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notbeforebreakfast's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The world-building was promising, but it is a slog to get through. It’s lots of info dumping at the start, then the leads mostly just talking throughout the middle, and then any exciting action is just rushed through by the last 25% of the book so that it can end on a cliffhanger of sorts.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Violence, and War
Minor: Sexual assault
boydgirl's review against another edition
For the most part I actually enjoyed this book. It was a bit long, but it didn't bother me too much because it was establishing both the world and the romantic relationship. What made me DNF is a spoiler though. Near the end of the book we finally see how Cassia's sister died only to . . .not see it. Cassia never saw her body. And with the lack of a body I just KNEW she wasn't dead, and that bothered me. It felt too cruel for her to live her whole life thinking her sister dead when she's not. I decided to look it up to be sure and, she isn't dead. But you don't "find that out" until book 6!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexual content
amy_in_the_city's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I really loved a lot of things about this book. It was nice to see a clever, cunning FMC who uses her smarts to survive and is cynical and emotionally closed off and an MMC who is very peaceful, sensitive, gentle, and nonviolent. That is a nice reversal of what seems to be prevalent for leads in romance books. It was extra interesting to me that the vampire-type characters were very peaceful and concerned with not harming any living creature. I enjoyed the slow burn nature of the romance and the forbidden aspect of it. The flashback section to Cassia's childhood was heartbreaking but also really beautiful. I thought the book did a great job of showing how much that act of kindness meant to her. I also loved Cassia's dog that went everywhere with her.
The exposition was clunky at times with characters explaining things to people who already knew that information or having Cassia tell her plans to her dog. I think someone out there must be telling writers not to have the characters explain things in their inner monologue. I agree that isn't a great way of doing exposition, but I'd prefer inner monologue explanations over the "as you already know" conversations between characters. The pacing was off too. The first quarter of the book was difficult to get through. There was so much exposition but not much was actually happening and we didn't really know what the stakes were. This is more of a minor issue , but during the sex scenes, the main characters use made-up words (rhabdos and krana) in Lio's language to refer to their genitals. It was weird and took me out of the scenes a bit.
Where this book really faltered for me was in some of the more exclusionary aspects I felt lurking in the background. While Hesperine society was on the surface very sex-positive and accepting of different sexual orientations, there were some parts of the LGBTQIA+ community that I felt might be unwelcome in this world. There was some gender essentialist language used throughout the book. At one point, Cassia refers to her nether regions as "the emptiness inside her that marked her as a woman." Also, Hesperines believe that everyone has a fated mate and adults are supposed to feed off their lovers. If they don't have a lover, it seems they have to live off animal blood, which isn't as nourishing. I guess asexual and aromantic people don't exist in this world. In Lio's attempts to be sex-positive when he's going off about the lack of sexual freedom for women in Cassia's kingdom, he equates sex as being essential to being a real person and being alive, saying "We understand that desires are sacred. They make us who and what we are. They prove to us we live, that we are thinking, feeling beings with a consciousness seperate from others." Despite all the sex positivity, there was still quite a bit of the "virginity is a gift" type of sentiments. There is also some ableist language with the Hesperine healer, referring to some people with disabilities, saying he can "make their bodies whole again." All of these things just rubbed me the wrong way. I'll still read the next book in the series, but I'm hoping that it has less exclusionary language and that there is more explanation of how certain groups exist in Hesperine society.
The exposition was clunky at times with characters explaining things to people who already knew that information or having Cassia tell her plans to her dog. I think someone out there must be telling writers not to have the characters explain things in their inner monologue. I agree that isn't a great way of doing exposition, but I'd prefer inner monologue explanations over the "as you already know" conversations between characters. The pacing was off too. The first quarter of the book was difficult to get through. There was so much exposition but not much was actually happening and we didn't really know what the stakes were. This is more of a minor issue , but during the sex scenes, the main characters use made-up words (rhabdos and krana) in Lio's language to refer to their genitals. It was weird and took me out of the scenes a bit.
Where this book really faltered for me was in some of the more exclusionary aspects I felt lurking in the background. While Hesperine society was on the surface very sex-positive and accepting of different sexual orientations, there were some parts of the LGBTQIA+ community that I felt might be unwelcome in this world. There was some gender essentialist language used throughout the book. At one point, Cassia refers to her nether regions as "the emptiness inside her that marked her as a woman." Also, Hesperines believe that everyone has a fated mate and adults are supposed to feed off their lovers. If they don't have a lover, it seems they have to live off animal blood, which isn't as nourishing. I guess asexual and aromantic people don't exist in this world. In Lio's attempts to be sex-positive when he's going off about the lack of sexual freedom for women in Cassia's kingdom, he equates sex as being essential to being a real person and being alive, saying "We understand that desires are sacred. They make us who and what we are. They prove to us we live, that we are thinking, feeling beings with a consciousness seperate from others." Despite all the sex positivity, there was still quite a bit of the "virginity is a gift" type of sentiments. There is also some ableist language with the Hesperine healer, referring to some people with disabilities, saying he can "make their bodies whole again." All of these things just rubbed me the wrong way. I'll still read the next book in the series, but I'm hoping that it has less exclusionary language and that there is more explanation of how certain groups exist in Hesperine society.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Sexual violence, and Acephobia/Arophobia
Minor: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Confinement, Hate crime, Torture, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Death of parent, and War
verafogel's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
Beautifully written; usually I don’t care for “old english” much less if the characters talk in that way but in this book it was perfect, clearly the touch that made the story even more magical.
I loved the connection between Cassia and Lío even before they had fallen for each other the fact that the agreed from the very beginning to be real and not lie when they talked was everything. They felt real and their developing feeling were wonderful to experience.
I loved the connection between Cassia and Lío even before they had fallen for each other the fact that the agreed from the very beginning to be real and not lie when they talked was everything. They felt real and their developing feeling were wonderful to experience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Gore
steffandbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
slow-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
5.0
Oh this book was sooooooooo good! This is gonna be one of my new favorite series of all time.
I loved the take on vampires the author took with this world. While the book is very slow paced and not much plot wise actually happens in this first book, it was a beautiful take on the love that built between the two main characters. I love the historic take the author uses as language and the flirting was so sweet, funny and scandalous as the same time. The MMC is so sweet and so filthy at the same time, if you know what I mean 😏 I love how he had the patience to be Cassia’s friend first and earn her trust and then I loved how he challenged her and wanted her to feel save in her own skin and not be afraid.
The plot really unfolded towards the end and it had me on the edge of my seat. I didn’t mind that it was THAT slow paced because we got to know a great deal about many characters and I think the plot that unfolded in this book is only the beginning of a far greater scheme.
I need to dive right back into the second book cause I desperately need to know what happens!
Oh and if you wondered, the spice was immaculate in my opinion as well.
🌶️ 2.5 It wasn’t downright filthy but well described and even through those scenes you could see the characters grow with each other and built even more trust.
Love, love, love it!
I loved the take on vampires the author took with this world. While the book is very slow paced and not much plot wise actually happens in this first book, it was a beautiful take on the love that built between the two main characters. I love the historic take the author uses as language and the flirting was so sweet, funny and scandalous as the same time. The MMC is so sweet and so filthy at the same time, if you know what I mean 😏 I love how he had the patience to be Cassia’s friend first and earn her trust and then I loved how he challenged her and wanted her to feel save in her own skin and not be afraid.
The plot really unfolded towards the end and it had me on the edge of my seat. I didn’t mind that it was THAT slow paced because we got to know a great deal about many characters and I think the plot that unfolded in this book is only the beginning of a far greater scheme.
I need to dive right back into the second book cause I desperately need to know what happens!
Oh and if you wondered, the spice was immaculate in my opinion as well.
🌶️ 2.5 It wasn’t downright filthy but well described and even through those scenes you could see the characters grow with each other and built even more trust.
Love, love, love it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Sexual content, Violence, Vomit, and Murder
Moderate: Hate crime, Torture, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Kidnapping and War
rileybeez's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
There are very few books that I would consider perfect. This story, though it is just beginning is rich and beautiful. The world that has been created is complex and thoughtful. I cannot sing this books praises enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Injury/Injury detail
booksarefriends_notfood's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I had a hard time with the slow build in this book, the plot didn't really pick up until about the fifty to sixty percent mark. I am glad that I persevered and pushed on despite the extremely slow burn, by the end of it I couldn't put it down. The magic system is interesting and unique while not being overwhelming and the romance developed very slowly but realistically. I also enjoyed a different take on vampires and their culture in this book. Definitely, an enjoyable read if you can push through the hefty percentage of slow world-building and plot setup.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Violence, Vomit, Grief, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
rosiesreading's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A weird one in that I found the plot hugely boring, but really enjoyed the characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Blood
wickedgrumpy's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Oh boy..
So. I would say that I liked this book. The political intrigue aspect is interesting, the worldbuilding is a bit sparse and seems to rely on conventional setting stereotypes, the religious aspect is bizarre, and the magic systems are largely unexplained.
For the romance: I initially enjoyed the pining, the obvious adoration, the soft boy, the timid girl with hidden strength, etc... But then they hooked up and it became intolerable. I cannot deal with the words used for penis and vagina. Not the barbaric 'sword' and 'sheath' metaphor used in Tenebra nor the ones in the Hesperine language which I refuse to type out. It literally sounds like the penis is a Pokémon and the image remains firmly stuck. Beyond that, it also felt very juvenile in that they banged and then it was very insta-ride-or-die which was hugely out of character for the woman, if not also the man (in theory) especially considering that it largely takes place in the span of a month.
To be honest, my favorite character was the animal companion, Knight.
I am unsure if I will continue on to read the next book, but there's a good chance.
So. I would say that I liked this book. The political intrigue aspect is interesting, the worldbuilding is a bit sparse and seems to rely on conventional setting stereotypes, the religious aspect is bizarre, and the magic systems are largely unexplained.
For the romance: I initially enjoyed the pining, the obvious adoration, the soft boy, the timid girl with hidden strength, etc... But then they hooked up and it became intolerable. I cannot deal with the words used for penis and vagina. Not the barbaric 'sword' and 'sheath' metaphor used in Tenebra nor the ones in the Hesperine language which I refuse to type out. It literally sounds like the penis is a Pokémon and the image remains firmly stuck. Beyond that, it also felt very juvenile in that they banged and then it was very insta-ride-or-die which was hugely out of character for the woman, if not also the man (in theory) especially considering that it largely takes place in the span of a month.
To be honest, my favorite character was the animal companion, Knight.
I am unsure if I will continue on to read the next book, but there's a good chance.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infertility, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
midnacine's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
I'm always hesitant to give the first book in a series 5 stars because it takes my brain some time to get used to the world and characters, so I don't really connect until like a third of the way through. I only clarify that now because I think that's the only reason I didn't give this book the full 5 stars.
I was recommended this book on Tiktok by someone with a very small following, so I went into this hoping the algorithm had taken me to where I needed to be. And thanks be to the Tiktok algorithm gods, because I fell in love.
While high fantasy romance series are definitely up my alley, the tropes used in this were so different to what I typically enjoy, and I was surprised with how much I loved them. The prose walks that fine line between poetic and difficult to understand, but the more I read the more I got used to it. Lio and Cassia are some of the most well-developed characters I've seen out of a first book, and their romance is heartbreaking in all the best ways. And the world building was absolutely phenomenal.
If you're looking for a forbidden romance that will make you cry, political intrigue and assassination plots that will have you on the edge of your seat, and a truly unique view on mourning and honoring life, this is the book for you.
I was recommended this book on Tiktok by someone with a very small following, so I went into this hoping the algorithm had taken me to where I needed to be. And thanks be to the Tiktok algorithm gods, because I fell in love.
While high fantasy romance series are definitely up my alley, the tropes used in this were so different to what I typically enjoy, and I was surprised with how much I loved them. The prose walks that fine line between poetic and difficult to understand, but the more I read the more I got used to it. Lio and Cassia are some of the most well-developed characters I've seen out of a first book, and their romance is heartbreaking in all the best ways. And the world building was absolutely phenomenal.
If you're looking for a forbidden romance that will make you cry, political intrigue and assassination plots that will have you on the edge of your seat, and a truly unique view on mourning and honoring life, this is the book for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual content, and Blood
Moderate: Confinement, Gore, Sexual assault, Vomit, Grief, Murder, and War
Minor: Child death, Homophobia, Violence, Death of parent, and Pregnancy