The sequel for the Alphas on the planet Nasila follows another set of characters within the same world as the first.
꧁TWelcome back to the Omegaverse
The sequel for the Alphas on the planet Nasila follows another set of characters within the same world as the first.
꧁The Characters꧂
Lucy is a born omega who leans very heavily into her dynamic, dare I say use it to her advantage as she tries to become a first-rate hussler. That's right, we got a pouting sassy omega who is OUT to get that cash, buy a nest, and make her way in the world.
“Because Lucy blinks her eyes and trembles her bottom lip, even sniffles a little, before she says, “Mister Alpha, sir… I mean, Your Honor…” Another sniffle. “I’m just an omega. I want to go home and hide in my nest after this terrible night. I need my blankets.”
Truly an incredibly bizarre backstory that shows Lucy's point of view as submissive, sassy, hilarious, and a true entrepreneur. think selling feet pics but omega style.
Tjor is a fighter, an alpha and has never been with an omega before and has some classic "I'm not good enough" background.
“It’s better that way. I doubt she would be proud of the way I live.” “You mean, in a clean place, with food in the fridge, and two stacks of bills… one paid and the other unpaid? Yeah, you’re a mess, Tjor.” That earns me a little growl in warning, but I can see that hint of a grin he’s trying to kill with another bite. “You’re cheeky; I like that.” “You have a thick knot… I like that.” Now he finally smiles, and it’s sheepish and so damn sweet on this giant of a Saimai alpha. “I’ll take your word for it, omega.” Start to finish, it was a fucking adorable dynamic.
The two of them were hilarious to read! The early courtship dates where he wants literally nothing to do with her.
*Insert heart eyes here*
To learning how to nest together. And finally hey height of romance where they could end up marri-in jail.
Overall, I recommend this book if interested in Omegaverse but want the heroine to be a little insane and fully aware of her omega tendencies. As a sequel, this book very much took the standards from the first book and almost reversed the circumstances in a creative and playful way. If you are unfamilar with what Omegaverse even means, then I recommend checking out the first one as a beginner's guide....more
**I was provided with an ARC for an honest review.**
wow wow WOW. I was getting heart eyes in the first book and I got my forehead kissed in this one. **I was provided with an ARC for an honest review.**
wow wow WOW. I was getting heart eyes in the first book and I got my forehead kissed in this one.
The sequel quickly picks up on the aftermath of a great battle, a great loss, and our great heroine Arwen just burning everything in her sight like a little psycho. I mean as Kane would say....
"A breathtaking, violent goddess of fury"
꧁The Characters꧂
Arwen is back with her sassy attitude, tragic backstory and healing abilities but the secrets of her fate and lineage are slowly being uncovered and having even bigger ramifications than we first thought. But I gotta be honest, why was babygirl literally so depressed??! bahaha I'm not kidding, she went through a depressive spiral then a little crazy yolo energy spike then another crash and burn! It was hilarious to read until it wasn't…
"And even if there was a chance of my survival - even I could let myself believe in such a thing - I didn't particularly want the life that would stretch before me."
The girl was almost doing handstands through the stages of grief. Everything from her perspective felt frightened, emotions heightened and the general angst added a level of urgency to our looming battle ahead so you kept turning pages wondering how on earth they were going to pull this off...this being Kane's shirt
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Kane our love interest, oh what to say about this cinnamon roll who looks like he can kill you. For a sequel, I wanted to develop upon all we learned in first book and finally get some deeper insights into his character, to really understand the core who is Kane? My conclusion: A sarcastic little shit
"I was in love with her. And it was a fucking nightmare."
I was literally cracking like a manic while reading his point of view. Kane made some very comedic moments and had hilarious commentary because he just wants to save the world dammit! Like when some prick tries to tag along on his quest when he wants time alone with his healer,
"The king and queen have requested I join you on the expedition for the Blade of the Sun." "Sorry. Team's all full. Better luck next time." There was no world, no reality, where I brought this imbecile along with us so he could insult me and ogle Arwen for the next few days."
He really is trying his best to save the world despite the odds going increasingly against him with every passing moment.
"Is there anything else you can tell us about the blade? About where it is in (view spoiler)[ Onyx (hide spoiler)]? About our battle with (view spoiler)[ Lazarus (hide spoiler)]?" "You must defeat him. You are the only hope either realm has." "Yes." I gritted my teeth. "That I know."
I honestly have a love-hate relationship with his character because Kane is a redeeming grey character whose personality is sometimes written younger than his age is supposed to be. Like his backstory and abilities are dark and his morality is questionable but his point of view and actual actions are more .. angsty? borderline stupid ?? to the point of cuteness in the romance !!
"I should have apologized for my outburst after seeing her with (view spoiler)[ Fedrik. (hide spoiler)]. But I compelled myself to enter the guest room and close the door before I did something idiotic instead like kiss her. Or ask her to marry me"
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But he do be dumb tho. Like I was honestly so disappointed by some nonstrategic moments that left me wondering how he had handled court life and politics before. To say that you don't have time to care who is sleeping with who?? When its someone you don't trust?? THAT IS IMPORTANT! Within our group of characters that I adore, we are missing some people-person's intelligence factors. Like we needed a spymaster or empath or mindreader. SOMEONE who considers the importance of alliances and politics ON TOP OF the actual armies and fighting here.
One thing that really impressed me was how developed the Secondary Characters were in this novel. And honestly, there was so many of them! I had to start highlighting their names to try and remember who was an ally, an enemy, or a relative
Mari the obligatory book best friend continues to develop her own plotline that aligns very closely with our heroine's. Mari is headstrong, and will always do what it takes for knowledge, just a classic Eldest Daughter perfectionism vibes. She's as flawed as Arwan but in different ways so we almost have less patience with her as readers.
Fedrik a Prince of a supposed ally country that was a hilarious addition to the group for his sassy comments but I'm calling Judas right now!
"Despite your clear lack of morals and piss-poor personality, you and I actually want the same thing."
Acorn the pet Strix which is a dangerous thing and i hope comes back for some cute dog dad scenes
Leigh the little sister, an artist, and pissed off that Arwen isn't able to fix everything and make it better so she is rude to her. This character was a perfect accumulation of naivety and innocence that is like nails down a chalkboard, and there was a whole sister fight that was honestly relatable.
Vaughn is my personal priority, we need to find him alive
Dagan The grouchy old man who is human is back and kinda has some -enlightenment Buddha- vibes here.
"Dagan considered me, curiosity and maybe... sympathy in his eyes. Then, as if a light had gone off inside hsi mind, he drew in a breath that lifted his brows. "What?" I asked, more edge creeping into my voice than I intended. "You've given up." And with that, he stood, returned his swords to his back, and began to walk away."
Then there's also the seer, the seer's daughter Esme, the seer's daughter's daughter I don't remember her name but she's important too!
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And (view spoiler)[ Halden (hide spoiler)] the bad boiii, that is honestly just fun to hate on! He is so pathetic you almost feel bad for him but he's like a parasite you cant stop from sucking the blood off whenever he near so you gotta STaMP TAHT SHIT
Griffin has grown into literally everything I want from a secondary character especially one who is wingman to our love interest! He has his own OPINION and backstory that is often used IN CONFLICT with our heroine because it forces Arwan to stand up for herself and move the plot forward.
In this book, Griffin's character truly develops into the small details of a character that i love like how he lost his parents in the rebellion and feels guilty and can't suffer anymore losses so he's afraid to LOVE and it is so tragic and I EAT THAT SHIT UP!
"Griffin, tramped onto the beach, deliberate as always, though his eyes beheld a subtle brightness. He had gone from a glorified babysitter stuck in a foreign city without his friend or his woman to a man on an ADVENTURE with the only people in his world he even remotely liked. I would call this version of Grffin almost gleeful"
I swear to god I will be LIIVIDDD if anything happens to this man
I absolutely loved the foreshadowing of important characters and objects at other kingdoms because it makes perfect sense to keep track of people's abilities and makes me excited to see what future interactions we'll save.
The little amulet from the first book becomes a huge important artifact in this book. That lightbulb moment when a small item from the first book provides the needed backstory for our characters to move forward! It's creative as hell and becomes a huge plot development for our characters and meeting a new one that I loved seeing this item come full circle... GO AROUND AGAIN! My theories for the next book? (view spoiler)[ Aleksander Hale(hide spoiler)] I am legit intrigued by a particularly savage race of Fae called Hemolich.
I can't wait to meet the White Crow! be careful what you let him do to you, he isn't right in the mind
I was totally onto it with Drake Alcott when Ryder talked about him being a most brilliant thief to ever live and I know that's going to be important later
꧁World Building꧂ The concept of Sacred Stones is definitely unique where each stone is a kingdom and makes you want to picture the beauty of Pearl Kingdom and its libraries. This book definitely allows our heroine to travel to all the places Arwen's never read about...because the chick legit knows nothing! This worked well to have the differences explained to us as readers because she was so unsure about the world she was now fighting to save
Crag's Hollow the cutest little gloomy coastal town over an ancient glacial lake, the dark water of Lake Stygian Hemlock Isle serves as the largest and most treacherous prison in all of Evendell Siren's Bay Amber was the most devout kingdom with temples, priests Pearl Kingdom From the subtle comments about its huge libraries full of seer's words, their scholars and priests. The author made me picture it and want to go there in this book... *ekk i really really hope we do soon!*
I absolutely love it when I can picture the places with my characters, and them engaging with the environment just adds to the danger of the bookish world on TOP of the whole war thing going on.
But I am still trying to understand the mythology of it all. . There are Fae, Witches are now rare, Pirates, Onxy and Peridot solders, Gareth's army, Faerie lighte that can be DRAINED oh that's gonna be a whole thing probably!!, Fae Gods.
꧁The Plot꧂
While the first book had a very strong plot of learning our abilities and using them against the hot king, this one struggled a little with the sequel slump because Arwen was honestly in denial. Depression. And mostly trying to process the knowledge from the first book and figure out how exactly we gonna do it. I'm not totally impressed by the military strategy here or long term thinking of our characters because it all seems pretty much like a slow train crash right now.
꧁Writing Style꧂
I absolutely loved that the the author labeled our chapter's point of view change (it's a small detail you don't appreciate UNTIL ITS GONE!) but I could also FEEL the perspective change!
Arwen had more sass and the phrase "big ugly tears" was the most relatable thing I've ever read
Whereas Kane has been fighting this battle for a long time and fear is BACK in his life from his desire to protect and the author's writing of the tension was perfectly built up
"Fear - true and genine fear hammered through my heart. "I think..." I could feel what Arwen felt. Could feel her being tethered to something, my back, mirroring hers, bound to some kind of pole. "I think someone has her." My voice was hoarse."
I SCREAMED!! The perspective switching kept me hooked and engaged where I was almost mad at Kate Golden for cutting me off in the middle of a great scene but the wait made it even better...
But now I must address my biggest critique of the first book...'reading blueballs'
Oh it's real. And it really AINT in this sequel!
"How long are you going to pretend to be asleep?"
THAT LINE ALONG MADE ME BLUSH AND THIS BOOK WAS SPICEY YALL! This book definitely moved the series to New Adult with the amount of cursing elevated and sensual scenes were just as good
"And I almost fucked her - her first time, too - in some nondescript Azurine alleyway. Fucking deplorable."
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I was honestly very shocked by the ending, it was a total cliffhanger so be aware of that going in! But I also just had not seen it coming with that bad guy trope being used in this series!! and I have no idea how to feel about it. On one hand I love having a flat-out bad guy with a clear motive... but I just hadn't really seen that veer off coming. so. trigger warning might be necessary for next book?
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book because of the dynamic characters with unique personalities and powers that are both fighting to save what's important to them ... only to discover it's each other. ekkkkkk come on that's just cute! But this book felt incredibly slow with fewer direct battles and confrontations. It was mostly our characters processing the ramifications of the first and our characters trying to game plan how to move forward... so give me book 3 I AM READY! I love the build-up that the author has woven towards confronting our bad guy and trying to rally out characters to greatness but felt unsatisfied by this book's progress... even if i was much more satisifed by the SPICE LEVEL RISING !!...more
“Damn, I love the sound of screaming in the moonlight. I stalked a slow circle around my prey, adrenaline coursing through my limbs”
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“I directe “Damn, I love the sound of screaming in the moonlight. I stalked a slow circle around my prey, adrenaline coursing through my limbs”
***
“I directed a surge of air magic after it, driving oxygen into the flames to stoke them as they raced along the path I’d created. A grin pulled at my lips as Dante started laughing. “You drew a huge dick?” he asked just as the balls burst alight at the far end of the hill. “I did,” I agreed on a laugh. “And I cast a holding spell to block earth magic beneath it too. So they won’t be able to make the grass grow back over the burned soil.” Dante’s laugh was so loud that I glanced around in concern of getting caught”...more
“Don’t stop,” I say on a moan. “As if you can tell me what to do.” He hooks an arm around my thighs, caging me against him, squeezing my thighs tog“Don’t stop,” I say on a moan. “As if you can tell me what to do.” He hooks an arm around my thighs, caging me against him, squeezing my thighs together, creating the perfect amount of friction and”
“I huff at him and throw my hands in the air. “I’ve done nothing wrong. Nothing, even when I really freaking wanted to. So if that asshole comes out w“I huff at him and throw my hands in the air. “I’ve done nothing wrong. Nothing, even when I really freaking wanted to. So if that asshole comes out with a bad attitude, you can tell him to shove it so far up his ass that he chokes on it!”...more
Spoilers hidden because I’m not a dick This review gonna be a lili bit of raving about this book by itself VS ranting how it was as a continuation o Spoilers hidden because I’m not a dick This review gonna be a lili bit of raving about this book by itself VS ranting how it was as a continuation of Maas’s series
Honestly, my biggest challenge going into this book was all my preconceptions of this world and its characters. The stakes were high.
Cassian is one of the biggest favorites in the fandom
Whereas Nesta has a reputation for being a....
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So going into it, the book was better when I tried to block out all the nasty shit in previous books and high expectations. This isn’t the start of a new ✨Maas✨series, just a standalone romance happening in same world. I highly recommend that mindset cuz then it's less disappointing. Moving on,
꧁The Characters꧂
I have never liked Nesta Acheron. sorry not sorry. I didn’t like her much in the previous books but I acknowledge that her character has potential for such depth that Maas really tried to develop here.
But did it work?
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Typically these characters dynamics would usually have me ✨screaming✨ with a bloodthirsty heroine and spitfire cocky guy who always comes back for her!!
I’ve always loved Cassian. But i didnt *quite* love his POV.
I felt like thru an attempt of making his character more dimensional, we lost some of his key characteristics as the flirtatous badass who uses humor and adrenaline to cope... Yes it was amazing getting insight into his thoughts and Maas’s writing style easily adopted this dual perspective. I just wish we got more of the Cassian that trained Freye and let her punch out as needed while cracking jokes at Rhysands expensive.
Maas is known for her growling, purring, overprotective, asshole, alpha males. BUT I LOVEEE ITTTT
And his relationship with Nesta was so well developed. He knows Nesta as a victim, killer, broken girl, self-sufficient woman, and general badass. He's seen it alll and he keeps coming back for her.
Together, these two were the perfect combination for a hot chaotic relationship that had you swooning, cackling, and gasping.
I don't think Nesta will ever be my fav character however her story really speaks to mental health for someone who reacts/protects themselves with sharp words and anger
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Some describe Nesta as ambitious and authoritative character but to me she was very selfish, cold, and distant. She did nothing to help Feyre provide for their family and spent the money Freye earned on frivolous items. THEN in fey world went on whole refusing to train/ help others but demanding they protect ONE of her sisters?! *fuck off*
In this book, She *finally* had moments of -well i’m tired of not being able to protect myself. LIKE YES BITCH THAT'S WHAT THEY ALL BEEN SAYING THIS WHOLE TIME
So on that element, I was sooo glad she was actually making progress and decisions!
At the same time, I found myself disappointed with the Inner Circle *gasp* I know, I was sad about it too. I understood why they were done with her shit. Because, same.
But the constant bashing of Nesta's drinking, sex, and weight were low blows especially compared to the violence and weight loss Freyre went thru. hypocrites much? I fully recognize this isn’t reflective of the characters we know but its Nesta’s perspective of the characters acting towards her... *Shrug*
꧁The Maas Quality꧂
Honestly, sad to report no major twists. It was just a really good, borderline dark, romance driven by character development and lotttta sexy sexy fun times since its not longer YA
If I had just randomly picked this up, then this book would’ve been off the charts with such dynamic characters, beautiful worldbuilding, and an okay plot.
But in comparison with her others, this book seemed kinda basic and was missing some intricate detail plot twists that you usually can count on with Maas.
To sum up it was an epic story of redemption-- Of a girl finding herself again after tragedy. And along the way she makes friends, and a lover who listens to her who supports her rough recovery, and not always her actions.
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Somehow this book felt soooo long and overly descriptive.. but also was not enough. No idea how that happens but there it is.
The next threat/enemy makes logical sense. So I liked that
I wanted Nesta to get fierce FOR her sisters and be finally willing to fight FOR them. I love some badass sisters dynamics of teasing each other, bitching at each other but would do anything for each other in the end! Didn't really quite get that.
I was constantly underwhelmed by Nesta. She talks lotta shit but what has she actually done?
She has continuously refused to show initiative in her own life and failed to provide for herself. Instead, she constantly chose to lean on the resources of others for her survival.
All she has done is complain. Complain about her human life while refusing to work and save herself or her sisters. Complain about the happiness her lili sister found while refusing to be part of it. Complain about the only people willing to fight and save humans while refusing to train or learn to fight FOR HERSELF. iM bOrEd and AnGeReD by the dismissive bullshit that defined her character up to this point in the series
This book showed some sparks of greatness! Taking initiative in her life! Using all that spitfire and backbone to make something for herself! But in the end, it kinda failed to live up to the fierce powerful Nesta I was hoping she would transform into.
Reading this book you can’t help but compare to Maas’ other great heroines.
I think the big difference is that Aelin always kept moving forward. And Bryce was a little shit. But Nesta handled her depression by freezing and becoming nasty. Which is just really hard to read sometimes.
Overall, I’m glad I read this book but it won’t be a major re-read like most Maas books. The book stands on the friendship the characters build, Nesta overcoming her despair and FINALLY developing her interesting powers. I greatly enjoyed the character dynamics of how Cassian and Nesta are such strong complex characters, but I wanted their romance to be more epic and to sweep me away. I love this world and all the creatures and BADASS FEMALE WARRIORS but the plot was lacking and I hate the power change that a lot of Maas’ characters are undergoing.
If you are teetering whether to read this book, I gotta tell you to lower your expectations and try to forget the bullshit of Nesta’s past in order to just fully enjoy this book. It was pretty great seeing the Inner Circle’s relationships in the aftermath of Wings and Ruin, especially through Nesta’s harsh eye that hardcore READS THESE BITCHES and all their flaws. Plus it gives some foreshadowing and builds excitement for which characters might be next. It was a good romance, but it wasn’t a great Maas book.
I have never liked Nesta. sorry not sorry. I didn’t like her much in the previous books but I acknowledge that her character does have potential for such depth
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Some describe Nesta as ambitious and authoritative character but to me she was very selfish, cold, and distant. She did nothing to help Feyre provide for their family and spent the money Freye earned on frivolous items. THEN in fey world goes on whole refusing to train/ help others but demanding they protect ONE of her sisters?! *fuck off*
Just the idea of a sister knowingly fucking over another in how she treated Freyre as human for YEARS ... it actually hurts my heart a little bit .... that kinda selfishness
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But Cassian liking her will probably MAKE me like her more *god i hope so cuz he deserves the best* I just sick of Nesta's unrelenting nastiness while also hoping she resolves her trauma and that Cassian finds the happiness he deserves
Wish list It’d be kinda cool to find out that she was doing something —sacrificing— to help the family that Freyre never knew back when they were humans behind the wall
She just needs SOME redeeming quality for all the times she constantly bitching and lashing out at everyone. Some reason for why the whole Cassian ignoring thing and treating her sis Feyre like dirt *shaking my fucking head* Also generally she way 2 protective and angry towards people for there not to be some sorta backstory or event behind it hahah
Cover: ehhh I not really a fan of this style... also don’t think it really suited for Cassian with the hardcore Autumn court theme and colors. This just seems like such a let-down and step-down compared to the artful creativity and beauty of Crescent City *frowny face*
But its Maas so of courseeeee imma read it *duhhhh*
**I was provided with an ARC for an honest review.**
For a second book, I wanted....better secondary characters, more Estrella and Caleum: fight fight **I was provided with an ARC for an honest review.**
For a second book, I wanted....better secondary characters, more Estrella and Caleum: fight fight fight kiss kiss kiss, the lord to die, and what is their actual plan for returning to society?
Overall this sequel was an entertaining fae-murder-smut roadtrip that left me...unsatisfied
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꧁The Worldbuilding꧂
What really pulls this book together (and reason I keep going in the series...) the world is just fucking brilliant and fun. A veil separating fae and mates, evil queen, heroine learning powers, plots of overthrowing tyrannical kings, and did I mention fae gods?
"One day, I’d ask about the shock on his face when I’d touched the thread of our bond. One day, I’d gather that thread into my hands and play with its very creation."
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See what I mean?? It has great elements but failed to actually engage the readers in it DURING the book itself. Looking back, these books honestly feels like prequels with overwhelming set-up and background hints that we are building up to something but… right now its really boring.
We are now in the SECOND BOOK and the author is not really having the character engage this awesome world. Instead, we were trapped in the goddamn wilderness— knowing ✨ fae court ✨ rebel ✨ war ✨ shit is happening but stuck reading about the Estrella Caleum ROADTRIP... sigh ﾉಥ益ಥ)ﾉ
꧁The Characters꧂
Estrella our heroine is back! She is violent, sassy, trying her best, and totally psychotic
“No wonder you killed him—” he said, his voice cutting off when I sank the blade into the flesh of his upper thigh. “What the fuck was that for?” he asked, his voice wheezing in pain as I pulled the blade free and returned it to the sheath it called home. “You looked at me,” I snarled, the monster feeling closer to the surface than ever before.
I did enjoy that her mortal background might not be as ...straightforward as we might have thought. But she really needs to assert herself on a higher level. Not just as a warrior, but as a Leader and Decision-maker that choses her next movements, and isnt just being strung along almost a death march to the fae world.
Caelum i love everything about his character. literally everything.
from his endless support
“I wouldn’t dare to deprive the world of your vengeance,” he said, dropping his forehead to mine. “And when he makes his way to Tartarus for his crimes, I’ll have an eternity to make him suffer.”
to his tragedic background
"Feeling your heart flutter for men who would never have been able to give you what your soul craved in the end, and knowing that, I was trapped on the other side of the Veil waiting for you. Just waiting for centuries to be able to hold you."
to the amazing sass
"Trust me, Little One; if it’s a hate fuck you’re after, I would be happy to oblige you right now."
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This sequel also introduced some secondary characters that have some importance to come.
I had some high hopes for Fallon, her introduction into the supernatural world really set up some great possibilities. However, their friendship together was explained rather than shown I wanted more bonding between the two. seriously I know nothing about her character and personality, and just a vague background explanation that they are now forever bffs
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Holt sounds very promising as a character! he gives me total sassy wildhunt general, dare I make a Cassian comparison, vibes.
“Have I told you how much I despise you lately?” I asked, narrowing my eyes into a glare that felt like it dripped venom. Even if he couldn’t see it, I wanted nothing more than to solidify that glare until phantom talons clawed down his back. He twitched, rolling his shoulders as he spun to look at me with a shocked expression. I swallowed, keeping my face neutral in an attempt to disguise my guilt. Had that…?"
꧁The Writing Style꧂
Build-up. Set-up. Beautiful. Slow.
I mean seriously. As much as I enjoyed the characters, the sass, and some interesting build-up of the series. I AM BORED. I WANT ACTION TO HAPPEN NOW. I WANT THINGS TO HAPPEN NOW, NOT JUST FORESHADOWING OF THINGS TO COME.
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no matter how beautiful of writing it is.
"There was beauty in knowing who I was, and in embracing that in spite of the potential consequences."
꧁The Sass꧂
this series is unapologetically dark romance fae trash and i love it
“You think they’re watching us because they want to see us squabble?” he asked, leaning into my space. “They’re watching us because they’re hoping I’ll bend you over and fuck the attitude right out of you, Little One.”
꧁The Critiques꧂
sadly this book had all the critiques from the first... then added a couple more offenses
✨Cliche✨ This is a dark fae romance book. It will contain every fae alphahole trope from jealous motherf*cka to i will protect you even from yourself. Either ya like it or ya dont. ✨Basic✨ There is no subtle foreshadowing. We allllll know whats coming but we still have to GET there. ✨slow af✨ This series plot is moving like goddamn sloths combined with the basic foreshadowing makes the read very boring. I mean its entirely character dynamics and no action. I looked back and was so ridiculously unsatisfied by the plot this sequel, its just been long journeys in the wilderness
Overall, this was just a fun trashy fae novel that is just failing to take things up a notch. Yes I am going to keep reading because I enjoy the world, I like the characters and the smut is fire. But this sequel was an opportunity for this series to really wow me. and it didnt.
**I was provided with an ARC for an honest review.**
If you adore Rhysand, then read this book. If you fancy the Bargainer series, then read this book. **I was provided with an ARC for an honest review.**
If you adore Rhysand, then read this book. If you fancy the Bargainer series, then read this book. If you revel in Zodiac Academy, then you already bought this book.... good girl [image][image]
This book is unapologetically dark romance fae trash… So let’s get into it
꧁The Characters꧂ Meet Estrella. She's conscientious. She's protective. And she's angry at how life has constantly given her the short end
same girl
"I was so f*cking tired of being a victim. Of being treated like I was less than the men around me, because they had a piece of meat swinging between their legs."
Her martyrism for her family endeared me to her but also made me side eye and snitch phrases like "Mary Sue" at the beginning.....
Then the author quickly cranked that sh*t up to 100. [image]
This book is exactly what I'm looking for when I just want a quick easy hot alpha paired up with an equally violent and sassy heroine. Estrella's development into a violent and defiant POV was constantly entertaining, full of raw emotions. She just so angry and vulnerable about her reality.
Everyone kept fighting her. So she started fighting back muhaha
"You're a vicious one, aren't you?" he asked, running his tongue over the top of his perfect bottom teeth. "Only when it comes to pushy men who seem to think they have the right to touch me," I snapped, leaning further into the knife against his throat."
Enter our potential love interest, Caelum.
The world-building, unique plot, and antihero love interest all hooked me right away. He is a total morally grey character that embraces his monster tendencies in the most wickedly delicious ways.
“I would burn the world to the ground and lay it at your feet if you so much as asked it of me"
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I have reread every scene with Caelum. From the sassy banter...
"I wish I was a hydra," I teased. "Then I could just swallow you whole and not have to endure your endless hovering anymore." "My star, you can swallow me whole anytime you --" I smacked him in the stomach
To the sexy sexy fun times
"These lips were made to moan my name."
꧁The Writing Style꧂ Short and shocking which worked very well with Estrella’s POV of everything being new and dangerous that I was immediately immersed into this book world
"Sudden awareness burst through my contentment, the impression of someone banging on the other side of a doorway, though there was none to be found."
And now the critiques…
Im going to list its flaws with the astrix of *i saw the shortcomings and literally did not give a sh*t.
✨Cliche✨ This is a dark fae romance book. It will contain every fae alphahole trope from jealous motherf*cka to i will protect you even from yourself. Either ya like it or ya dont. ✨Human✨ The heroine is painfully human so she makes lots of stupid decisions and is the last f*cking person to realize anything. ✨Basic✨ There is no subtle foreshadowing. We allllll know whats coming but we still have to GET there.
Looking back, this book really felt more like a prequel than a main event. There was so much set up and predictions. Family secrets (view spoiler)[ what the actual frick was her brother doing (hide spoiler)]. Identity foreshadowing (view spoiler)[ shadow fae have public mating mentioned in mythology stories earlier (hide spoiler)]. Secrecy (view spoiler)[ Caelum pretending to be human to infiltrate the rebellion (hide spoiler)].
I mean those are all really great plot points!! But we never get anywhere with them in this first book :(
This first book really just set up the heroine. First introduced to the fae world to work on the immediate issue THEN later build-up to the MAJOR plot that the series will be focused on.
Overall, I simply adored this book despite critiques.
The heroine is my kind of sassy and capable that I can't wait to get more of. Each obstacle pushed her, forced her to confront her weaknesses then she REFUSED to let that weakness stop her [image]
For the first of a series, it set up the world that I cannot WAIT to see where it’s going, and how the author might add some more twists and turns. The love interest was flawed, driven, and I wanted to slap then kiss him at the same time.
"If you can hit me, you can hit anyone," he said, stabbing toward me with a quick jab. I bent backward to avoid it striking me in the chest. "And I will very much enjoy watching you cut down enemies at my side one day."
Looking ahead, I have some definite expectations for the sequel. I especially hope the author carefully works to differentiate the cultures and buildup of each fae court, so that they aren’t all basically the same with just a different color scheme *cough pathetic don't do it*
While the beginning had some basic YA vibes with the setup, it quickly developed into an engaging NA with more sexy, more intriguing, more b*tching characters. For me, how the sequel is developed will decide whether this was a one and done, or a Rhysand-sneaky plotting-human standing up for herself- kind of series.
For real tho, anyone who reads this book pleaseee message me so I have someone to rave about it with!! [image]...more
**I was provided with an ARC for an honest review.**
This book got two angsty alphas as our main characters with sexy shifter chemistry:
Hayden, She is **I was provided with an ARC for an honest review.**
This book got two angsty alphas as our main characters with sexy shifter chemistry:
Hayden, She is unassuming and apologetic. And that BEFORE she ever got bitten.
“The world blurred past, too sharp, sight and smell and scent so overpowering I itched at the rasp of mockingbirds rustling, could taste the tang of sage and mesquite in the air, found myself getting dizzy every time I blinked. Rocks scuttled underfoot as I scurried down a gully, the scent of the third wolf causing fury to rise in my blood. Come after me and my sister? I. Would. End. You.”
I adored her protective relationship with her sister Ellie that definitely gave her character more dimensions beyond the initial rocker chick vibes.
Ethan Caldwell, A born werewolf, he has a better understanding of the supernatural world. But not a goddamn clue about romance
“She stormed out of my life three years ago, and I’d wanted to kick myself every day since.”
Both characters had difficult pasts that we learn more through the dual perspective.
But the trick writing dual perspective is to keep both voices strong and separate. So ... because both of our characters are angsty troubled alphas, they had very similar voices at times that I got lili lost and confused.
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Shifter Sexiness I adore werewolves and urban fantasy.
This book didn't focus on developing the world around our characters, but more on our new wolfie learning how to survive in it. I felt like we missed out on the typical supernatural shenanigans of finding your place in the werewolf pack that is separate from the human world. Instead, the world was set up as was more of a vague werewolf coating over the existing human world.
I did enjoy the danger of becoming feral that the wolves can't just suddenly control, but must continually take actions to prevent it
“Anything the wolf wants, you give it in small doses. Keep it in its cage. The three F's. Fight, fuck and feed.” Or risk going feral and killing everyone you love.”
And as a new werewolf, Hayden really captured the terror and panic of learning that control!
“Overwhelmed by the helplessness. I couldn’t leave. Couldn’t see my sister. Night after night, I battled rage, confusion and blackouts. Forgot who I was only to wake in a post-shift stupor. Trembled as tears pricked the backs of my eyes, wanting to break every dish, shred every pillow, destroy all of Ethan’s furniture down to the last chair. And then curl into a ball and weep, trapped and alone with the part of what had happened I could never say aloud. That in those darkest moments just after twilight, I worried I would never feel like me again.”
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Now let me say this. I do not enjoy the usage of email chains/texts/emojis/hashtags in my books.
I understand that it's to relate to our generation... But honestly, some quality sassy remarks are way more relatable than the hashtag will ever be to me.
Also while reading, this book isn't linear. There be some flashbacks that sometimes felt random when not indicated.
Why does our MC have so many goddamn nicknames? - WillKillForThinMints - Anastasia - Batman - Daisy I mean like one would be cute. But these nicknames were casually thrown out there, that I had no clue who was being referenced or the story behind them.
My critiques are about how I wanted MORE from the book. I found the characters interesting, the mystery exciting, the pace thrilling. But I had a hard time connecting.
We don't see the first werewolf attack. We hear about it afterward.
We don't see the two characters meet each other. We hear about how they use to be close
The beginning felt disorganized and chaotic. We are thrown into this world that is new to Hayden and she never really ventures outside one supernatural coffee shop so it implies we gonna see more later
But we are just as clueless as her. Constantly trying to figure out the characters, the world, just everything. Hayden couldn’t explain shit to us so a lot didn’t make sense, and I felt I needed to put wayyy 2 much effort into figuring out what the fuck is happening
Overall, the heroine really had quite a funny personality that provided funny commentary and chemistry with the love interest. Where this book sorta struggles to me and reason it doesn’t quite compare to the other great paranormal mysteries like Nevada Baylor is the lack of character relations and dynamics ...beyond the fun sexual romance. The sisterhood between Hayden and Ellie is cute but surface deep. The rest of the characters are interesting with some fun pop-up scenes… but we don’t have any of the great group dynamics of everyone together laughing struggling bonding. The plot revolved around the heroine's learning her new werewolf nature and trying to figure out the mystery of why and who is tracking her.
If you're bored and just wanna laugh at some ridiculous hot shifter shenanigans then I'd recommend trying it out but know that is very much focused on hot sex, sassy comments, dangerous mystery and.... yah no thats about it...more
Spoilers hidden because I’m not a dick This review gonna be a lili bit of raving about this book by itself VS ranting how it was as a continuation o Spoilers hidden because I’m not a dick This review gonna be a lili bit of raving about this book by itself VS ranting how it was as a continuation of Maas’s series
Honestly, my biggest challenge going into this book was all my preconceptions of this world and its characters. The stakes were high.
Cassian is one of the biggest favorites in the fandom
Whereas Nesta has a reputation for being a....
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So going into it, the book was better when I tried to block out all the nasty shit in previous books and high expectations. This isn’t the start of a new ✨Maas✨series, just a standalone romance happening in same world. I highly recommend that mindset cuz then it's less disappointing. Moving on,
꧁The Characters꧂
I have never liked Nesta Acheron. sorry not sorry. I didn’t like her much in the previous books but I acknowledge that her character has potential for such depth that Maas really tried to develop here.
But did it work?
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Typically these characters dynamics would usually have me ✨screaming✨ with a bloodthirsty heroine and spitfire cocky guy who always comes back for her!!
I’ve always loved Cassian. But i didnt *quite* love his POV.
I felt like thru an attempt of making his character more dimensional, we lost some of his key characteristics as the flirtatous badass who uses humor and adrenaline to cope... Yes it was amazing getting insight into his thoughts and Maas’s writing style easily adopted this dual perspective. I just wish we got more of the Cassian that trained Freye and let her punch out as needed while cracking jokes at Rhysands expensive.
Maas is known for her growling, purring, overprotective, asshole, alpha males. BUT I LOVEEE ITTTT
And his relationship with Nesta was so well developed. He knows Nesta as a victim, killer, broken girl, self-sufficient woman, and general badass. He's seen it alll and he keeps coming back for her.
Together, these two were the perfect combination for a hot chaotic relationship that had you swooning, cackling, and gasping.
I don't think Nesta will ever be my fav character however her story really speaks to mental health for someone who reacts/protects themselves with sharp words and anger
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Some describe Nesta as ambitious and authoritative character but to me she was very selfish, cold, and distant. She did nothing to help Feyre provide for their family and spent the money Freye earned on frivolous items. THEN in fey world went on whole refusing to train/ help others but demanding they protect ONE of her sisters?! *fuck off*
In this book, She *finally* had moments of -well i’m tired of not being able to protect myself. LIKE YES BITCH THAT'S WHAT THEY ALL BEEN SAYING THIS WHOLE TIME
So on that element, I was sooo glad she was actually making progress and decisions!
At the same time, I found myself disappointed with the Inner Circle *gasp* I know, I was sad about it too. I understood why they were done with her shit. Because, same.
But the constant bashing of Nesta's drinking, sex, and weight were low blows especially compared to the violence and weight loss Freyre went thru. hypocrites much? I fully recognize this isn’t reflective of the characters we know but its Nesta’s perspective of the characters acting towards her... *Shrug*
꧁The Maas Quality꧂
Honestly, sad to report no major twists. It was just a really good, borderline dark, romance driven by character development and lotttta sexy sexy fun times since its not longer YA
If I had just randomly picked this up, then this book would’ve been off the charts with such dynamic characters, beautiful worldbuilding, and an okay plot.
But in comparison with her others, this book seemed kinda basic and was missing some intricate detail plot twists that you usually can count on with Maas.
To sum up it was an epic story of redemption-- Of a girl finding herself again after tragedy. And along the way she makes friends, and a lover who listens to her who supports her rough recovery, and not always her actions.
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Somehow this book felt soooo long and overly descriptive.. but also was not enough. No idea how that happens but there it is.
The next threat/enemy makes logical sense. So I liked that
I wanted Nesta to get fierce FOR her sisters and be finally willing to fight FOR them. I love some badass sisters dynamics of teasing each other, bitching at each other but would do anything for each other in the end! Didn't really quite get that.
I was constantly underwhelmed by Nesta. She talks lotta shit but what has she actually done?
She has continuously refused to show initiative in her own life and failed to provide for herself. Instead, she constantly chose to lean on the resources of others for her survival.
All she has done is complain. Complain about her human life while refusing to work and save herself or her sisters. Complain about the happiness her lili sister found while refusing to be part of it. Complain about the only people willing to fight and save humans while refusing to train or learn to fight FOR HERSELF. iM bOrEd and AnGeReD by the dismissive bullshit that defined her character up to this point in the series
This book showed some sparks of greatness! Taking initiative in her life! Using all that spitfire and backbone to make something for herself! But in the end, it kinda failed to live up to the fierce powerful Nesta I was hoping she would transform into.
Reading this book you can’t help but compare to Maas’ other great heroines.
I think the big difference is that Aelin always kept moving forward. And Bryce was a little shit. But Nesta handled her depression by freezing and becoming nasty. Which is just really hard to read sometimes.
Overall, I’m glad I read this book but it won’t be a major re-read like most Maas books. The book stands on the friendship the characters build, Nesta overcoming her despair and FINALLY developing her interesting powers. I greatly enjoyed the character dynamics of how Cassian and Nesta are such strong complex characters, but I wanted their romance to be more epic and to sweep me away. I love this world and all the creatures and BADASS FEMALE WARRIORS but the plot was lacking and I hate the power change that a lot of Maas’ characters are undergoing.
If you are teetering whether to read this book, I gotta tell you to lower your expectations and try to forget the bullshit of Nesta’s past in order to just fully enjoy this book. It was pretty great seeing the Inner Circle’s relationships in the aftermath of Wings and Ruin, especially through Nesta’s harsh eye that hardcore READS THESE BITCHES and all their flaws. Plus it gives some foreshadowing and builds excitement for which characters might be next. It was a good romance, but it wasn’t a great Maas book.
I have never liked Nesta. sorry not sorry. I didn’t like her much in the previous books but I acknowledge that her character does have potential for such depth
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Some describe Nesta as ambitious and authoritative character but to me she was very selfish, cold, and distant. She did nothing to help Feyre provide for their family and spent the money Freye earned on frivolous items. THEN in fey world goes on whole refusing to train/ help others but demanding they protect ONE of her sisters?! *fuck off*
Just the idea of a sister knowingly fucking over another in how she treated Freyre as human for YEARS ... it actually hurts my heart a little bit .... that kinda selfishness
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But Cassian liking her will probably MAKE me like her more *god i hope so cuz he deserves the best* I just sick of Nesta's unrelenting nastiness while also hoping she resolves her trauma and that Cassian finds the happiness he deserves
Wish list It’d be kinda cool to find out that she was doing something —sacrificing— to help the family that Freyre never knew back when they were humans behind the wall
She just needs SOME redeeming quality for all the times she constantly bitching and lashing out at everyone. Some reason for why the whole Cassian ignoring thing and treating her sis Feyre like dirt *shaking my fucking head* Also generally she way 2 protective and angry towards people for there not to be some sorta backstory or event behind it hahah
Cover: ehhh I not really a fan of this style... also don’t think it really suited for Cassian with the hardcore Autumn court theme and colors. This just seems like such a let-down and step-down compared to the artful creativity and beauty of Crescent City *frowny face*
But its Maas so of courseeeee imma read it *duhhhh*
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