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hopecobbledpots's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Stars: 🌟 🌟🌟🌟
Scoville Spice Scale: 🌶🌶🌶½
Book overview:
At ten years old, Raven was mysteriously willed to be the next ruler of Seolia, a kingdom nestled within the realm of The Four Kingdoms. Orphaned as a baby, she has spent fifteen years ruling over a kingdom she believes she did not earn all while hiding secrets: she possesses dark magic, and she thirsts for blood.
Now at almost twenty-five years old and with a sudden addiction to stealing life, Raven must fight through her new procured darkness to save her soul, but when a mysterious stranger arrives in her kingdom, she starts experiencing vivid dreams that detail who she truly is. As she slowly starts to unravel her story, what she uncovers at the end of the spool will change the course of her life and her kingdom forever.
My Thoughts:
Raven, the FMC of this book, has been lied to by everyone. By her best friend. By her Court. And now by Zeke, our MMC who is tangled in his shadows, shortcomings, and misdirection. Raven rules the small island nation of Seolia but she still doesn't understand why she was chosen. Things unravel to us, the reader, but not to Raven until the end. Raven is caught between two men who seem hell bent on hurting her; secrets about herself; and her evolving magic. While Raven has her Elements, she must learn to depend on herself rather than those who have their own agendas.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was the excellent Worldbuilding. I felt totally immersed in the kingdom of Seolia. I loved the village and the progression of Raven's relationships with the villagers. Especially Eva.
Tropes:
🔥Forced Proximity
🌎Abandonment
❄️Love Triangle
⚔️Insta-Lust
🔥Magic
🌎Secrets
❄️One Bed
⚔️Break Up, Make Up, Break Up, etc.
Check for trigger warnings.
Thank you to rrbooktours and authorwhitneydean for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
kelswoodward's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Secrets, soulmates, and all the spice. This book was a wild ride from the very first page. Raven is an absolute force of a main character. She’s smart, strong, beautiful, witty and powerful but she is also haunted by questions about herself and a fear that she will never be loved or truly accepted. We get to watch her unravel the truth of her mysterious history, discover parts of herself that she never knew existed, and fall into a love that not only consumes her but saves her as well. Raven, Zeke, and everyone in their circle must uncover years of deceit to reveal the truth about her identity and the fate of their very kingdoms, but the lies they must tell along the way to protect those they love may change the course of everything they’re trying to protect. This story is dark, emotional, and thrilling; it delivers constant excitement, emotion, action, romance and magic. The dynamic between Raven and Zeke is so alluring it makes this book impossible to put down, and had me scrambling to read the next book so I could see how their story continues. Do not walk, run to grab this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence