Scan barcode
cmm9489's review against another edition
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
thymeslyp's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
This book could have been good but the FMC ruins it. Not an AOTAR vibe in sight (not a bad thing)
Interesting world, intriguing MMC, a decent plot, and an interesting if impractical magic system. All of it ruined by a bombastic emotionally abusive FMC.
The way the FMC bounces from aroused or trying to be understanding to a full on tantrum/meltdown was triggering for me as someone who lived with a bi-polar parent. It was like watching a hormonal pre-teen in action and nearly made me dnf the book more than once. The shouting, yelling, shrieking, and endless synonyms for those actions was too much for me.
The way the FMC pouted/trantrumed/was physically violent everytime the MMC didn’t respond the exact way she wanted him to was TOXIC and if it had been an MMC doing those actions no one would be cutting him slack.
Interesting world, intriguing MMC, a decent plot, and an interesting if impractical magic system. All of it ruined by a bombastic emotionally abusive FMC.
The way the FMC bounces from aroused or trying to be understanding to a full on tantrum/meltdown was triggering for me as someone who lived with a bi-polar parent. It was like watching a hormonal pre-teen in action and nearly made me dnf the book more than once. The shouting, yelling, shrieking, and endless synonyms for those actions was too much for me.
The way the FMC pouted/trantrumed/was physically violent everytime the MMC didn’t respond the exact way she wanted him to was TOXIC and if it had been an MMC doing those actions no one would be cutting him slack.
mel_bougie's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kzjones's review against another edition
3.0
I’m so torn between giving this a strong 3.5 or a weaker 4, so we’re opting for 3.5 with hope for the next books in the series - because overall, I really did enjoy it!
The story takes off IMMEDIATELY - so fast, in fact, that it almost feels like you missed a chapter or three somewhere along the way. Initially, it was a nice change from the extensive world building that usually comes with this type of book (especially if you hate the usually 80/20 split in first novels in a series) but by the middle of the story it brought up some question marks. It leaves the book feeling incomplete.
The magic system is SO unique and fun. Do we completely understand it? No. Another downside if of the lack of world building.
Despite being thrown into the middle of much of the story, Creon’s character was steadily developed throughout the story and might be a new favourite.
I was surprised to find myself teary at least twice during this read, which hasn’t really happened with a fae dark romance since ACOTAR - postpartum hormones? You decide - but I was clearly invested, which is why 3 ⭐️ seems unfair; but the lack of world development really has me thrown, and I truly hate the title of the book because I don’t feel like it reflects the core of the story that was told at all.
Plus I’m not entirely sure it’s believable that you’d be quite so snarky so fast to someone called the Silent Desth that you’d be told your whole life was going to flay you, but the Aries in me wasn’t exactly mad about it.
The story takes off IMMEDIATELY - so fast, in fact, that it almost feels like you missed a chapter or three somewhere along the way. Initially, it was a nice change from the extensive world building that usually comes with this type of book (especially if you hate the usually 80/20 split in first novels in a series) but by the middle of the story it brought up some question marks. It leaves the book feeling incomplete.
The magic system is SO unique and fun. Do we completely understand it? No. Another downside if of the lack of world building.
Despite being thrown into the middle of much of the story, Creon’s character was steadily developed throughout the story and might be a new favourite.
I was surprised to find myself teary at least twice during this read, which hasn’t really happened with a fae dark romance since ACOTAR - postpartum hormones? You decide - but I was clearly invested, which is why 3 ⭐️ seems unfair; but the lack of world development really has me thrown, and I truly hate the title of the book because I don’t feel like it reflects the core of the story that was told at all.
Plus I’m not entirely sure it’s believable that you’d be quite so snarky so fast to someone called the Silent Desth that you’d be told your whole life was going to flay you, but the Aries in me wasn’t exactly mad about it.
s4r4hre4ds's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
5.0
lalaelisabeth's review against another edition
4.0
4 ⭐️
This was a delightful read! I squealed and giggled so many times from the tension and the banter - I absolutely loved it. This is definitely what the book did best. That, and the magic system; it was so unique and cool and I really hope we get to explore it even more in the next books.
I will say that the story was a bit slow and not a whole lot actually happened throughout which was especially obvious in the first half of the book. This is also when the characters were the most annoying. Especially Emelin..
But about half way through things started looking up. The characters were finally allowed to show their true colors a bit more and get through some actual development. And I was here for it. The amount of times I was kicking my feet and giggling like a silly little human (iykyk) should be illegal. And chapter 17..... Gods, my heart could not take it. The vulnerability, the confessions, the care. Ah! I died
This was a delightful read! I squealed and giggled so many times from the tension and the banter - I absolutely loved it. This is definitely what the book did best. That, and the magic system; it was so unique and cool and I really hope we get to explore it even more in the next books.
I will say that the story was a bit slow and not a whole lot actually happened throughout which was especially obvious in the first half of the book. This is also when the characters were the most annoying. Especially Emelin..
Spoiler
The fact that she trusts some creatures she JUST met with highly sensitive information that could get both her and Creon killed is just... insane to me. I couldn't help but sigh and shake my head at her stupidity a few times.But about half way through things started looking up. The characters were finally allowed to show their true colors a bit more and get through some actual development. And I was here for it. The amount of times I was kicking my feet and giggling like a silly little human (iykyk) should be illegal. And chapter 17..... Gods, my heart could not take it. The vulnerability, the confessions, the care. Ah! I died
taylordoran's review against another edition
5.0
Incredible. I loved this so much.
I'm shocked by how much I liked this book! It's perfect for those who love a morally grey man, fae court politics, a quest against evil and magical training.
Blurb: "When the empire’s deadliest fae murderer catches her wielding forbidden magic, twenty-year-old Emelin believes her hour has come. Instead, her captor spares her life and takes her to the Crimson Court, where the Mother of faekind has ruled unchallenged over fae and humans for decades. The Silent Death is supposed to be the Mother’s loyal servant, her invincible warrior, her ruthless, soulless killer. But in the shadows he is playing a game of his own, and he needs Emelin’s magic to win it."
First of all, the magic system is based off of colors. I thought that was unique and I am excited to learn more about the magic in the next books.
Although the male main character was magically mute, somehow there was still fun banter. The romance was a slow burn that felt earned. Fake situationship, reluctant allies and magic lessons - I'm all in!!
Check it out if you like:
Magical creatures
Completed series
Mute MMC, sign language
Enemies to lovers
Spice (2 open door scenes)
Reluctant allies
Single POV
Slow burn
Available on Kindle Unlimited. A perfect start to the series - onto book 2!
I'm shocked by how much I liked this book! It's perfect for those who love a morally grey man, fae court politics, a quest against evil and magical training.
Blurb: "When the empire’s deadliest fae murderer catches her wielding forbidden magic, twenty-year-old Emelin believes her hour has come. Instead, her captor spares her life and takes her to the Crimson Court, where the Mother of faekind has ruled unchallenged over fae and humans for decades. The Silent Death is supposed to be the Mother’s loyal servant, her invincible warrior, her ruthless, soulless killer. But in the shadows he is playing a game of his own, and he needs Emelin’s magic to win it."
First of all, the magic system is based off of colors. I thought that was unique and I am excited to learn more about the magic in the next books.
Although the male main character was magically mute, somehow there was still fun banter. The romance was a slow burn that felt earned. Fake situationship, reluctant allies and magic lessons - I'm all in!!
Check it out if you like:
Magical creatures
Completed series
Mute MMC, sign language
Enemies to lovers
Spice (2 open door scenes)
Reluctant allies
Single POV
Slow burn
Available on Kindle Unlimited. A perfect start to the series - onto book 2!