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A Heart of Onyx Flame
“You’re dangerous.” He whispered and his eyes darkened. “You have no idea.” And I swung against his block with all my strength.Step into a world where the line between predator and prey is blurred.At the mysterious Shifter Academy, where hidden desires and forbidden secret reign, a young human girl finds herself entangled in an alluring and dangerous alliance with a brooding, enigmatic fellow student.As their passions ignite and unearth ancient prophecies, she must navigate the treacherous halls of power and learn that love might be the most perilous transformation of all in a world of unfathomable darkness.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
266 pages, Paperback
Published December 18, 2023
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68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 21, 2023
RATING: 2.5-3/5
I feel conflicted, but let me explain why...
First, the synopsis of this book captivated me; it outlined a premise I have not read about in a book, and I was interested! I needed to read it. My attention was caught from the beginning - the FMC found herself in an unfamiliar setting, in an unfamiliar place. (I would like to say that I was unaware this book was a spinoff from a different book. This is the first book I read by the author, so I am unsure if the circumstances the FMC found herself in were explained previously). From there, the story takes off as the FMC navigates her newfound surroundings, interacts with strange people, and readjusts her life; all while trying to find a way back home. Overall, I loved the FMC, Bohdana, and the MMC, Cian. I felt their chemistry, interactions, and semi-slow-burn romance felt believable. If the story aligned more with the synopsis, I would have given this a higher rater, but perhaps this book was not for me.
Now, unfortunately, some parts just fell flat for me. I felt like there were pieces of the plot that did not make sense or felt rushed. I wished there was more angst and hesitation amongst the girls in the academy. Bohdana is a stranger from a strange land and rather than being weary and cautious, it felt like she was welcomed with open arms (aside from amongst the mean girls). In the synopsis, it alluded to there being a prophecy that would be unearthed. Again, I loved the idea of the premise of the book; however, I felt confused and as if there was a lack of build-up surrounding the potential prophecy (what is it, who might it affect, what could be a potential outcome if it is or is not fulfilled?) I had so many questions throughout the story and became more confused than intrigued.
Overall, I thought the story was ok, the plot was confusing at points (for me) and some of the choices the characters made did not fully make sense. The world-building and writing were so beautiful though, I don't think this book was for me though.
** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I feel conflicted, but let me explain why...
First, the synopsis of this book captivated me; it outlined a premise I have not read about in a book, and I was interested! I needed to read it. My attention was caught from the beginning - the FMC found herself in an unfamiliar setting, in an unfamiliar place. (I would like to say that I was unaware this book was a spinoff from a different book. This is the first book I read by the author, so I am unsure if the circumstances the FMC found herself in were explained previously). From there, the story takes off as the FMC navigates her newfound surroundings, interacts with strange people, and readjusts her life; all while trying to find a way back home. Overall, I loved the FMC, Bohdana, and the MMC, Cian. I felt their chemistry, interactions, and semi-slow-burn romance felt believable. If the story aligned more with the synopsis, I would have given this a higher rater, but perhaps this book was not for me.
Now, unfortunately, some parts just fell flat for me. I felt like there were pieces of the plot that did not make sense or felt rushed. I wished there was more angst and hesitation amongst the girls in the academy. Bohdana is a stranger from a strange land and rather than being weary and cautious, it felt like she was welcomed with open arms (aside from amongst the mean girls). In the synopsis, it alluded to there being a prophecy that would be unearthed. Again, I loved the idea of the premise of the book; however, I felt confused and as if there was a lack of build-up surrounding the potential prophecy (what is it, who might it affect, what could be a potential outcome if it is or is not fulfilled?) I had so many questions throughout the story and became more confused than intrigued.
Overall, I thought the story was ok, the plot was confusing at points (for me) and some of the choices the characters made did not fully make sense. The world-building and writing were so beautiful though, I don't think this book was for me though.
** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 2, 2024
A Heart Of Onyx Flame by Lina Ravenhill ( @linaravenhill )
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a standalone story of one of the side characters from Lina’s Aforetime series. Bohdana is the main character and the book can be enjoyed on its own without reading the others.
I was thrilled to discover a book solely focused on Bohdana's character after reading Lina's Aforetime series. I adored Bohdana and her story, she was an amazing main character.
I adore Lina's simple writing style and the world-building is uncomplicated and easy to visualize. Lina should write more standalone books for her side characters because her stories are fantastic and her characters are strong.
If you love fantasy romance with shifters, this book is perfect for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a standalone story of one of the side characters from Lina’s Aforetime series. Bohdana is the main character and the book can be enjoyed on its own without reading the others.
I was thrilled to discover a book solely focused on Bohdana's character after reading Lina's Aforetime series. I adored Bohdana and her story, she was an amazing main character.
I adore Lina's simple writing style and the world-building is uncomplicated and easy to visualize. Lina should write more standalone books for her side characters because her stories are fantastic and her characters are strong.
If you love fantasy romance with shifters, this book is perfect for you.
December 25, 2023
Wow I don't read alot of YA but this book was AMAZING spot on, kept me reading. Can't wait for book 2
December 15, 2023
ARC Review
This book was so captivating! I couldn't put it down, even with a screaming migraine! It's left me with a MASSIVE book hangover, and I'm not even mad!
This book is an enemies to lovers, shifter, fantasy dream! While following a character from the amazing 'Aforetime' series, it can be read as a standalone.
The fearless Bohdana finds herself mysteriously in another universe. One moment, she was in the middle of a great battle, and the next, she found herself falling from the sky and crash landing in the middle of a wedding! She finds herself at a boarding school, and no one has heard of her hometown; it's not even located on a map! She figures she'll attend the school while trying to figure out how to get back home. While there, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a man, Cyan.
So much more happens in this action-packed adventure, but you'll have to read it to find out!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶/5
This book was so captivating! I couldn't put it down, even with a screaming migraine! It's left me with a MASSIVE book hangover, and I'm not even mad!
This book is an enemies to lovers, shifter, fantasy dream! While following a character from the amazing 'Aforetime' series, it can be read as a standalone.
The fearless Bohdana finds herself mysteriously in another universe. One moment, she was in the middle of a great battle, and the next, she found herself falling from the sky and crash landing in the middle of a wedding! She finds herself at a boarding school, and no one has heard of her hometown; it's not even located on a map! She figures she'll attend the school while trying to figure out how to get back home. While there, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a man, Cyan.
So much more happens in this action-packed adventure, but you'll have to read it to find out!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶/5
December 5, 2023
Wow! This book. I loved it!
A Heart of Onyx Flame is part of Lina's Aforetime series, but it can be read as a standalone.
This book follows Bohdana, who arrives in a different world, following the battle at the end of Aforetime book 1. From the very start, I began to love Bohdana - more so than I did in Aforetime. She is feisty, confident, yet kind, and she is a frigging warrior, so she's a kick ass FMC. If I was ever to be a character in a story, I'd want to be her!
In her attempt to get home to Gora, Bohdana makes a deal with the Shifter Academy Head Mistress to protect one of the students... Enter Cian (oh my heart melted). Mysterious, dark wavy hair, intelligent - it's no wonder Bohdana fell for him. And he's a panther (Swoon).
Not going to give the plot away, but there's a lot of angst and wanting, confusion and moral setbacks, as well as action packed scenes and a great plotline. The characters are fully fleshed and the pacing of the story is fantastic (not too fast).
If you love shifters, romantasy, and mystery, check this out. I'd give this book 6 stars if I could!
Thanks Lina for the ARC. I want more!
A Heart of Onyx Flame is part of Lina's Aforetime series, but it can be read as a standalone.
This book follows Bohdana, who arrives in a different world, following the battle at the end of Aforetime book 1. From the very start, I began to love Bohdana - more so than I did in Aforetime. She is feisty, confident, yet kind, and she is a frigging warrior, so she's a kick ass FMC. If I was ever to be a character in a story, I'd want to be her!
In her attempt to get home to Gora, Bohdana makes a deal with the Shifter Academy Head Mistress to protect one of the students... Enter Cian (oh my heart melted). Mysterious, dark wavy hair, intelligent - it's no wonder Bohdana fell for him. And he's a panther (Swoon).
Not going to give the plot away, but there's a lot of angst and wanting, confusion and moral setbacks, as well as action packed scenes and a great plotline. The characters are fully fleshed and the pacing of the story is fantastic (not too fast).
If you love shifters, romantasy, and mystery, check this out. I'd give this book 6 stars if I could!
Thanks Lina for the ARC. I want more!
November 26, 2023
'A Heart of Onyx Flame' by Lina Ravenhill tells the story of Bohdana, a young woman who has moved from one world to another. She finds herself in an academy for shifters, and she is promised a way back to her own world if she manages to protect the life of a fellow student.
This story is part of the wider Aforetime series, but as someone new to Lina Ravenhill's work, it does work as a standalone story. I might have missed some extra context or Easter eggs by not reading the other books, but if I did, I never felt like I was missing anything by coming in fresh with this book. So if you are new to the series, starting here isn't a disadvantage.
To start with, I actually wondered whether I was reading the right book because the first 5 chapters didn't seem to fit with the synopsis. There was one mild hint that the academy was for shifters although it was only in Chapter 6 that it all became clear, both to Bohdana and to the readers. I quite liked this sense of mystery before the story fully settled in and it was a good way to show the world beyond the walls of the Academy.
The romance scenes between the two main characters were definitely the author's most confident scenes in the whole book. Before these scenes hit, I thought that the tone was targeting the younger end of the Young Adult audience range. The love scenes were essentially fade to black scenes rather than anything explicit so there wasn't anything inappropriate in them, but I'd assumed that the book was targeting a younger audience because of the quite simple relationships and stereotypes in play at the Academy. A lot of the side characters fall into the stereotypical mean girls and boys of school and I was looking for a bit more complexity to the cliques, and for some of the characters' motivations to be a bit more fleshed out. For example, are the cliques based on strength or type of shifters, with 'weaker' or less useful animals lower down the totem pole? Do the mean girls dislike Bohdana straight away because she wasn't a shifter, and non-shifters are right at the bottom of the totem pole, or was it just because she came from another world and was just different to them in terms of personality? I also never understood why Bohdana didn't correct any of her friends when they referred to her being in a love triangle when she'd only had one brief conversation with the other guy, and clearly didn't even like him as a person.
Overall, it was a decent story and the world was interesting and accessible to new readers, but I would have liked a bit more complexity in the characters at the Academy.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from BookSirens, but this is my voluntary and honest review.
This story is part of the wider Aforetime series, but as someone new to Lina Ravenhill's work, it does work as a standalone story. I might have missed some extra context or Easter eggs by not reading the other books, but if I did, I never felt like I was missing anything by coming in fresh with this book. So if you are new to the series, starting here isn't a disadvantage.
To start with, I actually wondered whether I was reading the right book because the first 5 chapters didn't seem to fit with the synopsis. There was one mild hint that the academy was for shifters although it was only in Chapter 6 that it all became clear, both to Bohdana and to the readers. I quite liked this sense of mystery before the story fully settled in and it was a good way to show the world beyond the walls of the Academy.
The romance scenes between the two main characters were definitely the author's most confident scenes in the whole book. Before these scenes hit, I thought that the tone was targeting the younger end of the Young Adult audience range. The love scenes were essentially fade to black scenes rather than anything explicit so there wasn't anything inappropriate in them, but I'd assumed that the book was targeting a younger audience because of the quite simple relationships and stereotypes in play at the Academy. A lot of the side characters fall into the stereotypical mean girls and boys of school and I was looking for a bit more complexity to the cliques, and for some of the characters' motivations to be a bit more fleshed out. For example, are the cliques based on strength or type of shifters, with 'weaker' or less useful animals lower down the totem pole? Do the mean girls dislike Bohdana straight away because she wasn't a shifter, and non-shifters are right at the bottom of the totem pole, or was it just because she came from another world and was just different to them in terms of personality? I also never understood why Bohdana didn't correct any of her friends when they referred to her being in a love triangle when she'd only had one brief conversation with the other guy, and clearly didn't even like him as a person.
Overall, it was a decent story and the world was interesting and accessible to new readers, but I would have liked a bit more complexity in the characters at the Academy.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from BookSirens, but this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 3, 2023
I loved the Aforetime/Shadows of Immortals series, and when I saw this was a spinoff of it I was so excited!! Plus the MC in this is a character that was assumed dead in that series, but is actually now in another world. Very cool!! Although I will say you can read this without reading the Aforetime series and enjoy it, but you will get more information and understand things better if you read that series first.
Ravenhill writes the most AMAZING and INTERESTING characters!! The shifters are unique, and there are ALL KINDS of different shifters!!
The world building is also really well done. It is very easy to picture and follow along as the characters navigate through this world.
I’m avoiding saying too much, or mentioning the MC’s name, because I don’t want to spoil it for you. But I love this character and the characters close to them. I’m dying to talk about them!!!
The plot flows beautifully, there’s never a boring or dull moment, it keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next.
If you enjoy shifters, fantasy, adventure and romance, then you will definitely enjoy this book!! I can’t wait to read the next book!!
Ravenhill writes the most AMAZING and INTERESTING characters!! The shifters are unique, and there are ALL KINDS of different shifters!!
The world building is also really well done. It is very easy to picture and follow along as the characters navigate through this world.
I’m avoiding saying too much, or mentioning the MC’s name, because I don’t want to spoil it for you. But I love this character and the characters close to them. I’m dying to talk about them!!!
The plot flows beautifully, there’s never a boring or dull moment, it keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next.
If you enjoy shifters, fantasy, adventure and romance, then you will definitely enjoy this book!! I can’t wait to read the next book!!
December 27, 2023
Okay - so fair warning this is a spin off of another series - which I have not read. And I say this because I believe that it left me at some what of a disadvantage…..like I was missing pieces that would make the confusing parts of this book make sense. Like, I should have known more about the MC and then I would have understood her and her decisions much more.
However, with that being said. I actually enjoyed the book enough to want to go find the series that comes before. I want to understand the trials and things the MC experienced to make her who she is in this book.
The writing is beautiful and the story is worth the read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
However, with that being said. I actually enjoyed the book enough to want to go find the series that comes before. I want to understand the trials and things the MC experienced to make her who she is in this book.
The writing is beautiful and the story is worth the read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 25, 2023
A Heart of Onyx Flame - Lina Ravenhill
5⭐️
Yes yes yes! This had everything I love! Bohdana the FMC is the perfect mix of “I will save this cat and give her a home” and “They thought two of them could overpower one girl, I loved being underestimated” the writing was so good I could see it like a movie in my head. I could not stop smiling every time paws were mentioned, have to love the animals!
Usually I’m not a huge fan of being confused the first pages of the book, BUT Lina made it work so well! The FMC had no clue what was going on, so we didn’t either! It immediately made me intrigued. The pace of the story was good, I was never bored and I would have finished it in one sitting if work didn’t come in between.
I highly recommend this book to fans of
✨Shifters
✨He falls first
✨Dark academia
✨Grumpy x Sunshine
✨Alpha female FMC
Thank you to Booksirens and Lina Ravenhill for this ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily.
5⭐️
Yes yes yes! This had everything I love! Bohdana the FMC is the perfect mix of “I will save this cat and give her a home” and “They thought two of them could overpower one girl, I loved being underestimated” the writing was so good I could see it like a movie in my head. I could not stop smiling every time paws were mentioned, have to love the animals!
Usually I’m not a huge fan of being confused the first pages of the book, BUT Lina made it work so well! The FMC had no clue what was going on, so we didn’t either! It immediately made me intrigued. The pace of the story was good, I was never bored and I would have finished it in one sitting if work didn’t come in between.
I highly recommend this book to fans of
✨Shifters
✨He falls first
✨Dark academia
✨Grumpy x Sunshine
✨Alpha female FMC
Thank you to Booksirens and Lina Ravenhill for this ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2023
I really enjoyed reading 'Heart of Onyx Flame'. Lina Ravenhill's writing is captivating and brings the reader into the world she has created. For being a YA novel, it does seem focused on the younger audience, but it still kept my attention and intrigued throughout the entire novel. The romance was definitely the highlight of this novel for me. I am not usually a fan of the fade to black style romance, but the passion between Bohdana and Cian was enough to satisfy my romance craving. I would recommend this novel for anyone interested in
🖤 Fantasy
🖤 Adventure
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Strong Female Lead
🖤 He Falls First
🖤 Shifters
🖤 Young Adult
Disclaimer: I received this novel as an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
🖤 Fantasy
🖤 Adventure
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Strong Female Lead
🖤 He Falls First
🖤 Shifters
🖤 Young Adult
Disclaimer: I received this novel as an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
January 6, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4.25/5⭐️
I loved being in this world back again! Bodhana is one of my favorite characters thanks to this book. The story was captivating and intriguing, as all of Lina Ravenhill books are. I am not much of a YA reader since I seek them out when I need a palate cleanser from my usual genres but Lina Ravenhill books are usually the exception since I can read them at any moment and love them so much. I am so exited to continue reading from her. I absolutely recommend this book if you are looking for a great YA world to sumerge yourself into!
4.25/5⭐️
I loved being in this world back again! Bodhana is one of my favorite characters thanks to this book. The story was captivating and intriguing, as all of Lina Ravenhill books are. I am not much of a YA reader since I seek them out when I need a palate cleanser from my usual genres but Lina Ravenhill books are usually the exception since I can read them at any moment and love them so much. I am so exited to continue reading from her. I absolutely recommend this book if you are looking for a great YA world to sumerge yourself into!
December 29, 2023
I don’t generally read YA but I am starting to branch out. I did not realise this was a spin-off of the authors other works so there may have been things that I didn’t understand that would have been explained in those books.
I found the plot a little confusing to start with (again probably because I haven’t read the other books) but as it progressed, it did make more sense. Until the end. I am very confused about what happened there. 😂
It was very mean girls in the school but with a paranormal element which was enjoyable. Bohdana is tough and holds her own which I liked. Liv was my favourite character though, no nonsense! I love strong female characters.
Overall, an interesting story which I really enjoyed.
I found the plot a little confusing to start with (again probably because I haven’t read the other books) but as it progressed, it did make more sense. Until the end. I am very confused about what happened there. 😂
It was very mean girls in the school but with a paranormal element which was enjoyable. Bohdana is tough and holds her own which I liked. Liv was my favourite character though, no nonsense! I love strong female characters.
Overall, an interesting story which I really enjoyed.
January 3, 2024
I enjoyed this book a lot…I did have a hard time starting it but once you immerse yourself fully you are drawn into this world. I loved the back and forth between the two main characters. They had such chemistry that you kept hoping the next page they would finally do something about their feelings. The twist towards the end had me spiraling and if it would have ended right there I would have thrown my kindle! I can not wait for the next one!!!
January 8, 2024
This book moved quickly. There was a lot that happened in a short amount of time. I loved getting to know the Bohdana as she navigates a new world and her no nonsense when it comes to bullies. I would have liked to maybe gotten Cian’s point of view I think it would have rounded out the story a little bit more. I loved the world and can’t wait to see if we get ore from this world.
November 25, 2023
Wow wow wow… where do I start?
I have followed Lina for some time and have read each one of her books. A heart of Onyx Flame is in my opinion the best book from the Aforetime series.
Not only is everything in perfect description and detail, Lina has really gone all out to describe the world of shifters with little twists and turns in the plot.
An amazing little read! Would recommend for any fantasy lovers who anyone interested in an enemies to lovers trope!
I have followed Lina for some time and have read each one of her books. A heart of Onyx Flame is in my opinion the best book from the Aforetime series.
Not only is everything in perfect description and detail, Lina has really gone all out to describe the world of shifters with little twists and turns in the plot.
An amazing little read! Would recommend for any fantasy lovers who anyone interested in an enemies to lovers trope!
December 4, 2023
Such a good story! I love Bohdana, and I love how she found love with Cian and true friendship with Polly and the other girls. I still have questions about her going home and how Anna saw her. Was it the mirror when she looked in it? Will she ever get to see Gora again??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2024
*ARC READ*
I absolutely loved this book! This was a wonderful and refreshing take on fantasy books that I have not seen in a while. I loved the different emotions I felt reading, and I especially loved how it felt like the characters came off of the page! I cannot wait to buy a physical copy!
I absolutely loved this book! This was a wonderful and refreshing take on fantasy books that I have not seen in a while. I loved the different emotions I felt reading, and I especially loved how it felt like the characters came off of the page! I cannot wait to buy a physical copy!
December 19, 2023
this is a great read i enjoyed the story flow and the character development im new to Lina and can not wait for more of her wonderful work!
December 15, 2023
ARC reader for BookSirens
Clean YA fantasy romance. Part of the Aforetime series, but can also be a standalone. One minute she’s fighting in a war and the next she falls into a completely different world. Placed into an academy surrounded by shifters and asked to protect one of the students. Enjoyable storyline and character dynamics.
Clean YA fantasy romance. Part of the Aforetime series, but can also be a standalone. One minute she’s fighting in a war and the next she falls into a completely different world. Placed into an academy surrounded by shifters and asked to protect one of the students. Enjoyable storyline and character dynamics.
December 14, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story reads more on the younger side of YA.
The dialogue between characters seems a bit stiff at times.
And I feel like there was quite a bit of plot points that were touched on but didn’t go anywhere. I would have liked to know more about the war going on, and the selling of the shifters. What happened to the others besides Liv?
I enjoyed the fact that Bohdana is tough, and stands up for herself and others, no matter the repercussions. I loved the unlikely friendship that blossoms between each of the girls, and Liv’s snarky attitude, it’s very catlike of her!
I kept picturing William like Gaston with all his friends at the lunch table 😂
All in all, I liked the story. Though I think I would have enjoyed it more if there were more world building and character development!
This story reads more on the younger side of YA.
The dialogue between characters seems a bit stiff at times.
And I feel like there was quite a bit of plot points that were touched on but didn’t go anywhere. I would have liked to know more about the war going on, and the selling of the shifters. What happened to the others besides Liv?
I enjoyed the fact that Bohdana is tough, and stands up for herself and others, no matter the repercussions. I loved the unlikely friendship that blossoms between each of the girls, and Liv’s snarky attitude, it’s very catlike of her!
I kept picturing William like Gaston with all his friends at the lunch table 😂
All in all, I liked the story. Though I think I would have enjoyed it more if there were more world building and character development!
June 3, 2024
This book had a strong, eye-catching start but by the end I was left with very ambivalent feelings. I did enjoy the slow-burn romance and the characters’ chemistry. I also liked their angsty moments and the friendships that blossomed. But I feel like I didn’t get to know the characters, the writing style wasn’t for my liking for the first 40% and I was left confused multiple times because things weren’t explained.
The story had an interesting paranormal premise with mostly shifters occupying the school and political issues brewing in the background. But I also feel like it wasn’t explored in depth. It is one thing that the students spent most if not all of their time within the walls of the school, but most scenes happened in the dining hall or in Bohdana or Cian’s bedroom. There were a few scenes in the gym, sewing class, the forest, the archery field and Miss Read’s office, but mostly the scenes felt repetitive because they always happened in the same place. Since we are talking about a school, scenes could have been extended to the kitchen, the library, or even other classes to show more of their everyday lives and to use the surroundings interchangeably. Maybe it only caught my eyes, but I wished there was a bit more variation amongst the premises.
The political issues weren’t explored at all. Of course, that was not a necessity as it was a YA fantasy / paranormal romance not a political fiction, but I felt that even the information that was revealed was very much like a textbook’s content being read out loud.
And it applied to everything that Bohdana should have experienced. She was told about everything from the rules of the school and the dynamics of the students to the political situation of the kingdom. She only experienced her new surroundings after she was told about them which then led to a story that was filled with telling and barely any showing for a good chunk of the story. If she experienced her circumstances and then she was told about how things worked to clarify it for her that would have been different because the showing and telling would have been balanced. There wouldn’t have been a need to explain everything as the showing part of the writing would have already explained half of what happened to the readers.
I did like that after the initial telling, the story took a more action or rather eventful turn. There was always something happening, whether it be to Bohdana or to Cian, but there were continuous events that kept the story entertaining and eventful.
Whilst the main plot of the book, Cian’s situation was clear as day, I was left confused about loads of things. Characters said somethings only to backtrack a few lines later. Major events happened that were left unexplained. I am here, after days of reading the book and I still don’t understand the scenes before the ending. What happened there? I reread it multiple times and I still don’t understand, and it was a huge plot-twist so I am supposed to get it, am I not?
Now, this is where I’d usually start talking about the characters individually, but I can’t because I didn’t get to know the characters. I did feel that they had amazing chemistry, and I adored that Bohdana was the one who had to get closer to Cian because that is not a trope that’s often used. She wasn’t running after him, but she needed to keep close to him to fulfil her role, so the proximity, their growing chemistry and their relationship blossoming was lovely to watch because it wasn’t the usual boy goes after girl set-up.
However, as I said, I do feel like after reading the book, I still don’t know the characters, I don’t understand their logic, nor do I understand how they feel other than that the MCs love each other. I felt that on many occasions we didn’t actually dig deeper into what the characters felt, thought, assumed etc. There were times where I didn’t understand why Bohdana did things. In one inner monologue she said she had to leave, but then she decided to return but with no inner monologue to explain her reasoning. Why? What was the thought process behind that? Logically, I think it was because that was a safer option, but was that her thought process after she had tried to leave so desperately? Maybe yes, maybe not. It was never disclosed. This is just one example, but there were multiple instances where I sat and read, and I had no idea why Bohdana did the things she did.
As for the writing-style, without sounding harsh, it was very simple. I don’t like flowery language and overly explained stories, but as the book was written in a first person POV, it could have benefited from a bit of complexity, because the way it has been written with every second sentences starting with “I” simplified the writing way too much for the first 40% of the book. This should have been corrected as this made the story feel very repetitive in terms of the writing-style. Every single time Bohdana did something, thought of something or felt something, the sentence started with an “I”. And as I previously mentioned, the first 40% was also filled with heavy telling rather than showing. But then later on this disappeared so I am not sure what happened there. Was the first half written another time than the second half? Were there different beta readers or editors? I do not know. But it felt like the writing style switched between the first 40% and the last 60%.
Now, after all the negatives, it might seem like I am giving a generous 3 star rating, but that is not the case. I did enjoy half of the book and for me to give a 2 star rating, the story or the characters need to continuously make me want to chuck the book out of the window. And that didn’t happen. It was a fun, quick read and I liked the slow-burn romance, the events and actions that kept the story entertaining and the angsty moments. So, A Heart of Onyx Flame got 3/5 stars.
Mid-Reading Updates!
@inkedbooksloth
The story had an interesting paranormal premise with mostly shifters occupying the school and political issues brewing in the background. But I also feel like it wasn’t explored in depth. It is one thing that the students spent most if not all of their time within the walls of the school, but most scenes happened in the dining hall or in Bohdana or Cian’s bedroom. There were a few scenes in the gym, sewing class, the forest, the archery field and Miss Read’s office, but mostly the scenes felt repetitive because they always happened in the same place. Since we are talking about a school, scenes could have been extended to the kitchen, the library, or even other classes to show more of their everyday lives and to use the surroundings interchangeably. Maybe it only caught my eyes, but I wished there was a bit more variation amongst the premises.
The political issues weren’t explored at all. Of course, that was not a necessity as it was a YA fantasy / paranormal romance not a political fiction, but I felt that even the information that was revealed was very much like a textbook’s content being read out loud.
And it applied to everything that Bohdana should have experienced. She was told about everything from the rules of the school and the dynamics of the students to the political situation of the kingdom. She only experienced her new surroundings after she was told about them which then led to a story that was filled with telling and barely any showing for a good chunk of the story. If she experienced her circumstances and then she was told about how things worked to clarify it for her that would have been different because the showing and telling would have been balanced. There wouldn’t have been a need to explain everything as the showing part of the writing would have already explained half of what happened to the readers.
I did like that after the initial telling, the story took a more action or rather eventful turn. There was always something happening, whether it be to Bohdana or to Cian, but there were continuous events that kept the story entertaining and eventful.
Whilst the main plot of the book, Cian’s situation was clear as day, I was left confused about loads of things. Characters said somethings only to backtrack a few lines later. Major events happened that were left unexplained. I am here, after days of reading the book and I still don’t understand the scenes before the ending. What happened there? I reread it multiple times and I still don’t understand, and it was a huge plot-twist so I am supposed to get it, am I not?
Now, this is where I’d usually start talking about the characters individually, but I can’t because I didn’t get to know the characters. I did feel that they had amazing chemistry, and I adored that Bohdana was the one who had to get closer to Cian because that is not a trope that’s often used. She wasn’t running after him, but she needed to keep close to him to fulfil her role, so the proximity, their growing chemistry and their relationship blossoming was lovely to watch because it wasn’t the usual boy goes after girl set-up.
However, as I said, I do feel like after reading the book, I still don’t know the characters, I don’t understand their logic, nor do I understand how they feel other than that the MCs love each other. I felt that on many occasions we didn’t actually dig deeper into what the characters felt, thought, assumed etc. There were times where I didn’t understand why Bohdana did things. In one inner monologue she said she had to leave, but then she decided to return but with no inner monologue to explain her reasoning. Why? What was the thought process behind that? Logically, I think it was because that was a safer option, but was that her thought process after she had tried to leave so desperately? Maybe yes, maybe not. It was never disclosed. This is just one example, but there were multiple instances where I sat and read, and I had no idea why Bohdana did the things she did.
As for the writing-style, without sounding harsh, it was very simple. I don’t like flowery language and overly explained stories, but as the book was written in a first person POV, it could have benefited from a bit of complexity, because the way it has been written with every second sentences starting with “I” simplified the writing way too much for the first 40% of the book. This should have been corrected as this made the story feel very repetitive in terms of the writing-style. Every single time Bohdana did something, thought of something or felt something, the sentence started with an “I”. And as I previously mentioned, the first 40% was also filled with heavy telling rather than showing. But then later on this disappeared so I am not sure what happened there. Was the first half written another time than the second half? Were there different beta readers or editors? I do not know. But it felt like the writing style switched between the first 40% and the last 60%.
Now, after all the negatives, it might seem like I am giving a generous 3 star rating, but that is not the case. I did enjoy half of the book and for me to give a 2 star rating, the story or the characters need to continuously make me want to chuck the book out of the window. And that didn’t happen. It was a fun, quick read and I liked the slow-burn romance, the events and actions that kept the story entertaining and the angsty moments. So, A Heart of Onyx Flame got 3/5 stars.
Mid-Reading Updates!
Page 18
This had an interesting start with its deus ex machina moment, but ever since then it’s been very heavy in telling. The FMC’s, Bohdana, dialogues feel a bit odd, and everything that I feel should be experienced by the FMC, such as the backwards way of thinking and historical view of woman’s existence, is basically explained through conversations. Rather than learning via experience, she is just told things.
Page 29
I always have a little issue with first person POVs. I prefer it in certain circumstances because it brings me closer to the characters, but I do not like it when it’s executed so simply. Such as “I walked over”, “I asked”, “I wrapped myself in it”, “I adjusted the cloak”, “I climbed down”, “I sprinted back”… this is a very simple form of writing style which feels very repetitive.
Page 41
I don’t understand what’s going on. I’m honestly confused. She wanted to run away so she did and then she returned? Why? She literally saw a fraction of the outside so what was her logic by returning? I have no idea what’s happening or where this book is going.
Page 44
“You will have to find another place to live.”
Few dialogues later.
“You are not going anywhere.”
Huh? Am I supposed to understand these conflicting information/dialogues? I’m so utterly confused…
Page 76
“Why are you doing this? Why help me?” She asked.
This sentence made me realise that barely any of the inner monologues consist of Bohdana’s deeper thoughts. It’s all she did this and she did that and she got annoyed or angry about something but we barely get any thoughts, assumptions, ideas or opinions. The writing style barely offers her any thought-process of significance.
Page 103
I do like the dynamic between Cian and Bohdana. It’s both a bit cold and distant, and a bit cheeky and teasing. Like a tiny bit of a rollercoaster but it’s entertaining.
Page 123
Is Miss. Read mentally sound?
- She tells Bohdana that she has to leave and then a few sentences later she tells her that she can’t leave.
- She tells Bohdana that she can only train if Mr. Oxley agrees and once he agrees, albeit reluctantly, she sets out a few conditions that Bohdana needs to deliver on if she wants to train.
This woman changes directions faster than a damn F1 car.
Page 138
I’m so glad Bohdana is the one going/“running” after Cian. Not only because of the role she has to fulfil, and because she also f’ed it up, but also because I’m so tired of boys always chasing the girls. Sometimes women fall first or at least, they have jobs/missions that require them to stay close to the MMC. The MMC doesn’t have to be the only one visibly pinning after the FMC all the time.
Page 240
“Where were you? What happened to you?” I asked.
“I was here all this time, with you,” he said.
Huh? I am so bl00dy confused. Where? He definitely wasn’t. Where was he? What happened? I finished the book, I thought we’d get the answer later but we didn’t. What on earth happened?
Page 246
I adored the romance and the MCs’ chemistry. The writing style wasn’t really my favourite though as it felt a bit simple and repetitive, but it wasn’t bad, I just like a bit more complicated writing styles. However, for how simple it was, the execution really did confuse me. I felt like I didn’t understand what was going at the first 40% of the book and the last 15% of the book so basically half of the story.
Whilst I got the plot, there were so many options to explore in terms of scenes, but instead the characters were eating, sewing or attending to classes even though the classes had no real weight that would have led the plot. So, this felt a bit unnecessary. Scenes could’ve been a bit more varied. Whilst significant thoughts and feelings were lacking in the inner monologues at the beginning, they did pick up later.
@inkedbooksloth
January 23, 2024
I am so glad that Bohdana is still alive and that she is getting her happy ending! I was so sad when she "died" in Aforetime and screamed for joy when she made a very brief appearance in Homecoming.
There were a lot of things I liked about this book. Bohdana is definitely not a girls girl that worries about clothes, makeup, or boys. She likes to exercise and train for battle. Even though she knows who she is, it was touching and very relatable to see the internal struggles she goes through in sometimes comparing herself to other girls. It just makes her stronger. Her confidence in herself and standing up to bullies was one of the great storylines throughout. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Bohdana and Cian. It was so funny when Bohdana thought she was being stealthy watching Cian, but everyone saw what she was doing and commented on it. It took me a little while to warm up to Cian. He sounded like a good guy - handsome, smart, and noble, but just a little stiff and cold to start off. When they finally kissed and I started to see his struggle in resisting Bohdana, I started to connect with him. I especially liked at the end when he is explaining to Bohdana his mindset. It made me understand him so much more and I wish this was more apparent earlier.
Everything came together wonderfully at the end, but I will be honest and say I was sometimes confused as to what the big picture was. I was kind of confused on the purpose of the school - it seemed kind of modern for the medieval type time of the story, and didn't really know where these kids came from. Rich kids? Orphans? What is this school preparing them for? I also wish that there was more development / background about the war going on and the urgency of it. It was mentioned a few times, but didn't seem all that important until it tied in to the reveal at the end. Even with all these questions, which may just be me always craving backstories, I was always interested in the story as I was reading it. I love the strong characters that Lina creates and I fly through reading the pages. I was in shock reading the Epilogue because I thought there was no way that it could all end that way. My heart was shattered, but then it was stitched back together by the end. I was happy that Bohdana found a place she belongs and someone to share her life with.
I wouldn't mind a crossover book with all the Aforetime characters and Cian. Great read! I am looking forward to A Heart of Ruby Flame!
Thank you to the author for the ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There were a lot of things I liked about this book. Bohdana is definitely not a girls girl that worries about clothes, makeup, or boys. She likes to exercise and train for battle. Even though she knows who she is, it was touching and very relatable to see the internal struggles she goes through in sometimes comparing herself to other girls. It just makes her stronger. Her confidence in herself and standing up to bullies was one of the great storylines throughout. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Bohdana and Cian. It was so funny when Bohdana thought she was being stealthy watching Cian, but everyone saw what she was doing and commented on it. It took me a little while to warm up to Cian. He sounded like a good guy - handsome, smart, and noble, but just a little stiff and cold to start off. When they finally kissed and I started to see his struggle in resisting Bohdana, I started to connect with him. I especially liked at the end when he is explaining to Bohdana his mindset. It made me understand him so much more and I wish this was more apparent earlier.
Everything came together wonderfully at the end, but I will be honest and say I was sometimes confused as to what the big picture was. I was kind of confused on the purpose of the school - it seemed kind of modern for the medieval type time of the story, and didn't really know where these kids came from. Rich kids? Orphans? What is this school preparing them for? I also wish that there was more development / background about the war going on and the urgency of it. It was mentioned a few times, but didn't seem all that important until it tied in to the reveal at the end. Even with all these questions, which may just be me always craving backstories, I was always interested in the story as I was reading it. I love the strong characters that Lina creates and I fly through reading the pages. I was in shock reading the Epilogue because I thought there was no way that it could all end that way. My heart was shattered, but then it was stitched back together by the end. I was happy that Bohdana found a place she belongs and someone to share her life with.
I wouldn't mind a crossover book with all the Aforetime characters and Cian. Great read! I am looking forward to A Heart of Ruby Flame!
Thank you to the author for the ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2024
When Bogdana is struck by a mage on the battlefield, a blow that should have ended her life, she finds herself dropped - literally - into a different world. She's healed and taken to a school that takes in those who have no place to go. Unsure if she's a spy, or if they can trust her, she's granted a spot, but watched closely.
Bogdana wants nothing more than to find her way back to her world - something she's told is impossible. But she's a warrior, someone capable of taking care of herself, and so she sets off to find a mage or wizard that has the knowledge to send her back. She escapes the school and crosses over the wall to Arthland. There she finds people being auctioned off - people with the ability to shift into animals. Sickened by their terrible fate, Bogdana releases the captives, and retreats back to the wall.
She learns that Arundel Academy is a safe home for shifter children, and that the city of Freville is full of shifters. People who are desperately trying to get their independence from Arthland, and the people who distrust magic and would see their kind eradicated.
Bogdana is stifled by the customs of this new land. Woman are taught useful skills for when they're married, dresses are the standard uniform, and learning to fight is forbidden. Things Bogdana has no time for, and is loathe to learn. She spends her time trying to escape back to her world, and in time is given a charge to keep alive - Cian, a boy who makes it clear he's just fine on his own and doesn't need her help.
The difference in Bogdana's personal experience and the world she grew up in are completely at odds with where she finds herself now. She doesn't understand how the popular cliques are allowed to freely bully others, and won't be cowed by them. She soon gathers a group of strays to her, people she's stood up for in one way or another, though she has no idea what to do with them. Despite this, they manage to become dear to her.
One issue I had was how stifled the world building was. It wasn't that the history of the world wasn't there, or that answers couldn't be found. It was just Bogdana's complete disinterest in learning anything about it. This was a stopping place, somewhere she'd soon escape, so she had no reason to learn more. While she was all for changing the way women were viewed, and encouraged the other girls to ask for more and find ways to protect themself and gain a degree of freedom, it was an uphill battle. A completely foreign concept they'd never once stopped to consider.
There was a excerpt for the second book, this one taking place on the other side of the wall. I'll definitely be keeping my eye open for that one, and hope that with a true "local" we'll get to learn even more about this world, and really delve into it. While I'd be happy to see Bogdana, Cian, Polly, Liv and all the others again, I'm excited for this new direction we've been offered.
Not quite perfect, at times the pacing could have used a little work. I'm not sure if the classes seemed like they stalled for time because that's how Bogdana viewed them, or if it was that we gained so little knowledge from them. Again, it could have been entirely suited to fit our narrator, and a planned plot line to peak our interest for more from the series!
I received an ARC from BookSirens. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Bogdana wants nothing more than to find her way back to her world - something she's told is impossible. But she's a warrior, someone capable of taking care of herself, and so she sets off to find a mage or wizard that has the knowledge to send her back. She escapes the school and crosses over the wall to Arthland. There she finds people being auctioned off - people with the ability to shift into animals. Sickened by their terrible fate, Bogdana releases the captives, and retreats back to the wall.
She learns that Arundel Academy is a safe home for shifter children, and that the city of Freville is full of shifters. People who are desperately trying to get their independence from Arthland, and the people who distrust magic and would see their kind eradicated.
Bogdana is stifled by the customs of this new land. Woman are taught useful skills for when they're married, dresses are the standard uniform, and learning to fight is forbidden. Things Bogdana has no time for, and is loathe to learn. She spends her time trying to escape back to her world, and in time is given a charge to keep alive - Cian, a boy who makes it clear he's just fine on his own and doesn't need her help.
The difference in Bogdana's personal experience and the world she grew up in are completely at odds with where she finds herself now. She doesn't understand how the popular cliques are allowed to freely bully others, and won't be cowed by them. She soon gathers a group of strays to her, people she's stood up for in one way or another, though she has no idea what to do with them. Despite this, they manage to become dear to her.
One issue I had was how stifled the world building was. It wasn't that the history of the world wasn't there, or that answers couldn't be found. It was just Bogdana's complete disinterest in learning anything about it. This was a stopping place, somewhere she'd soon escape, so she had no reason to learn more. While she was all for changing the way women were viewed, and encouraged the other girls to ask for more and find ways to protect themself and gain a degree of freedom, it was an uphill battle. A completely foreign concept they'd never once stopped to consider.
There was a excerpt for the second book, this one taking place on the other side of the wall. I'll definitely be keeping my eye open for that one, and hope that with a true "local" we'll get to learn even more about this world, and really delve into it. While I'd be happy to see Bogdana, Cian, Polly, Liv and all the others again, I'm excited for this new direction we've been offered.
Not quite perfect, at times the pacing could have used a little work. I'm not sure if the classes seemed like they stalled for time because that's how Bogdana viewed them, or if it was that we gained so little knowledge from them. Again, it could have been entirely suited to fit our narrator, and a planned plot line to peak our interest for more from the series!
I received an ARC from BookSirens. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
December 24, 2023
I received an eARC in return for my honest review.
Non-spoiler review:
Bohdana is a character you will first meet in Lina’s Aforetime series. However, you can still enjoy this book as a stand-alone. (Although, her Aforetime series is another fantasy read I highly recommend!)
The first thing I must mention is Lina’s beautiful dedication:
“To all the mean girls I knew, I forgive you…”
This perfectly encompasses who Bohdana is and what she represents to her newfound friends. Known for her strength and battle strategy, it is safe to say she can fearlessly stand up to a few mean girls. Yet, it also represents the strength she gives her newfound friends and the school misfits. There are many individuals like Polly (both in books and real life), who may not be the most physically fit. Polly is the perfect representation of anyone who, instead of swords, wields kindness as a weapon and their willingness to forgive as their biggest strength. With new and unlikely friendships forming throughout the book, the misfits and mean girls may learn they have more in common than they think.
Lina’s characters show depth and development, and her world-building continues to suck me right into these fantasy worlds! I need the next book ASAP! Cian and Bohdana’s relationship had just enough spice(IMO), and their banter was hilarious. Despite being so far from home, Bohdana’s refreshing outlook on life and gender roles brings a newfound purpose to the students of Arundel. Plus, with lines from Cian( like the one shared above), it’s hard to imagine how either could ever resist one another!
If you love slow-burn romance, found family, strong FMC, romance reading shifters, and are looking for your next book boyfriend then this needs to be your next read!
Non-spoiler review:
Bohdana is a character you will first meet in Lina’s Aforetime series. However, you can still enjoy this book as a stand-alone. (Although, her Aforetime series is another fantasy read I highly recommend!)
The first thing I must mention is Lina’s beautiful dedication:
“To all the mean girls I knew, I forgive you…”
This perfectly encompasses who Bohdana is and what she represents to her newfound friends. Known for her strength and battle strategy, it is safe to say she can fearlessly stand up to a few mean girls. Yet, it also represents the strength she gives her newfound friends and the school misfits. There are many individuals like Polly (both in books and real life), who may not be the most physically fit. Polly is the perfect representation of anyone who, instead of swords, wields kindness as a weapon and their willingness to forgive as their biggest strength. With new and unlikely friendships forming throughout the book, the misfits and mean girls may learn they have more in common than they think.
Lina’s characters show depth and development, and her world-building continues to suck me right into these fantasy worlds! I need the next book ASAP! Cian and Bohdana’s relationship had just enough spice(IMO), and their banter was hilarious. Despite being so far from home, Bohdana’s refreshing outlook on life and gender roles brings a newfound purpose to the students of Arundel. Plus, with lines from Cian( like the one shared above), it’s hard to imagine how either could ever resist one another!
If you love slow-burn romance, found family, strong FMC, romance reading shifters, and are looking for your next book boyfriend then this needs to be your next read!
nope-author-uses-supports-ai-art
April 11, 2024DNR - Use of AI covers.
AI "art" is made from platforms using a database of stolen artwork (They do a massive sweep off the internet and will take even copyrighted images and art - Midjourney's CEO has admitted that 1) they cannot and have not asked for consent from artists, despite the fact that the platform steals images that are copyrighted and 2) that its platform does not create out of nothing. Contrary to popular belief, AI does not invent new art by taking inspiration, it copy pastes and mashes together, even Midjourney admits to the fact that AI art is well not really artificial intelligence because it cannot reproduce the patterns of an artistic mind).
Using AI "art" is a slap in the face of many artists who suffer from it:
1) Their hardwork is used to feed off platforms where people can get a picture within minutes
2) This in turn reduces the value of their labor since authors such as this one can just buy cheaper
3) However these platforms still run on the labor of real artists, they depend on them to continue running.
While understandable that indie authors have many costs that does not allow them to commission real artists, it is not an excuse to throw artists under the bus.
I will add that it is also OKAY FOR AUTHORS TO MAKE MISTAKES but once it is called out that it is AI, and once people are informed as to how these platforms work, they should at the very least take down the AI art. Errors happen, staking a claim in favour of AI because it's convenient even after learning about AI is not an error, THAT is a gross show of injustice.
AI has already started spitting out books, let's not allow it to be on our covers or we will soon be reading machine made books and lose all beauty of art.
AI "art" is made from platforms using a database of stolen artwork (They do a massive sweep off the internet and will take even copyrighted images and art - Midjourney's CEO has admitted that 1) they cannot and have not asked for consent from artists, despite the fact that the platform steals images that are copyrighted and 2) that its platform does not create out of nothing. Contrary to popular belief, AI does not invent new art by taking inspiration, it copy pastes and mashes together, even Midjourney admits to the fact that AI art is well not really artificial intelligence because it cannot reproduce the patterns of an artistic mind).
Using AI "art" is a slap in the face of many artists who suffer from it:
1) Their hardwork is used to feed off platforms where people can get a picture within minutes
2) This in turn reduces the value of their labor since authors such as this one can just buy cheaper
3) However these platforms still run on the labor of real artists, they depend on them to continue running.
While understandable that indie authors have many costs that does not allow them to commission real artists, it is not an excuse to throw artists under the bus.
I will add that it is also OKAY FOR AUTHORS TO MAKE MISTAKES but once it is called out that it is AI, and once people are informed as to how these platforms work, they should at the very least take down the AI art. Errors happen, staking a claim in favour of AI because it's convenient even after learning about AI is not an error, THAT is a gross show of injustice.
AI has already started spitting out books, let's not allow it to be on our covers or we will soon be reading machine made books and lose all beauty of art.
December 27, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When I first read the synopsis for this book, I was very excited. I am a huge fan of YA fantasy and this seemed right up my alley. After reading the book, j would say the book falls a little flat in comparison to what I expected. I thoroughly enjoyed Bohdana and her relationships with her friends and Cian but I felt like the plot needs more. There were moments where I felt things were a little "stereotypical" and on the younger side of YA than I was expecting, like the relationships between the popular people and the outcasts so to say. I was also a little confused on what the time period was meant to be. I thought it was an older, pre-industrial era due to the way they dressed and classes theh took but the language they used and some of the items they had made it seem more modern.
With all that being said, I did enjoy the story and the world building. I truly think the author did a wonderful job creating a strong female main character who doesn't agree with being pushed around and can defend herself but also knows her weaknesses and is a well rounded human. I was able to picture the scenery and characters and loved how everything was described. This is in no way a 'bad' book, I think it just isn't for me.
When I first read the synopsis for this book, I was very excited. I am a huge fan of YA fantasy and this seemed right up my alley. After reading the book, j would say the book falls a little flat in comparison to what I expected. I thoroughly enjoyed Bohdana and her relationships with her friends and Cian but I felt like the plot needs more. There were moments where I felt things were a little "stereotypical" and on the younger side of YA than I was expecting, like the relationships between the popular people and the outcasts so to say. I was also a little confused on what the time period was meant to be. I thought it was an older, pre-industrial era due to the way they dressed and classes theh took but the language they used and some of the items they had made it seem more modern.
With all that being said, I did enjoy the story and the world building. I truly think the author did a wonderful job creating a strong female main character who doesn't agree with being pushed around and can defend herself but also knows her weaknesses and is a well rounded human. I was able to picture the scenery and characters and loved how everything was described. This is in no way a 'bad' book, I think it just isn't for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2024
Upon first glance, the book's cover and blurb immediately caught my attention and compelled me to delve into this novel. The author has truly excelled in crafting well-developed characters that are easy to connect with. Even though I haven't read the previous installments of this series, the author's descriptions of the main characters were vivid and brought them to life. I found the main characters likable, particularly Bohdana, who is both fiercely independent and empathetic.
While the ending did pique my interest, it unfortunately felt rather abrupt, leaving me longing for more resolution. As for the romance aspect of the story, I believe there is room for improvement. Bohdana and Cian's relationship seemed to progress too quickly for my taste; I would have appreciated a bit more angsty tension and further development in their connection. Nevertheless, their chemistry remains undeniable.
Despite these minor flaws, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates young adult novels. It offers a captivating story set within a fascinating fantasy realm. Furthermore, it proved to be a quick and effortless read with its beautifully woven narrative and engaging main characters, that left me with two main characters who have become personal favorites of mine.
While the ending did pique my interest, it unfortunately felt rather abrupt, leaving me longing for more resolution. As for the romance aspect of the story, I believe there is room for improvement. Bohdana and Cian's relationship seemed to progress too quickly for my taste; I would have appreciated a bit more angsty tension and further development in their connection. Nevertheless, their chemistry remains undeniable.
Despite these minor flaws, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates young adult novels. It offers a captivating story set within a fascinating fantasy realm. Furthermore, it proved to be a quick and effortless read with its beautifully woven narrative and engaging main characters, that left me with two main characters who have become personal favorites of mine.
December 2, 2023
✔️ Grumpy Sunshine
✔️Dark Academia - Shifters
✔️ He falls first
Id like to start this off by saying I really wanted to love this book and I really thought I would. Based on the summary it reminded me of the “Crave” series but with shifters and “Outlander’s” fall into a new world/time element. The author tried to put a new spin on the YA fantasy paranormal romance genre and I really loved the concept. The two main characters Bohdana and Cian had great chemistry and had some really sweet moments like in Alma’s office and when Bohdana gets sick. Also, the artwork on the cover is SO freaking pretty.
This book was short but there was still times I felt I wanted to skip ahead. I felt some of the built up plots were forgotten like William, the shifters being sold in the city, and Mary and the mean girls at the school. It felt like we got information that didn’t really go anywhere. To be fair, this book is the first I’ve read in the series so it’s possible it will be touched on in other books or has been already and I’m just not aware of it. I wanted more character development especially from Mary and the mean girls.
“Tell me you don’t feel this.” His hot lips crashed into mine. … “This is madness,” I whispered.
✔️Dark Academia - Shifters
✔️ He falls first
Id like to start this off by saying I really wanted to love this book and I really thought I would. Based on the summary it reminded me of the “Crave” series but with shifters and “Outlander’s” fall into a new world/time element. The author tried to put a new spin on the YA fantasy paranormal romance genre and I really loved the concept. The two main characters Bohdana and Cian had great chemistry and had some really sweet moments like in Alma’s office and when Bohdana gets sick. Also, the artwork on the cover is SO freaking pretty.
This book was short but there was still times I felt I wanted to skip ahead. I felt some of the built up plots were forgotten like William, the shifters being sold in the city, and Mary and the mean girls at the school. It felt like we got information that didn’t really go anywhere. To be fair, this book is the first I’ve read in the series so it’s possible it will be touched on in other books or has been already and I’m just not aware of it. I wanted more character development especially from Mary and the mean girls.
“Tell me you don’t feel this.” His hot lips crashed into mine. … “This is madness,” I whispered.
January 1, 2024
This is an intriguing YA fantasy romance story surrounding a school of different shifters, and where the FMC is thrust into a different realm.
Bohdana is a strong independent warrior and somehow ends up in a mysterious new world at a boarding school where everything seems to annoy her. They don't know how to fight, no-one stands up for themselves and she has no interest in learning how to sow or look pretty.
When she's tasked with shadowing Cian, a handsome but shy loner boy at the school, due to the teachers suspicion someone may be after him, she's reluctant at her task but at least its something where she can use her skills.
This had an interesting storyline full of mystery, with typical high school mean girls and drama, rivalries and conflict, and YA emotions.
Includes fade to black slow burn romance, enemy/friends to lovers, and he falls first themes.
Whilst I anticipated some aspects of the storyline the ending was unexpected and had a good resolution, and I enjoyed the chemistry between Bohdana and Cian.
Honest and Voluntary ARC review
Bohdana is a strong independent warrior and somehow ends up in a mysterious new world at a boarding school where everything seems to annoy her. They don't know how to fight, no-one stands up for themselves and she has no interest in learning how to sow or look pretty.
When she's tasked with shadowing Cian, a handsome but shy loner boy at the school, due to the teachers suspicion someone may be after him, she's reluctant at her task but at least its something where she can use her skills.
This had an interesting storyline full of mystery, with typical high school mean girls and drama, rivalries and conflict, and YA emotions.
Includes fade to black slow burn romance, enemy/friends to lovers, and he falls first themes.
Whilst I anticipated some aspects of the storyline the ending was unexpected and had a good resolution, and I enjoyed the chemistry between Bohdana and Cian.
Honest and Voluntary ARC review
January 10, 2024
Cian and Bohdana were just perfect. Cian being all to himself and Bohdana more outspoken. The start of their relationship, I thought was cute. The way they get to know each other and how they slowly start to fall for each other. Their physical time together was super quick. I wanted spice and there isn’t much. I can only imagine due to the type of story, it was focusing on the main reason for the story.
Not only is it about the start of their romance, but it has to do with a few important factors including how Bohdana got there and the safety of Cian.
I do have to say, there were a few parts that left me confused. It could just be me who didn’t understand. It was more of, did I miss something while reading.
The ending almost had me in tears! I just couldn’t believe it. I was left shocked asking “why?” As i kept reading, not only does it break your heart, but it restores it right after. I was extremely happy for the ending. I mean that last few paragraphs. Just the best overwhelming ending.
Not only is it about the start of their romance, but it has to do with a few important factors including how Bohdana got there and the safety of Cian.
I do have to say, there were a few parts that left me confused. It could just be me who didn’t understand. It was more of, did I miss something while reading.
The ending almost had me in tears! I just couldn’t believe it. I was left shocked asking “why?” As i kept reading, not only does it break your heart, but it restores it right after. I was extremely happy for the ending. I mean that last few paragraphs. Just the best overwhelming ending.
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