fairyelle's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
It’s so much better than the last two, way more interesting. We might actually have a plot believe it or not—though there was many long lulls where I was questioning why I thought this book was better, questioning why I was even reading it in the first place and then it picked back up again eventually. Honestly, I think my rating is still far too high because the writing is still not great (though I’d argue it’s gotten better) and the continuity errors prevalent to me as well. There’s also so much wrong with the plot—for example, I literally don’t have a clue as to what the resistance actual plan is?! And it’s not like a mysterious thing that you have to wait for but rather like Bree just didn’t care to share. I’m assuming that part just wasn’t fleshed out. I genuinely don’t know what they’re fighting for. They said something about eliminating all the non-gifted people, yet all I’ve see them do is capture, kill, and torture the gifted—in addition to “brainwashing” them which is literally not explained either?!
On top of this we lack a plot because the bond group is annoying asf and won’t allow Oli to do anything that a normal adult should be able to do.
So we’re stuck without a plan, without a plot, without (very) necessary character development and with our FMC having all her agency taken away. We can’t just have big reveals like the one at the end without a properly executed storyline and it’s a damn shame how good this series COULD be.
The characters are flat too, they do nothing but infuriate me. There’s a serious lack of emotional depth and character development on top of a lack of plot. I do think I do actually believe JBree is simply winging it after the initial Broken Bonds storyline.
This series just reminds me of the way I felt about the Red Queen series—hating it in a sorta loving way? love is a strong word for what I feel though lmao.
I’ve contemplated DNF-ing the series too many times to count but something is holding me against my will with a gun to my head. If the next book isn’t any better and just remains like the other three, I’ll just have to DNF it. Also, hate giving not so good reviews. But I feel it needs to be said as constructive criticism for J. Bree—I’m extremely easy to please so if I have criticisms then it’s something worth considering.
And hey, if you love this book/series I am by no means trying to tear down a book you enjoy (I’m sorta enjoying it too in the most minimal way possible, I guess? I do very much wish I could be in your shoes because I find it not fun for me to verbally destroy people’s writing.
On top of this we lack a plot because the bond group is annoying asf and won’t allow Oli to do anything that a normal adult should be able to do.
So we’re stuck without a plan, without a plot, without (very) necessary character development and with our FMC having all her agency taken away. We can’t just have big reveals like the one at the end without a properly executed storyline and it’s a damn shame how good this series COULD be.
The characters are flat too, they do nothing but infuriate me. There’s a serious lack of emotional depth and character development on top of a lack of plot. I do think I do actually believe JBree is simply winging it after the initial Broken Bonds storyline.
This series just reminds me of the way I felt about the Red Queen series—hating it in a sorta loving way? love is a strong word for what I feel though lmao.
I’ve contemplated DNF-ing the series too many times to count but something is holding me against my will with a gun to my head. If the next book isn’t any better and just remains like the other three, I’ll just have to DNF it. Also, hate giving not so good reviews. But I feel it needs to be said as constructive criticism for J. Bree—I’m extremely easy to please so if I have criticisms then it’s something worth considering.
And hey, if you love this book/series I am by no means trying to tear down a book you enjoy (I’m sorta enjoying it too in the most minimal way possible, I guess? I do very much wish I could be in your shoes because I find it not fun for me to verbally destroy people’s writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Violence, Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Cursing, Sexual content, and Confinement
Moderate: Blood, Murder, and Torture
There is lots of spice that you I didn’t need and if you somehow don’t know this, it is reverse haremamberandthings's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Sexual assault, and Torture
Minor: Death and Kidnapping
writingcaia's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
3.0
It’s still a bit crazy there’re so many gifted people to kill, and they never seem to end.
At this point, I’m wondering what more can the resistance pull off.
I cared a bit less about this one since Atlas isn’t my favourite bond, although I do like sweet Gabe, but this one was bit repetitive. And, I’m still not overly fond of Ollie.
At this point, I’m wondering what more can the resistance pull off.
I cared a bit less about this one since Atlas isn’t my favourite bond, although I do like sweet Gabe, but this one was bit repetitive. And, I’m still not overly fond of Ollie.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Sexual content, Murder, and Death
wellreadandhalfdead'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Child death, Domestic abuse, Cursing, Gun violence, and Child abuse
Minor: Rape
charhollyx's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I’m obsessed with this series.
Though there were some slow bits, I found the characters that entertaining that I didn’t find myself bored or wanting to put the book down.
And THAT ENDING? I’m so keen to start book four immediately even though I should be sleeping rn…
Though there were some slow bits, I found the characters that entertaining that I didn’t find myself bored or wanting to put the book down.
And THAT ENDING? I’m so keen to start book four immediately even though I should be sleeping rn…
Spoiler
Im so glad she finally bonded with Atlas, and that threesome, good literature👀
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
booktrovertreader's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture and Sexual content
catladymeg's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture and Violence
Minor: Gun violence
koistyfishy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.5
4.5 Void Eye Stars ⭐
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️/5
These books are becoming too serious, we only had 260 fucks...where are the 466 like Book 1???
This book and its brilliance can be summarised into 3 words... North "FUCKING" Draven!!!!
There is something about a domineering, possessive, rich, gorgeous, overprotective, sophisticated asshole that my brain just turns into mushy peas. EVEN when the man does absolutely nothing extraordinary. JUST OH MY GOD were my insides squealing and squirming every time that man came on page! He could literally say the most unflattering and unsexiest thing alive and I'd still have hearts in my eyes.
So I am not going to repeat my complaints about these books, because I was vocal about them in my previous reviews - and they are still very very present in this instalment . These books are not perfect. There hasn't been some you know, miraculous epiphany (or rewrite of the entire style) to make those horrible annoying things go away. So if you want more details into the shit that annoyed me you can read my reviews from book 1 and book 2.
The main issue I have with this book is the story is starting to feel quite repetitive. It seems to have lost "something" as everything that caused angst, drama or shocks almost seems to have happened in some shape or form in book 1/2 and we are following the same rinse-and-repeat shampoo and conditioner cycle. A LOT of this book could have been skipped or skimmed and you wouldn't miss much...The ending cliffhanger though - that's still a bitch and the worst one yet!
I don't want it to seem like I was super annoyed with the book as there were aspects I loved... North Draven, North Draven, North Draven, North "FUCKING" Draven!!!! BUT we see a little bit more into the bond system and how sentient the "bonds" actually are, especially for some people. There is a little bit more added to the dynamic of bonds and bonded people and there is a lot of character development that happens. Except for Nox...He is still a sexy enigma. The men also now know almost everything that happened with Oli and her motivation for her choices in the past and this does change how some of them act towards her.
I also enjoyed that we do get a couple more POVs added into the story. We have some chapters from the men's point of view, which was a nice touch to be out of Oli's head all the time, and we finally meet themonster bond...
Overall this was still an enjoyable read. I loved this and I inhaled it because it's literary crack...
Also North Draven has also introduced my new favourite trope that I didn't know I needed in my life. Shadow Bondage...now that I have discovered how my brain melts for it...I NEED IT WITH RABID URGENCY! If you know about any books where you know shadows are used as restraints... Hook a girl up cause apparently my brain can't get enough...
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️/5
These books are becoming too serious, we only had 260 fucks...where are the 466 like Book 1???
This book and its brilliance can be summarised into 3 words... North "FUCKING" Draven!!!!
There is something about a domineering, possessive, rich, gorgeous, overprotective, sophisticated asshole that my brain just turns into mushy peas. EVEN when the man does absolutely nothing extraordinary. JUST OH MY GOD were my insides squealing and squirming every time that man came on page! He could literally say the most unflattering and unsexiest thing alive and I'd still have hearts in my eyes.
So I am not going to repeat my complaints about these books, because I was vocal about them in my previous reviews - and they are still very very present in this instalment . These books are not perfect. There hasn't been some you know, miraculous epiphany (or rewrite of the entire style) to make those horrible annoying things go away. So if you want more details into the shit that annoyed me you can read my reviews from book 1 and book 2.
The main issue I have with this book is the story is starting to feel quite repetitive. It seems to have lost "something" as everything that caused angst, drama or shocks almost seems to have happened in some shape or form in book 1/2 and we are following the same rinse-and-repeat shampoo and conditioner cycle. A LOT of this book could have been skipped or skimmed and you wouldn't miss much...The ending cliffhanger though - that's still a bitch and the worst one yet!
I don't want it to seem like I was super annoyed with the book as there were aspects I loved... North Draven, North Draven, North Draven, North "FUCKING" Draven!!!! BUT we see a little bit more into the bond system and how sentient the "bonds" actually are, especially for some people. There is a little bit more added to the dynamic of bonds and bonded people and there is a lot of character development that happens. Except for Nox...He is still a sexy enigma. The men also now know almost everything that happened with Oli and her motivation for her choices in the past and this does change how some of them act towards her.
I also enjoyed that we do get a couple more POVs added into the story. We have some chapters from the men's point of view, which was a nice touch to be out of Oli's head all the time, and we finally meet the
Overall this was still an enjoyable read. I loved this and I inhaled it because it's literary crack...
Also North Draven has also introduced my new favourite trope that I didn't know I needed in my life. Shadow Bondage...now that I have discovered how my brain melts for it...I NEED IT WITH RABID URGENCY! If you know about any books where you know shadows are used as restraints... Hook a girl up cause apparently my brain can't get enough...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, and Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, War, Kidnapping, and Sexual assault
Minor: Child death, Domestic abuse, and Child abuse
emwith's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Torture
Moderate: Violence and Sexual assault
Minor: Rape, Toxic relationship, and Vomit
nikitanavalkar's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
5.0
Saying it now, there might be some spoilers here because I am feeling slightly untethered after my world was just tilted on its axis after that absolute what-the-fuck ending. Okay not mine, but my favorite Bond group’s so it’s one and the same. I refuse to accept what just happened without a good explanation. I shouldn’t even be that stressed about this coz the series is complete and I can just go read the next book soonish but I literally can’t read these fast enough you guys. I want to set aside everything and swallow them whole.
Okay Imma stop being a drama queen (lol no) and get on with it. If I thought there was action before, I was clearly wilding, because EVERYTHING happened in this book; recovery from the last book’s trauma, fun times, sexy times, swoony times, more trauma, and I now can’t breathe from all this stress. Speaking of the fun sexy times, the chili in this book was rather delightfully unexpected and HOT. Even if it’s still a very small part of the book. Especially what happens in first half, to keep it deliberately vague. There was also a 🌶️ part I could not care less about but that was for plot so it’s fine. People are going to guess at this point what makes me salty 😂
Post book 3 character updates:
Atlas: firmly still bottom of my list even though he’s mildly interesting now that he has more darkness and a story. He says some swoony things but I still don’t give two 💩 about him. It’s too late for us
Gabe: poor baby so obedient and patient but did not have much going on this time around so at this point I also don’t care much about him. He feels like the baby of the group though so I’m glad their relationship is taking time to develop.
Sorry y’all, Gabe and Atlas just seem incidental to this group, but I don’t care coz I can’t love ‘em all. Our girl Oli’s got this though.
Nox: we are both in a holding pattern when it comes to this bond, as well as getting a few more crumbs about his damage and triggers. Boy but it’s going to be devastating when we finally find out the fucked up past that fucked him up, and I’m both ready and not at all. But hey at least his bond and his creatures are trying and that somehow makes his relationship with Oli the purest? 🥹 For now I just enjoy him razzing on the other bond for being simps while his bond simps away in secret.
Gryphon: I put Gryph above Nox but they’re equal at this point and my guy is playing to win with his brain bending powers and filthy mouth and the random swoony shit he does, like being cheeky and supportive. And some serious coach daddy vibes. Well played, Shore.
North: Who was right about some grumpy uptight councilman being the daddiest, most jealous and protective and caretaking bond? This girl. From secretly ~pining~ to openly mother henning we’ve come a long way baby. Daddy is a SIMP y’all. I’m glad the others are around so she can breathe, but dark daddy sure came through with the shadows. And we all know shadow tentacles are the quickest way to my heart, and my parts. Wow I’m a hussy today, just like Oli’s bond.
Speaking of, my girl is still my favorite. And now that we’ve been so thoroughly introduced to her bond, I love it as much as I love her. More sentient and stronger than ever, it’s a haughty cocky demanding horny bitch, but no one can deny the God complex is valid. I love that it’s basically a less evil version of dementors. Really she’s the coolest. The bond. And Oli. Oli’s willingness to get shit done is one of my favorite things about her, and it’s more in play than ever. If not her, her bond’s got it. Want a morally grey anti heroine who will do what it takes to protect her own and get the urge to burn it all every once in a while? She’s your girl. She might be surrounded by testosterone-y alphas, but she’s the real top dog in this group and don’t you forget about it. You go my chaotic trauma baby! Every time we see more of her powers and what she does with them, it’s more exhilarating and super hot, and I would support all her wrongs tbh.
The bonds still bicker, their issues not all resolved, but they’ve learned to coexist so they can fight for the greater good, and well, keep Oli safe and happy. Their little non bond family is also growing and adorable, Kieran being the most impressive this time. These friendships make my heart full, climactic events of this book notwithstanding. And I would like to speak to the manager about that ending, because it’s left me questioning everything.
Okay Imma stop being a drama queen (lol no) and get on with it. If I thought there was action before, I was clearly wilding, because EVERYTHING happened in this book; recovery from the last book’s trauma, fun times, sexy times, swoony times, more trauma, and I now can’t breathe from all this stress. Speaking of the fun sexy times, the chili in this book was rather delightfully unexpected and HOT. Even if it’s still a very small part of the book. Especially what happens in first half, to keep it deliberately vague. There was also a 🌶️ part I could not care less about but that was for plot so it’s fine. People are going to guess at this point what makes me salty 😂
Post book 3 character updates:
Atlas: firmly still bottom of my list even though he’s mildly interesting now that he has more darkness and a story. He says some swoony things but I still don’t give two 💩 about him. It’s too late for us
Gabe: poor baby so obedient and patient but did not have much going on this time around so at this point I also don’t care much about him. He feels like the baby of the group though so I’m glad their relationship is taking time to develop.
Sorry y’all, Gabe and Atlas just seem incidental to this group, but I don’t care coz I can’t love ‘em all. Our girl Oli’s got this though.
Nox: we are both in a holding pattern when it comes to this bond, as well as getting a few more crumbs about his damage and triggers. Boy but it’s going to be devastating when we finally find out the fucked up past that fucked him up, and I’m both ready and not at all. But hey at least his bond and his creatures are trying and that somehow makes his relationship with Oli the purest? 🥹 For now I just enjoy him razzing on the other bond for being simps while his bond simps away in secret.
Gryphon: I put Gryph above Nox but they’re equal at this point and my guy is playing to win with his brain bending powers and filthy mouth and the random swoony shit he does, like being cheeky and supportive. And some serious coach daddy vibes. Well played, Shore.
North: Who was right about some grumpy uptight councilman being the daddiest, most jealous and protective and caretaking bond? This girl. From secretly ~pining~ to openly mother henning we’ve come a long way baby. Daddy is a SIMP y’all. I’m glad the others are around so she can breathe, but dark daddy sure came through with the shadows. And we all know shadow tentacles are the quickest way to my heart, and my parts. Wow I’m a hussy today, just like Oli’s bond.
Speaking of, my girl is still my favorite. And now that we’ve been so thoroughly introduced to her bond, I love it as much as I love her. More sentient and stronger than ever, it’s a haughty cocky demanding horny bitch, but no one can deny the God complex is valid. I love that it’s basically a less evil version of dementors. Really she’s the coolest. The bond. And Oli. Oli’s willingness to get shit done is one of my favorite things about her, and it’s more in play than ever. If not her, her bond’s got it. Want a morally grey anti heroine who will do what it takes to protect her own and get the urge to burn it all every once in a while? She’s your girl. She might be surrounded by testosterone-y alphas, but she’s the real top dog in this group and don’t you forget about it. You go my chaotic trauma baby! Every time we see more of her powers and what she does with them, it’s more exhilarating and super hot, and I would support all her wrongs tbh.
The bonds still bicker, their issues not all resolved, but they’ve learned to coexist so they can fight for the greater good, and well, keep Oli safe and happy. Their little non bond family is also growing and adorable, Kieran being the most impressive this time. These friendships make my heart full, climactic events of this book notwithstanding. And I would like to speak to the manager about that ending, because it’s left me questioning everything.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, and Murder