**I was provided with an ARC for an honest review.**
wow wow WOW. I was getting heart eyes in the first book and I got my forehead kissed in this one. **I was provided with an ARC for an honest review.**
wow wow WOW. I was getting heart eyes in the first book and I got my forehead kissed in this one.
The sequel quickly picks up on the aftermath of a great battle, a great loss, and our great heroine Arwen just burning everything in her sight like a little psycho. I mean as Kane would say....
"A breathtaking, violent goddess of fury"
꧁The Characters꧂
Arwen is back with her sassy attitude, tragic backstory and healing abilities but the secrets of her fate and lineage are slowly being uncovered and having even bigger ramifications than we first thought. But I gotta be honest, why was babygirl literally so depressed??! bahaha I'm not kidding, she went through a depressive spiral then a little crazy yolo energy spike then another crash and burn! It was hilarious to read until it wasn't…
"And even if there was a chance of my survival - even I could let myself believe in such a thing - I didn't particularly want the life that would stretch before me."
The girl was almost doing handstands through the stages of grief. Everything from her perspective felt frightened, emotions heightened and the general angst added a level of urgency to our looming battle ahead so you kept turning pages wondering how on earth they were going to pull this off...this being Kane's shirt
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Kane our love interest, oh what to say about this cinnamon roll who looks like he can kill you. For a sequel, I wanted to develop upon all we learned in first book and finally get some deeper insights into his character, to really understand the core who is Kane? My conclusion: A sarcastic little shit
"I was in love with her. And it was a fucking nightmare."
I was literally cracking like a manic while reading his point of view. Kane made some very comedic moments and had hilarious commentary because he just wants to save the world dammit! Like when some prick tries to tag along on his quest when he wants time alone with his healer,
"The king and queen have requested I join you on the expedition for the Blade of the Sun." "Sorry. Team's all full. Better luck next time." There was no world, no reality, where I brought this imbecile along with us so he could insult me and ogle Arwen for the next few days."
He really is trying his best to save the world despite the odds going increasingly against him with every passing moment.
"Is there anything else you can tell us about the blade? About where it is in (view spoiler)[ Onyx (hide spoiler)]? About our battle with (view spoiler)[ Lazarus (hide spoiler)]?" "You must defeat him. You are the only hope either realm has." "Yes." I gritted my teeth. "That I know."
I honestly have a love-hate relationship with his character because Kane is a redeeming grey character whose personality is sometimes written younger than his age is supposed to be. Like his backstory and abilities are dark and his morality is questionable but his point of view and actual actions are more .. angsty? borderline stupid ?? to the point of cuteness in the romance !!
"I should have apologized for my outburst after seeing her with (view spoiler)[ Fedrik. (hide spoiler)]. But I compelled myself to enter the guest room and close the door before I did something idiotic instead like kiss her. Or ask her to marry me"
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But he do be dumb tho. Like I was honestly so disappointed by some nonstrategic moments that left me wondering how he had handled court life and politics before. To say that you don't have time to care who is sleeping with who?? When its someone you don't trust?? THAT IS IMPORTANT! Within our group of characters that I adore, we are missing some people-person's intelligence factors. Like we needed a spymaster or empath or mindreader. SOMEONE who considers the importance of alliances and politics ON TOP OF the actual armies and fighting here.
One thing that really impressed me was how developed the Secondary Characters were in this novel. And honestly, there was so many of them! I had to start highlighting their names to try and remember who was an ally, an enemy, or a relative
Mari the obligatory book best friend continues to develop her own plotline that aligns very closely with our heroine's. Mari is headstrong, and will always do what it takes for knowledge, just a classic Eldest Daughter perfectionism vibes. She's as flawed as Arwan but in different ways so we almost have less patience with her as readers.
Fedrik a Prince of a supposed ally country that was a hilarious addition to the group for his sassy comments but I'm calling Judas right now!
"Despite your clear lack of morals and piss-poor personality, you and I actually want the same thing."
Acorn the pet Strix which is a dangerous thing and i hope comes back for some cute dog dad scenes
Leigh the little sister, an artist, and pissed off that Arwen isn't able to fix everything and make it better so she is rude to her. This character was a perfect accumulation of naivety and innocence that is like nails down a chalkboard, and there was a whole sister fight that was honestly relatable.
Vaughn is my personal priority, we need to find him alive
Dagan The grouchy old man who is human is back and kinda has some -enlightenment Buddha- vibes here.
"Dagan considered me, curiosity and maybe... sympathy in his eyes. Then, as if a light had gone off inside hsi mind, he drew in a breath that lifted his brows. "What?" I asked, more edge creeping into my voice than I intended. "You've given up." And with that, he stood, returned his swords to his back, and began to walk away."
Then there's also the seer, the seer's daughter Esme, the seer's daughter's daughter I don't remember her name but she's important too!
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And (view spoiler)[ Halden (hide spoiler)] the bad boiii, that is honestly just fun to hate on! He is so pathetic you almost feel bad for him but he's like a parasite you cant stop from sucking the blood off whenever he near so you gotta STaMP TAHT SHIT
Griffin has grown into literally everything I want from a secondary character especially one who is wingman to our love interest! He has his own OPINION and backstory that is often used IN CONFLICT with our heroine because it forces Arwan to stand up for herself and move the plot forward.
In this book, Griffin's character truly develops into the small details of a character that i love like how he lost his parents in the rebellion and feels guilty and can't suffer anymore losses so he's afraid to LOVE and it is so tragic and I EAT THAT SHIT UP!
"Griffin, tramped onto the beach, deliberate as always, though his eyes beheld a subtle brightness. He had gone from a glorified babysitter stuck in a foreign city without his friend or his woman to a man on an ADVENTURE with the only people in his world he even remotely liked. I would call this version of Grffin almost gleeful"
I swear to god I will be LIIVIDDD if anything happens to this man
I absolutely loved the foreshadowing of important characters and objects at other kingdoms because it makes perfect sense to keep track of people's abilities and makes me excited to see what future interactions we'll save.
The little amulet from the first book becomes a huge important artifact in this book. That lightbulb moment when a small item from the first book provides the needed backstory for our characters to move forward! It's creative as hell and becomes a huge plot development for our characters and meeting a new one that I loved seeing this item come full circle... GO AROUND AGAIN! My theories for the next book? (view spoiler)[ Aleksander Hale(hide spoiler)] I am legit intrigued by a particularly savage race of Fae called Hemolich.
I can't wait to meet the White Crow! be careful what you let him do to you, he isn't right in the mind
I was totally onto it with Drake Alcott when Ryder talked about him being a most brilliant thief to ever live and I know that's going to be important later
꧁World Building꧂ The concept of Sacred Stones is definitely unique where each stone is a kingdom and makes you want to picture the beauty of Pearl Kingdom and its libraries. This book definitely allows our heroine to travel to all the places Arwen's never read about...because the chick legit knows nothing! This worked well to have the differences explained to us as readers because she was so unsure about the world she was now fighting to save
Crag's Hollow the cutest little gloomy coastal town over an ancient glacial lake, the dark water of Lake Stygian Hemlock Isle serves as the largest and most treacherous prison in all of Evendell Siren's Bay Amber was the most devout kingdom with temples, priests Pearl Kingdom From the subtle comments about its huge libraries full of seer's words, their scholars and priests. The author made me picture it and want to go there in this book... *ekk i really really hope we do soon!*
I absolutely love it when I can picture the places with my characters, and them engaging with the environment just adds to the danger of the bookish world on TOP of the whole war thing going on.
But I am still trying to understand the mythology of it all. . There are Fae, Witches are now rare, Pirates, Onxy and Peridot solders, Gareth's army, Faerie lighte that can be DRAINED oh that's gonna be a whole thing probably!!, Fae Gods.
꧁The Plot꧂
While the first book had a very strong plot of learning our abilities and using them against the hot king, this one struggled a little with the sequel slump because Arwen was honestly in denial. Depression. And mostly trying to process the knowledge from the first book and figure out how exactly we gonna do it. I'm not totally impressed by the military strategy here or long term thinking of our characters because it all seems pretty much like a slow train crash right now.
꧁Writing Style꧂
I absolutely loved that the the author labeled our chapter's point of view change (it's a small detail you don't appreciate UNTIL ITS GONE!) but I could also FEEL the perspective change!
Arwen had more sass and the phrase "big ugly tears" was the most relatable thing I've ever read
Whereas Kane has been fighting this battle for a long time and fear is BACK in his life from his desire to protect and the author's writing of the tension was perfectly built up
"Fear - true and genine fear hammered through my heart. "I think..." I could feel what Arwen felt. Could feel her being tethered to something, my back, mirroring hers, bound to some kind of pole. "I think someone has her." My voice was hoarse."
I SCREAMED!! The perspective switching kept me hooked and engaged where I was almost mad at Kate Golden for cutting me off in the middle of a great scene but the wait made it even better...
But now I must address my biggest critique of the first book...'reading blueballs'
Oh it's real. And it really AINT in this sequel!
"How long are you going to pretend to be asleep?"
THAT LINE ALONG MADE ME BLUSH AND THIS BOOK WAS SPICEY YALL! This book definitely moved the series to New Adult with the amount of cursing elevated and sensual scenes were just as good
"And I almost fucked her - her first time, too - in some nondescript Azurine alleyway. Fucking deplorable."
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I was honestly very shocked by the ending, it was a total cliffhanger so be aware of that going in! But I also just had not seen it coming with that bad guy trope being used in this series!! and I have no idea how to feel about it. On one hand I love having a flat-out bad guy with a clear motive... but I just hadn't really seen that veer off coming. so. trigger warning might be necessary for next book?
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book because of the dynamic characters with unique personalities and powers that are both fighting to save what's important to them ... only to discover it's each other. ekkkkkk come on that's just cute! But this book felt incredibly slow with fewer direct battles and confrontations. It was mostly our characters processing the ramifications of the first and our characters trying to game plan how to move forward... so give me book 3 I AM READY! I love the build-up that the author has woven towards confronting our bad guy and trying to rally out characters to greatness but felt unsatisfied by this book's progress... even if i was much more satisifed by the SPICE LEVEL RISING !!...more
Spoilers hidden because I’m not a dick This review gonna be a lili bit of raving about this book by itself VS ranting how it was as a continuation o Spoilers hidden because I’m not a dick This review gonna be a lili bit of raving about this book by itself VS ranting how it was as a continuation of Maas’s series
Honestly, my biggest challenge going into this book was all my preconceptions of this world and its characters. The stakes were high.
Cassian is one of the biggest favorites in the fandom
Whereas Nesta has a reputation for being a....
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So going into it, the book was better when I tried to block out all the nasty shit in previous books and high expectations. This isn’t the start of a new ✨Maas✨series, just a standalone romance happening in same world. I highly recommend that mindset cuz then it's less disappointing. Moving on,
꧁The Characters꧂
I have never liked Nesta Acheron. sorry not sorry. I didn’t like her much in the previous books but I acknowledge that her character has potential for such depth that Maas really tried to develop here.
But did it work?
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Typically these characters dynamics would usually have me ✨screaming✨ with a bloodthirsty heroine and spitfire cocky guy who always comes back for her!!
I’ve always loved Cassian. But i didnt *quite* love his POV.
I felt like thru an attempt of making his character more dimensional, we lost some of his key characteristics as the flirtatous badass who uses humor and adrenaline to cope... Yes it was amazing getting insight into his thoughts and Maas’s writing style easily adopted this dual perspective. I just wish we got more of the Cassian that trained Freye and let her punch out as needed while cracking jokes at Rhysands expensive.
Maas is known for her growling, purring, overprotective, asshole, alpha males. BUT I LOVEEE ITTTT
And his relationship with Nesta was so well developed. He knows Nesta as a victim, killer, broken girl, self-sufficient woman, and general badass. He's seen it alll and he keeps coming back for her.
Together, these two were the perfect combination for a hot chaotic relationship that had you swooning, cackling, and gasping.
I don't think Nesta will ever be my fav character however her story really speaks to mental health for someone who reacts/protects themselves with sharp words and anger
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Some describe Nesta as ambitious and authoritative character but to me she was very selfish, cold, and distant. She did nothing to help Feyre provide for their family and spent the money Freye earned on frivolous items. THEN in fey world went on whole refusing to train/ help others but demanding they protect ONE of her sisters?! *fuck off*
In this book, She *finally* had moments of -well i’m tired of not being able to protect myself. LIKE YES BITCH THAT'S WHAT THEY ALL BEEN SAYING THIS WHOLE TIME
So on that element, I was sooo glad she was actually making progress and decisions!
At the same time, I found myself disappointed with the Inner Circle *gasp* I know, I was sad about it too. I understood why they were done with her shit. Because, same.
But the constant bashing of Nesta's drinking, sex, and weight were low blows especially compared to the violence and weight loss Freyre went thru. hypocrites much? I fully recognize this isn’t reflective of the characters we know but its Nesta’s perspective of the characters acting towards her... *Shrug*
꧁The Maas Quality꧂
Honestly, sad to report no major twists. It was just a really good, borderline dark, romance driven by character development and lotttta sexy sexy fun times since its not longer YA
If I had just randomly picked this up, then this book would’ve been off the charts with such dynamic characters, beautiful worldbuilding, and an okay plot.
But in comparison with her others, this book seemed kinda basic and was missing some intricate detail plot twists that you usually can count on with Maas.
To sum up it was an epic story of redemption-- Of a girl finding herself again after tragedy. And along the way she makes friends, and a lover who listens to her who supports her rough recovery, and not always her actions.
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Somehow this book felt soooo long and overly descriptive.. but also was not enough. No idea how that happens but there it is.
The next threat/enemy makes logical sense. So I liked that
I wanted Nesta to get fierce FOR her sisters and be finally willing to fight FOR them. I love some badass sisters dynamics of teasing each other, bitching at each other but would do anything for each other in the end! Didn't really quite get that.
I was constantly underwhelmed by Nesta. She talks lotta shit but what has she actually done?
She has continuously refused to show initiative in her own life and failed to provide for herself. Instead, she constantly chose to lean on the resources of others for her survival.
All she has done is complain. Complain about her human life while refusing to work and save herself or her sisters. Complain about the happiness her lili sister found while refusing to be part of it. Complain about the only people willing to fight and save humans while refusing to train or learn to fight FOR HERSELF. iM bOrEd and AnGeReD by the dismissive bullshit that defined her character up to this point in the series
This book showed some sparks of greatness! Taking initiative in her life! Using all that spitfire and backbone to make something for herself! But in the end, it kinda failed to live up to the fierce powerful Nesta I was hoping she would transform into.
Reading this book you can’t help but compare to Maas’ other great heroines.
I think the big difference is that Aelin always kept moving forward. And Bryce was a little shit. But Nesta handled her depression by freezing and becoming nasty. Which is just really hard to read sometimes.
Overall, I’m glad I read this book but it won’t be a major re-read like most Maas books. The book stands on the friendship the characters build, Nesta overcoming her despair and FINALLY developing her interesting powers. I greatly enjoyed the character dynamics of how Cassian and Nesta are such strong complex characters, but I wanted their romance to be more epic and to sweep me away. I love this world and all the creatures and BADASS FEMALE WARRIORS but the plot was lacking and I hate the power change that a lot of Maas’ characters are undergoing.
If you are teetering whether to read this book, I gotta tell you to lower your expectations and try to forget the bullshit of Nesta’s past in order to just fully enjoy this book. It was pretty great seeing the Inner Circle’s relationships in the aftermath of Wings and Ruin, especially through Nesta’s harsh eye that hardcore READS THESE BITCHES and all their flaws. Plus it gives some foreshadowing and builds excitement for which characters might be next. It was a good romance, but it wasn’t a great Maas book.
I have never liked Nesta. sorry not sorry. I didn’t like her much in the previous books but I acknowledge that her character does have potential for such depth
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Some describe Nesta as ambitious and authoritative character but to me she was very selfish, cold, and distant. She did nothing to help Feyre provide for their family and spent the money Freye earned on frivolous items. THEN in fey world goes on whole refusing to train/ help others but demanding they protect ONE of her sisters?! *fuck off*
Just the idea of a sister knowingly fucking over another in how she treated Freyre as human for YEARS ... it actually hurts my heart a little bit .... that kinda selfishness
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But Cassian liking her will probably MAKE me like her more *god i hope so cuz he deserves the best* I just sick of Nesta's unrelenting nastiness while also hoping she resolves her trauma and that Cassian finds the happiness he deserves
Wish list It’d be kinda cool to find out that she was doing something —sacrificing— to help the family that Freyre never knew back when they were humans behind the wall
She just needs SOME redeeming quality for all the times she constantly bitching and lashing out at everyone. Some reason for why the whole Cassian ignoring thing and treating her sis Feyre like dirt *shaking my fucking head* Also generally she way 2 protective and angry towards people for there not to be some sorta backstory or event behind it hahah
Cover: ehhh I not really a fan of this style... also don’t think it really suited for Cassian with the hardcore Autumn court theme and colors. This just seems like such a let-down and step-down compared to the artful creativity and beauty of Crescent City *frowny face*
But its Maas so of courseeeee imma read it *duhhhh*
**I was provided with an ARC for an honest review.**
For a second book, I wanted....better secondary characters, more Estrella and Caleum: fight fight **I was provided with an ARC for an honest review.**
For a second book, I wanted....better secondary characters, more Estrella and Caleum: fight fight fight kiss kiss kiss, the lord to die, and what is their actual plan for returning to society?
Overall this sequel was an entertaining fae-murder-smut roadtrip that left me...unsatisfied
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꧁The Worldbuilding꧂
What really pulls this book together (and reason I keep going in the series...) the world is just fucking brilliant and fun. A veil separating fae and mates, evil queen, heroine learning powers, plots of overthrowing tyrannical kings, and did I mention fae gods?
"One day, I’d ask about the shock on his face when I’d touched the thread of our bond. One day, I’d gather that thread into my hands and play with its very creation."
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See what I mean?? It has great elements but failed to actually engage the readers in it DURING the book itself. Looking back, these books honestly feels like prequels with overwhelming set-up and background hints that we are building up to something but… right now its really boring.
We are now in the SECOND BOOK and the author is not really having the character engage this awesome world. Instead, we were trapped in the goddamn wilderness— knowing ✨ fae court ✨ rebel ✨ war ✨ shit is happening but stuck reading about the Estrella Caleum ROADTRIP... sigh ﾉಥ益ಥ)ﾉ
꧁The Characters꧂
Estrella our heroine is back! She is violent, sassy, trying her best, and totally psychotic
“No wonder you killed him—” he said, his voice cutting off when I sank the blade into the flesh of his upper thigh. “What the fuck was that for?” he asked, his voice wheezing in pain as I pulled the blade free and returned it to the sheath it called home. “You looked at me,” I snarled, the monster feeling closer to the surface than ever before.
I did enjoy that her mortal background might not be as ...straightforward as we might have thought. But she really needs to assert herself on a higher level. Not just as a warrior, but as a Leader and Decision-maker that choses her next movements, and isnt just being strung along almost a death march to the fae world.
Caelum i love everything about his character. literally everything.
from his endless support
“I wouldn’t dare to deprive the world of your vengeance,” he said, dropping his forehead to mine. “And when he makes his way to Tartarus for his crimes, I’ll have an eternity to make him suffer.”
to his tragedic background
"Feeling your heart flutter for men who would never have been able to give you what your soul craved in the end, and knowing that, I was trapped on the other side of the Veil waiting for you. Just waiting for centuries to be able to hold you."
to the amazing sass
"Trust me, Little One; if it’s a hate fuck you’re after, I would be happy to oblige you right now."
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This sequel also introduced some secondary characters that have some importance to come.
I had some high hopes for Fallon, her introduction into the supernatural world really set up some great possibilities. However, their friendship together was explained rather than shown I wanted more bonding between the two. seriously I know nothing about her character and personality, and just a vague background explanation that they are now forever bffs
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Holt sounds very promising as a character! he gives me total sassy wildhunt general, dare I make a Cassian comparison, vibes.
“Have I told you how much I despise you lately?” I asked, narrowing my eyes into a glare that felt like it dripped venom. Even if he couldn’t see it, I wanted nothing more than to solidify that glare until phantom talons clawed down his back. He twitched, rolling his shoulders as he spun to look at me with a shocked expression. I swallowed, keeping my face neutral in an attempt to disguise my guilt. Had that…?"
꧁The Writing Style꧂
Build-up. Set-up. Beautiful. Slow.
I mean seriously. As much as I enjoyed the characters, the sass, and some interesting build-up of the series. I AM BORED. I WANT ACTION TO HAPPEN NOW. I WANT THINGS TO HAPPEN NOW, NOT JUST FORESHADOWING OF THINGS TO COME.
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no matter how beautiful of writing it is.
"There was beauty in knowing who I was, and in embracing that in spite of the potential consequences."
꧁The Sass꧂
this series is unapologetically dark romance fae trash and i love it
“You think they’re watching us because they want to see us squabble?” he asked, leaning into my space. “They’re watching us because they’re hoping I’ll bend you over and fuck the attitude right out of you, Little One.”
꧁The Critiques꧂
sadly this book had all the critiques from the first... then added a couple more offenses
✨Cliche✨ This is a dark fae romance book. It will contain every fae alphahole trope from jealous motherf*cka to i will protect you even from yourself. Either ya like it or ya dont. ✨Basic✨ There is no subtle foreshadowing. We allllll know whats coming but we still have to GET there. ✨slow af✨ This series plot is moving like goddamn sloths combined with the basic foreshadowing makes the read very boring. I mean its entirely character dynamics and no action. I looked back and was so ridiculously unsatisfied by the plot this sequel, its just been long journeys in the wilderness
Overall, this was just a fun trashy fae novel that is just failing to take things up a notch. Yes I am going to keep reading because I enjoy the world, I like the characters and the smut is fire. But this sequel was an opportunity for this series to really wow me. and it didnt.
**I was provided with an ARC for an honest review.**
I am actually embarrassed by how much I underestimated this book. I. Was. Wrong!
Within this one DE**I was provided with an ARC for an honest review.**
I am actually embarrassed by how much I underestimated this book. I. Was. Wrong!
Within this one DEBUT book, the author creates 3 brilliantly beautiful plot developments of Human tier, Magic tier, and Gods tier.
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Human Tier— this book was some basic YA beginning. Formulaic High school cliche girl discovering powers from defending herself and, of course, random hot guys showing up to help
Kary our MC starts as a pretty basic lili dumb birthday girl. But this book isn't about Kary the human
My favorite part of this book: Kary's life as a goddess wasn't just a random backstory to give reasons for her powers. I friggen adored all the insights into her past lives and how those past actions influence our problems now
Random memories of previous reincarnations *illuminate* the kind of goddess that Kary use to be…. And its friggen teRrIfYiNg
“There was power in names and knowing hers could change who she was in an instant.”
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Magic Tier— this is where things really start to get interesting !!
Chaotic realm full of magical creatures, Olympians, oracles, world-altering decisions and heart pounding battles. And the ongoing mystery of figuring out who is which goddess: Kary, Lorelei, Caroline, and Serena.
spoiler... not all the goddess were exactly good in their past lives lmao
The action, humor, danger, and sisterly bonding kept this YA fantasy novel from being basic
I was cackling while reading the sisters badass dynamic — some classic sisterly fights of stealing clothes, sneaking off, and keeping secrets....wait what... GODDAMN IT LORELEI
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Some of secondary character included Ryan, Sebastian, Seth, Regor, Aaron each with their own past experiences with the goddesses throughout their lifetimes
“You’re ridiculous.” He pinched his nose. “What am I saying.” He was talking to himself now, muttering under his breath. “You’ve always been ridiculous.” “Hey —” Kary began to protest.”
And then. We finally get to
the God Tier. —
This aint just some random mythology added mad-lips style. I talkin' friggen Top Tier character reveals, plot twists, and foreshadowing FROM THE FIFTH CHAPTER HAVING hUgE RAMIFICATIONS !!
The book built-upon the already entertaining plot and identity discovery to have even bigger consequences than we thought !
For all intents and purposes
Think: — (view spoiler)[
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(hide spoiler)] being reincarnated over into several centuries, cultures, wars.
Only to be separated. And become harbingers of doom.
And then we find out that the whole time the (view spoiler)[twins WERE being born in the same lifetimes, BUT those fuckers would KILL OnE oF ThEm SO THEN ONLY ONE COULD EXIST IN WORLD AT A TIME (hide spoiler)]
And ThEn WE REALIZE THAT (view spoiler)[ AEDAN'S HUMAN CHARACTER HAS ALREADY APPEARED IN THE BOOK AND WE JUST DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS HIM
These twists and developments just completely elevated this entire book to be really amazing to read and the mythology just so brilliant foreshadowed
I was worried that because this is a YA novel, our MC would act like a typical YA heroine circa 15 years old. This is a goddess who has lived for thousands of years so obviously, she needs to have the maturity to go with that. And Kary quickly embraced her inner powerful goddess that is definitely a morally grey badass muhaha
I’ve read a lot of reincarnation books. And mythology books. And young girls finding out powers books. And this book incorporated all those elements pretty great with interesting characters and learning more about the goddesses being reincarnated into different cultures-- being Greek Gods then Egyptian, etc WAS JUST SO FRIGGEN COOL
Now the critiques *sniffle sniffle*
My god, that was beginning was basic and almost kinda painful to read through.
It was just a basic cutesy start that honestly a lot of people might've stopped at — thinking that the whole book was gonna be like that. I mean a friggen high schooler birthday. And the age was just way 2 young. The entire time I was picturing our MC to be 18 at LEAST
And looking back i'm wondering, WHY!? I think the author tried to distinguish human Kary from her goddess awakening, but sadly it got to the point where the human had almost no personality and the goddess was a sudden adrenaline junkie that would wake up to destroy shit. And obviously, I wanted to get straight to the goddess badass part of the book.
Also I feel like the other sisters accepted that whole child murder thing a little 2 quickly.... Like they were raised human for a reason and that whole revelation was barely a page — they need to keep their unique personalities while having the same goddess awakening that Kary undergoing.
The writing style of ch 13 for an event. Then suddenly in ch 15 we went back to that scene from another person's POV without even knowing it was a time skip. That was just so random and different from the rest of the POVs that usually continued the linear progression that I was confused and thought I was re-reading the same scene again
Finally that the whole feeling incomplete without the (view spoiler)[twin (hide spoiler)]. I would’ve loved for that to be more incorporated in the beginning human tier of Kary's character to hint towards it later
WARNING: there is some kinda taboo stuff on up in here that is pretty edgey for a friggen YA so it not for everyone but I like dark sexy fantasy psst... anime fans think "The Irregular at Magic High School"
Honestly, I just wanted this book to be NA the whole time instead of YA. Where the perfect additions of some curse words, sexy sexy fun times and darker actions would've made this book alllll the more delicious. It's already leaning towards dark fantasy but couldn't *quite* commit because of the limitations of YA genre.
Overall, Rebecca Queen did a great job of building such a fantasic world in this series with intricate relationships spanning back CENTURIES of character development. It started as a typical YA heroine with powers that was suddenly elevated by remembering her past Goddess self with some extra details to keep it from cliche. The plot was action-packed with the creative building. The author made the worldbuilding of god mythology work TO BUILD UP the important plot instead of paragraphs just describing where the characters are. AND I TOTALLY FIGURED OUT THE EARLIER CHARACTER REVEAL OF AEDAN AND I FRIGGEN LOST MY SHIT, PLEASE MESSAGE ME IMMEDIATELY AFTER READING THIS TO DISCUSS IN LENGTH
It made me laugh, smile, swoon, jump up and down in excitement, and cry. This book had it all! Definitely Recommend checking out this debut book and seeing what she does next!...more
Im sorry but what the actual fuck did I just read??
Everyone knows I love Kate Daniels, a snarky paranormal detective just t Unpopular opinion ahead
Im sorry but what the actual fuck did I just read??
Everyone knows I love Kate Daniels, a snarky paranormal detective just trying her fucking best. I love this world, this writing, and these characters!! But I really feel like the characters lost their spark that I first adored
So just a heads up, dis one gonna be a rant about this book as the ending to such a great series And I’m not happy.
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Our characters,
Kate, she has gown so much since we first met her. She’s made friendships, channeled her powers, and embraced her heritage as protector *minus the whole power hungry part.
But then … we lose that??
Kate reverts to same position as her earliest self ???
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Seriously in the end here, Kate undoes whole heritage power collecting thing that we spent all 10 books working up to. And to me? She just lost some character growth and I was disappointed cuz I know my girl could’ve handled it
Curran Yah okay fine the Beastlord was still the same snarky pantiedropping supportive son of a bitch we all know and love
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Julie. I’m *very * upset over the direction of Julie’s relationship with Kate
Going into this, I was nervous about the baby stuff. Sorry thats just me, babies be boring / annoying and take away from actual plot. But I felt like, yes, it was balanced with Kate still staying her badassness. At the cost of her relationship with Julie.
Julie *barely* shows up
When she does, she is constantly keeping secrets and hiding stuff from Kate
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We see Kate verbalizing being supportive of Julie… but we no longer see it in action.
They don't go out on monster hunts together They no longer are each other confidants Kate isn’t teaching Julie about her magic Fuck, they aren’t even weapons training to talk and bond anymore *smh*
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I understand it was all to break Julie being an adult and separating from Kate’s shadow. But it was done in such a castaway move, that Kate never would’ve just dismissed Julie like that.
I would've loved to have seen a sword to sword talk, (get it, cuz Kate 2 much of a baddie for a heart to heart? ) of them practice fighting each other while Julie shares her frustration and Kate gives some advice to go independent adventures
Instead we got... a *goddamn* note ?
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Jim okay so fuck him... but also fuck those later books that just *ruined* Jim's character.
He went from Kate's mercenary buddy to blind pack solider to selfish prick. Before, his paranoia was to keep his friends safe. But then he even hurts Curran, after basically being Curran's only real friend. What the actual fuck
Thank christ we *finally* see Christopher and Barabbas but it was a 2 second scene that I HAVE been WAITING and SHIPPING since fUcKiNg BOOK 5. So just FUCK ALL YALL they deserved more!
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Okay while I rant and bitch, this is still an amazing book. Everything about this world, the characters, the humor, the cultural background, and the magic is so unique and captivating.
Overall, I’m sad to see it end.... but it was definitely time. I didn’t feel the same magic that I felt earlier in this series. And worst of fall, the characters lost their connections, sparks, and dynamics that first made me love them. It’s bittersweet goodbye to one of the BEST urban fantasy series ever.
I just wish the group dynamics had been stronger, about Kate and her makeshift mischief family finally ending this long dispute … instead of just focusing on the overpowered baby.
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*Acknowledgement: I hate most end books of series ¯\_(ツ)_/¯...more
Kate Daniels Oh man it don't feel right to call her 'just' a mercenary because she is so much more. She a fighter. Protector. Magical badass . MY GURLLKate Daniels Oh man it don't feel right to call her 'just' a mercenary because she is so much more. She a fighter. Protector. Magical badass . MY GURLLLLL
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Re-reading this book, I’m able to appreciate it more because of how much I love the characters and I know it gets better ... later ... eventually
But this book in itself.. okay yah its a bit of a shit show dosed with funny scenes and witty comments that keep you reading
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But first the main issue… that prevents this book from gaining more than 3 stars. The Curran love interest I’m not gonna lie, he really pissed me off in this book. Before he was supportive badass. Now he secret-keeping-sonofabitch
The beginning has our favorite pair, the badass Consort and the Beast Lord
“You’re taking a nap? Come on, Kate, I need you for this fight. Stop lying around.” You sonovabitch. I rolled to my feet and grabbed my sword. “You must think you’re funny.”
The teasing. The banter. The support that we’ve come to expect and crave between the two
“Just saying, you have to pull your own weight. A hot body and flirting will only get you so far.”
But then ....
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we get Gaslighting, betrayal, cheating
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“So this is what it’s about? This is your mature response—to go off into the mountains rather than talking about it and have s’mores with a gnome and a mountain man.” “Yep.”
All problems should be solved as a couple, whether its stabbing some monsters or dumb flirty women
The exact problem that Curran complained about— with Kate keeping secrets and not being honest with him— he DID in this book and KEPT secrets for the sake of pRotEcTiNg her
The Andrews made the whole confrontation scene funny.. and it kinda worked… but at that point I was already pretty pissed
“I crossed my arms. “I thought you were dead! And you’re here, sitting around the fire, eating and . . .” “Listening to fairy tales.” Helpful, that’s me. “We’re about to have s’mores and you’re not invited.” Curran opened his mouth. His gaze paused on Atsany. He blinked. “What the fuck?”
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Plot wise, this book is really different from previous *still not sure if thats a good thing yet* Because it focuses on the Pack and pack politics. Instead of some classic Kate mischief or doing battles to help people… its to help the pack drama
I have no idea how the authors got me invested in a plot thats about characters I’ve literally never fucking met before… but they absolutely did. Sad news it wasn’t *quite* as violent as the rest, but focused on the intrigue and betrayal from ALL sides while in the castle *yes thats called foreshadowing children*
The secondary characters were all great - I loved Aunt B, Doolittle, Derek, George, Barbaras
“Tell Hibla we need maid service,” I said. “We could handle trash in our room and an odd smell, but now we have a dead body. If this continues, we won’t be able to give your hotel a decent rating.” “Yeah,” Derek said, his voice completely deadpan. “The continental breakfast better kick ass or we’ll complain to the manager.”
Christopher is our newest edition to the misfit crew *and personal favorite* . He a little broken right now and takes a while to really figure out who he is, which so creatively loops back around to be important in later books
“He insists that he used to know how to fly, but he forgot. He occasionally tries, so I have to watch him closely in high places.”
Hugh is a great antihero that I can’t wait to have more interactions with. He is such little shit but I love it
“Big talk,” Hugh said. “But can you back it up?” I stood up and held my arms out. “Ladies, you’re both pretty. We still have a job to do. Last I checked, we were still guaranteeing Desandra’s safety.”
Overall, just not my favorite Kate Daniels book. While this book has some funny one-liners, the whole Curran side plot just totally ruins it for me. I had actually blocked it out, so I legit forgot it even happened… then when I was rereading, I was remembering and cringing. The epicness of this world and its secondary characters is ultimately what kept me going in the series because I really adore this world and its characters. And honestly? the situations these characters get into are just fucking hilarious, how can you give up living in this world for a couple of pages?? “You want to get married? I’ll marry you right now. Is the gnome a preacher, because I’ll do it.” “That’s a hell of a proposal.”
“The blood that flows through me was old when she was but a vague idea. Look into her eyes, if you don’t believe me.”
“Why me?” he said finally. “Ar“The blood that flows through me was old when she was but a vague idea. Look into her eyes, if you don’t believe me.”
“Why me?” he said finally. “Are you on some sort of mission to fuck up my life?” “I try my best to avoid you.”
“If it wasn’t for her and the flare, I’d throw your dumb ass out of this window.” “What does the flare have to do with it?” “I don’t want it to be attributed to a loss of control on my part. When I throw you out of the window, I want there to be no doubt the act was deliberate.”
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