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Glass and Bone
Elaenor is merely a pawn on a chessboard with too many Kings. Being ripped from one loveless home to be placed in another, Nora is forced to marry a future King. A princess in her own right, she has to learn how to navigate her new role as a Queen all while falling for a man she can't have and figuring out the truth behind her mother's death. War, betrayal, abuse, and devastation fill her world as she fights to survive. A strange dream fills her mind nightly, taunting her with an unknown man with green eyes and images of shattered glass, broken bones, and destruction. What could it mean? Is it merely a dream or a warning? She has a choice to make: royalty and power with a man who terrifies her, or the chance at true love with someone who is forbidden. Or is it possible that fighting to stay alive is her only option?
360 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
October 3, 2023
Glass and bone- 2⭐️3🌶️
Dark Fantasy Romance
1st person POV
Arranged marriage
Princess
“Who did this to you”
Love triangle
Mystery man
War
Duplicity
Politics
🏳️🌈 side character
Magic
TW:
Rape
Sexual assault
Suicidal thoughts
Gore
Domestic abuse
Emotional abuse
(My spice rating does not involve SA or rape scenes)
Amazing map! Pronunciation guide! Trigger warnings! (Be sure to check those trigger warnings!)
This book being in first person/present tense made it very hard to settle in comfortably. Add in the massive amounts of info dumping in the inner monologuing. On top of how much was repeated within pages of each other, making the prose very clunky and not enjoyable, no matter how entertaining the story was.
Thematically the setting seems pre-modern (carriages, gowns, swords, tonics, betrothed)… but there are very modern and contemporary references in the book which completely knocks you out of the story. (Boxers, t-shirt, shorts, bombs, needles, syringes, vacation, ice cream, decaf coffee) it was disorienting.
I found the first half of the book to be very slow and lack luster with so many trauma inducing things happening that just seems to be written off. I can see how the time would be building up for the ending plot points… but so much was unnecessary
last 20% of the book was much better with a great twist and a decent cliffhanger.
Thank you to the author for giving me an Advanced Reader Copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Dark Fantasy Romance
1st person POV
Arranged marriage
Princess
“Who did this to you”
Love triangle
Mystery man
War
Duplicity
Politics
🏳️🌈 side character
Magic
TW:
Rape
Sexual assault
Suicidal thoughts
Gore
Domestic abuse
Emotional abuse
(My spice rating does not involve SA or rape scenes)
Amazing map! Pronunciation guide! Trigger warnings! (Be sure to check those trigger warnings!)
This book being in first person/present tense made it very hard to settle in comfortably. Add in the massive amounts of info dumping in the inner monologuing. On top of how much was repeated within pages of each other, making the prose very clunky and not enjoyable, no matter how entertaining the story was.
Thematically the setting seems pre-modern (carriages, gowns, swords, tonics, betrothed)… but there are very modern and contemporary references in the book which completely knocks you out of the story. (Boxers, t-shirt, shorts, bombs, needles, syringes, vacation, ice cream, decaf coffee) it was disorienting.
I found the first half of the book to be very slow and lack luster with so many trauma inducing things happening that just seems to be written off. I can see how the time would be building up for the ending plot points… but so much was unnecessary
last 20% of the book was much better with a great twist and a decent cliffhanger.
Thank you to the author for giving me an Advanced Reader Copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 4, 2024
I wanted to like it.
Honestly, I don’t know where to begin…let me just say that I genuinely mean no disrespect to the author or to anyone who enjoyed this story with my review. But I’m going to be very honest here:
As someone who really enjoys fantasy, I was excited to start it and I really enjoyed the first couple of chapters. From there, my enjoyment continued to dwindle dramatically and I wasn’t sure if I could finish it.
The book is filled to the brim with every kind of abuse imaginable and r*pe. It’s hard to read. There is a trigger warning in the beginning which was very thoughtful. I just didn’t expect the entire book to be filled with the main character being r*ped, assaulted, and abused repeatedly by multiple characters. And to be clear, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having those tough and sensitive topics in stories. When done respectfully and with care, it’s completely fine. This just felt incredibly over done and it made it very hard to get through.
The main character sometimes felt like she was going to break out of the damsel in distress role, but ultimately she never did. Every bad thing that could happen to her did. Every time there was a glimmer of hope and I thought that things might get even just a little bit better for her, they somehow got worse instead.
And that’s how it ended.
I’m not saying that every story needs a HEA - far from it - but when the story is just conflict after conflict with no resolution and things just keep getting worse until it ends…it’s really hard to enjoy. And yes, I know that this was just book 1 of a series and that it ended with a cliffhanger. That doesn’t change my mind.
I really wanted to like this book, but in the end I had to force myself to finish it. I found it confusing, frustrating, emotionally draining, and really hard to stomach. I don’t know if I just didn’t “get it” or what.
Honestly, I don’t know where to begin…let me just say that I genuinely mean no disrespect to the author or to anyone who enjoyed this story with my review. But I’m going to be very honest here:
As someone who really enjoys fantasy, I was excited to start it and I really enjoyed the first couple of chapters. From there, my enjoyment continued to dwindle dramatically and I wasn’t sure if I could finish it.
The book is filled to the brim with every kind of abuse imaginable and r*pe. It’s hard to read. There is a trigger warning in the beginning which was very thoughtful. I just didn’t expect the entire book to be filled with the main character being r*ped, assaulted, and abused repeatedly by multiple characters. And to be clear, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having those tough and sensitive topics in stories. When done respectfully and with care, it’s completely fine. This just felt incredibly over done and it made it very hard to get through.
The main character sometimes felt like she was going to break out of the damsel in distress role, but ultimately she never did. Every bad thing that could happen to her did. Every time there was a glimmer of hope and I thought that things might get even just a little bit better for her, they somehow got worse instead.
And that’s how it ended.
I’m not saying that every story needs a HEA - far from it - but when the story is just conflict after conflict with no resolution and things just keep getting worse until it ends…it’s really hard to enjoy. And yes, I know that this was just book 1 of a series and that it ended with a cliffhanger. That doesn’t change my mind.
I really wanted to like this book, but in the end I had to force myself to finish it. I found it confusing, frustrating, emotionally draining, and really hard to stomach. I don’t know if I just didn’t “get it” or what.
August 20, 2023
I’m honestly speechless at how good this book was. I finished it in less than 24 hours. When I finished the book I sat in silence & couldn’t even wrap my head around what I had just read. WOW is truly all I can say. It’s definitely worth the read. I’m so thankful I got to be an ARC reader for it.
This is a very dark book in my opinion, so read the warnings.
This is a very dark book in my opinion, so read the warnings.
August 21, 2023
This. Book. I am so lucky I got to read it in Arc!
If you are wanting a happy ending this isn’t it! It had me crying for 30 minutes straight, in the best way possible! I love a book that brings out strong emotions! It’s imaginative, it’s dark, with a heart wrenching ending that ends on a cliffhanger! There is so much more to learn about Eleanor’s past and future. The characters have so much depth, and the story just weaves together beautifully! Well done debut from a talented author!
If you are wanting a happy ending this isn’t it! It had me crying for 30 minutes straight, in the best way possible! I love a book that brings out strong emotions! It’s imaginative, it’s dark, with a heart wrenching ending that ends on a cliffhanger! There is so much more to learn about Eleanor’s past and future. The characters have so much depth, and the story just weaves together beautifully! Well done debut from a talented author!
May 14, 2025
Seriously?
Other than being kingdom I don’t see how fantasy? A hint of witch maybe but this was seriously dark- not HEA, and check your triggers. As a survivor this disturbed me, and I usually like TF pics but the only reason I’m reading next is because I have it and I was told HEA so I’m hoping next are revenge based? Seriously I’d give 0 but I guess some interesting parts but mostly a booooooo.
Other than being kingdom I don’t see how fantasy? A hint of witch maybe but this was seriously dark- not HEA, and check your triggers. As a survivor this disturbed me, and I usually like TF pics but the only reason I’m reading next is because I have it and I was told HEA so I’m hoping next are revenge based? Seriously I’d give 0 but I guess some interesting parts but mostly a booooooo.
August 20, 2023
Absolutely shocked! The twist I was not expecting at all! It left my jaw on the floor and made my heart race waiting to find out what was going to happen next!!!! I am hoping we have a second book in the making!!!
February 1, 2024
Quite honestly, I would give this a 3 star rating, but I didn't realize there were trigger warnings attached, specifically the R&T trigger warnings are heavy in this book, and my problems with the book have to do with the trigger warnings for the most part. Lovers to Enemies, Torture, and R*pe (multiple times) warning for those who haven't read!!!!!!!!
As for my next part
SPOILERS AHEAD:
I was told when I first started reading this book that it was a happy ending novel, and I looked forward to that immensely ( I love a good comeback revenge story). The fact that this ends on a seriously messed up gory cliffhanger really got to me. To me, it turned into torture p*rn, and I kept waiting for a joyful thing that just kept getting worse. I almost dnf'ed but kept chugging along, having heard at some point there was joy. When I finished out the book, I straight up sat for 30 minutes, thinking it had to be a mess up. I must've got a glitched version with 2 chapters gone or something because girl didn't get any joy and just got even more traumatized. But no, I have now looked it up after finishing the novel, googling to see if I got a glitched copy, and nope, that's it. No happy ending or vindication for the people who should have it. So, I'm depressed af, and I have learned a huge lesson here about not trusting anything someone tells me without looking into it (this is the 2nd time this has happened to me). Good story though, just not my cup of tea (hence 5 stars instead of 3, my bad for not seeing the trigger warnings). If a sequel comes out, I will read it AFTER reading trigger warnings, and maybe even spoiling it for myself with reading the last page first.
As for my next part
SPOILERS AHEAD:
I was told when I first started reading this book that it was a happy ending novel, and I looked forward to that immensely ( I love a good comeback revenge story). The fact that this ends on a seriously messed up gory cliffhanger really got to me. To me, it turned into torture p*rn, and I kept waiting for a joyful thing that just kept getting worse. I almost dnf'ed but kept chugging along, having heard at some point there was joy. When I finished out the book, I straight up sat for 30 minutes, thinking it had to be a mess up. I must've got a glitched version with 2 chapters gone or something because girl didn't get any joy and just got even more traumatized. But no, I have now looked it up after finishing the novel, googling to see if I got a glitched copy, and nope, that's it. No happy ending or vindication for the people who should have it. So, I'm depressed af, and I have learned a huge lesson here about not trusting anything someone tells me without looking into it (this is the 2nd time this has happened to me). Good story though, just not my cup of tea (hence 5 stars instead of 3, my bad for not seeing the trigger warnings). If a sequel comes out, I will read it AFTER reading trigger warnings, and maybe even spoiling it for myself with reading the last page first.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2024
TRIGGER WARNINGS
sxual assault/r@pe
PTSD
physical abuse
emotional/psychological abuse
kidnapping
branding
murder
force use of drugs
Tropes:
Dark Fantasy Romance
Arranged Marriage
Lovers to Enemies
Recurring Dreams
Possessive MMC
Glass and Bone follows the first person narrative of Eleanor, a princess who's being sent off to marry the crown prince of the kingdom over. Her father views her as just a being to produce an heir, and nothing more. Hoping she'll live a better life with her fiance, Eleanor leaves her home and the events that unravel, are more than any being truly should have to endure.
While reading Glass and Bone, I definitely got GOT vibes... but think Ramsey and Joffrey with Eleanor being Stansa, before Stansa was a bad ass. It can definitely be hard to read at times, so definitely read the Trigger Warnings at the beginning of the book, in case this is not for you. Even I had to skim some parts at some points.
Now, the actual story. The first half was slow for me. I'd give it a sold 3. But about half way thru, I started getting invested in the story. There was lots of questions I wanted the answers to and found myself unable to put the book down. Such as why was Eleanor having the same dream over and over? Every time she was under water, why could she telepathically connect with someone? Who is he? What's the real story about her mother and her mother's death? Why has her fiance/husband turned from doting lover to psycho sadist? Solid 4.
By the end, I'd give it a 3.5. I won't put spoilers here but I will say my answers haven't been answered, YET, but I have good feelings about book 2 BUT there was a cliffhanger that leaves your jaw hanging.
Overall, I'll be reading Book 2 and maybe the journal of Eleanor as well.
sxual assault/r@pe
PTSD
physical abuse
emotional/psychological abuse
kidnapping
branding
murder
force use of drugs
Tropes:
Dark Fantasy Romance
Arranged Marriage
Lovers to Enemies
Recurring Dreams
Possessive MMC
Glass and Bone follows the first person narrative of Eleanor, a princess who's being sent off to marry the crown prince of the kingdom over. Her father views her as just a being to produce an heir, and nothing more. Hoping she'll live a better life with her fiance, Eleanor leaves her home and the events that unravel, are more than any being truly should have to endure.
While reading Glass and Bone, I definitely got GOT vibes... but think Ramsey and Joffrey with Eleanor being Stansa, before Stansa was a bad ass. It can definitely be hard to read at times, so definitely read the Trigger Warnings at the beginning of the book, in case this is not for you. Even I had to skim some parts at some points.
Now, the actual story. The first half was slow for me. I'd give it a sold 3. But about half way thru, I started getting invested in the story. There was lots of questions I wanted the answers to and found myself unable to put the book down. Such as why was Eleanor having the same dream over and over? Every time she was under water, why could she telepathically connect with someone? Who is he? What's the real story about her mother and her mother's death? Why has her fiance/husband turned from doting lover to psycho sadist? Solid 4.
By the end, I'd give it a 3.5. I won't put spoilers here but I will say my answers haven't been answered, YET, but I have good feelings about book 2 BUT there was a cliffhanger that leaves your jaw hanging.
Overall, I'll be reading Book 2 and maybe the journal of Eleanor as well.
September 11, 2023
I was one of the eArc readers of this book. It was my first time to read Dark Fantasy. I didn’t expect that. I’m used to difficult and rough stories. I kinda like them too. But this book hit different. Hit better. It’s not a dark romance. It’s a rough fight for freedom. FMC is naive and pure. She is strong and she had to live through really unexpected tragic events. I was angry with her. Really angry that she let all of those things happen to her. But she was naive in a good way. She was believing in goodness. And because of that she experienced even more horrors.
This book is beautiful written. You’ll read it with whole scenes in your head. Colors, materials and scents. It was really new experience for me. I fell deep in this book. And because of that my imagination didn’t disappoint me. I even had a nightmare because of it.
It was a rough but good read. I was curious all the time. It was happening a lot but in a good way. And I was reading it without boredom. There was no time when I thought that this book is boring. Lately a lot of books are at some point boring to me. But not this one!!!
And the ending just broke my heart. (A little bit, I’m not going to explain why because I don’t want to write spoilers here).
You have to read this book. Because you’ll not be disappointed.
And I really like The Autor. She was attentive and was responding to messages. And gave us a hint to prepare for emotional damage. It was a pleasure and honor to chat with her!!!
This book is beautiful written. You’ll read it with whole scenes in your head. Colors, materials and scents. It was really new experience for me. I fell deep in this book. And because of that my imagination didn’t disappoint me. I even had a nightmare because of it.
It was a rough but good read. I was curious all the time. It was happening a lot but in a good way. And I was reading it without boredom. There was no time when I thought that this book is boring. Lately a lot of books are at some point boring to me. But not this one!!!
And the ending just broke my heart. (A little bit, I’m not going to explain why because I don’t want to write spoilers here).
You have to read this book. Because you’ll not be disappointed.
And I really like The Autor. She was attentive and was responding to messages. And gave us a hint to prepare for emotional damage. It was a pleasure and honor to chat with her!!!
October 1, 2023
Review coming soon.
August 30, 2023
I had the privilege to read this book as an ARC book. The book was really easy to read after the initial introduction to the characters and world building I flew through. Loved the bit of magic and bits of mystery that we will have to wait until next book to find out. There was a very unexpected twist that was intense, brutal, and heart breaking. If you like dark romance this is definitely a book for you. Trigger warning there is suicidal ideation, sexual assault, physical and emotional abuse, no HEA and ends on cliffhanger. The main character goes through a lot and I'm hoping that this is setting up for the next book to have some really great character development. Here's some things I wish there were some more of, I wanted some more dialogue between the characters. I love some good banter and felt like I had a bit of trouble connecting to the MMC's. I'm really curious to see where this story goes and what is in store for Nora, I'm hoping she becomes the strong FMC I know she can be.
October 3, 2023
**Review Edit**
Previously rated 4.5 ⭐️ but I’m still thinking about this book over a month later. Changing to a full 5 ⭐️ review. Soooo gooood. It will tear your heart out and leave you wanting more!
********************************************
4.5 rounded up to 5. Mind trigger warnings and tread lightly with your health, especially if you have a history of trauma (especially sexual trauma).
**ARC Review**
I loved this novel! I truly felt connected to Elaenor and her journey in the story. Though the story is not an HEA (not a spoiler, the author is very open about that fact), Elaenor is still a fighter. The development of the characters was done very well and the portrayal of trauma was heartbreaking and, unfortunately, relatable on a very raw level. However, it left me feeling seen in the story.
I have more to say but I am still processing the book and the ending…. Omg!!!
Rest of my review after processing the book fully 😅
The setting was easy to picture which can be difficult sometimes with a fantasy novel when the presented world is larger. Celaena did a good job of orienting us throughout the book. Without spoiling anything, I really loved the inclusion of Eleanor’s dreams and what they brought to the story. They added depth and mystery that I truly enjoyed. Lastly, the writing itself was right up my alley. Celaena was able to capture the emotional depth of the characters and display that in a way in the writing that I truly felt what and how the characters felt, particularly Elaenor.
I cannot recommend this book enough. Excited to see what Celaena does with the rest of the series!
Previously rated 4.5 ⭐️ but I’m still thinking about this book over a month later. Changing to a full 5 ⭐️ review. Soooo gooood. It will tear your heart out and leave you wanting more!
********************************************
4.5 rounded up to 5. Mind trigger warnings and tread lightly with your health, especially if you have a history of trauma (especially sexual trauma).
**ARC Review**
I loved this novel! I truly felt connected to Elaenor and her journey in the story. Though the story is not an HEA (not a spoiler, the author is very open about that fact), Elaenor is still a fighter. The development of the characters was done very well and the portrayal of trauma was heartbreaking and, unfortunately, relatable on a very raw level. However, it left me feeling seen in the story.
I have more to say but I am still processing the book and the ending…. Omg!!!
Rest of my review after processing the book fully 😅
The setting was easy to picture which can be difficult sometimes with a fantasy novel when the presented world is larger. Celaena did a good job of orienting us throughout the book. Without spoiling anything, I really loved the inclusion of Eleanor’s dreams and what they brought to the story. They added depth and mystery that I truly enjoyed. Lastly, the writing itself was right up my alley. Celaena was able to capture the emotional depth of the characters and display that in a way in the writing that I truly felt what and how the characters felt, particularly Elaenor.
I cannot recommend this book enough. Excited to see what Celaena does with the rest of the series!
January 27, 2024
This is a dark ‘romance’ which I was looking forward to reading. However, it wasn’t what I expected.
To start with, there is no romance, just an abused, naive and delusional MFC; insta ‘love’ out of nowhere, and a sadistic psycho king.
The whole book mainly describes how the MFC was abused since she was a child and then being continuously assaulted by her husband (and others) with multiple scenes of rape. Not much else happens.
The actual plot can come across as ‘mysterious’, but it is actually sacarse, with poor/minimal development. There wasn’t any enlightenment as to what is really going on, or who is who, or why or anything, really. I can’t even say that the book is just ‘setting the scene’ for the upcoming books in the saga because the world building was average and the characters building poor. I liked and was intrigued by the idea of the story and I feel this could have been a great start for a saga but it just felt like a tedious and joyless read.
To start with, there is no romance, just an abused, naive and delusional MFC; insta ‘love’ out of nowhere, and a sadistic psycho king.
The whole book mainly describes how the MFC was abused since she was a child and then being continuously assaulted by her husband (and others) with multiple scenes of rape. Not much else happens.
The actual plot can come across as ‘mysterious’, but it is actually sacarse, with poor/minimal development. There wasn’t any enlightenment as to what is really going on, or who is who, or why or anything, really. I can’t even say that the book is just ‘setting the scene’ for the upcoming books in the saga because the world building was average and the characters building poor. I liked and was intrigued by the idea of the story and I feel this could have been a great start for a saga but it just felt like a tedious and joyless read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2023
“It was always glass and bones”
What a wild ride… this dark fantasy was a twisted tale I am still processing.
What a wild ride… this dark fantasy was a twisted tale I am still processing.
September 17, 2023
{Glass and Bone by Celaena Cuico❤️🩹🔥
Book rating—⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am writing this while in awe and crying of what I just read. This story is truly a masterpiece and like nothing I have read before. I simply could not put this book down because of how captivating and beautiful it was. This book will grip your heart and emotions in every aspect. Reading about Nora’s life story just had me crying because it truly captures unfortunately what so many modern women still face today. I cannot even tell you how much her story and hardships touched my heart because of how much I felt I could relate to it. Celaena has truly written a beautiful story with fantasy and twists, but also the real hardships of real life. I just also want to thank her so much for trusting all of us readers with her real life story. I could not go to bed until I completely finished this book. This book has left my heart broken with all the twists and turns. This has easily become my top ten favorite books of the year because I truly am in awe of the masterpiece of it. All I can say is WOW, please do yourself a favor and read this beautiful, tragic story as soon as possible.
**Please, PLEASE read the trigger warnings before you read this story. As beautiful as this story is, it can be very triggering. Please be kind to yourself throughout this story. }
Book rating—⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am writing this while in awe and crying of what I just read. This story is truly a masterpiece and like nothing I have read before. I simply could not put this book down because of how captivating and beautiful it was. This book will grip your heart and emotions in every aspect. Reading about Nora’s life story just had me crying because it truly captures unfortunately what so many modern women still face today. I cannot even tell you how much her story and hardships touched my heart because of how much I felt I could relate to it. Celaena has truly written a beautiful story with fantasy and twists, but also the real hardships of real life. I just also want to thank her so much for trusting all of us readers with her real life story. I could not go to bed until I completely finished this book. This book has left my heart broken with all the twists and turns. This has easily become my top ten favorite books of the year because I truly am in awe of the masterpiece of it. All I can say is WOW, please do yourself a favor and read this beautiful, tragic story as soon as possible.
**Please, PLEASE read the trigger warnings before you read this story. As beautiful as this story is, it can be very triggering. Please be kind to yourself throughout this story. }
September 1, 2023
I have conflicting thoughts about this book. I enjoyed reading it and it kept me engaged and wanting answers, but I think I’m thrown off because there aren’t many answers. The entire book is a mystery with more and more questions because raised until the end and I feel like the audience doesn’t get any answers. I understand suspense and mystery carrying into your second book but I feel like we needed more. Especially with this enzo person, all we know is he keeps saying he’s coming but he never does.
This is a dark book. From beginning to end there’s a lot of SA and PA. Usually dark, heavy abuse like that is balanced with a love story or the FMC finding her own power but don’t expect that with this book. She is a victim from beginning to end and there’s no pause in the suffering, there’s no silver lining to be attached to.
Also, this book is advertised as fantasy with a unique magic system but I don’t really know what it’s referring to. There’s reference to witches and like.. some kind of mental power but again there’s little tidbits of it with no answers and little incorporation into the actual plot. I didn’t feel magic or fantasy in this book I just know there are references to it.
I feel like this book would’ve been amazing if it would’ve been dialed down a little bit. It’s doing a lot, and I like it for sure, but with so much going on it makes the story unable to focus on any one thing and things just get diffused, confused, and ultimately unanswered or rushed about.
I honestly feel like so much happened but also nothing happened and I know that doesn’t make sense but that’s just how I feel.
I’d definitely read the second book, I hope the author refines it a little bit and let’s off of the mystery and abuse in order to solidify the plot a little more. I know every reader is different I just personally dislike reading 400-500 page books still not getting the answers to half of what is going on.
Specific more spoiler thoughts:
Theo was just beheaded before contributing anything other than a random attraction to the plot?
Scarlet is dead or she’s with Enzo?
Who is enzo?
Elenor’s father isn’t her father?
Why did the late king try to SA Elenor if he was mistaking her for her mother? He loved her mother and they never had seggs so why would he go straight to violent SA? I felt like this didn’t make any sense it was just adding to the gore. I understand the “give you an heir before your husband kills you for failing” but why the violence??
The guy who SA’d her was in front of her and that’s the only time she wasn’t comfortable trauma dumping immediately? The FMC never kept things to herself, she was talking about her fathers abuse basically immediately so why wouldn’t she immediately say hey Jeremiah is the dude that SA’d me.
Tobias and her father in cahoots the entire time? This would make sense.
This is a dark book. From beginning to end there’s a lot of SA and PA. Usually dark, heavy abuse like that is balanced with a love story or the FMC finding her own power but don’t expect that with this book. She is a victim from beginning to end and there’s no pause in the suffering, there’s no silver lining to be attached to.
Also, this book is advertised as fantasy with a unique magic system but I don’t really know what it’s referring to. There’s reference to witches and like.. some kind of mental power but again there’s little tidbits of it with no answers and little incorporation into the actual plot. I didn’t feel magic or fantasy in this book I just know there are references to it.
I feel like this book would’ve been amazing if it would’ve been dialed down a little bit. It’s doing a lot, and I like it for sure, but with so much going on it makes the story unable to focus on any one thing and things just get diffused, confused, and ultimately unanswered or rushed about.
I honestly feel like so much happened but also nothing happened and I know that doesn’t make sense but that’s just how I feel.
I’d definitely read the second book, I hope the author refines it a little bit and let’s off of the mystery and abuse in order to solidify the plot a little more. I know every reader is different I just personally dislike reading 400-500 page books still not getting the answers to half of what is going on.
Specific more spoiler thoughts:
Theo was just beheaded before contributing anything other than a random attraction to the plot?
Scarlet is dead or she’s with Enzo?
Who is enzo?
Elenor’s father isn’t her father?
Why did the late king try to SA Elenor if he was mistaking her for her mother? He loved her mother and they never had seggs so why would he go straight to violent SA? I felt like this didn’t make any sense it was just adding to the gore. I understand the “give you an heir before your husband kills you for failing” but why the violence??
The guy who SA’d her was in front of her and that’s the only time she wasn’t comfortable trauma dumping immediately? The FMC never kept things to herself, she was talking about her fathers abuse basically immediately so why wouldn’t she immediately say hey Jeremiah is the dude that SA’d me.
Tobias and her father in cahoots the entire time? This would make sense.
February 17, 2024
2.5 ⭐
My bad for not reading the trigger warnings (please read all the trigger warnings if you are going to dive into this book).
A lot happened without resolution and I understand it was for a "cliffhanger ending" but I still didn't really care about any of the main characters. The characters I was interested in only appeared in a handful of pages, so maybe I'm just not cut out for this type of dark romance? 🙈
My bad for not reading the trigger warnings (please read all the trigger warnings if you are going to dive into this book).
A lot happened without resolution and I understand it was for a "cliffhanger ending" but I still didn't really care about any of the main characters. The characters I was interested in only appeared in a handful of pages, so maybe I'm just not cut out for this type of dark romance? 🙈
August 29, 2023
This book is beautifully crafted and one hell of a ride! I simply could not put it down! It's a heartbreaking tale of a woman surviving in a man's world. Not just bent on surviving but daring to hope in the midst of insane opposition.
I thought I had a good grasp on what was happening, but the depth of the betrayal kept unraveling to unprecedented heights. Note to anyone who wants to read this, do not read it at work! The ending had me in tears and I had to run to my car for a minute.
I was gripped by Eleanor's story early on. She is hell bent on surviving, and not only that, but hopes for a better future. She is one of the most resilient and strongest characters I've read in a very long time. She is wonderfully human and entirely relateable, which is rare to find in fantasy!
I am already on a second reread of this book, and I am anxiously awaiting a second book (hopefully).
I thought I had a good grasp on what was happening, but the depth of the betrayal kept unraveling to unprecedented heights. Note to anyone who wants to read this, do not read it at work! The ending had me in tears and I had to run to my car for a minute.
I was gripped by Eleanor's story early on. She is hell bent on surviving, and not only that, but hopes for a better future. She is one of the most resilient and strongest characters I've read in a very long time. She is wonderfully human and entirely relateable, which is rare to find in fantasy!
I am already on a second reread of this book, and I am anxiously awaiting a second book (hopefully).
September 9, 2023
OK, so my original review was dated 1 September 2023, and I have NOT been able to stop thinking about this book. It's constantly on my mind, and I'm actually in awe of this being a debut novel. I am obsessed, and this is going to be an elite series!
Holy hell. That was a turbulent read. This dark romantasy has a list of triggers that you absolutely need to check before reading.
My review does NOT contain spoilers, and it is based on my honest opinion after receiving an ARC.
This debut novel is so well written, with the right amount of world building along with a twisty plot. Glass & Bone contains so much angst, suspense, and trauma that it had my hands sweating, heart pounding, and heartbreaking. Tears are literally running down my cheeks as I write this review.
There are layers upon layers of secrets, deception, and HOPE. You are constantly left questioning everything. Convincing yourself, you know what is happening, only to be hit with some emotional carnage.
If you are after a happily ever after, this isn't the book for you.
Holy hell. That was a turbulent read. This dark romantasy has a list of triggers that you absolutely need to check before reading.
My review does NOT contain spoilers, and it is based on my honest opinion after receiving an ARC.
This debut novel is so well written, with the right amount of world building along with a twisty plot. Glass & Bone contains so much angst, suspense, and trauma that it had my hands sweating, heart pounding, and heartbreaking. Tears are literally running down my cheeks as I write this review.
There are layers upon layers of secrets, deception, and HOPE. You are constantly left questioning everything. Convincing yourself, you know what is happening, only to be hit with some emotional carnage.
If you are after a happily ever after, this isn't the book for you.
January 10, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ I downloaded a bunch of random fantasy books during the free stuff your kindle day that I knew nothing about and never heard of. This book was amazing. Did not expect to love it as much as I did. The ending absolutely devastated me. Not sure if the second book is out yet, but hoping it is or will be soon. Will definitely be continuing on with the series!
*Lots of dark scenes in this, so check trigger warnings before reading.
*Lots of dark scenes in this, so check trigger warnings before reading.
January 8, 2024
This book is amazing. It feels a tiny bit like Game of Thrones. Please read the trigger warnings! This book is about Elaenor, princess of Chatis and sooo much more that I can’t even begin to describe without spoiling it. There’s lovers to enemies, bfs brother, abuse, etc. so much I loved about this book and I can’t wait to see where Eleanor goes from here. I will be reading more from the Diadem series in the future. I received an arc of this book and it did not disappoint. I just need to know when the next book will release because the ENDING. Thank you so much for this heartbreaking and intense book. I need more from this series and I will be on the lookout for the next book release 👀 I cannot stop thinking of this book! 🙌🏼
January 7, 2024
I wanted to like this book, it started out so well and really drew me in. But this book has so. much. S.A. and abuse and flat out r*pe in it. Like a nauseating amount. An unnecessary amount. That’s basically all that happens in the entire book, just assault after assault on the main character. That’s it, that’s the plot. Nearly dnf. The ending isn’t enticing enough to want to continue to the next book, there’s not even a decent plot twist. Left me feeling just bleghhh afterwards, and with no desire to want to read more of this story. ����😖😖
January 9, 2024
Unfortunately I wanted to like this book but had to DNF at about 50%. I couldn’t get past the repetition of the FMCs constant use of clenching her hands or several other phrases that were used. Another issue I had was the fact that the words used for the clothing I didn’t feel fit with what was supposed to be this era. The book had promise but ultimately fell really flat for me.
August 22, 2023
This was my first time picking up a dark fantasy, having been immediately drawn in by the synopsis, and what an entry into the genre it was! From the start, Elaenor is an engaging character, daring to hope of a better future in a world which has shown her little kindness. As the story goes on she is dealt one blow after another, and yet she somehow finds the strength to keep fighting, and keep striving for that better future she so desperately longs for.
It is by no means an easy read, and the author has been careful to lay out the trigger warnings at the beginning so do make sure to pay attention to these, but it is so well written. At no point did I feel as though anything happened just for 'shock value' as can sometimes be the case - everything has a reason behind it, and the motivations of the characters carrying out those actions, whilst not justifiable, are clear.
Filled with characters who evoke one feeling or another, surprising plot twists and an ongoing mystery, I would definitely recommend this to fans of dark fantasy or those looking to venture into the genre and I cannot wait to see how the story continues in book 2!
Thank you to Celaena Cuico for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this book.
Glass and Bone is due for release on 3rd October and is currently available for pre-order.
It is by no means an easy read, and the author has been careful to lay out the trigger warnings at the beginning so do make sure to pay attention to these, but it is so well written. At no point did I feel as though anything happened just for 'shock value' as can sometimes be the case - everything has a reason behind it, and the motivations of the characters carrying out those actions, whilst not justifiable, are clear.
Filled with characters who evoke one feeling or another, surprising plot twists and an ongoing mystery, I would definitely recommend this to fans of dark fantasy or those looking to venture into the genre and I cannot wait to see how the story continues in book 2!
Thank you to Celaena Cuico for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this book.
Glass and Bone is due for release on 3rd October and is currently available for pre-order.
September 5, 2023
I was not physically prepared for that ending, Talk about a cliffhanger!!!
I am so thankful to have received this ARC. I absolutely loved this story, It was beautifully written and held me captive right to the end.
What I thought was your typical princess being sent off to wed the future king of some other country, was a far cry from what actually happened in this dark fantasy story. The level of betrayal Elaenor experienced is unthinkable. This book does not end on a happy ever after!
Elaenor is sent off to wed Tobias as he is due to become King. The journey to Noterra definitely does not go smooth or safety for Elaenor. And that seems to be the running theme in her life both prior to her journey and after.
The story covers some dark subject such as sexual assaults, suicide, kidnap and both physical and emotional abuse. I would advise the check all trigger warnings for this book before reading.
I cannot wait for the next book, fingers crossed we don’t have too long a wait.
I am so thankful to have received this ARC. I absolutely loved this story, It was beautifully written and held me captive right to the end.
What I thought was your typical princess being sent off to wed the future king of some other country, was a far cry from what actually happened in this dark fantasy story. The level of betrayal Elaenor experienced is unthinkable. This book does not end on a happy ever after!
Elaenor is sent off to wed Tobias as he is due to become King. The journey to Noterra definitely does not go smooth or safety for Elaenor. And that seems to be the running theme in her life both prior to her journey and after.
The story covers some dark subject such as sexual assaults, suicide, kidnap and both physical and emotional abuse. I would advise the check all trigger warnings for this book before reading.
I cannot wait for the next book, fingers crossed we don’t have too long a wait.
August 13, 2024
Glass & Bone
4.5 ⭐️
DARK romantasy 🔥
Phew 😮💨 what.did.i.just.read?
Who knew I would be okay with a cliffy like that? Not me. Probs only because I was able to open book 2 right away… but lemme get to the review:
Princess Elaenor forced to marry the future King of Noterra, Prince Tobias, must fight to survive the mental, emotional, and physical abuse inflicted on her by people who should love her and care for her.
This story was so well crafted & beautifully written that I felt anger and sadness, hope and excitement, and all the emotions through the whole book. Elaenor’s story is not happily ever after (for now). BUT. Her story is a must read because I just know her revenge story is gonna be so sweet.
⚠️ trigger warnings
🖤TROPES🖤
✨lovers to enemies
✨forced marriage
✨unique magic system
✨possessive mmc
✨non-hea cliffy
4.5 ⭐️
DARK romantasy 🔥
Phew 😮💨 what.did.i.just.read?
Who knew I would be okay with a cliffy like that? Not me. Probs only because I was able to open book 2 right away… but lemme get to the review:
Princess Elaenor forced to marry the future King of Noterra, Prince Tobias, must fight to survive the mental, emotional, and physical abuse inflicted on her by people who should love her and care for her.
This story was so well crafted & beautifully written that I felt anger and sadness, hope and excitement, and all the emotions through the whole book. Elaenor’s story is not happily ever after (for now). BUT. Her story is a must read because I just know her revenge story is gonna be so sweet.
⚠️ trigger warnings
🖤TROPES🖤
✨lovers to enemies
✨forced marriage
✨unique magic system
✨possessive mmc
✨non-hea cliffy
September 12, 2023
I received an arc for my honest review
* check trigger warnings ! This is a dark book !
Wow .. I honestly don’t even know what to say
I fricken loved this book and holly hell can’t wait for more .
I can not stress this enough … this book is dark ! Honestly there was no real moment where it wasn’t dark , depressing and heartbreaking. However I absolutely devoured it and loved every second !
Eleanor is a broken princess who intimately becomes our devastated queen. This poor woman has literally be through hell and back . Imma need her to somehow end up having a hea !! But it definitely was NOT in this book .
* check trigger warnings ! This is a dark book !
Wow .. I honestly don’t even know what to say
I fricken loved this book and holly hell can’t wait for more .
I can not stress this enough … this book is dark ! Honestly there was no real moment where it wasn’t dark , depressing and heartbreaking. However I absolutely devoured it and loved every second !
Eleanor is a broken princess who intimately becomes our devastated queen. This poor woman has literally be through hell and back . Imma need her to somehow end up having a hea !! But it definitely was NOT in this book .
January 15, 2024
I just devoured this book in one sitting. It is DARK. Please be aware of that and use your own discretion. This very much felt like a first book meant to set up whatever is to come and that usually bothers me, but I'm not mad about it because it seems like a pretty good foundation of pain and suffering to build growth from.
I will say, I was annoyed by some of the MC's actions and non-actions, but it's pretty textbook abuse so I refuse to judge her for it. I do think there is a character I could love in her once she gets to live for herself for once. We'll see. I'm eager for the next book.
May 1, 2024
Speechless. I never thought I would have been thinking about this book for MONTHS!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book has completely captured my imagination, and I haven't stopped thinking about it since I turned the final page. The story drew me in from the very beginning and I finished it within the same day! The heartbreaking ending left me stunned yet so intrigued for the next book!! Celaena's storytelling is truly magical yet twisted in the best way possible, and I can't wait to continue Elaenor's journey in the next installment. If you love fantasy with captivating characters and unexpected twists, this is a must-read!
This book has completely captured my imagination, and I haven't stopped thinking about it since I turned the final page. The story drew me in from the very beginning and I finished it within the same day! The heartbreaking ending left me stunned yet so intrigued for the next book!! Celaena's storytelling is truly magical yet twisted in the best way possible, and I can't wait to continue Elaenor's journey in the next installment. If you love fantasy with captivating characters and unexpected twists, this is a must-read!
August 21, 2023
This book was just so much everything. I could have read this in one sitting because I did not want to put it down. But I also didn’t want it to end. I cannot wait for book two.
There is SO much emotion in all of this book. The hope, the sadness, the betrayal, the shame, the love, the humor, the masking, the just all of it. I don’t want to give any spoilers.
This is 100% worth the read. But for sure check the triggers. The author wrote them out completely.
There is SO much emotion in all of this book. The hope, the sadness, the betrayal, the shame, the love, the humor, the masking, the just all of it. I don’t want to give any spoilers.
This is 100% worth the read. But for sure check the triggers. The author wrote them out completely.
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