The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! š
jen_sten's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Self harm and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Vomit
deedireads'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
3.75
A Crown of Ivy and Glass, an adult fantasy romance Giselle retelling, was definitely not perfect, but I had a ton of fun reading it and canāt wait for book two.
For you if: Youāre looking for anxiety/chronic pain rep and love a steamy fantasy book.
FULL REVIEW:
I loved Claire Legrandās Empirium trilogy (first book is Furyborn), so imagine how excited I was when I read in her newsletter that sheād sold a new adult fantasy romance trilogy where each book focuses on a different sister and retells a famous ballet. I DMed the publisher to put me on a galley list right away (to which they kindly said āitās a little early lolā).
A Crown of Ivy and Glass was far from perfect, but I definitely had fun reading it. This one is a Giselle retelling and focuses on the youngest sister, Gemma.
The not-so-great parts: The pacing was inconsistent, with a much slower build and sudden change 75% of the way in. Gemma is vain and self-absorbed and not very likable, especially in the beginning. Legrandās āonce upon a timeā prose style also takes some time to get used to until it stops feeling cheesy, as does Gemma and Talinās insta-love.
And for the good parts: Gemma gives us some solid rep, including anxiety/panic attacks and severe chronic pain, which Legrand has said was extremely important to her. I loved that it was a Giselle retelling, and it managed to surprise me even so. The magic system feels novel and interesting. Oh, and steamy scenes be steamyyy.
The next book is going to be about Gemmaās eldest sister, Farin, and based on the glimpses we got in this book, I can already tell itās going to be a fantastic romance. Iāll be eagerly awaiting it!
Graphic: Chronic illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Violence, and Sexual content
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.Ā
Graphic: Blood, Chronic illness, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Violence, Abandonment, Cursing, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Alcohol, and Grief
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. āBridgerton with magicā in terms of prolific smut and regency-ish vibes. Iād 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 characterās struggles with chronic illness, panic attacks, and other mental health challenges. CW for suicidal thoughts.
If youāre not deterred by insta-lust and like your fantasy romance heavily peppered with spice, you might this one. Iām curious to see which of the other sisters the second book centers on ā because neither of them seem as sex-obsessed as Gemma.
Graphic: Chronic illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment, Suicidal thoughts, Emotional abuse, and Violence
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: Mental illness, Self harm, Violence, Chronic illness, Injury/Injury detail, Suicidal thoughts, Panic attacks/disorders, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Blood, and Sexual content
Minor: Medical trauma, Grief, Abandonment, and Child abuse