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ktbeth143's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Staying true to the excellence that is the Dark Shores series. This was a great look into Marcus’ and Agrippa’s history. I hope gets his happy ending eventually.
annmeyer's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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
a rare occasion in which i enjoy a prequel (agrippa is so funny)
danielle jensen could write 20 books in this universe and i'd enthusiastically read all of them
danielle jensen could write 20 books in this universe and i'd enthusiastically read all of them
maritnaber's review against another edition
5.0
I was lucky enough to win an e-arc! I have read both Dark Shores and Dark Skies already and was excited to get back into this adventurous world and get a backstory on Marcus. However, I wasn’t ready for Agrippa! What a man! I am ready for Gilded Serpent to destroy me!
pageturnpalace's review against another edition
4.0
I selected this book based on its cover – don't judge me, the allure got me. 
Surprisingly, the content exceeded my expectations; Agrippa and Marcos proved to be captivating characters. While my inclination favored Marcus, both exhibited remarkable authenticity and sincerity in their pursuits. Despite the harsh reality they faced, their commitment to their causes was commendable. Silvara, however, left me conflicted and annoyed me. I wanted her to be like Celaena Sardothien from Throne of Glass. I found Silvara’s persona somewhat insincere. *
Perhaps my perspective will shift in the next installment. The story, though not very spicy * 
, gets a solid 4⭐️ for keeping me hooked – for a decent read that, despite its blandness, made me curious. Now, I need to find something more naughty; this one left me thirsty for some action. * 
Surprisingly, the content exceeded my expectations; Agrippa and Marcos proved to be captivating characters. While my inclination favored Marcus, both exhibited remarkable authenticity and sincerity in their pursuits. Despite the harsh reality they faced, their commitment to their causes was commendable. Silvara, however, left me conflicted and annoyed me. I wanted her to be like Celaena Sardothien from Throne of Glass. I found Silvara’s persona somewhat insincere. *
Perhaps my perspective will shift in the next installment. The story, though not very spicy * , gets a solid 4⭐️ for keeping me hooked – for a decent read that, despite its blandness, made me curious. Now, I need to find something more naughty; this one left me thirsty for some action. *
kelly24lox's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- 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
5.0
dmoruzzi's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
kitten638897's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyed a lot and will likely read the other books in the series. My one complaint though is it really shouldn't have been in the YA category. Given the content (sex, war, references to prostitution) etc. it would have been much more appropriate and made more sense for the characters to be 19+ rather than 16/17.
Content and trigger warning: war, character deaths, violence, sex (consensual), implied threats of sexual assault (does not happen though).
Content and trigger warning: war, character deaths, violence, sex (consensual), implied threats of sexual assault (does not happen though).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, and War
lskywalker918's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
In this prequel, we learn more about Marcus and the Celendorean army as the story about another couple unfolds. The love at first sight is a little offputting at first, but we have to remember that these soldiers are only sixteen and forced to make adult decisions.
Even though this story is not about Chersome, the supposed turning point for Marcus and his legion, it adds another facet to Marcus's character. In addition to being the "genius strategist," he has to navigate the subtle political currents of the army in order to keep his men alive. I'm in awe at the ways Marcus is able to manipulate people to achieve his goals. While Grand Admiral Thrawn is known for his uncanny ability to predict his enemies, Marcus takes a step further in predicting how his allies would act.
Jensen succeeded in creating beautiful imagery whether we are taking in the overall big picture or zooming in on a small part. You already know that she can paint grand battle scenes. However, you can feel each blow suffered by the individual character and feel their emotions in the chaos of the fight. The "sex" scene between Silvara and Agrippa is also one of the most beautifully written I've ever read.
At the end of the war love story, Silvara and Agrippa seem to have made their choices. However, with the author hinting that we would see the two again, you just can't wait to see how they turn out.
Spice scale (as defined by Mysterious Galaxy): 🔥🔥 [Keeping it PG-13]
Even though this story is not about Chersome, the supposed turning point for Marcus and his legion, it adds another facet to Marcus's character. In addition to being the "genius strategist," he has to navigate the subtle political currents of the army in order to keep his men alive. I'm in awe at the ways Marcus is able to manipulate people to achieve his goals. While Grand Admiral Thrawn is known for his uncanny ability to predict his enemies, Marcus takes a step further in predicting how his allies would act.
Jensen succeeded in creating beautiful imagery whether we are taking in the overall big picture or zooming in on a small part. You already know that she can paint grand battle scenes. However, you can feel each blow suffered by the individual character and feel their emotions in the chaos of the fight. The "sex" scene between Silvara and Agrippa is also one of the most beautifully written I've ever read.
At the end of the war love story, Silvara and Agrippa seem to have made their choices. However, with the author hinting that we would see the two again, you just can't wait to see how they turn out.
Spice scale (as defined by Mysterious Galaxy): 🔥🔥 [Keeping it PG-13]
worabora's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
marleybradfield's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a good little Novella. I loved hearing about Agrippas storyline and I can’t wait to hopefully get more of him the fourth book of the series.