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annahamburger's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Stalking, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Kidnapping, Abandonment, and War
Minor: Genocide, Torture, Religious bigotry, and Murder
bangiebangs's review against another edition
When I started the book I was intrigued by the premise, but this is just bad and confusing writing (the contemporary references in a medieval setting?), and I didn't know what was going on for a good while. The world building here is somewhat extensive, but you get thrown in without explanation. This can be an interesting approach when the writing is good... but it isn't working here.
Also not a fan of the non-consensual sexual acts, and without going into too much detail, I don't think that the scenes I read are questionable consent but just straight out coercion. Making somebody pleasure themselves or making them orgasm by force - even if you're not personally touching them - is not ok, and it's not sexy. Suggesting a "she enjoyed it" angle here is hugely problematic and was ultimately what made me DNF.
Also not a fan of the non-consensual sexual acts, and without going into too much detail, I don't think that the scenes I read are questionable consent but just straight out coercion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Torture
thereadinghammock's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I already knew I liked Myst, but finally doubling back to listen to her finding and blooding Nikolai Wroth was a fun little audio jaunt. I love Myst's sarcasm and wit; and also that she doesn't mince words about her growing affection for her new vampire acquisition. Nikolai, to his credit, is cut from the same cloth as Sebastian as a mate: respectful, but damned if he'll let her go so easily. I appreciated the backstory of the Valkyrie that I had clearly missed by starting with AHLNO and NRFTW. And Myst's infatuation with the Wroth brothers (specifically Nikolai) from his human life before she discovered he'd been turned as part of Kristoph's forbearer army. Also, their tit-for-tat back and forth was *chef's kiss*, but 5 years??? Myst, that's cold even for you!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Blood
solacelight's review against another edition
SA
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Slavery, and Blood
friends2lovers's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
5.0
I don’t know why I found this so compelling, but I gobbled it up in one sitting! I think I liked that it was light on plot and so the romance was the focus. Chronologically, this is a prequel but I’m glad I didn’t read it first. I think having some background knowledge of the characters and worldbuilding helped make this a fun, breezy read. So far, all the same tropes have been used in each book, but Cole manages to twist them into something fresh each time. I loved the way the gold slavery chain was utilized. I didn’t see it coming and gasped when its significance/purpose was revealed. Next up is another vampire Wroth brother and I’m excited!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Confinement, Gore, and Torture
dubious consentceruleanshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
I wish I had read this before I started the series because IAD1 had me wondering about Myst & Nikolai and I could’ve had my answers. A very condensed IAD tale, so while not bad or a poor story, it is lacking a little build up the others have for me. This poor guy… 5 years.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: War
Minor: Death and Death of parent
ichiarabg's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-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? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Blood and Sexual harassment
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