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emeraldrina's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed the world building and magic system. The mystery about the family heritage is interesting enough to make me want to read more. Although I figured out both “twists” before they were revealed, there were enough questions about them that the reveals were still intriguing.
The romance was the weakest part for me. Especially given the twist, it makes little sense to me how they fell in love so fast. And there are several points where Gemma is way too instantly forgiving. It felt like there was conflict stirred up then rapidly waved aside. Talan is also a bit bland, weirdly. He should be the most flawed and contradictory character, but instead he’s just whatever Gemma needs him to be. More real flaws and conflict would’ve made the romance more believable and interesting.
Graphic: Chronic illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, and Violence
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
the_dana's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, and Sexual content
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
nukie19's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Narration from Evelyn Rose was excellent. She was wonderful to listen to and I appreciated her subtle changes for each character.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an audiobook ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Graphic: Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Alcohol
lizgriffinwords's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
3.5
I think this book successfully accomplished what it set out to accomplish / what it promised readers. ACOTAR comp. “Bridgerton with magic” in terms of prolific smut and regency-ish vibes. I’d go so far as to say From Blood and Ash, but with better worldbuilding and characters.
The problem is, NONE of the comps in that prior paragraph are my cup of tea, at all. So I am wildly not the target audience.
I did appreciate the main character’s struggles with chronic illness, panic attacks, and other mental health challenges. CW for suicidal thoughts.
If you’re not deterred by insta-lust and like your fantasy romance heavily peppered with spice, you might this one. I’m curious to see which of the other sisters the second book centers on — because neither of them seem as sex-obsessed as Gemma.
Graphic: Chronic illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Abandonment
Minor: Death
taryn_g's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Chronic illness, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content, Blood, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Child abuse, Grief, Medical trauma, and Abandonment