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blewballoon's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
3.5
There's a lot of good stuff here, but I was also really frustrated. Starting with the good, I like the universe. I like the mix of magical races and a magical town. I liked that Mariel had friends and her friends seemed like decent people. I liked the plant magic Mariel specialized in. I liked Ozroth's descriptions of the demon plane and his upbringing. I thought the audiobook narrator did a good job with everything apart from the male character voices, I really think the book would have benefited from a male narrator for the sections from Ozroth's perspective.
Unfortunately, I did spend most of the book feeling exasperated. The cartoonish portrayal of Mariel's family, her mother in particular, made the entire character journeyof standing up to her family feel cheap and forced. The romance was okay most of the time, but became unstable in the later section of the book. The author seemed to condone Mariel's complete lack of faith in Ozroth and immediate acceptance that he would betray her, despite him having never given any evidence that he would do so and having always been honest with her. The book treats the physical and emotional pain he faces afterwards as justified, even when the misunderstanding is cleared up. I found most of the book predictable, but that doesn't tend to bother me unless things are so obvious that the characters look like idiots for not figuring it out themselves.
Unfortunately, I did spend most of the book feeling exasperated. The cartoonish portrayal of Mariel's family, her mother in particular, made the entire character journey
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
Minor: Animal death, Violence, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Gaslighting
carlyjoann's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This was a cute quick read that I really enjoyed! The mixing of the modern world with fantasy elements was fun. I liked the cast of characters and how the story unfolded, even if it was predictable. I really enjoyed Mariel and Oz together, they helped each other grow which made this such a good read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Toxic relationship with FMC parents, mother specificallylaureljeanreads's review against another edition
adventurous
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
3.75
I definitely enjoyed this but there were some moments that made me dissapointed in how the characters handled things, mostly around the big conflict between the 3 mcs. In my opinion for the big reaction from 1 of them there was not enough of an apology. It also glosses over how the FMCs friend is a judgemental a-hole at times.
That being said I really liked the world that was shown and how the magic is between the different characters and creatures. I will definitely be reading book 2.
That being said I really liked the world that was shown and how the magic is between the different characters and creatures. I will definitely be reading book 2.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
tbrsmasher's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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? It's complicated
3.0
Good book but wouldn’t read again. Not my style of book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
agador_spartacus's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Fake dating, forced proximity, and grump+sunshine tropes. A story of finding one’s own identity mixed with monster romance. Fantastic!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
teaand_tomes's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
A captivating and heartwarming book filled with humor, romance, and supernatural elements. The engaging characters, Mariel Spark and Ozroth the Ruthless, have electric chemistry and their evolving relationship is both charming and entertaining. The plot is well-paced and the world-building is vivid, making it easy to immerse in the story. The author, Sarah Hawley, has crafted a delightful narrative that is both emotionally resonant and frequently laugh-out-loud funny. Highly recommended for a delightful read.
🎧 Helen Laser's narration was exceptional, bringing characters to life with distinct voices and intonations, particularly excelling in her portrayal of female characters and posh accents for male characters like Oz and Astaroth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
mustbeelinda's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
tense
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
charlotter172's review against another edition
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.75
I loved this story, it was brilliant. The ending was really good and couldn't have finished in a better way.
I had tears while reading the part with the deal, but they were happy tears, impressed by the cleverness. I really loved the story and would recommend to anyone who wants a heartwarming story. One word of warning though: it's very horny, so maybe don't read it while you're out and about. Or do :)
I had tears while reading the part with the deal, but they were happy tears, impressed by the cleverness. I really loved the story and would recommend to anyone who wants a heartwarming story. One word of warning though: it's very horny, so maybe don't read it while you're out and about. Or do :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Physical abuse and Blood
beckyremillard's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
3.75
The author loves the word “askance”.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Fire/Fire injury, and Gaslighting
katherina_lei's review against another edition
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
4.0
Such a cute, cozy fantasy romance! Every time I picked up the book I really enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Sexual content