sapphicbookdragon's review
1.0
This book is "as emo as Kylo Ren," a direct quote from page 164. No, this novel is not particularly good. I wanted to like it, but I don't. Granted, I don't think I realized that it was another YA high school fantasy when I borrowed it from the library, that it's rife with the "my [parent(s)/guardian(s)] hid my special heritage and a secret world from me and lied to me all my life" trope and other clichés, but I decided to give it a chance because of the Faerie mythos and girly romance.
But Syl isn't Clary Fairchild or Harry Potter. I wanted to find another October Daye or Kate Daniels and found the equivalent of Twilight fan fiction instead.
It's told in present tense by alternating 1st-person narrators, which works well in some series in exploring character development and relationship/world-building (like the cute Once Upon a Con) but doesn't do anything special for Moribund/Circuit Fae here.
Too much text is wasted on corny internal dialog that isn't particularly clever, and the chapter intros of fake lyrics from the famous teenage performer are pretty awful. The story has its moments, but it has holes and lacks details and background which would furnish the world better. It feels underdeveloped and raw, like a first draft by a student.
What would make it better? I don't know, maybe stop saying the phrase "little minx" half a dozen times. It's annoying. There's also so much extraneous internal dialog, excessive teenage angst that is cringy; you could cut all that out. The "love" between characters develops too early and feels forced, unnatural. Several plot points were ridiculous, like renaming themselves with alliterative alternative identities worse than "Lois Lane" going "undercover" at their high school to discover another teenage fae's evil plot. I have issues with the concept of the Moribund itself, too. It seems like the author just liked the sound of that word and tried to throw some Matrix on it. It isn't well fleshed out.
The characters which are supposed to mean the most to the protagonists feel flat (i.e., Glamma), underdeveloped white noise, background static. I think flashback scenes with actual dialog, physical descriptions and in-depth interactions might have fixed that.
The ending was satisfying because I could finally remove this from my "currently reading" shelf.
But Syl isn't Clary Fairchild or Harry Potter. I wanted to find another October Daye or Kate Daniels and found the equivalent of Twilight fan fiction instead.
It's told in present tense by alternating 1st-person narrators, which works well in some series in exploring character development and relationship/world-building (like the cute Once Upon a Con) but doesn't do anything special for Moribund/Circuit Fae here.
Too much text is wasted on corny internal dialog that isn't particularly clever, and the chapter intros of fake lyrics from the famous teenage performer are pretty awful. The story has its moments, but it has holes and lacks details and background which would furnish the world better. It feels underdeveloped and raw, like a first draft by a student.
What would make it better? I don't know, maybe stop saying the phrase "little minx" half a dozen times. It's annoying. There's also so much extraneous internal dialog, excessive teenage angst that is cringy; you could cut all that out. The "love" between characters develops too early and feels forced, unnatural. Several plot points were ridiculous, like renaming themselves with alliterative alternative identities worse than "Lois Lane" going "undercover" at their high school to discover another teenage fae's evil plot. I have issues with the concept of the Moribund itself, too. It seems like the author just liked the sound of that word and tried to throw some Matrix on it. It isn't well fleshed out.
The characters which are supposed to mean the most to the protagonists feel flat (i.e., Glamma), underdeveloped white noise, background static. I think flashback scenes with actual dialog, physical descriptions and in-depth interactions might have fixed that.
The ending was satisfying because I could finally remove this from my "currently reading" shelf.
anacarter's review
3.0
Full Review on my blog!
I wanted to love this book, really I did. It has so much going for it, but it never quite came together for me.
Moribund tells the story of Syl and Rouen. Syl is a simple sophomore in high school, except she got into an accident some weeks before the start of the story, which made her best friend turn on her somehow. She’s now a pariah at school.
Rouen is a dark fae, who is controlled by Agravaine, a meanie.While the characters did need a little more development and their voices weren't very distinct, I actually liked the writing style itself. I also loved the idea of meshing modern day technology and classic fae magic, its really unique... but maybe could have been executed better.
Nonetheless, it was still a good and intriguing story. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author. I recommend it, maybe you'll like it more than I did!
_________________________________
Moribund | Review
Derailed | Review
Ouroboros | Review SoonTM
Dethroned | Review SoonTM
Inimical | Review SoonTM
Rekindled | Review SoonTM
Nemesis | Review SoonTM
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I wanted to love this book, really I did. It has so much going for it, but it never quite came together for me.
Moribund tells the story of Syl and Rouen. Syl is a simple sophomore in high school, except she got into an accident some weeks before the start of the story, which made her best friend turn on her somehow. She’s now a pariah at school.
Rouen is a dark fae, who is controlled by Agravaine, a meanie.While the characters did need a little more development and their voices weren't very distinct, I actually liked the writing style itself. I also loved the idea of meshing modern day technology and classic fae magic, its really unique... but maybe could have been executed better.
Nonetheless, it was still a good and intriguing story. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author. I recommend it, maybe you'll like it more than I did!
_________________________________
Moribund | Review
Derailed | Review
Ouroboros | Review SoonTM
Dethroned | Review SoonTM
Inimical | Review SoonTM
Rekindled | Review SoonTM
Nemesis | Review SoonTM
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
loreofthebooks's review
1.0
I skimmed this book after the first few chapters. I wanted to love this book, but sadly, I didn't.
vilkas_k's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Very gay, would recommend to those that love easy to read, urban fantasy books with fae.
asiantomato's review
3.0
"Because one second, one minute, one day can change your life"
2.5/5
Moribund switches perspectives between Syl Skye, the fair Fae sleeper-princess and Rouen Rivoche, the dark Fae princess and huntress. The dark Fae world is dying and in order to save it, Rouen is sent to kill all the sleeper-princesses to power their hearthstone.
On the other hand, Syl is unaware of her being the sleeper-princess. Recently, her entire world had been turned upside-down. The people who she thought were her friends are now her bullies and she has to work to help her mom out.
One of my problems with Moribund is the writing style. The two perspectives were those of 16 year old girls, so I understand the more childish tones, but it was annoying to keep hearing Rouen call herself “emo” and Syl call herself a “whiny pants”. This book is like maximum teen angst if that’s what you’re looking for. I liked the concept and plot of the circuit fae, but I think the teen angst really got in the way of that.
I did think the relationship that developed between Syl and Rouen was cute. It seemed a bit too possessive and insta-lovey for my taste, but I liked how they pushed each other to be stronger.
"They’re not my blood and they’re not perfect, but that’s okay.
Families never are."
I received a copy from Monster House Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
2.5/5
Moribund switches perspectives between Syl Skye, the fair Fae sleeper-princess and Rouen Rivoche, the dark Fae princess and huntress. The dark Fae world is dying and in order to save it, Rouen is sent to kill all the sleeper-princesses to power their hearthstone.
On the other hand, Syl is unaware of her being the sleeper-princess. Recently, her entire world had been turned upside-down. The people who she thought were her friends are now her bullies and she has to work to help her mom out.
One of my problems with Moribund is the writing style. The two perspectives were those of 16 year old girls, so I understand the more childish tones, but it was annoying to keep hearing Rouen call herself “emo” and Syl call herself a “whiny pants”. This book is like maximum teen angst if that’s what you’re looking for. I liked the concept and plot of the circuit fae, but I think the teen angst really got in the way of that.
I did think the relationship that developed between Syl and Rouen was cute. It seemed a bit too possessive and insta-lovey for my taste, but I liked how they pushed each other to be stronger.
"They’re not my blood and they’re not perfect, but that’s okay.
Families never are."
I received a copy from Monster House Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
themaliciousreader's review
3.0
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Moribund tells the story of Syl and Rouen. Syl is a simple sophomore in high school, except she got into an accident some weeks before the start of the story, which made her best friend turn on her somehow. She’s now a pariah at school.
Rouen is a dark fae, who is controlled by Agravaine, a meanie.
Though the world was pretty complex and original, I found it under explained and it felt like the whole setting part was rushed.
To me, the book started too fast, the connection between the main characters was too rushed, it felt like insta-love to me… I found their relationship very cliché even though it was F/F. I just couldn’t feel what the characters felt.
Speaking of the two main characters, they drove me crazy and I rolled my eyes so many times. I can’t even count the number of times Rouen called herself “emo”, which I found pretty weird at first but then, I just found it ridiculous I guess…
The side characters, Fiann and Agravaine were so cliché, I don’t even know where to start…
Thankfully, Syl’s mom, Georgina seemed pretty cool, I’m also curious about Lennon (a friend of Syl) who was pretty interesting.
So, even though I didn’t really like it and it took me a week to read, I’m still curious about the sequel and I might read it… Maybe.
Moribund tells the story of Syl and Rouen. Syl is a simple sophomore in high school, except she got into an accident some weeks before the start of the story, which made her best friend turn on her somehow. She’s now a pariah at school.
Rouen is a dark fae, who is controlled by Agravaine, a meanie.
Though the world was pretty complex and original, I found it under explained and it felt like the whole setting part was rushed.
To me, the book started too fast, the connection between the main characters was too rushed, it felt like insta-love to me… I found their relationship very cliché even though it was F/F. I just couldn’t feel what the characters felt.
Speaking of the two main characters, they drove me crazy and I rolled my eyes so many times. I can’t even count the number of times Rouen called herself “emo”, which I found pretty weird at first but then, I just found it ridiculous I guess…
The side characters, Fiann and Agravaine were so cliché, I don’t even know where to start…
Thankfully, Syl’s mom, Georgina seemed pretty cool, I’m also curious about Lennon (a friend of Syl) who was pretty interesting.
So, even though I didn’t really like it and it took me a week to read, I’m still curious about the sequel and I might read it… Maybe.
pixiejazz's review
5.0
Moribund is a fascinating new take on typical fae stories. I have to say, the synopsis is what sucked me in, and the cover is gorgeous, so I knew I had to read this book.
Moribund is the tale of a shy, geeky sixteen year old girl named Syl who discovers a secret she didn't know she had. A secret her mom has been keeping from her for her entire life. She's one of the Summer Fae's Sleeper princesses, although she has no idea what that means. At least not right away.
Euphoria, Syl's glam-Goth crush, also happens to have a secret. She's a Dark Fae, but oh, so much more than that. Exiled by the Dark Fae, Euphoria is forced to join forces with a horrible person who not only convinces her to do bad things, but infects her with evil magic that turns her into one of the Circuit Fae. He does this because he has plans for her; plans she wants nothing to do with. He also has other nefarious plans that make him pure evil.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were fun, unique, and adorable. I especially found Euphoria to be a great character. She may have drawn the short straw in life, but she didn't let that stop her from stepping outside of what she was expected to do/be/act like/etc.
I do wish there had been a little more world building when it came to the home of the Dark Fae. I was intrigued by Euphoria's original home, and I would've liked to have seen more detail with that. But hopefully there will be tons more in the sequel. I'm also curious about the Summer Fae world, and if that will play a part in Syl's life at all.
The plot of the story moves along at a decent pace, and there were times I found myself unable to put the book down, even though I knew I should so I could "adult" for a little while. That's how good it was. It sucked me in and didn't want to let go.
Overall, Moribund is an exciting, unique read that's LGBT friendly, but doesn't focus solely on that aspect. Nor is it a main plot point. At least not to me. Sure, both characters are crushing on each other, but their romance is sort of sidelined by everything else going on.
I highly recommend this book to fans of urban fantasy, fans of stories about fae, and fans of LGBT friendly fiction. I give Moribund 5 well-deserved stars!
Moribund is the tale of a shy, geeky sixteen year old girl named Syl who discovers a secret she didn't know she had. A secret her mom has been keeping from her for her entire life. She's one of the Summer Fae's Sleeper princesses, although she has no idea what that means. At least not right away.
Euphoria, Syl's glam-Goth crush, also happens to have a secret. She's a Dark Fae, but oh, so much more than that. Exiled by the Dark Fae, Euphoria is forced to join forces with a horrible person who not only convinces her to do bad things, but infects her with evil magic that turns her into one of the Circuit Fae. He does this because he has plans for her; plans she wants nothing to do with. He also has other nefarious plans that make him pure evil.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were fun, unique, and adorable. I especially found Euphoria to be a great character. She may have drawn the short straw in life, but she didn't let that stop her from stepping outside of what she was expected to do/be/act like/etc.
I do wish there had been a little more world building when it came to the home of the Dark Fae. I was intrigued by Euphoria's original home, and I would've liked to have seen more detail with that. But hopefully there will be tons more in the sequel. I'm also curious about the Summer Fae world, and if that will play a part in Syl's life at all.
The plot of the story moves along at a decent pace, and there were times I found myself unable to put the book down, even though I knew I should so I could "adult" for a little while. That's how good it was. It sucked me in and didn't want to let go.
Overall, Moribund is an exciting, unique read that's LGBT friendly, but doesn't focus solely on that aspect. Nor is it a main plot point. At least not to me. Sure, both characters are crushing on each other, but their romance is sort of sidelined by everything else going on.
I highly recommend this book to fans of urban fantasy, fans of stories about fae, and fans of LGBT friendly fiction. I give Moribund 5 well-deserved stars!
iceprime5's review
5.0
I love this series! I'm usually not into urban fantasy but I got this book when it was free because I wanted to try a new fantasy series. I ended up purchasing the other books in the series before finishing the first five chapters.
In this book, Rouen and Syl deal with figuring out their feelings for each other while Rouen is under a Contract of Blood and Bone to kill all fair Fae princesses. The problem? Syl is the last fair Fae princess. I love the tension this creates between the two. Rouen tries her best to protect Syl but at the end of the day, when Agravaine uses her true name, she has to obey the Contract. That puts Syl in a lot of danger because she just found out she's a Fae princess and doesn't have full control of her powers.
The dialog is witty and I laughed out loud several times. It was difficult to put this book down. I stayed up late because I needed to know how Rouen and Syl got out of trouble. The story moves quickly and the action scenes are amazing.
Most of the story takes place in Virginia but you get a glimpse of the dark and fair Fae worlds (you learn a lot more about these worlds in the later books).
In this book, Rouen and Syl deal with figuring out their feelings for each other while Rouen is under a Contract of Blood and Bone to kill all fair Fae princesses. The problem? Syl is the last fair Fae princess. I love the tension this creates between the two. Rouen tries her best to protect Syl but at the end of the day, when Agravaine uses her true name, she has to obey the Contract. That puts Syl in a lot of danger because she just found out she's a Fae princess and doesn't have full control of her powers.
The dialog is witty and I laughed out loud several times. It was difficult to put this book down. I stayed up late because I needed to know how Rouen and Syl got out of trouble. The story moves quickly and the action scenes are amazing.
Most of the story takes place in Virginia but you get a glimpse of the dark and fair Fae worlds (you learn a lot more about these worlds in the later books).
jorammii's review
2.0
Lesbian faeries restoring the balance in the fae world while falling in love. I definitely wanted to love this, but its cliche and repetitive, “not-your-average-girl” sarcasm from both perspectives got old fast. Only good thing was two girls crushing on each other. I think this is a book I would have enjoyed in middle school because of the unique magic-world building and the romance, but there are so many small things (like micro-aggressions) that I cannot get past.
Rating: 2.5/5
What I liked:
-Two girls unapologetically falling in insta-love. I don’t like insta-love (at all), but it’s very very refreshing to see two girls doing it. The absolute best part was two disparate girls dealing with the romance even when they weren’t accepted.
What I didn’t like:
-Syl and Euphoria sound like exactly the same person. Their first person perspectives only differ in the background knowledge.
-I detest girl-on-girl petty hate. I don’t think it’s good to write stories about girls putting each other down or about girls bullying each other. I especially don’t think it’s a good idea to write about girls putting each other down because of money or sexual orientation. Even more when these stories don’t have enough undercurrent or substance or real motive for bullying. It’s true that sometimes bullying just happens because people believe they’re superior than others, and that girls can be just as heartless and cruel while others go along with it to avoid confrontation. But I would have liked better conflict than the stereotypical rich girl bullies the pretty, poor, smart, witty and somehow-better girl.
-This book doesn’t do a good job at really bringing in diverse aspects. Syl’s family loses their money and they move to poorer section of town which she calls “slums” even though by her description they are no where near as close to poverty to describe it like that. Although the book tried to include racial diversity, there were several supportive characters that had ethnic-sounding names, they had no substance and no real characteristics. They weren’t even described beyond their names. The one who had the most characterization was Lennon and she was definitely stereotyped as the pretty, nice, demure East Asian. There’s also a slew of micro-aggressions and appropriations throughout the book: from calling characters “exotic” to mixing up different cultures to fit the punchlines. There’s also a ton of ableism that comes from the moribund literally taking limbs.
Rating: 2.5/5
What I liked:
-Two girls unapologetically falling in insta-love. I don’t like insta-love (at all), but it’s very very refreshing to see two girls doing it. The absolute best part was two disparate girls dealing with the romance even when they weren’t accepted.
What I didn’t like:
-Syl and Euphoria sound like exactly the same person. Their first person perspectives only differ in the background knowledge.
-I detest girl-on-girl petty hate. I don’t think it’s good to write stories about girls putting each other down or about girls bullying each other. I especially don’t think it’s a good idea to write about girls putting each other down because of money or sexual orientation. Even more when these stories don’t have enough undercurrent or substance or real motive for bullying. It’s true that sometimes bullying just happens because people believe they’re superior than others, and that girls can be just as heartless and cruel while others go along with it to avoid confrontation. But I would have liked better conflict than the stereotypical rich girl bullies the pretty, poor, smart, witty and somehow-better girl.
-This book doesn’t do a good job at really bringing in diverse aspects. Syl’s family loses their money and they move to poorer section of town which she calls “slums” even though by her description they are no where near as close to poverty to describe it like that. Although the book tried to include racial diversity, there were several supportive characters that had ethnic-sounding names, they had no substance and no real characteristics. They weren’t even described beyond their names. The one who had the most characterization was Lennon and she was definitely stereotyped as the pretty, nice, demure East Asian. There’s also a slew of micro-aggressions and appropriations throughout the book: from calling characters “exotic” to mixing up different cultures to fit the punchlines. There’s also a ton of ableism that comes from the moribund literally taking limbs.
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