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sedaniels's review
5.0
This. Was. Fire.
I enjoyed the world-building smattered through the pages instead of just smashing me in the face and bogging me down with info dumping.
The beginning portion was solidly relationship driven.
I found Leo to be a bit of a marshmallow and I don't quite know if he was just playing at dub/con out of illegal intrigue or if it was actually part of him. I wanted him a bit harsher, but with Liv's delicate sort of personality, I don't think it would have worked as well as it did. They're both soft in their own ways.
Liv, well, I don't really know what to make of her. She's alright. She's not massively rebellious... or ridiculously stubborn. She does have a desire to please, which she discovered right quick. I think a bit more of praise would have done her well. She seemed to shine under those types of moments.
The second half, the relationship took a back seat sort of role. It segued into political intrigue, but the intimate scenes kept their fire. I do think they spouted off their "I love you" too soon, but it makes sense due to the chaos around them.
Liv's friend Hex... I hate her. I've never been fond of the overbearing, over the top, interfering, I just want what's best for you, type of best friend, and Hex is no different. I found her abrasive and obnoxious.
Overall, it's a really solid start to a series and I'm not going to pretend Adante, the wicked prince, doesn't intrigue me.
If relationship driven, magical worlds, with loads of steamy scenes, are your jam, you can't go wrong with this one.
I enjoyed the world-building smattered through the pages instead of just smashing me in the face and bogging me down with info dumping.
The beginning portion was solidly relationship driven.
I found Leo to be a bit of a marshmallow and I don't quite know if he was just playing at dub/con out of illegal intrigue or if it was actually part of him. I wanted him a bit harsher, but with Liv's delicate sort of personality, I don't think it would have worked as well as it did. They're both soft in their own ways.
Liv, well, I don't really know what to make of her. She's alright. She's not massively rebellious... or ridiculously stubborn. She does have a desire to please, which she discovered right quick. I think a bit more of praise would have done her well. She seemed to shine under those types of moments.
The second half, the relationship took a back seat sort of role. It segued into political intrigue, but the intimate scenes kept their fire. I do think they spouted off their "I love you" too soon, but it makes sense due to the chaos around them.
Liv's friend Hex... I hate her. I've never been fond of the overbearing, over the top, interfering, I just want what's best for you, type of best friend, and Hex is no different. I found her abrasive and obnoxious.
Overall, it's a really solid start to a series and I'm not going to pretend Adante, the wicked prince, doesn't intrigue me.
If relationship driven, magical worlds, with loads of steamy scenes, are your jam, you can't go wrong with this one.
silkears's review
5.0
Amazing story that seamlessly balances a plot line with smutty goodness.
While reading I often forgot this was a debut novel and not that of a well published author. Excellently written with no plot holes I can recount and nothing really stopping me throughout to question why characters are doing what their doing.
Would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy/sci-fi with a good plot and good smut sprinkled throughout.
I was provided a ARC but my opinions are my own.
While reading I often forgot this was a debut novel and not that of a well published author. Excellently written with no plot holes I can recount and nothing really stopping me throughout to question why characters are doing what their doing.
Would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy/sci-fi with a good plot and good smut sprinkled throughout.
I was provided a ARC but my opinions are my own.
niki_reads_romance's review
4.0
This book was everything I was not expecting and it was AMAZING! I consumed this book on my day off and I literally just couldn’t stop myself.
Livet Spencer is a non-mage in a world where mages rule supreme. She fights the oppression of those in power along with the help of a friend, Hex. Although, this does not end up working in their favor and both end up in front of the young, and strikingly handsome, Lord Commander Leopold Rahl as their judge and jury.
The relationship between Liv and Leo does not start out on the best foot. Leo is determined to shame her for her actions and put her on display for all to see as part of her punishment. At first, I wasn’t sure what to think of him. But, the more the story went on, the more complex his feelings for Liv became, the more I kinda loved him! Liv is resilient and willing to do whatever it takes to fight for herself, her friend, and eventually Leo when the time comes.
I also liked that the sexy scenes (which were
Livet Spencer is a non-mage in a world where mages rule supreme. She fights the oppression of those in power along with the help of a friend, Hex. Although, this does not end up working in their favor and both end up in front of the young, and strikingly handsome, Lord Commander Leopold Rahl as their judge and jury.
The relationship between Liv and Leo does not start out on the best foot. Leo is determined to shame her for her actions and put her on display for all to see as part of her punishment. At first, I wasn’t sure what to think of him. But, the more the story went on, the more complex his feelings for Liv became, the more I kinda loved him! Liv is resilient and willing to do whatever it takes to fight for herself, her friend, and eventually Leo when the time comes.
I also liked that the sexy scenes (which were
bryckk's review
2.0
This plot had so much promise. What happened?!
This book has an excellent plot. It drew me in and made me want more. Unfortunately, this book fails to deliver due to a few important details that the author neglected to include.
Our heroine, Livet is imprisoned for a crime against society. This crime is not really made clear but she finds herself and her best friend on trial for their crime. Her best friend is given a heavy sentence and Livet is offered the role of person consort to the evil Lord Commander or jail time. She picks the former and must serve six months as his personal concubine. Shenanigans ensue… Yada, Yada, Yada… they’re in love.
“World-Building” is very important when writing paranormal or dystopian stories. You have to prepare the reader of the world they will be thrust into and the author didn’t prepare me for this new world where Mages are considered the elite and non-Mages are the underdogs. We also have no idea if they’re even in planet Earth due to the strange foods and customs introduced throughout the book. I’m guessing it’s in the future as I have never heard of “kanta berries” and they use something known as a “link up” rather than a phone?
This book has an excellent plot. It drew me in and made me want more. Unfortunately, this book fails to deliver due to a few important details that the author neglected to include.
Our heroine, Livet is imprisoned for a crime against society. This crime is not really made clear but she finds herself and her best friend on trial for their crime. Her best friend is given a heavy sentence and Livet is offered the role of person consort to the evil Lord Commander or jail time. She picks the former and must serve six months as his personal concubine. Shenanigans ensue… Yada, Yada, Yada… they’re in love.
“World-Building” is very important when writing paranormal or dystopian stories. You have to prepare the reader of the world they will be thrust into and the author didn’t prepare me for this new world where Mages are considered the elite and non-Mages are the underdogs. We also have no idea if they’re even in planet Earth due to the strange foods and customs introduced throughout the book. I’m guessing it’s in the future as I have never heard of “kanta berries” and they use something known as a “link up” rather than a phone?
kareshab's review
3.0
We meet Liv in prison and she is offered 2 choices: live our her prison sentence of 15 years or become a consort for the lord commander for 6 months. Live choose to be the consort. The lord commander has a vendetta against Liv and punishes her. There are some very dark elements especially during sex.
cbabione's review
dark
lighthearted
medium-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
3.25
chardiana's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5