To Snap a Silver Stem

4⭐

Great ending!

1st read: 4.5⭐

2nd read: 4.5⭐

that missing .5 has nothing to do with the book, it's just this one was more info dumping than the first one, specially at the start when it felt slower, and i don't do well with that after my emotions have been played with 🥲

so it's a purely personal .5, disregarding that, its a fucking 5⭐ masterpiece.

Update after reading book 3: 2.5 stars
Nothing wrong with the series, i do actually recommend it to all New Adult romance/fantasy lovers. I just realized that this series, despite the addictive writing, beautiful prose and complex characters, is just not for me. I have no interest in the main romance and it's not what i was rooting for. I know there's a lot in the story to love besides the romance, but the endgame choice for the heroine soured things for me.


First read: 3 stars
The writing, storytelling, and settings were so enchanting and very captivating. The haunting, bittersweet tone of the story is exactly what I seek in dark fantasy books.

There's so much growth when it comes to our main heroine, and her character development was immaculate in every way. The author does not do simple characters - they're all wonderful, complex, selfish, broken, and twisted in all the best ways. I'm thrilled that we got new perspectives in this book because the depth of the characters is exemplary and I found myself invested in each character's storyline.

As for the romance department, there's a progression in the relationships. More delicious angst and sexy scenes, but also heartfelt, emotional moments. It will definitely appeal to fans of NA dark fantasy romance. I'm also very interested in the new romantic subplots with the side characters! I would love to see more of them in the next book.
I wasn't huge on the main romantic dynamic for Orlaith but I do, however, like the characters individually and I'm rooting for Orlaith to find the happiness she deserves, I mean she will, right? Because the ending delivered emotional damage.

I know I already mentioned how good the characters are but I can't stress enough how amazing our heroine is. Orlaith's character is wonderful. You can feel her emotion, rage, guilt, and triumph. She's just wonderful and an absolute badass.

The book twists all over the place, the tension is always there, I was literally on the edge of my seat when I was reading the final parts. Some of the unanswered questions are unraveled but more mysteries are yet to be revealed, this, mixed with continuing Orlaith's journey to bloom, is the perfect dose for looking forward to the next book!

I'm glad there will be more books in this world, very excited about this series and where the author is going to take us next!