The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
leasasaa's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
This was a great book. It dealt with a lot of very heavy topics and dark themes. It explored and showed so much typical fantasy romance novels don't really venture into.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Child abuse, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Alcohol and Body shaming
fayemh's review against another edition
4.0
Thought I would give this a very average rating but it really picked up towards the end
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse
samantha_ellen's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book has EVERYTHING I want!
A true Adult Fantasy Romance, with an interesting plot, unique world & spice
Highlights ✨
- Feminine rage / fight against the patriarchy - but with a FMC who is finding her fight & her voice in an oppressive world
- Trauma rep that was extremely nuanced & hit so many feels, with an mmc who can see her trauma & helps her through it, doesn’t try to fix it or fight her battles but shows her, her own strength & what she deserves!
- A steam punk alternate London (called Lundan) with Sabercats instead of horses - So fucking cool & different!
- This has court intrigue where you don’t know who to trust! I don’t normally gravitate to court intrigue as sometimes I can find it a bit boring, but it was executed perfectly here.
- SPICE - & there was a VERY good amount of spice! but what I loved about it the most (apart of from being inventive & hot!) was that it was two consenting adults exploring, the mmc showing the FMC that it can be pleasurable & should be enjoyed. & even though the spice started pretty quickly in the story & there was quite a few scenes, it also was weaved into their relationship growth as well. I would still call their romantic relationship a slow burn even though there was quite a bit spice (& edging !!! Omg)
- Plot twists & reveals!! Lots of secrets being uncovered, & ulterior motives - that now I look back I can see the ground work was laid there for us all to see! Masterful work.
- The FMC & MMC!! Perfection 🤌🏽
A human woman with no fighting skills or magic, but sheer tenacity & willpower! She has learnt how to read those around her & will do everything she can to keep herself & her friends safe
THE MMC - you could say some of his attributes are predictable in what you read in Romantasy recently — but! I felt like Bastian was his own character! It didn’t feel like a copy & paste from Other novels. His powers, his behaviours, the way he sees HER… melt… I’m obsessed!
Safe to say this is a new favourite that I will be recommending & a new auto but author!
I can not wait until I read B2!!
Outstanding 🙌🏽
A true Adult Fantasy Romance, with an interesting plot, unique world & spice
Highlights ✨
- Feminine rage / fight against the patriarchy - but with a FMC who is finding her fight & her voice in an oppressive world
- Trauma rep that was extremely nuanced & hit so many feels, with an mmc who can see her trauma & helps her through it, doesn’t try to fix it or fight her battles but shows her, her own strength & what she deserves!
- A steam punk alternate London (called Lundan) with Sabercats instead of horses - So fucking cool & different!
- This has court intrigue where you don’t know who to trust! I don’t normally gravitate to court intrigue as sometimes I can find it a bit boring, but it was executed perfectly here.
- SPICE - & there was a VERY good amount of spice! but what I loved about it the most (apart of from being inventive & hot!) was that it was two consenting adults exploring, the mmc showing the FMC that it can be pleasurable & should be enjoyed. & even though the spice started pretty quickly in the story & there was quite a few scenes, it also was weaved into their relationship growth as well. I would still call their romantic relationship a slow burn even though there was quite a bit spice (& edging !!! Omg)
- Plot twists & reveals!! Lots of secrets being uncovered, & ulterior motives - that now I look back I can see the ground work was laid there for us all to see! Masterful work.
- The FMC & MMC!! Perfection 🤌🏽
A human woman with no fighting skills or magic, but sheer tenacity & willpower! She has learnt how to read those around her & will do everything she can to keep herself & her friends safe
THE MMC - you could say some of his attributes are predictable in what you read in Romantasy recently — but! I felt like Bastian was his own character! It didn’t feel like a copy & paste from Other novels. His powers, his behaviours, the way he sees HER… melt… I’m obsessed!
Safe to say this is a new favourite that I will be recommending & a new auto but author!
I can not wait until I read B2!!
Outstanding 🙌🏽
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Misogyny, and Physical abuse
themothermermaid's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book is the first time I can point to "Bookstagram made me do it."
Touch her and die...
[TW for trauma & physical abuse]
Kat organizes life, others' actions, her own actions as 'safe' and 'dangerous'. As someone who has trauma from past experiences and lives in a very patriarchal world, she works continuously to be obedient, and small.
Both mean safety for her. Both mean that she can hopefully save what's left of her crumbling estate and go back to her world of anonymity.
But court life, plotting fae, and the Serpent upend it all for her.
Sager created a world through Kat's eyes that is dangerous, dark, yet has moments of light, curiosity, hope and growth.
100% ready to see what happens after THAT ENDING.
Touch her and die...
[TW for trauma & physical abuse]
Kat organizes life, others' actions, her own actions as 'safe' and 'dangerous'. As someone who has trauma from past experiences and lives in a very patriarchal world, she works continuously to be obedient, and small.
Both mean safety for her. Both mean that she can hopefully save what's left of her crumbling estate and go back to her world of anonymity.
But court life, plotting fae, and the Serpent upend it all for her.
Sager created a world through Kat's eyes that is dangerous, dark, yet has moments of light, curiosity, hope and growth.
100% ready to see what happens after THAT ENDING.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Violence, and Death
aerisaturner's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.75
This novel takes place in the Beneath Black Sails universe, but it isn't necessary to have read that series to understand this novel.
*Deceit, desire, and dark secrets
* Sent to spy.
* Enemies-to-lovers
* Morally grey fae hero
* Who to trust?
* Touch her and die
* Hand necklace.
Clare Sager delivers again on strong main characters that are flawed, and are trying to do their best given their situations (but it is actually written in a plausible manner). The relationship between the FMC and MMC is a complex dance with delicious tension. MMC is *chef's kiss*.
I can't wait to see what happens next in this series.
(This reviewer received an Advanced Reader Copy - novel publication date is February 20, 2023).
*Deceit, desire, and dark secrets
* Sent to spy.
* Enemies-to-lovers
* Morally grey fae hero
* Who to trust?
* Touch her and die
* Hand necklace.
Clare Sager delivers again on strong main characters that are flawed, and are trying to do their best given their situations (but it is actually written in a plausible manner). The relationship between the FMC and MMC is a complex dance with delicious tension. MMC is *chef's kiss*.
I can't wait to see what happens next in this series.
(This reviewer received an Advanced Reader Copy - novel publication date is February 20, 2023).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Murder, Sexual assault, Fatphobia, and Physical abuse
More...