Reborn

this was a pretty good book. i have Reforged deep in my tbr and it seems like i should have read that first because although the religions and the cultures of this world was very well built, super interesting and seamlessly embedded into the narrative, i felt like the magic system(the gedroks and the arcane etc) was not as detailed. i assume that's because Reforged has already established the magic system? so i'll likely be reading it next. the characters were developed and personalities distinct - i particularly love the contrast between Radek's flirty and bold character vs Izra's conservative nature haha.

plot-wise, it was a pretty standard resisting-the-villain type storyline, and pretty slow-paced. i think even at 40% they were just traveling and sending messages. the romance, though, is very sudden - they jump from practically strangers to lovers real quick after the binding ceremony. starting from halfway stuff gets fun and the pace speeds up. as a side note i love how unique a role Radek's playing cards(which have similar characteristics to tarot cards) have in the plot and the arcane.

overall Reborn is an engaging novel with immersive storytelling - i'll definitely look out for the author's other releases!

disclaimer: i received an advance review copy for free, and i'm leaving this review voluntarily.

Golden Retriever x Black Cat, idiots-to-lovers. ill take one Black Cat Cinnamon Roll love interest for myself pls and thx

I was waiting for this arc to arrive on BookSirens because I loved Reforged and I'm glad that Haddon has another book! He deserves it. It felt like this had more politics and world-building than the first book – even though the first book literally follows a King. Both books are set in the same world but are standalones. If Haddon planned on writing another book in the same universe, I wouldn't mind one bit.

I think he really shines in his world-building. It's his strong suit and something I can tell he enjoys. Not saying that his character and plots aren't good – they definitely are. To me, creating and maintaining a world is what he's best at. It's really difficult not only to create such an immense fantasy world but to ensure that it doesn't fall through. Or break apart in a later chapter because you didn't build the right foundation for it.

The plot did have standard fantasy vibes to it, if I'm being honest. There's betrayal, there's plans, there's plots from both sides. Characters wonder if they can do it; what will it take etc. But I'm not complaining at all