This duology is excellent because it examines the intricacies of love and sadness in a diverse and original context. I love the characters so4.5 Stars
This duology is excellent because it examines the intricacies of love and sadness in a diverse and original context. I love the characters so so much, I'm going to miss them all. They feel so real and are so well written. They're just my babies especially Jasper and Wylan. Why did they have to cancel the Netflix show?!!
This is mostly a character driven book so am only going to be talking about the characters.
SPOILERS AHEAD‼️
1. Kaz Brekker - Ahhh my heart breaks for this guy. He has been through so much and that scene with his brother will forever haunt me and him calling Jesper Jordie???
Kaz, how long are you going to make me pay for a little forgiveness?” “What do you think my forgiveness looks like, Jordie?” “Who the hell is Jordie?” [...] "Someone I trusted." [...] "Someone I didn't want to lose."
Take me out. I am DONE. They could never make me hate this man. Everything he did was justified my only complaint is that he should have buried that mf alive. NOT THE KID but Pekka
2. Inej Ghafa - I will be honest with you guys I wanted her to get tortured by Van Eek. Hear me out!! Imagine how much Kaz would have flipped out if she was actually tortured. I would have loved to see him act like Rowan in Throne Of Glass when he found the guy that tortured Aelin. I didn't really care for her in this book but I really loved her in the first one especially when she told Kaz she would only take him without his armour.
We don't talk about her past enough. I mean this girl was sold into sexual slavery when she was FOURTEEN!!! That is FUCKED UP!!
She learned to smile, to whisper, to arch her back and make the sounds Tante Heleen’s customers required. She still wept, but the tears were never shed. They filled the empty place inside her, a well of sadness where, each night, she sank like a stone.
3. Nina Zenik - My BABY!!! I love her so much And when she got her new powers??? I just loved her more.
It was that endless, fast-running river. She’d dipped her fingers into its current, held the eddy of its power in her hand. She was the Queen of Mourning, and in its depths, she would never drown.
4. Matthias Helvar - I love a man that is down bad for his girl
“Nina—” he started, then stopped. “Nina, I am with you because you let me be with you. There is no greater honor than to stand by your side.”
After everything he's been through he did NOT deserve that ending.
5. Jesper Fahey - I love this man even with all his flaws. I just wish he did not scam his dad like that. But the most important thing is that he changed.
“Actually, you should put my share in my father’s name. I don’t think … I don’t think I’m ready for that kind of money just yet.”
6. Wylan Van Eck - I fear he may be my favourite character in the book. I am so glad we got his pov in this book. My man has been through so much I dont know how his father tried to kill him even after seeing how smart he was
That was around the same time he realized I wasn’t … what he’d hoped for.” “How old were you?” “Eight, maybe? I’d gotten really good at hiding it.” “How?” […] “He would read to me or I’d ask one of the nannies to, and I’d memorize whatever they said. I even knew when to pause and turn the pages.”
Like that is fucking smart
Favourite couple:
1. Wespar
“That’s terrible,” said Wylan. “It’s brilliant.” Jesper winked. “Just like you.” Wylan blushed daylily pink. “Tiny and ferocious,” Jesper said. He winked again. “Just like you
These two had me giggling and kicking my feet the whole time. My only problem is that we didn't get to see more of them
2. Helnik
I already said am a slut for the witch and witch hunter trope.
“I promise, Matthias. I’ll take you home.” “Nina,” he said, pressing her hand to his heart. “I am already home.”
Let me not catch you in these streets Leigh bardugo. These two deserved a happy ever after
3. Kanej
I know they gave us this iconic line,
“Would you have come for me then, Kaz? When I couldn’t scale a wall or walk a tightrope? When I wasn’t the Wraith anymore?” […] “I would come for you,” he said […] “I would come for you. And if I couldn’t walk, I’d crawl to you, and no matter how broken we were, we’d fight our way out together—knives drawn, pistols blazing. Because that’s what we do. We never stop fighting.”
And I love them but they are just not my favourite. Maybe if they gave us more they would be hgher on my list.
_________________________
Holy shit this was so much better than the first one. You know a book is AMAZING when you read it in one night.
This was my favourite scene.
SPOILERS AHEAD ‼️
“We need something to cut the cord!” Jesper shouted. “To hell with the cord,” Nina snarled between gritted teeth. She snatched a revolver from Jesper’s holster. “Let go!” she commanded. “Nina—” protested Matthias. “Do it.” They let go, and Nina zipped down the alley in a sudden burst of momentum. The Shu woman took an awkward step back, then seized the edge of the net, yanking Nina up. Nina waited until the last possible second, then said, “Let’s see if you’re metal all the way through.” She shoved the revolver directly into the Shu woman’s eye socket and squeezed the trigger. The blast didn’t just take her eye but most of the top of her skull.
I'm glad this book didn't fall into the category of historical romances, which I detest for having too many descriptions of things I'm no 3.5 stars ✨
I'm glad this book didn't fall into the category of historical romances, which I detest for having too many descriptions of things I'm not interested in. I was enthralled with the intricate details and the evident extensive research the author had done to bring this tale to life.
The court politics and warfare were disliked by many, but I that was what I liked about it the best. Although the smut scenes are wonderful, I really liked seeing their relationship grow. I also fell in love with so many of the characters, Annie and Alys who were so openminded and caring.
The biggest problem for me is that none of the issues the characters encountered had an outcome. Any possible negative effects were eliminated fairly immediately. As a result, I didn't feel that the characters' temporal stakes were increased for me as a reader. This meant that the resolution was abrupt and disappointing.
____________
This book had me bawling my eyes out at 4 am in the morning. IAINHARRY FOREVER>>>> ...more
I started this book over a month ago and I keep putting it on hold. The smut was pretty hot at the beginning and I found the food plaTime of death 40%
I started this book over a month ago and I keep putting it on hold. The smut was pretty hot at the beginning and I found the food play sexy af but as time went on I was just so bored by their dynamic that reading it felt like a chore.
___________ Reading Update:
Do you guys know when an author describes a smut scene and you’re trying to visualize what position they’re in? Well that just happened to me. How the hell did these two have sex in the booth at the club? I guess I’ll never know but it was hot tho ...more
"Cett has threatened all that I love," she whispered. "He will soon know that there is something in this world more deadly than his assassins. Someth "Cett has threatened all that I love," she whispered. "He will soon know that there is something in this world more deadly than his assassins. Something more powerful than his army. Something more terrifying than the Lord Ruler himself. "And I am coming for him."
"She'll bring us peace, someday," Demoux said. "The heir will bring back the sun, stop the ash from falling. But we have to survive until then.”
You know what I love about this book? Everything comes together at the end and the pieces that don’t are leading us into the third book, The Hero Of Ages. I just really appreciate that kind of writing.
What annoyed me the most was the romance plot line. I HATED the love triangle (if you can call it that) with a burning passion but at the end I got why Sanderson had to add it in.
She sighed. "It's all so frustrating. I should be worrying about the city and the Deepness, not which man to spend my evenings with!"
I couldn’t have said it any better. But at the end of the day we have to remember that Vin is just a teenager.
He glanced to the side, seeing her concerned eyes. Beautiful eyes. Foolish thoughts, he told himself, looking away. You've always known that. Some things were meant for others, but never for you.
"I am not a man from one of your biographies, Tindwyl. I am not even, really, a man."
"You are a better man than they, Sazed,"
Sanzed and Tindwyl my babies!!
I so wanted this book to be a five star read but the first half was just so boring. I could not put this book down once we got to the second part but it didn’t make up for how boring the first half was....more
This book!!!!!! This just set the standard for all fantasy/apocalypse books
Pre-Read:
You know how I know a book is going to be a banger? When it hasRTC
This book!!!!!! This just set the standard for all fantasy/apocalypse books
Pre-Read:
You know how I know a book is going to be a banger? When it has a 15 page appendix. Hopefully I am right about this I really need this to be a five star read. I hope you all have an awesome weekend ...more
The first booktok rec that I actually enjoyed. Dark fantasy with romance? Sign me up. The characters were so interesting especially Helene. Am gonna wThe first booktok rec that I actually enjoyed. Dark fantasy with romance? Sign me up. The characters were so interesting especially Helene. Am gonna write a proper review at a later date.
I loved that the fmc isn't a badass killer in the beginning.
"I grasp my mother's armlet, but touching it makes me feel worse. Mother would have outfoxed the Mask. Somehow, she'd have saved Darin and Nan and Pop. Even Nan was braver than me. Nan, with her frail body"
MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD‼️
There are so many characters that I wanna learn more about. Like Afya Ara-Nur and The cook,
"If the heir of Gens Veturia should ever need a favour, Ilyaas, Tribe Nut will be honoured to be of service." Immediately my body tenses, but she puts two fingers to her lips - the most binding of Tribal vows. "Your secret is sate with Afya Ara-Nur."
"The Lioness. the Resistance, and their grand plans. Traitors. Liars. F-fools." She stands and reaches for her cleaver. Don't trust them" [...] "They'll use you." Her hands shake, and she grips the counter. She gasps out the last few words. "They take - take - take. And then - then - they'll throw you to the wolves. I warned you. Remember. I warned you."
Cook is by far the most interesting character in the book. I wanna learn more about her and what she went though when she was at the resistance. What did they do to her to make her react like this when she talks about them?!
"What, you don't believe I could do something kind for another human? I'm not evil, Elias, no matter what you say." "I never said -" "But you did" Her voice rises. "You just said I'm like every other Mask."
They Could never make me hate you Helene.
Hopefully the characters start using more magic in the next instalment. I really wanna learn more about it and why it just disappeared.
____________
Pre-Read: If the author starts describing Laia as petite, I will kill myself....more
"The days without difficulty are the days you do not improve"
THIS BOOK!!!! MY GOD!!
Evan Winter's The Rage of Dragons is an exhilarating dive 5 Stars ✨
"The days without difficulty are the days you do not improve"
THIS BOOK!!!! MY GOD!!
Evan Winter's The Rage of Dragons is an exhilarating dive into a world where vengeance, warfare, and the supernatural collide in an epic narrative that grips from start to finish. If you’re looking for a fantasy novel that combines intricate world-building, high stakes, and a protagonist with a relentless drive, this book will not disappoint. It’s a tale of redemption and retribution set against a backdrop of dragons, demons, and fierce warriors.
The story centers on Tao, a character whose journey from an overlooked Lesser to a formidable force is nothing short of riveting. Initially introduced as someone resigned to a life of hardship and injury, Tao’s transformation into a driven avenger is depicted with unflinching intensity. His quest for revenge is not only personal but monumental, challenging the very fabric of his world.
Winter’s writing shines as Tao navigates his transformation. The novel's central theme of revenge is encapsulated in a series of powerful moments. One of the book's defining quotes—“He made a pact with himself, a pact he swore on his father’s sword. If he were asked to run a thousand strides, he would run two thousand. If he were told to spar three rounds, he would spar six. And if he fought a match to surrender, the man who surrendered would not be him. He would fight until he died”—perfectly illustrates Tao's relentless determination and refusal to be defeated by his circumstances.
The narrative is driven by a series of confrontations that test Tao’s limits and showcase his growth. The contrast between his early self-doubt and his later confidence is starkly portrayed in moments like this: “I am a Common of Kerem and you will beg me for mercy,” which highlights his evolution from a perceived underdog to a fearsome warrior. Winter masterfully balances Tao's internal struggles with external battles, making the protagonist's journey more compelling.
The world-building in The Rage of Dragons is equally impressive. The author weaves a rich tapestry of societal hierarchies and supernatural elements, from the intimidating presence of dragons to the formidable warriors like Daaso, who was enraged (Made bigger, stronger, faster and more resilient.) and who “feared no man under all the gods” but still recognized the overwhelming power of Tao two Swords, and ran from him during the battle. These elements are not merely decorative; they play crucial roles in shaping the story and Tao’s quest.
Winter’s use of language and dialogue adds depth to the characters and their interactions. For instance, the tension in the exchange between Tao and Zesiro Opio—“I am Zesiro Opio, Greater Noble of the Opio family in Palm... I am a Common of Kerem and you will beg me for mercy”—captures the essence of the conflict and stakes in Tao's world. Such moments reflect the book’s ability to blend personal vendettas with larger, societal conflicts.
Another striking element is the thematic exploration of identity and self-worth. Tao's belief that “limits were not decided by his birth or nature but by the bounds of his determination and the extent of his efforts” resonates deeply and serves as a powerful motivator throughout the novel.
In conclusion, The Rage of Dragons is a gripping and immersive read that excels in both its narrative and thematic execution. Evan Winter’s novel is a testament to the power of revenge and the strength of the human spirit, all set in a world brimming with magic and peril. For anyone looking to get lost in a story of epic battles and personal triumph, this book is a ten out of ten.
___________________ Reading Update:
"Two dozen men and women, people of this strange land who thought to defend it's shores from her erupted in fire."
Broooo how tf am I supposed to root for these people when they literally came to conquer this land and all the natives did was defend themselves?? Plus calling them savages on top of that?! Nah that’s CRAZY. I will always root for the natives. Idc if they are actively trying to kill the protagonist. Maybe am jumping to conclusions so we'll see how this shit goes....more
I loved this book so much. This is shocking to me because I normally HATE age gap romances and Logan is over 20 years older than Bloom. But I4.5 Stars
I loved this book so much. This is shocking to me because I normally HATE age gap romances and Logan is over 20 years older than Bloom. But I still loved it because it wasn't that weird and It also had some of my favourite topes:
A:) Unhinged MC B:) Opposites attract C:) Obsessed MC D:) Bad boy Mc (That is secretly a golden retriever) E:) Past Trauma (I love mcs with trauma sue me)
I love Bloom so much and that first chapter was so freaking sad my heart aches for him. I am so glad he murdered his pathetic parents they deserved the death they got. He just wanted someone to love him ...more
"You have a power that most high noblemen envy. It is a power that, had you been born an aristocrat, would have made you one of the most dead4.0 Stars
"You have a power that most high noblemen envy. It is a power that, had you been born an aristocrat, would have made you one of the most deadly and influential people in all of the Final Empire." [...] "But, you weren't born an aristocrat. You're not noble, Vin. You don't have to play by their rules— and that makes you even more powerful."
Am gonna be honest with you guys this book was kinda boring in the beginning but that's just how it is with most fantasy books you just gotta push through the first hundred pages.
One thing I was grateful for is that the author doesn't just dump information on you, and I know this might get confusing to some readers since we don't understand most of the shit that's going on, but it just makes sense cause we're in almost the same position as Vin when it comes to what she knows about this world and that makes us feel more connected to her. Do you know what I mean?
There is some romance in this book but it's just a tiny bit so if you're looking for a romantic fantasy then this is not the book for you. I was hating on romance so bad coz he's 21 and she's 17 but I was kinda rooting for them a bit in the end. Vin deserves to be happy and if it's going to be with someone four years her senior while she is a MINOR, there's nothing we can do about it. Don't let this deter you from reading this book because as I said it is a really small part of the book
I didn't love this instalment as much as I thought I would. I was initially going to give it a three star rating but that last 30% was just so freaking good I had to add that one star...more
"It's easy for me to fall in love with you because of our history," he said, "But I would fall for you with no history between us at all. Ev3.5 Stars
"It's easy for me to fall in love with you because of our history," he said, "But I would fall for you with no history between us at all. Every time. You're my favourite story."
I didn't read the other books in this series but I did read The last mortals series so I was familiar to this world but I still think you can read this book as a standalone.
One of the main reasons I picked this up is because of the reincarnation trope. I love second chance romance and this was the ultimate second chance romance. Jory (Human) and Mordyn (Vampire) have a falling out which leads to Jory's death and the severing of their mate bond. Fate decides to give Jordyn (Yes I gave them a couple name SO WHAT?) a second chance and Jory is reborn but Apollo (Jory 2.0) is working for an organization to help rescue humans from being kept as blood slaves by vampires. Obviously he hates vampires ever since they killed his sister and thinks the world would be better without vampires in it. Will Mordyn be able to convince him not all vampires are evil? And will he be able to fight the pull he feels toward Mordyn?
I did really enjoy their push and pull but I feel it lasted a little bit too long. I would have loved to see a bit more of them being all cuddly and in love. There were some exciting and interesting unveiling of powers highlighted in this book that I would love to see more of in the upcoming books. Idk if Keegan will get a book but I wanna see him get a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review....more
This was entertaining at best. At least it's better than the other two books that made me wanna drop this series. Lets talk about Caspian and Rowan
SPOThis was entertaining at best. At least it's better than the other two books that made me wanna drop this series. Lets talk about Caspian and Rowan
SPOILERS AHEAD‼️
Caspian:
I don't know if I liked him or hated him coz look at what he said to Rowan,
"You talk an awful fucking lot. Anybody ever told you that before?" He chuckles. "Oh yeah, once or twice? "So, shut the fuck up."
Not cool bro. I know he's supposed to be grumpy but if somene said that to me the earth better open up and swallow me whole. And this is what Rowan says about his therapist,
"..she makes me feel like what I have to say matters. Like she wants to hear it all. She never makes me feel like a bother, or like I annoy her, like everyone else in my life does."
But at the same time this is what his inner monologue looks like,
"Rowan. The annoying fucking guy who I can't stand most of the time. The beautiful, sexy man writhing underneath me. The one I think about more than I'd care to admit. The one who somehow manages to chip away at my walls, even if only for a few hours at a time before I'm able to find my senses outside of his presence and put them firmly back in place... until the next time. The one whose lips taste like spearmint and longing. Whose eyes are endless, reminding me of the beautiful landscape and luscious pastures back home. Reminding me of an easier time. A freer time. When the world was still at my fingertips. Before everything went to shit." PICK A SIDE BRO
Another thing I hated is how he always messes up but Rowan is the one who apologizes and tries to save their relationship and that just mad me so freaking mad.
"Sex has always been the one way i can make people see how great l am. It's how I can make people feel better. Sometimes I can be annoying with the things i say, but my body... My body can make everything right again."
This was Rowan trying to think of a way to make Caspian feel good.
Rowan:
I really loved him. He is the first book character that I related to. Everyone with abandonment issues RISE UP!
"I don't know why I lied. It's something I tend to do often, without even meaning to."
Its alright girl I get you.
How can you not love this man after what he did to cheer up Caspian?!
"The mug is white with black interior, and in black lettering, it says, 'Introverted but willing to discuss Greek mythology.'"
"There would be days on end, sometimes weeks, when she wouldn't even get out of bed. Dad would bring her food, try to force feed her. He'd give her sponge baths, brush her hair, sing her songs. My entire life, I never saw my dad give a single shit about anything the way he did with my mom." - Caspian ..."When I'm feeling like shit or when I'm sad or having a bad day, a hot bubble bath always makes me feel better." - Rowan
He drew him a bath and bought him a mug!!! I need this man right tf now!!
I am still so freaking mad that rowan had to buy thirty concert tickets just to explain what happened to Caspian after Caspian freaking punched him. (He is filthy rich tho) Other than Caspian being so annoying somtimes i did enjoy this book. Plus the sex was amazing (Especially the forest scene and the morning after)
It's like whoever packed this bag for us, did it with the intention of filthy sex. Why else would there have been rope and lotion?
Who needs rope and lotion when going camping? ____________ Reading Update:
"CNC?" My lip kicks up into a small smirk. "Consensual non-consent. Its a kink..."
Idk if I've said this before but I used to think CNC was some kind of news channel just December last year and mow I am actively seeking out books with this kink ...more
**spoiler alert** WHY DO I KEEP DOING THIS TO MYSELF???!!!! I knew it was coming. I was prepared for it and my heart was still ripped out and stomped **spoiler alert** WHY DO I KEEP DOING THIS TO MYSELF???!!!! I knew it was coming. I was prepared for it and my heart was still ripped out and stomped on.
I loved reading Eryx perspective. I knew he was different from Axios I just didn't know how much until I was reading his inner monologue. I was scared that this would be too similar to the first book but it wasnt. I mean it was similar in the beginning but its starts to get different when Eryx grows a bit distant. I love Theon, Quill, Haden and Leanna I just wish they all had a happy ending.
_________ Pre Read: You guys don’t know how excited I am to read this. I get to re-read one of my favourite book but from Eryx’s perspective. I am so freaking excited ...more
One thing I will say is if anyone has something bad to say about Tristan they're gonna have to go through me. That is my man right there One thing I will say is if anyone has something bad to say about Tristan they're gonna have to go through me. That is my man right there ...more
OH. MY. GOD this was so unbelievably GOOD. And this is coming from someone who's not into norse mythology.
"The year 297 of Friðaröld, The Age of PeacOH. MY. GOD this was so unbelievably GOOD. And this is coming from someone who's not into norse mythology.
"The year 297 of Friðaröld, The Age of Peace."
Is the peace in the room with us??
Orka is just so mother she could murder me and I would just thank her for it tbh. I am so glad for the Glossary at the end of the book coz I would have been lost without it. I loved Orka and Varg the moment I got to their chapters but it took me a couple of chapters to warm up to Elvar but I ended up loving her too. The battle scenes were just so amazing you could tell the author put a lot of research into them
I need more of this authors writing but I don't think am gonna read the second book just yet. I was told it ends in a major cliffhanger so am gonna wait for the third book to come out. In the meantime am gonna read The Faithful and the Fallen series
I have been noticing I take twice as long to read a physical book compared to the kindle version. Does this happen to you guys? It took me three days to read this book when should have taken me one or two days
__________ Pre Read: My friend just asked me how I can read porn without plot and the next day pick up a John Gwynne fantasy book and I was like babe it’s called having ✨range✨...more
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