Ah, I'm not sure what to say about this book except that I was hugely disappointed with it.
The book had all the ingredients to be good... it just didAh, I'm not sure what to say about this book except that I was hugely disappointed with it.
The book had all the ingredients to be good... it just didn't deliver. I loved the side characters, I loved the plot but the pace and writing was just a mess.
I found the first 100 pages, and the last 30 pages easy to read but to be completely honest I skimmed the rest of the book.
Also, **spoilers ahead** what the fuck was the scene with Death fucking himself/shadow self??? This nearly caused me to stop reading the book because WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK? I'm down for some spice but this was not for me. The scene felt a bit incestuous, although can it be incestuous when it's yourself? I need answers, people!
I was really hoping to see a progression of Death and Hanna's relationship but all they did was "connect" with their bodies and it was just boring. I need my love interests to have an actual decent conversation for me to feel invested in their relationship, or its just insta-love and I'm not a fan of that.
The book ends on a cliffhanger so will definitely pick up the next book, which I'm hoping is the last because this series already feels too long. Also, we need more Sarvi - there was not enough of our British sounding unicorn, and he's the best thing about the book! ...more
I received a stunning edition of this book in my Fairyloot August YA book box and I would literally let Gina Chen walk all over me in 6 inch stilettosI received a stunning edition of this book in my Fairyloot August YA book box and I would literally let Gina Chen walk all over me in 6 inch stilettos to get the second book in this series.
I definitely wasn't expecting this book to be anything special but I found myself laughing throughout and I couldn't turn the page quick enough. I loved Violet, I loved Cyrus, I loved this book! The side characters were just as good as the main characters, and I was rooting for them as well.
The banter, the pace, the writing was just perfection!! Violet is such a fascinating, morally grey character and I was getting golden retriever vibes from Cyrus. I'm an absolute sucker for the enemies-to-lovers trope and this is just *chef's kiss*. I just love this couple and can't wait to see how they progress in the second book.
Gina Chen, I'll honestly give you a kidney in exchange for the second book. ...more
I want to start this off by saying that I've been so excited to read this book. I even pre-ordered it in **WARNING - THIS REVIEW WILL HAVE SPOILERS**
I want to start this off by saying that I've been so excited to read this book. I even pre-ordered it in the USA (I'm from the UK) so I could get the free 6 page overlays and the first five chapters. I could not believe my luck when I saw it in my local Waterstones a week early. The fact it had a £3 off sticker on it before it was even supposed to be released should have been my first warning sign because this was a HOT MESS.
This book had SO MUCH POTENTIAL. SO MUCH. It was advertised as six rulers from different realms coming together in a deadly battle on an island that only appears every 100 years to try and break their curse. AND one of them has to die. EXCITING RIGHT? Now, I wrongly assumed that this island that only appears every 100 years was abandoned. Nope. The King of Lightlark (Oro) and his realm, and three of the other realms are based on this island. Only two of the realms are based elsewhere, and I couldn’t tell you where, as it was never really explained to us. This pretty much ruined the mystery of the island from the get-go.
So a deadly competition? Not too sure where this was featured, but it wasn’t in this book. The rulers have 100 days to break their curses. Now the rulers are not able to kill each other until Day 50 of the competition. We do see one sneaky assassination attempt before Day 50, but it wasn’t directly from a ruler, so it felt kind of pointless. Instead, we’re provided with some “demonstrations” aka the rulers showing off their powers to each other that will determine which ruler will partner with who.
The big issue in this book was… I never felt Isla was in any danger or there was a big threat to her, even once we got to Day 50 and they could start to kill each other. She was “friendly” with 3 out of the 5 rulers (two of them being her 500 year-old love interests and the other being her secret bestie). Only one of the other rulers (Cleo) felt like a possible threat, and she was barely featured in the book. The worst part was, Cleo was the best thing about this book. She also received a throwaway line that hinted at her possibly being bisexual… so of course, she was pushed to the side. Strong representation for the bi community as always. Overall, the competition was just a bit shit and pointless. I feel like I need to go and read the Hunger Games again just to feel something.
Now, the writing was just kinda... crap. Have you ever read a book and felt like the author was trying to prove how smart they are, but it's just poorly thrown together similes and metaphors? The world building was confusing. You cannot just drop random one line sentences containing bits of information here and there and expect readers to be able to make sense of your world, especially a fantasy world. It's not until the last 20% of the book that you actually understand anything regarding the curse. Even now, I probably couldn't tell you the difference between realms and their powers. This book desperately needed a glossary and a map, just to try and keep up with what was going on. I found myself having to go back and check because I was getting confused with all the different rulers and realms. Plus, if you love a bit of subtle slut-shaming thrown into your books, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of my favourite descriptions in the book:
- Lightlark, the island in which this WHOLE book is based around, was described as (I kid you not) "a shining, cliffy thing". - Approximately eight pages later the sun was described as "a yolky thing". - One of our main love interests was described as smelling like "stone".
The most entertaining part of this book was how much time the author clearly put into naming things in this world. The names for the six rulers/realms/races were the following; Wildlings, Sunlings, Starlings, Moonlings, Skylings and Nightshades (a poor man’s Night Court, let me tell you). Another favourite of mine was a device that Isla used to travel to other places was called… (drum roll please) a Starstick.
Now, speaking of the rulers. We had six rulers; -Isla – our FMC, a Mary-Sue, who was dull as dish water, about as useful as wet spaghetti and seemed very childish, especially when paired with much older love interests. Considering she has been trained from a young age for this competition, she makes the silliest/stupidest mistakes throughout this book, in order to further the plot. It’s not believable that a 20-year-old would be able to win a duel against two 500-year-old rulers who are much more powerful than her, and specialise in the skill that they're competing with. I know you have to try and make your FMC stand out but it just wasn’t plausible. Especially as in the book she says herself, she wasn’t a natural when it came fighting with a sword and she refers to one of them as the greatest warrior around. The girl also falls, stumbles, trips more times than I can count. She would NOT have won that duel. Also, being a beautiful temptress is not a personality trait. -Grimshaw – our first love interest who in reality was just a 500-year-old creepy, love sick, dollar store Rhysand. 'Grim' had 0 chemistry with the love interest and he treated her like a child for the majority of this book. It. Was. Creepy. Also, he was so fucking DULL. I'd rather watch paint dry then be subjected to a conversation between him and Isla again. -Oro – our second love interest, King of Lightlark, is another 500-year-old who I actually quite liked. But again, he felt too old for our main character. He was also described as more powerful than all of the rulers combined so the fact he was partnered with Isla, reduced any sort of impending threat in this book. -Celeste - Isla's secret bestie. She didn't really develop a personality until the 90% mark. -Azul - our black LGBTQ+ ruler who barely featured in the book at all. Box ticked for diversity I guess. Would love to have known more about him and his history, but any details we found out about him were from conversations with other characters. -Cleo - easily the best character in this book and yet she barely features. At this point, Cleo should have been the main character for this book. Would have been way more interesting!
Considering this is a deadly competition for the six rulers, there is not enough interactions between the six of them. I would love to have seen more of the group together.
The book actually started to pick up some steam around 70%, we had a juicy betrayal that I was down for. Then nothing came from that and we had to wait around until the 90% mark, where we had the ‘BIG PLOT TWIST’. I loved the plot twist. However, I will say this. Writing a GREAT PLOT TWIST DOES NOT MAKE A CRAP BOOK GOOD.
This review is already too long but here’s some quick points I want to make: - Dialogue was cringey and unnatural. - Pace of the book was slow and boring. Nothing interesting happens until 70% in. - An important prophecy that is key to this book is not even introduced to the audience until 152 pages in. Considering we are thrown into the story pretty quickly, this just highlights how much of this book was just useless information. - Too much telling, not enough showing. - Interesting side characters were ignored!!! - The author was scared to make the FMC interesting and it showed. You'd think she was about to take a leap into being interesting and morally questionable, and the author would yank her back into her perfect Mary-Sue character. - The big plot twist was heavily advertised for this book. I predicted a part of it early on, and then another part of it we would never have guessed as we were never given the information properly. Authors, if you have a big plot twist in your book, don’t tell people before they’ve even read the book! - This book was just a bunch of badly written tropes thrown together. - Whoever said this book had a ACOTAR x Hunger Games vibe, go sit in the corner and use some critical thinking skills because you don't know what you're talking about. - If you're looking for spice... go find your Kindle and download a spicy adult romance novel. I was concerned when the book was advertised as Teen/YA, with a lot of spice but no need to worry... no spice was located. - If you've come from TikTok and seen some of the scenes, spoilers and quotes the author posted... I'm still looking for those as well. - The worst attempt at enemies-to-lovers I've ever seen.
This was a solid 4 stars for me, and would have been a 5 but the first 80 pages of this book really let it down. The book has a very slow start, and wThis was a solid 4 stars for me, and would have been a 5 but the first 80 pages of this book really let it down. The book has a very slow start, and while I think the author used it to set the story, it was a just a bit too long for me. I also found the author kept telling and showing us the same things, and it became repetitive. Like the author mentions that the FMC Hanna has taken self-defence lessons in the beginning, and this is told to us repeatedly in the first 100 pages, immediately before showing us she can defend herself. Parts like this felt repetitive and unnecessary, but that's just a minor pet peeve of mine.
Now, I'm not sure what I was expecting in this book but it definitely wasn't this. However, it was surprisingly good and I can't wait to read Book 2. I loved the mix of modern world and Finnish mythology. The writing style took me a while to get used too but I did enjoy it eventually. I can see why some people may dislike it. I believe the below paragraph highlights the type of writing to expect in this book:
"But as much as I wanted to talk to Death about it, I don't see him for the whole day. In fact, I get the feeling that he's doing the very human fuckboi reaction after sex, which is to avoid the woman at all costs. Maybe it wasn't quite what he wanted. Maybe I scared him off. Maybe he's already moving on by calling up every mermaid in his phonebook. I don't know."
However, my favourite part of this book was the talking unicorn with a British accent. My god, I nearly fell out of my hammock when I read that part. I found it hilarious for some reason and wanted more of the unicorn in the book. This book has some real laugh-out-loud moments that made it stand out.
I loved Death as our MMC, he reminds me of a petulant child at times but I loved it weirdly! The FMC was a bit dramatic at times for my taste but I still enjoyed her as well. The side characters really made this book, and can't wait to see which ones we can trust throughout the series....more
I received this book in the Bookish Box May YA Box - my first ever book I have received from a book subscription. Let me start this by saying, when I I received this book in the Bookish Box May YA Box - my first ever book I have received from a book subscription. Let me start this by saying, when I first read the synopsis I was not keen at all, and was tempted to put the book straight up on eBay. Then I thought I'd read the first 100 pages and decide then what to do with the book. Thank god I did!!
I ended up really enjoying the book and here's why: - Easy-read - Loveable main and side characters. - Interesting subplots. - The world-building was nicely done. - Dragons. - A loveable love interest (I'm a sucker for a grumpy love interest who's secretly a softie!). - A strong FMC who was just the right amount of stubborn.
Was it predictable? Absolutely. But sometimes predictable is good, especially when trying to get out of a reading slump.
The reason it's not a five star read is because the first 60 pages, I really struggled to enjoy. I also didn't like the idea of killing dragons for a sport (this is resolved somewhat).
If you're looking for an easy read with dragons, a grumpy love interest and a stubborn FMC - this is it!...more
This book was definitely a darker read compared to the first two and I would insist that you read the trigger warnings before proceeding. I honestl3.5
This book was definitely a darker read compared to the first two and I would insist that you read the trigger warnings before proceeding. I honestly struggled to read parts but I commend the author for not shying away from these darker themes, and actually handling them well. These moments weren't used to shock the audience, unlike what I've seen in a few other fantasy novels.
However, I do have very mixed feelings about this book. The first 40% was a struggle and the main reason for that was I felt like there was no plot or character development to keep me interested. I felt like we sat in limbo for the first half, and it became quite repetitive.
The second half of this book was truly what I love about fantasy novels. The court politics, the betrayals and deception were so intriguing that I couldn't get through the second half quick enough. I loved seeing Estrella develop as a character and in doing so, her relationship with Caelum became a lot more enjoyable.
I will say that the ending of the book has me frustrated with Estrella's actions, and I'm interested to see how the author will use this to move forward without erasing the development we've seen in book 3.
Overall, this book is a huge improvement compared to book 2 but is still missing that spark we had in book 1. I like a good plot with a steady pace and this series seems to have slowed down considerably.
I received an advanced review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
Gosh, I have very mixed feelings about this book. I really, really thought I was going to love it. I can read a book in one or two days, but it took mGosh, I have very mixed feelings about this book. I really, really thought I was going to love it. I can read a book in one or two days, but it took me over a week to get through this mess. The book had a really strong start, I loved the world-building and the introduction to Faye and her sister Sparrow. I loved how Faye and Rune met and the build-up before they met "physically". I loved that Rune had all these courting traditions and behaviour, I found it really cute and brought an interesting dynamic to the relationship.
However, about 40% in and I was bored. The pace of the book seemed to drop off and I really struggled to keep reading. Then the FMC and MMC moved forward and I thought "yep, yep, okay, this is gonna be good" and then BANG... they break-up for no real reason. The break-up felt so childish and pointless that I'm wondering if this part was written by another person. I felt the author was trying so hard to cause some drama between the two, and it just came off as 12 year-old on Wattpad vibes.
Also, Sparrow who I thought was going to be a top tier character ended up being overdone and felt like a caricature of some badass female character. I have a huge problem with how she treated Faye with regards to courting Rune, and it was uncomfortable to read. Particularly as Sparrow didn't recognise her behaviour was wrong and the apology was never sincere. The sarcasm, insults and 'naughty' behaviour was too much and too constant. Sparrow needed some softer moments (or even one) to humanise her a bit. How she spoke to everyone around her was also seriously off-putting and cringey at times. Like girl... you're untrained and not that powerful... sit down and shut up. Also, the constant calling each 'bitch' and 'hooker' thing... overdone. It was funny the first few times but about halfway through I was done with it.
My last comment is... the author made it really hard to connect with the female characters at times. I just know I could have loved Sparrow, Sadi and Faye but the author ruined them for the sake of the male characters, and it shows. I will probably read Book 2 because I'm interested to see how it will progress... but I'm not counting down the days for it's release.
Pros: - Enjoyed the world building although took me way too long to understand the 'shards' on the finger. - The relationship between the FMC and MMC. - Rune. - Rune (Again, and I'm not sorry). - The first 20% of the book, and the last 50 pages were amazing.
Cons: - When Rune and Faye was physically together, but not romantically together the pace of the book slowed down and became repetitive. I love a slow burn but damn... nothing happened. - Side characters were wasted. You had so many interesting side characters and we barely know anything about them!!! Praying Book 2 changes this! -Sparrow - her personality was appalling and she crossed the line with her behaviour towards Faye. She was easily the worst part of this book. I love a badass and sarcastic character, but these characters also need depth and Sparrow was just nasty, hiding under "being funny and badass". - The majority of the book was repetitive and slow paced. Could have been cut down by a 150 pages, easy. - Faye, the FMC, was too naive at points that it became unbelievable bordering on stupid. - Miscommunication causing a break-up - worst trope. - Definitely feel like this book was just setting up the rest of the series but it didn't do it well....more
I just want to thank J. Bree for writing this incredible series. While I'm heartbroken to say goodbye to some of my favourite characters, this was sucI just want to thank J. Bree for writing this incredible series. While I'm heartbroken to say goodbye to some of my favourite characters, this was such a perfect ending to their story. I loved the pace of the book, the plot, the characters and I love seeing the bonds interact as a group of six in this book.
J. Bree managed to tie up all the loose ends to provide a satisfying conclusion to this beautifully written series. It was interesting to see everything from the first few books finally make sense. I could honestly read another 6 books of these characters, but I'm glad they finally have their HEA.
My only negative is the epilogue was not long enough. AT. ALL.
Final Favourite Bond Order:
1. Gryphon 2. North. 3. Nox. 4. Gabe 5. Atlas - you were more likeable in this book!...more
As someone who is not a big fan of the reverse harem plot... this book continues to manage it brilliantly!
My favourite of the series so far and I keeAs someone who is not a big fan of the reverse harem plot... this book continues to manage it brilliantly!
My favourite of the series so far and I keep coming back to re-read. Sometimes as a series progresses, the storyline and the characters become stagnant and I start to lose interest. The Bonds That Tie just manages to keep getting better and better.
This book has made me fall in love with Gryphon, North and Gabe even more. I wanna smack Nox with a frying pan in this book, but I know why he acts this way so I can't be too mad (kind of...)
I'm not sure why, but I can't warm to Atlas. Think its a personal preference more than anything but he's probably my least favourite of the group. I think because his personality/character just revolves around Oli and Gabe, he doesn't quite feel like a 'full' character to me.
Oli, I just wanna wrap her up in a blanket and give her a hot chocolate with marshmallows.
This book helps us understand a lot of Oli's actions in book 1 & 2, and is such an incredible read. Would highly recommend!...more
This book fell into the "sequel build-up to the third book" trap. This book was 90% Estrella and Caelum riding on a horse and travelling back to the vThis book fell into the "sequel build-up to the third book" trap. This book was 90% Estrella and Caelum riding on a horse and travelling back to the veil PAINFULLY SLOW. (If you've read War (The Four Horseman Series), this is the vibe that I got from this book). Now, I can usually enjoy books like this if I'm connected to the main characters but I just couldn't understand Estrella and her relationship with Caelum at times.
The two of them had the same argument for the entire book that honestly, by the 60% mark I was bored with. I also wanted more grovelling from Caelum and a bit of restraint from Estrella. I know they're soulmates but I wanted the tension, the fighting and the banter. She's just been hugely betrayed by her soulmate and I wanted this book to address it realistically. I feel like we only got half of this and the author never fully committed to it in fear of making Caelum unlikeable.
I will say this book made me understand some of Caelum's actions and motivations from the previous book. It also addressed some of the issues I had with the first book but as far as book boyfriends go... not the best and swaying slightly to being unlikeable at times, particularly in the first part of this book.
The last 10% saved this book from being a 1 star, and that was because we finally got some PLOT which is what this book was missing. This book was entirely too repetitive at times and I really struggled to get through it.
The worst part is I will continue with the third book as I need to know what happens after that cliffhanger. But if you're not a fan of a long book where nothing happens up until the end... you may want to avoid or skim read this book. You won't miss anything important!
I will highlight that I really enjoyed the writing style but this book was too long for what it was, two people on a horse kind of arguing and having lots of sex. ...more
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