Every little girl has dreams of her own Cinderella story. For Morrigan Aegean, that prospect had been off the table since she was marked at thirteen years old. Those marked are typically given up to be trained for servitude, but Morrigan is her family's dirty little secret, hidden from the world to prevent the family's shame. In need of money, her family decides it’s her time to be auctioned. Amid the chaos of her selling, she falls into the hands of a changeling lord. Will he be her new slaver…or her salvation?
Lord Nikaius and his pack have spent the last few years trying to change the world they live in. Between changing society's views on women to abolishing the Culling, it's been an uphill battle trying to gain the support they need. Happenstantially being in the right place at the right time, they gain a new charge–who might be everything they were looking for.
However, strange happenings unfold around them as Morrigan becomes more comfortable in her new home. Can Morrigan succeed when strange magic and sibling rivalries seem to rear their ugly heads at every turn?
This book is a well written work of art! I am a stickler for good grammar and spelling, and this book met and exceeded my expectations in this area. It also had plenty of unpredictable plot twists that kept me on my toes. There was a good balance of plot, romance, and world building. I read it in one day because I didn’t want to put it down!
I’m such a sucker for retellings of stories. I think it’s always such a unique twist to something that we know by heart. This of course was no exception, and it’s what honestly peaked my interest. To be honest I ended up forgetting that this was a retelling but I’m not really upset about the fact. Normally I’m not the biggest fan on multiple POV’s but this worked really well. It was super helpful to be able to read a specific viewpoint and see the emotions and interactions. I think especially in tropes like this it can be hard to ensure every character has their own space. Siri did a wonderful job of making sure each got their time in the spotlight without it feeling forced. Speaking of characters, the energy with the 4 is absolutely palpable. The protectiveness and the sheer kindness AND open communication? Big fan, honestly a super big fan. I really enjoyed Morrigan open up more as the story progressed and watching her become more confident in herself as a person. It was so refreshing to watch how everyone interacted with her, nothing felt robotic or automatically perfect. There were bumps in the road and again just played at being realistic as possible. That’s honestly a huge gripe of mine whenever there is romance involved, a lot of the time it tends to feel too rushed or too perfect. This was not the case in the slightest and I’m overjoyed at the fact. I will say.. The spice level was very, very good. I’m intrigued to see how it progresses as the story does. I really appreciated the glimpse of the magic system in this world, as well as the social constructs. I felt like there was more background that would have been helpful to learn about but I’m hopeful that we’ll continue to learn about the world in the next book. This was an absolutely terrific introduction to the world and Morrigan’s found family. I’m excited to see how the mystery unfolds it self and watch how the group progressives with one another. Be warned, there is a cliffhanger!!
A quick read but such a good one! Very well written. The world building is phenomenal, and while I still have some questions I am sure they will be answered in book two. Can we take a minute to appreciate the author’s creativity and her unique spin on a classic story! Morrigan wants what we all want, freedom, choice, a voice. Watching Morrigan evolve and grow as the pages turn was so satisfying. Throw in some eye candy and I’m sold every single time. While this book ended on a cliff hanger, the story felt like it ended right where it needed to. I cannot wait to see what the author brings us in book two.
Interesting in a convoluted way, I suppose. First and foremost however this book needs an editor. The different POVs that pop up with no warning are not okay. The amount of internal dialogue the main characters wade through is repetitive and makes the plot stagnant.
It's almost like we read five chapters and the book suddenly ended. Not much happens to move the script along. I'm usually not a fan of over the top smut but I think I've found a new pet hate. There is so much thinking and talking during the scenes that it kills any romantic/sexy anything. Which is disappointing because there is a lot of angst chucked in but not a lot of romantic connections.
I read on to the end wanting to know about her powers but no such luck.
Siri Pielski's Empathy is a captivating fantasy retelling with stunning world-building and an intriguing magic system. Her vivid, beautiful descriptions create a rich and immersive atmosphere that draws you in. The characters are complex and their journeys are both heartbreaking and inspiring. The plot twists keeps you engaged and eager to discover what would happen next. It is a truly enchanting story that leaves readers eager for the next installment in the series.
This book has a lot of really interesting concepts and could be fantastic — with a few edits.
The world is obviously well flushed out, as are the characters. The culture is fascinating and I want to know more, read more. If I could get past the flaws, then I’m sure this book would be one of my favorites.
Now the flaws.
First, I had to scroll through 12 pages of content to get to the first page of chapter 1, on the book sample no less. A title page, then another title page, then a poem, then a celebrity quote, then a whole language glossary? It was overwhelming, and a bit pretentious if I’m honest.
Next, there is a lot of superfluous description and somewhat awkward sentences. It’s the kind of thing that would be fixed easily enough with a hard edit, cutting out unnecessary description or reading sentences out loud to spot when they are awkward. Minor stuff, really, and entirely forgivable.
The worst offense is the character perspectives. This is what caused me to put the book down. It’s one thing to have multiple character perspectives in a book — but this book has multiple character perspectives at one time, often switching between paragraphs with no warning. It leads to some serious perspective whiplash that ended up pulling me out of the story so much I couldn’t finish. It’s a shame, because the world and the characters are really interesting and I want to finish, but when paragraph 1, 3, 4, 7, and 8 are in one character’s mind and paragraphs 2, 5, 6, 9, and 10 are in a different one, and both characters have mutually exclusive thought processes, ideas, and backgrounds, it’s so confusing to my reading mind. This book really suffers from that. It would be better to have only one character perspective at a time, even if you switch with a paragraph break several times within a chapter. This instead ends up reading like the author couldn’t decide which character to inhabit, as if they weren’t confident their writing could accurately portray both from only one perspective at a time.
Maybe other people can get past that. I couldn’t. I hope the author rewrites to separate out the perspectives, even if I have to read the scene from one perspective and reread it from a new character perspective, anything really without the whiplash.
Such a beautiful storytelling! The author's wild imagination in combination with some lore elements, created a magnificent dark world building. I had an idea that it's a Cinderella retelling and was prepared for it, but honestly, I was totally blown away with what I found. It's a lot more than a retelling - so many carefully crafted details, so much consideration and love, invested in every thread of the plot and very interesting, new interpretation of the usual representation of fae, challengings and the magical realm they live in, some closer, some further away from the mortal plane. So now about the characters - main and secondary they were all very well thought, developed and full of surprises. The focus of the story is one very special girl - Morrigan. This is actually her journey of survival, self discovery and awakening. She was marked and discarded as non significant because of the lack of traditional manifestation of magic when she was 13, but oh, how wrong they were. I have the feeling she will prove them wrong. Despite the hardships and the cruel treatment from her family after the faithful night of her 13th birthday, she was such an incredible ray of sunshine, full of goodness, wit, intelligence and light. The failed attempt to be sold, led to the best thing that could happen to someone marked as non magical. She was taken in by a changeling lord and his pack. And for the first time in years, Morrigan felt what care, love, warmth and loyalty in a real family are. The story is very slow burn with just a hint of a promise for a lot more to come as spice and heat level. But there wasn't a moment of boredom. I am impatiently waiting to see the continuation and the growth of all relationships, bonds, friendships. Excellent debut, Siri, I really enjoyed it. I received a complimentary copy of the book and voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Empathy follows the journey of Morrigan as she struggles to find her place in a world that doesn't accept her.
I think that's a feeling many can relate to in some ways, and it's refreshing to see how she struggles and comes to terms with her trauma day by day, rather than finding a man who fixes it all. Not only does she have demons to fight, but so does Nik, the man slated to save her from a fate worse than death. Love doesn't fix all though, if anything it causes one more stepping stone on the road to healing for both these cinnamon rolls.
Empathy is a slow burn, mild spice, fantasy Romance that has you falling in love with the characters and all their imperfections. In a world where Fae and shifters work together, but have very different views on how society should run. Magic that takes many different forms, and so much still to be discovered, this is one story you don't want to miss out on.
This book is a slow paced, slow burn journey ending on a cliffhanger which gets you wanting to turn to the next page. Whilst it starts off slow, when the story develops you can't help but keep turning the pages. It's such an easy quick read that the 'just one more chapter' happens.
You'll fall in love with the main and side characters. If you're wanting to know about the spice, that starts around halfway through, so keep with it. And the romantasy evolves to explore MMFM - looking forward to seeing this develop in the next book.
PLEASE read the trigger warnings first as this one has quite a bit, but if you're good with them go with it [trigger list: abuse, person trafficking, PTSD, flashbacks, panic attacks, self-loathing/self-doubt, suicidal ideation, toxic relationships and rivalries].
I have never really been able to see myself fully in a character before Empathy came along. Most novels that include a heroine healing from trauma and abuse immediately jump into her becoming some badass warrior to deal with it. Some of us aren't like that. And while being a badass warrior is great, it was nice to see myself in the main character Morrigan, who needs gentle kindness and understanding to heal.
I found I couldn't put this down! The author does a great job of world building without overexplaining things. Plus, the spice is 😍 without being the main focus of the story. The author leaves you begging for more! I can't wait to read the next one because that cliffhanger has me gripped!
Um, yes. 💯 Magic, romance, and our heroine finding where she belongs? Yes. A woman who's overcome the hatred of a family that wants nothing to do with her that finds her happy 'ending'? Yes. And a loving pack that wants nothing more than for her to succeed? 1000 times yes. This author weaves a wonderful tale following Morrigan, falling into her magic, and the men that stand beside her. I'm not giving anything away but this is a story yall shouldn't be sleeping on. The relationships between the men and also with her were chef's kiss. I could feel it fly off the page with every word. This is yet another of my 2024 5 star reads. And maybe a reread
Being hidden away under a different name, Morrigan’s family was ashamed of her. She was brought to be sold off to a Lord, the only use she has for her family is to be traded for money. Things go sideways and she is saved by Nikaius and his pack. I enjoyed the world building and explanation of how the magic is the world. The trauma and panic is written really well, made me feel invested, almost like I was feeling it too. Morrigan overcomes her insecurities with the help of the guys. She fits in with Nikaius’ pack seamlessly. I love how the relationships were written and look forward to seeing how everything evolves in the next.
I'm giving this a 4.5 ⭐️! This is a very different type of story than my usual fantasy or dark romance but it was absolutely refreshing!!!!! This is a Cinderella retelling with magic and multiple pov's. Found family trope which I adore! Morrigan is rescued by Nikaius and his pack! The three male characters each have their own characteristics that compliment Morrigan perfectly. The story showcases her story of healing and the space & time she is given to deal. They are all imperfect but perfect! A must read and the spice is just right.
This is my first time reading from this author. Man, does she know how to hook you with all the emotions. My heart completely goes out to Morrigan. The life she was faced to live was heartbreaking. From what information was given throughout this book, i have so many ideas on what happened to Morrigan after her father dissappear. That cliffhanger is a doozy. I can’t wait for book 2 to come out. Hopefully some if not all of my questions will be answered.
Immersive fantasy with real heart and high stakes What I loved most was how the book balances intense, difficult subject matter with hope. Morrigan’s strength shines even in her most uncertain moments, and watching her slowly learn to trust those around her was genuinely rewarding. The changeling society, the politics, and the sibling rivalries all blend together into a gripping, unpredictable plot. A fantastic read.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between the characters and how they complemented each other for the story. It was well written and the story built up nicely, with good world building. I’m completely invested in Morrigan’s journey and am excited to see where the series brings us. One word: cliffhanger.
Empathy by Siri Pielski is such an incredibly well written Cinderella retelling. I absolutely loved the world building, characters and storyline. 💕 The FMC Morrigan is a true empath who is stronger than she realizes. The idea of fated mates for this storyline was 🤌*chefs kiss*. The incorporation of so many different fantasy and magical creatures was awesome! Siri is a cliffhanger queen! It left me beyond excited for the next book! This is a top tier romantasy!
I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Siri at a book event in August and managed to snag the last 2 books at her table. When I say I could not put this book down... 🥰🥰🥰 Morrigan is becoming one of my favorite FMCs and I see so much of myself in her. Jumping right in to book 2 even though its currently after midnight. #noregrets
This book has been on my TBR for years and I finally read it as it fit a prompt for a reading challenge I was doing. I’m now kicking myself for waiting so long. 🤦🏽♀️ This book was so well written and drew me in. I will say there was a lot going on and I got confused a few times, but overall I give it 4⭐️.
The synopsis pulled me in right away. Morrigan’s journey from being hidden away to finding unexpected protection with Lord Nikaius feels powerful and emotional. The mix of mystery, magic, and rebellion makes it sound like a gripping fantasy with real heart. I’d definitely pick this up based on the premise alone.
This was a new Author to me. Please beware of trigger warnings before reading. I thoroughly enjoyed this Cinderella Retelling and can't wait for book 2 to come out so I can find out what happens next! Dang Cliffhangers! The storyline was in certain areas a little confusing but overall was very well written. The characters were very thought out and each have very distinct personalities.
This was so good🤭 I went into it blind and omg I loved it 😍 the plot twist was amazing it was a slow burn but it was worth it because there’s was a lot of world building but i couldn’t put it down 😍 I can’t wait for the next book 🤭
This book was amazing and had me on the edge of my seat most of the time! I loved how there were no lasting miscommunications and loved the found family aspect as well. I look forward to seeing more of the characters and the watch their dynamics grow.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! I found it easy to read and a definite page turner. The world and character building is good and I’m looking forward to continuing the story in the upcoming books. I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.
AHHHHHHH!!!! Oh my gosh, the way this book hooked me in and refuse seeded to let go!!!! I adore every one of the characters and the story line is just........*muah chefs kiss!! I am beyond excited for the next book!
This book was beautiful! Well written fantasy about a girl with such a traumatic upbringing and then finding herself,friends and other relationships. The writing is really good! I ate this book up! Can’t wait for the next!
Really enjoyed this book! Interesting take on the shifter world. I am interested in seeing if she receives more powers/learns here's and the relationship dynamic works out.
I’m always down for a good retelling and when I found this book on TikTok I couldn’t be happier. You immediately get sucked into the story and characters. The book does end on a cliffhanger but I cannot wait to read the second one and see where the story goes.
The story in this book is really interesting. I like when flashbacks come out of the blue and immediately affect the plot. I just find that entertaining and fun.
Wow! I loved the world building in this story and I can't wait to find out more. Literally starting the next one RIGHT NOW, even though I definitely should be going to bed lol.