The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
shaylac's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I'm a little underwhelmed to say the least.
After finishing the first book in the series I was excited to start the second book to get a more in-depth look at some of the characters but it felt like it was a bit lackluster. There wasn't much plot or character building in this book, granted there were a lot of things that happened throughout the book. It almost felt as though there were too many issues instead of the characters having to focus on one or two; as a reader there wasn't a main focal point as it almost felt chaotic.
To be fair, there were a lot of twists and turns that you would have or not have picked up hints on throughout the book. There's also a good amount of spice that was included, which I think we're all here for 😉
After finishing the first book in the series I was excited to start the second book to get a more in-depth look at some of the characters but it felt like it was a bit lackluster. There wasn't much plot or character building in this book, granted there were a lot of things that happened throughout the book. It almost felt as though there were too many issues instead of the characters having to focus on one or two; as a reader there wasn't a main focal point as it almost felt chaotic.
To be fair, there were a lot of twists and turns that you would have or not have picked up hints on throughout the book. There's also a good amount of spice that was included, which I think we're all here for 😉
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Death, Gore, and Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual assault, Grief, and Rape
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, War, and Pregnancy
billies_not_so_secret_diary's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Queen of Myth and Monsters
by Scarlett St. Clair
Adrian X Isolde #2
Fantasy Porn
Hoopla
Ages: 21+
The second (and not last) book of the series picks up where the first left off, Isolde trying to find her place as Queen, among the politics and hatred. There are those who want to see her dead because Adrian would rather be in her bed than be king.
While the author tried to pretend to keep up with the plot that I was interested in, which is why I read this one, she failed big time! because she was more worried about the porn every sixth page, (to go on for at least seven) than the characters and what their and their country's/people's struggles were. Out of the 400 and some odd pages, maybe 300 was storyline, and most of it wasn't detailed. A major 'change' in this story was buried under porn, which I skipped over, so there were no 'emotions' to go with it.Â
This is porn not romance! When the f-word is used, (in just about every 'scene'), to me that is not romance, it's degrading. And I feel that whoever is saying this word, is only a couple of steps from taking what they want, forcefully if necessary, and to me that is porn. If my man said that to me, I would walk, maybe even run away. That can be a scary word because it can be associated with violence, so it's not romantic.
As for the book's title, I have no clue what the author was trying to hint at. The creatures, those she rules in Adrian's kingdom and her own, while most could be considered monsters, both human and 'creatures', they are real in this world, not myths.Â
It was a very boring read because there failed to be a plot or any reasons to care for the characters.Â
Of course, it's a major cliffhanger, but I'm not hanging around for the next book.Â
1 Star
by Scarlett St. Clair
Adrian X Isolde #2
Fantasy Porn
Hoopla
Ages: 21+
The second (and not last) book of the series picks up where the first left off, Isolde trying to find her place as Queen, among the politics and hatred. There are those who want to see her dead because Adrian would rather be in her bed than be king.
While the author tried to pretend to keep up with the plot that I was interested in, which is why I read this one, she failed big time! because she was more worried about the porn every sixth page, (to go on for at least seven) than the characters and what their and their country's/people's struggles were. Out of the 400 and some odd pages, maybe 300 was storyline, and most of it wasn't detailed. A major 'change' in this story was buried under porn, which I skipped over, so there were no 'emotions' to go with it.Â
This is porn not romance! When the f-word is used, (in just about every 'scene'), to me that is not romance, it's degrading. And I feel that whoever is saying this word, is only a couple of steps from taking what they want, forcefully if necessary, and to me that is porn. If my man said that to me, I would walk, maybe even run away. That can be a scary word because it can be associated with violence, so it's not romantic.
As for the book's title, I have no clue what the author was trying to hint at. The creatures, those she rules in Adrian's kingdom and her own, while most could be considered monsters, both human and 'creatures', they are real in this world, not myths.Â
It was a very boring read because there failed to be a plot or any reasons to care for the characters.Â
Of course, it's a major cliffhanger, but I'm not hanging around for the next book.Â
1 Star
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Bullying, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship
gattolinos_nerdy_nook's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Whilst I didn't like this book as much as the first one I still think it was good and eventually found it's foot towards the last half.
The lore and world building for this series is still very well done in my opinion. We keep learning more history and why certain things are the way they are in their current timeline compared to the past. I think a lot of the secondary characters really pulled the story along and kept it going since Isolde and Adrian were not a highlight this book. The plot of the book was also lackluster but did at least build to a hopefully a more interesting third book.
The real issue I had with this story was Isolde and Adrian and their relationship. It felt very toxic on both sides, a lot of their actions didn't feel like they matched their characters at all. The book bought up so many issues between them and then made waved it away with sex between them.ÂIn particular I felt that Isolde was abusive towards Adrian. She would yell and event hit him at times when she was angry at something Adrian did and never apologised for her actions whilst whenever Adrian was in the wrong he at least apologised eventually and in character. Adrian on the other hand doesn't feel like he understand that Isolde is not her past life at all despite what he says. It's not even a struggle that we really see play out and that he comes to terms with, this is a words don't match actions issue. I didn't feel like he loved Isolde at all but only what she was in the past and keeps comparing the two. Â
Event after everything I will still read the third book and see if any of the build up pays off and hopefully there are some much needed improvements.
The lore and world building for this series is still very well done in my opinion. We keep learning more history and why certain things are the way they are in their current timeline compared to the past. I think a lot of the secondary characters really pulled the story along and kept it going since Isolde and Adrian were not a highlight this book. The plot of the book was also lackluster but did at least build to a hopefully a more interesting third book.
The real issue I had with this story was Isolde and Adrian and their relationship. It felt very toxic on both sides, a lot of their actions didn't feel like they matched their characters at all. The book bought up so many issues between them and then made waved it away with sex between them.Â
Event after everything I will still read the third book and see if any of the build up pays off and hopefully there are some much needed improvements.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Blood, War, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Religious bigotry and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
brichneyfloss's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Sexual content, Murder, and War
kbz_22's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Queen of Myth and Monsters by Scarlett St. Clair is a book that left me with mixed feelings. While it had its moments, there were certain aspects of the story that hindered my overall enjoyment.
One of the main issues I encountered was the shallow and emotionally toxic nature of the relationship between the main characters. Their connection lacked depth, and their interactions often felt forced and contrived. This left me craving more substance and genuine emotion in their bond.
However, what intrigued me more were the plotlines of the minor characters. They provided a refreshing change of pace and added depth to the overall narrative. I found myself more invested in their stories, hoping for further exploration and development.
Towards the end of the book, the story does pick up and improve significantly. The pacing becomes more engaging, and the plot twists add an element of surprise. Despite this improvement, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed by the earlier sections of the book, where the main characters’ relationship dominated the narrative.
One of the main issues I encountered was the shallow and emotionally toxic nature of the relationship between the main characters. Their connection lacked depth, and their interactions often felt forced and contrived. This left me craving more substance and genuine emotion in their bond.
However, what intrigued me more were the plotlines of the minor characters. They provided a refreshing change of pace and added depth to the overall narrative. I found myself more invested in their stories, hoping for further exploration and development.
Towards the end of the book, the story does pick up and improve significantly. The pacing becomes more engaging, and the plot twists add an element of surprise. Despite this improvement, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed by the earlier sections of the book, where the main characters’ relationship dominated the narrative.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Rape, Violence, and Sexual content
thestickwitch's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
For me this was more of a back story book that really got you connected with the characters and their traumas with some sprinkles of happy moments and spicy scenes. While also showcasing how the character navigate through the traumas even in times of strife. I will be waiting in anticipation for book 3.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Grief, Miscarriage, Murder, Pandemic/Epidemic, Rape, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Torture, War, Body horror, Child death, Colonisation, Cursing, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Blood, Death, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, and Vomit
julienicole1106's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Grief, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Child death, Cursing, Death of parent, Sexual content, Alcohol, Animal death, Sexual assault, Blood, Death, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, War, Pregnancy, Rape, and Toxic friendship
courtofvalkyrie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Blood, and Violence
zimmerlemon's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
3.5
Not sure how to feel. I definitely liked the first book better. This one falls into a lot of the classic traps of fantasy sequels where there is just a LOT going on, a few too many twists and turns, a lot to keep up with…and it just loses its center a bit. I’ll definitely read the next book whenever it comes out because I’m attached enough to the characters that I’m really curious what will happen, but oof.Â
Also be warned this one is MUCH darker than the first. It’s honestly so dark that then the spice just feels like an intrusion/inconsistent with the rest of the plot and mood.Â
Also be warned this one is MUCH darker than the first. It’s honestly so dark that then the spice just feels like an intrusion/inconsistent with the rest of the plot and mood.Â
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Gore, Sexual content, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual violence
annejalinah_jackson's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Abandonment, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, and Death
Minor: Infertility, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Animal death, Miscarriage, Vomit, Grief, and Death of parent