Sit down, shut up and listen... you need to read this book! Someone described this book as the vampire hunger games and honestly, it's pretty darn cloSit down, shut up and listen... you need to read this book! Someone described this book as the vampire hunger games and honestly, it's pretty darn close!
This books follows Oraya, the human adopted daughter of the vampire king. Oraya enters a deadly competition called the Kejari, where the winner can have any wish granted by the Goddess of Death. Oraya enters in order to make herself stronger in a vampire dominated world. The trials in the competition were interesting, but the story was so much more than the competition and I absolutely loved it.
Oraya was a strong FMC with a kind heart, despite her upbringing under the vampire king. The relationship between her and her father was a difficult read, but incredibly important to the story.
I don't want to say too much because this book is so much more enjoyable when you go in with no expectations or knowledge of what is going to happen. But I'd highly recommend pushing this book to the top of your TBR list. This is a good fantasy with a sprinkle of romance and betrayal.
Update - I'm still thinking about this book 4 months later! ...more
I definitely missed the part about this being a 'Romeo & Juliet' retelling. The ending had me SHOCKED.
This paranormal romance has an easy-to-follow wI definitely missed the part about this being a 'Romeo & Juliet' retelling. The ending had me SHOCKED.
This paranormal romance has an easy-to-follow world building and a fun plot. I loved Leigh and Jarod, although my girl giving up her angel wings for a man... side eye.
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
14/04/23 - my third re-read! This is my comfort book for when I'm not feeling great mentally.
I think Somme Sketcher could write a 100 books about Pen14/04/23 - my third re-read! This is my comfort book for when I'm not feeling great mentally.
I think Somme Sketcher could write a 100 books about Penny and Rafe and it would never be enough. I cannot express how much I love these two and I want my own Rafe.
This book is Part 2 of a duet. Having 600 pages+ for their story was just perfection and I couldn't read it quick enough.
The writing, the pacing, the banter was fantastic. I hate when banter between a couple disappears once they're finally together, but Somme manages to balance this perfectly. This honestly has to be one of my favourite duets I've ever read and I cannot wait for Gabe's story.
If you love a good mafia romance with a strong FMC and a grumpy MMC, this is the book. The chemistry flies off the page and I found myself laughing out-loud several times. This book is honestly 6 stars!!
Somme, what do I have to do to get Gabe's book in my hands now?????...more
I'm an absolute sucker for enemies-to-lovers and this is just... perfect! Sinners Anonymous (the first book in the series) was a solid WOW. JUST WOW.
I'm an absolute sucker for enemies-to-lovers and this is just... perfect! Sinners Anonymous (the first book in the series) was a solid four stars for me and Somme has really stepped it up in her second book. My god, Raphael may be my favourite dark romance book boyfriend... and there's some strong competition in that category. This is definitely a slow burn... and I can imagine Part 2 of this duet is going to be very spicy (please, Somme!). Penelope definitely has more patience than me, I'd have climbed that man like a tree.
My favourite part in the book was when Penelope was giving Raphael a lap dance in his car.
My sass morphs into a gasp as Raphael's thick fingers find purchase in the base of my hair and yank my head back. I open my mouth to protest, then something cold and smooth slides into it. At first, I think it's another playing card, but when I pull it out, I realise it's a Black Amex... "Pin is four, eight, four, two," he says. He locks his fingers behind his head and leans back against the headrest. His gaze flashes like a warning sight. "Now, take it off."
If you love a strong, funny and stubborn FMC and a grumpy love interest.... this is the book. Please check the trigger warnings.
I also loved seeing Rory and Angelo from the first book throughout, was nice to see them married and happy. I also can't wait for Gabe's book, I have a feeling he is going to my favourite!
I desperately need Part 2 of this duet - September 7th can't come quick enough. I need to know how Penelope's and Rafe's story ends!!...more
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
Not sure if I read the same book as other people but yikes.
I nearly DNF’ed but it was like a car crash that I couldn’t look away from. If the book haNot sure if I read the same book as other people but yikes.
I nearly DNF’ed but it was like a car crash that I couldn’t look away from. If the book has been longer than 300 pages, I would have given up around 50 pages.
The dialogue was cringey, the situations unrealistic (and I’m talking more unrealistic than you’d normally find), I couldn’t connect with any of the characters (especially our FMC) and I couldn’t believe that our MMC was 34 and our FMC was 26. Felt like I was reading about two teenagers it was so cringey. I also can’t stand the overuse of sickly nicknames repeatedly.
I love a good mafia romance but this wasn’t it, despite an interesting premise that I had high hopes for.
The writing… felt like the author had somewhere else to be since it was so rushed. I ended up skimming pages, especially fight scenes, as the second hand embarrassment was real. I don’t think I’ll be reading anything else from this author in future.
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
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
Character Development: 3.5/5 Plot: 4/5 Readability: 5/5 Enjoyment: 4/5
This is another second book prepping us for the big story in bookOverall Score: 4/5
Character Development: 3.5/5 Plot: 4/5 Readability: 5/5 Enjoyment: 4/5
This is another second book prepping us for the big story in book 3. I did enjoy this book a lot more than I thought I would but it still lost a star for falling into the same trap as several over romantasy trilogies. I wish authors would stop treating the second book as the 'journey to find the plot in book 3'. ...more
Raven Kennedy has pulled out my heart, stomped on it and shoved it back inside my shell of a body.
One of my least favouri*minor spoilers*
I AM UNWELL.
Raven Kennedy has pulled out my heart, stomped on it and shoved it back inside my shell of a body.
One of my least favourite tropes is when the main love interests are separated from each other but Raven Kennedy SOMEHOW made me enjoy it. Slade embarking on a killing spree was both hilarious and hot (now I'm questioning if there is something wrong with me?) and Auren learning to be a badass on her own was just perfection. But most importantly... the ribbons *blinks back tears*.
There's so many stories and characters but Raven manages to intertwine them perfectly. I loved every single POV in this book and this has to be Raven's strongest book plot wise. I honestly couldn't read this book fast enough. I was not expecting to like Queen Malina but I actually loved her chapters, and seeing her as a Queen. Plus, the scenes with her and the assassin were hot.
Rissa & Osrik, I'll say no more but they have my whole heart.
THE ENDING. Raven Kennedy really knows how to shove that knife in deep before leaving us wanting more. My heart aches and I can't wait to read the conclusion to the Plated Prisoner series.
This series continues to be an all-time favourite!...more
A nice, easy read although slightly predictable. I enjoyed the book and found it easy to follow.
I’ve given it four stars because this felt like a firA nice, easy read although slightly predictable. I enjoyed the book and found it easy to follow.
I’ve given it four stars because this felt like a first draft and rushed in places. The story needed to be flushed out a bit more for the ending to have a real impact.
If you’re looking for a quick fantasy book to read, this is a good choice. ...more
The first 500 pages were painful to be quite honest. I only really enjoyed the last 300, and I didn't feel any connection to any oOverall Rating - 3.5
The first 500 pages were painful to be quite honest. I only really enjoyed the last 300, and I didn't feel any connection to any of the characters except the fire sprite that SJM killed off.
This series feels like someone trying to imitate SJM badly.
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