If you ask me what the plot is, I honestly wouldn't even be able to explain.
Very interesting premise with a gothic backdrop which made me expe2 - ⭐️⭐️
If you ask me what the plot is, I honestly wouldn't even be able to explain.
Very interesting premise with a gothic backdrop which made me expect this to be an entertaining read.
It just felt disjointed and... lacking? Like the characters are having dialogue after dialogue and a series of events are triggered but... it feels like not much happened?
The romance was pretty lukewarm and rushed.
The only thing that stood out to me was the cat transforming into a fairy. Now I'm side-eyeing my own cat....more
He had seen the cracks in the shoes, even by candlelight. Then he’d kissed my foot and called me perfect. But what if there were flaws he 4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
He had seen the cracks in the shoes, even by candlelight. Then he’d kissed my foot and called me perfect. But what if there were flaws he couldn’t see because of my wish? And if that wish were wearing off, how long did I have before he could see them too?
Glass and Feathers is a unique looose reimagining of the tale of Cinderella and explores what comes after a happy ever after.
The glass shoes fit. She married the Prince. She lives in the Palace. She is surrounded by jewels and riches.
But what if what she thought to be her happy ever after is not the life she imagined for herself? What if her new life demands of her to cut herself in order to fit in?
Thus far, the Queen and her ladies are less than impressed by her. Royal etiquette and protocols are suffocating her. She barely gets time to spend with the Prince who gets busy with his princely duties (the Prince is besotted with her though).
Our heroine is wilting at the palace.
She believes the Prince must be under the enchantment of her wish, and once it wears off he would realize she deceived him. She is constantly haunted by a sense of unworthiness and self-doubt. Our Cinderella does not believe she is deserving of that happy ever after.
There is so much to appreciate about this story as our heroine goes through a journey of self-discovery and finding where her true happiness lies.
A happy ever after is not a list of wishes to check off, you won't truly be able to live happily or be content with any life if you are not being true to yourself.
The author explores the aftermath of a fairytale ending and I would caution readers that this is not really a light read. I found the first half to be depressing but it was necessary to the heroine's journey.
This book is quite character-driven and that means the progression of the story relies on the heroine's motivations and actions. The romance is not prominent in the heroine's journey as it's not a tale about falling in love (her and the Prince already are), I think it's correct to say there is second chance and a guaranteed HEA.
If you love empowering character-driven stories that reads like an extended fairytale, I recommend picking this up!
Content warning: self-depreciation, self-harm, there's one scene at the balcony where the heroine was contemplating jumping (su*cidal thoughts), deaths, grief....more
It felt like a secret, a quiet rebellion. A stealing from fate, or perhaps a reclamation of what had been taken from us.
A Song to Drown Ri4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It felt like a secret, a quiet rebellion. A stealing from fate, or perhaps a reclamation of what had been taken from us.
A Song to Drown Rivers is a captivating reimagining of the legend of Xishi, a simple village girl honed to become a weapon and bring about the downfall of the Wu King.
Xishi enters the Wu palace as King Fuchai's prized concubine, will she leave as a savior of Yue or will she be revealed as the traitor who wielded her beauty to seduce the King and must face deadly consequences?
I was quite hooked even if the plot was a tad predictable, but I enjoyed witnessing the internal turmoil Xishi had to grapple with between her mission and desire for vengeance versus the bond that is growing between her and the enemy King.
There is a hint of a forbidden romance, but I would say the romance is not the driving plot it's actually the sub-plot. The mission and vengeance plot is the backbone of the book.
I enjoyed the court politics and the character growth the most, even if I thought it was predictable I still enjoyed it.
This might be a minor spoiler but it makes a difference for some readers.
Warning: it does not have a traditional HEA, I wouldn't say it has a HEA actually so keep that in mind.
Content warning: multiple deaths, violence, attempted and actual murder, trauma, poisoning, mutilation (no descriptive), bloodshed, grief....more
And yet being around her was the most exhilarated he had felt around humans in eons.
Prometheus Priestess reimagines the myth of Prometheus, 3 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
And yet being around her was the most exhilarated he had felt around humans in eons.
Prometheus Priestess reimagines the myth of Prometheus, Titan god of Fire, with a modern twist and a star-crossed romance.
I was intrigued by the premise and the writing hooked me from the first page. It's a fast-paced read for those starved for modern greek mythology retellings.
The story follow Amara, a priestess sent by the Goddesses to humanity to save them as they are brought to the brink of destruction as their faith in the Gods and Goddesses of Olympus begins to extinguish.
Amara is reincarnated as a human female to not arouse suspicions—however as 25 years have passed, her human mind had lost the memories of Olympus and her purpose on Earth: teaching humans the art of alchemy.
The Goddesses found that the only way to unlock Amara's abilities was to introduce her to fear by subjecting her to difficult trials and push her to the point of breaking until she regains them.
Prometheus, the Titan god and known as the creator of humans, knew the Goddesses plan is likely to cause more havoc and took no part in it.
But love always carves an unexpected path.
As I said, the premise is intriguing but I have my issues with some of the execution:
• Prometheus needed to be fleshed out. • I found myself skimming some scenes as I felt not much was happening. • At certain points in the story, I felt a bit lost.
I also have to point out that trauma is a prominent theme in the book and haunts Amara throughout the story as she was sexually assaulted. I just... I wasn't prepared for that scene and it unsettled me.
(If you would like to skip the sexual assault scene, it happens in Chapter VII, at page 76-77 specifically, the scene starts with someone forcing himself on her and the assault happens off page).
I sadly did not feel I was attached to the characters aside from a few scenes that did stir my emotions, but I have to give it to the author for crafting a unique myth-inspired story.
“You never did anything that made me stop loving you, Sigyn. Not even at the worst of it.”
Thank you Cat Rector for sending me an eARC of t4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“You never did anything that made me stop loving you, Sigyn. Not even at the worst of it.”
Thank you Cat Rector for sending me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The only reason I deducted one star is because I felt it missed a certain element that was in the first book, but it was still a phenomenal book.
This book is an epilogue of some sorts—it will reopen old wounds and offer second chances.
But nothing comes at a free cost.
I loved revisiting all the characters especially Sigyn who was my favorite from the first book. Rector does a brilliant job with all of her characters even the supporting ones.
Not to mention her exquisite imagery and use of Norse Mythology which lent this book its dark charm and intirgue. She still managed to pen an original story with delightfully complex characters.
I am gutted to say good bye to all of them, and I think the epilogue did justice to the entire story.
This was a beginning, after all, and sometimes beginnings take a long time to get started.
Disclaimer: trigger warnings are included at the start of the book....more
“Sigyn, you must be a goddess, because I worship every inch of you. You’re the only thing I’m devoted to. You’re worth more to me than e5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Sigyn, you must be a goddess, because I worship every inch of you. You’re the only thing I’m devoted to. You’re worth more to me than every sunrise, every sunset, every prayer. You’re kind, and you love me, and I don’t deserve any of it. You’re the guiding star I see by. And I need you more than I’ll ever need anything for the rest of my life. I’m here with you, and you’ll never be alone again.”
The Goddess of Nothing At All is an exquisitely rendered and emotionally gripping story narrated by Sigyn Odindottir, who in Norse Mythology is a lesser-goddess and the wife of the cunning trickster god, Loki.
Norse Mythology is heavily featured in this book however the story of Sigyn and Loki is lovingly and brilliantly crafted and Rector penned a unique original story that still remains faithful to its origins.
I would love to go into details about the many elements I loved about this book, but I would prefer readers to go into this book blind and I promise you even if you have little or no knowledge at all about Norse mythology, Sigyn does a good job at leading you into their world.
I would categorize it as a dark fantasy romance because the romance is integral to the plot, but the romance is one of the many facets to this story. It's not a conventional romance per se but it's nonetheless an epic love story.
And in classic myth fashion, expect a generous amount of tragedy and conniving gods and goddesses.
It's a rich tapestry of different stories and you'll be thoroughly entertained and devastated.
“The direction of your life depends solely on you, Sigyn,” Frigg said, her voice as smooth as glass. “Each choice you make weaves a stitch into your fate, and the Nornir watch you, as they watch us all. Choose wisely.”
Sigyn's story resonated deeply with me and Rector did brilliant job with her characterization. She was splendidly multi-dimensioned which left me torn between wanting to throttle her or hug her. Many of her actions are questionable yet most of the time you can't help but root for her. She is in a way a tragic figure and the way she reacted to certain situations or the actions she undertook felt realistic and I don't think many authors are brave enough to do that. Moments of her anguish stood out to me the most because it gutted me to see her so torn.
Despite the ominious setting and the inevitable coming of Ragnarok, the book still had wonderful moments of comic relief and many characters stole the spotlight, especially Loki who is delightfully wicked.
In a room full of gods, I was nothing at all.
What I appreciate the most is the inclusion of many important themes that deal with love, family, betrayal, identity, sexuality, morality, and grief. Loki is gender fluid and Sigyn is bisexual so there are quite a few conversations surrounding their sexuality and identity.
I must say that I expected to be, due to the dark nature of the book, extremely unsettled, but it's not as dark as I thought. I was still disoriented and gutted by many moments in this book.
Although some scenes felt dragged out but the unforgettable experience this book gifted me is what made it deserving of a 5-star rating from me.
Trigger Warnings: Vulgar language. Gratuitous violence and torture. Mental, emotional, and verbal abuse Unhappy situations for LGBTQA+ characters. Mentions of sexual coercion and rape. Death and violence towards animals. Discrimination and fantasy slurs. Death....more
“But most of all,” he said, placing a final kiss over my pulse, “I like the way you hate me.”
A Cursed Kiss is a NA fantasy romance standalon3 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
“But most of all,” he said, placing a final kiss over my pulse, “I like the way you hate me.”
A Cursed Kiss is a NA fantasy romance standalone sprinkled with Irish mythology and in particular the tale of the Gacanagh—the infamous male fairy known to seduce women and men.
The world-building was well-done and the story was promising, however I struggled to connect with the characters.
There were some moments that I found to be enjoyable in the book and the banter between Keelyn and Tadhg was so entertaining. But there are also moments where I felt like I was annoyed by both of them. Their relationship felt rushed and some plot-twists felt anticlimactic.
I also felt that the book read as YA more than NA, although there were a few spicy scenes that are not really explicit.
I had high hopes for this book and while it wasn't a read that I did not enjoy reading parts of it, I just hoped the premise delivered what it promised to me....more
“The past grievances of your village and your brother are erased. I will show them no wrath. Come now. You must pay for your sins.”
A Ruin of R2 - ⭐️⭐️
“The past grievances of your village and your brother are erased. I will show them no wrath. Come now. You must pay for your sins.”
A Ruin of Roses is a dark and sexy retelling of the Beauty and the Beast that is spectacularly debauched.
There is plenty of debauchery in this book and while I usually do not mind vulgar language and explicit scenes—this did not deliver what was promised and the premise gave me different expectations.
At first I was wholly immersed, but then as the story progressed I did not like where the story was going and it felt like the erotic scenes were turning to be the focus than the plot. Again, going into the book with different expectations since it read as erotica but wasn't advertised as one you know? Sexy time isn't an issue when it's balanced and there is build-up or atleast it wasn't forcibly shoved into my face.
The writing made it really hard to get into the story. The characters were one-dimensional and world-building wasn't fleshed out much. It made little sense to me.
Not to keep this long, I was excited to read this because of the glowing reviews but I am sadly disappointed....more
All that you need to do, all that you must do, is to gather any souls of those who pass in the sea, and we will say a prayer to ease them on3 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
All that you need to do, all that you must do, is to gather any souls of those who pass in the sea, and we will say a prayer to ease them on their inevitable journey back to Olodumare. This is your purpose. Nothing more, nothing less.
Skin of the Sea is an imaginative take on the Little Mermaid fairytale weaved with lush West African mythology.
We follow Simidele who is a Mami Wata—a water spirit whose purpose is to gather the souls of those who pass in the sea to bless and help them to return to Olodumare. Simi was made into a Mami Wata taking the form of a mermaid after she departed her past mortal life. One day—Simi is swimming in the sea seeking out souls to collect but she discovers a boy who fell from a slavers ship and was drowning to his death. Instead of awaiting for his death, Simi rescues the boy—Kola—unknowingly breaking an ancient decree could mean the end of all Mami Wata.
To remedy this grave mistake, she embarks on a journey with Kola to save her kind and Kola's world.
What I appreciate about this book is the fact that it takes place at a time Africa was at its darkest age because of the slave trade, but the author did not allow it to overshadow the rich African culture because that tragedy does not take away the vibrancy of this rich culture and its mythology. As a fan of mythology, this book sparked my interest in learning more of African mythology because in the media we are exposed more to European and Chinese mythology and have little to no knowledge about African mythology.
Now, let's talk about this book:
• It had a rich fantastical setting and was quite atmospheric.
• The writing style was immersive and poetic.
• It had excellent pacing.
• I liked the characters but they felt one-dimensional to me so I struggled to connect to them.
• I felt like there was more traveling and less plot so sometimes I feel myself lost in the story.
• The ending was... just that? I was surprised and disappointed to see the acknowledgements page after flipping the page.
However, I'm very happy to see a fantasy novel starring a black mermaid as it celebrates diversity and creativity. Especially with the Little Mermaid live-action in the works and casting Halle Bailey as Ariel—there was some ridiculous outrage of having a black mermaid and even the author Natasha Bowen had a random person telling her mermaids are white not black; I am truly happy for all the little girls and every mermaid fans that can finally see themselves through beloved characters and mythological figures. Diversity and representation is always a plus....more
“My lovely swan,” he purred. “My bittersweet nemesis, I’m beginning to fear there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you.”
The Savage and the S3 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
“My lovely swan,” he purred. “My bittersweet nemesis, I’m beginning to fear there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you.”
The Savage and the Swan is an adult fantasy romance standalone inspired by Hades and Persephone, Rumplestiltskin, and The Swan Princess.
So, what to expect in this book?
• A steamy slowburn between enemies that reluctantly become lovers. • Villain/extremely morally grey love interest. • Political conflicts. • Some fun secondary characters. • Interesting world-building which includes Fae • Soulmate/mate trope. • Betrayals.
You'd probably wonder why I gave this a 3⭐️ so here's why:
It started out promising and I enjoyed the author's writing, my main issue was the characterization of the main hero who is also the villain. While he is said to be ruthless, and we see some of his ruthlessness on-page however I think the author softened him up way too quickly.
“You want me. You might loathe it, but you cannot reject me because it burns you alive to even consider it.”
I liked the development of the romance but I was 50/50 about them chemistry between them. Again, that roots back to the love interest's characterization. The love interest easily forgives him.
The plot felt a bit unstable but I still enjoyed it. I liked the world-building and I wanted to see more of the Fae and the magic system, so the world definitely needed some fleshing out.
I'm torn between bumping up my rating to 3.5⭐️ or keeping it at 3⭐️, but it doesn't feel like it's a book I loved. However, I may read a sequel if there was another standalone of the other characters....more
First read: 5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Second read: 5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Third read: 5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m in love with a man who’ll never be mine—who’s unavailable in every First read: 5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Second read: 5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Third read: 5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m in love with a man who’ll never be mine—who’s unavailable in every way, shape, and form—and I’m certain it’s going to ruin me.
To Bleed A Crystal Bloom is an exquisitely dark reimagining of Rapunzel and let me warn you: it's delightfully addictive.
This book is splendid in its own book right and Sarah A. Parker did a brilliant job in taking little pieces of the Fairytale and penning an authentic story that is emotionally unsettling and wickedly thrilling.
Tropes:
— Dark, dark fantasy romance (new adult) — Inspired by the fairytale of Rapunzel — Forbidden romance — Star-crossed lovers — Unique lore and world-building — Gods and prophecies — Cast of nuanced and morally grey characters — Soft and a fiesty 21-year-old heroine — Heroine who loves to paint and garden — Angsty sexual tension (100x) — Enigmatic and dark love Interest — Close proximity — Spice (gets even spicier in later books) — Character-driven plot — Multiple POVs (incl. future secondary romances) — Immortals and beasts — Secret powers and identities — So many secrets lurking at every corner
Before I get into more details I must say, this book is part of a series and so it serves more as an origin story or a prologue that starts to push the wheels of the main plot into motion. I think it did a spectacular job at building up the foundation of the main plot and this is why I am dying to get my hands on the sequel right now.
I was wholly immersed and could not put this book down. The vivid writing flowed with ease and the richly visual descriptions felt tangible. The author managed to create an eerily mesmerizing atmosphere. Every page kept sparking my intrigue because I am impressed by the world and the mysteries we've yet to uncover about it.
It’s a pretty lie I like to paint; a fabled reality where he needs me just as much as I need him. Something that helps tame this unwanted feeling sprouting in my chest.
Let's start with a summary of the story:
21-year-old Orlaith was the only survivor of a bloody massacre at the tender age of two. For the past 19 years, she lived within the comfort of her stony tower and became a ward to a powerful High Master of Ocruth. Rhordyn is a mystery himself, cloaked in darkness and secrets.
Orlaith is enamored by Rhordyn, who to her is the center of her world. Her savior and protector.
The harsh reality of their world begins to seep into Orlaith's small peaceful life with vicious beasts stepping into their lands, hunting for flesh... and possibly something else.
Orlaith takes hold of a thread that leads her from one secret to another until it brings her to the one secret that will shatter her heart.
A stony tower may no longer be the shield that keeps out the horror and the heartbreak.
Those dark secrets begin to tear the seams of the bubble she was content to live in.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’ve come from; it’s in our nature to fall in love with the shackle that binds us.”
I loved Orlaith. I really delved into her character layer after layer. She is fiesty and mishchevious but maintains the innocence of a girl that truly lived a sheltered life. I was emotionally connected to her and felt joy when she was happy, felt the sour taste of sorrow she was sad, and felt the burning sting of pain when she was heartbroken. I was so impressed by her character development and rooted for her.
I understand the way her emotions work, she lived a sheltered life and was surrounded by specific people. She may come off as a bit immature to readers but I find that to be a natural characteristic of someone whose world is very small. I could understand why her thoughts and emotions worked that way. I also applaud the author for highlighting Orlaith's struggle with her identity especially when some secrets come to light.
It's not easy at all. Her trauma is a frequent visitor in her nightmares and what I think slips the attention of many readers is the fact that Orlaith has a raspy voice because on that bloody day when she was saved, her piercing scream caused an injury in her throat.
“You’re going to be the death of me.” “So long as you take me with you.” “Never.”
Rhordyn is intriguing in a dark way. This is a man that I want to shred into pieces because he is that mysterious. I want to wring out every secret he keeps. I smell a tragic backstory. He also exudes dark dom energy and something about him is simply... intriguing.
I adore Kai and hope to see more of him but I definitely do not want him as a romantic option for Orlaith. Cain is the one I have a lot of thoughts about. I liked him from the first time he interacted with Orlaith and I am eager to see what his role will be in the story. I do think he has his own agenda but we'll see.
The sexual tension is deliciously angsty. There is clear a power imbalance between Orlaith and Rhordyn yet... you just know there is more to their connection.
He pillaged my weakness. Offered me a drink from his well and I gulped with greedy draws until I was intoxicated and mindless. Then, he tossed me down the hole and left me there with no way out. Now all I can do is drown.
I do recommend this for readers that enjoy the works of Sarah J. Maas and Raven Kennedy.
Trigger Warning: drug use, explicit language, self harm (only tip of fingers), graphic scenes.
I would like to put in a disclaimer and mention that this is a dark, dark fantasy romance. You will be frustrated and devastated by the turn of events and you won't always agree and be happy with the choices the characters make—and that's the point of it sometimes and flawed characters are more compelling to me. Characters in this book make mistakes and the relationships can be toxic but it makes their growth and change more meaningful. There is a lot of suffering, guilt, and grief that all the characters deal with. From book 1 the plot was building itself gradually and woven with an intricate lore that sheds itself more with every book and that's why not all questions are answered right away and when they do, it creates more questions and that what personally keeps me invested in the series—knowing that there is more that I want to unravel and how it ties into the stories of all these characters.
Unlike other dark fantasy romance books this is just not surface-level dark, it dives right into the depths. And as my friend Underseabookish said and I quote: "this series dares to be bold and wants to set itself apart within that genre by bringing back the DARK, the FANTASY, and the ROMANCE all into one series."
I've been craving a dark fantasy series such as this for a long time but I absolutely understand how it might not be everyone's cup of tea. I just wanted to express why I appreciate the series for what it is.
⚠️ Warning: there are spoilers in the comments section and the second section of the review, please avoid it if you have not read the book yet. *
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After my reread, I think Rhordyn is so incredibly misunderstood as a character and his role in this story.
I have to establish first that Rhordyn is an extremely complicated and nuanced character. He is a morally ambiguous character but in no way the villain in this story.
First let's get some facts straight:
1. Rhordyn is not forcibly locking Orlaith in the tower, it is mentioned multiple times that he tried to integrate her into society, but Orlaith is content to live in behind the safety line away from the whispers of the general public. This is what he says to Orlaith: “I’ll stay here,” I whisper, and a shadow shutters his eyes, the muscle along his jaw feathering. “Live, Orlaith. All I’m asking is that you live.” Rhordyn even tells Orlaith at some point that her tower won't keep her safe from the looming danger, this is why he wanted her to train to fight with Baze, he wants her to be prepared in case the worst happens. The only instances he locked her in is when he did not want her to attend the ball (because of Cain) and to not let her leave to Bahari/Cain. Unlike the fairytale, Orlaith was not locked in her tower the entire time. Actually she wasn't locked for 90% of the book except on two instances.
2. He can be controlling and manipulative at times especially when it concerns her safety and her feelings, but he is not a groomer in any shape or form. It's mentioned that Rhordyn avoids her like the plague to the point she never sees him around since he rescued her until in recent years. Orlaith is raised by Cook and Baze, Rhordyn wasn't involved in raising her at all nor did he act like a parental figure to her (more of this is even clarified in book 2 about what happened in the past). Her blood was even delivered by Cook to Rhordyn until she was able to do the offering herself and place it in the small door for him to take, it's even mentioned in the book Rhor was never involved in the act and he did so the first time when she refused to give him the blood offering. Orlaith did not grow up while being in love with Rhordyn, her feelings were only recent. Yes, there is a clear power imbalance between them that he uses to his advantage and protection comes in many "forms" even one that is very questionable. As Orlaith begins to rebel and ask questions Rhordyn is not ready to answer, he resorts to the influence he has over her and the unexplored connection between them to push her back.
3. Rhordyn IS toxic but he is not the villain. Nothing that Rhordyn did was ever meant to harm Orlaith. He is the one who wants to appear toxic to her to push her away and to accept that he is a monster beneath. He finds relief in her ignorance merely because the fear that took root within him the day he saved her and tasted her blood will force him to confront the reality of their situation and of who they are to each other—and that is what he thinks might break Orlaith. It's very likely that they are mates.
4. Not once has it been mentioned that Rhordyn had been inappropriate towards Orlaith or had shown any desire for her prior to the events in this book. Eventually, it's pointed out to which moment he actually started to feel more than just a protective instinct (as I said they have a unique connection that is likely a mating bond).
5. Last but not least, I think Rhordyn directs so much self-loath at himself. I do not think he finds pleasure in what his instincts draw out of him especially when it comes to Orlaith. I don't think he relishes in their power imbalance either and I'll dive into that more when I talk about the mates and their bond. His self-loath is what influences a lot of his actions when it comes to her. Not justifiable in any way, but this is why this book is considered a dark fantasy romance. Nothing is coming easy for them.
This doesn't mean Rhordyn's actions can be justified because what I love about this book is you can understand the questionable actions of the characters without the need to justify them.
Sarah unfurls such a complex relationship with a tinge of taboo and yet underneath it all lies a thousand questions and secrets.
I think the tabooness of their relationship is what haunts most readers, which is totally valid. But there is some clear misinterpretation that's confusing readers.
The dynamic between Orlaith and Rhordyn is meant to unsettle the reader but also spark that intrigue and curiosity on where it could all lead to.
Their relationship is dysfunctional and the power balance is very off, but for such a dark tale and for the sake of Orlaith's arc it should be done that way.
Orlaith is not kept from the world, there is not much of the world out there to discover because it reeks of monsters and deaths.
And perhaps, the world is kept away from Orlaith herself. She's the one with the mark of death.
This is not a blossoming romance, it's tearing both Orlaith and Rhordyn apart. This longing, attraction, and anguish is a festering wound on their souls.
The day Rhordyn had a sip of Orlaith's blood was the day the gods damned them both.
As much as I have enjoyed the sexual tension and chemistry between them, neither of them are ready for any notion of a romantic love. Orlaith must break out of her confines and let her world expand beyond her tower—and Rhordyn must face his own demons. As of now, they are not a healthy option for each other, not until that power imbalance shifts and for Orlaith to experience what the world, and not Rhordyn, has to offer for her.
And if they turn out to be mates, which I truly believe there are given the strong evidence in the book itself, I'm really intrigued by the concept of a mating bond that is not romanticized. Most of those who find their mates struggle a little or accept that they have found their one true love, and that bond mostly gives them little butterflies and an infinite love. The dark concept of mates in this world is a tragedy, at least for Orlaith and Rhordyn.
Her voice may have been fragile, but everything else was the opposite. Her upper lip was curled with hate, she had fire in her eyes, and she looked at me like she saw through my skin to the monster I am beneath. Part of me was relieved—screamed for her to look deeper. To delve until she ripped herself on all my sharp bits. Perhaps then she’d see why I’m stuck in her orbit ... unwillingly. Why drifting too close would destroy everything.
“Mates, Orlaith, are a fairy tale. A tragedy painted with the pretty face of a happily ever after, but at its core, it’s still a fucking tragedy. If you believe everything you read, you’ll be disappointed when you finally step into the real world.”
They would be the epitome of star-crossed lovers.
His eyes harden. “What I want, what I need, and what is right are three entirely different things.”
To me, it feels that the source of Rhordyn's self-loath comes from how the bond influences his feelings for Orlaith. He is a man of complete control yet a force beyond his reach is slowly depriving him of that privilege and it pushes towards instincts that he may find... depraved.
He seems to be tainted by her affections, not because they repulse him but because she is too good for him. He wishes that she could see the monster underneath his skin, probably in belief that it may deter her.
It seems like a doomed love more than anything -me he knows it—and maybe it has to do with the prophecy?
This is why I love Rhordyn as a character, there is so much to explore about him and while my morals can be questioned because of the type of characters I am drawn to, I only hope that we get to see his ice crack and he is caught up in Orlaith's fire.
In the end, what matters to me is Orlaith's journey and I'm so excited to see where it will lead up to. I may be rooting for a second chance romance for her and Rhordyn but I'm rooting more for her happiness....more
“If we were different people in different circumstances, I would get down on my knees and beg you to stay at the end of the winter. I would 3 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
“If we were different people in different circumstances, I would get down on my knees and beg you to stay at the end of the winter. I would move heaven and earth and the Underworld itself to keep you with me.”
There isn't much for me to say about Neon Gods. It's a modern retelling of Persephone and Hades sprinkled with some fluff and spice all over the book.
In summary, you have Hades and Persephone discovering their kinks with a little plot going on. It was more about presenting Persephone as this forbidden fruit that only Hades devours.
This is a book I read in almost one sitting. It's easy to get into and what I would consider a light read.
It is borderline erotica but a romance develops between Hades and Persephone, the only issue is the development of their romance did not feel organic to me.
Every piece of him I discover, every little nuance and mystery, just makes me want him more. Hades is a puzzle I could spend a lifetime exploring and never quite have the whole picture.
The world-building was okayish. You have the upper city ruled by the Twelve gods and goddesses (Zeus is their boss but that comes at no surprise). And then you have the lower city (the modern version of the Underworld) ruled by Hades. There is a treaty that holds the peace between all of the gods and goddesses but it's hanging on a fragile thread. They are as a unit referred to as The Thirteen.
“It’s Olympus. You play power games, you pay the consequences.”
Persephone's mother, Demeter, arranges to marry her 24-year-old daughter off to Zeus who is looking for his next Hera for her own interests. For some reason, all three precious Heras were found dead, so it comes at no surprise that Persephone isn't into the marriage. Not to mention that Zeus is the white-bearded old man version, so that's even less encouraging.
Things spin around and Persephone eventually finds herself in the clutches of Hades. They strike a bargain, Persephone wants to flee from her marriage arrangement and Hades wants revenge.
“I will give you every fantasy you’ve dreamed up in that ambitious brain of yours. In return, you follow my every command.”
I do have to mention that what's unique about this is that the Greek gods and goddesses are not immortal. Every few decades they are replaced. Those that hold a God's status chang but the name and the position remains the same.
I'm not sure if I am encouraged to read the sequel. This was mediocre and the plot was very weak. I'm not usually not into the smut taking over the plot, it wasn't bad but I wasn't invested in the characters. For those that enjoy these tropes, I think you might like it and it's a book you can finish in a day but this retelling wasn't all that unique.
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for the chance to read and review an eArc of this book.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a charming debu3 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for the chance to read and review an eArc of this book.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a charming debut steeped in rich Chinese mythology as it draws its inspiration from the legend of Chang'e, the Chinese moon goddess. I'm impressed with the exquisite imagery that almost felt tangible.
• Forbidden Romance • Immersive world-building • Love Triangle • Fairytale-like • Magic • Court drama • Hidden Identity
The story follows Xingyin the daughter of the moon goddess and the legendary archer Hou Yi. Xingyin lived a solitary life on the moon with her mother—unbeknownst to her that she is in hiding from the Celestial Emperor who sentenced her mother to exile for stealing his elixir of immortality.
When Xingyin's magic is felt and she is discovered, she must leave her home and her mother behind.
Xingyin finds herself at the Celestial Kingdom and so she must remain in-disguise for her own safety and she shall embark on a quest to save her mother and return home.
The story started out promising but I couldn't ignore the flaws in the book later on.
The pacing was unstable. The characters came off as one-dimensional and I couldn't connect to them much. Love triangles are my pet peeves especially in YA so there's that.
I did not root much for the romance as I did not warm up to either love interests.
The world-building is exhilarating and it truly felt rich. This was my favorite element of the book. The author crafted this world so intricately.
The other issues felt like it dampened the vibrancy of the story to me, it's still a solid YA fantasy debut but I don't think I'll read the sequel in the duology....more