see_sadie_read's review
3.0
I think the idea of this story was bigger than the author's ability to relay it. She very clearly wanted to show big emotions and a moving moral dilemma, cast over millennia. But the writing is just too shallow to pull it off. Instead it feels contradictory and stilted. All of the fantasy elements feel secondary to the very simple romance plot. And none of it has the feel or tone to match the awesome cover.
Having said all of that, I did like Idanach and Brigit. It was interesting to see elements of old Celtic lore (or Celtic-like lore) incorporated. Robin was a delight (my favorite character) and the book wraps up nicely (with a bit of an epilogue setting the stage for a sequel). So, I wouldn't call it a total failure, just not as good as it might have been or I'd hoped it would be.
Having said all of that, I did like Idanach and Brigit. It was interesting to see elements of old Celtic lore (or Celtic-like lore) incorporated. Robin was a delight (my favorite character) and the book wraps up nicely (with a bit of an epilogue setting the stage for a sequel). So, I wouldn't call it a total failure, just not as good as it might have been or I'd hoped it would be.
happily_undignified's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
These Darker Streets is a creative combination of Celtic Lore and Romantic Fantasy. Brigit is a woman without an anchor, taking care of her mother's mystical shop while trying to find happiness in her life. Ildanach is a guardian, appointed to the human realm to protect their souls against Arawn and his deadly hellhounds. When they connect it sparks a desire that is hundreds of years old but only true love can fan that spark into a flame strong enough to save them.
I loved reading about the Celtic and Egyptian gods and their powers. The shop Brigit keeps sounds lovely and was the perfect backdrop for this epic romance. Brigit and Ildanach were both such emotional characters and their chemistry was on fire! I enjoyed that they had to process their thoughts as they decided what they were willing to sacrifice and what was dearest to them.
I'm hoping to find out more about these gods and goddesses as the series continues. This book is a ⭐⭐⭐⭐ read for me and I think readers who enjoy mythology or fairytale retellings, destined lovers, and fast paced fantasy romance will fall for it!
I loved reading about the Celtic and Egyptian gods and their powers. The shop Brigit keeps sounds lovely and was the perfect backdrop for this epic romance. Brigit and Ildanach were both such emotional characters and their chemistry was on fire! I enjoyed that they had to process their thoughts as they decided what they were willing to sacrifice and what was dearest to them.
I'm hoping to find out more about these gods and goddesses as the series continues. This book is a ⭐⭐⭐⭐ read for me and I think readers who enjoy mythology or fairytale retellings, destined lovers, and fast paced fantasy romance will fall for it!
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