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meganpbell's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.25
This cozy, spicy romantasy is inspired by Peruvian culture and folklore and is highly recommended for fans of talking animals, mythical creatures, and lots of small town charm! The romance in here was sweet but didn’t excite me—I think there was too much insta-attraction for me, but still a fun, gentle read to enjoy!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Sexual content
Minor: Child abuse and Injury/Injury detail
sirsangel's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.25
Such a good read. A delightful retelling of a Peruvian mythology story. This is definitely an 18+ story...
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Misogyny, and Sexual content
Minor: Emotional abuse and Death of parent
serendipitysbooks's review
adventurous
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
Asiri and the Amaru is a cosy Latin American romantasy, featuring Peruvian mythology and folklore as well as some surprisingly spicy scenes. Asiri has the ability to talk to animals. Because she feels her skills are being misused at home, she sets out for a coastal village aiming to live a normal life. A meeting with the handsome but awkward local animal healer and an encounter with an Amaru, a feared but supposedly mythical creature, who is injured in an earthquake make it impossible for her to keep her skills a secret. This was charming, full of delightful animals and warm, kindly people. It was very accessible for someone like me who doesn't read much fantasy, being fairly short and straightforward with no lengthy, complicated world building. I found it a light, satisfying, and enjoyable read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
amy_in_the_city's review
funny
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
This was so cute and cozy. I loved that it featured indigenous Peruvian culture, and I enjoyed getting to know more about that culture. Dario was such a sweetheart, and I want more male love interests in romance to be animal healers. The animal illustrations before each chapter were a nice touch. I did feel like the romance was a bit too instalove, but I tend to prefer more of a slow burn than most people. I also had trouble trying to place this in a specific time period because I don't think there were many, if any, references to inventions of the 20th century and beyond. I don't remember any references to motor vehicles, lightbulbs, phones, etc. That lent the book a certain timelessness, and I suppose the time period doesn't really matter, but it kind of bothered me that I couldn't definitively place this in either the present day or some historical time period. But it's been a few weeks since I read the book so maybe I've forgotten some references to technology or maybe I just skipped right past them without noticing. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Domestic abuse, and Infidelity
garbage_mcsmutly's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
📝 This was an original and interesting read. I liked the setting and the magical system. The romance was adorable. The side characters were multi dimensional and the whole book was just a nice cozy read. And I can't wait for Paloma's book!
🌶️ 3/5 There were a couple steamy scenes but also a few instances of skipping over the steamy parts. The steamy bits were pretty detailed.
🌶️ 3/5 There were a couple steamy scenes but also a few instances of skipping over the steamy parts. The steamy bits were pretty detailed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Medical content and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Toxic relationship, Excrement, and Death of parent
wildatheart1339's review
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Excrement, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Alcohol
aksmith92's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
3.0
The setup: Asiri and the Amaru by Natalia Hernandez is an enchanting tale that intertwines Peruvian mythology with a heartwarming romance. The story follows Asiri, a young woman with the unique ability to communicate with animals, seeking a fresh start away from her manipulative father. She finds refuge in a coastal town where she meets Dario, a charming local veterinarian. Their interactions are filled with tension and a potential romance, complicated by Asiri's need to keep her abilities secret and his insecurities of talking too much.
The story takes an intriguing turn when Asiri and Dario stumble upon an injured Amaru, a mythical creature thought to be a mere legend. Their quest to shield the Amaru from the superstitious villagers adds layers of excitement and tension. At its core, this is a charming fantasy with a strong romantic element, set against a backdrop of Peruvian mythology. The stakes are low, the adventure is engaging, and a chatty guinea pig adds a touch of humor (or perhaps annoyance).
What I Liked: I liked this book for what it was: a cozy fantasy with a heavy dose of romance. I loved the fantasy part - Asiri communicating with the animals. It beautifully intertwined Peruvian (Quechan) mythology and culture while still being a unique perspective on a fantasy book without it being very complicated or confusing. The characters were refreshing and funny, and I loved the animals in this book, who all seemed to have their own "personalities," flaws, and quirks. It was a fun read that went quickly.
What I Didn't Like: Honestly, the romance. The build-up was decent, and I enjoyed the tension. However, this was a bit of "love at first sight." There was a lot of miscommunication simply because they didn't talk to each other. The spicy scenes were a bit out of the blue, but they were tasteful, and I appreciated the assumption that both parties knew what they were doing. Regardless, I was not sold on it, but that was ok because there were other elements I enjoyed. Additionally, Asiri, someone cooped up in her home while living with her dad without much social interaction other than animals, seemed to be much more put together than I expected. I don't know why that factored into my decision-making, but it seemed a little out of place. Lastly, the writing seemed fan-fic-like but still put together and readable.
Three stars is truly the middle of the road for me. I recommend this for a lighthearted and fun little read when you need a little spice and joy. It's not that deep, and that's not what this book was meant for. It was decent, and I had a good time.
The story takes an intriguing turn when Asiri and Dario stumble upon an injured Amaru, a mythical creature thought to be a mere legend. Their quest to shield the Amaru from the superstitious villagers adds layers of excitement and tension. At its core, this is a charming fantasy with a strong romantic element, set against a backdrop of Peruvian mythology. The stakes are low, the adventure is engaging, and a chatty guinea pig adds a touch of humor (or perhaps annoyance).
What I Liked: I liked this book for what it was: a cozy fantasy with a heavy dose of romance. I loved the fantasy part - Asiri communicating with the animals. It beautifully intertwined Peruvian (Quechan) mythology and culture while still being a unique perspective on a fantasy book without it being very complicated or confusing. The characters were refreshing and funny, and I loved the animals in this book, who all seemed to have their own "personalities," flaws, and quirks. It was a fun read that went quickly.
What I Didn't Like: Honestly, the romance. The build-up was decent, and I enjoyed the tension. However, this was a bit of "love at first sight." There was a lot of miscommunication simply because they didn't talk to each other. The spicy scenes were a bit out of the blue, but they were tasteful, and I appreciated the assumption that both parties knew what they were doing. Regardless, I was not sold on it, but that was ok because there were other elements I enjoyed. Additionally, Asiri, someone cooped up in her home while living with her dad without much social interaction other than animals, seemed to be much more put together than I expected. I don't know why that factored into my decision-making, but it seemed a little out of place. Lastly, the writing seemed fan-fic-like but still put together and readable.
Three stars is truly the middle of the road for me. I recommend this for a lighthearted and fun little read when you need a little spice and joy. It's not that deep, and that's not what this book was meant for. It was decent, and I had a good time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse
jannettlk's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
abby_can_read's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
📱
I had a fabulous time reading this. I adored the plot. It was simple and engaging -- not twist. The main characters, Asiri and Dario, were adorable and I had fun watching them dance around one another before they got together.
I had a fabulous time reading this. I adored the plot. It was simple and engaging -- not twist. The main characters, Asiri and Dario, were adorable and I had fun watching them dance around one another before they got together.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
Moderate: Animal death, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Medical content, Grief, and Death of parent
shaipanda's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
5.0
I gobbled this upppp - had all my favorite things and tho it probably wasn’t my favorite cozy fantasy I’ve ever read I still really really enjoyed it and am definitely going to read the second one when it comes outtt hehe
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
Moderate: Ableism, Animal death, Child abuse, Xenophobia, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Medical content, Grief, and Death of parent