I'm really glad I broke my ARC requesting ban for this book, because I'd have totally missed out if I'd let Olympian Wars #2 pass! While I didn't love I'm really glad I broke my ARC requesting ban for this book, because I'd have totally missed out if I'd let Olympian Wars #2 pass! While I didn't love it the way I did War of the Sea, War of the Land was definitely an appreciated addition to this amazing series. Despite the tone feeling a tad more YA-ish, Dana Claire's writing confirms itself to be right up my alley. The plot is entertaining and Savina and Conleth are amazing main characters. However, I found myself a little conflicted about the romance and I think it's because, like the writing, it was definitely more on the YA side. Same about the FMC relatability: Savina is a teen who thinks and acts like a teen, which is great in terms of authenticity, but I couldn't relate to her properly because of it. I'm aware I'm not part of the age group this book is targeted at, so I feel like I need to point out I didn't let my age and all issues that come with it penalize my final ratings for this book. I simply wasn't invested in it the way I was Claire's previous book in this series. This doesn't mean WotL is a bad book, because it clearly isn't. In fact, I had tons of fun with it and found it cute beyond words. I loved reading about Lou and Rye again, and loved seeing them as parents.
ACTUAL RATINGS 3,5/5
I received an advance review copy for free on BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
"The difference between you and me, Uncle," I said, gesturing between us with the burning cigarillo, "is that I will play until I lose. I have lost
"The difference between you and me, Uncle," I said, gesturing between us with the burning cigarillo, "is that I will play until I lose. I have lost my parents, my sister, my very flesh and bone, but I haven't lost my fight. The day I have, you will need to carve the letters for my tomb. Because I will either die for what I love, or I will live forever."
I never thought I'd become a "my wife" kind of gal and then nicolai attano happened...
"You were meant to fly, Bryn, but they clipped your wings," Niamh whispered, and Bryn felt the power of those words, and what they meant, infuse he
"You were meant to fly, Bryn, but they clipped your wings," Niamh whispered, and Bryn felt the power of those words, and what they meant, infuse her. "It's time to get back into the sky. Hard to burn a witch from up there."
Amala felt his canines instinctively trace her skin, though he held back. For now. She caught his gaze as he massaged her calf, the spot where the ro
Amala felt his canines instinctively trace her skin, though he held back. For now. She caught his gaze as he massaged her calf, the spot where the rope mark was well visible. “Mated mates, then.” Hawk’s mouth dropped open for a split second, before he reconquered his usual smugness. He rubbed his fingers against her soft skin. “Mated mates, indeed.” Amala smiled, “What now, then?” He pressed a kiss on her calf, a dark chuckle against her skin. “Now you’re mine forever.”
This book is so unique. You can feel the author's deep love and respect for spirituality and femininity in her words. I've never read a book that focuses so much on spiritual concepts and astral energy, but I couldn't be happier my first time was with The Goddess and the Hawk.
The world Gala's created is original, meaningful, round. There's something magnetic about her writing, and her smut is enjoyable and never cringe. Her take on Love, friendship and mates is adorable. The relationship between Amala and her friends made me feel all warm and cozy.
The romance in this book is very peculiar and impossibly cute. The bond between Amala and Hawk is there from the start, but it begins as a deep connection and evolves into a full blown spicy soulmate affair. Watching them get closer and closer was a delight. Hawk is possibly one of the sweetest love interests I've read about, and it doesn't hurt that he's also hot af and has the filthiest mouth, especially when his Amala mate is involved. Speaking of which, I loved how in touch Amala was with her own sexuality and her inner self. She's strong and brave and the cinnamon roll to end all cinnamon rolls. She's perfect main character, and I'm glad to confirm the side and supporting cast is equally as interesting and inclusive, because of it's variety and diversity. Also, everyone is simply so hot in this book you'll have your hands full of beautiful people for days. Just remember that Amala is basically the perfect mix between Road to El Dorado's Chel and Princess Kida from Atlantis, and you'll get a hint of why I was drawn to her so much.
The murder mystery aspect was well done, too. The author kept me guessing until the end and the big revelation fell smoothly into the story.
I recommend this book to those who are looking for something different, esoteric, character-oriented, and set in a world where earthly and divine meet.
Not gonna lie, I have the biggest platonic author crush on Chiara Gala, her characters and her golden aura, and this book only made me appreciate her even more...more
We had a few precious hours until everything changed, for good or for bad. I wouldn't waste a single one of them on sleep. I spent them counting th
We had a few precious hours until everything changed, for good or for bad. I wouldn't waste a single one of them on sleep. I spent them counting the freckles on her cheeks, memorizing the pattern of her breaths, watching the flutter of her eyelashes. And when the sun went down, and Oraya stirred and blinked blearily at me with those moon-bright eyes and asked, "Sleep well?" I just kissed her forehead and said, "Perfect." And I didn't have a single regret.
I'm saying this with all the love and appreciation I have for this story and its author: this book needs editing so so so bad.
I love this story to piI'm saying this with all the love and appreciation I have for this story and its author: this book needs editing so so so bad.
I love this story to pieces, which is why it pains me to deprive this book of a star that would have been more than well deserved had my enjoyement of it not be spoiled by the poor translation.
Let me elaborate. I felt like many phrases were translated word for word instead of picking up their idiomatic counterpart expression, which, in my opinion, caused the dialogues to sound weird and kind of grating. For example, I came across this line, on chapter 5. "Look who’s talking, the guy who gets his hair done every three for two." You see, in Italian we have this saying where someone does something ogni tre per due, which means very often. If you translate it literally to English, it makes no sense. I think I was able to acknowledge this (and be bothered by it) because I know how Italians speak and I'm used to reading my books in English, which gave me the chance to compare the two and notice the difference a good translation can make. This was only one of the many cases in which I felt this story could have benefited from a better editor, and I'm sad to say the entire novel and consequently my reading experience, suffered from the lack of one. I kept to myself stuff like "This would sound great in Italian" or I cringed when I caught myself thinking about the idioms I would have used instead or the one that ere written, and all this mental revising got tiring after a while.
Bad translation aside, I loved this. The story was so damn interesting, and very unique, as were the characters. Elena Locatelli has a fresh imagination and was able to create a new, immersive world using elements that arevery well known in the romantasy universe. The world-building was perfect; I was able to picture vividly every new setting the author presented, and I guess the fact that I got to do so while having trouble with the writing (read: the translation, not the prose. The prose was impeccable), proves the author is someone to keep an eye out for. Selene is a very likeable main character and I love that this was a multi-pov kind of novel, because it gave me the opportunity to get to know the other characters a little more. The romance was a little predictable, but I enjoyed it, nonetheless. I know I was supposed to root for Selene and Killian, and I did, but my favorites were Chandra and Calder. What can I say, I have the softest spot for the grumpy and bitchy lady x flirty and sexy fae boy pairing. If you know, you know. You know. [image] Anyway, I had tons of fun with all of it and the story flowed so well I totally would have finished it in two hours had I not be super busy with work.
I'm gonna add the detailed chart later, and maybe add something to this review, as well. Also, that cover alone is worth 10 stars. Elena, if you're reading this: sei fantastica! Can't wait for the next installment....more
"I feel like we keep almost losing each other." "But we keep finding our way back."
Guys, I'm speechless. (And yeah, Richard, I know you don't believ
"I feel like we keep almost losing each other." "But we keep finding our way back."
Guys, I'm speechless. (And yeah, Richard, I know you don't believe this one bit, but humor a dear friend who likes to think she's not that predictable, please)
Not gonna lie, I think I picked this up because I was hungry and the guy on the cover reminded me of a chicken tender piece. Had he reminded me of a piNot gonna lie, I think I picked this up because I was hungry and the guy on the cover reminded me of a chicken tender piece. Had he reminded me of a piña colada, it'd have been a literal thirst trap.
Jokes aside, I went into this with zero expectations, which is why it doesn't hurt a bit the fact that this let me down completely. I mean...it wasn't THAT bad and I've honestly read worse stuff lately, but the plot was really messy, the romance super cheesy and the writing very immature, repetitive and some lines really gave me secondhand embarrassment. I could totally see myself reading this book ironically and ironically tolerating it, but not more than that. Alas, I'm not in a silly mood, which means I don't regret putting this aside, especially because I'm also not even interested in seeing how this ends. I don't usually rate or add to my reading challenge books I DNF, but I'm m giving myself permission to do it with this one because I made it to 83% before giving up....more
His nose nudged against my hair, arms pulling me against his chest. "If you keep that up, I won't have any brain cells left to spar with you." He s
His nose nudged against my hair, arms pulling me against his chest. "If you keep that up, I won't have any brain cells left to spar with you." He swallowed a moan as the carriage bounced, causing me to shift againt him. I ran my fingers across his arm. "You still have brain cells left?" "Questionable."
This book was a freaking rollercoaster that had me sweating out all my minerals from start to finish...more
He dipped his head, his lips gently brushing over each bruise, cut, and scrape, attending to each lovingly. “For each wound they left, mea luna.” He
He dipped his head, his lips gently brushing over each bruise, cut, and scrape, attending to each lovingly. “For each wound they left, mea luna.” He kissed my wrist. “I swear I will give them tenfold.”
I suddenly, desperately want this winter never to end, want spring never to come, want to stay with her here forever. But there is no forever. Not f
I suddenly, desperately want this winter never to end, want spring never to come, want to stay with her here forever. But there is no forever. Not for us.
“How did I find you?” He asked, voice soft with wonder. She stared into those dark green eyes that glimmered with gold in the right light. The ones
“How did I find you?” He asked, voice soft with wonder. She stared into those dark green eyes that glimmered with gold in the right light. The ones she’d imagined each day and night since the first time she saw him, pacing the room where Emric was fading. “I found you,” she huffed with a small smile.
The way I am utterly and devastatingly in love with this book is not even funny, honestly.
"Rise," he said softly. "Just as they always feared you would."
You know when they say be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it?
"Rise," he said softly. "Just as they always feared you would."
You know when they say be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it? This book was everything I'd wish for this final book to be, and yet, I'm sad to admit I probably should have wished for something else, too, to completely satisfy my Kingdom of the Wicked addiction.
(I'm sorry in advance if this bunch of nonsense will be full of typos and incongruous, but it's late and I've been awake since 2012, but I just finished this book and I can't start another one or do anything else really, without putting down some thoughts, first)
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Let's be honest. Writing sequels worthy of a spectacular first book mustn't be an easy job, but if there's an author I know would accept the challenge and ace it, it's Kerri Maniscalco. I'm putting myself in her -and every author I'm a fan of's- shoes as I write this review. It's not a completely positive one, but I'd like to spend a moment before the book analysis to tell whoever's reading this that, yep, this final book was objectively disappointing, but in my heart, it was also a perfectly imperfect novel that I don't regret reading.
My obsession with this series is pretty recent. I've read Kingdom of the Wicked for the first time in January and even if I simply loved it, I didn't feel like I was ready for the sequels. That is, until a few months later (about a couple weeks ago), I stumbled upon a beautiful fanart and I just had to pick up the whole thing again and loved it even more this second time around. Kingdom of the Cursed wasn't perfect -and I've explained why in my review-, but I still felt like the majority of it worked for me. And finally we have this book that was, yes, a nice way to end a trilogy I've come to love, and yes, very entertaining but also...not.
I have to agree with those reviewers who said this book felt different and that the plot was a tad all over the place while also getting lost amidst too much smut, at the same time. I also felt really overwhelmed by how things concerning the stratospheric build-up the author's been crafting around Emilia's identity eventually ended. Sure, all the questions I've had ever since I first read KotW were answered, but I didn't expect them to be presented so matter-of-factly and with little to no conflict. Sure, some things felt a little rushed and some loose threads will unfortunately remain such, but I feel like the author had so many holes to cover, she said fuck it, and chose to focus on those she thought the readers would like to see fixed the most.
One of the things that I loved the most about this series is that the general setting and the characters reminded me of one of my favorite trilogies, The Worldwalker by Josephine Angelini, and the whole atmosphere gave me major Constantine meets and have a threesome with ACOMAF vibes; it basically was a mix of a lof of pieces of media I simply adore, with the addiction of an original plot and an enemies-to-lovers romance to die for. Kingdom of the Feared gave me all of this, but spoiled it with a familiarity, a steadiness I wasn't ready for. Nothing felt new, the plot staled and the romance I found so exciting and breathtaking in the previous books, was a little too prominent in this one.
Remember how a week ago I almost chocked on a slice of pizza while reading a steamy scene from KotC? And it was a mild sexual one, even?? KotF brought me the whole thing, several times, and the only thing I chocked on was a blasphemy because, come on??? And mind it that this is coming from someone who lives by the the smuttier, the better mantra. I just wanted some actions, damn it, and for once it wasn't of the in the sheets kind. There were moments I felt my heart sink a little for how ridiculous they were, and moments I was amazed by Maniscalco's genius. It was honestly a rollercoaster I shouldn't have rode on on a full stomach.
I know I'm making it sound like this book was a disaster, but I promise it wasn't. There were many things I liked, in the end; for example, I appreciate the positive turn Emilia's character's made since the slight downfall it endured in the second book. She confirmed herself like the real badass I knew she'd become. I know, I know, the fact that she was constantly making eyes at Wrath and begging for his demon disco stick turned old after a while, but honestly, can't blame her, especially if being horny all the time didn't get in the way of her getting shit done. I'm a huge fan of the soulbond aspect of their relationship. Very romantic and very Feysand-like of them. Something I've got to give Maniscalco's credit for is that Emilia and Wrath, as the main couple, don't ever spend a lot of time apart and, while they (and me, vicariously through them) have never experienced the emotional moment of reuniting after a long period, they work great together, solving mysteries and threading plots between a fuck and a blowjob, like the two warm-blooded royal bitches they are. Super cheesy, yes, but overall worthy of a favorite ship title. Where Wrath is concerned, I couldn't be happier with his development. I read a couple reviews complaining about how dull his character felt, especially for a demon prince who's the embodiement of wrath, and while I can see where they're coming from, I personally didn't notice that big of a difference in his behavior or overall characterization. I actually found him to be very linear and coherent, and it was nice seeing him lose control when his Emilia was involved. You know what would have made this even better, tho??? A chapter or two from his perspective. I'll keep dreaming, and maybe one day I'll be rewarded for my strong will and weak panties. I also really really reeeeeeeeally loved we got to see more of the other demon princes and the witches lore was interesting to learn about. Finally, I can't not mention the world-building. I think the underworld Maniscalco's created is interesting and while hell looks more like the set of Bridgerton than the fire and torture version we're all used to, it was a nice take and an effort I didn't dislike. While this wasn't my favorite book of the trilogy, KotF definitely was the one that was fuller in terms of plot and the one that entertained me the most after the masterpiece that is KotW. I also might have or might have not teared up a little when I turned the page, read ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS and realised I'd reached the end of the series. Sorry for being a sap and for having a soft spot for dark and broody immortal boys and their badass wives, I guess. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
There are so many more things I could say about this book, but I'm trying to keep this review as spoiler-free as I can and I wouldn't be able to collect all the thoughts I have roaming around my head right now, anyway, so I'll just leave it here and maybe revise it in a couple months.
Soooo, in conclusion: this book sucked a little and it could have been 100 times better than it actually was, but it also wasn't as bad as I probably made it sound to be. I expected perfection because that's what KM's got me used to, and I shouldn't blame her for slipping. I, however, give myself permission to sulk for a day or two. After that, I'll dig out all the Kerri Maniscalco's books I haven't read, and binge on them like there's no tomorrow.
Thanks for the journey, dear author. E' stato un piacere. [image]
“You’re faster than I gave you credit for,” Zander murmurs, peering around the corner of an unassuming door. “You mean, when I can see where I’m goi
“You’re faster than I gave you credit for,” Zander murmurs, peering around the corner of an unassuming door. “You mean, when I can see where I’m going? Or when I’m not in one of those ridiculous dresses?” I counter, blowing out the lantern and setting it on the ground inside before emerging behind him. The tunic and breeches I found in my closet are fitted but comfortable, the navy cloak perfect to hide beneath. “And let’s see how fast you are in twenty pounds of chiffon and tulle, and wobbly heels.” “As long as I can keep my sword.”
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I'm pretty sure if you look anywhere for the definition of book catnip, you'll find this title. There are so many reasons why I started this and couldn't stop, but one of them is that this simply and plainly is an agglomerate of everything I adore in my romantasy books. It was obviously recommended to me by Koisty, who has become my official rec dealer, who always seems to know what I need to read and in which particular moment.
It took me a little to clear my way into this book's world building. The lore is intricate and rich with political intrigue, which you obviously need to appreciate to properly enjoy this book because trust me when I say there's a lot of politics and backstabbing, and the terms and names flow is infinite. Once you finally get a handle on who's who and why they do what they do, though, you'll want to know more and more. And, yes, you'll be very frustrated when, at the end, instead of answers you'll end up having more questions than when you started. But it's okay, because the book in its entirety was ...more
astarion's bhaal babe (wingspan matters)
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