I don't even know what there is to say that hasn't already been said by people much more eloquent than myself. I'll leave it at "Haters gon' hate" . . . JI don't even know what there is to say that hasn't already been said by people much more eloquent than myself. I'll leave it at "Haters gon' hate" . . . JUST KIDDING. I have too many feelings for that. Let me explain the depth of my love. I have a 2 week old. A newborn babe. I am sleep deprived and I still chose to finish this book over 'sleeping when the baby sleeps.' Am I regretting it a little right now? Yes....But I sure as hell didn't when I read it.
The hype is real folks. I am rarely glued to my seat by a book anymore the way I was with Fourth Wing. I was enraptured by the engaging fight scenes (never thought I'd say that), and enamored by the push and pull romance, even though it felt extremely reminiscent of From Blood and Ash. But whatever, JLA didn't create the "Surprise, the dude's a ____" trope, so it's fine.
Yarros really brings the betrayal and loss in a way that ties you into a knotted string of emotions, Including anger, emptiness, shock, and...hope. You'll feel like an ugly Christmas sweater of emotions by the end.
This is absolutely one of those books I didnot feel any inclination whatsoever to skip a single word. Wowza.
Some may nitpick at some mild repetitive of lines, or lack of character building of some side characters, but I'm fine with it. Anything that keeps my attention and has me pining for the November to get my grubby hands on the sequel this much is well deserving of a 5 stars from me.
Easily mt favorite book of the year thus far, and I have no idea how any book could possibly top it, including the sequel. What can I say, I'm a sucker for the set up....more
It did take me a hot sec to remember what nefarious schemes went on in book 1, but once I did, I was s4.5 stars Dragons and romance and magic, oh my!
It did take me a hot sec to remember what nefarious schemes went on in book 1, but once I did, I was so excited to see what was in store!
Book 2 picks up kerrigan just one the tournament and will now be heading out to the house of shadows with Fordham.
Could Kerrigan finally have a tribe? That's a tumultuous Maybe. this girls got her work cut out for her. First she's needs fix the non-existant bond with her dragon...something she and her dragon, Tieran, must hide in order to remain in society training.
Add in the fact that all is not well in the House of Shadows. Ford is returning from exile and his derranged sister, Wynter, believes Kerrigan can bring down the barrier that has trapped their people within for decade. Too bad that everyone is revolted by her half-fae origin.
As if that's not enough to worry about, she must start her year of scoiety training, where she will learn to work the elements along with devleoping her..."bond" with Tieran.
For those of you who loved Kerrigan's friends, fear not. We get to see Darby, Clover, and Hadrian as well. We don't see as much of Darby, but it was nice to see Clover and Hadrian's relationship develop throughout the book. And I personally hope clover can have it all.
Also yes, there is more Kerrigan and Fordham, along with many yearnings and a few spicy scenes.
Why the 4.5 stars instead of 5? Well, there is SO MUCH action. I can't believe i'm saying this, but maybe a little too much. I didn't feel like the characters (or myself as a reader). Had time to breath. Sometimes it felt like plot points changed so quickly my head was spinning. Also, a hot and cold Ford was frustrating. I get it, but it was frustrating. Especially when Kerrigan's slimy toad of a fiance comes around.
One of the most endearing things about this book was learning more about Kerrigan's father's past and what led him to do what he did. But for that, you'll have to read House of Shadows to know more!
I received a physical arc from the publisher and this in no way affected my rating or review. The only thing it did was add a pretty new book to myself.
A recap of house of shadows is up on my website Recap Raptures. That way we'll be all set for book 3, House of Curses coming out October 2022!...more
Well...that was long. I was hoping it wouldn't go in this direction of just being far too long with far too little happening, but unfortunately we've Well...that was long. I was hoping it wouldn't go in this direction of just being far too long with far too little happening, but unfortunately we've reached that point. Also, we need to have a talk for lazy naming here. Malek & Malik Nektas and Nyktos Iloana and Ileana
Really? REALLY? You have to make it that confusing for audible readers? Like I get the idea behind Malek and Malik, even though I still think it's lazy naming, but the others made it unnecessarily confusing.
Anyway... Poppy is just a badass and all confidence and no growth in this book, honestly. I miss her being more human and not all powerful. Is that weird? Her kindess is still there, but she's just sort of...dare I say, boring?
Meanwhile,it was nice seeing a little more vulnerability from Casteel, however, he too was boring. I miss the stabby stabby and the banter from previous books. Kieran on the other hand, mmmm. It was nice seeing even more of him in this book. In more ways than one. (come on, we all knew it was coming.)
Isbeth is a decent villain. One who's twisted and misguided, but still, in her strange way, loves with all her heart. Her entire being is filled with love that has been tangled into something vicious. Not just for Malek, but for Poppy and others (ambiguous because spoilers).
Overall, farrr too many sex scenes and if I wanted to read erotica without much of a plot, well, I'd read erotica without a plot. I think this series has got caught up in the storm of it's success, but it doesn't need this many sex scenes to thrive (or at least that's my opinion.) This book is popular for far more than that. JLA is an amazing story teller and I want more of the story. Clearly Poppy and Casteel's romance is set up and done, but that doesn't mean that the only thing to do with it is sexy scenes. Give me more witty batter, tender moments, vulnerable conversations!
I'm interested to see what Malik's plot line will be from here. I'd like to know the backstory of his...love story if possible.
You can always count on JLA to have a big ending, and this one, while I was sort of tired of the story by the end, still had a good one with appropriate set up for the series' continuation. Will I read it...yes, but I'll listen to it on audible. I wouldn't have gotten through TWoTQ without audible and it's handy dandy 30 second fast forward button, if i'm being honest. A solid 3 stars, but I definitely miss the energy of book 1 & 2 of the series. ...more
Man I loved this series. The battle with Malina comes to a point and both sides suffer losses. We get to know Lissa, her prickly spikes and all. It's aMan I loved this series. The battle with Malina comes to a point and both sides suffer losses. We get to know Lissa, her prickly spikes and all. It's an endearing story, and Reagan is stereotypical nothing but good to Lissa. We also get to know Finley and Peyton better which was awesome since they were just pushed to the side in the past two books.
I enjoyed the pacing of the book and the frustrations the core group feeling useless. But I loved how they stayed put and listened to the adults who had more experiences instead of being teenagers who know better and are off to save the world without any adult guidance.
The adults and these young adults worked together, listened to each other, and took guidance from those with more knowledge. It was so fresh from the annoying YA fantasy trope that teens know better.
Enzo, while endearing, was a bit boring in this book, entirely dedicated to Reagan without any drama, argument, or doing anything wrong? What? Relationships always have drama, fun, and mistakes. I want mischief!!! It was a sweet strong romance, but I missed his teasing and banter with Reagan.
I enjoyed that ending wasn't all happy rainbows and daisies. There are losses, sacrifices, and big changes. However, the ending wraps up cleanly giving enough information to feel satisfied and complete (Thank you Heather Renee, thank you!!)
I'll miss this series, the strong friendships, and the fun quirks of all the characters. I'd definitely like to now explore more of this author's books!...more
**spoiler alert** I have some questions for forest about the sudden turn in in the quality of the plot in the third book in the highly anticipated bla**spoiler alert** I have some questions for forest about the sudden turn in in the quality of the plot in the third book in the highly anticipated black witch series.
Overall, as usual, the prose flows beautifully but my general opinion was book 3 was a cop out and here's why:
1.almost no chapters from the characters of the last two books. Excuse me. I need more Diana, Trinity, Yvan, Raffe. Everyone.
2. Killing off main characters for the sake of Elloren's "growth" ...and then bringing some back while killing of others, again. is a cheap tactic and I am not impressed at all.
3. I've been team Lukas since book 1,and I was both joyous and torn by the end. All I'll say is #Lukasdeservedbetter How can Forest possibly change Elloren's love life so drastically. There is no going back from all that happened in book 3 in my opinion.
4. Elloren is super whimpy and cowardly despite constantly claiming she will so better and being"firm about it." Girl, you weak as hell, even if you are the almighty powerful black witch.
I'm here to tell you that Black Crown is the thrilling conclusion to Wagner and St. Clare's hilarious story followiHoly drae babies, what an ending!!
I'm here to tell you that Black Crown is the thrilling conclusion to Wagner and St. Clare's hilarious story following Ryn, the most powerful drae.
If you're reading this, I assume you've read book 1 & 2. If you haven't...well, go do that. Right. Now. Seriously, I'll wait...
Are you with me now? Good,let's get on with it then. As usual you can expect to laugh out loud. Ryn, at her core, is still Ryn- the competetive potato queen obsessed with her shiny hoard. You can also expect a couple clever quips from Tyrrik as he really starts to open up. You can also expect to cry, feel betrayed, and learn to play cards. And let me tell you, it ain't the normal type of game.
We pick up with the goal to put Lani back on the phaetyn throne as the rightful heir. The journey, however, is not an easy one. One that forces Ryn and Tyrrik to *gasp* compromise and learn to balance their mate relationship with the responsibilities they have chosen to take on. It may be one of the most important things they learn worth their iminent battle against Draedyn soon coming to a climax.
As a YA fantasy, romance book 3 is quite heavy on the romance aspect with Ryn finally coming to terms with her mate bond. Black Crown is slightly on the more mature side, dealing with Ryn's discovery of sex. However, I would put it at a reader level comfortable for anyone who understands what sex is and what comes of it. You see, Wagner and St. Clare do an effortless job at exploring mature themes all without describing that actual act. Though be warned, the descriptions are everything but the kitchen sink, so to speak.
I loved the ending. It wasn't all sunshine and dasies. It was, however, what it needed to be. It left my heart perfectly content and happy. As readers, we all know the feeling of a great series, all to be left with a subpar ending. Fear not, this is not one of those series. You will end crying (if you're like me) and then probably signing with relief 3 pages later, thinking it's over. But Surprise!! The authors cater to their fans (they know what we like *Shrugs*) and give us a couple extra chapters than were necessary, and I tip my hat to them for that. I laughed, and felt happiness, and didn't need it, but it made the ending perfect; it didn't leave is wanting- a feeling I am familiar with at the end of most series.
Hot Potato, this is 100% one of my favorite series to date. I usually end saying I wish there was more, but no. I am content a with how the series ended. Do I want more? Always, but I don't need it and I am still reeling from that amazement....more
Yeaaaa, no. I just can't with this book. Asha is just a shallow character who sticks to her cruel ways of not caring for people just because DNF @ 70%
Yeaaaa, no. I just can't with this book. Asha is just a shallow character who sticks to her cruel ways of not caring for people just because it's easier for her and she can. Every action is selfish and it's quite off-putting.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy books with villainous MCs, but Asha just didn't cut it. Just as her official title, Iskari, dictates, she is a bitter and fairly unlikable character. I thought I'd like her after she started dragon hunting, but nah....more
The journey itself was lovely, but I was sorely disappointed by Ari's lack of growth as a character. Until the very end, never admitting what she feltThe journey itself was lovely, but I was sorely disappointed by Ari's lack of growth as a character. Until the very end, never admitting what she felt, after being asked multiple times. Disappearing from someone who meant so much to her. Wanting from life but not actively choosing a place to belong. Someone who was key to the revolution on both Loom and Nova, having what in my view was no real aim or purpose. Just, GAH. Florence turned out nicely though.
The entire book, each chapter that was hers I waited for Arianna to grow, to see reason, to become flexible and learn that love on every level is compromise, but she never did....more
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4.9 butt-moon stars!
Shadow Wings continues Ryn's story as she sTo see more reviews, considering taking a peek at my first in series YA book blog here
4.9 butt-moon stars!
Shadow Wings continues Ryn's story as she struggles to understands her heritage. The only people she has in the world to help her are her makeshift father Dyter and the dragon who lied to her and broke her heart, Tyrrik...Tyr...Ty...? Eh, she'll figure it out.
The phaetyn want to use her. The drae king wants to (most likely) kill her. What's a girl to do? Grow up, kick some ass, and hoarde shiny jewels. That's what.
Shadow wings, dare I say it, was even better than Blood Oath. Ryn really grows into herself, and as same says, loses her innocence. She decides whether or not she wants to be part of the Rebellion and what role that means she's willing to play. She clings onto the hope that things can go back to normal but you know how these things are. *shrugs*
It was fabulous getting to know Dyter better. He is get only real family left and was the much needed sense of balance between Ryn and Tyrrik's explosive arguments.
Tyrrik is as swoon worthy as ever, more so probably since we get to know the real him that isn't under a tyrannical king's thumb. His loyalty and tenderness towards Ryn no matter how insistent she is about "hating him" (is that what kids are calling it these days?) is both heart breaking and vastly endearing.
Shadow Wings was the great follow-up because we got to see Ryn in a position of power and have responsibity over Tyriik's life, whereas it was the exact opposite situation in book 1. It was nice to see them both get to be the strong and weak one.
I absolutely loved Ryn's obsession with shiny objects after she came into her Drae powers. Got such a kick out of it and it had me chuckling out loud the way Tyrrik used jewels to get her through training. I think the one thing that aggravated me to no end was Ryn's lack of trust in Tyrrik, which made her blind to important truths. Yes he had to do some terrible things in book 1, but he explains why they had to be done and goes above and beyond to protect her and earn her trust. But even as she starts to love him, she STILL doesn't trust him. I need to see this change desperately in book 3!! I absolutely can't wait!!!...more
ARC received by the author The second installment of Fallen Flame was just as much of a wirlwind as book 1. In Fallen flame we met Vala, an emotionallARC received by the author The second installment of Fallen Flame was just as much of a wirlwind as book 1. In Fallen flame we met Vala, an emotionally and physically abused guard with a serious case of Stockholm Syndrome. We learn about her growing bond with Haidee and her tumultuous feelings for the prince and Xavyn.
WELL THROW ALL THAT AWAY BECAUSE SCATTERED PLUME IS NOT THAT. While the ending of FF provides pivotal information in regards to the plot of SP, the rest is water under the bridge, so to speak.
In SP, we join Vala and Xavyn crossimg the divide and find that the crossing has brought Magic back to the land and people in giant waves. Time is suddenly and precariously short as Vala and Xavyn rush to find her feather and stop a war along with the end of the world.
Let's talk about side characters first. I simply loved the ones introduced in SP so much more than FF. I mean, Haidee had her moments, but dang, Esenna is DEFINITELY the friend you want at your back when things start...no AVALANCHE down hill. She is by far my favorite character thus far.
Instead of cranky rachety queens, we get an old medicine man, Goddesses, MERMAIDS, oh and did I mention a fire-breathing dragon? Yea, it rocked.
Minus half a star for the fact that I really just couldn't fall in step with Vala being who she was. I knew her as a scarred guard who never really had a life...and now she's expected to be someone totally different and I can't get a grasp on her personality. Because of that, I also can't get a grasp on what makes her and Xavyn's romance tick.
Minus the other half star for foreshadowing that was just shoved down our throats a little too much. Xavyn-betrayl-tree-gods-unwilling. I got it the first time- and second, actually- thanks.
Overall a strong sequel that sets up well for book 3 where I hope Vala's old and new worlds collide, forcing the amalgamation of characters together in a fresh mythological setting....more
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Blood Oath is a devastating new release written in tandeTo see this review and more, considering taking a peek at my first in series YA book blog here
Blood Oath is a devastating new release written in tandem by Raye Wagner and Kelly St. Claire. It is a must read for fantasy lovers who are looking for intricate characters, a bit of romance, and plot twists of the most delicious kind.
I was blessed with an ARC of this precious, and not gonna lie, I went in expecting one thing and got something completely different. Not BAD different, just different. I went in expecting your stereotypical hot dragon shifter and peasant girl chosen one romance story. That, my friends, is barely the tip of the iceberg.
Blood Oath follows Ryn a peasant from the outer provinces under a rule of a ruthless king who has led his people to intolerable starvation. The King's Drae (read: dragon), Irrik is known for following the king's orders with ruthlessness and precision, under an oath that bound him to the king's will many years ago. When Ryn gets mixed up with Drae and mistaken as a rebel, her life is over- or it would be if Irrik hadn't noticed something about Ryn that made him pause and defy the cruel system he has helped enforce.
No-no wait, like I said, this isn't a shifter alpha-male romance novel. It IS fantasy! The Magical powers/broken lands/rise up type!! You've got your torture, despicable deception, unpredictable deaths, heart-wrenchig betrayals, and yes- some romance for those readers (like me) who just can't do without just a bit. For those of you who are wary of love triangles, don't worry this one works- seriously. It's not really even a love triangle but I can't explain without giving anything away.
If you're looking for the aforementioned plots, you must read Blood Oath! Ryn is a strong character but can, albeit, be a bit lackluster and naïve for someone going through her specific scenario. She sets her emotions first and brain last which was a bit frustrating. The only other comment I'd like to make is that this series desperately needs at least one other POV, I can totally see why the authors weren't able to in this first book, but going forward I'd love to get Irrik's POV....more
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2.5 stars this book could be good. SO GOOD...if the authors wouldTo see more reviews, considering taking a peek at my first in series YA book blog here
2.5 stars this book could be good. SO GOOD...if the authors would just frickin flesh out the characters and storyline. It essentially reads like this :
Fen and Arianna dance the night away. Ariana wants him to come stay the night. Fen says no In the middle of the night Fen changes his mind. Then they ride to battle to kill the usurper
...the battle is literally done in like 4-5 pages. This story moves so damn fast you don't really get to connect with the characters or appreciate the plot. SLOW DOWN JARPOV KINRADE. WHERE IS THE FIRE (pun intended)
Also aside from thr speed of light plot, I still have no idea why Fen and Ari love each other so much because it was NEVER fleshed out or detailed. Does Fen love Ari because she's good and nice? Well.. considering he can't come in contact with any other human girls, we'll never know if there's anything more to his love for Ari?? (and no, Es doesn't count because she's taken!!) Does Ari love Fen for a reason? like literally I don't know. WOULD she have fallen in love with Dean if he'd had her first month?
This series isn't bad, but it reads like a PLOT SUMMARY to any stereotypical fantasy/paranormal. It does read like a book. So, above all else and despite it's entertainment, I can only give it 2.5 stars. Because by book 3, we should know more about the world and characters, yet, we don't....more
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I have not finished a book in about 3 weeks you guys. I've been To see more reviews, considering taking a peek at my first in series YA book blog here
I have not finished a book in about 3 weeks you guys. I've been in a book slump/reading slump -call it what you may- of incredible proportions. Leave it to Jordan Rivet's final book in the Steel and Fire series to end my terrible curse.
There is so much good in this book: strong family bonds, trusting and swoon-worthy relationships, maturing characters, and a desire for good and peace to win over evil and destruction.
If you enjoy all those things and dragons by the butt-load, you need to pick up this series ASAP! Each book gets better and better! Granted, the final book was a little slow starting. I got a wee bit bored with all the in-fighting and distrust among allies of various regions. But finally- when they got to the finally battle DAMN WAS IT GOOD.
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Solid 3 stars for a genre I am known for loathing. Steampunk doeTo see more reviews, considering taking a peek at my first in series YA book blog here
Solid 3 stars for a genre I am known for loathing. Steampunk does nothing for me, quite honestly. I'm a tech junkie in neither reality nor books. I had a mildly difficult time getting through book 1 because of this, yet first in series books are generally always enjoyable as you delve into a new world and carefully get a taste for your new companions. Alchemist of Loom did all that. We met ruthless Ari, devoted Florence, and mysterious Cvarreh.
I didn't LOVE the steampunk elments, but I loved Elise's writing enough to want to continue the series. Alas, I have digressed from what I originally wanted to talk about, which is the idea of moreness.
Dragons off Nova is in one word: more. It is just entirely more. Book 2 does much of the same as book 1 and we get introduced to an entirely new cast of characters. Petra and Coletta being 2 of my utter faves. Simultaneously we are introduced to old favorites like Cvarreh and Ari and just see more of them. No, not their appearances, but rather, their souls. Their personalities. We get down to the nitty gritty of what makes these characters tick.
I have different feelings on Florence however. I was partial to her in book 1. she carried her own skeletons but was the stable presence Ari needed in life. In book 2 where she for just her own character, I found myself groaning and hoping her chapters would fly by as fast as possible, despite knowing her work on loom was important and she could no longer stand in Ariana's shadow. Somehow, without Ari or Cvarreh to play off of, Florence was boring. Stronger? Yes. Capable? Absolutely. Smart? Hell yeah. But Interesting? Definitely no-nada-zilch.
Petra MADE this book for me ( Damn you Elise). She slayssss (literally and metaphorically speaking). It's so much fun to read about ruthless characters who still yet have their own moral code they are strictly guided by.
Overall, I need to give a LOT of credit to the audio narrators, because I'm not positive I could have gotten through the book without them. Coletta's voice was just perfection for the character and disquieting danger she personified. I will definitely also be listening to book 3 as well. Audio just seems to be more my cup of tea for this series and I'll be sticking to it!...more
So blessed to read Elise Kova's new jewel. I knew it wRecieved an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Really closer to a 3.5 but I always round up :)
So blessed to read Elise Kova's new jewel. I knew it was going to be steam punk, so I was a little weary because frankly, I hate the genre. However, Kova weaves magic and mechanics together like Rumpelstiltskin weaves gold.
Ari, a Chimera hates dragons. They have enslaved her society and destroyed its long ago prosperity. She will take on any job if it means she gets to hurt or kill dragons. Until....she meets Cvares, a dragon in need who offers her a boon. A boon she cannot refuse. She is furious with him for being kind and more furious with herself for beginning to like him as she grudgingly helps him on his quest.
We get a 4 POVs for the most part: Ari, Cvares, Florence, and one of the villains, Leona (who's POV I found unnecessary, but alas).
I honestly was not a fan of Ari. She was brutal and closed off in a way where even the reader doesn't really get to know her. We know the one thing she really cares about is her apprentice, Florence who is as loyal as they come, innocent in her trust, and kind and sincere in the face of prejudice. n Cvares was another character who I liked but also felt I didn't know well. Both he and Ari almost have something of a one track mind where we learn about the mission, and what is going on in their heads, but not really their feelings. In Kova's previous series (Air Awakens), I literally felt the emotion on every page and cried in every book. But...the Alchemists of Loom did not make me feel any sort of emotion or connection between Cvares and Ari. I just didn't feel it despite Kova's slow change in feelings along the journey. It wasn't abrupt, but it just didn't feel right.
Regardless to say, I loved the plot twists at the end, I think it was constructing the world and setting up Ari's bitter character that took away from the plot. The way things ended, I have much higher expectations for book 2. I love Florence, I sort of enjoy Cvares, and I can see myself loving Ari if her passion is channeled into productiveness rather than hatred from things long passed.
Overall, 3.5 stars. If you're looking for a good read with crafty yet perfectly imperfect characters and a fabulous new world, this is your book. For those who loved the Air Awakens series, a note of caution: The Alchemists of Loom is nothing like the Air Awakens. Not in any single aspect. In fact, the writing style is more similar to Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. So, don't go in thinking you will see similar writing. Where Valah was innocent and hopeful at first, Ari is experienced and bitter. Where Aldrik was the imperfect angry jerky dream boat we all loved, Cvares is a kind Alpha male type. Expected the unexpected and enjoy!
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Preface: Fear not, this review does include a romance blurb fTo see more reviews, considering taking a peek at my first in series YA book blog here
Preface: Fear not, this review does include a romance blurb for all y'all who are skimming for that -- don't lie I know you are.
I honestly have NO idea how anyone saw this book as a racist book. It is indeed about racism in this imaginative society. It is about an inherently bred racist girl and her racist friends who break norms and see through the hate down to the heart of species different but equally similar to their own. It is about a girl who after being nasty and horrible realizes she was wrong and dedicates herself to righting those wrongs and helping others in need even when others don't...nay refuse to see beyond their haze of hate and prejudice.
How anyone can view this book as racist Is quite honestly beyond me. Enough of this! Time to get down to the meat of this review!
The black Witch is a narrative which follows sheltered Elloren Gardener, granddaughter and exact younger replica, of the previous and widely famous Black Witch. Elloren suddenly finds herself in her aunt's care prior to starting at The University with her brothers.
Elloren is beyond excited, however, her Aunt Vivian has other plans. Well... just one, really: That Elloren wand fast (aka magical binding marriage) to the elusive bachelor Lukas Grey who has taken a keen interest in Elloren. The situation essentially plays out like this:
Aunt: "Marry him Elloren!" Elloren: [image]
So, off to University Elloren goes where she meets a slew of species who hate her and she them in return. Elloren swings back and forth for about 50% of the book being cruel and prejudiced to others and then feeling guilty when she hurts them. However, time comes where she must eventually choose a side. Follow in the footsteps of her grandmother and help subordinate or kill all other species, or follow her own moral compass that is pointing far south of her grandmother's own.
I enjoyed the meld of dyatopian fantasy. We deal with topics of racism, sexism, all the evil isms, basically. At the same time, the author keeps us riveted to these topics by creating an intriciate fantasy and magic system to get sucked into. Honestly, I wish it was a bit less tumultuous. All the new names, creatures, and their separate issues had my head spinning a bit right till the very end. Nevertheless, it was a highly entertaining and touching way talk about very sensitive issues in a way that that the reader is able to practice a suspension of disbelief.
So, let's talk ROMANCE . I know, finally right?
The romance is light and widely not a major driving force in the story. On one hand, Elloren is atteacted to the handsome and attentive Lukas Grey. On the author, there's inhumanely beautiful Yvan (pronounced E-vhan) who hates her but she finds him kind, gentle, and passionate when off his guard. The story actually focuses a lot on Elloren's friend and brothers' forbidden romantic interludes. Don't fear, the author sets it up so Elloren's romance will be more in the forefront in the sequel coming out later this year.
All in all, solid 4 out of 5 stars but rating it a 5 because people are stupid and don't understand the blasphemy that is rating without reading.