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Atonement of the Spine Cleaver
Rorax Greywood lives in the Realms and was trained to fight, kill, and steal for the House of Ice’s special forces unit, the Heilstorms, from the time she was ten years old. During her time as a Heilstorm, Rorax committed more violent atrocities in the name of her House than she could ever remember, but the blackest stain on her soul remains the Siege of Surmalinn—an infiltration and near genocide in the largest House of Death city. Years later, when Rorax is called upon by the Gods to compete in the Choosing, a deadly competition that decides the next Guardian of the Realms, it quickly becomes clear the only House strong enough to protect her is the House of Death. Rorax knows she isn’t worthy to become the Realms’ new Guardian, so she somehow needs to convince the House of Death—and their brutally handsome lieutenant—to both help her find the next suitable Guardian, and free her from the Choosing before the Choosing kills her.
773 pages, Paperback
Published August 31, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 445 reviews
October 25, 2023
3.25-3.5
I did enjoy this and I thought it was an admirable debut but I had quite a few gripes with it. in rough order from least to most petty:
1. late and messy backstory introduction: there was no context/backstory for the first 30ish pages so I was just reading about characters doing things with no idea who they were or why they were doing those things. when we did learn more about the characters the introduction of the info was extremely ham-fisted. it was basically like "they were walking through the woods. and this character has these magical abilities and her husband used to be a pirate. and this other person in their military unit has this power. and the main character is different and she has these powers. and they were complaining about how they were walking through the woods." it was a textbook example of telling rather than showing - zero segue, just things happening, then "X is Y and here is how Z works," then back to things happening.
2. too many POVs: I'm all for multi POV but in my opinion every POV needs to be crucial to the story and convey information that cannot be conveyed in any other way/by any other character. there were about 7? POVs in this book and the only ones that needed to be there were the protagonist, the love interest, and maybe one more. the rest of them were either repeating info that we had already gotten through the protagonist's perspective or, for instance, "hi I'm this lady that wants to kill the protagonist, but I don't end up killing her so the whole thing is actually irrelevant, except I'm also always having sex with someone!"
I understand that, for instance, rhaegar's - oh sorry I meant "raengar," whose name is definitely not a game of thrones reference - perspective is important bc the events in his story are taking place super far away from the main location, but that just made the plot feel disjointed because he never ended up meeting the characters from the main storyline so I wondered what the point was of learning about him at all?
3. terrible sex scenes: the sex scenes between the MMC and FMC felt like the author had taken every overused phrase/cringe-y aspect from those really popular "spicy" booktok books and compiled them. the narration says "bullseye" when the MMC finds the FMC's clit. every time they hook up she has these insane, mind-blowing, earth-shattering orgasms in 0.5 seconds flat and every time she's like "holy shit that was the best orgasm I've EVER HAD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!!!" (classic Magic Penis Syndrome[TM]). at one point she "drips down her thighs" because of the MMC's FACIAL EXPRESSION. the author repeatedly uses the word "womb" (please stop, that is not sexy). the MMC offers to finger, FIST, or fuck the FMC during one of their first encounters, like why is fisting on the table?? at a certain point I was just rolling my eyes through all the sex scenes.
4. proofreading: I understand that indie authors have trouble finding editors for their work, so this is an understandable flaw and one that I hope can be fixed in a rerelease or in the rest of the series - but the proofreading really left something to be desired. I can most accurately describe the use of punctuation in this book as "creative." the author consistently refers to the MMC's pectorals as "pecks" instead of pecs and misspelled his name in one of the sex scenes.
5. authorial tics: by that I mean that the author would overuse certain terms/have certain things happen far too often. people threaten to kill each other literally every 3-4 pages and somebody snarls at least ten times per chapter. this happens with every author (SJM has some distinctive ones like "watery bowels" for example) though
6. the feminist legend (/s) male love interest thinks women can't have friends because he threatens to kill any man who so much as breathes near the protagonist. it gets old, especially in combination with the incessant mentions of how BIG and HUGE and PHYSICALLY IMPOSING and MUSCULAR and RIPPED he is
I did enjoy this book despite these issues and I'm someone for whom things like proofreading are really important, so please don't let me deter you if none of my gripes sound like things that would bother you :)
I did enjoy this and I thought it was an admirable debut but I had quite a few gripes with it. in rough order from least to most petty:
1. late and messy backstory introduction: there was no context/backstory for the first 30ish pages so I was just reading about characters doing things with no idea who they were or why they were doing those things. when we did learn more about the characters the introduction of the info was extremely ham-fisted. it was basically like "they were walking through the woods. and this character has these magical abilities and her husband used to be a pirate. and this other person in their military unit has this power. and the main character is different and she has these powers. and they were complaining about how they were walking through the woods." it was a textbook example of telling rather than showing - zero segue, just things happening, then "X is Y and here is how Z works," then back to things happening.
2. too many POVs: I'm all for multi POV but in my opinion every POV needs to be crucial to the story and convey information that cannot be conveyed in any other way/by any other character. there were about 7? POVs in this book and the only ones that needed to be there were the protagonist, the love interest, and maybe one more. the rest of them were either repeating info that we had already gotten through the protagonist's perspective or, for instance, "hi I'm this lady that wants to kill the protagonist, but I don't end up killing her so the whole thing is actually irrelevant, except I'm also always having sex with someone!"
I understand that, for instance, rhaegar's - oh sorry I meant "raengar," whose name is definitely not a game of thrones reference - perspective is important bc the events in his story are taking place super far away from the main location, but that just made the plot feel disjointed because he never ended up meeting the characters from the main storyline so I wondered what the point was of learning about him at all?
3. terrible sex scenes: the sex scenes between the MMC and FMC felt like the author had taken every overused phrase/cringe-y aspect from those really popular "spicy" booktok books and compiled them. the narration says "bullseye" when the MMC finds the FMC's clit. every time they hook up she has these insane, mind-blowing, earth-shattering orgasms in 0.5 seconds flat and every time she's like "holy shit that was the best orgasm I've EVER HAD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!!!" (classic Magic Penis Syndrome[TM]). at one point she "drips down her thighs" because of the MMC's FACIAL EXPRESSION. the author repeatedly uses the word "womb" (please stop, that is not sexy). the MMC offers to finger, FIST, or fuck the FMC during one of their first encounters, like why is fisting on the table?? at a certain point I was just rolling my eyes through all the sex scenes.
4. proofreading: I understand that indie authors have trouble finding editors for their work, so this is an understandable flaw and one that I hope can be fixed in a rerelease or in the rest of the series - but the proofreading really left something to be desired. I can most accurately describe the use of punctuation in this book as "creative." the author consistently refers to the MMC's pectorals as "pecks" instead of pecs and misspelled his name in one of the sex scenes.
5. authorial tics: by that I mean that the author would overuse certain terms/have certain things happen far too often. people threaten to kill each other literally every 3-4 pages and somebody snarls at least ten times per chapter. this happens with every author (SJM has some distinctive ones like "watery bowels" for example) though
6. the feminist legend (/s) male love interest thinks women can't have friends because he threatens to kill any man who so much as breathes near the protagonist. it gets old, especially in combination with the incessant mentions of how BIG and HUGE and PHYSICALLY IMPOSING and MUSCULAR and RIPPED he is
I did enjoy this book despite these issues and I'm someone for whom things like proofreading are really important, so please don't let me deter you if none of my gripes sound like things that would bother you :)
dnf
December 2, 2023DNF @ 7%. I just can’t do it. The dialogue is rather cringy/corny and is giving me 2nd hand embarrassment.
December 18, 2023
5/5 - For a debut novel in an oversaturated genre, F.E. Bryce has absolutely KILLED IT!!!! Well written, excellent world building that was easy to follow, an interesting plot that sets up the series, main characters with depth and dimension, AND steamy tension and spice. We are truly blessed to have all 5 of these things in one book!!!! I need more now plz.
Pros:
- Competent, tortured, morally grey heroine: Rorax (FMC) is secretly known as The Spine Cleaver, and she lives up to this badass, powerful name. Rorax is the shit. Her backstory is DARK and really shapes her current state of mind. She's got personality and dimension. I love her as the FMC.
- Brooding, tortured hero : Ayres is everything I want in male main character. He's tattoo'd, tormented with a troubled backstory, always brooding, dominant, powerful, and has a filthy mouth.
- True enemies to lovers : These 2 actually feel like enemies for a while because Ayres has a real reason to hate Rorax. Led to some amazing tension / build up and the spice was 🥵🥵🥵. Soooo good.
- Excellent world building: Unique enough that was easy to follow, and interesting plot that sets up a series. High fantasy 12 different realms, gods, dragons, trials & tests (think: darker version of of Hunger Games / Throne of Glass / Fourth Wing), upcoming war, and some politics & intrigue. It had everything, and it was all well done.
- Multiple POVs: Used sparingly and intentionally to drive the story forward whenever POV changed. It was really well done, and now I'm invested in the side characters. Looking forward to how all the stories eventually connect in future books.
- Diversity and representation: Queer normative world that didn't feel performative whatsoever.
Cons:
- Ayres calls Rorax his "Little Crow" 🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢 FOR GODS SAKE, THESE HORRIBLE PET NAMES NEED TO BE STOPPED IN EVERY BOOK!!!
- First few chapters were kind of a slog to get through and the book is quite long
Other than that, NO NOTES!!! I fucking loved this book.
--
Book Summary:
Pros:
- Competent, tortured, morally grey heroine: Rorax (FMC) is secretly known as The Spine Cleaver, and she lives up to this badass, powerful name. Rorax is the shit. Her backstory is DARK and really shapes her current state of mind. She's got personality and dimension. I love her as the FMC.
- Brooding, tortured hero : Ayres is everything I want in male main character. He's tattoo'd, tormented with a troubled backstory, always brooding, dominant, powerful, and has a filthy mouth.
- True enemies to lovers : These 2 actually feel like enemies for a while because Ayres has a real reason to hate Rorax. Led to some amazing tension / build up and the spice was 🥵🥵🥵. Soooo good.
- Excellent world building: Unique enough that was easy to follow, and interesting plot that sets up a series. High fantasy 12 different realms, gods, dragons, trials & tests (think: darker version of of Hunger Games / Throne of Glass / Fourth Wing), upcoming war, and some politics & intrigue. It had everything, and it was all well done.
- Multiple POVs: Used sparingly and intentionally to drive the story forward whenever POV changed. It was really well done, and now I'm invested in the side characters. Looking forward to how all the stories eventually connect in future books.
- Diversity and representation: Queer normative world that didn't feel performative whatsoever.
Cons:
- Ayres calls Rorax his "Little Crow" 🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢 FOR GODS SAKE, THESE HORRIBLE PET NAMES NEED TO BE STOPPED IN EVERY BOOK!!!
- First few chapters were kind of a slog to get through and the book is quite long
Other than that, NO NOTES!!! I fucking loved this book.
--
Book Summary:
January 7, 2024
This book needs an editor badly.
June 14, 2024
Man this book was not fun to read. It felt like the author was purposefully trying to throw you off. I rarely notice editing mistake but oh my god was this book filled with errors. This has been recommended many time to me so I am very disappointed. Gave up at 15% the plot and worldbuilding makes no sense and was just borderline silly. Zero connection to the characters and the book is way too long. At the end of the day the second book doesn’t come out for a year and I’m sure I’ll forget all about it even if I did finish it.
May 21, 2024
This book sounded great and started off strong. I was really excited. Ro is a badass, and I was interested to see her kick ass and take names, but somewhere along the line, she and the story started to really diverge for me. It had interesting ideas and potential but definitely got lost in too many plot lines, none of which were tied up at all, and with that many at least one or two should have been resolved.This author tried to fit too much in one book and its unnecessarily long for it. I felt there were some inconsistencies with the information that was provided. When deaths protectors got mad at Ro for her first influx, I was absolutely shaking my head. We were literally all just told about them. The pacing and timelines are also a bit confusing. I have been reading a lot of monster romance and gotten a bit burned out on them and really wanted some epic fantasy with some romance, something I could really get into. What I long for is great adult romance and an amazing plot to go with it, but those books are dime a dozen. This book had potential but missed the overall mark for me, although I have to say I did kind of want our two male leads in the romance department to meet and fight over Ro.
December 4, 2023
First half good, went downhill once the ML was introduced 🫠 I was hoping not to see a 1000th iteration of "badass sassy fmc and her alpha male" because Rorax was pretty interesting at first, yet here we are
December 19, 2024
**4.75**
I could not put this down! Was this the best written, most complex high fantasy I’ve ever read? No. But was the world unique, yes. Did I connect with the characters yes. Fans of Sarah j Maas, you will love this. I am so excited to read more from this author. Can’t wait for book 2!
I could not put this down! Was this the best written, most complex high fantasy I’ve ever read? No. But was the world unique, yes. Did I connect with the characters yes. Fans of Sarah j Maas, you will love this. I am so excited to read more from this author. Can’t wait for book 2!
September 15, 2023
Atonement of the Spine Cleaver
Multiple POVs + SO MANY TROPES .. you would think too much? WRONG. This was such a unique read. The title hooked me, but I could not read this fast enough. Enjoyed every page.
Multiple POVs + SO MANY TROPES .. you would think too much? WRONG. This was such a unique read. The title hooked me, but I could not read this fast enough. Enjoyed every page.
August 22, 2023
**ARC Review**
Bryce has created such a perfectly intricate world! At no point are you able to get bored with this story. The magic system is unique and plays into the class system. There are a multitude of gods and goddesses. The world is queer normative, which I believe adds to a layer of how characters express themselves and see others. The story carries on with no worries on gender of character which is very refreshing. The FMC and MMC are both morally grey and this adds a depth to their characters and the relationship between them that makes them feel relatable, and it makes the development of their relationship feel more real and not just constructed to add romance and spice to the story. The story contains many POVs that help carry the story and give a more well rounded view on all the characters' thoughts and actions, and the meanings behind them. Bryce has perfectly melded a story about personal development and relationship development with an intense plot of danger, secret missions, and quite a bit of violence (but not distasteful).
Bryce has created such a perfectly intricate world! At no point are you able to get bored with this story. The magic system is unique and plays into the class system. There are a multitude of gods and goddesses. The world is queer normative, which I believe adds to a layer of how characters express themselves and see others. The story carries on with no worries on gender of character which is very refreshing. The FMC and MMC are both morally grey and this adds a depth to their characters and the relationship between them that makes them feel relatable, and it makes the development of their relationship feel more real and not just constructed to add romance and spice to the story. The story contains many POVs that help carry the story and give a more well rounded view on all the characters' thoughts and actions, and the meanings behind them. Bryce has perfectly melded a story about personal development and relationship development with an intense plot of danger, secret missions, and quite a bit of violence (but not distasteful).
December 20, 2023
DNF at 10%. The writing is so poor that I couldn't even begin to get invested in the story. Riddled with mistakes and odd language choices not befitting the setting/story. This read more like a Wattpad story than a published work.
September 4, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC.
As soon as I read the plot, I knew I would love this book, but I didn't expect it to exceed my expectations so much.
"Atonement of the Spine Cleaver" is a long epic fantasy with a strong romance component. At first, I admit that I had a bit of trouble with the world-building, in fact we are immediately catapulted into this world and in the midst of action, and of course it takes some time before we can get settled, but later we get the right explanations. After finishing the book, I can say that the world-building is one of its strengths.
It was a quick and flowing reading, and after you get through the first hundred pages, it becomes difficult to put the book aside.
"Atonement of the Spine Cleaver" is a volume of more than eight hundred pages, and yet at the end I wanted more of this universe. The plot is full of twists, political intrigue, action scenes and it's impossible not to love the characters.
Rorax is a fantastic protagonist. She is conscious of her strength, but she considers herself a monster since she was raised to kill. Yet she’s not afraid to show her feelings.
Ayres is the usual male character who seems detached, but who actually has a great heart. And his body is covered in tattoos.
Even the secondary characters are well characterized and I loved the bond between all of them.
Obviously the thing I liked the most was the main ship. This is an enemies to lovers with all the trimmings! And there are also spicy scenes.
I think this book is one of those that could satisfy readers who have very different tastes and I’m pretty sure It will have the success it deserves.
For me it was one of the best readings of the year.
RECENSIONE IN ITALIANO:
"Atonement of the Spine Cleaver" è il primo volume di una nuova saga fantasy, nonché libro di debutto di F.E Bryce.
Rorax Greywood vive nei Realms ed è stata cresciuta come un'arma fin da quando aveva otto anni. I Realms sono divisi in dodici Case legate agli elementi, e Rorax fa parte delle forze speciali della Casa del Ghiaccio. É stata costretta a commettere molte atrocità nella sua vita, ma sicuramente il genocidio della più grande città della Casa della Morte è la cosa peggiore a cui abbia mai preso parte.
Anni dopo Rorax viene costretta dagli dei a partecipare ad un torneo che decreterà il nuovo Guardiano del Nord, una delle figure più importanti al mondo che ha il compito di proteggere le Case. Ognuna delle dodici partecipanti al torneo può essere scelta da una Casa che la proteggerà nei mesi in cui si svolgeranno le prove, ma Rorax non vuole diventare una Guardiana. Il suo scopo è quello di trovare tra le candidate la persona più adatta al ruolo, aiutarla a vincere e riuscire ad abbandonare il tornero indenne. Per poterci riuscire però sa che avrà bisogno dell'aiuto dei suoi più grandi nemici, gli emissari della Casa della Morte.
Nel momento stesso in cui ho letto la trama di questo libro ho capito che mi sarebbe piaciuto, ma non avrei mai pensato potesse superare così tanto le mie aspettative.
"Atonement of the Spine Cleaver" è un epic fantasy, molto corposo, con una forte componente romance.
All'inizio ammetto di aver avuto un po' di difficoltà con il world-building. Infatti veniamo subito catapultati in questo mondo e nel pieno dell'azione, e ovviamente c'è bisogno di un po' di tempo prima di riuscire ad ambientarsi, ma andando avanti con la storia si ricevono le giuste spiegazioni. Arrivata a fine volume posso affermare che il world-building è uno dei punti forti di questo libro.
La storia è davvero scorrevole, e superato il primo centinaio di pagine diventa difficile staccarsi dal libro. Si tratta di un volume lungo più di ottocento pagine, eppure io avrei voluto leggerne ancora. La trama è ricca di colpi di scena, intrighi politici e scene d'azione che fanno venire le palpitazioni, ed è impossibile non affezionarsi ai personaggi.
Rorax è una protagonista fantastica. É consapevole di essere molto forte, ma allo stesso tempo si considera un mostro, dato che è stata cresciuta con lo scopo di uccidere. Nonostante tutto si lascia spesso travolgere dai sentimenti, e non ha paura di mostrare ciò che prova. Ayres è il solito personaggio maschile che sembra distaccato, ma che in realtà ha un gran cuore. E poi è pieno di tatuaggi
Anche i personaggi secondari sono ben caratterizzati, e ho amato il legame che si è creato tra loro e i protagonisti. Da amante della Found Family non poteva essere altrimenti.
Ovviamente la cosa che mi è piaciuta più in assoluto del libro è stata la ship principale. Si tratta infatti di un enemies to lovers, slow burn, coi fiocchi e tra l'altro ci sono anche diverse scene belle piccanti.
Credo che questo libro possa accontentare anche lettori che hanno gusti molto diversi, perché racchiude in sé tantissimi elementi e sono abbastanza certa che avrà il successo che si merita.
Per me è stata una delle letture migliori dell'anno.
As soon as I read the plot, I knew I would love this book, but I didn't expect it to exceed my expectations so much.
"Atonement of the Spine Cleaver" is a long epic fantasy with a strong romance component. At first, I admit that I had a bit of trouble with the world-building, in fact we are immediately catapulted into this world and in the midst of action, and of course it takes some time before we can get settled, but later we get the right explanations. After finishing the book, I can say that the world-building is one of its strengths.
It was a quick and flowing reading, and after you get through the first hundred pages, it becomes difficult to put the book aside.
"Atonement of the Spine Cleaver" is a volume of more than eight hundred pages, and yet at the end I wanted more of this universe. The plot is full of twists, political intrigue, action scenes and it's impossible not to love the characters.
Rorax is a fantastic protagonist. She is conscious of her strength, but she considers herself a monster since she was raised to kill. Yet she’s not afraid to show her feelings.
Ayres is the usual male character who seems detached, but who actually has a great heart. And his body is covered in tattoos.
Even the secondary characters are well characterized and I loved the bond between all of them.
Obviously the thing I liked the most was the main ship. This is an enemies to lovers with all the trimmings! And there are also spicy scenes.
I think this book is one of those that could satisfy readers who have very different tastes and I’m pretty sure It will have the success it deserves.
For me it was one of the best readings of the year.
RECENSIONE IN ITALIANO:
"Atonement of the Spine Cleaver" è il primo volume di una nuova saga fantasy, nonché libro di debutto di F.E Bryce.
Rorax Greywood vive nei Realms ed è stata cresciuta come un'arma fin da quando aveva otto anni. I Realms sono divisi in dodici Case legate agli elementi, e Rorax fa parte delle forze speciali della Casa del Ghiaccio. É stata costretta a commettere molte atrocità nella sua vita, ma sicuramente il genocidio della più grande città della Casa della Morte è la cosa peggiore a cui abbia mai preso parte.
Anni dopo Rorax viene costretta dagli dei a partecipare ad un torneo che decreterà il nuovo Guardiano del Nord, una delle figure più importanti al mondo che ha il compito di proteggere le Case. Ognuna delle dodici partecipanti al torneo può essere scelta da una Casa che la proteggerà nei mesi in cui si svolgeranno le prove, ma Rorax non vuole diventare una Guardiana. Il suo scopo è quello di trovare tra le candidate la persona più adatta al ruolo, aiutarla a vincere e riuscire ad abbandonare il tornero indenne. Per poterci riuscire però sa che avrà bisogno dell'aiuto dei suoi più grandi nemici, gli emissari della Casa della Morte.
Nel momento stesso in cui ho letto la trama di questo libro ho capito che mi sarebbe piaciuto, ma non avrei mai pensato potesse superare così tanto le mie aspettative.
"Atonement of the Spine Cleaver" è un epic fantasy, molto corposo, con una forte componente romance.
All'inizio ammetto di aver avuto un po' di difficoltà con il world-building. Infatti veniamo subito catapultati in questo mondo e nel pieno dell'azione, e ovviamente c'è bisogno di un po' di tempo prima di riuscire ad ambientarsi, ma andando avanti con la storia si ricevono le giuste spiegazioni. Arrivata a fine volume posso affermare che il world-building è uno dei punti forti di questo libro.
La storia è davvero scorrevole, e superato il primo centinaio di pagine diventa difficile staccarsi dal libro. Si tratta di un volume lungo più di ottocento pagine, eppure io avrei voluto leggerne ancora. La trama è ricca di colpi di scena, intrighi politici e scene d'azione che fanno venire le palpitazioni, ed è impossibile non affezionarsi ai personaggi.
Rorax è una protagonista fantastica. É consapevole di essere molto forte, ma allo stesso tempo si considera un mostro, dato che è stata cresciuta con lo scopo di uccidere. Nonostante tutto si lascia spesso travolgere dai sentimenti, e non ha paura di mostrare ciò che prova. Ayres è il solito personaggio maschile che sembra distaccato, ma che in realtà ha un gran cuore. E poi è pieno di tatuaggi
Anche i personaggi secondari sono ben caratterizzati, e ho amato il legame che si è creato tra loro e i protagonisti. Da amante della Found Family non poteva essere altrimenti.
Ovviamente la cosa che mi è piaciuta più in assoluto del libro è stata la ship principale. Si tratta infatti di un enemies to lovers, slow burn, coi fiocchi e tra l'altro ci sono anche diverse scene belle piccanti.
Credo che questo libro possa accontentare anche lettori che hanno gusti molto diversi, perché racchiude in sé tantissimi elementi e sono abbastanza certa che avrà il successo che si merita.
Per me è stata una delle letture migliori dell'anno.
November 19, 2023
DNF’d this fairly early on. The plot and characters have tremendous potential, but I couldn’t get past the writing style nor errors.
January 17, 2024
Loved it. Love love love. One of those books that when you finish, makes you feel as if you’ll never find a book as enjoyable to read / like it again.
May 30, 2024
This novel has three major issues.
1. The plot and the world are very convoluted. In this book we have an elemental magic system with 12 different types, and also 12 magic houses and also dragons, and also mythological beasts like minotaurs, and also demons and also gods. We also have a "holy grail war", a contest between gods chosen ones to be the next guardian of the land, but also a tournament between normal people, but also sometime with gods chosen ones. But also during this tournament we are look for magic books, but also during all of this we are look for our long lost brother, but also during this we are falling in love. It's just too much, all at once.
2. The romance and the sex is terrible. The female lead is of course a powerful stabby stabby assassin woman. The male lead is a super alpha buff bro with anger issues. The dynamic of her being magically enraged and him calming her down with sexytimes was pretty neat! However the sex scenes themselves are terrible! He just jams himself right in there with no romance, no warm up or prep. He slaps her and is rough with her during sex, with zero consent and no aftercare. And the writing of these scenes is just so cringy and poorly done.
3. The writing is bad. I'm not one to care too much about grammar, but the commas where so botched that I had to reread sentences over and over again to understand the meaning due to them being in weird places.
It had potential, a lot of neat ideas, but too much, terrible romance, and bad writing make this one of the worse fantasy romances I've read this year.
1. The plot and the world are very convoluted. In this book we have an elemental magic system with 12 different types, and also 12 magic houses and also dragons, and also mythological beasts like minotaurs, and also demons and also gods. We also have a "holy grail war", a contest between gods chosen ones to be the next guardian of the land, but also a tournament between normal people, but also sometime with gods chosen ones. But also during this tournament we are look for magic books, but also during all of this we are look for our long lost brother, but also during this we are falling in love. It's just too much, all at once.
2. The romance and the sex is terrible. The female lead is of course a powerful stabby stabby assassin woman. The male lead is a super alpha buff bro with anger issues. The dynamic of her being magically enraged and him calming her down with sexytimes was pretty neat! However the sex scenes themselves are terrible! He just jams himself right in there with no romance, no warm up or prep. He slaps her and is rough with her during sex, with zero consent and no aftercare. And the writing of these scenes is just so cringy and poorly done.
3. The writing is bad. I'm not one to care too much about grammar, but the commas where so botched that I had to reread sentences over and over again to understand the meaning due to them being in weird places.
It had potential, a lot of neat ideas, but too much, terrible romance, and bad writing make this one of the worse fantasy romances I've read this year.
March 23, 2024
3.5 rounded up to a 4.
This book had some major issues with pacing. It was so long and yet some scenes weren’t even addressed or seen on page. We’d get this build up of “Omg this character is so sick and will be bed ridden for at least and week” and then it just cuts and said character is awake and fighting again and we never see them healing or bed ridden or anything. The author could’ve used some more transition scenes/sentences, please.
That said, there is so much potential. The world building was amazing and unique (the dinosaurs threw me off though. Like, what?) The characters were fun. The magical creatures were amazing. The setting was so vivid. The spice scenes were a little bland and cookie cutter but 🤷♀️ that’s just me.
This wasn’t bad for a debut novel. Good even. I’ll be continuing on with the series for sure. I just hope the editing/pacing is better from book 2 on because this could easily become a new fav of mine.
This book had some major issues with pacing. It was so long and yet some scenes weren’t even addressed or seen on page. We’d get this build up of “Omg this character is so sick and will be bed ridden for at least and week” and then it just cuts and said character is awake and fighting again and we never see them healing or bed ridden or anything. The author could’ve used some more transition scenes/sentences, please.
That said, there is so much potential. The world building was amazing and unique (the dinosaurs threw me off though. Like, what?) The characters were fun. The magical creatures were amazing. The setting was so vivid. The spice scenes were a little bland and cookie cutter but 🤷♀️ that’s just me.
This wasn’t bad for a debut novel. Good even. I’ll be continuing on with the series for sure. I just hope the editing/pacing is better from book 2 on because this could easily become a new fav of mine.
October 25, 2023
It took me a few attempts to get into Atonement of the Spine Cleaver but once I got into it I enjoyed it. Rorax was a solid heroine and I enjoyed reading about her development. The side characters were well characterised, especially Jia and the House of Death crew. I did feel that Ayres was a bit generic and could be easily substituted for any of the male leads in many popular fantasy romance novels. He was powerful, good looking, good fighter and occasionally cruel. I was actually more interested in the Rorax-Raegnar backstop that was hinted at but alas a hint was all we got...hopefully F.E. Bryce will expand on it in the sequel along with the Sahana plot that came out of nowhere and fizzled away just as quickly. Maybe I'm impatient but that's what I didn't like about the novel, I wanted something more concrete in 700+ pages. The ending was also very abrupt, seemed unfinished. The book is mainly about the Choosing and it doesn't even finish in the novel. Rorax has some personal growth and comes to a big decision (not a surprise), war is still stirring, the Choosing is ongoing, nothing is resolved. I could forgive that if book 2 was already released but alas I have to impatiently wait for the sequel to be released in 2024.
Many thanks to the publisher who provided an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Edit: upgrading rating to 5 stars because knocking off a star because the ending was a bit abrupt and I have to wait for book 2 is petty.
Many thanks to the publisher who provided an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Edit: upgrading rating to 5 stars because knocking off a star because the ending was a bit abrupt and I have to wait for book 2 is petty.
February 10, 2024
sadly this falls on a classic case of too much telling, and not showing. This book would be AMAZING if we got to really see the emotional side of things and watch them build, sadly, as soon as we think the author has gotten us to that point, she ends the chapter and skips time. We are left wanting and thirsty. Because of the time skips, our two love interests actually getting together made NO sense emotionally because one day it’s utter hate and it’s murder on sight, the next suddenly they are bff’s and guess what, we’ve been time jumped for the millionth time with no viewing to what actually is going on. This book edged me. It edged me so hard. and I took it for 753 pages. And guess what- there’s never a release. It’s basically 700 pages of info dumping that without an actual chart to look at every .3 seconds, it’s impossible to actually keep up with anything going on at all.
December 10, 2023
This book is phenomenal! I couldn’t put it down! This is the first time I’ve read a book with multiple perspectives and enjoyed it. Let me be clear, I’ve read books with multiple perspectives and always hate them… until now. The way you become invested in not just the main character but the side characters too is a sign that this author is incredible.
Enemies to lovers. Slow burn. Good spicy scenes.
Can’t wait for the next one!
Enemies to lovers. Slow burn. Good spicy scenes.
Can’t wait for the next one!
June 13, 2024
This book was phenomenal. The world building was top tier for me and the multiple POV was done beautifully. The characters were so well put together and developed throughout. Slow burn enemies to lovers, action, found family, magic and fantasy. I CAN NOT wait for the next one. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 2, 2024
DNF at 6% 🤷🏼♀️ cringey dialogue, a clunky intro to characters, meh.
February 22, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
This book was a breath of fresh ear, it got me out of my reading slump. From the first page, it pulled me in and didn't let go. The characters were flawed, real and relatable. The chapters weren't long, the pacing was decent and compelling. There was so much going on, every character had a role to play, and it felt like no one was a side character.
It didn't end on a cliffhanger but it ended where things were getting interesting. I can't wait for the sequel.
This book was a breath of fresh ear, it got me out of my reading slump. From the first page, it pulled me in and didn't let go. The characters were flawed, real and relatable. The chapters weren't long, the pacing was decent and compelling. There was so much going on, every character had a role to play, and it felt like no one was a side character.
It didn't end on a cliffhanger but it ended where things were getting interesting. I can't wait for the sequel.
July 27, 2024
Spectacular. I loved the characters, the story, the world building, everything.
September 3, 2024
Review based on a ARC provided by NetGalley.
This book was fantastic! One of my favorite reads this year. I loved the premise of the book. The plot was better than I could have imagined.
It had aspects of the hunger games with the trials and their protectorates aka “mentors”. It also had aspects that reminded me of throne of glass book 1. With the trials to become an assassin.
It also had aspects of game of thrones. The fighting to be one of the guardians of the realms. With added dragons. It was filled with faerie creatures and lots of fantasy aspects and magic. I loved it so much. I really also enjoyed the multiple POV’s. I appreciated getting to see different storylines mature all within the same timeframe. The world building for me was so easy to follow. At first I was a little worried it would be to much but it was done very well.
There was tragedy, love, heartbreak and death. With slow burn enemies to lovers, sapphic romances, and a slight love triangle. And I love me a morally grey character with a redemption arc. 👩🍳😘
(Edited for this portion of the review 9/7/23) ⬇️
*After speaking with the author these issues were addressed in the final release of the book*
My highest criticism however is the time frame issue. Multiple times the author would state a time frame for something to happen, say 2 weeks. And then it would be almost a month later when that thing would occur.
This happened on more than on occasion. A big one is the plot point of the Guardian and what happens to them with the transfer of power that needed to happen within 6 weeks max. And then the plot continuing as though it won’t end for another 8+ weeks.
Like the time that they went to get a book and said they had a week before they needed to be back. Yet on the way back from getting a book they said it would take 6 days to get back to the castle. That’s 12 days there and back not including the time they had already been traveling. That’s almost double the time of when they needed to be back by. Just a lot of time issues that didn’t add up. This was more of an issue towards the end of the book.
My other main issue was towards the end of the book around 75% I noticed sloppier writing. Spaces missing between words, wrong words placed in a sentence. Misspelled words. It got pretty bad in the last 20% of the book to where it was happening in every single chapter. I know this is an arc. And the book is already out. So I’m hoping these changes have already been made or fixed.
Despite these major issues with the writing I’m giving it 5 stars for how absolutely banging the plot and characters were! I cannot wait for the next book. Ughhh I need the next book now!!
This book was fantastic! One of my favorite reads this year. I loved the premise of the book. The plot was better than I could have imagined.
It had aspects of the hunger games with the trials and their protectorates aka “mentors”. It also had aspects that reminded me of throne of glass book 1. With the trials to become an assassin.
It also had aspects of game of thrones. The fighting to be one of the guardians of the realms. With added dragons. It was filled with faerie creatures and lots of fantasy aspects and magic. I loved it so much. I really also enjoyed the multiple POV’s. I appreciated getting to see different storylines mature all within the same timeframe. The world building for me was so easy to follow. At first I was a little worried it would be to much but it was done very well.
There was tragedy, love, heartbreak and death. With slow burn enemies to lovers, sapphic romances, and a slight love triangle. And I love me a morally grey character with a redemption arc. 👩🍳😘
(Edited for this portion of the review 9/7/23) ⬇️
*After speaking with the author these issues were addressed in the final release of the book*
My highest criticism however is the time frame issue. Multiple times the author would state a time frame for something to happen, say 2 weeks. And then it would be almost a month later when that thing would occur.
This happened on more than on occasion. A big one is the plot point of the Guardian and what happens to them with the transfer of power that needed to happen within 6 weeks max. And then the plot continuing as though it won’t end for another 8+ weeks.
Like the time that they went to get a book and said they had a week before they needed to be back. Yet on the way back from getting a book they said it would take 6 days to get back to the castle. That’s 12 days there and back not including the time they had already been traveling. That’s almost double the time of when they needed to be back by. Just a lot of time issues that didn’t add up. This was more of an issue towards the end of the book.
My other main issue was towards the end of the book around 75% I noticed sloppier writing. Spaces missing between words, wrong words placed in a sentence. Misspelled words. It got pretty bad in the last 20% of the book to where it was happening in every single chapter. I know this is an arc. And the book is already out. So I’m hoping these changes have already been made or fixed.
Despite these major issues with the writing I’m giving it 5 stars for how absolutely banging the plot and characters were! I cannot wait for the next book. Ughhh I need the next book now!!
July 9, 2024
Okay for the fantasy element 5/5 stars!! The author took the time with world building and AMAZING side characters. Now, the romance element was lacking a bit 3.5/5 stars
It should be noted that FMC doesn’t even meet the MMC until you reach like 35% of the book and they don’t actively and consistently interact until ~50% of the book.
Does the FMC almost die every other chapter?
Yes
Am I easily entertained and enjoyed the drama?
Yes
I was SUCKED into this book, but the first 30% did whoop my ass.
Overall, it was a THRILL 🫶🏻
It should be noted that FMC doesn’t even meet the MMC until you reach like 35% of the book and they don’t actively and consistently interact until ~50% of the book.
Does the FMC almost die every other chapter?
Yes
Am I easily entertained and enjoyed the drama?
Yes
I was SUCKED into this book, but the first 30% did whoop my ass.
Overall, it was a THRILL 🫶🏻
dnf
October 23, 2024DNF at about 6 %.
This book has such a good rating on GR that I wanted to give it a try.
However, the writing is not that good and it is so unnecessarily vulgar... here an example:
And this is just one examples of many in the first few pages.
The whole vibe is just not my cup of tea. Every higher military position is filled by a woman which is of course fine, but they all have rowdy and harsh personalities and are kinda butch. Why are military-women often associated with being masculine, loud and vulgar? Why can't a girly-girl lead an army... seemed so forced to me.
So, that's a No for me. I will not keep reading it, unfortunately.
This book has such a good rating on GR that I wanted to give it a try.
However, the writing is not that good and it is so unnecessarily vulgar... here an example:
Rorax had opted for the floor, suspecting there were bugs in the mattress, but since Volla had just pressed her nasty, probably shit-covered boot against her face, Rorax kept her mouth shut about the bugs.
And this is just one examples of many in the first few pages.
The whole vibe is just not my cup of tea. Every higher military position is filled by a woman which is of course fine, but they all have rowdy and harsh personalities and are kinda butch. Why are military-women often associated with being masculine, loud and vulgar? Why can't a girly-girl lead an army... seemed so forced to me.
So, that's a No for me. I will not keep reading it, unfortunately.
June 22, 2024
You ever get to the last 100 pages of a book and think, “meh, I don’t care about any of these people”? Well, that’s this book for me. I kept reading even when the book & the characters & the situations & their reactions felt redundant…I really wanted this book to be better than it was. Although some of the interactions between Rorax & Ayres were wonderful, it wasn’t enough to save the book for me. Some of the plot point reveals were messy and others that should have been huge were just *shoulder shrug*
I’m glad I bought the book and supported a local female author, and the cover of this book is gorgeous, but I wouldn’t recommend it….which makes me super bummed out.
I’m glad I bought the book and supported a local female author, and the cover of this book is gorgeous, but I wouldn’t recommend it….which makes me super bummed out.
January 26, 2024
It’s a loooong book. Plot had potential for 5* but idk something’s missing
July 6, 2024
- Ch 3: whew so a lot going on but I’ve been able to follow it all fine, I think. Rorax’s brother has been imprisoned. Rorax is nicknamed the Soine Cleaver and is one of the deadliest warriors in the realm. She has a crush on the King of Ice (her house), and though she is close with him and his sister, he only thinks of her as a friend. Rorax’s mission in Sunalinn was essentially a genocide of their innocent people and not army, she didn’t want to participate, but she needed to do it to try and free her brother. They live for hundreds of years and Rorax has been marked for the Choosing, which is essentially a hunger games style tournament until the last one remains standing and becomes one of three Guardians of the Realm.
- Ch 9: alright I was wondering why we got to see Jia and Volla get married so early on… welp, can’t trust anyone will stay alive now
- Ch 10: they’re prisoners but someone kindly lent Jia a black dress to mourn? Ok. Wait she’s allowed to roam freely and is totally able to send a secret letter? wtf. What kinda prisoner is she.
- Ch 11: She has been drugged and manacled and she still has Glimr? They didn’t even bother to check she was armed? are these the most incompetent guards ever???? She’s the third most deadly warrior in the entire realm who is literally famous and written about in newspapers and they didn’t think to take away her magical knife that she can control MAGICALLY WITH HER MIND AND WITHOUT HER HANDS? Are you fucking kidding me?
- Ch 13: okay so it’s explained that if Glimr is taken away from her, by a certain distance it’ll just appear back in her hands. How convenient. Omg a special rare witch box can keep Glimr contained
- Ch 14: okay now I’m just picky and skeptical, but how did Villa never mention she had a twin sister if they were friends for like 50 years
- Ch 17: wait now you’re telling me that Raengar considers Rorax the most important woman in his life yet in chapter 2/3 we’re told Rorax longs for him, but he’s never looked at her the same way?
- Ch 21: good god why is Raengar holding out on his feelings for Rorax. Especially when it’s actually mutual. Is it cuz he’s King?
- Ch 25: oh it must because she’s lowborn
- Ch 26: omg this is TRUE enemies to lovers. I haven’t read one where they actually fight each other in a while
- Ch 28: Ayres looked over to find Isgra, and she indeed sported two dark purple black eyes that matched his own. Marras, soon everyone in the castle was going to have a black eye courtesy of Rorax. They should start a club or maybe a support group.
- Ch 38: hah she saved his ass
- Ch 47: The seksitan was a dance for lovers. It was said to be the dance of sex, and so of course he wouldn't let Rorax dance it with someone who wasn’t from Death, Ayres reasoned with himself.
- Ch 56: why are they making her put Glimr away? Even if she can’t use it sometimes if there’s a magic block, and she can’t kill with it, it’s proved useful for knocking people out etc.
- Ch 56: || “Gods above, are you two dry humping?”
- Omg I died lolllll. How convenient the influx can be turned from rage to lust.||
- Ch 58: no only one bed trope here
- Ch 71: wow was not expecting to see sex with so many different couples in this book hahah. I guess you can do that when it’s third person POV!
- Ch 73: I love that he brought her to his bed to recover
- Ch 78: oh shiiiiiiit Ayres is a prince (brother to Rosalie) hiding as a lieutenant. Piers is the decoy. Glad that Rosalie finally told Ayres that Rorax saved her life
- Ch 79: unf, Ayres was seriously hot when he was all protective. And he bought her a ribbon as a gift!!!!!! And Milla told him before that he was allowed to pursue her after the competition… maybe he took that to heart. Especially after talking to Rosalie as well.
- Ch 82: holy fuck that was EXTREMELY hot. And then what the fuck he goes and hurts her so badly, saying he didn’t hate her enough not to fuck her and he didn’t know what he thought about her, and she could still be a monster. What an asshole omg. I mean I’m guessing he meant it differently, but fuck that came out so fucking harsh. But why was fisting on the table for their first sexual encounter omg 😱
- Ch 83: I’m glad Milla and Cannon ripped into Ayres for that… Jfc
- Ch 87: at first I didn’t like that Ayres was jerking Rorax around, but now I think I like that he’s so conflicted about wanting her and his people understanding
- Ch 88: “The first and last time I saw a penis, I threw up,” Jia said, starting to fan her slightly pink cheeks with her hand, her gaze still focused on Ayres. “One smile from that man, and my ovaries just gave the signal that I might need to give cocks a second chance.
- Ch 89: She had only felt this kind of want for one other man and he wasn’t here.
- I hate that like… I don’t know how to explain it, but I hate that she seemingly has feelings for both Raengar and Ayres, and keeps thinking of Ayres in sort of a guilty way
- Ch 98: omggggg I can’t believe he made her seeer the blood oath and… I mean I agree she needed to do it to protect his family and friends, two freaking dragons, anyone?but shit. He threatened her life.
- Ch 102: omg she BONDED with a freaking felidra prince cub? Hahahahha
- Ch 118: ugh he’s so gentle and tender and loving with her now. Also damn Rorax! Open your god dam eyes and realize that the right thing to do is become the guardian!
- Ch 123: oh yay she’s super powerful and will become the guardian
- Damn I can’t even preorder this off Amazon?
- Okay so overall I really enjoyed this, but the proofing distracted me, and I also felt like Rorax got a little TOO special at the end with her felidra cub (Fourth Wing Violet and her TWO dragons, anyone?), her romantic life involving like every super high ranking man who’s single, and her powers manifesting… though I did like that her powers are actually only supposed to be temporary.
- I didn’t like how sometimes in a couple instances we learned about information a few chapters too late (like the whole Glimr thing).
- I managed to bear it, but the lack of proofing bothered me. There were SO many spelling, spacing, and grammar mistakes… I’m usually not bothered by a couple because yes these are indie books, but there were like 10+ in this book. I am glad to hear the next book is going to be delayed because she’s bringing on another editor. Hopefully the proofing will improve as well.
- I really liked her backstory and how she did always have the best intentions and tried her best to atone for Surmalinn.
- Was annoyed that the only sex scene where the sex was apparently intimate and sweet (as opposed to their usual rough fucking) was closed door we just got told about it. Also there were a lot of insta-orgasms, which I was fine with during the influx, but it was a little much in EVERY sex scene.
- I felt like Ayres was unnecessarily cruel twice. Once after they had sex the first time when he was way TOO honest, even if it was the truth. Shoulda kept your mouth shut, Ayres! Second was that scene where she thanked him for still helping/fucking her with the influxes and then she says she knows the situation is unsavory for him... and he doesn’t correct her. Ugh yikes. I disliked that more than even the fact that he wouldn’t trust her without the blood oath (because other peoples’ lives were also on the line).
✅ feels
- Ch 9: alright I was wondering why we got to see Jia and Volla get married so early on… welp, can’t trust anyone will stay alive now
- Ch 10: they’re prisoners but someone kindly lent Jia a black dress to mourn? Ok. Wait she’s allowed to roam freely and is totally able to send a secret letter? wtf. What kinda prisoner is she.
- Ch 11: She has been drugged and manacled and she still has Glimr? They didn’t even bother to check she was armed? are these the most incompetent guards ever???? She’s the third most deadly warrior in the entire realm who is literally famous and written about in newspapers and they didn’t think to take away her magical knife that she can control MAGICALLY WITH HER MIND AND WITHOUT HER HANDS? Are you fucking kidding me?
- Ch 13: okay so it’s explained that if Glimr is taken away from her, by a certain distance it’ll just appear back in her hands. How convenient. Omg a special rare witch box can keep Glimr contained
- Ch 14: okay now I’m just picky and skeptical, but how did Villa never mention she had a twin sister if they were friends for like 50 years
- Ch 17: wait now you’re telling me that Raengar considers Rorax the most important woman in his life yet in chapter 2/3 we’re told Rorax longs for him, but he’s never looked at her the same way?
- Ch 21: good god why is Raengar holding out on his feelings for Rorax. Especially when it’s actually mutual. Is it cuz he’s King?
- Ch 25: oh it must because she’s lowborn
- Ch 26: omg this is TRUE enemies to lovers. I haven’t read one where they actually fight each other in a while
- Ch 28: Ayres looked over to find Isgra, and she indeed sported two dark purple black eyes that matched his own. Marras, soon everyone in the castle was going to have a black eye courtesy of Rorax. They should start a club or maybe a support group.
- Ch 38: hah she saved his ass
- Ch 47: The seksitan was a dance for lovers. It was said to be the dance of sex, and so of course he wouldn't let Rorax dance it with someone who wasn’t from Death, Ayres reasoned with himself.
- Ch 56: why are they making her put Glimr away? Even if she can’t use it sometimes if there’s a magic block, and she can’t kill with it, it’s proved useful for knocking people out etc.
- Ch 56: || “Gods above, are you two dry humping?”
- Omg I died lolllll. How convenient the influx can be turned from rage to lust.||
- Ch 58: no only one bed trope here
- Ch 71: wow was not expecting to see sex with so many different couples in this book hahah. I guess you can do that when it’s third person POV!
- Ch 73: I love that he brought her to his bed to recover
- Ch 78: oh shiiiiiiit Ayres is a prince (brother to Rosalie) hiding as a lieutenant. Piers is the decoy. Glad that Rosalie finally told Ayres that Rorax saved her life
- Ch 79: unf, Ayres was seriously hot when he was all protective. And he bought her a ribbon as a gift!!!!!! And Milla told him before that he was allowed to pursue her after the competition… maybe he took that to heart. Especially after talking to Rosalie as well.
- Ch 82: holy fuck that was EXTREMELY hot. And then what the fuck he goes and hurts her so badly, saying he didn’t hate her enough not to fuck her and he didn’t know what he thought about her, and she could still be a monster. What an asshole omg. I mean I’m guessing he meant it differently, but fuck that came out so fucking harsh. But why was fisting on the table for their first sexual encounter omg 😱
- Ch 83: I’m glad Milla and Cannon ripped into Ayres for that… Jfc
- Ch 87: at first I didn’t like that Ayres was jerking Rorax around, but now I think I like that he’s so conflicted about wanting her and his people understanding
- Ch 88: “The first and last time I saw a penis, I threw up,” Jia said, starting to fan her slightly pink cheeks with her hand, her gaze still focused on Ayres. “One smile from that man, and my ovaries just gave the signal that I might need to give cocks a second chance.
- Ch 89: She had only felt this kind of want for one other man and he wasn’t here.
- I hate that like… I don’t know how to explain it, but I hate that she seemingly has feelings for both Raengar and Ayres, and keeps thinking of Ayres in sort of a guilty way
- Ch 98: omggggg I can’t believe he made her seeer the blood oath and… I mean I agree she needed to do it to protect his family and friends, two freaking dragons, anyone?but shit. He threatened her life.
- Ch 102: omg she BONDED with a freaking felidra prince cub? Hahahahha
- Ch 118: ugh he’s so gentle and tender and loving with her now. Also damn Rorax! Open your god dam eyes and realize that the right thing to do is become the guardian!
- Ch 123: oh yay she’s super powerful and will become the guardian
- Damn I can’t even preorder this off Amazon?
- Okay so overall I really enjoyed this, but the proofing distracted me, and I also felt like Rorax got a little TOO special at the end with her felidra cub (Fourth Wing Violet and her TWO dragons, anyone?), her romantic life involving like every super high ranking man who’s single, and her powers manifesting… though I did like that her powers are actually only supposed to be temporary.
- I didn’t like how sometimes in a couple instances we learned about information a few chapters too late (like the whole Glimr thing).
- I managed to bear it, but the lack of proofing bothered me. There were SO many spelling, spacing, and grammar mistakes… I’m usually not bothered by a couple because yes these are indie books, but there were like 10+ in this book. I am glad to hear the next book is going to be delayed because she’s bringing on another editor. Hopefully the proofing will improve as well.
- I really liked her backstory and how she did always have the best intentions and tried her best to atone for Surmalinn.
- Was annoyed that the only sex scene where the sex was apparently intimate and sweet (as opposed to their usual rough fucking) was closed door we just got told about it. Also there were a lot of insta-orgasms, which I was fine with during the influx, but it was a little much in EVERY sex scene.
- I felt like Ayres was unnecessarily cruel twice. Once after they had sex the first time when he was way TOO honest, even if it was the truth. Shoulda kept your mouth shut, Ayres! Second was that scene where she thanked him for still helping/fucking her with the influxes and then she says she knows the situation is unsavory for him... and he doesn’t correct her. Ugh yikes. I disliked that more than even the fact that he wouldn’t trust her without the blood oath (because other peoples’ lives were also on the line).
✅ feels
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2024
Aside from grammar and getting slowly annoyed with the self loathing, I still loved the book as a whole. I love all the characters, Ayres is the perfect grumpy MMC, and loved the representation of the LGBTQ+ and deaf community.
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