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UnBreaking (Special Color Edition)
The color art filled special edition to the romantasy UnBreaking
Emerald eyes watched me. His deep, husky voice rumbled across the forest, caressing my ears. "Do you not wish to come out and play, darling?" Time is a deceptive mistress. Nineteen-year-old Zurilya has learned this the hard way. After a wish for a happily ever after goes terribly wrong, Zurilya is trapped in a caricature of a hateful marriage. With her five-hundred-year anniversary looming over her never ending existence, she'll do anything to break the curse. During a rare celestial event, where Fae venture into the human realm, Zurilya sets out to hunt the Fae that granted her the "gift." She meets the handsome and seductive trickster, Calstar, but he is unable-or unwilling-to help. To force his hand, Zurilya magically binds him to her in an unbreakable vow. What forms is deeper than she ever expected. She first finds the arrogant peacock not worth a second thought. But as she gets to know the cunning Fae, she discovers a darkness lurking behind his dashing smile. They say time heals all wounds, but can love heal the damage caused by time?
"Calstar; deliciously dramatic." - Emily Morgans
Emerald eyes watched me. His deep, husky voice rumbled across the forest, caressing my ears. "Do you not wish to come out and play, darling?" Time is a deceptive mistress. Nineteen-year-old Zurilya has learned this the hard way. After a wish for a happily ever after goes terribly wrong, Zurilya is trapped in a caricature of a hateful marriage. With her five-hundred-year anniversary looming over her never ending existence, she'll do anything to break the curse. During a rare celestial event, where Fae venture into the human realm, Zurilya sets out to hunt the Fae that granted her the "gift." She meets the handsome and seductive trickster, Calstar, but he is unable-or unwilling-to help. To force his hand, Zurilya magically binds him to her in an unbreakable vow. What forms is deeper than she ever expected. She first finds the arrogant peacock not worth a second thought. But as she gets to know the cunning Fae, she discovers a darkness lurking behind his dashing smile. They say time heals all wounds, but can love heal the damage caused by time?
"Calstar; deliciously dramatic." - Emily Morgans
366 pages, Hardcover
Published January 23, 2024
135 people are currently reading
2748 people want to read
About the author
L.D. Waters
2 books103 followersL.D. Waters is a Latina who thought getting a PhD in Molecular Biology at Princeton University wasn’t hard enough so she became a writer and artist at the same time. When she is not hiding away in lab thinking about how to use science for world domination, she writes fantasy and romance.
Her debut novel, Unbreaking, mixes humor, romance, magic, and—of course—a lot of art.
Follow Me For Art and Book Information
TT: l.dwaters
Instagram: l.dwaters
Newsletter: www.ldwaters.com
Her debut novel, Unbreaking, mixes humor, romance, magic, and—of course—a lot of art.
Follow Me For Art and Book Information
TT: l.dwaters
Instagram: l.dwaters
Newsletter: www.ldwaters.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
March 2, 2023
How did the last 2 chapters just ruin this book lol
December 14, 2022
I had the absolute honor of receiving this book as an arc, and I inhaled it tbh.
I still cannot believe this is L. D. Waters’ first book… like… it was so good. SO GOOD!!
Okay, let’s dive right in with listing some TROPES!
✔️ Hate to Lovers
✔️ Forced Proximity… kinda 😂
✔️ Fae & Humans
✔️ Royals & Rebellions
✔️ MAGIC! Really really cool magic
✔️ Wing Play…. Also Ear play. But like, not the weird kind. The hot kind. 😏
✔️ 🔥 Tension and yes, even some very yummy 🌶️ smut
✔️ MMC heals MC… is that a trope? IT SHOULD BE 💯
✔️ Males with big…. 🦚 energy.
Okay, is that enough to get you to want to read this book? Have I not convinced you yet?
What if I told you that one of our mains, the very 🦚-y, charismatic and bejeweled Calstar gives Howl from the movie Howl’s Moving Castle vibes? (Don’t @ me I haven’t read the books lmao) like… in the best of ways. I was swooning over this fae. SWOONING.
Okay let’s start with a non-spoilery summary. Our MC, Zurilya, rescued and nursed our Calstar back to health when she found him in the woods…. 500 years ago. He gave her a wish for her help, she wanted to live happily ever after with her future husband - the golden king Emillion. So he grants it and dashes back to the Fae realm. And so her happily ever after starts.
Only… it wasn’t. She and her king are immortal. And their relationship isn’t one of love, but hate and loathing. She’s absolutely miserable, and plans to catch Calstar on the night when the Fae Realm can be torn into and make him break her curse. He says he cannot, but she won’t let him leave until he does. So she manages to trap him down, and then binds him to her through the Nexus and he is MAD. And so their story starts with the main goals to be 1, break her curse so she can be free and not live this shitty life. And 2, help find her friend Aerithia’s heart so she can go home to her place in the Fae realm. And then 3, Calstar can go back to the Fae realm as well after he breaks her curse.
The rest gets kind of spoilery so I’ll stop there and just throw a heap of my thoughts down. 😂
My absolute, ABSOLUTE favorite part (and there are many) was that the author not only made the cover of the book… she filled the insides with art too from scenes you were reading. It was like reading an adult picture book I’m not even playing. I am in LOVE with her art, they added SO MUCH to the book and I wish everyone added pictures now. 🥹
The story was really interesting, unique, and I was caught off guard by some sneaky plot twists.
The romance was so good, Calstar got that silver tongue that not only says all the right things (“that’s my good girl” R U KIDDING ME 😩🫠💦) but it’s got other qualities too. 😏😇
Our MC Zurilya is portrayed as a flawed person - but her growth is so amazing and I was so proud of her. 🥹 I love reading non-perfect mains and watching their growth.
I truly could go on and on about how much I enjoyed this book, but ima stop here. L. D. Waters created a masterpiece here and I hope you all enjoy the ride as much as I did! 😍🖤
I still cannot believe this is L. D. Waters’ first book… like… it was so good. SO GOOD!!
Okay, let’s dive right in with listing some TROPES!
✔️ Hate to Lovers
✔️ Forced Proximity… kinda 😂
✔️ Fae & Humans
✔️ Royals & Rebellions
✔️ MAGIC! Really really cool magic
✔️ Wing Play…. Also Ear play. But like, not the weird kind. The hot kind. 😏
✔️ 🔥 Tension and yes, even some very yummy 🌶️ smut
✔️ MMC heals MC… is that a trope? IT SHOULD BE 💯
✔️ Males with big…. 🦚 energy.
Okay, is that enough to get you to want to read this book? Have I not convinced you yet?
What if I told you that one of our mains, the very 🦚-y, charismatic and bejeweled Calstar gives Howl from the movie Howl’s Moving Castle vibes? (Don’t @ me I haven’t read the books lmao) like… in the best of ways. I was swooning over this fae. SWOONING.
Okay let’s start with a non-spoilery summary. Our MC, Zurilya, rescued and nursed our Calstar back to health when she found him in the woods…. 500 years ago. He gave her a wish for her help, she wanted to live happily ever after with her future husband - the golden king Emillion. So he grants it and dashes back to the Fae realm. And so her happily ever after starts.
Only… it wasn’t. She and her king are immortal. And their relationship isn’t one of love, but hate and loathing. She’s absolutely miserable, and plans to catch Calstar on the night when the Fae Realm can be torn into and make him break her curse. He says he cannot, but she won’t let him leave until he does. So she manages to trap him down, and then binds him to her through the Nexus and he is MAD. And so their story starts with the main goals to be 1, break her curse so she can be free and not live this shitty life. And 2, help find her friend Aerithia’s heart so she can go home to her place in the Fae realm. And then 3, Calstar can go back to the Fae realm as well after he breaks her curse.
The rest gets kind of spoilery so I’ll stop there and just throw a heap of my thoughts down. 😂
My absolute, ABSOLUTE favorite part (and there are many) was that the author not only made the cover of the book… she filled the insides with art too from scenes you were reading. It was like reading an adult picture book I’m not even playing. I am in LOVE with her art, they added SO MUCH to the book and I wish everyone added pictures now. 🥹
The story was really interesting, unique, and I was caught off guard by some sneaky plot twists.
The romance was so good, Calstar got that silver tongue that not only says all the right things (“that’s my good girl” R U KIDDING ME 😩🫠💦) but it’s got other qualities too. 😏😇
Our MC Zurilya is portrayed as a flawed person - but her growth is so amazing and I was so proud of her. 🥹 I love reading non-perfect mains and watching their growth.
I truly could go on and on about how much I enjoyed this book, but ima stop here. L. D. Waters created a masterpiece here and I hope you all enjoy the ride as much as I did! 😍🖤
January 17, 2023
My first read of the year!!
Unbreaking has become one of my favourite fantasy and the story has its own style with humans, faes, magics.
The author did her own book cover, not only that but also she drew art in between the scenes. That's what it makes more beautiful!
Zurilya, our FMC wanted to live happily ever after with her future husband so when she rescued Calstar, our MMC, charming and beautiful Fae, he was injured and she took care of him. Calstar granted her wish and left human realm.
After 500 years, Zurilya and Emilian, her husband did not love but hated each other. She wanted to find that Fae and break this curse. She did found him and bounded him to her until he finds a way to undo her wish.
Calstar was a shameless flirt, otherworldly eternal, loves strawberries, could heal wounds by licking (that was new), damn high born powerful fae, but he has own scars and darkness and he hides them behind facade. We get to see him more in couple of his POVs.
Zurilya and Calstar worked together to find a way. He suggested that he could make Zurilya and Emilian to fall in love but it doesn't work. Zurilya and her husband harbored hate and loathing to each other.
Aside from them, Zurilya being a queen means she has her own duties to her people so when the priest stealing money from the vaults and the secret rebellion is building to overthrow the crown.
Zurilya caught inbetween wanting to find a way to end her curse and trying to find a way to stop the rebellion.
The story has its own unique world, powers, side characters are amazing. The author was well written with tropes of hating, longing, betrayals, secrets and lies. The plot was definitely not a sunshine and rainbows but builded of using others for their own good and selfishness. There's still banter, forced proximity, hate-love, adventures.
The last chapters literally broken my heart and I damn well as cried. It was painful. But I couldn't wait to see them in book 2!
Unbreaking has become one of my favourite fantasy and the story has its own style with humans, faes, magics.
The author did her own book cover, not only that but also she drew art in between the scenes. That's what it makes more beautiful!
Zurilya, our FMC wanted to live happily ever after with her future husband so when she rescued Calstar, our MMC, charming and beautiful Fae, he was injured and she took care of him. Calstar granted her wish and left human realm.
After 500 years, Zurilya and Emilian, her husband did not love but hated each other. She wanted to find that Fae and break this curse. She did found him and bounded him to her until he finds a way to undo her wish.
Calstar was a shameless flirt, otherworldly eternal, loves strawberries, could heal wounds by licking (that was new), damn high born powerful fae, but he has own scars and darkness and he hides them behind facade. We get to see him more in couple of his POVs.
Zurilya and Calstar worked together to find a way. He suggested that he could make Zurilya and Emilian to fall in love but it doesn't work. Zurilya and her husband harbored hate and loathing to each other.
Aside from them, Zurilya being a queen means she has her own duties to her people so when the priest stealing money from the vaults and the secret rebellion is building to overthrow the crown.
Zurilya caught inbetween wanting to find a way to end her curse and trying to find a way to stop the rebellion.
The story has its own unique world, powers, side characters are amazing. The author was well written with tropes of hating, longing, betrayals, secrets and lies. The plot was definitely not a sunshine and rainbows but builded of using others for their own good and selfishness. There's still banter, forced proximity, hate-love, adventures.
The last chapters literally broken my heart and I damn well as cried. It was painful. But I couldn't wait to see them in book 2!
January 22, 2023
Finally an older FMC!
Zurilya made a wish that turned into a curse and is now trying to escape a toxic marriage. 500 years later, she’ll do whatever it takes to defeat the curse! I can’t wait for book 2!
Zurilya made a wish that turned into a curse and is now trying to escape a toxic marriage. 500 years later, she’ll do whatever it takes to defeat the curse! I can’t wait for book 2!
March 13, 2023
I was excited for this book to release because I followed the author on tiktok and loved the idea of the story and the intersection of visual art and writing. More authors should do this. In the end, this book was mediocre. Some things were done really well and some things fell flat to meet in the middle.
Things I liked:
-The FMC was deeply flawed in a very unlikable way and I feel like we don't get that a lot. I enjoyed reading about a woman who wasn't perfect but was actively trying.
-Calstar was hot
- The story in itself was unique. This idea felt original
- Ends on a cliffhanger
- There was some beautiful turn of phrase
- Overall I liked the foundation of the story and enjoyed the relationship between FMC and MMC
- The FMC does some pretty irredeemable stuff and there was a moment where I thought...there is no way I'm going to like where this is going. But the Author did something really interesting with the ending that I don't think I've seen before.
Things I didn't like:
- I had a hard time with the idea of an enslaved person falling in love with their enslaver.
- There is a big plot point that happens in the middle...except I wouldn't call it a plot point because it doesn't have anything to do with the main plot of the story and it's never mentioned again. It's just used to set up something completely unrelated. I was left assuming we would go back to it and feeling unsatisfied that we didn't.
- Some other major plot points felt very surface level, like they needed to be fleshed out more. I know there is supposed to be a sequel but there was a lot thrown at us with little explanation or it was the kind of explanation where you know there's more but it's supposed to be a mystery. Without saying too much it left me feeling like a little more worldbuilding was necessary.
- The spice felt forced. Not non consensual, but when it happened it felt like it was being shoved into the story for the sake of it being there.
Overall the book didn't feel like a fully ironed out novel. The pieces are here but I felt like they needed to be smoothed out a bit. I think I'll pick up the second one when it comes out. I'm interested to see where this goes.
Things I liked:
-The FMC was deeply flawed in a very unlikable way and I feel like we don't get that a lot. I enjoyed reading about a woman who wasn't perfect but was actively trying.
-Calstar was hot
- The story in itself was unique. This idea felt original
- Ends on a cliffhanger
- There was some beautiful turn of phrase
- Overall I liked the foundation of the story and enjoyed the relationship between FMC and MMC
- The FMC does some pretty irredeemable stuff and there was a moment where I thought...there is no way I'm going to like where this is going. But the Author did something really interesting with the ending that I don't think I've seen before.
Things I didn't like:
- I had a hard time with the idea of an enslaved person falling in love with their enslaver.
- There is a big plot point that happens in the middle...except I wouldn't call it a plot point because it doesn't have anything to do with the main plot of the story and it's never mentioned again. It's just used to set up something completely unrelated. I was left assuming we would go back to it and feeling unsatisfied that we didn't.
- Some other major plot points felt very surface level, like they needed to be fleshed out more. I know there is supposed to be a sequel but there was a lot thrown at us with little explanation or it was the kind of explanation where you know there's more but it's supposed to be a mystery. Without saying too much it left me feeling like a little more worldbuilding was necessary.
- The spice felt forced. Not non consensual, but when it happened it felt like it was being shoved into the story for the sake of it being there.
Overall the book didn't feel like a fully ironed out novel. The pieces are here but I felt like they needed to be smoothed out a bit. I think I'll pick up the second one when it comes out. I'm interested to see where this goes.
December 13, 2022
I honestly don't know where to start. This book blew me away! Not only was the story just beautiful but, the ARTWORK. I don't know why more authors don't add pieces like that into their books because it just made it so much better. As much as I love reading, I do have a hard time with imaging the scenery and things so being able to see some of the scenes before me made reading this so much more enjoyable. And the fact she did them herself?! *chef's kiss*
I have not yet read ACOTAR so I cannot compare it to that however, as someone who reads a TON of books (40+ in the last two months), it's kind of hard for a book to really stick out to me. A lot of them just jumble together because they're fun to read but, they don't just pop at me. This is the first to pop at me in a while. My other favorite books (just for an idea of how this lives up) are The Plated Prisoner Series, The Four Horsemen Series, and then anything by Natalia Jaster. This now sits up next to those.
I got the ARC for this a few days ago and was already in the middle of another series so I didn't read it until the next day but, I devoured it within a 24 hour period and this book was fairly long!
If this book doesn't become the next big thing, I'm gonna have to fight some people.
*SOME POSSIBLE SMALL SPOILERS*
Calstar was perfect: sexy, sassy, playful, flirty, and flawed but in the best ways.
Zurilya was also incredibly flawed and selfish but, I love her character growth because we all suffer from selfishness and can be quite blind to it. She's witty, fierce, and has a beautiful fire in her.
Emillion, let's just say I felt for him and was glad to not completely hate him. I did like his and Zuri's "banter".
I absolutely cannot even deal with the ending, it tore me up and spit me out. I need a second one, asap or I might die.
I have not yet read ACOTAR so I cannot compare it to that however, as someone who reads a TON of books (40+ in the last two months), it's kind of hard for a book to really stick out to me. A lot of them just jumble together because they're fun to read but, they don't just pop at me. This is the first to pop at me in a while. My other favorite books (just for an idea of how this lives up) are The Plated Prisoner Series, The Four Horsemen Series, and then anything by Natalia Jaster. This now sits up next to those.
I got the ARC for this a few days ago and was already in the middle of another series so I didn't read it until the next day but, I devoured it within a 24 hour period and this book was fairly long!
If this book doesn't become the next big thing, I'm gonna have to fight some people.
*SOME POSSIBLE SMALL SPOILERS*
Calstar was perfect: sexy, sassy, playful, flirty, and flawed but in the best ways.
Zurilya was also incredibly flawed and selfish but, I love her character growth because we all suffer from selfishness and can be quite blind to it. She's witty, fierce, and has a beautiful fire in her.
Emillion, let's just say I felt for him and was glad to not completely hate him. I did like his and Zuri's "banter".
I absolutely cannot even deal with the ending, it tore me up and spit me out. I need a second one, asap or I might die.
October 3, 2023
2.5 stars. Really interesting idea, but I think this is another one with a lot of potential that kind of fell flat.
The book really falls apart for me once Zurilya is rescued from the Fire rebellion. the manufactured conflict between her and Calstar (it’s not unreasonable that she assumes he purposefully didn’t come to rescue her, but why didn’t she ASK him why he didn’t come) drags on for far too long. at the 75% reveal that Calstar isn’t going to help her break the spell and is, in fact, taking her to the cave thing to break the binding, she acts as if this is the most unthinkable betrayal. Not only was this reaction unearned (they spend the majority of the book before this not trusting each other) there was so much focus on her shock over that he betrayed her at all, it felt ridiculous considering she manipulated him and bound him to her against his will in the first place. I think this scene would have been more successful if the focus had been about her being triggered because she was in the cave where she was burned, and that he took her to the place where she was burned to betray her rather than take her there to help her. Or if she had been hurt that he felt he still had to trick her into breaking the binding rather than just asking her to let him go.
The reveal that Zurilya doomed Emillion to a life of immortality against his will is good, but we aren’t given much foreshadowing for it. I also wish there had been more depth to their relationship. He was both a pretty flat caricature of a shitty ex and also had a few moments of not being so terrible. The glimpses we got that he did somewhat care for her, were very interesting, and I think if we had learned earlier in the book why he hated her and how it twisted his feelings for her maybe there could have been more time spent on the complexities of his feelings.
I saw other reviews saying Calstar is like a combination of Rhysand, Howl, and Cardan. I think this is accurate. I am not a fan of the Rhysand hero type, though I love a tragic backstory I much prefer a vain pretty malewife to a growling alpha hole. So the romance started to lose me the more Calstar leaned into the Rhys vibes. The smut does feel a bit shoehorned in, and Calstar’s personality takes a turn for the annoying due to it.
The way the plot ties things up in the last few chapters makes the pacing of this book crazy. The final battle has so many things being revealed at rapid fire, it feels like this should have been a two or three book series with more time spent on plotting and world building. I actually really liked the “go back in time and make amends so everyone else can be happy even if that means I lose out on love” ending. Zurilya is a flawed FMC trying to be better, so this ending is thematically appropriate. If this was going to be a stand alone I think that ending could have been satisfying even if left open-ended. I would check out the sequel though, I think the author has a lot of potential that an editor could help shape.
The book really falls apart for me once Zurilya is rescued from the Fire rebellion. the manufactured conflict between her and Calstar (it’s not unreasonable that she assumes he purposefully didn’t come to rescue her, but why didn’t she ASK him why he didn’t come) drags on for far too long. at the 75% reveal that Calstar isn’t going to help her break the spell and is, in fact, taking her to the cave thing to break the binding, she acts as if this is the most unthinkable betrayal. Not only was this reaction unearned (they spend the majority of the book before this not trusting each other) there was so much focus on her shock over that he betrayed her at all, it felt ridiculous considering she manipulated him and bound him to her against his will in the first place. I think this scene would have been more successful if the focus had been about her being triggered because she was in the cave where she was burned, and that he took her to the place where she was burned to betray her rather than take her there to help her. Or if she had been hurt that he felt he still had to trick her into breaking the binding rather than just asking her to let him go.
The reveal that Zurilya doomed Emillion to a life of immortality against his will is good, but we aren’t given much foreshadowing for it. I also wish there had been more depth to their relationship. He was both a pretty flat caricature of a shitty ex and also had a few moments of not being so terrible. The glimpses we got that he did somewhat care for her, were very interesting, and I think if we had learned earlier in the book why he hated her and how it twisted his feelings for her maybe there could have been more time spent on the complexities of his feelings.
I saw other reviews saying Calstar is like a combination of Rhysand, Howl, and Cardan. I think this is accurate. I am not a fan of the Rhysand hero type, though I love a tragic backstory I much prefer a vain pretty malewife to a growling alpha hole. So the romance started to lose me the more Calstar leaned into the Rhys vibes. The smut does feel a bit shoehorned in, and Calstar’s personality takes a turn for the annoying due to it.
The way the plot ties things up in the last few chapters makes the pacing of this book crazy. The final battle has so many things being revealed at rapid fire, it feels like this should have been a two or three book series with more time spent on plotting and world building. I actually really liked the “go back in time and make amends so everyone else can be happy even if that means I lose out on love” ending. Zurilya is a flawed FMC trying to be better, so this ending is thematically appropriate. If this was going to be a stand alone I think that ending could have been satisfying even if left open-ended. I would check out the sequel though, I think the author has a lot of potential that an editor could help shape.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2022
5/5 Stars
3.5/5 Spice
TW : Slavery (Mention), Attempted Sexual Assault, Toxic Relationship, Violence, Sexual Content, Burning
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I legitimately have been waiting for this book for over a year. I found the artist/author back in 2021 when she was making a A Court of Silver Flames dust jacket and followed her for the art and then later kept looking for updates on when she was releasing this book to go with some of the art she had posted. I went into this book with high expectations and I was not disappointed, I cried twice once pretty early on which was weird and shows how much I loved this book.
I absolutely loved the female main character, Zurilya, and I felt like her character arc was very well done, I legitimately believed her character development and I was moved by her story. I love our Peacocking High Fae, Calstar, he gives me a mix of Rhysand from ACOTAR and Cardan from the Cruel Prince Series. He has a very deep backstory that I am super interested to learn more about in Book 2. I can’t decide how I feel about Emillion, I don’t think I hate his guts anymore but I don’t like him but I see a path for redemption especially with the ending.
This book follows Zurilya who saves a Fae when she is 19 and makes a wish for her to have a happily ever after with Emillion, who is the prince of the kingdom and who she was courting. This wish doesn’t fully go her way and makes her and Emillion immortal and they don’t have a happy marriage. 500 years later she wants a way to break the spell and unbind herself to Emillion but the fae who made the spell is a Peacocking High Fae who doesn’t wanna listen and can’t break the spell. Determined to break the spell she binds herself to Calstar, the High Fae who made the spell, until she can find a way to break the spell or 500 years past whichever comes first.
I highly recommend this book for people looking for a High Fantasy book that features romance but I honestly wouldn’t say that is the main plot in it but likely in book 2 it will be a bigger plot line. I can’t put into words how much I enjoyed this book, it felt pretty unique compared to what I’ve read and it features some art throughout the book to show specific scenes which are beautiful. I can’t wait to read book 2, I am waiting very (im)patiently for it.
If you want a book that is High Fantasy, has Fae, magic, spells, and adventure, I highly recommend this book.
3.5/5 Spice
TW : Slavery (Mention), Attempted Sexual Assault, Toxic Relationship, Violence, Sexual Content, Burning
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I legitimately have been waiting for this book for over a year. I found the artist/author back in 2021 when she was making a A Court of Silver Flames dust jacket and followed her for the art and then later kept looking for updates on when she was releasing this book to go with some of the art she had posted. I went into this book with high expectations and I was not disappointed, I cried twice once pretty early on which was weird and shows how much I loved this book.
I absolutely loved the female main character, Zurilya, and I felt like her character arc was very well done, I legitimately believed her character development and I was moved by her story. I love our Peacocking High Fae, Calstar, he gives me a mix of Rhysand from ACOTAR and Cardan from the Cruel Prince Series. He has a very deep backstory that I am super interested to learn more about in Book 2. I can’t decide how I feel about Emillion, I don’t think I hate his guts anymore but I don’t like him but I see a path for redemption especially with the ending.
This book follows Zurilya who saves a Fae when she is 19 and makes a wish for her to have a happily ever after with Emillion, who is the prince of the kingdom and who she was courting. This wish doesn’t fully go her way and makes her and Emillion immortal and they don’t have a happy marriage. 500 years later she wants a way to break the spell and unbind herself to Emillion but the fae who made the spell is a Peacocking High Fae who doesn’t wanna listen and can’t break the spell. Determined to break the spell she binds herself to Calstar, the High Fae who made the spell, until she can find a way to break the spell or 500 years past whichever comes first.
I highly recommend this book for people looking for a High Fantasy book that features romance but I honestly wouldn’t say that is the main plot in it but likely in book 2 it will be a bigger plot line. I can’t put into words how much I enjoyed this book, it felt pretty unique compared to what I’ve read and it features some art throughout the book to show specific scenes which are beautiful. I can’t wait to read book 2, I am waiting very (im)patiently for it.
If you want a book that is High Fantasy, has Fae, magic, spells, and adventure, I highly recommend this book.
May 16, 2023
I wish for more.
This is the type of story meant to be at least two books IMO. I love a stand alone but I think we could have dove in deeper to this wonderful story if we had more. Regardless, beautiful story, lovely characters.
This is the type of story meant to be at least two books IMO. I love a stand alone but I think we could have dove in deeper to this wonderful story if we had more. Regardless, beautiful story, lovely characters.
January 8, 2025
I devoured this, wow.
Where did this come from?? And that ending?? Oh my heart it was great
Where did this come from?? And that ending?? Oh my heart it was great
December 5, 2022
I have followed this story since last year when LD started writing it on Kindle Vella.
I loved every second and every word of this journey. If you are a fan of ACOTAR then you will love this one.
Calastar is a strawberry loving bacon hating Fae that makes you fall head over heels in love with him.
Zurilya is an amazing queen and female lead for this story.
Don’t miss out on this one if you love strangers to lovers, betrayal, smut, slow-burn, and plot twist.
I loved every second and every word of this journey. If you are a fan of ACOTAR then you will love this one.
Calastar is a strawberry loving bacon hating Fae that makes you fall head over heels in love with him.
Zurilya is an amazing queen and female lead for this story.
Don’t miss out on this one if you love strangers to lovers, betrayal, smut, slow-burn, and plot twist.
January 17, 2023
~ Fae/Human
~ Magic
~ Strangers/Hate to Lovers
✨ My thoughts ✨
I absolutely loved this story. It truly felt like something I haven't read before. I loved all of the plot twists. Zurilya growth in this story was absolutely beautiful. Calstar... Dang. He definitely has a way with words. The spice was so so good. Also who knew strawberries could be so dang hot... And I don't even like strawberries. The ending absolutely broke me in the best way possible. I can't wait for the next one. The author also drew the cover for the book and there is art inside. I can't wait to get my physical copy.
✨ I was given this book as a ARC in exchange for my honest and true thoughts ✨
~ Magic
~ Strangers/Hate to Lovers
✨ My thoughts ✨
I absolutely loved this story. It truly felt like something I haven't read before. I loved all of the plot twists. Zurilya growth in this story was absolutely beautiful. Calstar... Dang. He definitely has a way with words. The spice was so so good. Also who knew strawberries could be so dang hot... And I don't even like strawberries. The ending absolutely broke me in the best way possible. I can't wait for the next one. The author also drew the cover for the book and there is art inside. I can't wait to get my physical copy.
✨ I was given this book as a ARC in exchange for my honest and true thoughts ✨
April 17, 2023
This book could easily have been one of my favorites...
The premise of this story is original, a woman saves a fae and in return, he grants her a wish. She uses it to wish for happily ever after. Unfortunately, the magic makes her immortal and bound in a toxic marriage to the King who hates her.
UnBreaking is an interesting story following the consequences of making wishes without taking into account how it will affect other people.
...but wasn't well executed. Some things were done really well and others fell flat. (The villains for example, made me laugh at how bad they were. And we see she’s been queen for 500 years but what has she done? After living 500 years she’s still mentally a clueless teenager).
Also the end, without giving spoilers, I'm not sure how I feel about it. I feel like it nullified the story and the character’s journey.
Overall, not an awful story, I liked the foundation but it lacked fluidity. I like my fantasy romance with more substance and plot.
I loved the art included!
The premise of this story is original, a woman saves a fae and in return, he grants her a wish. She uses it to wish for happily ever after. Unfortunately, the magic makes her immortal and bound in a toxic marriage to the King who hates her.
UnBreaking is an interesting story following the consequences of making wishes without taking into account how it will affect other people.
...but wasn't well executed. Some things were done really well and others fell flat. (The villains for example, made me laugh at how bad they were. And we see she’s been queen for 500 years but what has she done? After living 500 years she’s still mentally a clueless teenager).
Also the end, without giving spoilers, I'm not sure how I feel about it. I feel like it nullified the story and the character’s journey.
Overall, not an awful story, I liked the foundation but it lacked fluidity. I like my fantasy romance with more substance and plot.
I loved the art included!
January 26, 2023
This book was 4 stars for me until 75%ish of the way through. My gosh the main character was so selfish that it was painful. I get that was supposed to be the point but honestly it was hard to like her.
Spoiler:
Also at the end of the book, it basically makes everything that did happen… basically pointless. Idk. I’m really torn on this one. Love Calstar but the other characters are all pretty unlikable and I need characters to care about to enjoy a story. The plot was super interesting until it stated just kind of going into a bunch of different directions. I’ll still read the next in the series to see where it’s going but it went from me really liking it to almost DNFing it pretty fast on this one.
Spoiler:
Also at the end of the book, it basically makes everything that did happen… basically pointless. Idk. I’m really torn on this one. Love Calstar but the other characters are all pretty unlikable and I need characters to care about to enjoy a story. The plot was super interesting until it stated just kind of going into a bunch of different directions. I’ll still read the next in the series to see where it’s going but it went from me really liking it to almost DNFing it pretty fast on this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2023
This book has so much potential and I love the art included! This was a very unique touch that helped bring the book to life. However, without spoilers, this book left me feeling *meh*. I got about halfway through and had to force myself to finish the book. The last two chapters felt rushed and packed as much action in as possible. I did love the banter between the two main characters but the familiarity felt too like too much too soon to be an enemies to lovers story.
Overall, not an awful story but I don’t know if I will pick up the sequel.
Overall, not an awful story but I don’t know if I will pick up the sequel.
March 5, 2023
This story follows the main character, Zurilya, after she makes a wish for a "happily ever after" that goes terribly wrong. Stuck as an immortal in a loveless marriage, she summons the fae who granted her initial wish in an attempt to undo what she's done but the handsome fae is less than helpful. Zurilya tries to find a way to undo her wish while dealing with her kingdoms corrupt clergy, her cheating husband and the flirtatious fae she's summoned.
I really enjoyed the plot, it was original and the book as a whole was a quick, easy and fun read. I especially enjoyed the ending, it was so satisfying for a character I really liked (even though I'm not sure I was supposed to.) I also loved the artwork throughout the book, it was really beautifully done and highlighted some great moments in the story. I wish more books included artwork, though this author is incredibly talented and was the artist as well!
Some things I didn't like as much, the romance between the main character and love interest could have been developed more, I also found the main character to be quite unlikable at times. Despite the kind things she does for her kingdom, we also see her being very self centered and selfish when dealing with other people, especially the King. He IS unfaithful to her, but he's trapped in a situation he never asked to be in in the first place. Zurilya does redeem herself at the end, in a twist I did NOT see coming but really enjoyed.
I recommend this if you want something original that isn't just tropes with no substance, if you want flawed and interesting main characters and a fun fantasy read!
I really enjoyed the plot, it was original and the book as a whole was a quick, easy and fun read. I especially enjoyed the ending, it was so satisfying for a character I really liked (even though I'm not sure I was supposed to.) I also loved the artwork throughout the book, it was really beautifully done and highlighted some great moments in the story. I wish more books included artwork, though this author is incredibly talented and was the artist as well!
Some things I didn't like as much, the romance between the main character and love interest could have been developed more, I also found the main character to be quite unlikable at times. Despite the kind things she does for her kingdom, we also see her being very self centered and selfish when dealing with other people, especially the King. He IS unfaithful to her, but he's trapped in a situation he never asked to be in in the first place. Zurilya does redeem herself at the end, in a twist I did NOT see coming but really enjoyed.
I recommend this if you want something original that isn't just tropes with no substance, if you want flawed and interesting main characters and a fun fantasy read!
December 12, 2022
*ARC review*
Last year I found out about this book through L. D. Waters art account on TikTok. The art alone convinced me and I couldn't wait to eventually read it. So I'm beyond grateful for this arc!
I'm bummed that I finished it so fast, because it was truly epic. I definitely stayed awake too long, just to read more.
First off I loved the immediate action. From page one I felt like a detective trying to find out more about 'this spell'. I liked that you needed patience to figure it all out. It was definitely worth the wait to see it all unravel.
The lovers to enemies trope gave me Catherine and Peter from The Great vibes. The banter was so funny.
The romance (and spice, yes, I did blush quite a lot) in this book was chef's kiss, but it didn't take away from all the side plots that were just as intriguing! One minute I was giggling, the next I was utterly shocked or felt extremely betrayed.
Let's not forget the bonus: the art in this book is exquisite. It's so much fun seeing some scenes immediately 'come to live'. L. D. Waters is skilled beyond words.
I already pre-ordered my physical copy. It's a must read!
Last year I found out about this book through L. D. Waters art account on TikTok. The art alone convinced me and I couldn't wait to eventually read it. So I'm beyond grateful for this arc!
I'm bummed that I finished it so fast, because it was truly epic. I definitely stayed awake too long, just to read more.
First off I loved the immediate action. From page one I felt like a detective trying to find out more about 'this spell'. I liked that you needed patience to figure it all out. It was definitely worth the wait to see it all unravel.
The lovers to enemies trope gave me Catherine and Peter from The Great vibes. The banter was so funny.
The romance (and spice, yes, I did blush quite a lot) in this book was chef's kiss, but it didn't take away from all the side plots that were just as intriguing! One minute I was giggling, the next I was utterly shocked or felt extremely betrayed.
Let's not forget the bonus: the art in this book is exquisite. It's so much fun seeing some scenes immediately 'come to live'. L. D. Waters is skilled beyond words.
I already pre-ordered my physical copy. It's a must read!
April 2, 2023
4/5 ⭐️ 2/5 🌶️ i went into this book thinking I was about to read a cute little fairytale fantasy fae romance and came out on the other side in tears. The FMC has to deal with righting the wrongs created when she made a centuries old bargain with a fae leaving her trapped in a loveless marriage for the rest of her immortal life. Trying to reverse the spell that got her there, she ends up finding the fae who originally granted the wish and they embark on a journey to break it. The writing was beautiful and characters were complex. As their pasts were unraveled, you began to understand their motivations behind seemingly selfish actions. Overall, a very good enjoyable and fun read. All I can hope for is the continuation of this story. In the meantime, I’ll be thinking of Calstar, the beautiful, arogant, broken fae who stole both Zurilya’s heart and mine 💘
March 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this story! I liked how it took what you expect a happily ever after to be and completely twisted it into the truth. It isn't pretty and it isn't all sunshine and rainbows. I loved the fantasy aspects of this and learning about the different fae. I also was surprisingly pleased with the ending and excited to see what happens next. The ending of this is a thing that I wasn't sure about when it started happening, but once I read it through I was loving it. It felt like the right ending for this story and a great set up for the next book.
February 2, 2023
THIS is why I love reading indie first time novels!!! What a great first book by L.D Waters!! Quick building without tons of slowwwww chapters, a little spice it’s definitely more romantic than smutty, characters on point. A little betrayal, a lot of selfishness, sacrifices and a swoony fae with wings.
That ending, though… so open ended that I hope there’s a second book in the fae realm. I mean, could be left as is butttt why not continue?
That ending, though… so open ended that I hope there’s a second book in the fae realm. I mean, could be left as is butttt why not continue?
Want to read
May 6, 2023Stuff like this feels like its taylor made for me
June 25, 2023
4 🫶🏻
Stumbled upon another Kindle Unlimited gem. I enjoyed the twists and turns in this. I definitely expect the ending.
Stumbled upon another Kindle Unlimited gem. I enjoyed the twists and turns in this. I definitely expect the ending.
December 29, 2023
Actually 4.5 simply because some grammar mistakes and some parts I feel like I may have missed something. But overall a great book! A true fairytale.
August 10, 2024
4.5 rounded up :)
November 12, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
The last few chapters took me out of this story, I’ll definitely read book two because I need to know what happens next.
The last few chapters took me out of this story, I’ll definitely read book two because I need to know what happens next.
December 6, 2022
I found this book through tiktok and L.D Waters patreon. I ate ever chapter of this book up!
You have lovers to enemies, enemies to lovers, who hurt you, close proximity tropes and so much spice! I absolutely fell in love with Cal and can’t wait for this book to release in Jan 2023! I have already pre ordered my hardcover!! This edition is going to be amazing! The character illustrations are to die for!
You have lovers to enemies, enemies to lovers, who hurt you, close proximity tropes and so much spice! I absolutely fell in love with Cal and can’t wait for this book to release in Jan 2023! I have already pre ordered my hardcover!! This edition is going to be amazing! The character illustrations are to die for!
December 7, 2022
Calling BookTok, ACOTAR, and FBAA besties!! This is your next read! L.D. takes all the things we love most about fantasy romance and packages it into a story about the consequences of selfish magic. You’ll meet Kings and Queens and stubborn High Fae. You’ll laugh at inner monologue and cry along with characters and their struggles. Don’t forget to add the spice! A definite recommend!
May 1, 2023
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars!
June 16, 2024
Dang, this one really got me ♥️♥️🔥
The absolute perfect blend of fantasy, romance, magic, angst, spice, and personal growth.
Beautiful story, I adored it! Definitely a slow burn, but such a wonderful conclusion and righting of wrongs. I can’t wait to see how the story continues in book 2.
What an absolute delight! A hidden gem!
The absolute perfect blend of fantasy, romance, magic, angst, spice, and personal growth.
Beautiful story, I adored it! Definitely a slow burn, but such a wonderful conclusion and righting of wrongs. I can’t wait to see how the story continues in book 2.
What an absolute delight! A hidden gem!
December 15, 2022
ARC Review
5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶
Once I started reading this, I couldn't stop.
I'm obsessed with Calstar, the 🦚-ing fae. He's like a mix of Howl (Howl's Moving Castle), Rhysand (ACOTAR), and Cardan (The Cruel Prince) all rolled into one. You can't help but fall in love with him.
I can't wait to get my hard copy of this book when it comes out in January, and I'm eagerly anticipating book 2 already.
Oh, and did I mention that the author also included a bunch of her own artwork throughout the book? It's amazing, and really helps with visualizing the characters.
5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶
Once I started reading this, I couldn't stop.
I'm obsessed with Calstar, the 🦚-ing fae. He's like a mix of Howl (Howl's Moving Castle), Rhysand (ACOTAR), and Cardan (The Cruel Prince) all rolled into one. You can't help but fall in love with him.
I can't wait to get my hard copy of this book when it comes out in January, and I'm eagerly anticipating book 2 already.
Oh, and did I mention that the author also included a bunch of her own artwork throughout the book? It's amazing, and really helps with visualizing the characters.
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