Have I ever mentioned I love a good star-crossed lovers trope? The one where it slowly kills you? And make you want to smash these two characters togeHave I ever mentioned I love a good star-crossed lovers trope? The one where it slowly kills you? And make you want to smash these two characters together despite their differences?
Honestly, give me any version of this story in any kind of medium, setting or timeline and I would devoured it like a thirsty man in a desert.
Also. A Honestly, give me any version of this story in any kind of medium, setting or timeline and I would devoured it like a thirsty man in a desert.
Also. A certain doomed love story in this one really got me. Don't remember the exact chapter because I was flying through it. But trust me, you'll fucking shed a tear....more
Woof. What can I say that others haven't said already? It's amazing. You should read it.Woof. What can I say that others haven't said already? It's amazing. You should read it....more
Am I in my romantic suspense era? Because this one kinda hits the spot! The way I'm looking at it, anything that can get me glued onWhoa what is this?
Am I in my romantic suspense era? Because this one kinda hits the spot! The way I'm looking at it, anything that can get me glued on my kindle for two days straight worth the higher rating.
It has one of my least favourite trope, the bodyguard trope and the fact that this one managed to hold my attention, with its interesting female lead, subdued charismatic and protective male lead... It just idk makes it such a great blend of story. Also the suspense? Not too heavy just enough, fits my mood perfectly.
Not to say, it's flawless since there's a few parts I wish got more tightened up. But as it is, this one gives me a hell of a great time!...more
Right, this is a hard review for me to make. Mostly because I fucking LOVE it and I know some people would judge me for enjoying the fuck outta myselfRight, this is a hard review for me to make. Mostly because I fucking LOVE it and I know some people would judge me for enjoying the fuck outta myself.
It has the stupidest plot. Our girl was cursed to be a golden retriever and soon met her mate when he was browsing for a dog in an animal shelter. But oh you wait, her mate? (view spoiler)[He's not a good guy. In fact, he's the villain of the story. (hide spoiler)] Honestly, it didn't turn out the way I wanted it to be and I'm happy that it didn't.
The humour? It can be annoying I'll admit. The plot? A little scattered yes. Our girl here? A little tstl I agree. The romance? Almost nonexistent. It's definitely one of those slow-burn romances with that quirky protagonist and loudmouth-crude-talking best friend (who also acted as simultaneously as your animal sidekick). It filled that vibe of those late 00s, early 10s PNR (top of my mind, Charley Davidson series, Undead series).
Anyhow, I have the best time with this. It's a little dark at times but generally what I would say is a fun romp relaxing kinda book, despite the world-ending consequences it's heading to. ...more
When I look back at our story, there is no single place where it began. Our tale is not like the horizon over the se
5 Breathtaking Stars
This.
When I look back at our story, there is no single place where it began. Our tale is not like the horizon over the sea, a single line that might be traced, but a constellation, a scattering of silver points through which our history is woven. Still, when I think of how it all started, I think of two nights. The first is the night I poisoned Elias. The second is this.
This is everything I ever wanted from a book. This book looks like (from the cover) and sounds (from the blurb) just like any other fantasy romance featuring an outcast heroine and a higher-status-born hero. But the meat of the story... it's so beautiful.
I love the writing in the book and the way the narrative is set up. It's in first person past tense, with the added flare of 'if I knew then what I know now' vibe, which I love in a story. Plus, it's so easy to read, and since English is not my first language, I needed that extra help. It can be a little flowery at times but god how I love it. Because at Selene's age, I was that flowery too! Ah Selene, I love her so much. This book started when she was fourteen, the age when she poisoned the king. She stole my heart there and more as she grew up. This girl's selflessness, innocence, and desire to be cherished made my heart ache for her, scared for her. The author did a damn good job in making this character. God. I love this girl so much!
As for the love interest, the poisoned king did not recover from the assassination attempt unscathed. It left him paralyzed, weak, and deep in depression (check the triggers). He started as an almost unlikable character, rude, and bordering on cruel. Also, there's a 9 years age gap between them, so take that as you will but I promise you, nothing inappropriate happened (well at least until she's 18). He reminded me a little of the Beast. In pain, bearing a heavy burden, and a little misunderstood, but deep down, has a good heart.
All in all, it's a great freaking story. And the latest addition to my all-time favourite list.
Who would we be without our scars? Who would we become without our pasts?
Arthurian legend, bodice-ripping, and capybaras: welcome to Thule!
Oh yeahhh. This might be one of the most refreshing books I've read this year yet. IArthurian legend, bodice-ripping, and capybaras: welcome to Thule!
Oh yeahhh. This might be one of the most refreshing books I've read this year yet. I mean can we get some round of applause on this one?
[image]
You have given me a new life, Ms Monk.
I came into this one with low expectations, as I usually do with new-to-me authors. Plus, it promised us an Arthurian legend (something I'm kinda in the mood for lately idk why), and, it features my newest animal obsession:
[image] (the capybara, not the cat)
So, with that in mind, this book surprises me. The level of detail in the worldbuilding and backstory, I am impressed. I'm a whore for an excellent worldbuilding and this book delivered. I feel like I was transported right into the story the moment the book starts. It's not a generic sort of worldbuilding, you know, the one that you usually get with some other books. This one got a great magic system, interesting mechanics to them and even technology surrounded them. I mean, have I mentioned how impressed I am? The last time I was impressed by a magic system, it was the Hidden Legacy series.
And the characters? Oooohh, we got no asshole alpha hero in this one guys. WE HAVE A GENTLEMAN!
"Will you forgive me this one sin?"
[image]
I know, I'm regressing to a teen a bit here but bear with me for a while. It has been a hot minute since I read a genuinely good hero that doesn't overpower our girl with his alpha-ness. And our girl, River, what a fantastic protagonist. She's smart, something that I don't think the author portrayed that well, and drama free from what I can tell. You don't get that airhead attitude from her, the one that creates complicated situations wherever she goes. Well, she did create one huge complicated situation, not on her own will of course.
And the plot? I think I'll end it here since I want you to read it on your own. All I can say is that it's original and darker than I expected (not something I usually found in a fantasy romance but definitely in horror and those dark romances).
All in all, I have a massive fun with this book. A slower pace fantasy romance with great worldbuilding, interesting characters, an excellent magic system, and an original plot. Definitely an easily recommended book to those who love plot-driven fantasy romance with vibrant worldbuilding.
*I received an ARC copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange of my honest review. *...more
*I received a reader's copy by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Two-quite-underwhelming-stars
The moment I read the name M*I received a reader's copy by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Two-quite-underwhelming-stars
The moment I read the name Morgan Pendragon and twisted version of Camelot, I was in baby! I don't think I have ever picked up a retelling of the Arthurian legend before (despite having shelved some of them in my TBRs). And now that I'm thinking about it, I wonder why this slice of myth never really took off in romance novels. I mean, surely there's one mainstream/popular Camelot retelling out there that a hopeless romantic person like me would adore.
Anyway, back to this book. Gosh, where to start. I think, my biggest problem with this book is that I associated myself too closely with the original source material. I went through a phase in my life where I was all about the Knights of the Round Table, Merlin, Lady of the Lake etc. So, coming from there, being 'that' pedantic person you always hate but secretly you do behaves like one sometimes, of course I would find problem with this book the moment I started it.
Let's start with the things I do love about this book. I love that we have a different version of Camelot and its characters. A little part of me begrudged the little differences done but I have to admit, it made this book stood out from other Camelot/characters-based series. Plus, we also have Morgan Pendragon as our main protagonist in this one, seeing stuffs from her eyes rather than maybe Arthur or Guinevere. I love that it took these characters that you already knew, and tweak it (like Arthur, Merlin and Lancelet).
Also, I love whenever we have magical creatures as sidekicks and also gruesome creatures that literally gave you chills when you imagine them crawling after you. There some scenes that got me like 'no no, I would pee myself if that ever happened to me irl.'
And that's it. I ran out of my pros.
To my cons!
First of all, this is not a Camelot retelling. I would say very loosely based. Morgan Pendragon is not Morgan le Fay. One thing I noticed about her is her insecurity about her gray hair. On and on about how ugly she looks because of her gray hair. I mean, your kingdom is on the brink of rebellion, your people are slowly dying of hungers, and the thing you should not fixated to is the colour of your hair. Yes, I'm misleading you guys here, she does help the people by hunting for wild boars/deers for them. But she sure did complaint about her hair more than helping people.
Next, the plot. It is predictable. I don't want to say how predictable but if you have read as many fantasy romance as I do, then you'll know. Honey... you'll know. It kinda gave me huuugggeee FBAA vibes. Maybe it's the bodyguard-fighter princess vibe? Huh. Oh yah, the hero is the bodyguard of the princess. I haven't talk about him much, have I? Well, he was there. All smoldering and grump.
Anyhoo, with that said, I still think this book has so much potential to be better. It just need to avoid those cliches and grew on its own rich root, maybe taking some of the plot lines from the rich myth itself. I mean, come on, it's there. It's yours to take. Use it. Take it. Make it to your advantage. I'll be waiting for this author's future works no doubt....more
So, we found out what happened 10 years ago (was it 10 years ago?) and reasons why their plan failed.
Honestly, it was fiiinnneeeee. Did I mention it wSo, we found out what happened 10 years ago (was it 10 years ago?) and reasons why their plan failed.
Honestly, it was fiiinnneeeee. Did I mention it was a slow burn? Or my massive crush of Ríkr? I want a book about him, if it's possible.
The book itself, it's not dragging, that's not the issue here. I do, however, find it plot focussed and quite less characters bonding time (except when Atear appeared). I just wish we got a proper balance of that.
All in all, I still think it's a good series to read as it's quick and light. You could finish the whole series in two days....more
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![薬屋のひとりごと 7 [Kusuriya no Hitorigoto 7]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1606259823l/52121611._SX50_.jpg)
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![薬屋のひとりごと 5 [Kusuriya no Hitorigoto 5]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1573827081l/43558307._SX50_.jpg)
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![薬屋のひとりごと 3 [Kusuriya no Hitorigoto 3]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1532732877l/37853119._SX50_.jpg)
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![薬屋のひとりごと 1 [Kusuriya no Hitorigoto 1]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1508432170l/36441259._SX50_.jpg)
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