wonder_jenn's reviews
689 reviews

DNF

The characters didn't do it for me

For many reasons, it took me forever to finish this book. It was ok. The plot with the end of the world reminded me of The Umbrella Academy. It was cool.

You might as well read Cinderella since this story doesn't bring anything new to the table.

Awful. I can't believe some people have the audacity to compare this ~thing~ to Darklina.

This novel lacks in every aspect. Where is the world-building? The damn plot? The breathtaking romance? There was nothing worthwhile.

What was the point of setting the story in Spain, during the Inquisition period, if it's not to exploit it fully? You could replace the setting easily with anything else, it wouldn't change the story. The Inquisition didn't feel like a real threat. They're barely there, and the main characters were never in real danger. I felt no excitement whatsoever.

I expected some political intrigues with cunning villains but all I got was a stupid competition to make pretty things appear out of thin air. The trials were laughable (with four competitors lol). I was disappointed with the way Luzia never showed the extent of her power. With everything she was able to do, she never used it to defend herself or others? Idk I was expecting a corruption arc or at least a morally-grey use of magic. Despite Lucia's ambition and anger, she didn't go too much out of her way to become powerful or free herself.

The romance had me rolling my eyes. Guillén et Luzia barely knew each other. They didn't have meaningful conversations, banter or vulnerability. I couldn't care less about them.

I hated the ending. What a waste of time.

DNF 14%

I can't read anymore of this book or it's going to drive me crazy.

The premise was interesting but the writing style was BAD and chaotic. I've read 34-35 pages and there was almost no dialogues, only Mirasol's thoughts and her third-person narrative that were thrown together without distinction. She also repeats the same words before forming a whole sentence... It made everything laborious.

Even when the Master is introduced, my interest wasn't piqued. There were too many paragraphs/pages between each line of dialogue. You have the time to forget what one said before the other finally replies. It felt like I was dealing with simpletons.

The world-building and the magic were not explained either. What's the lore? What's the political dynamic? We should have had some glimpses in order to understand why the Circle is so important.

Even the characters were invisible. The author had the opportunity to give us more background when she shared bits about the characters' past but she didn't go deeper than this. Maybe she does it later but who cares?

Let's just say that there was nothing appealing.

This novel is, in a good way, odd. It's a quiet story about a girl who becomes a young woman, and sees the court and some people for what they truly are. She goes every summer to Castle Auburn only to see her life draining away with the political machinations and the misery her sister is trapped in.

There's no action and barely any romance in it. The "romance" is particular as it falls into the 'this-man-loves-me-but-I'm-completely-oblivious-to-it' category. What's even more strange is that we're not sure who the love interest is until a certain point, and even then the author makes us doubt. The author almost teases us with a love triangle that is not really one but from which the outcome satisfies the reader. Clearly, Coriel's point of view is well done, considering we are as much in a fog as she.

I love the characters. They're charming. Coriel is good, innocent, well-loved and resourceful. She's a bit stubborn too. Her relationship with her sister, the guards, her male friends and even her rivalry with Milette are great.

The ending is satisfying. It leaves me with a warm feeling.

It was going to be a 4 stars until the ending that was too underwhelming.

The characters were interesting. Keturah knows what she wants and will do everything to get it. She loves her people deeply. Her best friends, Gretta and Beatrice, are great. They are loyal and supportive. I loved Gretta the most.

Like I said, the ending was underwhelming... Keturah's decision didn't make sense. <spoiler I never felt her love or her attraction for Lord Death. I can see why Lord Death would love a smart, good and brave mind but the opposite didn't work.

It was nice, easy tale. Almost cozy.

Nora really wrote this book with Jean's blood.

The trauma this boy is going through is terrible. Like the rest of the series, this new addition is character-driven. We learn more about Jean and what we can only hope is a new found family for him. He deserves love and happiness.

Jeremy, Laila and Cat are great friends. Supportive, respectful and fun. Of course, I can't wait for the romance. But considering Jean's mental health, I'm glad Nora took her time to develop Jean's personality and situation.

Seeing the original characters was great too. I missed them so much. Inject them in my veins, that's all!!

Sorry but I don't get it. This was dull, superficial and repetitive. I didn't care once about what I was reading.

DNF 43%

The first book was enjoyable but this sequel was bland af.

Between Elspeth/Ravyn being angsty and Elm/Ione being horny, I was losing my fucking mind. They have a mission but all they think about is luve. As if ending the degeneration wasn't a pressing issue...

I thought we would get to know more about the world and the characters but we don't. Sure, we learn about the Shepherd King's past but that's it. Nothing made me worry about the people or the main characters for that matter. Everything was just boring.