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Honey and Ice #1
Corte de Mel e Cinzas
ÓRFÃ. MESTIÇA.
TREINADA PARA LUTAR.
CRIADA PARA TEMER O PODER DE UNDERHILL.
ASSOMBRADA PELOS HOMENS QUE UM DIA AMOU.
Após um brutal treinamento de oito anos em Underhill, Kallik, uma mestiça metade humana e metade feérica, sobreviveu ao teste final e poderá retornar para casa e, quem sabe, ter a vida que sempre sonhou desde que perdeu a mãe e se viu jogada em um orfanato depois de ser renegada pelo próprio pai.
Mas durante seu juramento, Underhill — o lar ancestral dos feéricos e fonte da magia primordial — é destruído, Alli é a única que sabe o que aconteceu de verdade no momento em que tudo explodiu. E essa informação poderá ser sua morte se ela não agir rápido.
Agora para tentar salvar seu povo e provar sua inocência, Alli vai fugir para o último lugar que qualquer feérico o Triângulo. Enquanto busca por respostas e conta com ajudas inesperadas, Kallik vai embarcar em uma aventura e descobertas que a farão compreender que ela é mais do que apenas uma órfã mestiça. Talvez ela seja a chave para algo maior.
TREINADA PARA LUTAR.
CRIADA PARA TEMER O PODER DE UNDERHILL.
ASSOMBRADA PELOS HOMENS QUE UM DIA AMOU.
Após um brutal treinamento de oito anos em Underhill, Kallik, uma mestiça metade humana e metade feérica, sobreviveu ao teste final e poderá retornar para casa e, quem sabe, ter a vida que sempre sonhou desde que perdeu a mãe e se viu jogada em um orfanato depois de ser renegada pelo próprio pai.
Mas durante seu juramento, Underhill — o lar ancestral dos feéricos e fonte da magia primordial — é destruído, Alli é a única que sabe o que aconteceu de verdade no momento em que tudo explodiu. E essa informação poderá ser sua morte se ela não agir rápido.
Agora para tentar salvar seu povo e provar sua inocência, Alli vai fugir para o último lugar que qualquer feérico o Triângulo. Enquanto busca por respostas e conta com ajudas inesperadas, Kallik vai embarcar em uma aventura e descobertas que a farão compreender que ela é mais do que apenas uma órfã mestiça. Talvez ela seja a chave para algo maior.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2021
5342 people are currently reading
50098 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Mayer
161 books7,234 followersA long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I was born into a family of Star Wars nuts. I have a lot of siblings (somewhere I lost count but I think there was more than could be numbered on one hand) and being one of the young padawans I was subjected to Star Wars marathons, on a regular basis. If you've read any of my books you'll see there is often a reference to said movies as a small homage to my upbringing. May the force be with you and all that jazz.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,821 reviews
Want to read
July 6, 2023I'll have to read this, as it mentioned the Fae...
But y'all... this title...???
UPDATE 6/7/23: GUYS I CAN NEVER READ THIS BC IT'S THE MOST FAMOUS REVIEW I'VE EVER RECEIVED, HOW CAN I ADD ANYTHING TO THIS???
But y'all... this title...???
UPDATE 6/7/23: GUYS I CAN NEVER READ THIS BC IT'S THE MOST FAMOUS REVIEW I'VE EVER RECEIVED, HOW CAN I ADD ANYTHING TO THIS???
August 23, 2021
Can I just say: I hate the title!
… as it turns out, I didn’t care much for the story either. DNF
… as it turns out, I didn’t care much for the story either. DNF
July 9, 2021
I was certainly intrigued by the title...and then I saw all the five-star reviews I decided to hop into it. And I'm not going to lie I definitely have some side-eye about them because this book is hands down not good.
It was billed as a novel that SJM/JLA/Holly Black fans will love and that there is a forbidden romance. If you were expecting any type of romance then you'll be massively disappointed, the main character and her "love interest" (who is more of her abuser than boyfriend) speak maybe four times. This is certainly a case of we are told they love each other rather than being shown they are in love. There is zero chemistry between the couple. So if you expected the SJM/JLA spice then sorry it's not there whatsoever.
This book is CHEUGY.
The characters are 24-years-old, the same age as me, and the way they talk makes my skin crawl. it's so "YAS QUEEN SLAY GIRL BOSS" energy. Very much millennial live, laugh, love energy. Every time the best friends spoke to one another made me cringe so hard.
Why? Well, I couldn't help but feel that the book was massively misogynistic, slut shamy and fatphobic.
The best friend is described as only caring about "fucking and food", she's described as mid to plus-sized BUT all the boys love her because her "boobs and ass jiggle". Yes, the only thing I know about this character is that she has big boobs.
CRINGE!!!
The end of the book had me rolling my eyes so hard. I won't be continuing this series and I was going to DNF several times. However, I believed these five-star reviews that promised the ending was incredible. That the romance was incredible. That this book was good.
When you receive an ARC you are responsible to give a fair and honest review and I really feel like that was not honoured with this novel.
It was billed as a novel that SJM/JLA/Holly Black fans will love and that there is a forbidden romance. If you were expecting any type of romance then you'll be massively disappointed, the main character and her "love interest" (who is more of her abuser than boyfriend) speak maybe four times. This is certainly a case of we are told they love each other rather than being shown they are in love. There is zero chemistry between the couple. So if you expected the SJM/JLA spice then sorry it's not there whatsoever.
This book is CHEUGY.
The characters are 24-years-old, the same age as me, and the way they talk makes my skin crawl. it's so "YAS QUEEN SLAY GIRL BOSS" energy. Very much millennial live, laugh, love energy. Every time the best friends spoke to one another made me cringe so hard.
Why? Well, I couldn't help but feel that the book was massively misogynistic, slut shamy and fatphobic.
The best friend is described as only caring about "fucking and food", she's described as mid to plus-sized BUT all the boys love her because her "boobs and ass jiggle". Yes, the only thing I know about this character is that she has big boobs.
CRINGE!!!
The end of the book had me rolling my eyes so hard. I won't be continuing this series and I was going to DNF several times. However, I believed these five-star reviews that promised the ending was incredible. That the romance was incredible. That this book was good.
When you receive an ARC you are responsible to give a fair and honest review and I really feel like that was not honoured with this novel.
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July 31, 2021
❌ I am automatically predisposed to disliking any titles which go 'A Court of Something and Something.' Everyone knows about Maas's series now, and even though I don't particularly like it, it deserves not to be dogged by ripoff titles designed to implement suggestions of the more popular cousin.
❌ I ADORE Kelly St Clare but the one time I tried Shannon Mayer, it was such a flop I didn't even bother reviewing it. Unfortunately, there appears to be more of the Mayer than the Clare - or at least, that's my assumption for why this book is mind-numbingly boring. It starts out with a bunch of fight scenes, yet they're so poorly described that I felt zero interest.
❌ Despite the passage of several chapters, the heroine was totally unable to impress upon me her name or character.
I tried SO MANY TIMES to plod on with this book, but life's too short. Shame this one is a cowrite - I've often noticed that authors I like, e.g. Tate James, undergo mysterious transformations when they cowrite that results in unreadable books. Then again, I don't like Jane Washington or Jaymin Eve's individual books, but I ADORE Curse of the Gods, so it all evens out I suppose.
❌ I ADORE Kelly St Clare but the one time I tried Shannon Mayer, it was such a flop I didn't even bother reviewing it. Unfortunately, there appears to be more of the Mayer than the Clare - or at least, that's my assumption for why this book is mind-numbingly boring. It starts out with a bunch of fight scenes, yet they're so poorly described that I felt zero interest.
❌ Despite the passage of several chapters, the heroine was totally unable to impress upon me her name or character.
I tried SO MANY TIMES to plod on with this book, but life's too short. Shame this one is a cowrite - I've often noticed that authors I like, e.g. Tate James, undergo mysterious transformations when they cowrite that results in unreadable books. Then again, I don't like Jane Washington or Jaymin Eve's individual books, but I ADORE Curse of the Gods, so it all evens out I suppose.
Want to read
June 22, 2021This title is so Sarah J. Maas I can't-
January 26, 2022
RTC whenever i feel like stabbing my own brain
**
I'm really sorry but to all the ppl who rated this trainwreck 5 stars :
❌You can't fucking butcher the entire fae as a species and think you can get away with it❌
I was a little angry about the fae here being able to lie, but like I get it man. You were trying to be all creative and shit. It's cool. SJM did the exact same thing and you know what? I'm one book away from tattooing the batboys names on either buttcheek.
But lady YOU DARE TAKE AWAY THE POINTY EARS and that's a damn deal breaker.
And since when do fae have normal human lifespan??? Am I missing something here??
Okay, deep breaths.
⁉️⁉️⁉️ the romance⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️ where ⁉️⁉️⁉️who⁉️⁉️⁉️what⁉️⁉️⁉️
The MC and her alleged (and I'm saying alleged bc apparently who tf needs sexual tension ??? That's YA fantasy 101) "LoVe InTeReSt" had zero chemistry. He was extremely abusive and toxic toward here and I just don't like him. At all. Can everyone just die already?
Oh and if any of you expected smut then...... nope.
There were several hints at a possible rape that probably occurred before the events of this book but the author was like fuck it?? Literally never elaborated. Why????
⚠️⚠️⚠️apparently her BFF's only character trait is having big boobs???? Oh and a fat ass ?? Ummm wHAT ???⚠️⚠️⚠️
Boobs and ass bouncing, she grabbed me in a damn bear hug and lifted me off the ground
Cinth settled deeper into her seat, arms crossed over her big boobs, which only pushed her formidable cleavage higher
❌❌I feel like the author made it her lifes mission to drag this book just for sake of having a bigger page count❌❌❌
And you know what once I got past the 50% mark I literally couldn't care less. I just powered through it bc god forbids I DNF yet another book this month 🤦♀️
I could go on forever but all I wanna do rn is eat a bunch of donuts and call it a day so bye 👋
July 6, 2021
4.5.
I was lucky enough to receive a super early ARC for this series! I was incredibly excited, as Kelly St Clare's Blood Trials and Shifter Wars series were probably my favourite eeads of the last year or so. This book is very different from those two - seeing as it is a brand new series in a different genre and co-authored - but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
The book throws us straight I to the action with Kallik - our heroine - competing in a trial to become a Fae elite. As an orphan with no house or family to claim her, this is her opportunity to carve out a life for herself that doesn't involve being at the bottom of the Fae hierarchy. We see instantly that Kallik is a talented and fierce warrior, with a decent streak. However, when she seems to inadvertently destroy Underhill - the source of the Fae magic - upon completing her trial, things pretty much fall apart for her from this point onwards.
Kallik had all of the necessary prerequisites to he a likeable main character who I was behind pretty much all of the way. She's a tough and brave fighter, but not infallible. She's got a good heart, but she is capable of being ruthless and bloodthirsty when the situation calls for it. She has a slight martyr complex, but then so do most heroines, let's face it.
We also have Cinth, her devoted best friend, who was a mice side character. I personally found her a little tropey in the best friend category, but it was a very minor niggle and she balances out Kallik well.
Our main love interest is Faolan. These tow have history from childhood, but their association didn't end well. So when he pops up back in her life, it isn't without complications. We've got definite enemies to lovers vibes here, which just so happen to be my favourite. What interaction they have showed good chemistry, but I did find myself wishing there was just a few more scenes of them together. But leave them wanting more, right? By the end of the book I was happy where things were left with them, but this is drifnitely a romance to get behind.
The pacing was good with a balance of action, world building and character and relationship development. For romance fans I would say this was a plot driven book with romance on the side, which is my personal preference, but I know tend to prefer the romance more central.
In summary I would highly recommend this book. If you are fans of the novels of Holly Black or similar, or are just looking for a strong fantasy light read, with a dash of romance on the side, then I would recommend this book.
I was lucky enough to receive a super early ARC for this series! I was incredibly excited, as Kelly St Clare's Blood Trials and Shifter Wars series were probably my favourite eeads of the last year or so. This book is very different from those two - seeing as it is a brand new series in a different genre and co-authored - but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
The book throws us straight I to the action with Kallik - our heroine - competing in a trial to become a Fae elite. As an orphan with no house or family to claim her, this is her opportunity to carve out a life for herself that doesn't involve being at the bottom of the Fae hierarchy. We see instantly that Kallik is a talented and fierce warrior, with a decent streak. However, when she seems to inadvertently destroy Underhill - the source of the Fae magic - upon completing her trial, things pretty much fall apart for her from this point onwards.
Kallik had all of the necessary prerequisites to he a likeable main character who I was behind pretty much all of the way. She's a tough and brave fighter, but not infallible. She's got a good heart, but she is capable of being ruthless and bloodthirsty when the situation calls for it. She has a slight martyr complex, but then so do most heroines, let's face it.
We also have Cinth, her devoted best friend, who was a mice side character. I personally found her a little tropey in the best friend category, but it was a very minor niggle and she balances out Kallik well.
Our main love interest is Faolan. These tow have history from childhood, but their association didn't end well. So when he pops up back in her life, it isn't without complications. We've got definite enemies to lovers vibes here, which just so happen to be my favourite. What interaction they have showed good chemistry, but I did find myself wishing there was just a few more scenes of them together. But leave them wanting more, right? By the end of the book I was happy where things were left with them, but this is drifnitely a romance to get behind.
The pacing was good with a balance of action, world building and character and relationship development. For romance fans I would say this was a plot driven book with romance on the side, which is my personal preference, but I know tend to prefer the romance more central.
In summary I would highly recommend this book. If you are fans of the novels of Holly Black or similar, or are just looking for a strong fantasy light read, with a dash of romance on the side, then I would recommend this book.
October 6, 2021
Everything you want in a fantasy book!
You know how some blurbs advertise and compare a book to Throne of Glass or any Sarah J Maas book? Well, this is one of those rare times when a book can actually come close to Throne of Glass! I loved this book! It has all the tropes that make a fantasy book amazing!
- enemies to lovers
- quest
- MC hidden royal blood
- funny best friend
- sexy, mysterious, brooding male interest
I was a little bummed when I noticed a love triangle starting🤮🤮🤮 but it seemed to simmer out within two chapters so I won’t allow it to taint my opinion. I just pray to the book gods that it doesn’t try to reappear in the next book! 🙏🏼🤞🏼
You know how some blurbs advertise and compare a book to Throne of Glass or any Sarah J Maas book? Well, this is one of those rare times when a book can actually come close to Throne of Glass! I loved this book! It has all the tropes that make a fantasy book amazing!
- enemies to lovers
- quest
- MC hidden royal blood
- funny best friend
- sexy, mysterious, brooding male interest
I was a little bummed when I noticed a love triangle starting🤮🤮🤮 but it seemed to simmer out within two chapters so I won’t allow it to taint my opinion. I just pray to the book gods that it doesn’t try to reappear in the next book! 🙏🏼🤞🏼
July 8, 2021
"Each day that passed between me and what had happened in the final test was a good sign.
A great sign.
This was just a wave I had to ride.
If only the wave didn’t feel like it was ready to crest and drown me."
The thing about waves is there is never only one, and if you don't watch your back, you should prepare to get dragged!
Pace:
Steady and fast at times. I went through the first read so quick I had to get another read in to process all of the things. From the very beginning you are basically forewarned that the MC will be put through the proverbial ringer. The authors did not disappoint. Betrayal, court drama, romantic angst, skin-of-your-teeth escapes, action, and a hint of mystery will keep you turning the pages through the day.
Characters:
Alli - I knew I would love the MC from the first page. Haha! She's crass, witty, and has good instincts.
Hyacinth - the BFF we all wish we had.
Faolan - the handsome, mysterious, and infuriating Unseelie guard Alli is in love with. I think the feelings are mutual, but politics makes things complicated.
Also, so many characters that you would love to hate. Things get a bit dark by the end.
Romance
🌶️🌶️ "Slow-burn" "enemies-to-lovers" romance. Protagonist is in love with someone she can't have while he (I think) pretends he doesn't want her for the same reason. The author's twist things up a bit to make us doubt right along with Alli, but I don't have any. Faolan is the one. Fight me.
What I Loved
• The banter is great. Made me LOL a lot.
• Alli's weaknesses become her strengths out in the real world, and her discovery that sometimes what you thought you wanted out of life isn't what you needed.
• There were thoughts about other books and mediums while reading. Some of those are The Shannara Chronicles (the show), the Witcher, and the Taryn Soul books by C.L. Wilson.
What I didn't Love? ............!
In Summary
I'm looking forward to the next book!!!!
4.5⭐
*I received an ARC. Opinions are my own.
A great sign.
This was just a wave I had to ride.
If only the wave didn’t feel like it was ready to crest and drown me."
The thing about waves is there is never only one, and if you don't watch your back, you should prepare to get dragged!
Pace:
Steady and fast at times. I went through the first read so quick I had to get another read in to process all of the things. From the very beginning you are basically forewarned that the MC will be put through the proverbial ringer. The authors did not disappoint. Betrayal, court drama, romantic angst, skin-of-your-teeth escapes, action, and a hint of mystery will keep you turning the pages through the day.
Characters:
Alli - I knew I would love the MC from the first page. Haha! She's crass, witty, and has good instincts.
Hyacinth - the BFF we all wish we had.
Faolan - the handsome, mysterious, and infuriating Unseelie guard Alli is in love with. I think the feelings are mutual, but politics makes things complicated.
Also, so many characters that you would love to hate. Things get a bit dark by the end.
Romance
🌶️🌶️ "Slow-burn" "enemies-to-lovers" romance. Protagonist is in love with someone she can't have while he (I think) pretends he doesn't want her for the same reason. The author's twist things up a bit to make us doubt right along with Alli, but I don't have any. Faolan is the one. Fight me.
What I Loved
• The banter is great. Made me LOL a lot.
• Alli's weaknesses become her strengths out in the real world, and her discovery that sometimes what you thought you wanted out of life isn't what you needed.
• There were thoughts about other books and mediums while reading. Some of those are The Shannara Chronicles (the show), the Witcher, and the Taryn Soul books by C.L. Wilson.
What I didn't Love? ............!
In Summary
I'm looking forward to the next book!!!!
4.5⭐
*I received an ARC. Opinions are my own.
Want to read
May 12, 2021this title burns my eyeballs but heck yeah i’m here for it
Want to read
May 1, 2021Soooooo sick of the A _____ of _____ and _____ title trend... every new title looks the same
The book sounds interesting though!
The book sounds interesting though!
June 15, 2021
I’ve been a huge fan of Ms. Mayer for literally years, and before this book I hadn’t read one of Ms. St. Clare’s. That will be remedied as soon as possible. Getting back to this book, the reader is immediately thrown into the action with Alli in a trial to figure out where she is going to be in the fae society of which she’s only half…which is why she’s there in the first place. While this part of the book is slow, it definitely sets up the following drama that takes place throughout the book. What follows this beginning is a wild ride of finding yourself even when you family doesn’t claim you, defeating your enemies, and making allies with everything stacked again you. Cinth, Faolan, and Ruby are great characters in this ride, and I really had a craving for sweets after reading this because of Cinth. The end was not where I thought we were going to go and I’m interested in seeing how they are going to get out of this conundrum. An interesting take on the fae, and I can’t wait to see where the authors are taking us next. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
January 28, 2022
0★ | if you read this book, you're signing up for shit.
You know what this book is about? Let me tell you what this book is about.
This book is a failed attempt at writing fantasy,
• throwing every single thing the author could think of (faeries, hunger games kinda competition, coloured magic, etc.)
• as well as every single trope most of the readers love (forbidden romance, enemies to lovers, and found family)
• and a SUPER lame attempt at writing a broody, dark and classic bad boy (which is exactly what he's described as in the book, can you believe it?) and a strong female protagonist with sass (all of which felt SO forced)
like the author tried TOO HARD by using "curse words" as Lilah put it, it simply became annoying, irritating, and cringe af.
Sometimes the world pushes us in a direction we think is wrong, because it is not of our choosing. That does not mean it is taking us to the wrong destination, just that the path is one we didn’t foresee.
Meaning:
• the world (this book)
• pushes you in a direction (a faerie book starting off with a hunger games kind of competition)
• we think is wrong, (coz the faeries here are trained to be sorted into courts, not born into them).
• that does not mean it is taking us to the wrong destination, (because it's still a book on faeries, duh)
STUPID SPOILERS AHEAD
• just that the path is one we didn't foresee (coz these damn faeries can lie, they are not immortal, and they don't even have POINTY EARS!)
btw, this author even added the "chosen one" trope and did it dirty. She didn't even save the day!
also, her name means lightening but she's a faerie, it doesn't mean she can ACTUALLY summon lightening but you know what? All shit can happen in this book.
romance
WHAT???!!!
The guy and the girl kind of act like enemies-to-lovers.
she's Seelie, he's Unseelie, and they can't be together so like, forbidden romance (failed attempt, I repeat)
They're super mean (in a childish way) to each other.
And then, suddenly they kiss.
And then, he comes to save her in the end and thats THE END.
this author literally called humans with magic "Fae". She killed the essence of faeries as the concept.
I mean sure, sjm made her faeries lie and created a world that is simply STUPID but STILL a world and something's going on there, like the plots are cheap and suck and all but they're there and it doesn't matter coz she gave readers other things of interest like a toxic love interest, hardcore big dick fucker and topics like PTSD etc. and yet HERE??!
I have no respect for this author, sorry to say. I don't know her personally but this book is TORTUROUS!
Even Acotar (original trilogy that sucked a lot) and Twilight are better than this NONSENSE.
____
I've read like 50% of the book and it's pure shit.
____
A faerie book with Lilah
You know what this book is about? Let me tell you what this book is about.
This book is a failed attempt at writing fantasy,
• throwing every single thing the author could think of (faeries, hunger games kinda competition, coloured magic, etc.)
• as well as every single trope most of the readers love (forbidden romance, enemies to lovers, and found family)
• and a SUPER lame attempt at writing a broody, dark and classic bad boy (which is exactly what he's described as in the book, can you believe it?) and a strong female protagonist with sass (all of which felt SO forced)
like the author tried TOO HARD by using "curse words" as Lilah put it, it simply became annoying, irritating, and cringe af.
Sometimes the world pushes us in a direction we think is wrong, because it is not of our choosing. That does not mean it is taking us to the wrong destination, just that the path is one we didn’t foresee.
Meaning:
• the world (this book)
• pushes you in a direction (a faerie book starting off with a hunger games kind of competition)
• we think is wrong, (coz the faeries here are trained to be sorted into courts, not born into them).
• that does not mean it is taking us to the wrong destination, (because it's still a book on faeries, duh)
STUPID SPOILERS AHEAD
• just that the path is one we didn't foresee (coz these damn faeries can lie, they are not immortal, and they don't even have POINTY EARS!)
btw, this author even added the "chosen one" trope and did it dirty. She didn't even save the day!
also, her name means lightening but she's a faerie, it doesn't mean she can ACTUALLY summon lightening but you know what? All shit can happen in this book.
romance
WHAT???!!!
The guy and the girl kind of act like enemies-to-lovers.
she's Seelie, he's Unseelie, and they can't be together so like, forbidden romance (failed attempt, I repeat)
They're super mean (in a childish way) to each other.
And then, suddenly they kiss.
And then, he comes to save her in the end and thats THE END.
this author literally called humans with magic "Fae". She killed the essence of faeries as the concept.
I mean sure, sjm made her faeries lie and created a world that is simply STUPID but STILL a world and something's going on there, like the plots are cheap and suck and all but they're there and it doesn't matter coz she gave readers other things of interest like a toxic love interest, hardcore big dick fucker and topics like PTSD etc. and yet HERE??!
I have no respect for this author, sorry to say. I don't know her personally but this book is TORTUROUS!
Even Acotar (original trilogy that sucked a lot) and Twilight are better than this NONSENSE.
____
I've read like 50% of the book and it's pure shit.
____
A faerie book with Lilah
May 8, 2022
3,5/5
Trochę ciężko mi ocenić tę książkę. Nie czytałam też jeszcze nic Maas, to nie mogę porównać. Ale było w porządku. Książka jest krótka, czyta się szybko, dosyć dużo się dzieje, więc się nie nudziłam, skończyłam całość w ciągu jednego dnia. Samo zakończenie nie było dla mnie jakoś szczególnie ekscytujące. Niewiele też zostało wyjaśnione w tym tomie.
Podobał mi się system magiczny i świat przedstawiony, ale mogło to wszystko być dokładniej opisane - mamy Underhill - krainę fae, Trójkąt na Alasce zamieszkany przez wygnanych i wyspę Unimak - gdzie po jednej stronie rzeki mieszkają Seelie, a po drugiej Unseelie. Światy fae i ludzi przenikają się nawzajem - z jednej strony mamy magię i miecze, a z drugiej samoloty i aparaty fotograficzne.
W romans jakoś nie do końca dałam radę się wciągnąć, czegoś mi brakowało, może przydałoby się więcej scen z przeszłości i ogólnie więcej scen, żebym jakoś bardziej poczuła tę relację. Myślę, że sięgnę po następne części.
Trochę ciężko mi ocenić tę książkę. Nie czytałam też jeszcze nic Maas, to nie mogę porównać. Ale było w porządku. Książka jest krótka, czyta się szybko, dosyć dużo się dzieje, więc się nie nudziłam, skończyłam całość w ciągu jednego dnia. Samo zakończenie nie było dla mnie jakoś szczególnie ekscytujące. Niewiele też zostało wyjaśnione w tym tomie.
Podobał mi się system magiczny i świat przedstawiony, ale mogło to wszystko być dokładniej opisane - mamy Underhill - krainę fae, Trójkąt na Alasce zamieszkany przez wygnanych i wyspę Unimak - gdzie po jednej stronie rzeki mieszkają Seelie, a po drugiej Unseelie. Światy fae i ludzi przenikają się nawzajem - z jednej strony mamy magię i miecze, a z drugiej samoloty i aparaty fotograficzne.
W romans jakoś nie do końca dałam radę się wciągnąć, czegoś mi brakowało, może przydałoby się więcej scen z przeszłości i ogólnie więcej scen, żebym jakoś bardziej poczuła tę relację. Myślę, że sięgnę po następne części.
June 7, 2022
Maybe I just wasn’t in the right headspace for most of this book. It really felt like a prologue to the actual story…I had a hard time staying focused till about 60%, when we learn about Alli’s magic and what’s really happening with Underhill. THEN and only then does everything start to click.
The setting was unique and definitely makes the story stand out. It could almost be called an urban fantasy - set in modern-day Alaska, in a world where fae and humans peacefully coexist. Mostly…
I’m not yet a huge fan of the authors’ writing style…I feel like there’s a lot of telling and not a lot of showing. Especially with the sparks between Alli and Faolan. The “madness” Alli experiences feels much more like a mating bond-type obsession than anything else. And as all of us romantic fantasy readers know, fae mating bonds are the definition of instalove 😂
Now that the plot has picked up, I’ll definitely give book 2 a shot and see if things continue to improve from there!
The setting was unique and definitely makes the story stand out. It could almost be called an urban fantasy - set in modern-day Alaska, in a world where fae and humans peacefully coexist. Mostly…
I’m not yet a huge fan of the authors’ writing style…I feel like there’s a lot of telling and not a lot of showing. Especially with the sparks between Alli and Faolan. The “madness” Alli experiences feels much more like a mating bond-type obsession than anything else. And as all of us romantic fantasy readers know, fae mating bonds are the definition of instalove 😂
Now that the plot has picked up, I’ll definitely give book 2 a shot and see if things continue to improve from there!
July 26, 2021
So I haven't been on GR as much as I used to lately and it can sort of show in my ratings. I usually sift through my friends TL on GR to find a book to read( I let them do all the work) but now I just pick whatever and since my resolution this year was not to buy any book more than $1.99 each more often than not the books I pick are usually on KU or Prime reading and I don't do my due diligence.
The one thing I remember about the other book I have read from this author was that she strung me along for 3 books in a series and nothing was resolved in the end instead we were told to read a completely different series to follow the character's story. I gave up on that character because I wasn't about to put myself through that hassle.
This book has that kind of energy. Underhill has been destroyed and the main character is blamed, she runs away hoping to fix it before she's hauled off to prison. That's were the story starts to get boring. The MMC is so lackluster I don't even know why he's there. I also hate when the characters develop their romantic interest off pages though saying "develop" is a stretch for this couple. There is no chemistry despite what the author tries to imply. The heroine has a crush on the guy but the guy hates her for whatever reason, I know they will give us a BS reason for his being an asshole in book 2 but having to read about the heroine lusting on someone that actively shows he dislikes her got too much, this is coming from me that like asshole heroes.
One thing I absolutely hate is when the main character has a chance to resolve an issue and instead something happens which conveniently leads us to a cliffhanger then the next book the whole story continues again, wash, rinse and repeat. Some authors know how to do a cliffhanger, this author isn't one of them.
I didn't like the whole modern vibe they had going on. Like another reviewer said it was very Paris Hiltonesque, I know that Underhill had tourists visiting but it was very cringe especially when her and Cinth were talking. This brings me to Cinth, she brought nothing to the table at all. The only thing I know about her is that she can cook and that she's so sexy everyone wants to bang her. She's oblivious to this, of course but we are nonetheless told how sexy she is every time she makes an appearance.
I don't know if I will continue the series.
The one thing I remember about the other book I have read from this author was that she strung me along for 3 books in a series and nothing was resolved in the end instead we were told to read a completely different series to follow the character's story. I gave up on that character because I wasn't about to put myself through that hassle.
This book has that kind of energy. Underhill has been destroyed and the main character is blamed, she runs away hoping to fix it before she's hauled off to prison. That's were the story starts to get boring. The MMC is so lackluster I don't even know why he's there. I also hate when the characters develop their romantic interest off pages though saying "develop" is a stretch for this couple. There is no chemistry despite what the author tries to imply. The heroine has a crush on the guy but the guy hates her for whatever reason, I know they will give us a BS reason for his being an asshole in book 2 but having to read about the heroine lusting on someone that actively shows he dislikes her got too much, this is coming from me that like asshole heroes.
One thing I absolutely hate is when the main character has a chance to resolve an issue and instead something happens which conveniently leads us to a cliffhanger then the next book the whole story continues again, wash, rinse and repeat. Some authors know how to do a cliffhanger, this author isn't one of them.
I didn't like the whole modern vibe they had going on. Like another reviewer said it was very Paris Hiltonesque, I know that Underhill had tourists visiting but it was very cringe especially when her and Cinth were talking. This brings me to Cinth, she brought nothing to the table at all. The only thing I know about her is that she can cook and that she's so sexy everyone wants to bang her. She's oblivious to this, of course but we are nonetheless told how sexy she is every time she makes an appearance.
I don't know if I will continue the series.
July 1, 2021
Alli is a half human mutt, an orphan, a warrior, and an outcast.
Premise - the fae are out of hiding after WW2 and the government has given them land in Alaska. The fae are ruled by the Seelie and Unseelie courts. Outcasts and orphans can train to fight in the Underhill to earn their place in society. Those that don’t pass training are sent to the Triangle.
After Alli passes her training and swears her oath to the King of Seelie, the Underhill shatters and no one can enter.
Without the connection to the fae homeland, madness begins to spread.
Alli is hunted by all sides to find out how she destroyed Underhill. She takes refuge in an unlikely place - the Alaska Triangle.
Alli is a good main character. She pulls off tough and vulnerable very well. She runs off with her best friend Hyacinth. She is also being chased by her childhood crush, the Unseelie Faolan.
I really liked Faolan. He was Ali’s childhood protector - albeit rather grudgingly.
I also enjoyed the world building of fae hiding in the Alaskan Triangle - a real place known for its strange increase of missing persons.
There’s a set up for a slow burn romance, which I really love in a fantasy. All in all, it’s a strong start to a promising series. I am looking forward to seeing what happens to Alli, Cinth, Lan, and the Underhill next.
Really my only complaint is the title - a court of blank and blank is clearly going to resonate with fans of the a court of thorns and roses series - and other than having fae characters, this series is nothing like that. It may pull people in who really liked that series, but I feel like a lot of people might pass it up because they think it’s a knock off - and this series is pretty different. So if you saw the title and thought eh another knock off fated mates series, you may want to give it a try.
If you’re wanting to start a fantasy series with an underdog main character and the hints of a slow burn romance- you may want to check this one out.
Premise - the fae are out of hiding after WW2 and the government has given them land in Alaska. The fae are ruled by the Seelie and Unseelie courts. Outcasts and orphans can train to fight in the Underhill to earn their place in society. Those that don’t pass training are sent to the Triangle.
After Alli passes her training and swears her oath to the King of Seelie, the Underhill shatters and no one can enter.
Without the connection to the fae homeland, madness begins to spread.
Alli is hunted by all sides to find out how she destroyed Underhill. She takes refuge in an unlikely place - the Alaska Triangle.
Alli is a good main character. She pulls off tough and vulnerable very well. She runs off with her best friend Hyacinth. She is also being chased by her childhood crush, the Unseelie Faolan.
I really liked Faolan. He was Ali’s childhood protector - albeit rather grudgingly.
I also enjoyed the world building of fae hiding in the Alaskan Triangle - a real place known for its strange increase of missing persons.
There’s a set up for a slow burn romance, which I really love in a fantasy. All in all, it’s a strong start to a promising series. I am looking forward to seeing what happens to Alli, Cinth, Lan, and the Underhill next.
Really my only complaint is the title - a court of blank and blank is clearly going to resonate with fans of the a court of thorns and roses series - and other than having fae characters, this series is nothing like that. It may pull people in who really liked that series, but I feel like a lot of people might pass it up because they think it’s a knock off - and this series is pretty different. So if you saw the title and thought eh another knock off fated mates series, you may want to give it a try.
If you’re wanting to start a fantasy series with an underdog main character and the hints of a slow burn romance- you may want to check this one out.
June 17, 2021
*Spoiler free*
A few chapters in and you can already tell things are going to get bumpy. When the fae are involved it is never a pretty affair. Alli is witty and quick on her feet. After a hard childhood, becoming an adult is not any easier. So of course she has learned to be adaptable and a survivor, and after the long years she better be. She has a lot of heart and never gives up. Clearly, she is also a sexy sandwich! Cinth is amazing and hilarious. The perfect sister of the heart! She is hilarious and just the right amount of sassy. There are several Easter eggs in there that made me giddy to see. Faolan is hard to pin down. I mean HELLO! Love or nah dude?!?
If you like women who fight their way to strength, who don’t give up, and who strive to do what is right even when it isn’t easy, than this is a good book for you. The storyline is epic and the characters are well developed. Even the secondary characters feel real and pull emotion out of you. The romantic relationship is secondary but definitely there and the glimpses are (phew!) hot. I read this book as slow as possible, which was not slow at all since it was hard to put down.
If you have read Shannon Mayer before, I felt like this was a mix between Lark, Rylee, and Phoenix! So yea, amazing! I absolutely cannot wait for the next book!!
A few chapters in and you can already tell things are going to get bumpy. When the fae are involved it is never a pretty affair. Alli is witty and quick on her feet. After a hard childhood, becoming an adult is not any easier. So of course she has learned to be adaptable and a survivor, and after the long years she better be. She has a lot of heart and never gives up. Clearly, she is also a sexy sandwich! Cinth is amazing and hilarious. The perfect sister of the heart! She is hilarious and just the right amount of sassy. There are several Easter eggs in there that made me giddy to see. Faolan is hard to pin down. I mean HELLO! Love or nah dude?!?
If you like women who fight their way to strength, who don’t give up, and who strive to do what is right even when it isn’t easy, than this is a good book for you. The storyline is epic and the characters are well developed. Even the secondary characters feel real and pull emotion out of you. The romantic relationship is secondary but definitely there and the glimpses are (phew!) hot. I read this book as slow as possible, which was not slow at all since it was hard to put down.
If you have read Shannon Mayer before, I felt like this was a mix between Lark, Rylee, and Phoenix! So yea, amazing! I absolutely cannot wait for the next book!!
July 11, 2021
I was lucky enough to score an ARC of this book - but all thoughts and opinions are my own. This is a spoiler free and honest review
I knew from the moment I cracked the first page that I was onto something special.
You know the type of writing I mean.
Descriptive. Dramatic. Witty.
Drops a dirty joke by paragraph three.
Yep. I suspected I was in trouble.
And I was.
Husband, children and house left to organise themselves. Work forgotten (PRAYING my boss doesn’t find or follow me on goodreads) while I languished in a world of fae drama and intrigue.
Honestly- for lovers of grown up fairy tales - this is for you.
Think Sarah J Maas or Audrey Grey but funnier.
And If you’ve ever read and any of Kelly St Clare or Shannon Meyers other works you’ll love this just as much - promise! (and if you haven’t - you totally should!)
The world building is wonderfully descriptive and original. A good mix of fantasy and reality.
Our lead character has snark and humour and a punch of mystery. This combined with her brunette hair (love that she’s not blonde) and her ass kicking skills make her a truly enjoyable character.
The guys are smexy (I call dibs on faobae) and the story is fast paced and all consuming.
The last 50% felt like it disappeared in 10 minutes. Seriously seriously good.
I’m desperate to get my hands on book 2. Will offer Tim tams in exchange. Maybe a magnum.
Can’t recommend it highly enough.
I knew from the moment I cracked the first page that I was onto something special.
You know the type of writing I mean.
Descriptive. Dramatic. Witty.
Drops a dirty joke by paragraph three.
Yep. I suspected I was in trouble.
And I was.
Husband, children and house left to organise themselves. Work forgotten (PRAYING my boss doesn’t find or follow me on goodreads) while I languished in a world of fae drama and intrigue.
Honestly- for lovers of grown up fairy tales - this is for you.
Think Sarah J Maas or Audrey Grey but funnier.
And If you’ve ever read and any of Kelly St Clare or Shannon Meyers other works you’ll love this just as much - promise! (and if you haven’t - you totally should!)
The world building is wonderfully descriptive and original. A good mix of fantasy and reality.
Our lead character has snark and humour and a punch of mystery. This combined with her brunette hair (love that she’s not blonde) and her ass kicking skills make her a truly enjoyable character.
The guys are smexy (I call dibs on faobae) and the story is fast paced and all consuming.
The last 50% felt like it disappeared in 10 minutes. Seriously seriously good.
I’m desperate to get my hands on book 2. Will offer Tim tams in exchange. Maybe a magnum.
Can’t recommend it highly enough.
October 28, 2021
The basic plot idea and the description of this book on Amazon motivated me to buy and read it. Unfortunately, I persisted in my reading in spite of my misgivings about the quality of the writing. I should have known better. When I finish a mediocre book, I feel obligated to say why I find it disappointing and unworthy. I do not relish executing this kind of negative review, but I simply refuse to lie or let the matter pass in silence.
That said, here goes: The plot is perhaps the best thing about the book. Yet, even the plot has major holes and extreme imperfections in it. The fae are the object of fascination and dislike among humans, but they subsist in a society where there is not just one, but there are TWO self-ruling monarchies. Really? This story could have been developed as a thematic exploration of, say, colonization, genocide or environmental destruction. But no. I find it highly implausible that unintentional or deliberate fae extinction would not be part of the picture in such a world. At one point, a rogue group of fae capture and blow up a human cruise ship without any governmental authority having any idea what happened. Really? Terrorists could capture a cruise ship and kills hundreds of people without anyone being alerted — as the crime is happening — that something is wrong? It makes no sense. The world-building in this book is stunted, largely implausible, often silly, utterly lacking in verisimilitude. To that, I would add that the characterizations are juvenile. They are not merely flat and simplistic, but ridiculously so. They are dictated by a need for narrative tension, without carefully anchoring in a robust or complex understanding of personhood, minds or human nature. The dialogue, the character’s motivations, the plot twists and turns almost never rise above the level of flat clichés, stereotypes, or mind-numbing silliness. I honestly do not understand why I continued reading this beyond the first chapter or two. I guess I wanted to get an answer about exactly what happened in the catastrophe that befalls Kallik at the beginning of this novel. However, I had to expose myself to far too much hackneyed writing to get to the end of this novel. I will most definitely not buy the sequel to find out how this whole thing turns out.
There are many YA fictions that are fit for consumption by mature readers who have expectations of intellectual and literary quality. This is not one of them. If clichés, transparent plot devices, cheap deus ex machina twists and turns, extremely simplistic characters, flat and clichéd dialogues and abundant juvenile silliness that lack substance and verisimilitude do not bother you, you might love this novel and find it extremely entertaining. I most definitely did not.
That said, here goes: The plot is perhaps the best thing about the book. Yet, even the plot has major holes and extreme imperfections in it. The fae are the object of fascination and dislike among humans, but they subsist in a society where there is not just one, but there are TWO self-ruling monarchies. Really? This story could have been developed as a thematic exploration of, say, colonization, genocide or environmental destruction. But no. I find it highly implausible that unintentional or deliberate fae extinction would not be part of the picture in such a world. At one point, a rogue group of fae capture and blow up a human cruise ship without any governmental authority having any idea what happened. Really? Terrorists could capture a cruise ship and kills hundreds of people without anyone being alerted — as the crime is happening — that something is wrong? It makes no sense. The world-building in this book is stunted, largely implausible, often silly, utterly lacking in verisimilitude. To that, I would add that the characterizations are juvenile. They are not merely flat and simplistic, but ridiculously so. They are dictated by a need for narrative tension, without carefully anchoring in a robust or complex understanding of personhood, minds or human nature. The dialogue, the character’s motivations, the plot twists and turns almost never rise above the level of flat clichés, stereotypes, or mind-numbing silliness. I honestly do not understand why I continued reading this beyond the first chapter or two. I guess I wanted to get an answer about exactly what happened in the catastrophe that befalls Kallik at the beginning of this novel. However, I had to expose myself to far too much hackneyed writing to get to the end of this novel. I will most definitely not buy the sequel to find out how this whole thing turns out.
There are many YA fictions that are fit for consumption by mature readers who have expectations of intellectual and literary quality. This is not one of them. If clichés, transparent plot devices, cheap deus ex machina twists and turns, extremely simplistic characters, flat and clichéd dialogues and abundant juvenile silliness that lack substance and verisimilitude do not bother you, you might love this novel and find it extremely entertaining. I most definitely did not.
July 8, 2021
A Court of Honey and Ash is the first book in a new series by authors Kelly St Clare and Shannon Mayer . Although I am more familiar with Kelly’s works, I have read novels by both authors. After devouring this excellent first installment, I can say they knocked it out of the park!
Both of these authors are perfectly balanced and represented throughout the book. The characters, dialogue and sass are classic St. Clare and Mayer styles.
The other aspect of this series that drew me in was the mythological and cultural aspect (proud nerd alert). You can tell how much research they put into weaving this story. The coolest part is that even though there’s obviously so much research, they wove it into a new realm and gave us main characters that I can easily get addicted to!
Alli is a great heroine /female protagonist and I love how she takes no mercy yet has a huge heart .
Without naming the hero/male protagonist, I will say that I love him and I hope I am right in guessing that they are the slow burn romantic aspect of this story. If so, this is going to get even more interesting and exciting !
The book ends on a slight cliffhanger and leaves you wanting the next installment - which reminds me, is it here yet ? There are several plot twists and you’re left with more questions that you’re dying to have answered as you wait for the second book!
If you are a fan of mythology, slow burn romance, the world of Fae, and a healthy dose of sass, then this book is 100% for you.
Both of these authors are perfectly balanced and represented throughout the book. The characters, dialogue and sass are classic St. Clare and Mayer styles.
The other aspect of this series that drew me in was the mythological and cultural aspect (proud nerd alert). You can tell how much research they put into weaving this story. The coolest part is that even though there’s obviously so much research, they wove it into a new realm and gave us main characters that I can easily get addicted to!
Alli is a great heroine /female protagonist and I love how she takes no mercy yet has a huge heart .
Without naming the hero/male protagonist, I will say that I love him and I hope I am right in guessing that they are the slow burn romantic aspect of this story. If so, this is going to get even more interesting and exciting !
The book ends on a slight cliffhanger and leaves you wanting the next installment - which reminds me, is it here yet ? There are several plot twists and you’re left with more questions that you’re dying to have answered as you wait for the second book!
If you are a fan of mythology, slow burn romance, the world of Fae, and a healthy dose of sass, then this book is 100% for you.
November 14, 2021
I enjoyed this so much, I'm immediately going to read the next book!
It reminds me very much of Sarah J Maas
Elizabeth Evans is my all time favourite narrator.
I loved that the main character has some serious sass and won't take any rubbish from anyone.
I lived my best Fae loving life reading A Court of Honey and Ash....on to A Throne of Feathers and Bone!
It reminds me very much of Sarah J Maas
Elizabeth Evans is my all time favourite narrator.
I loved that the main character has some serious sass and won't take any rubbish from anyone.
I lived my best Fae loving life reading A Court of Honey and Ash....on to A Throne of Feathers and Bone!
July 2, 2021
4.25 Stars
This series is off to a great start for sure! It was action packed, mysterious, magical, and had a touch of romance with a hot unseelie fae. It was pretty much everything we can look forward to and more, but at the same time, it had a uniqueness to it which i thoroughly enjoyed.
I'm a newbie to Shannon, and have read almost every book of Kelly's, and this definitely has a Kelly St Clare vibe to it, with a strong and resilient heroine on the run, but I'm surprised at how flawlessly cohesive the writing was and I wasn't able to tell one author from another, which definitely puts Mayer on the top of my tbr now.
Usually fae books are all fantasy with mates and romance and dresses and everyone looking God-sent, which, while it had some of that, it also put a spin on it and made certain aspects more mysterious. So it kept me guessing what may or may not happen up until the very last page, especially with the romance. It had great world-building and definitely enough action to keep the plot moving.
The only reason for the 4 instead of 5 stars, is because at some points, the heroine did bother me a bit with how much she focused on her crush (not my favorite trope) and how much she focused on Cinth and men being obsessed with her. With her crush, I had hoped she would have been more resilient and stubborn with him, although I'm wondering if there will be more of an explanation later on. And with Cinth, the amount of times the heroine would mention men being obsessed with her and how extravagant her cleavage is basically, ended up being a bit repetitive. So I am hoping the next book cuts back on that a bit.
Overall though, this was a very promising book and start to a series. I'm also super excited to see what happens next and finally be given some more explanations hopefully, especially after that crazy end. Looking forward to it for sure!
*ARC Provided in Exchange for a Honest Review*
This series is off to a great start for sure! It was action packed, mysterious, magical, and had a touch of romance with a hot unseelie fae. It was pretty much everything we can look forward to and more, but at the same time, it had a uniqueness to it which i thoroughly enjoyed.
I'm a newbie to Shannon, and have read almost every book of Kelly's, and this definitely has a Kelly St Clare vibe to it, with a strong and resilient heroine on the run, but I'm surprised at how flawlessly cohesive the writing was and I wasn't able to tell one author from another, which definitely puts Mayer on the top of my tbr now.
Usually fae books are all fantasy with mates and romance and dresses and everyone looking God-sent, which, while it had some of that, it also put a spin on it and made certain aspects more mysterious. So it kept me guessing what may or may not happen up until the very last page, especially with the romance. It had great world-building and definitely enough action to keep the plot moving.
The only reason for the 4 instead of 5 stars, is because at some points, the heroine did bother me a bit with how much she focused on her crush (not my favorite trope) and how much she focused on Cinth and men being obsessed with her. With her crush, I had hoped she would have been more resilient and stubborn with him, although I'm wondering if there will be more of an explanation later on. And with Cinth, the amount of times the heroine would mention men being obsessed with her and how extravagant her cleavage is basically, ended up being a bit repetitive. So I am hoping the next book cuts back on that a bit.
Overall though, this was a very promising book and start to a series. I'm also super excited to see what happens next and finally be given some more explanations hopefully, especially after that crazy end. Looking forward to it for sure!
*ARC Provided in Exchange for a Honest Review*
June 12, 2021
Oh good gracious, I should have known better. This story was the kind that grabbed me so completely that I found myself anxiously watching the read percentage on my Kindle go up, knowing it was coming to an end and not able to stop reading because I wanted more.
If you enjoy stories involving the fae, or spicy, strong heroines with daddy abandonment issues, or Alaska, this book is for you.
All I knew when I picked it up was that it was set in Alaska, and written by two favorite authors. I didn't particularly love fae-based stories, although I didn't avoid them, either (looking at you zombie books). I always enjoy bad a** female leads who know how to take care of themselves, no matter what the age of the character. So I thought to myself, "meh, why not try it out. Its something knew at least until Shannon's next Forty Proof book comes out."
And then it was 4 a.m. and I was halfway through it and realizing I had to get up to adult in two hours. And pouting because all I wanted to do a as keep reading, responsibilities be damned!
Oh, and Alli's best friend will make you hungry, be forewarned. And you might just see an old friend from another Shannon-verse, too.
If you enjoy stories involving the fae, or spicy, strong heroines with daddy abandonment issues, or Alaska, this book is for you.
All I knew when I picked it up was that it was set in Alaska, and written by two favorite authors. I didn't particularly love fae-based stories, although I didn't avoid them, either (looking at you zombie books). I always enjoy bad a** female leads who know how to take care of themselves, no matter what the age of the character. So I thought to myself, "meh, why not try it out. Its something knew at least until Shannon's next Forty Proof book comes out."
And then it was 4 a.m. and I was halfway through it and realizing I had to get up to adult in two hours. And pouting because all I wanted to do a as keep reading, responsibilities be damned!
Oh, and Alli's best friend will make you hungry, be forewarned. And you might just see an old friend from another Shannon-verse, too.
June 11, 2021
This book took off running from the start. The first chapter was action packed to the max, and everything following is what I love about low fantasy.
Alli is brave, strong, with a touch of daddy issues and imposter syndrome that makes her relatable. She's an orphan half fae that has to prove her worth, and she does. Though she questions everyone and everything around her, it's needed for survival. I loved her snark, loyalty to those who have earned it, and her strength.
Lan. The childhood crush. The bad boy. Unseelie and everything she can't have, his brooding nature and emotionless demeanor just does all kinds of things to me. I gather he's not what he seems and I can't wait to dig into him and find all the secrets.
Hyacinth is Alli's best friend. She's unwavering in her love and support. She gathers admirers like the queen she is, and she's an amazing cook and baker. She can be on my team anyday.
There are a myriad of other characters I love. Each one is well flushed out, important, and I can see them becoming the found family Alli's always craved.
The magic and plot of this book kept me on the edge of my seat. I yelled in anger, laughed, teared up, and cheered as I continued on this amazing ride. Old friends came to say hi, and the end left me wanting more. I'm excited to start this new fae journey, and I'm greatly anticipating what comes next. A brilliant start to a new, fantastic tale, and I couldn't put it down!
Alli is brave, strong, with a touch of daddy issues and imposter syndrome that makes her relatable. She's an orphan half fae that has to prove her worth, and she does. Though she questions everyone and everything around her, it's needed for survival. I loved her snark, loyalty to those who have earned it, and her strength.
Lan. The childhood crush. The bad boy. Unseelie and everything she can't have, his brooding nature and emotionless demeanor just does all kinds of things to me. I gather he's not what he seems and I can't wait to dig into him and find all the secrets.
Hyacinth is Alli's best friend. She's unwavering in her love and support. She gathers admirers like the queen she is, and she's an amazing cook and baker. She can be on my team anyday.
There are a myriad of other characters I love. Each one is well flushed out, important, and I can see them becoming the found family Alli's always craved.
The magic and plot of this book kept me on the edge of my seat. I yelled in anger, laughed, teared up, and cheered as I continued on this amazing ride. Old friends came to say hi, and the end left me wanting more. I'm excited to start this new fae journey, and I'm greatly anticipating what comes next. A brilliant start to a new, fantastic tale, and I couldn't put it down!
July 6, 2021
I loved it! An epic start to a fresh new series!
Wow! I love a strong female lead! (I'd call her something else but, censors *sigh*) This book starts off at the edge of your seat. A great writer can use words to build your right into the pages you are reading and this book has two of my favorite authors. I could see everything the main character Alli sees. I love this take on the Fae and legendary creatures. I'm invested now, I NEED to know what the characters are doing now that I've finished. If you are reading this review, buy the book. If you like action, adventure, fantasy, and maybe a little romance, you won't be let down!
Wow! I love a strong female lead! (I'd call her something else but, censors *sigh*) This book starts off at the edge of your seat. A great writer can use words to build your right into the pages you are reading and this book has two of my favorite authors. I could see everything the main character Alli sees. I love this take on the Fae and legendary creatures. I'm invested now, I NEED to know what the characters are doing now that I've finished. If you are reading this review, buy the book. If you like action, adventure, fantasy, and maybe a little romance, you won't be let down!
June 10, 2021
I've read several books about Fae in my time but this approach took me by surprise! I was so enthralled while reading this book that I didn't get anything done! Totally worth it! Also, it made me hungry. I'm going to go make some kind of tart now... 🤷🏻♀️
P.s... I'm dying for the next book!! Ahhh!!
P.s.s... if you're on a diet, do yourself a favor and have some healthy snacks around!
P.s... I'm dying for the next book!! Ahhh!!
P.s.s... if you're on a diet, do yourself a favor and have some healthy snacks around!
September 6, 2022
I saw this book on KU and thought that has an amazing cover and that I’d check it out without looking at reviews (which I always have done with any unknown book). I was terribly disappointed when I got a page in and then promptly stopped reading because there was already cussing in it.
November 22, 2021
4.5 stars. I was just in the right mood for this! Rescuing Underhill is paramount in this book. But where has it gone and when did it go? Who is to blame. The Seelie and Unseelie courts are duking it out. One misfit half fae✅ secret Royal blood ✅ orphans✅ magical fae creatures ✅ frenemies✅ backstabbing ✅ love interest ✅oracle✅ action✅ baking skills✅Yep. Something for everyone !
June 13, 2021
Let me begin with stating i did receive an ARC, but this is an honest review.
The books does start off slow, but this is a theme with any of the opening books of a series written by Kelly St. Claire- but just push through. This opening scenes always help with character development so the reader has an understanding of why the character does certain things later in the book.
From reading this first book, i know the series will only get better. I love that we get to “hear” the inter-monologue of the main character. They help connect the ideas of the past with the present and the future.
I read some comments about the title, and after reading the book the title has to stay and this book is nothing like you have read before, which is refreshing. I cannot predict what is going to happen because this book resembles non that i have read before. If i had to use one word to summarize the book it is “survival”. It was what is the motivational factor for everyone in this book.
Happy Reading!
The books does start off slow, but this is a theme with any of the opening books of a series written by Kelly St. Claire- but just push through. This opening scenes always help with character development so the reader has an understanding of why the character does certain things later in the book.
From reading this first book, i know the series will only get better. I love that we get to “hear” the inter-monologue of the main character. They help connect the ideas of the past with the present and the future.
I read some comments about the title, and after reading the book the title has to stay and this book is nothing like you have read before, which is refreshing. I cannot predict what is going to happen because this book resembles non that i have read before. If i had to use one word to summarize the book it is “survival”. It was what is the motivational factor for everyone in this book.
Happy Reading!
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