km_reads_and_edits's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
"What is a queen without a king?"
"A dark, powerful creature with no man to temper her steel. You shall wield a sword as your crown, a whip as your jewels, and armor as your gown."
Ooft. I feel a bit bad giving Veins of Magic a 2.5 star rating, because I really like Emma Hamm's writing style and I cared about the two main characters, Sorcha and Eamonn. However, I found this second instalment a bit of a chore to get through for a few reasons:
1. Too much reliance on Deus ex Machina to solve plot problems. Literally. Gods or goddesses constantly appear out of nowhere and give Sorcha exactly what she needs in order to succeed. I can definitely overlook these kinds of "quick fix" plot techniques in a fantasy romance where the "fantasy" is really just a backdrop for a smutty, fluffy plotline. But Veins of Magic is not in that category and quite a bit of page time is dedicated to the "fantasy world" side of things, so I expected better.
2. It is a pet peeve of mine when protagonists acquire a new skill with no effort- especially when that skill is going to be pivotal in achieving their goals. Unfortunately, this happens in Veins of Magic.When things are simply "handed" to the MC because he/she is "special" or "chosen" or "not like the others", it undermines their victory because it feels unearned.
3. Act II was quite a bit of a mission to get through. Almost the entire middle of this novel was relatively uneventful and lacked tension. I also think it was a missed opportunity in terms of worldbuilding. Some of the lengthy conversations and angst might have been better spent delving into the various Fae races and cultures.
Despite having a few harsh criticisms, there were things about the book that I liked. I really did vibe with the final 30% of the book (Act III) and the fact that
If you liked Heart of the Fae then I would still recommend giving this second instalment a go. Especially if you aren't too nitpicky about quick fixes for plot problems (unfortunately as an editor, I can't help but nitpick them!).
In terms of whether or not I will read book 3 with the different POV characters and new love story? I probably will. I'll just need a little break first. Even though I didn't vibe with book 2, I liked book 1, so I am willing to give this series another chance with its next instalment. Also, I am really intrigued by the Unseelie court and I want to know more about it!
"A dark, powerful creature with no man to temper her steel. You shall wield a sword as your crown, a whip as your jewels, and armor as your gown."
Ooft. I feel a bit bad giving Veins of Magic a 2.5 star rating, because I really like Emma Hamm's writing style and I cared about the two main characters, Sorcha and Eamonn. However, I found this second instalment a bit of a chore to get through for a few reasons:
1. Too much reliance on Deus ex Machina to solve plot problems. Literally. Gods or goddesses constantly appear out of nowhere and give Sorcha exactly what she needs in order to succeed.
Spoiler
For example, Sorcha has no battle knowledge so to solve that, a goddess just shows up out of nowhere, touches her forehead, and give Sorcha battle knowledge.2. It is a pet peeve of mine when protagonists acquire a new skill with no effort- especially when that skill is going to be pivotal in achieving their goals. Unfortunately, this happens in Veins of Magic.
Spoiler
Once Sorcha's druid magic is awakened, she becomes virtually all-powerful with very little effort and no training.3. Act II was quite a bit of a mission to get through. Almost the entire middle of this novel was relatively uneventful and lacked tension. I also think it was a missed opportunity in terms of worldbuilding. Some of the lengthy conversations and angst might have been better spent delving into the various Fae races and cultures.
Spoiler
For example, I really enjoyed it when the Peat Fae arrived at the castle and I would have liked to see more of that kind of stuff over, say, chats with Oona in the kitchen. Sorry, Oona. ILY tho.Despite having a few harsh criticisms, there were things about the book that I liked. I really did vibe with the final 30% of the book (Act III) and the fact that
Spoiler
Sorcha had to fight the final battle as a fierce, independent woman who don't need no man. I dug that part.If you liked Heart of the Fae then I would still recommend giving this second instalment a go. Especially if you aren't too nitpicky about quick fixes for plot problems (unfortunately as an editor, I can't help but nitpick them!).
In terms of whether or not I will read book 3 with the different POV characters and new love story? I probably will. I'll just need a little break first. Even though I didn't vibe with book 2, I liked book 1, so I am willing to give this series another chance with its next instalment. Also, I am really intrigued by the Unseelie court and I want to know more about it!
Moderate: Classism and Slavery
Minor: Death, Pregnancy, and Violence
queenpebbles's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.75
Moderate: Grief, Death, Violence, Classism, and War
Minor: Pregnancy, Slavery, Body shaming, and Addiction
rachratesreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-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
Graphic: Medical content, Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: War
Minor: Slavery
caseygirlreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Although I really enjoyed finishing Sorcha and Eamonn's story it was a little disappointing.
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Sexual content
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Medical trauma, Pregnancy, and Violence
There is a war and plague so it can get a bit graphic at times.
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