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Awakened Fates #1
Crown of Blood and Glass
Betrayed by a friend.
Saved by an enemy.
My closest friend has lost his mind.
He killed my father.
Took over my Kingdom,
And despite the blood that now stains his hands … he claims that we’re fated to be together.
My salvation comes from the most unlikely of sources.
To reclaim my throne I’ll have to rely on the one man I’ve hated my entire life for survival.
Solomon Winett is the noble descendant of barbarian warriors and the bane of my existence. He’s obnoxious, stubborn, and the only one who rescued me from a fate worse than death.
I just need to remember one once the line between hatred and passion has been crossed … there is no going back.
MF, Hate to Love, One Horse/One Bed, Forbidden Romance, Bodyguard Romance, Fugitive Princess, Soulmates, Goddess Reincarnation.
Saved by an enemy.
My closest friend has lost his mind.
He killed my father.
Took over my Kingdom,
And despite the blood that now stains his hands … he claims that we’re fated to be together.
My salvation comes from the most unlikely of sources.
To reclaim my throne I’ll have to rely on the one man I’ve hated my entire life for survival.
Solomon Winett is the noble descendant of barbarian warriors and the bane of my existence. He’s obnoxious, stubborn, and the only one who rescued me from a fate worse than death.
I just need to remember one once the line between hatred and passion has been crossed … there is no going back.
MF, Hate to Love, One Horse/One Bed, Forbidden Romance, Bodyguard Romance, Fugitive Princess, Soulmates, Goddess Reincarnation.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2023
1351 people are currently reading
6421 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 377 reviews
September 28, 2023
FUMING. 🤬
I loved this story. Extremely well written, great plot line, incredible premise and love interest, amazing characters and just nothing but an amazing story here. Too bad it’s NOT THE AUTHORS WORK!!!!
This story is line for line, plot point for plot point, SCENE FOR SCENE an anime called Yona of the Dawn.
I got about 36% into this book when I got on goodreads to update my status and noticed the reviews were under 4 stars… how could that be for such an epic book?? So I looked at them and saw other people claiming it to be plagiarism… I know people (myself included) can get angry easily if a story is too similar to something else so I decided to look into it for myself and form my own opinion.
I watched the first TWO EPISODES of the anime and was physically ill. How the authors can claim this as their own let alone publish it is beyond me… this is illegal! Blatantly stealing someone else’s work and publishing it as your own is the worst kind of thing you can do! It was literally like they put on the show, hit pause, wrote a chapter, hit play, rinse repeat.
I have had two books IN A ROW with this copy/paste thing and I’m getting so discouraged reading. I rarely give out less than 4 stars… seriously look up my stats. But this is getting out of hand.
I will never condone stealing another’s work and refuse to be a part of it. I will never support these authors and actively recommend against this.
I made a promise to myself that with a large following on my tiktok I would never bring negativity into my social media platform… but I am very close to breaking that rule to bring attention to illegal acts.
I loved this story. Extremely well written, great plot line, incredible premise and love interest, amazing characters and just nothing but an amazing story here. Too bad it’s NOT THE AUTHORS WORK!!!!
This story is line for line, plot point for plot point, SCENE FOR SCENE an anime called Yona of the Dawn.
I got about 36% into this book when I got on goodreads to update my status and noticed the reviews were under 4 stars… how could that be for such an epic book?? So I looked at them and saw other people claiming it to be plagiarism… I know people (myself included) can get angry easily if a story is too similar to something else so I decided to look into it for myself and form my own opinion.
I watched the first TWO EPISODES of the anime and was physically ill. How the authors can claim this as their own let alone publish it is beyond me… this is illegal! Blatantly stealing someone else’s work and publishing it as your own is the worst kind of thing you can do! It was literally like they put on the show, hit pause, wrote a chapter, hit play, rinse repeat.
I have had two books IN A ROW with this copy/paste thing and I’m getting so discouraged reading. I rarely give out less than 4 stars… seriously look up my stats. But this is getting out of hand.
I will never condone stealing another’s work and refuse to be a part of it. I will never support these authors and actively recommend against this.
I made a promise to myself that with a large following on my tiktok I would never bring negativity into my social media platform… but I am very close to breaking that rule to bring attention to illegal acts.
August 27, 2023
I had expected a lot more.
**Update: Original Rating was closer to 3 stars, but after watching Yona of the Dawn (anime) and seeing most the major plot points being the exact same, I had to change it to 2 stars. This is Yona of the Dawn but with minor changes.**
Princess Devonry's world was turned upside down during the night of her coming-of-age ceremony. A trusted friend acted treacherously, resulting in the death of her father. Now, she must find a way to take her kingdom back. Despite harboring negative feelings towards her assigned bodyguard, she must rely on his assistance to achieve her goals.
The story started off well. Unfortunately, the story started to drag after the first quarter and didn't pick back up until the last 10% of the novel. The characters and romance lacked development. On top of that, Devonry's inner monologues were repetitive and annoying. Overall, an okay fantasy novel but lacked oomph and development.
*** Thank you to NetGalley, Lucinda Dark, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
**Update: Original Rating was closer to 3 stars, but after watching Yona of the Dawn (anime) and seeing most the major plot points being the exact same, I had to change it to 2 stars. This is Yona of the Dawn but with minor changes.**
Princess Devonry's world was turned upside down during the night of her coming-of-age ceremony. A trusted friend acted treacherously, resulting in the death of her father. Now, she must find a way to take her kingdom back. Despite harboring negative feelings towards her assigned bodyguard, she must rely on his assistance to achieve her goals.
The story started off well. Unfortunately, the story started to drag after the first quarter and didn't pick back up until the last 10% of the novel. The characters and romance lacked development. On top of that, Devonry's inner monologues were repetitive and annoying. Overall, an okay fantasy novel but lacked oomph and development.
*** Thank you to NetGalley, Lucinda Dark, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
Want to read
February 5, 2024have the ARC for this book but will not be reading as I just found out this is plagiarism 🫶
June 18, 2023
Plagiarism
The story was very intriguing at first, but after I read the last few pages, I realized the author has plagiarized from an anime and manga "Yona of the Dawn." You should be ashamed of yourself. Mostly same storyline but the ending is very damning as it is the same sequence of events.
The story was very intriguing at first, but after I read the last few pages, I realized the author has plagiarized from an anime and manga "Yona of the Dawn." You should be ashamed of yourself. Mostly same storyline but the ending is very damning as it is the same sequence of events.
August 25, 2023
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This book was so damn good! I recommend it to all my Romantasy, action packed lovers, girlies.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for gifting me this amazing audiobook.
Crown of Blood and Glass was a thrilling and entrataning fantasy romance.
Devonry is the Crown princess and is escaping after a huge betrayal.
She is now on the run with Solomon, the capitan of the Blood Guard, who swore to her father to always protect her.
They bicker a lot and Solomon holds a secret dear to his heart. Just time will tell if Devonry will discover his secret too.
Solomon is a fierce protector and their dynamics were so fun to read.
In this first book the romance was very on-sided, but it's obvious it will evolve in the sequel.
If you like:
✔️Slowburn
✔️Fast paced
✔️Vampires
✔️Fated Mates
✔️ Awakened Powers
✔️Princess and guard
✔️He fells first
✔️One bed/one horse
Ends on a cliffhanger!!! > I cannot wait for book 2!
For more content follow me on Instagram @onetoomanybooks.ac
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This book was so damn good! I recommend it to all my Romantasy, action packed lovers, girlies.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for gifting me this amazing audiobook.
Crown of Blood and Glass was a thrilling and entrataning fantasy romance.
Devonry is the Crown princess and is escaping after a huge betrayal.
She is now on the run with Solomon, the capitan of the Blood Guard, who swore to her father to always protect her.
They bicker a lot and Solomon holds a secret dear to his heart. Just time will tell if Devonry will discover his secret too.
Solomon is a fierce protector and their dynamics were so fun to read.
In this first book the romance was very on-sided, but it's obvious it will evolve in the sequel.
If you like:
✔️Slowburn
✔️Fast paced
✔️Vampires
✔️Fated Mates
✔️ Awakened Powers
✔️Princess and guard
✔️He fells first
✔️One bed/one horse
Ends on a cliffhanger!!! > I cannot wait for book 2!
For more content follow me on Instagram @onetoomanybooks.ac
January 3, 2024
I'm not going to lie, I didn't see the Yona of the Dawn similarities in the beginning. Sure, we have the major betrayal of a childhood friend, the slaughter of her father (a kindly king), and her bodyguard/childhood protector from a ruthless house - that made me wince but there was enough there to get me past it.
However... the cliff scene is nearly identical to the one in Yona of the Dawn. My guy gets ganged up on after the usurper springs a trap on the side of a cliff. The protector gets injured so badly he starts to black out. Yona makes the call to fling both herself and him off the side of a mountain and leave it in God's reliable grip. That's exactly what happened in this book.
And then both of them are nursed back to health in a kindly court where... she learns how to use the bow and arrow. 💀 Yona of the Dawn's signature is the bow and arrow. Those images are burned into my cranium because they were so fucking epic. Obviously these authors thought so as well because they're using it so at least we have that in common 😂
If that isn't enough, she gets kidnapped into this sex trafficking ring basically... Which happens in Yona of the Dawn as well. All of these things happen in exactly the same order in the novel as they do in the Yona manga. Which is... a wild coincidence huh. Guess what the shining moment in the slave traders section of Yona of the Dawn is? Her amid smoke, fire eating away at the ship around her as she notches an arrow and BAM shoots the fleeing slave master right in the chest, killing him.
😄
This is pure plagiarism at this point. This is an entire arc just ripped right from the pages of Yona of the Dawn. Plot points just completely stolen. I'm honestly kind of baffled what the thought process was when they wrote this because Yona of the Dawn isn't a small manga. People have been raging for years to get them to continue the anime.
The thing is, I actually really like the elements of this novel that aren't like Yona of the Dawn. The relationship is a decent one (although I still have no clue why she thinks he's her enemy? I might have missed something but she never gives a reason I don't think.) I think that the writing style is actually really good and the vampire element and spice was handled really well.
I don't really get any joy out of accusing authors of plagiarizing. But I don't really know how else to explain all these plot points plus the minor ones of her collecting house heirs in fashion similar to how Yona needs to acquire her mythical little band of wonder boys.
However... the cliff scene is nearly identical to the one in Yona of the Dawn. My guy gets ganged up on after the usurper springs a trap on the side of a cliff. The protector gets injured so badly he starts to black out. Yona makes the call to fling both herself and him off the side of a mountain and leave it in God's reliable grip. That's exactly what happened in this book.
And then both of them are nursed back to health in a kindly court where... she learns how to use the bow and arrow. 💀 Yona of the Dawn's signature is the bow and arrow. Those images are burned into my cranium because they were so fucking epic. Obviously these authors thought so as well because they're using it so at least we have that in common 😂
If that isn't enough, she gets kidnapped into this sex trafficking ring basically... Which happens in Yona of the Dawn as well. All of these things happen in exactly the same order in the novel as they do in the Yona manga. Which is... a wild coincidence huh. Guess what the shining moment in the slave traders section of Yona of the Dawn is? Her amid smoke, fire eating away at the ship around her as she notches an arrow and BAM shoots the fleeing slave master right in the chest, killing him.
😄
This is pure plagiarism at this point. This is an entire arc just ripped right from the pages of Yona of the Dawn. Plot points just completely stolen. I'm honestly kind of baffled what the thought process was when they wrote this because Yona of the Dawn isn't a small manga. People have been raging for years to get them to continue the anime.
The thing is, I actually really like the elements of this novel that aren't like Yona of the Dawn. The relationship is a decent one (although I still have no clue why she thinks he's her enemy? I might have missed something but she never gives a reason I don't think.) I think that the writing style is actually really good and the vampire element and spice was handled really well.
I don't really get any joy out of accusing authors of plagiarizing. But I don't really know how else to explain all these plot points plus the minor ones of her collecting house heirs in fashion similar to how Yona needs to acquire her mythical little band of wonder boys.
May 22, 2023
ARC Review!
5⭐️
I absolutely loved Crown of Blood and Glass! It really has all the things I look for and love in a fantasy book. The tropes were done really well in my opinion.
Solomon, what a man you are. His were my favorite chapters to read. The slow burn, the inner turmoil, the grumpy exterior, all of the angst…I love it all. The banter he and Devonry have is to die for, but then getting those chapters in his POV so we can understand his inner thoughts along with it? Amazing. He’s officially my newest book boyfriend. I can’t wait to see more of him in book 2.
Devonry made a lot of progress from who we met at the beginning of the book. Her arc is still far from complete (of course since it’s the first in a series), but by the end of the book, she’s begun opening her eyes to the world around her and realizing that not everything is as it seemed for most of her life. I guess you could say she’s…..awakening 😉 Okay that was lame, I’m sorry.
Anyway, Crown of Blood and Glass was a really fun read. I didn’t want to put it down. I can’t wait to see where the story takes us from here! I’ll absolutely be picking up Dawn of Fate and Fury when it releases (as well as getting myself a physical copy of Crown of Blood and Glass because let’s be real, that cover is GORGEOUS). I absolutely recommend this book!
5⭐️
I absolutely loved Crown of Blood and Glass! It really has all the things I look for and love in a fantasy book. The tropes were done really well in my opinion.
Solomon, what a man you are. His were my favorite chapters to read. The slow burn, the inner turmoil, the grumpy exterior, all of the angst…I love it all. The banter he and Devonry have is to die for, but then getting those chapters in his POV so we can understand his inner thoughts along with it? Amazing. He’s officially my newest book boyfriend. I can’t wait to see more of him in book 2.
Devonry made a lot of progress from who we met at the beginning of the book. Her arc is still far from complete (of course since it’s the first in a series), but by the end of the book, she’s begun opening her eyes to the world around her and realizing that not everything is as it seemed for most of her life. I guess you could say she’s…..awakening 😉 Okay that was lame, I’m sorry.
Anyway, Crown of Blood and Glass was a really fun read. I didn’t want to put it down. I can’t wait to see where the story takes us from here! I’ll absolutely be picking up Dawn of Fate and Fury when it releases (as well as getting myself a physical copy of Crown of Blood and Glass because let’s be real, that cover is GORGEOUS). I absolutely recommend this book!
July 17, 2023
Truly unfortunate that plagiarism was needed to create this story
I think I would have enjoyed this way more if it hadn’t been an almost exact retelling of the manga/anime Yona of the Dawn that came out in 2009. The whole time I was reading it I could guess what was gonna happen next. I would hope I was wrong but the story kept unfolding EXACTLY how the anime/manga does and all I could picture was Yona and Hak and the last sequence of events at the end was damn near IDENTICAL to the anime. Such a shame. I had such high hopes for this story since I’m a sucker for soulmates and reincarnation tropes but I don’t believe I’ll read the next book.
I think I would have enjoyed this way more if it hadn’t been an almost exact retelling of the manga/anime Yona of the Dawn that came out in 2009. The whole time I was reading it I could guess what was gonna happen next. I would hope I was wrong but the story kept unfolding EXACTLY how the anime/manga does and all I could picture was Yona and Hak and the last sequence of events at the end was damn near IDENTICAL to the anime. Such a shame. I had such high hopes for this story since I’m a sucker for soulmates and reincarnation tropes but I don’t believe I’ll read the next book.
May 30, 2023
2⭐️ it started off well, but kind of ended up not really doing it for me. Both characters inner monologues dragged quite a lot and I think I would have maybe enjoyed this more had it been singular POV..
Interesting premise & I can see some people really enjoying this- it is on kindle unlimited if anyone is interesting in giving it a go 💫
Interesting premise & I can see some people really enjoying this- it is on kindle unlimited if anyone is interesting in giving it a go 💫
d-n-f
August 10, 2023dnf @ 30%
This wasn’t the vibes that I needed, abort mission.
Nothing against the book but didn’t suit my mood :).
This wasn’t the vibes that I needed, abort mission.
Nothing against the book but didn’t suit my mood :).
May 31, 2023
It was fine but it wasn't a favorite.
This gave me that vibe of the helpless FMC that cares more about her dresses and the title of being a ruler than anything else. I also knows it's NA, but she came off very young and immature. Sometimes that doesn't bother me because I like seeing their growth over the book, but for me the growth just wasn't there.
It was trying to be a friends to enemies to lovers, but it just didn't work for me. It was very insta love (especially since they were supposed to be enemies?). There is a pretty major 'twist' at the beginning of this book, but it didn't hit like a twist. For me it was exactly what I expected to happen. I did somewhat enjoy reading this but there wasn't necessarily anything special here. It was the same story I feel like I have read a million times. I finished this book and have no desire to continue on with this series (This is incomplete so the next book isn't out yet).
I was also confused with the spice level of this book as well. There is a spicy scene in the prologue, and then nothing after that. It was confusing. With spice in the prologue, I expected at least a couple spice scenes, but they just weren't there...
*I did receive and ARC of this book*
This gave me that vibe of the helpless FMC that cares more about her dresses and the title of being a ruler than anything else. I also knows it's NA, but she came off very young and immature. Sometimes that doesn't bother me because I like seeing their growth over the book, but for me the growth just wasn't there.
It was trying to be a friends to enemies to lovers, but it just didn't work for me. It was very insta love (especially since they were supposed to be enemies?). There is a pretty major 'twist' at the beginning of this book, but it didn't hit like a twist. For me it was exactly what I expected to happen. I did somewhat enjoy reading this but there wasn't necessarily anything special here. It was the same story I feel like I have read a million times. I finished this book and have no desire to continue on with this series (This is incomplete so the next book isn't out yet).
I was also confused with the spice level of this book as well. There is a spicy scene in the prologue, and then nothing after that. It was confusing. With spice in the prologue, I expected at least a couple spice scenes, but they just weren't there...
*I did receive and ARC of this book*
September 2, 2023
Crown of Blood and Glass by Lucinda Dark and Rebecca Grey
4/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•••Spoiler free review below•••
Set in a world where the gods are reincarnated through the royal line, we follow Devonry - crown princess and next in line to rule. After a betrayal changes her life, she must rely on her personal bodyguard - Solomon - to not only keep her safe, but also to help her keep her kingdom. She has hated Solomon and his overprotective tendencies for years so this is no small feat for her. This first in a new series has a lot of action, banter, and a slow-burn that will have you flipping pages to find out what happens next.
Read this book if you like:
- bodyguard romance
- hate to love
- dual POV
- vampire like characters
Crown of Blood and Glass is OUT NOW and if it's not already on your tbr, it should be!
.
.
.
Special thanks to Dreamscape Media for sharing a free copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
Review on Instagram
4/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•••Spoiler free review below•••
Set in a world where the gods are reincarnated through the royal line, we follow Devonry - crown princess and next in line to rule. After a betrayal changes her life, she must rely on her personal bodyguard - Solomon - to not only keep her safe, but also to help her keep her kingdom. She has hated Solomon and his overprotective tendencies for years so this is no small feat for her. This first in a new series has a lot of action, banter, and a slow-burn that will have you flipping pages to find out what happens next.
Read this book if you like:
- bodyguard romance
- hate to love
- dual POV
- vampire like characters
Crown of Blood and Glass is OUT NOW and if it's not already on your tbr, it should be!
.
.
.
Special thanks to Dreamscape Media for sharing a free copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
Review on Instagram
August 31, 2023
Three authors on this book and no one could come up with an original plot that wasn't ripped from Yona of Dawn? Not all fanfics need to be published.
ML was disgusting. FL had a near anxiety attack to get her dead father's blood off of her by washing in the river, and ML refused to give her privacy, citing in his POV this was a great opportunity to see her naked. He then went into vivid description of her nipples and "youthful, naive, innocent" appearance, mind you, while she was trying to cover herself while she washed her DEAD FATHER'S BLOOD off her.
DNF. I'll watch the anime they stole from instead.
ML was disgusting. FL had a near anxiety attack to get her dead father's blood off of her by washing in the river, and ML refused to give her privacy, citing in his POV this was a great opportunity to see her naked. He then went into vivid description of her nipples and "youthful, naive, innocent" appearance, mind you, while she was trying to cover herself while she washed her DEAD FATHER'S BLOOD off her.
DNF. I'll watch the anime they stole from instead.
August 1, 2023
While reading the synopsis for Crown of Blood and Glass, my first impression was it resembled the manga Akatsuki no Yona. I adore that manga so I decided to give this book a shot. I'm disappointed to say that the major and pivotal events in the book are nearly identical to Akatsuki no Yona. From the cliff fight where Yona cuts off her unique and beautiful hair to free her from the grips of her captor to the arrow she shoots into the chest of an enemy slave trader. If I had to describe this book, I'd say it isn't predictable, but it's downright plagiarism.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2023
I don't like plagiarism. I finally had to dnf at 60% because this book is blatantly plagiarizing Akatsuki No Yona (Yona of the Dawn). That manga happens to be one of my favorites so I'm very familiar with it. Everything from the murder of her father to cutting off her hair and falling off a cliff. They even used nearly the same fake name for the princess while she was hiding out. It's a shame because the writing style wasn't that bad but I can't read something I know is plagiarized.
Thank you to netgalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to netgalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2023
DNF 22% YONA OF THE DAWN! I hope Mizuho Kusanagi sees this one day. There’s nothing wrong with being inspired but plagiarizing is something completely different. This should be on fanfiction or wattpad.
October 10, 2023
Stop stealing non-western media, making it white and claiming it as your own challenge 2023 :)
Go read/watch Yona of the Dawn.
Go read/watch Yona of the Dawn.
June 23, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5!!
AAH this book had all the vibes and I was living for it. I can't wait to read the sequel when it comes out in the fall. I was so graciously gifted an ARC of this (my first ARC EVER, might I add!!) and it will forever live on my bookshelf so I can admire it.
Firstly, Lucinda and Rebecca's writing was absolutely stunning. Everything was described so eloquently, and I could picture everything as if I was right there with our characters. There was a huge kick off of action near the beginning that was a plot twist I didn't see coming - not to mention we literally START OFF with a beautiful spicy scene that is a viewing window into I'm sure what is to come as we advance in the series.
There are alllll of the goods in this one:
> enemies to lovers
> one horse trope
> one bed trope
> spice
> slow-burn romance
> bodyguard romance
> fated mates
> dual POV
This is truly a slow burn enemies to lovers, although there are visions/dreams of spice (and some solo action), we are still waiting for our MCs to have their MOMENT. But I love a slow burn that actually keeps burning into the next book in a series, rather than igniting in the first. The wait makes the end product oh-so-much more satisfying! I love Solomon, our broody and grumpy MMC. He has me in a chokehold, hello new book boyfriend! And I'm really enjoying the personal growth we're already seeing our FMC, Devonry, go through in the first book.
The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars across the board was because there were some points in the middle of the story that I was a little bit bored, but once it picks up again, it picks up and doesn't stop. The ending was just amazing - just enough cliffhanger to keep me wanting but also just enough closure that I don't go absolutely insane waiting for the next book to come out in the mean time.
Thank you again Lucinda and Rebecca (and MTMC Tours) for gifting me an ARC of this stunning book!
AAH this book had all the vibes and I was living for it. I can't wait to read the sequel when it comes out in the fall. I was so graciously gifted an ARC of this (my first ARC EVER, might I add!!) and it will forever live on my bookshelf so I can admire it.
Firstly, Lucinda and Rebecca's writing was absolutely stunning. Everything was described so eloquently, and I could picture everything as if I was right there with our characters. There was a huge kick off of action near the beginning that was a plot twist I didn't see coming - not to mention we literally START OFF with a beautiful spicy scene that is a viewing window into I'm sure what is to come as we advance in the series.
There are alllll of the goods in this one:
> enemies to lovers
> one horse trope
> one bed trope
> spice
> slow-burn romance
> bodyguard romance
> fated mates
> dual POV
This is truly a slow burn enemies to lovers, although there are visions/dreams of spice (and some solo action), we are still waiting for our MCs to have their MOMENT. But I love a slow burn that actually keeps burning into the next book in a series, rather than igniting in the first. The wait makes the end product oh-so-much more satisfying! I love Solomon, our broody and grumpy MMC. He has me in a chokehold, hello new book boyfriend! And I'm really enjoying the personal growth we're already seeing our FMC, Devonry, go through in the first book.
The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars across the board was because there were some points in the middle of the story that I was a little bit bored, but once it picks up again, it picks up and doesn't stop. The ending was just amazing - just enough cliffhanger to keep me wanting but also just enough closure that I don't go absolutely insane waiting for the next book to come out in the mean time.
Thank you again Lucinda and Rebecca (and MTMC Tours) for gifting me an ARC of this stunning book!
January 16, 2024
*sigh* What a disappointment this book was. By no means was this terrible, and I was entertained by it for the most part, but I definitely had a lot of qualms with both the characters and plot of this novel. First off, Devonry (our FMC) was just plain annoying. I understand that not every single FMC in fantasy books needs to be powerful and a bad*ss, but Devonry was a whole new level of useless and weak. Solomon (our MMC) on the other hand was not as annoying of a character, but was low key misogynistic?? I can get behind a possessive and protective MMC, but Solomon refused to let Devonry have any autonomy or make decisions for herself, saying to her face that it was because she was weak and naive (which she is lol). Also, if you do end up reading this mess of a book (that is somehow entertaining), do not be fooled by the prologue!! The rest of that scene and the lead up to it is not in this book, and the rest of the book is not very spicy (minus one dream a MC has).
Lastly, and I honestly think most importantly, any book that says “wet virginal recesses” deserves jail time (not only because that is grammatically incorrect, but also because wtf?!)
2/5 stars
Lastly, and I honestly think most importantly, any book that says “wet virginal recesses” deserves jail time (not only because that is grammatically incorrect, but also because wtf?!)
2/5 stars
January 14, 2024
I DNF’ed this book after seeing the reviews discussing similarities with an anime.
August 23, 2023
This journey was a welcomed one. One Horse/One Bed, Forbidden Romance, Bodyguard Romance, Soulmates, Goddess Reincarnation?? I'm in.
I read the ebook and listened to the audiobook, which was a plus. The narrators were great and gave life to the characters in a beautiful way. I have to say this, hats down to Nick Mondalli who did an amazing job. Solomon sounded so much better with his voice in my head.
I love the idea of reincarnation, and when it's put next to soulmates, I'm totally reading the book, but god damn it, why did Solomon have to suffer so much? And Devonry's father... what the heck???? Why did you do that to him???!?!?!??
I'm not a big fan of Devonry, unfortunately... Her inner thoughts sometimes are annoying. Not in a way of winning, but in a way of constantly thinking of protocol and what's proper and what's not. I mean, why can't she really think of what she's feeling and accept it? I understand that it's the way she was taught from childhood, but she seemed more self-assured and straight-on when she was a kid than when she's a grown-up... I hope in the next book she'll be more sure of herself and when she wants something, actually own it.
Solomon is awesome and tortured by his feelings. He really loves her. The way he sacrifices his feelings for her... and for the love of the Gods, Devonry, he gave you enough signs that he loves you!!! Starting with staying next to you and being the only one who would do anything for you, even die for you without asking for anything in return. I didn't really understand why he had to listen to that prick of a father and not just go on with his feelings... I can't wait for Devonry to finally see the bond she had with Solomon and to finally accept her feelings!!!! And for f*** sake, I hope she won't start winning because they share the same bad again or because he hugs her in their sleep!
After I read the prologue, I had some high expectations when I got through the book. Meaning I couldn't wait for her to finally reveal her love for him. But did we get anything related to that? NO! This annoyed the crap out of me. I think it would've been a better prologue for the second book. That scene got left in the air... we know from the start they will end up doing things, but the way the story goes after... not so much... The plot is there, even the action, but the slow burn is kind of ruined by Devonry :)) One time you think she finally accepts her feelings, and the next she's insulting like she actually hates him. Not like a I hate you, but I love you way. It's like seeing actual hate... But we will see what happens next.
I would say 3.5 - 4 stars. If I got only Solomon's lines I would've been very happy :))) He's the only one with a brain that actually works :)))
Thank you, NetGalley for sending me the audiobook. Nick Mondalli, I'm watching you :)))
I read the ebook and listened to the audiobook, which was a plus. The narrators were great and gave life to the characters in a beautiful way. I have to say this, hats down to Nick Mondalli who did an amazing job. Solomon sounded so much better with his voice in my head.
I love the idea of reincarnation, and when it's put next to soulmates, I'm totally reading the book, but god damn it, why did Solomon have to suffer so much? And Devonry's father... what the heck???? Why did you do that to him???!?!?!??
I'm not a big fan of Devonry, unfortunately... Her inner thoughts sometimes are annoying. Not in a way of winning, but in a way of constantly thinking of protocol and what's proper and what's not. I mean, why can't she really think of what she's feeling and accept it? I understand that it's the way she was taught from childhood, but she seemed more self-assured and straight-on when she was a kid than when she's a grown-up... I hope in the next book she'll be more sure of herself and when she wants something, actually own it.
Solomon is awesome and tortured by his feelings. He really loves her. The way he sacrifices his feelings for her... and for the love of the Gods, Devonry, he gave you enough signs that he loves you!!! Starting with staying next to you and being the only one who would do anything for you, even die for you without asking for anything in return. I didn't really understand why he had to listen to that prick of a father and not just go on with his feelings... I can't wait for Devonry to finally see the bond she had with Solomon and to finally accept her feelings!!!! And for f*** sake, I hope she won't start winning because they share the same bad again or because he hugs her in their sleep!
After I read the prologue, I had some high expectations when I got through the book. Meaning I couldn't wait for her to finally reveal her love for him. But did we get anything related to that? NO! This annoyed the crap out of me. I think it would've been a better prologue for the second book. That scene got left in the air... we know from the start they will end up doing things, but the way the story goes after... not so much... The plot is there, even the action, but the slow burn is kind of ruined by Devonry :)) One time you think she finally accepts her feelings, and the next she's insulting like she actually hates him. Not like a I hate you, but I love you way. It's like seeing actual hate... But we will see what happens next.
I would say 3.5 - 4 stars. If I got only Solomon's lines I would've been very happy :))) He's the only one with a brain that actually works :)))
Thank you, NetGalley for sending me the audiobook. Nick Mondalli, I'm watching you :)))
August 14, 2023
Audio
⭐️ 3/5
🌶️ 2/5
Might contain spoilers!
After the murder of her Father Princess Devonry finds herself as a refuge, running away from her fathers killer with her insufferable guard that made an oath to always protect her.
This audiobook was pretty fun to listen to. I enjoyed the world and the story building, I think it could have been a little bit more, but for an easy read it was enough for me to enjoy it. I did like the banter but I think as a writer in this day and age you have to realise that everyone is writing this exact same book and that we need some tension release in the first book rather that the second as I will definitely forget what this book was about and will probably never pick up the next one when it eventually comes out. Give us some wins!
What I liked
- I liked that even thought the main characters are not ready to have sexy times yet, the authors have written in some smut that goes in their minds, I liked it a lot.
- I liked the prologue
- I do like the story of the villain and I am looking forward seeing how the main characters will battle them
- One bed, one horse, good girl, who did this to you?, fated mates, vampires
What I disliked
- I wish the book ended with the rest of the prologue.. like I kind of was looking forward to it and now I feel sad.
- Solomon that just does not understand how annoying his mind is when he thinks about how useless Dev is because she is a princess. Big oof.
- I still don’t understand that in the land where fated mates are in high regard they “can’t” be together and like that just miscommunication trope I was not happy with
- I think I am done with haters/enemies to lovers books as I just want some action and not a whole book about fantasising about each other
Audiobook provided by Netgalley, all opinions are my own
⭐️ 3/5
🌶️ 2/5
Might contain spoilers!
After the murder of her Father Princess Devonry finds herself as a refuge, running away from her fathers killer with her insufferable guard that made an oath to always protect her.
This audiobook was pretty fun to listen to. I enjoyed the world and the story building, I think it could have been a little bit more, but for an easy read it was enough for me to enjoy it. I did like the banter but I think as a writer in this day and age you have to realise that everyone is writing this exact same book and that we need some tension release in the first book rather that the second as I will definitely forget what this book was about and will probably never pick up the next one when it eventually comes out. Give us some wins!
What I liked
- I liked that even thought the main characters are not ready to have sexy times yet, the authors have written in some smut that goes in their minds, I liked it a lot.
- I liked the prologue
- I do like the story of the villain and I am looking forward seeing how the main characters will battle them
- One bed, one horse, good girl, who did this to you?, fated mates, vampires
What I disliked
- I wish the book ended with the rest of the prologue.. like I kind of was looking forward to it and now I feel sad.
- Solomon that just does not understand how annoying his mind is when he thinks about how useless Dev is because she is a princess. Big oof.
- I still don’t understand that in the land where fated mates are in high regard they “can’t” be together and like that just miscommunication trope I was not happy with
- I think I am done with haters/enemies to lovers books as I just want some action and not a whole book about fantasising about each other
Audiobook provided by Netgalley, all opinions are my own
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
The audiobook was great like I love Dreamscape Media and I adore it so much! But for the plot, I give it a 3.5 stars. The plot itself was interesting in terms of a spicy prologue that hooks the reader in right away! The one bed trope and the spicy-ness was up there and the world building was interesting as well! The romantasy audiobook was a great choice because it helped me understand the plot faster and I honestly think this book's pacing was on the medium side (slow on some aspect but fast as well!).
Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media, for this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The audiobook was great like I love Dreamscape Media and I adore it so much! But for the plot, I give it a 3.5 stars. The plot itself was interesting in terms of a spicy prologue that hooks the reader in right away! The one bed trope and the spicy-ness was up there and the world building was interesting as well! The romantasy audiobook was a great choice because it helped me understand the plot faster and I honestly think this book's pacing was on the medium side (slow on some aspect but fast as well!).
Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media, for this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! On to the next!
could-not-finish
August 16, 2024The writing style was a bit weird and I found it difficult to focus on the story. I gave it a chance because the magic system seemed interesting and I usually like the whole princess/guard situation, but Devonry (hated the name btw) was the classic special snowflake in fantasy books.
July 4, 2025
Guys I found another shadow daddy🥵🫶🫶🤭🤭
September 25, 2023
idek what happened in this book. what was the plot
January 4, 2024
I'm sorry, this was not great. Not to mention, there are dozens of reviews mentioning this book is the plagiarism of an anime (which i was unaware of before starting this book and can not determine whether this is true.)
The reason for 2 stars instead of one? I actually liked the storyline and the love interest, Solomon, alongside the inclusion of some great tropes such as princess/bodyguard, soulmates, enemies to lovers, one bed, displaced queen, etc. This had all the makings of a great story but it just had t0o many issues. Let's go through them, shall we?
To start, Devonry is one of the most annoying main characters I have had the displeasure of reading in a long time. I mean, the girl won't stop complaining about the same things over and over. It's fine a few times but it is so often and unnecessary that I can't let it slide.
Exhibit A:
"Yet, here he lies looking as though I, weak as I am, could end his life with just one harsh breath."
Was this at all necessary? No, it was not. Yes, he is a big strong man on the brink of death from his injuries and you're a petite helpless girl but come on. This sentence could have survived just fine without calling yourself out as weak.
My next problem was the writing. At times I loved it, especially some of Solomon's lines. My problem is there were far too many lines that made me pause in my tracks. I just don't understand how a book has a character who says things like this:
"She may revile and condemn me all she likes; so long as she lives and breathes I will be the monster that protects her."
Also contain this:
"Vibrating through his chest, and almost making my ears tingle with the noise. It’s the very sound of an angry mountain lion whose mate has been harmed."
Like, why a mountain lion??? Just what??
Also this is fairly inconsequential but the title makes zero sense as far as I can tell. Blood and crown makes total sense, but the glass I don't see. I don't think the authors saw it either because they included this line:
"It takes a courageous soul to follow this path of blood and glass even when one is frightened."
Again I ask, WHAT GLASS!!!! Y'ALL ARE IN A FOREST!!!
My biggest problem? I kinda want to continue the series cause, again, I actually liked the storyline and love interest and I want to know what happens next. But we'll see what I do.
May 23, 2023
I got this book in exchange for an honest review
My thoughts
This book has zero spice
Tropes include
Forbidden romance
Quest
Forced proximity and touch her and die
All in all I felt the world build of this book feel a little flat for the first book in a series. Dev is forced to leave her palace after an imposter usurps the throne and she needs the help of her bodyguard to stay alive.
I didn’t really feel the chemistry between the two main characters and found their bickering to be tedious. For a first book I don’t think it left me with enough intrigue to want to continue on with the series. It really needed a little big of zing or spice to kind of bridge the gap between the two main characters.
My thoughts
This book has zero spice
Tropes include
Forbidden romance
Quest
Forced proximity and touch her and die
All in all I felt the world build of this book feel a little flat for the first book in a series. Dev is forced to leave her palace after an imposter usurps the throne and she needs the help of her bodyguard to stay alive.
I didn’t really feel the chemistry between the two main characters and found their bickering to be tedious. For a first book I don’t think it left me with enough intrigue to want to continue on with the series. It really needed a little big of zing or spice to kind of bridge the gap between the two main characters.
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