this to you
...to name a few!
The amount of betrayals and plot twists in this book was insane. Just when you think you know what's going on, all your thoughts are ripped to shreds by yet another revelation. Personally, I love a book that keeps me on my toes and this did exactly that!
I also love slow burn romance and the tension between Kalen and Tessa was exquisite. I definitely think the second book will see some progression of that romance and it's setting it up for something spicy. I mean he's called the Mist King and it's clear he knows how to use those mists...
The thing that stops me giving it 5 stars is the main character Tessa. Sometimes I found her dialogue extremely awkward, especially in the first third of the book. She almost said too much. It was clear the author was trying to convey important information in her dialogue but it just felt out of place a lot of the time and the conversations never flowed naturally. This got much better as the book went on but sadly her character got worse. I love books with older MCs but I kept forgetting Tessa wasn't a 16 year old and was in fact 25!! Her inner dialogue and decision making was quite immature and that put me off.
That being said, I still really enjoyed the book and can't wait to read more about this unique Faerie world!
summtime's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.0