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takealookatmybookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Blade of Ash by C.F.E. Black is the first book in the Scepter and Crown series and I really enjoyed this young adult fantasy. I would highly recommend reading the prequel to get a better idea of the world in this book. I love the enemies to lovers trope and I was pleasantly surprised that it was one of the tropes in this book along with forced proximity and slow-burn romance.
The book was engaging and the writing was very easy to follow. Once I understood the magical system I thought it along with the plot was very unique. This is the first book in the series and it was slightly slow, but the characters were amazing and kept my attention throughout the book. This book built up to a bigger conflict I’m hoping will be explored in the next book.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The book was engaging and the writing was very easy to follow. Once I understood the magical system I thought it along with the plot was very unique. This is the first book in the series and it was slightly slow, but the characters were amazing and kept my attention throughout the book. This book built up to a bigger conflict I’m hoping will be explored in the next book.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
centrifugepolitics's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
marin_miller's review against another edition
5.0
A Fresh Story in the World of Closed-door Romance
I will always sing praises to authors who write closed-door romantasy. Always. But this one was actually done WELL. The magic is facinating, the characters so real, and the political intrigue absolutely delicious. This is the stuff good romantacy is made of. Bravo! So glad all the books are out in this series because I’m about to BINGE. A romantic burn this slow has me starving for what’s next!
I will always sing praises to authors who write closed-door romantasy. Always. But this one was actually done WELL. The magic is facinating, the characters so real, and the political intrigue absolutely delicious. This is the stuff good romantacy is made of. Bravo! So glad all the books are out in this series because I’m about to BINGE. A romantic burn this slow has me starving for what’s next!
afantaseaofbooks's review against another edition
4.0
◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦
The book begins with Frederick (Red) who just lost his father and instead of having a moment to grieve he needs to find his sorcerer and do the binding process. Or so he thought because what he thought all his life about the protector behind his father's back is about to change.
Blade of Ash has been a nice story, I really enjoyed the plot, the magic system, some of the characters and the overall pace of the book was just good.
The characters I’ve enjoyed some of them. Red at the beginning and most of the book for me personally was very annoying, he acted like a very young and dumb kid who would blame others for every single thing instead of accepting that sometimes you can’t do much than what’s in your powers, I do wish that in the next book he will grow up because he is an important part of the story and at this moment I’m not his biggest fan.
Seb on the other hand I find him extremely funny and his hate for goats is just hilarious. Alyana felt to be the grown-up in this story, her power, her femminity, and the way she wear herself were just amazing. I loved seeing her powerful even when she was at her weakest.
The relationship between Red and Alyana I wished it would’ve been different, they’re sort of enemies to lovers but at the same time their relationship is built on distrust because even towards the end of the book Red didn’t trust Alyana and still blamed her for his father death – and the way they kind of just slipped in love didn’t quite made sense for me because he was pretty rude towards her. I do hope Red will redeem himself in the next book so we can get a really amazing love story between the two of them.
The magic system was really unique and amazing. The more lies the people would tell the darker their Truthwell will become, the truthful they were the better everything will be and their magic became stronger. The balance between good and bad was so fine that even the biggest sorcerer could fall into temptation.
The book is full of details and descriptions which at times felt a little bit too clunky and overwhelming for me, the read, in general, is very easy and fast-paced. Overall I enjoyed the book and I’ll definitely keep reading the next one.
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The book begins with Frederick (Red) who just lost his father and instead of having a moment to grieve he needs to find his sorcerer and do the binding process. Or so he thought because what he thought all his life about the protector behind his father's back is about to change.
Blade of Ash has been a nice story, I really enjoyed the plot, the magic system, some of the characters and the overall pace of the book was just good.
The characters I’ve enjoyed some of them. Red at the beginning and most of the book for me personally was very annoying, he acted like a very young and dumb kid who would blame others for every single thing instead of accepting that sometimes you can’t do much than what’s in your powers, I do wish that in the next book he will grow up because he is an important part of the story and at this moment I’m not his biggest fan.
Seb on the other hand I find him extremely funny and his hate for goats is just hilarious. Alyana felt to be the grown-up in this story, her power, her femminity, and the way she wear herself were just amazing. I loved seeing her powerful even when she was at her weakest.
The relationship between Red and Alyana I wished it would’ve been different, they’re sort of enemies to lovers but at the same time their relationship is built on distrust because even towards the end of the book Red didn’t trust Alyana and still blamed her for his father death – and the way they kind of just slipped in love didn’t quite made sense for me because he was pretty rude towards her. I do hope Red will redeem himself in the next book so we can get a really amazing love story between the two of them.
The magic system was really unique and amazing. The more lies the people would tell the darker their Truthwell will become, the truthful they were the better everything will be and their magic became stronger. The balance between good and bad was so fine that even the biggest sorcerer could fall into temptation.
The book is full of details and descriptions which at times felt a little bit too clunky and overwhelming for me, the read, in general, is very easy and fast-paced. Overall I enjoyed the book and I’ll definitely keep reading the next one.
Follow me on my social media for more than just reviews:
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user613's review against another edition
3.0
This story involves an intricate world with magic, that is achieved by Pulling from Sources, Truthwells, fighting the lies of the Deep, and of course, the verad, their religious book which is said to be always right and never changing, and maker Theod who gives all this power and somehow repels all lies.
The world was involved. Too much so, in fact. There were so many new concepts that I struggled to understand the story that stood behind them all.
At its core, this seemed to be a religious story. The story tells of a struggle between good and evil, the ruling heavenly power Theod, and the virtues of always telling the truth. Though, this religion didn’t strike me as necessarily Christian, as it told of one god who gives a bit of makerness to his people with the help of magic.
The romance itself started off on somewhat edgy grounds and didn’t get any further. For a book that goes so hard to make an improper situation all proper, there was very little actual romance involved.
This book got full points for the scary factor, without taking it too far that it was violent or gory. There were nightmarish creatures, evil bad guys, murders and wars, and a bite that had some far-reaching consequences.
Overall this was a clean, religious, fantasy romance with a slightly too-intricate world.
Similar:
[b:The Faceless Mage|55920924|The Faceless Mage (Legends of Abreia #1)|Kenley Davidson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1605581236l/55920924._SY75_.jpg|87134331]
[b:Fierce Heart|97202308|Fierce Heart (Elven Alliance, #1)|Tara Grayce|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1675444694l/97202308._SY75_.jpg|73625690]
[b:The Wendy|35510314|The Wendy (Tales of the Wendy, #1)|Erin Michelle Sky|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1514783247l/35510314._SX50_.jpg|56920308]
[b:Knight from the Ashes|56829378|Knight from the Ashes (Crown and Crest, #1)|Shari L. Tapscott|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1611640301l/56829378._SX50_.jpg|88847822]
The world was involved. Too much so, in fact. There were so many new concepts that I struggled to understand the story that stood behind them all.
At its core, this seemed to be a religious story. The story tells of a struggle between good and evil, the ruling heavenly power Theod, and the virtues of always telling the truth. Though, this religion didn’t strike me as necessarily Christian, as it told of one god who gives a bit of makerness to his people with the help of magic.
The romance itself started off on somewhat edgy grounds and didn’t get any further.
Spoiler
The King and his Sorcerer are allowed to be together in many improper situations together, because she’s his sorcerer and therefore it’s all fine? So, there were many scenes with improper brushes, or meeting at night with the sorcerer in her nightgown. She comes to check his clothing after a bath, blushing at the sight of his chest. And it was all allowed because she’s his sorcerer, a reason that didn’t quite hold up in my mind. There are also a few scenes were Red, the sorcerer, tells the King he got one more question before bed, then implying what that statement could’ve meant by thinking that of course, she meant her bed.Spoiler
There’s growing attraction between Red and the King, but it doesn’t get as far as a kiss.This book got full points for the scary factor, without taking it too far that it was violent or gory. There were nightmarish creatures, evil bad guys, murders and wars, and a bite that had some far-reaching consequences.
Overall this was a clean, religious, fantasy romance with a slightly too-intricate world.
Similar:
[b:The Faceless Mage|55920924|The Faceless Mage (Legends of Abreia #1)|Kenley Davidson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1605581236l/55920924._SY75_.jpg|87134331]
[b:Fierce Heart|97202308|Fierce Heart (Elven Alliance, #1)|Tara Grayce|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1675444694l/97202308._SY75_.jpg|73625690]
[b:The Wendy|35510314|The Wendy (Tales of the Wendy, #1)|Erin Michelle Sky|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1514783247l/35510314._SX50_.jpg|56920308]
[b:Knight from the Ashes|56829378|Knight from the Ashes (Crown and Crest, #1)|Shari L. Tapscott|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1611640301l/56829378._SX50_.jpg|88847822]
laprasboat's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.75
mguy27's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book so much! I’ve been looking for more clean fantasy with no spice, and this fit perfectly! The magic of this world is such an interesting concept, with plenty of intrigue, tension, and likable characters. The character development of both Red and Aly was satisfying to read, and I’m excited to see where they go next!
itslorei's review against another edition
3.0
Received a free e-arc copy from the author thru a book tour.
This book is one of my most anticipated read and releases this year and this one did impress me.
The writing is very easy to read as well as an engaging one. At most, it was pretty much fast paced and a lot of bomb dropping.
I did enjoy the whole magic thing and the world building. Especially the concept of binding style of magic system between our main characters. As for the plot, it was kind of a unique one in that one aspect of the storyline, I think I have yet to read the kind of story (if I have, I must have forgotten) there were things that I was able to predict but I think it’s still okay at most part . I would say that I would have love it, if it was much more of showing than telling at most and as for the trope, it wasn’t an enemies to lovers but more of a reluctant allies to soon to be lovers.
The characters are striking. They do have personalities that were both likable and at the same time irking as they were thrown into a set of different scenes where they did showcase their different characteristics, traits and attributes.
I enjoyed Red and Aly’s dynamic, especially Aly’s personality. I enjoyed how sound she is and at the same time her wittyness and intelligence. As for Red, he irks me sometimes but I get where’s he’s coming from but still, I, most of the times want to punch him. Another thing is the ❝
This book is one of my most anticipated read and releases this year and this one did impress me.
The writing is very easy to read as well as an engaging one. At most, it was pretty much fast paced and a lot of bomb dropping.
I did enjoy the whole magic thing and the world building. Especially the concept of binding style of magic system between our main characters. As for the plot, it was kind of a unique one in that one aspect of the storyline, I think I have yet to read the kind of story (if I have, I must have forgotten) there were things that I was able to predict but I think it’s still okay at most part . I would say that I would have love it, if it was much more of showing than telling at most and as for the trope, it wasn’t an enemies to lovers but more of a reluctant allies to soon to be lovers.
The characters are striking. They do have personalities that were both likable and at the same time irking as they were thrown into a set of different scenes where they did showcase their different characteristics, traits and attributes.
I enjoyed Red and Aly’s dynamic, especially Aly’s personality. I enjoyed how sound she is and at the same time her wittyness and intelligence. As for Red, he irks me sometimes but I get where’s he’s coming from but still, I, most of the times want to punch him. Another thing is the ❝
clockworkchapters's review against another edition
4.0
I received an advanced readers copy of this from the author through BookSirens.com.
The Plot
The narrative is a YA love story about enemies to lovers trope. To be honest, the trope swayed my decision to read this arc.
The story follows Red, also known as Prince Frederick, as he ascends to the throne after his father’s untimely death. Then there’s Aly who was the Master Sorcerer to Reds Father and Red holds his father’s Master Sorcerer responsible for his father’s death. Despite Red’s obvious hatred towards her; Aly is determined to defend the new king and ensure his survival. Now Red is also cursed and both supposed enemies are faced with various political strife's and dark magical monsters caused by their enemy Queen Kassia.
The Characters and World building
I adored Aly; she was the kind of powerful heroine I search for in a narrative. Red, on the other hand, is initially obnoxious, but we gradually come to appreciate him as well. This story had all the great elements of a epic read; there are sorcerers, forced proximity, a feisty female heroine, and intriguing world building. For me the world building is fascinating, and the mystical approach adopted is truly one-of-a-kind. The romance is another aspect of this book that surprised me. It’s a slow-burning, true enemies to lovers romance! It was a lot of fun to read the hilarious interaction between the two leads. The author did an excellent job with the romance.
My thoughts
The first thing I realized was that I was confused at first since I had no idea the novel had a prequel. We sometimes skip reading prequels to stories, but in this case, I’d advise reading the prequel. The author did an excellent job writing this book, and I had only few complaints with it. As previously stated, Red was not my favorite, but I believe this is really a matter of personal opinion, and his character develops as the story progresses.
Overall, this was a quick and enjoyable read. The enmities to lovers trope was well-executed, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
Checkout the review on my Blog and leave a comment too :- https://theclockworkreader.com/blade-of-ash-by-c-f-e-black-arc-book-review/
The Plot
The narrative is a YA love story about enemies to lovers trope. To be honest, the trope swayed my decision to read this arc.
The story follows Red, also known as Prince Frederick, as he ascends to the throne after his father’s untimely death. Then there’s Aly who was the Master Sorcerer to Reds Father and Red holds his father’s Master Sorcerer responsible for his father’s death. Despite Red’s obvious hatred towards her; Aly is determined to defend the new king and ensure his survival. Now Red is also cursed and both supposed enemies are faced with various political strife's and dark magical monsters caused by their enemy Queen Kassia.
The Characters and World building
I adored Aly; she was the kind of powerful heroine I search for in a narrative. Red, on the other hand, is initially obnoxious, but we gradually come to appreciate him as well. This story had all the great elements of a epic read; there are sorcerers, forced proximity, a feisty female heroine, and intriguing world building. For me the world building is fascinating, and the mystical approach adopted is truly one-of-a-kind. The romance is another aspect of this book that surprised me. It’s a slow-burning, true enemies to lovers romance! It was a lot of fun to read the hilarious interaction between the two leads. The author did an excellent job with the romance.
My thoughts
The first thing I realized was that I was confused at first since I had no idea the novel had a prequel. We sometimes skip reading prequels to stories, but in this case, I’d advise reading the prequel. The author did an excellent job writing this book, and I had only few complaints with it. As previously stated, Red was not my favorite, but I believe this is really a matter of personal opinion, and his character develops as the story progresses.
Overall, this was a quick and enjoyable read. The enmities to lovers trope was well-executed, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
Checkout the review on my Blog and leave a comment too :- https://theclockworkreader.com/blade-of-ash-by-c-f-e-black-arc-book-review/