Honestly, I finished this one a couple of weeks ago and for the life of me, I couldn't remember much about it even though I did enjoy it while it lastHonestly, I finished this one a couple of weeks ago and for the life of me, I couldn't remember much about it even though I did enjoy it while it lasts.
It was that kind of book where you don't use your head much. Where stuffs happened and you just enjoy the ride. Low angst and steamy moments.
I was expecting a feel good romance. I didn't quite get that. But thank god for romances and their staple HEAs/HFNs!
First. As ever, Vi Keeland could wI was expecting a feel good romance. I didn't quite get that. But thank god for romances and their staple HEAs/HFNs!
First. As ever, Vi Keeland could write some of the best banters. That's all I wish for in a romance btw. A good banter. Kinda made me want to dip my toe into the dating pool but fuck, they're never what I expected. Sigh.
Second. Louise is what I want to be when I'm old. Just living life to the fullest.
Third. Our girl is one stubborn, self denier mf. But it's understandable.
So. That was an interesting read. Never would've I guessed that this book has an element of darkness into it. As in, I can definitely say this is a daSo. That was an interesting read. Never would've I guessed that this book has an element of darkness into it. As in, I can definitely say this is a dark sci-fi romance. Without spoiling too much, I would say someone who enjoyed Laura Thalassa's brand of antiheroes and antiheroines would enjoy this one.
And it surprised me to realise this is an old book (as in it was firstly published in 2022). Heard nothing of it and I'm glad that by giving ARCs out, it kinda give this book a second breath, and giving me a chance to discover this hidden gem!
What else can I say? Much of it is too spoilery and I can't ruin it for you guys.
One little critic though, I need more world building. Of the two planets. Heck, history of how things to become as it was wouldn't be wrong. I love world building and I demand them every time I started a new fantasy book.
That's all, y'all!
*I have received an ARC copy of this book from the Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review....more
So. This book has potential, I can definitely say that.
The world building is one of the parts that I really enjoy. One thing that I note I like was tSo. This book has potential, I can definitely say that.
The world building is one of the parts that I really enjoy. One thing that I note I like was the rings tradition. Like, wow. That was really unique and smart. Also, one thing to commend was the gender fluidity in this book. It is hard to execute the whole gender system without making it too preachy or immature. While in this one, it was smoothly done.
With that said though, vibrant world building aside, I think, the main issue I find lacking in this book is the characters. While world building can work around the show-don't-tell rule (in my opinion), the characters, you have to show them. Don't tell me all these great achievements, these back stories between them, show me. Hence probably why the characters suffered a lot. Plus, I don't really can get into the romantic subplot in this one, if you can even call it that. I don't see the chemistry, the attraction. And the fact that it was supposed to be about a poly relationship? What? How? Whyyyy?
Anyway. That aside. Love the world building. Devastated over the underdeveloped characters.
*I have received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in exchanged of an honest review....more
Oof. I was a different girl when I read the original version of this book. I was scandalised to say the least. And that was totally a different story Oof. I was a different girl when I read the original version of this book. I was scandalised to say the least. And that was totally a different story from this one. This one wayyyyy more taboo than that one.
Then, it's hard to wrap my head around the forbidden relationship between the father and daughter, mainly because I was newly into the taboo romance. Now, I think I can separate the fantasy from reality better. Though, it needs to be said again, THE MOTHER IS DEFINITELY IN THE RIGHT IN BOTH VERSIONS.
With that out of the way, despite the more taboo situation, I didn't fully get that risky, tenseful feeling that I got with the OG version. Maybe that's on me. I was more prepared to what's coming. But, the effects weren't there. The only part that I did like was the addition of the best friend. Now, that's made the circumstances more on edge for me. Other than that, it was normal I guess. As normal as you can get from an incest book anyway.
All in all. It was pretty good. Need more angst, or at least threats of repercussions, or blackmail idk-i'm-not-a-writer. But it was pretty nice deviation from the original....more
Because she gotta be one of the fastest authors to become my all time favourites.
With that said thouWHO IS THIS AUTHOR? WHICH HOLE DID SHE COME FROM?
Because she gotta be one of the fastest authors to become my all time favourites.
With that said though. Before you adding her on your TBR. Listen. I know my community here. I know some of you are freaks. And you'll fucking love her as much as I do right now. So go ahead. Have as much fun as I do with this one.
However, there's another half of you would find this... umm. How should I say this? Too much? The one that didn't like too much fluids in their romance. Because, honestly, this one is so filthy.
Also, would never in a million years, expect this kind of story from that cover alone. Serve me right for judging a book by itWoof.
They did it a lot.
Also, would never in a million years, expect this kind of story from that cover alone. Serve me right for judging a book by it's cover, right?
Honestly, the only thing that come into mind whenever I'm trying to summarise this one, was that we nearly get that dragon-human action. NEARLY. And I said that with a hint of disappointment. Haha. Ha.
It was a pretty engaging story, though the length could be shorten a bit there. The sex was a lot. And it was hot.
The only thing that bothered me was the info dumping in the end. I dislike info dumping in my book, especially towards the end. It's so distracting. Where we have this high action scene, and proceeded with a storytime about the history of the world. Scattered the dump and probably it would've been better.
Anyway, it was still a great time for me! But yeah. Could end on a better note.
I've sacrificed my sleeping time to finish this book. Only got 3 hours of sleep before having to get ready for work.
I think I've read one Kel CarpenteI've sacrificed my sleeping time to finish this book. Only got 3 hours of sleep before having to get ready for work.
I think I've read one Kel Carpenter book before, and honestly I don't think I was that impressed. Maybe it was the dud or the wrong timing, because this one grabbed my attention like nothing else.
Technically, it was not twisty turn or did something other books haven't. It is still comprised of your typical fantasy romance hero and heroine. The push and pulls of one misunderstood entity and the guardian who has to keep him from destroying the world.
Hell, aside from a few aspects, it reminded me of a couple books.
However, coming out from my slump, I find enjoyment in things that I usually look at very critically before. For me, as long as I couldn't stop reading it, staying up till 4 in the morning clutching my e-reader, it means it did its job.
Damn. I didn't see 'read an apocalyptic romance book' in my bingo card this morning.
What a ride!
I don't think you should go into this hoping for high Damn. I didn't see 'read an apocalyptic romance book' in my bingo card this morning.
What a ride!
I don't think you should go into this hoping for high action, tension sort of reading, expecting to see zombies-I mean infected-in every corner. It's a more leisurely pace, realistic experience to what a future would be when the society collapsed.
And reading this, after COVID, especially to note that this book was published in 2013, just made my experience reading it a whole lot anxiety-ridden.
Anyway, probably wouldn't continue with the series though. I kinda like the way the book left the characters. And sequels always ruin things....more
Riding off the highs of the last one, I'm back. Also, late realisation that this was a spinoff to another series. Yeesh. No (little spoilers incoming)
Riding off the highs of the last one, I'm back. Also, late realisation that this was a spinoff to another series. Yeesh. No wonder I feel like I was missing something.
Anyway. It has been four years since the event in book 1. Can you believe that? Usually I don't like that huge of time jump but considering that these two people are like in their 140-170 years old, I didn't think it was too much of a separation.
However, our male lead didn't think so. Woof. He was mad. Deliciously mad.
I have no idea where this is coming from, but I love their relationship. Despite all their lack of communication and slight misunderstanding, they talk. As much as I hate some of the stupid decisions they made, hell, they talk to each other about it, address them properly and move on, and still in love. Fuck. I want that in my romance.
Vi Keeland writing a thriller? My heart can't take this. Somewhere, deep down, I know that means I won't get my usual happy ending from her books.
So wVi Keeland writing a thriller? My heart can't take this. Somewhere, deep down, I know that means I won't get my usual happy ending from her books.
So with my mind prepared and my standard expectations aside, I went into this one with restrained trepidation.
All I have to say is this. It still possessed the easy flowing writing. Despite things moving at a slower rate than I wanted, it was not a slough to get through. The pacing could be better though.
Other than that, these characters were oh so flawed, something I need to be reminded of again and again while reading it. These people are shitty people, a fact that you barely notice when you're reading a black and white romance. So, keep that in mind when you're wishing for a good outcome for someone.
As for the thriller/psychological vibe, it's not the best example. I mean, if someone ask me to recommend something thrillery, this book won't even be in the top ten. I guess, it was decent.
However, for someone who wants a transition read between romance and a thriller, this would be it. Or something light, stalkery, multifaceted morally grey characters. Then, this would be it.
With that said. I didn't expect that ending. Wow. With that one line, it really sets the tone on what we can expect from Vi Keeland from now on.
*I have received a free copy of this ARC through Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. ❤️...more
Can I sell my firstborn for the next book please, Ms Fernando?
This book reminded me why I love reading in the first place. It giveOkay. *deep breath*
Can I sell my firstborn for the next book please, Ms Fernando?
This book reminded me why I love reading in the first place. It gives me that butterflies in the stomach feeling. The high that lightens my head. That excitement of what else, what other interesting stories out there, that are just waiting to be found by me.
So yes. I enjoyed the fuck outta this book. And the fact that I have to wait until June to get my hand on the next one is just... TRAGIC. With that said, I will try my best to review this book without distracting myself.
What I love about this book are probably the tropes. Yeah yeah. Shoot me. Boohoo. Fated mates and possessive heroes are my jam. It's hard to mess those ups and why this book easily won me over. Add that to the palace intrigue, impending war with vampiric kingdom and burning sexual tension .Yeesh, I'm already drooling.
But I have to point out, if you dislike the chosen one trope, bitch, you might find it a tad too much. Because our girl is a little too special, if you know what I mean. However, I made my peace with that trope, since, ding ding ding, I couldn't care less about it. If you know how to make it not obnoxious with it, I don't care if she's the all powerful being that had been prophesied since the dawn of men. I would devour that storyline too!
Anyhow. Did I distract myself?
Absolutely recommend this. However, probably better if you wait for the next one to come out though. ...more