Tag: Fantasy (Page 18 of 121)

The Atlas Six (The Atlas #1) by Olivie Blake

May 26, 2022 / Chelsea / 0 Comments

The Atlas Six (The Atlas #1)
by Olivie Blake
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The much-acclaimed BookTok sensation, Olivie Blake's The Atlas Six--now newly revised and edited with additional content.

• The tag #theatlassix has millions of views on TikTok

• A dark academic debut fantasy with an established cult following that reads like THE SECRET HISTORY meets THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY

• The first in an explosive trilogy

The Alexandrian Society, caretakers of lost knowledge from the greatest civilizations of antiquity, are the foremost secret society of magical academicians in the world. Those who earn a place among the Alexandrians will secure a life of wealth, power, and prestige beyond their wildest dreams, and each decade, only the six most uniquely talented magicians are selected to be considered for initiation.

Enter the latest round of six: Libby Rhodes and Nico de Varona, unwilling halves of an unfathomable whole, who exert uncanny control over every element of physicality. Reina Mori, a naturalist, who can intuit the language of life itself. Parisa Kamali, a telepath who can traverse the depths of the subconscious, navigating worlds inside the human mind. Callum Nova, an empath easily mistaken for a manipulative illusionist, who can influence the intimate workings of a person’s inner self. Finally, there is Tristan Caine, who can see through illusions to a new structure of reality—an ability so rare that neither he nor his peers can fully grasp its implications.

When the candidates are recruited by the mysterious Atlas Blakely, they are told they will have one year to qualify for initiation, during which time they will be permitted preliminary access to the Society’s archives and judged based on their contributions to various subjects of impossibility: time and space, luck and thought, life and death. Five, they are told, will be initiated. One will be eliminated. The six potential initiates will fight to survive the next year of their lives, and if they can prove themselves to be the best among their rivals, most of them will.

Most of them.

People were such delicate little playthings.

This is the most difficult book to talk about. On the one hand, I literally don’t understand a thing that happened. On the other hand….it was a masterpiece but I still don’t understand a lot that happened.

Look, I want to wax poetic about how much I loved this-but I just didn’t. Did I immensely enjoy it? Yeah, absolutely. Was it epic in some parts? Yup. But did it blow my skirt up? Not hardly. That is to say, there was no real ship. I don’t know if anyone I like will live. No real action happened, but the end was freaking amazing and I was right in my feels. You tell me.

Every now and then, Libby achieved a look that successfully withered his balls, and this was one of those instances. It was the kind of look that reminded him she’d set him on fire the first time she’d met him without even batting an eye.
He’d like her more if she did it more often.

And the beginning-I’ll admit I was HYPE at the beginning, which is generally the opposite of what I say, but I think that this author is either a true master in mind-fuckery which, fine, okay, cool, but fuck with someone else because I like my ships pure and if you did that just to bait me, no- I won’t ever truly like you as an author. It’s fair to say-that upon finishing-I did not care if my ship did not sail, though, because the author did at least achieve enough of a bond to satisfy me in a deep friendship that I can get behind AND some strong treachery that leads to supreme moral grayness. (not the same people and not in that order, even-just facts).

“….You think you’ve met me before, other versions of women like me, but you have no idea what I am. You think my looks are what make me? My ambitions? You can’t begin to know the sum of my parts, and you can stare all you like, but you won’t see a damn thing until I show you.”

And, also, I’ve seen this compared a LOT to Deadly Education (okay, fair), but wrong. The beginning was so on the nose I thought I may combust, but one of these is not like the other and I must say, as far as comparisons go, for those who love DE and LG on the level that I do, this is a gross injustice to Atlas Six because there is literally no competition. To be fair, though, on the other side of the realm, A6 stans would say this far surpasses the latter. Again, I am, of course, correct like always, but you can lean to whatever side you like. They aren’t the same…but if they were, in theory, in competition-Atlas Six would be the sad Augustus Gloop that floated down the chocolate river for trying to achieve the impossible. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.

“Don’t envy me, Reina,” Parisa advised softly, turning to say it in Reina’s ear. “Fear me.”

Now that that nasty business is put aside, I will end with the derision of people labeling this pretentious. I guess I see that perspective… but in that vain, what is pretentious when writing a book, anyway? Like what is pique pretentiousness? I’d say (again with this fucking comparison), if we’re going down the what-if road, Novik always writes with an unparalleled pretentiousness. But no. I don’t see it that way. There’s an innocence in her heroine (and same with Uprooted, if memory serves) that, while she’s an asshole (just back to El here lol), she wants, ultimately, to be liked. Compare that to Libby and you have a match. I know it’s deeper than that, but I think there was enough levity of characterization among the 6 that I never felt like I was being made to feel beneath the writing or belittled.   Again, just my opinion (and seriously, I understand what pretentious means and I literally see everyone’s point, and I don’t even think Novik writes with any loftiness, just a beautiful-if not wordy-flow, thus making my point about wordiness somewhat akin to pretentiousness, if you liked that take), but I really thought that, yes the writing wasn’t always the easiest to connect to, but there was heart behind it if you wanted to feel or see it–

He had such a talent for finding women who put themselves first. It was like he was some sort of sniffer dog for emotional fatality, always able to dig it up from the one person in the room who would have no trouble making him feel small.

Regardless, what Tristan needed most emergently was to believe in something; to stop staring at the pieces and finally grasp the whole. He wanted to revel in his magic, not wrestle with it. He wanted something, somewhere, that he could understand.

-and anyone who can enrich their story with heart is okay in my book. I’m one to reach out and grab any opportunity to find relatability, and maybe that’s just something within me-a defensive mechanism-that helps me to relate and enjoy 90% of the books I read. I didn’t spend 1-20 dollars on a book to sit and judge it the whole time (well lol), I just wana immerse and enjoy. And if there is a pretentiousness to every book read (I do truly think there is, in some form, for most every author) then so be it. No, not every book is equal, not every book is pretentious. But I see it a lot more than what is called out, and I found this book to be on par with what I read and, honestly, if I hadn’t seen it in reviews (yes, further implicating I’m of a romantic notion of naivety here) that word wouldn’t have even popped in my head.

CHARACTERS AND MY SCALE OF MADNESS

Nico-If harm befalls him I would rage honestly
Libby– Again, the rage is strong-bonus points if my children end up together with that ace banter
Parisa– I wouldn’t be happy if something happened to her-I grew to care for her
Tristan– I don’t see…a happy future…but I hope for it. He’s very sweet. I see great power but not sure what his path is. Perhaps to save them all, in the end (if needed) somehow
Callum– I mean, be gone. I did not care for him one bit, but he did add some flavor that’s for sure.
Reina– Who?

(Sorry, only the real ones will get that joke lol *Arielle, back me up here…*)

So, all in all I did enjoy this book on a level I’m unaccustomed to. It was a challenge for myself in that I like my neat little formulas and I, as a rule, tend to need to know certain things (ARGH) or have hope they will turn out as I like…but we can’t always get what we want, now can we, and I am okay with that (though it took me a while to reach that point). And if my little non-rant pertaining to pretentiousness caused you to raise your eyebrows to your hairline, I only said it in defense of the book because I’d hate for someone to skip over their next favorite read because of one review that may have scared them. Call me soft-hearted, but I’m always going to defend a book to its bitter end…and I guess that’ll never change. This was a good book-it didn’t become an instant favorite like many do (yes, I have a plethora of all time favorites-I’m cool like that), but I will be waiting eagerly for the end alongside many rabid fans.

“Isn’t it? The day you are not a fire,” he said, “is the day the earth will fall still for me.”

FRAN SCALE:

Cassie-Honestly, I think you’ll be disappointed. But you’ll wana like it so you probably will lol. Though, this holds zero candles to El and Orion-Just sayin’.
Arielle-I mean, sure. Probably. You’re weird. I’m weird. This book is weird AF. Fuck knows.
Jen-LMFAO no.
Anna-You read it already so. lol

********

Altogether not at all what I would have expected…but also completely what I expected based on the mercurial reviews littering the booksphere.

All in all a delightful and different read.

RTC!

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BOOK REVIEW: Daughter of the Pirate King (Daughter of the Pirate King #1) by Tricia Levenseller

May 6, 2022 / Chelsea / 4 Comments

Daughter of the Pirate King (Daughter of the Pirate King #1)
by Tricia Levenseller
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
There will be plenty of time for me to beat him soundly once I’ve gotten what I came for.

Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map—the key to a legendary treasure trove—seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.

More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.

“This would be the key I so carelessly dropped,” he says.
“Strange, that.”
He sighs. “Alosa, what are you even doing out here?”
“You’ve kidnapped me. What do you think I’m doing out here?”
“The rowboats are over there.” He points to the opposite side of the ship. “So why would you be lollygagging around my door?”
“I wanted to kill my captors before I left.”
“How’d that work out for you?”
“Still working on it.”

Here’s the thing: Not every book has to be transcendent to be addictive to you, to make you love it and think about it tirelessly. This book was just that. I have been wanting to read DOTPK for years and just never could commit. Turns out, I just love a good ‘pirate’ romance. They are legit (the good ones) so far and few between. I have yet to find the level of obsession I found with Fable and To Kill a Kingdom, but I’d like to think that’s simply because those books are virtually impossible to copy or do better. I know one friend (the best, actually) didn’t care for TKAK as I did, but such is life and she can

*her*

The more you know, eh? Well, either way, these books are hard to mimic and I found this to be a lighter (until it’s not (book two ew, wtf)) version with variations of those favorites. I’m picky and I like what I like.

“I am me because I choose to be me. I am what I want. Some people say you have to find yourself. Not I. I believe we create ourselves to be what we want. Any aspect of ourselves that we do not like can be altered if we make an effort.”

I’ll admit I feel clinical, atm, about reviewing. I want to do it-I want justice for these books I’m reading, but I am having a very rough time and I find it hard to produce anything other than what is required, and for that I’m sorry. But here are some of the things I loved about this one:

-The Male Lead (obviously)
-The Banter
-The way our heroine was just a little shit but I loved it
-The scene at the end involving the bad guys and our two mains (okay, probably the main reason this got a five-I am nothing if not consistent with loving terrible things happening)
-The Slow-Burn with little payoffs
-The day to day feel. I just love that. I always have. Not overly rushed.

And really, honestly, that is the sum of its parts, for me. And-my GOD-the way my two year old is CLANKING AROUND in the background with my already tired eyes is too much so I will end it here. This book was very good without taking itself too seriously. We got the funny, the dialogue, the more serious moments, and the author didn’t shy away from somewhat intense situations (I love that and I really need this attention to detail to like a lighter story). So, if you are looking for a fun read, this is it.

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BOOK REVIEW: Ninth House (Alex Stern #1) by Leigh Bardugo

April 14, 2022 / Chelsea / 2 Comments

Ninth House (Alex Stern #1)
by Leigh Bardugo
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Galaxy “Alex” Stern is the most unlikely member of Yale’s freshman class. Raised in the Los Angeles hinterlands by a hippie mom, Alex dropped out of school early and into a world of shady drug dealer boyfriends, dead-end jobs, and much, much worse. By age twenty, in fact, she is the sole survivor of a horrific, unsolved multiple homicide. Some might say she’s thrown her life away. But at her hospital bed, Alex is offered a second chance: to attend one of the world’s most elite universities on a full ride. What’s the catch, and why her?

Still searching for answers to this herself, Alex arrives in New Haven tasked by her mysterious benefactors with monitoring the activities of Yale’s secret societies. These eight windowless “tombs” are well-known to be haunts of the future rich and powerful, from high-ranking politicos to Wall Street and Hollywood’s biggest players. But their occult activities are revealed to be more sinister and more extraordinary than any paranoid imagination might conceive.

What do you want? Belbalm had asked her. Safety, comfort, to feel unafraid. I want to live to grow old, Alex thought as she pulled the curtains closed. I want to sit on my porch and drink foul-smelling tea and yell at passersby. I want to survive this world that keeps trying to destroy me.

The way that I want to scream from the mountains and make this a total fangirl review…the urge is strong. Logic is flawed. And-I have to admit it-it’s all because I chose to believe a bunch of reviews from people I don’t even know instead of trusting in the author I’ve loved since the beginning of the Grishaverse. Shame on me.

Darlington liked to say that dealing with ghosts was like riding the subway: Do not make eye contact. Do not smile. Do not engage. Otherwise, you never know what might follow you home.

I’ll admit that it’s daunting when an author you know and love changes their genre completely-and in such a macabre fashion. Bardugo didn’t just go from YA Fantasy to Adult Fantasy…she went full on YA Fantasy to Adult Dark Academia. Quite a jump, and a jump I wasn’t quite ready to make when it was first released.

The resemblance was superficial, at least on the outside. But underneath? In the cut-open places, they were all the same. Girls like Hellie, girls like Alex, girls like this one, had to keep running or eventually trouble caught up. This girl just hadn’t run fast enough.

I can also admit there are key words when reading reviews that ignite that trigger response and I latched onto those with my whole being. What I failed to realize though, was I needed to read between the lines/investigate a little further to see whether those triggers would effect me. Everyone’s threshold of tolerance differs and what we can endure is in the eyes and heart of the reader. One similar scene may bother me more in another book simply because of what surrounds it or what the parameters are of the story, where another book may have an even worse similar scene, but everything surrounding it supports it, enhances it, creates a tension that just works and makes it bearable whereas the other just simply didn’t. It’s the smallest things that may set someone off (me), when before the same exact thing didn’t bother me. I can’t explain it other than I’m an emotional reader: I’m pure. I don’t have set stereotypes of triggers and how they are used other than two key triggers that are NEVER okay and I cannot tolerate: Babies (and young children) and animals. Those are it-the rest, things may bother me on a visceral level, but I couldn’t tell you from one book the next how it will effect me. That’s just how I am, I suppose.

“Thank you.” Alex winked. “Now we can be friends again.”
“Psycho.”
“So I hear,” said Alex.

All that being said-What I mean is that while this book triggered many people, it did not trigger myself. There were key things that at some time may have at some point in my life…but I guess I pictured this book to be so grotesque before reading that nothing I read was really going to phase me. Ah the power of trusting reviews. Either way, it seems that there was a certain line drawn in the sand that divided people between loving and not loving the book, and I’ll mention it here: ***I cannot get this spoiler in so will add later when I know how***. I believe this scene-paired with the fact that some people do not like change by their favorite authors (or mistakenly believing this to be YA when it’s, in fact, Adult)-is the main divider of derision/enjoyment. I personally just found one other scene to be far more disturbing-but that’s taste (omfg, taste. GAG. You’ll see. Unfortunately). OR, ya know, someone just may not enjoy it. There’s always that-which, okay, fair.

We are the shepherds.

I don’t know what I expected when I pictured this book, but I suppose I just never cared enough to realize it’s a form of dark academia, one of my favorite genres to read when done correctly. I think I always pictured some adult woman doing PI work and hanging out around a campus…fuck if I know why I thought that but…wow. The reality was so much better than that. And I guess this is a good instance of seeing why it’s nice to go in blind sometimes. I was blown away and that does not happen often to me when I am going into a darker book. Though, to me, this really wasn’t as dark as many of the books I’ve read in the last few years.

“Not at all. Demons are ambidextrous.”
“Do we ever have to fight demons?”
“Absolutely not. Demons are confined to some kind of hellscape behind the Veil, and the ones that do manage to push through are far above our pay grade.”
“What pay grade?”
“Precisely.”

And, okay, let’s cut to the damn chase: Darlington. Daniel Arlington. My newest love. How delightful. I just…I am trash for him. I love his haughtiness. I love his gentle snark. I love the way his derision never gets in the way [of always, always doing the right thing] of how he trains and guides Alex (well…mostly). I love that, above all, he lives up to his name as the Gentleman of Lethe and would never-under ANY circumstance-let any harm befall Alex (or anyone in danger in his radius, really) no matter his qualms or mistrust. He just…is the epitome of a ‘good guy’ without the bore or mundaneness. In fact, his scenes are anything but mundane, and I found myself speeding up when I knew he was going to be in the next scene. My most helpful piece of advice? Savor him. Savor his moments. Lock them up and read them slowly, stash them in the deepest crevices of your mind and throw away the key. You’ll thank you me later, if you’re a fan of him at all.

That was what magic did. It revealed the heart of who you’d been before life took away your belief in the possible. It gave back the world all lonely children longed for. That was what Lethe had done for him. Maybe it could do that for Alex as well.

What got me most, though, was the way they were together, the way they worked together. It just…got me. And, again, I’m not ashamed to admit that I didn’t know what I was reading so all of this was just such a delightful surprise. I can’t go on anymore lest I spoil things, but just know…he has my whole heart for my whole life.

She took out her phone. There was a message from the detective. Working a case. Stay put. Will call when I’m done. DON’T DO ANYTHING STUPID.
“It’s like he doesn’t even know me.”

Alex…she was rough, but I loved her. I loved her attitude. Her tenacity. The way she couldn’t give up even though she should have for her own self-preservation. Her mix of tough/desire to be liked and loved touched my heart. I am a sucker for heroines that have a darkness to them, that can push past that darkness at any point, but have a deep softness and willingness to be accepted and loved. A fierceness to them that never lets them give up, to fight through any and all pain to do what’s right even as they were always treated poorly and without sympathy

-that paired with Darlington’s moral compass, I was dead. I loved it so much. All that, and her relatability. Her inner snark, her quips in response to literally everyone. I felt so much kinship in those moments because, even if I don’t say something, best believe I’m thinking it and I just loved her dialogue.

Colin’s enthusiasm always seemed genuine, but sometimes its sheer wattage made her want to do something abruptly violent like put a pencil through his palm.

#relatable

And, finally, the atmosphere. Again, not near as dark as I had anticipated, but there were moments of such levity that I did feel submerged in darkness. There is up and down, yin and yang, and that’s probably my favorite sort of story. I love a good ‘darker’ ya fantasy because I think they are rarer, but I do like some light moments sprinkled between-that is the case here. That’s not to say there is any lack of battering, bone-crunching, or all out gore, because there is, [PLENTLY]. But I didn’t feel weighed down by it, and perhaps that was my largest fear.

The drug was telling her brain that everything was okay, that anything was possible, that if she willed it, she could heal herself right now. But the pain was shrieking panic, banging on her awareness, a fist against glass. She could feel a splinter starting, her sanity like a windshield that wasn’t meant to break. She’d been called crazy countless times, had sometimes believed it, but this was the first time she’d felt insane.

So all in all this book jumped to an absolute favorite out of nowhere. I shouldn’t have been surprised though, as Leigh Bardugo really doesn’t release mediocrity-it’s just not her thing. So, even though this was off my radar due to the gruesome nature, once I FINALLY heard a release for book two, I was all in immediately (inexplicably), even after telling myself I’d never read it. And, I’ll admit it, I’m a whore for good book art and I saw a print of Darlington and Alex that spoke to me, that made my heart pitter patter, and that’s what really led me here. I’m not ashamed to admit that I owe this new absolute favorite to that piece of art. Isn’t it beautiful tgat the extension of our artistic expression can change a person’s perspective on something they believed to be vile and not something they’d give a second glance to? It’s beautiful to me-and amazing-that someone’s renderings of their deepest personal manifestation can help me to visualize what I couldn’t fathom before. How far we’ve come, Bookish Friends. And whether it be the atmosphere, the characters, or the utter surprise of the depth of this story, I am trash for it, and I will be eagerly awaiting in the shadows for book two to release before I emerge.

FRIEND SCALE:

Arielle-I’ve drug pushed you into it so it’s already too late for your soul. lol
Cassie-You’ve read it.
Jen-NO lol
Anna-Frankly I could see you being either way. I sure hope Darlington brings you the joy he brought me.

******

I am simply trash for Darlington

BOOK REVIEW: Curse of Darkness (Dark Court Rising #3) by Bec McMaster

April 11, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

Curse of Darkness (Dark Court Rising #3)
by Bec McMaster
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The Darkness is coming....

Can Iskvien save her husband's soul? Or will her mother's wrath destroy them all?

The third book in the Dark Court Rising series.

Review:

I don’t fear Death.
But as I summon my thorns, one of them circling my waist, I can’t help thinking: Maybe he should fear me.

Curse of Darkness was a stunning conclusion to the Dark Court Rising trilogy! With war, love, sacrifice, friendship, and risks laced throughout the pages, this book was entirely addicting! From start to finish this series has been action packed with romance that was sigh worthy. I fell so deeply in love with these characters and the journeys they went on. If you’re looking for a completed adult fantasy to binge, then look no further!

I didn’t get to burn his body.
I didn’t get to say goodbye.
I didn’t get to tell him I loved him one last time….

From that first page, this story sliced my heart open. I was not ready for the heartache that would follow the ending of Crown of Darkness. The tears wouldn’t stop coming. But have faith, because there were so many twists and turns in this book that kept me of my edge of my seat! And there were also revelations that blew my mind! As the story kept unfolding, I loved that we got a clear picture of all the players and what was truly going on. The insights we gained kept me holding my breath. Because I was terrified how it would all pan out!

I can’t control the rage that ignites my magic. Where once there was heat and flame, now there’s only ice.

Through it all, we had Vi who was a true queen we could respect! The dangerous games she played, while trying to hold an unfathomable amount of precarious cards, left me feeling nervous and so proud of her. She had come so far from that first moment we met her! And while she prepared for the upcoming war that was looming in the background like a ticking time bomb I got chills with who she fought tooth and nail to align herself with. She was truly unstoppable. Or so I hoped! And if that wasn’t enough, she also had to save her husband’s soul.

“…We’re family, Vi. Now you need to understand that.”
My heart feels so fucking heavy in my chest. “I know.”
Finn falls back to clap a hand on my shoulder. “You’re not alone, Vi. I just want you to know that. And the weight on your shoulders isn’t your burden to carry alone.”
Hot tears threaten to spill down my cheeks.

Finn, Eris, Thalia, Amaya, Grimm, Baylor and so many more, I adored this found family so much! Together they were a formidable team and at times they left me laughing manically because of how things unfolded. And as they helped Vi on her journey, the bargains that were made, the risks that were taken, and the terrifying plans that played out were mesmerizing! They had to put their trust and faith in those you hoped wouldn’t do them wrong. And at times there were unseen consequences and heartbreaking moments but there were also so many that made me laugh and cry happy tears. I definitely cried all the happy tears while reading this story!

“Well, well,” she whispers as her laughter fades. “The little queen of Evernight is learning to play the game.”

Curse of Darkness brimmed with emotions and tensions ran high, making this book impossible to put down. This series is a must read for fantasy lovers! And we’re definitely given a HEA for Vi, you know I’m not going to offer more than that lol. But at the same time, there was still so much going on in this world and so many stories that still need to be told. I have a lot of guesses for future love matches *fingers crossed*. So after you read that final page, we’re told whose story is up next and I was screaming with excitement! I. Can’t. Wait!

Molten eyes lock on mine. “Remind me what it feels like to live.”
I gift him with a dangerous smile. “Done.”

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Reading Order:

Review #1: Jen’s Review	Review #1.5: Jen’s Review	Review #2: Jen’s Review
Review #3: Jen’s Review

BOOK REVIEW: Crown of Darkness (Dark Court Rising #2) by Bec McMaster

April 8, 2022 / Jen / 5 Comments

BOOK REVIEW: Crown of Darkness (Dark Court Rising #2) by Bec McMaster Crown of Darkness (Dark Court Rising #2)
by Bec McMaster
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Thiago and Iskvien survived a dangerous curse, but will they survive the coming war?

Princess Iskvien made a dangerous bargain with an ancient goddess in order to break her mother’s curse. Now she must find the Crown of Shadows within a year, or the goddess will take her firstborn child.

Thiago—her heart and soul—stands at her side, but their love has never been tested like this.

Enemies surround them, but in the game of love and war, does her mother, Queen Adaia, hold the ultimate weapon up her sleeve? Or can their love defeat all?

True love will face the ultimate challenge when a dark goddess rises, secrets threaten to tear two lovers apart, and a queen will stop at nothing to gain revenge. Read this epic fantasy filled with magic and breathtaking romance today!

Warning: Cliffhanger ending.

Review:

This time, I’m not prey. This time, I’m the hunter.

Crown of Darkness was an exhilarating continuation of the Dark Court Rising Trilogy! This story was filled with twists, love, friendship, sacrifice and so much heart. With heart pounding action and unfathomable peril, Crown of Darkness became an instant favorite! If you love fantasy and adult romance then you definitely need this series in your life!

In this moment, he’s no longer merely my husband.
He’s the Prince of Evernight. The Lord of Whispers and Lies. The Master of Darkness. And the most dangerous male in the south.

Vi and Thiago’s love was forbidden, yet it was fated and written in the stars. And while they were now together, there was still no peace or rest. Vi was tasked with finding a crown or their first born child was to be given to Mother of the Night. And while that was impossible enough, war was brewing. With so much at play, I was terrified. Especially since three chapters in, we got Andraste’s view. My feelings were twisted and confused when it came to her, and after following along with her part of the journey my head was left spinning. Just like so many other moments in this serious did to me. So hold on, because this book was a wild ride!

I cut him off with a kiss, painting it across his lips.
“You were my salvation,” I whisper against his mouth, because I know what my life was like before I met him.

I loved seeing Vi and Thiago finally together. We got to learn more about Thiago’s childhood and his secrets. And that broke my heart. But I loved that throughout the chaos and struggles, Vi and Thiago got to spend beautiful moments together. Creating new memories. And ones that burned brightly with passion. With Vi now in his life, Thiago could hold off not destroying the world with his darkness, and that always left me breathless. But at the same time I was nervous, because it felt like their fate was tainted. Or too much was against them and I didn’t know how it would play out.

“Nothing will take you away from me again. Not your mother. Not Angharad’s fetch. Not the Mother of Fucking Night. I will drown this world in Darkness before I ever let you go again.”

The twists in this story were phenomenal! As more pieces of the puzzle came together, I was left gasping and surrounded by so much emotion. Looking back, for some of the twists I could see those tiny crumbs of clues, but my mind was still blown. For others I was absolutely shocked. It made complete sense, I just never thought that the story would play out that way. This book will definitely keep you on your toes! So much was revealed, but also so much is unknown. And I had so much fun reading this story!

They will all die for him and give their lives gladly, and my mother doesn’t understand that.

Friendships within these pages added the much needed lightness to this story. I loved how they could make us laugh, even during times of peril. I loved their antics with one another and how much it made me smile. They were a true found family and one that I adore with my whole heart. Vi, Thiago, Eris, Finn, Baylor and more were the heart of this story and their friendships warmed my heart!

We are all capable of becoming monsters for the ones we love, little queen. Even you.”
“I am no monster.”
“If you want to destroy your mother, then you must become the thing she fears,” she says in a merciless voice.

With dire consequences, impossible choices and help from unlikely sources this book ended with a bang! Crown of Darkness was a dark, mesmerizing, epic fantasy! And while I rarely agree with others that a book ends on a cliffhanger, this book…..oh my heart! It ended on the most epic of cliffhangers. I’m so glad the final book is out or else I’d be a puddle of emotions. So make sure you have Curse of Darkness available, because you’ll desperately need it! This story elicited so much emotion from me, I cried three different times and at one point I thought my heart would literally shatter into a billion pieces. But with friendships and love within these pages, it rounded out the hardships so fabulously!

Tears stream down my face, but it’s the rage in my heart that can’t be hidden. I always thought my mother had taken everything she could from me.
But I was wrong.
“I will kill her.”

PS I loved the Princess Bride references!

PPS I loved the addition of a new character!

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