jace
Okay I know booktok/bookstagram LOVES this one but I've got some things to say. Spoilers ahead be warned!
My main reasons for rating it a 3/5 was largely in part to the lack of male POV. I think this story could've been a LOT more captivating if we got to see the growth of the “enemies to lovers” trope straight from Raihn's mind. I think knowing why he hates Vincent so much and seeing Vincent reflected in Oraya would've been a lot more interesting than waiting to find out till the end. I will always prefer a dual 3rd person pov over 1st person any day. Also, i have so many questions about Vincent and his motivations??
I understand a large part of this story is Oraya's struggle between loving and hating her father and the nuance of abusive relationships but holy fuck Vincent was terrible. From all we saw of him, he was pure evil. Why was she so attached? There was not enough emotional attachment shown between what is supposed to be a father and daughter. But maybe that was the point?? idk. I think the story would've been a lot more engaging and made Vincent a much more empathetic character if we knew what was going on in his head. Otherwise he's just a selfish asshole and I don't feel bad for him. His death should've elicited more sadness or even the conflict that Oraya feels but as a reader, I did not care and was in fact happy that he died. I feel like the death of a parental figure should hold more emotional weight than that.
Also why were we barely introduced to any meaningful secondary characters?? Mische was so interesting and she gets injured and leaves halfway into the trials?? That was so upsetting. We grow attached to this character and we're supposed to believe she enters the Kejari first and Raihn loves her like a sister so he enters too, but once she's injured and taken out they visit her once and she's almost never mentioned again?? It felt like they only added in them visiting to show Raihn's allies and their dislike of Oraya. Mische's character was very disappointing. She had so much promise. I was so excited when we were introduced to her but her character felt like it was created for the sole purpose of making Raihn seem more human.
I will say a strong point of the story was the idea of Kejari itself. I loved the idea of a fallen goddess using her own story as a narrative through each trial and Oraya's knowledge of Nyaxia's story and how it mirrored her love story with Raihn. The trials were fast but exciting. Seeing Oraya figuring out each one gave a lot of insight into her observation techniques and as each trial went on, it showed her internal battle quite well. Especially the end. I was NOT expecting THAT to happen. And I'm actually not sure if I liked it. Unsure if I will be reading book 2.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another absolutely OUTSTANDING book from Helen Scheuerer! (I believe reading the Legends of Thezmarr series before this book is best but it still stands on its own if you haven't read them) This story is so full of banter, found family, academia, magic, heartbreak, laughter, and pure soul. Helen's writing truly puts you directly into the world of the Midrealms. The overarching plot is so intriguing and spliced in between the beautiful moments of longing and passion that Wren and Torj have together. Their love story truly feels like years in the making and the end of this book takes you on a journey so insane you'll want to pre-order book 2 immediately! There has never be a book by Helen that I won't immediately read and fall in love with
I don't usually read romance that doesn't include magic, sword fighting, or politics but WOW this book really entertained me! I devoured this book within 48 hours! I identified so much with my the FMC and her anxiety and awkwardness. Also wowie the spice?!?! I was blown away by how well this book spoke about kink and the dynamics of the relationship. Of course I knew they'd end up together in a beautiful HEA but the journey was still enjoyable. Do I like contemporary romance now??
WOW. WHAT AN ENDING!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Every single aspect of this book was flawless to me. I was so incredibly moved by the beauty and complexity of this story.
Karys and Dravyn's love truly is the most magical (pun intended) pairing I've ever read. This book focuses so much on plot while still showcasing a romantic story at its heart. There is no story without the romance and no romance without the story.
If you want a series that has an amazingly heartfelt story of betrayal, gods, destiny, sisterhood, found family, love, and finding one's true self, this book is perfect for you. I felt every single emotion while reading this book.
S.M. Gaither truly knows how to absolutely destroy you and build you back together again! I will recommend this duology for as long as Karys and Dravyn's love shall last ♥️
if i could give this 3.5 ⭐️ i would but i'm too nice so i rounded up. i thought the ending would be this epic moment but it was so boring??? and anticlimactic??? idk. i'm coming out of a reading slump so maybe that's why i didn't enjoy this as much but it was just okay in my opinion. not beautiful and amazing but not terrible either. i've def read worse
If I could, I would give it 4.5 stars!!
I adore S.M. Gaither and this book is another banger! It's a perfect first book for a series. It sets up character traits and dynamics and at the end swirls everything around into a big mess to dive right into during the next book! Secrets are revealed, promises are broken, bonds are formed, and patience is tested. I've read the Flame & Sparrow duology so having prior knowledge of how the Gods system works is helpful but this book does take place a loooooong time after the duology so I'm intrigued to see just how similar and different the lore will be in the later books. I'm very excited to continue reading this completed series!
I have very mixed feelings about this book. I didn't really enjoy the writing style and found the FMC to be quite insufferable. I love the concept of this book and the magic was interesting but not even close to making an ounce of sense. I understand it's the 1st book in a series but this just wasn't for me and I will not be picking up the second one. The book cover is STUNNING and I adore vampire books but this felt so boring. Even during the action I wasn't pulled in. The FMC made zero sense and we don't really get to see her having these huge revelations, it's all done through dialogue which I do not enjoy. Also why is she just so okay with the MMC lying and manipulating her all because he's hot?? He's a direct parallel to the guy who abused her?? I struggled really hard with this book but if you enjoy a fantasy with almost no world building, trials with zero epic feel or suspense, and found family that feels very forced, then I suppose you'd like this. Oh also the spice is okay I guess? But their relationship felt too sudden and too lacklustre for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book was so enjoyable!!
Deya and Caelum are a beautiful duo of characters that have suffered extreme cruelty and reflect trauma in a very real way. Val and Rayner are two lovable side characters that I am very excited to read more about! They balance Caelum's moodiness and Deya's shyness perfectly.
If you're looking for a very sexy book, this might not be for you. If you're looking for an intriguing story of war, trauma, friendship, honour, loyalty, and a side of slow burn romance that will have you frustrated and also giggling, you've found the perfect book!
The romance aspect of this book is very integral to the plot but doesn't feel overpowering of the fantasy themes. There is an explicit adult scene but it's written poetically instead of overly graphic. It was a beautiful amount of love and also desire.
I will 100% be continuing this series and if you're contemplating reading this book, I highly recommend it!!
WOW. just. wow!!!
Helen Scheuerer has once again written something so full of love, adventure, heartbreak, and joy. Thea and Wilder will forever be one of my favourite couples. I was kicking my feet giggling, gasping out loud, sobbing so hard I had tears on my kindle, and smiling so big it hurt my face. All within 422 beautiful pages. I am so sad that this is the 4th and final book in the Legends of Thezmarr series, but I am eagerly awaiting what comes next for Thezmarr!
“It is battles like these that forge warriors with blood and steel.”
