Spoiler-Free Review | Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare

Chain of Gold

By: Cassandra Clare

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

From Goodreads: Welcome to Edwardian London, a time of electric lights and long shadows, the celebration of artistic beauty and the wild pursuit of pleasure, with demons waiting in the dark. For years there has been peace in the Shadowhunter world. James and Lucie Herondale, children of the famous Will and Tessa, have grown up in an idyll with their loving friends and family, listening to stories of good defeating evil and love conquering all. But everything changes when the Blackthorn and Carstairs families come to London…and so does a remorseless and inescapable plague.

James Herondale longs for a great love, and thinks he has found it in the beautiful, mysterious Grace Blackthorn. Cordelia Carstairs is desperate to become a hero, save her family from ruin, and keep her secret love for James hidden. When disaster strikes the Shadowhunters, James, Cordelia and their friends are plunged into a wild adventure which will reveal dark and incredible powers, and the true cruel price of being a hero…and falling in love.

Theme Song

TL;DR:

Chain of Gold was one of my most anticipated reads of 2020 and for good reason! It is an amazing addition to the Shadowhunter World. If you’re new to the Shadowhunter Chronicles and don’t mind reading out of chronological order, I HIGHLY recommend you start with this installment. This is Cassie’s best writing yet, and you’ll be so in love with the Edwardian London setting, sassy & sweet characters, and action-packed plot. This has everything you’ll be looking for in a historical-fantasy series. READ IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

The Good

The Action-Packed Plot

If you’re a fan of Cassie’s other Shadowhunter novels, you know she doesn’t lack in the action department. There’s always some demon to slay, a warlock to track down, a sick downworlder to help, or a hottie to love from afar. Chain of Gold is no different. From page one, the new crew is neck-deep in supernatural problems to solve and the action doesn’t stop until the very last page. Can SyFy just take over the Shadowhunter world and make this into an Edwardian Fantasy Drama? Because I would totally watch it. It’s like a refresh of Dark Shadows, but a million times better.

James Herondale, Cordelia Carstairs, and The Merry Thieves (And Everyone Else!)

For fans of the Shadowhunter world who may have issues with certain heroes and heroines from past series, I’m here to tell you that you have nothing to worry about with this new crew. For newcomers, I’m also here to prepare you to love at least a dozen new characters and all their quirks and questionable choices. James Herondale is the emo bookworm of your dreams. Cordelia Carstairs is the badass heroine who actually thinks about her actions (I’m looking at you Clary), and the rest of the supporting cast will leave you with total swoon heart eyes for days. Seriously, you won’t be able to pick a favorite and you’re going to be rooting for everyone’s happily ever after. You’ve been warned!

The A+ Top-Notch Villain Scheming

Without being too spoiler-y, I’m just going to say that I’m ready for this villain(s?). Clare always does a really great job of humanizing her evil characters and giving them a backstory and it’s no different this time around. You’ll be left hating certain people, and it will feel sooooo, so good and so, sooooo bad at the same time. Prepare for all the drama. 

The World Building Is AMAZING

Queen Cassie is known for making her Shadowhunter world so expansive that sometimes it can be hard to keep up. But, I’m here to tell you that if you’re into high-fantasy worlds with lots of details and characters – this series is for you. Clare ties together her short stories and previous trilogy into this newest installment SO WELL. Her older, beloved characters make appearances, but don’t hog the spotlight, and all her mini stories pave the way for major character arcs to be explored. And, even if you haven’t been introduced to any of her previous work, there’s enough detail for you to still experience a rollercoaster of emotions. You’ll be left wanting more (and will probably buy the entire Chronicles to keep your cravings satisfied).

The Ending

THAT CLIFFHANGER THO. All I have to say about the ending is it’s SO  bittersweet and somehow satisfying all at the same time. I don’t know how my heart could feel so many different emotions at once, and I’m still thinking about where we’re going next. Please mentally prepare yourself for a massive book hangover. And, please let me know if you want to join me in my quest for clues and theories on Chain of Iron.

The Bad

NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THIS BOOK.

I have spoken and will not be taking questions at this time.

The Ugly Truth

Chain of Gold is one of my favorites reads of 2020 so far. It is 5-star, fantasy gold and should definitely be on any fantasy lover’s TBR list. If you’re new to Cassie Clare books, do yourself a favor and start here. If you’re not a newcomer, drop what you’re reading and get on the Chain of Gold party bus. It. Will. Not. Disappoint.

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Are you a Shadowhunter fan? Will you be adding Chain of Gold to your TBR?

Elias Veturius | An Ember Playlist

Do you like fantasy-Rome settings? What about hottie warrior heroes with major mommy issues? Gods, Goddesses, Faeries, and other mythical creatures? Strong-willed heroines with a knack for starting wars? Well…then you should read Sabaa Tahir’s Ember series. The first three books are out now and I binged them within a week. They slowly ripped my heart to pieces and I loved every minute of it.

So, leading into the actual topic of today’s blog – Elias Veturius! He’s been added to my book boyfriends list because he manages to be a f*ckboi while attempting to save the world from total annihilation and it Just. Works. 

The Breakdown

Per my previous mention, Elias is a stone-cold killer with some deep internal struggles about what it means to be good vs. evil, do right vs. wrong. He’s the ultimate EMO kid and I couldn’t resist putting together a playlist that spoke to my dark emo soul. High School Devon was rejoicing with all these song picks and fell in love with her emo soulmate even more.

“Screaming Bloody Murder” – Sum 41

Sabaa posted this to her Insta stories a bit back, stating that it was an Elias song, and it inspired this entire playlist. She validated that he is indeed an emo f*ckboi and I couldn’t resist including it because it’s now canon – and also is Elias’s theme song.

Notable Lyrics: “I’m not quite myself these days
Guess we all come undone
Time to time, in different ways
Well, I have myself to blame
Guess I don’t understand
I need help in many ways”

Blood Red Summer, Coheed and Cambria

Coheed and Cambria has an anthem for every emo kid, and Blood Red Summer is def an Elias pick. He kills people, is good and it, doesn’t know why and wonders if he’s destined to walk amongst the shadows forever.

Notable Lyrics: “In a pain that buckles out your knees
Could you stop this if I plead (you got it, you got it, you got it)
So destined I am to walk among the dark
A child…“

The End, My Chemical Romance

I’m just gonna leave this here because SABBA WHY WOULD YOU END BOOK 3 LIKE THAT.  😭

Notable Lyrics: “If you look in the mirror and don’t like what you see
You can find out firsthand what it’s like to be me
So gather ’round piggies and kiss this goodbye
I’d encourage your smiles I’ll expect you won’t cry”

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What did you think of my picks? What songs would you add? Do you have any playlists you’d want me to create?

Thoughts On…| 80 Thoughts I Had While Reading Kingsbane

Friends, I just finished reading Kingsbane, the second book in the Empirium Trilogy, and

OH.MY.GOSH. I HAVE ALL THE FEELS. I’m continuing my “Thoughts On” series that I started with Furyborn because I physically cannot write an actual review. All you need to know is this book will hurt you BADLY and that you will want it all because it is UH-MAZ-ING.

*THERE WILL BE SPOILERS* because I’m using this as a hardcore, much needed therapy sesh (it was that traumatizing). SO, continue on at your own risk. If you haven’t read this series, please come back when you’re caught up so you can join the support group with me Kal – @Reader Voracious and Jess – @Fiction No Chaser. We need more brains to collaborate with on theories!

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1. SIMON. Seeing 8 year old baby Simon is breaking my heart 😭

2. I’m only on page 6 and I have questions. Who is the prophet? Do I know them? Probably…but who is it?!

3. Rielle laid out because she’s on her period is like the most relatable thing I’ve ever read.

4. “Nothing is more suitable than cake when you’ve been traveling for a month and your body feels like bruised mush.” Lololol yes.

5. “My light and my life.” OMG AUDRIC.

6. The sun guard – 7 women strong…YES. So much yes.

7. THANK GOD Eliana isn’t healing anymore. I was worried for a hot minute. (Cause like, that woulda been a half-angel baby and I would NOT have been okay with that.)

8. Not Navi 😭

9. If I were Rielle, I’d be pissed that Lu is always right and I’m always wrong. But that’s none of my business.

10. Rielle, you are making it SO hard to like you right now.

11. Eliana saying her dress is too fine and fussy is me whenever I need to dress up and/or be profesh.

13. Eliana threatening to not save Commander what’s-his-name’s sorry ass the next time danger comes is a MOOD.

14. “Coming from you, a paragon of manners and etiquette, that means almost nothing.” LOL Zahra I am living for this SASS.

15. OMG Rielle is like ELSA.

16. Rielle’s moods are honestly so relatable and now I know I could never be trusted to be a diplomat.

17. RIELLE, your Slytherin is getting too much into Draco territory and I DO NOT APPRECIATE IT.

18. WTF IS THIS PLOT TWIST. They were LYING to the angels THIS WHOLE TIME? Vengeance seems like the only option at this point.

19. So many Supernatural vibes! Zahra = Castiel, Angels hate humans for being “better”.

20. Also, why does it make me so happy that there are different worlds “beyond the fold” THE ANGELS NEED TO FIND THE HOME THEY DESERVE.

21. Rielle throwing a temper tantrum and throwing herself at the gate caused my eyes to roll so hard they almost got stuck.

22. ALSO HOW DARE YOU TRAP ATHERIA. YOU WILL NOT BE FORGIVEN.

23. If this gate isn’t like Ganon being trapped in the void by the mages idk what is.

24. I’m literally starting a Zelda Game. A mix between Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess. I’m here for this. ZOMG.

25. Jodoc is out here spitting truth bombs about Rielle instead of coddling her and I RESPECT THIS.

26. Eliana lives without magic her whole life and automatically knows how to fix her issues. Rielle lives in a world with magic her whole life and NO ONE THINKS OF THIS SIMPLE IDEA?

27. Corien chapters!? Yaaas.

28. Corien in a random frozen land drinking and talking to himself is Jack sparrow in Davy Jones locker

29. “Now that I’ve known a life with you by my side, I’m not sure I could bear that kind of loneliness again.” UGH, I LOVE YOU SIMON.

30. Simon: Yes my queen. Anything to please you. ME:

31. “I need your passion, and you need something steady to come home to. An anchor, warm and sunlit.” THESE ARE THE DECLARATIONS OF LOVE I NEED IN MY LIFE.

32. “Every day I love her more deeply than I did the day before.” Omg Audric. You are giving Simon a run for his money.

33. Harkan chooses NOW to be a little b*tch?

34. I NEED MORE SIMON CHAPTERS

35. “We will be there, with our army if strays, and we will be at her side, and we will not let her fall.” #Navi2020

36. “We are the light against the darkness, and we must continue to burn brightly, so others may find their way out.”

37. I’m so pissed at Harkan. I knew I didn’t like him.

38. Eliana talking about leading her life the way she sees fit and not having a man chose for her is a MOOD.

39. 👏🏼Corien👏🏼 Is👏🏼Using👏🏼You👏🏼 🙄🙄🙄

40. Rielle’s so conceited and I cannot with her stupidity right now.

41. Oh, all of SLUDDEN Harkan wants Eliana to use her castings even though it’s HIS fault Corien found them.

42. Simon came for her! 😭

43. Corien is BURNING people and Rielle still helps him?!

44. OMFG NOT. REMY. HOW DARE YOU.

45. SH*T IS GETTING REAL. SIMON CAN TRAVEL AGAIN 😭

46. Rielle DOESN’T DESERVE ATHERIA!

47. Simon and Eliana sleeping underneath a tree is too precious.

48. “I’m tired of bearing the burden of you alone.” YOU GO TAL.

49. SIMON AND ELIANA FINALLY HAPPENED AND OMG I LOVE THEM.

50. Corien and Lu really need some therapy sessions.

51. WHAT IS EVEN REAL AT THIS POINT?

52. OMFG AUDRIC KNOOOOWWWS. Amen to Rielle GOING DOWN.

53. Okay, so Audric and Rielle DEF need therapy too.

54. “I don’t love you…I refuse to love you.” “I know. I don’t love you either.” OMFG CUTEST AND SADDEST THING I’VE EVER READ IN MY LIFE.

55. RIELLE WHY ARE YOU SO DUMB?!

56. Rielle is the Spongebob meme. Everyone: “Rielle, Corien is trying to break you.” Rielle: “CoRiEn Is TrYiNg To BrEaK mE.”

57. WHY DOESN’T ANYONE TELL RIELLE THAT SHE IS F*CKING UP.

58. Detective Devon ON THE JOB.

60. JESSAMYN IS THAT YOU? WHERE DID YOU GO? *We are so inappropriate sometimes, but at least we’re funny.

61. How is so much supposed to happen with 100ish pages left? I’M NOT PREPARED.

62. RIELLE AND ELIANA JUST MET AND I AM LIVING BACK TO THE FUTURE. OMG.

63. Eliana just f*ucked up the timeline and I’m so confused with life. WHAT IS GOING ON?

64. Corien is such a tantrum-throwing man child. I love it.

65. Why does no one care about someone coming from THE FUTURE? Why isn’t this a bigger deal? I’m concerned.

66. The wedding just happened and I want to die happy even though I know I’m not.

67. Corien just broke Audric and why does this hurt so much?

68. This masquerade is GOING TO HELL. I should have seen it coming.

69. NO. No, no, no, no, no, no.

70. SIMON?! Are you seriously doing this to me right now?!

71. WHAT IS EVEN GOING ON RIGHT NOW?

72. THE DAD?! WTF? It’s always the offing parents. No f*cking way.
73. I just finished and I’m raging. I’VE NEVER FELT SO BETRAYED.

74. You can’t just DO THAT, Claire. I refuse to believe this is happening right now.
75. Good day. Please send your favorite books to my funeral.

76. Honestly, this is worse than if Audric would have died at the end.

77. Days later…I’m still in denial. I don’t believe this is happening right now.

78. I need to just start this series again to collect all the clues.

79. Seriously…if you want to join the mind map club PLEASE TELL ME.

80. I will never be over this. I can’t believe I was duped. #Deceased

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Have you read Furyborn or Kingsbane? Did you love it? Hate it? Will you be adding it to your TBR pile?

Thoughts On…| 50-Something Thoughts I Had While Reading Furyborn

Hello, from the new Devon who survived Furyborn and is currently dying while reading Kingsbane. This series is one of my new fantasy favorites, and to be honest I didn’t think I would be able to write an actual review without fangirling for four full pages, raging for another ten, and then incoherently rambling for fifteen more about the crazy plots, writing style, and characters.

So, I decided to share my live reactions instead.  This way you can all experience the emotional rollercoaster ride that was my first experience with Furyborn. Check out the below for Trello notes, some live tweets, Goodreads updates and a handful of Discord posts between me and the squad (Kal – @Reader Voracious, Jess – @Fiction No Chaser, and Loretta – @Laughing Listener)! And special shoutout for Jess for getting me to drop everything I was reading for Furyborn. It was a good decision.

* Before you start, I want to call out that there are a FEW spoiler-ish things you might see, but as long as you’re past literally page 1 of Furyborn you should be good to go. If you want to go into this story blind, come back to this at a later time! THEN, we can fangirl and rage together. For everyone else…

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1. Okay so 0 to 100 in less than 1 page and I’m here for it.

2. The Wolf is hot AF and he hasn’t even taken his mask off yet or said more than, like, one full sentence. All he’s doing is fighting…

3. What’s with the sketch poem about Lu’s family?? I don’t like her. She is too perfect? I will find her evil ways!

4. Remy is the sassiest 12 year old and I love him.

5. This timeline is going to KILL. ME.

6. “I’m just going to keep rolling my eyes until you stop talking.” – BEST. LINE.

7. Simon saying little dread does something to me.

8. This Linnet story…I can’t.

9. OMG THESE TRIALS. Am I watching the Hunger Games remix of Aang (or more like Zuko) from Avatar competing in the Tri-Wizard Tournament? 🤔

10. How is this book making me feel so many things!?!?

11. Omg Rielle is going Magneto status and I love it.

12. #DetectiveDevon on duty.

13. I FREAKING KNEW IT.

14. What does it say about me that I know this is the villain but he is super hot and I love him?

15. ‘This war has claimed the lives and bodies of too many women.” FEMINISM FOR THE MASSES.

16. Everyone in this book is hardcore slytherin and I’m here for it.

17. Have I mentioned Simon? Adding him to my book boyfriend list ASAP.

18. Of course the 12 year old is the smartest person so far.

19. OMFG shit just got REAL up in here.

20. Yup, I ship Simon and Eliana. Move along everyone else.

21. Alright, Lu. You’ve proven yourself. I don’t hate you like I thought I should. You are a true homie.

22. “Kissing involves not just one person, but two. If there is blame to be placed, it isn’t only for you to bear.” YAS QUEEN CLAIRE

23. Omg baby Simon. I can’t. So cute. #Dead

24. I want to hate Corien but I also love him. *Starts Singing*: “…I wanna hate you, ’cause I still love you…”

25. Middle of the night woke up thinking: Rielle is like the Dark Phoenix rising. And if she’s Dark Phoenix, then Eliana is low key Wolverine in the making. I’m ready.

26. ARE YOU SERIOUS? Rule #1 NEVER SEPARATE.

27. I TOTALLY FREAKING CALLED THAT.

28. Baby Simon with Audric and magical beasts warms my heart. Omg. #Dead.

29. Alright, Audric I see you. Daddy vibes going on.

30. Zahra throwing shade at Simon and saying he can’t be trusted makes me question my feelings…but only a little.

31. 100% into Zahra and her ghostly angel vibes.

32. Ludivine out her becoming the next Cinna with her trial outfits.

33. THE FIRE TRIAL. NO. TAL. WHY??

34. Did Rielle really just unknowingly DO THAT? I’m pretty sure she did and I’m pissed at her.

35. NO. NO. NO. NO.

36.  Remy is the smartest of the crew and they need to listen to him more often. HE IS THE ONLY RAVENCLAW. LET HIM TELL YOU THINGS.

37. You’ve been lying to me this whole time, Lu?!?!

38. Simon cannot catch a break. Guy needs a drink.

39. “Be still, my wicked black heart.” – ERMAHGERD SIMON.

40. There are so many words and names in this story that I know I am 100% pronouncing incorrectly. I NEED HALP. (Luckily, Loretta is listening to the audiobook. YAY, teamwork.)

41. Reading Rielle’s plot line is like watching two cars driving towards each other knowing they are going to crash…but not being able to do anything about it.

42. NAVI PLEASE BE OKAY.

43. I really need to know Simon’s story. STAT.

44. Okay, so that’s how we’re ending things…Got it.

45. I immediately started to plan a trip to the bookstore to buy Kingsbane because WTF. You can’t just end it that way.

46-50something:

CAUTION SPOILERS AHEAD READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. 

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Have you read Furyborn? Did you love it? Hate it? Will you be adding it to your TBR pile?

Review | An Ember In The Ashes Is Fantasy Gold

An Ember In The Ashes

By: Sabaa Tahir

Overall Rating: ★★★★

Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother, Darrin. Darrin gets arrested for treason. After Laia runs away like a wimp, she decides to be strong like her mother and do whatever it takes to free her brother. ENTER: The rebels who promise to help her, but only if she helps them (*dun, dun, dun*).

She infiltrates an elite school for soldiers, posing as a slave, where she  meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier. They both endured some pretty horrific things, leading to the pair teaming up becoming unlikely allies. CUE: THIS IS WHEN THINGS GET CRAZY.

Theme Song

TL;DR:

An Ember In The Ashes is Gladiator x Hunger Games with just enough mythical creatures to make this the fantasy series of my dreams. The characters are complex, sometimes annoying, but always interesting.  You won’t be able to put this book down. I highly recommend!

The Good

The Story

I’m so here for the no-happy-ending-for-you theme of this book. I was also really intrigued by the prophecies, the impending doom coming from all sides (literally I had no idea who was really the “bad guy” the entire time), and the history of the world. Throw in some soldier-on-soldier fight to the deaths, crazy magical priests (who remind me of Silent Brothers from Shadowhunters) and FAERIES and I’m 100% in. If you don’t like bloodshed or scenes that will hurt you in the heart, you might want to skip this.

The Characters

Darrin had me from page one. Elias was love at first sight. Laia was annoying AF. Helene was…complicated. What do they all have in common? They are complex, intriguing, and all had me screaming in irritation, scoffing in anger, or rolling my eyes in disbelief. The journeys these characters go through are so good. They aren’t perfect, and I love them just the way they are…yes, even you Laia.

Elias Veturius Gets His Own Section

ELIAS, SOLDIER BOY OF MY HEART. Yes, he gets his own section. He’s now officially my one f*ckboy I allow on my book boyfriend list (Sorry Tiberius Calore, you’ve been dumped). He’s groomed to kill and follow directions, but can’t seem to get past his adorable, caring, sweet cinnamon roll heart. Yeah, he may get distracted by Laia’s curves or Helene’s hair, and literally every other pretty girl who walks his way…but he gets stuff done. And I love him.

The Bad

I Have So Many Questions

Book one leaves you with A LOT of unresolved plot points. You learn a lot on this journey, but all the important bits don’t start filling in until the end. And even then, you’ll want to immediately start the sequel because you’ll be left wondering what’s happening to literally everyone. Couldn’t I get at least one major thing resolved? No…okay. I’ll just go binge the rest of the series now.

The Ugly Truth

I can’t believe I didn’t start this series sooner! I loved almost everything about An Ember In The Ashes. It had morally grey characters, hot soldier boys, magic, battle scenes, and I can’t wait for more. (Literally I couldn’t wait. I binged the second and third book before even writing this.)

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Have you read this book? If so, what did you think of it? Are you adding this to your TBR?

Feysand | A Court of Thorns and Roses Playlist

*Spoiler ahead if you haven’t read the A Court of Thorns and Roses Series*

Now that my spoiler warning is out of the way I can freely discuss my love for Rhysand and his love for Feyre. This is the ultimate hate-to-love story and there’s no changing my mind! This playlist has a lot of conflicting emotions and I hope you listen to this in your car and dance around like I do.

If you’re looking for some epic breakup music, check out my Feylin playlist! It has enough angst to soothe the soul.

The Breakdown

Here are a few of my favorite choices and why I thought they fit on this playlist.

Do You Want Me (Dead?), All Time Low

Rhys and Feyre started off on the wrong foot, but I always wondered what was really going on with them. Do they hate each other or not? Well, I found my answer, but this is still them at the end of book 1 and the beginning of book 2.

Notable Lyrics: “Do you want me? Or do you want me dead?”

Starlight, Taylor Swift

Tell me this isn’t the perfect song to be playing in the background during their first Starfall together. Plus, it’s Taylor…so of course I love it.

Notable Lyrics: “It was the best night, never would forget how we moved.
The whole place was dressed to the nines, and we were dancing, dancing. Like we’re made of starlight”

Bright, Echosmith

It was so fun finding songs that alluded to stars and night because they just fit Rhys and Feyre SO well.

Notable Lyrics: “And I see colors in a different way. You make what doesn’t matter fade to grey. Life is good and that’s the way it should be.”

Talk To Me

What did you think of my picks? What songs would you add? Do you have any playlists you’d want me to create?

Review | I Lived For the Sass in Bring Me Their Hearts

Bring Me Their Hearts

By: Sara Wolf

Overall Rating: ★★★

Zera gets her heart taken away by a witch, which turns her into a Heartless. In order to get her heart back she needs to charm the prince with her humor and wit…so she can take his heart and turn him into a Heartless. Sparks fly, chaos ensues, enemies are made, and so on.

Zera stealing hearts, probably

 

Theme Song

The Good

(Most Of) The Characters

Zera is FULL of sarcasm and her tasteless jokes and overdramatic antics are to die for. Sure, she might be a little crazy after being stabbed to undeath a handful of times, but she’s trying and that’s what counts.

Prince Lucien, AKA my future husband, is bitter, snappy, sarcastic and also an adorable teddy bear and I need him in my life. I can’t wait to see more of him in book two.

Malachite is the best friend I wish I had. He’s loyal, funny, and can see in the dark. He’s also a badass fighter, so protection for earlier mentioned book babe Lucien is covered.

The Backstory

There’s an Old God, a New God, an important old “Tree”, some crazy creatures the witches accidentally created with their “overflowing power” and a plot-twist about the ruling family’s lineage that should make things a lot more interesting. I love in-depth world building and I hope I get more of this Witch War!

The Bad

The Ending

I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS. Seriously, the only reason I didn’t rate this four stars is because of the last chapter. Not one thing was resolved by the last page. Was the archduke ever actually evil? Who really wants this war to happen? Why do the witches actually need Prince Lucien’s heart? What is going on with Fione – is she evil or not? And HOW IS THAT CHARACTER EVEN ALIVE? Don’t get me wrong, I’m a sucker for a good cliffhanger, but at least give me some type or resolution. You can’t leave everything open-ended, it isn’t healthy.

The Antagonist

I appreciate a great villain but this book didn’t really seem to have one. The Archduke was the implied, always present “evil” but he was in a total of like 4 scenes. He didn’t thwart anyone’s plans, he didn’t kill anyone I was truly invested in, he didn’t really do anything.

The Ugly Truth

For all the minor upsets this book held for me, I still really enjoyed it. The characters made up for a lot of the disappointments and I didn’t really have anything bad to say until the ending! I really can’t wait to read the second book for two reasons: my need to know everything outweighs all other things and PRINCE LUCIEN NEEDS TO LIVE.

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Have you read this book? If so, what did you think of it?