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A Curse of Flame and Ash
Mortal and Fae must join once more,
To seal the peace to which they swore...
Unwanted. Unloved. Unladylike. Princess Elowyn has long resigned herself to being an outcast in her own home. Desperate to escape the Rhyddean Court and her family’s relentless cruelty, she hatches a plan to escape — but when Elowyn’s mortality becomes a bargaining chip in a marital treaty with the Fae, she finds herself leaving Court with her parents’ blessing.
A blessing that comes with a Elowyn must aid and abet the Fae’s final downfall.
Newly arrived in the Fire Court as the betrothed of the fearsome High King Aramis, Elowyn’s mission is to retrieve the spell book that is secreted within his castle walls. But when fire ignites in both their souls, Elowyn’s planned treason threatens to betray far more than a single court...or a single heart.
A dark fantasy romance filled with magic and spice, A Curse of Flame and Ash is the first book in the Realm of Chaos series by Kaitlyn L. Hill.
To seal the peace to which they swore...
Unwanted. Unloved. Unladylike. Princess Elowyn has long resigned herself to being an outcast in her own home. Desperate to escape the Rhyddean Court and her family’s relentless cruelty, she hatches a plan to escape — but when Elowyn’s mortality becomes a bargaining chip in a marital treaty with the Fae, she finds herself leaving Court with her parents’ blessing.
A blessing that comes with a Elowyn must aid and abet the Fae’s final downfall.
Newly arrived in the Fire Court as the betrothed of the fearsome High King Aramis, Elowyn’s mission is to retrieve the spell book that is secreted within his castle walls. But when fire ignites in both their souls, Elowyn’s planned treason threatens to betray far more than a single court...or a single heart.
A dark fantasy romance filled with magic and spice, A Curse of Flame and Ash is the first book in the Realm of Chaos series by Kaitlyn L. Hill.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2024
15 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 18, 2023
ARC review
Title: A Curse of Flame and Ash
Author: Kaitlyn L. Hill
This is the first book I have read by this author and although I found the writing style hard to get into at first the story was intriguing and that kept me going.
I was a little uncomfortable with the incest plot (*spoiler* everything is not as it first seems), so I’d definitely recommend reading the trigger warnings before diving in.
I was not sure if I was going to like Elowyn’s character but I enjoyed her development over the course of the book and I simply love Aramis.
I will definitely be reading book 2 once it is released.
Title: A Curse of Flame and Ash
Author: Kaitlyn L. Hill
This is the first book I have read by this author and although I found the writing style hard to get into at first the story was intriguing and that kept me going.
I was a little uncomfortable with the incest plot (*spoiler* everything is not as it first seems), so I’d definitely recommend reading the trigger warnings before diving in.
I was not sure if I was going to like Elowyn’s character but I enjoyed her development over the course of the book and I simply love Aramis.
I will definitely be reading book 2 once it is released.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2023
I received this book as an ARC and I have to say I loved it.. the beginning threw me off a little and it took a few short reading sessions before it full gripped me. I was intrigued but the uncle thing really threw me off. I don’t like to include spoilers so all I’ll say is that once the journey began I was here for it and that ending!!!! When is the next book being released?!?
January 15, 2024
I received a digital ARC of this book. Even with that being sad this was a really good book. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5stars is the random jumps in the book. The going from present day and time to memory or dream with no indication like a page break or anything. Maybe that’s a me problem but overall it was a really good book and cannot wait to see what happens next after that ending!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2024
"You are powerful. Brilliant. I trust you with every fibre of my life.
Tropes?
-enemies to lovers
-fae x human
-age gap: f21 m 530
-forced betrothal/marriage of convenience
-
3.75⭐️
I walked from one unwanted marriage proposal directly into another.
This tale is about a princess named Elowyn. She is the eldest of three girls and an outcast due to her dark temperament and its unknown element. One day, with the help of her two trusted friends, she
attempted to flee. Far away from her abusive uncle and her parents' wrath and imprisonment. Her escape did not succeed because the new High king of Fae found her and brought her back to her parents. For a reason...
How will she find that freedom? Through an arranged marriage with the King himself, Aramis.
She eventually finds freedom in an unexpected place. This marriage will now solidifies the agreement between mortals and Fae.
The beginning of this story was heavy. It is preferred to look up at the triggers beforehand.
Wyn's traumatic abuse in her household and from a very young age was hard to read: abuse from both of her parents and her grooming step uncle wasn't something I was ready to read. I did not enjoy that at all. I mean who would? At this point, I really really need a revenge from her. After what she has been through.
Aramis' first impression wasn't impressive, at first. Because this story is written in Wyn's pov. But as they get to his home, we see their flaws, vulnerability and dependency from one another. Wyn's is really confused. Who does she trust? Can she even trust anybody?
"Are you different? From how they all described you?"
"No. Don't make that mistake, Princess.
I'm exactly the monster they claim."
I also like the indept of rollercoaster ride of flawed characters trying to get past their tragedy. I like their character development. The chemistry between Elowyn and Aramis was slow because one of them was skeptical of the other.
He belonged to me and I belonged to him. W were entwined and harmonious with each other. Fated.
They started a bond through a mutual motivation: for recovering the lost book. A needed it for more power, and E needed it in order to save her most trusted friend.
This story is not about love. It is also about politic conflict.
And that cliffhanger?!?!
*Release date: January 16, 2024*
And thank you to the author and bookfunnel for this ARC!
TW/CW: sexual content; violence; injury details; blood; sexual assault; rape; incest; adult/minor relationship; grooming; misogyny; drug use; suicide attempts/thoughts; child abuse; confinement; domestic abuse; Stockholm syndrome.
Tropes?
-enemies to lovers
-fae x human
-age gap: f21 m 530
-forced betrothal/marriage of convenience
-
3.75⭐️
I walked from one unwanted marriage proposal directly into another.
This tale is about a princess named Elowyn. She is the eldest of three girls and an outcast due to her dark temperament and its unknown element. One day, with the help of her two trusted friends, she
attempted to flee. Far away from her abusive uncle and her parents' wrath and imprisonment. Her escape did not succeed because the new High king of Fae found her and brought her back to her parents. For a reason...
How will she find that freedom? Through an arranged marriage with the King himself, Aramis.
She eventually finds freedom in an unexpected place. This marriage will now solidifies the agreement between mortals and Fae.
The beginning of this story was heavy. It is preferred to look up at the triggers beforehand.
Wyn's traumatic abuse in her household and from a very young age was hard to read: abuse from both of her parents and her grooming step uncle wasn't something I was ready to read. I did not enjoy that at all. I mean who would? At this point, I really really need a revenge from her. After what she has been through.
Aramis' first impression wasn't impressive, at first. Because this story is written in Wyn's pov. But as they get to his home, we see their flaws, vulnerability and dependency from one another. Wyn's is really confused. Who does she trust? Can she even trust anybody?
"Are you different? From how they all described you?"
"No. Don't make that mistake, Princess.
I'm exactly the monster they claim."
I also like the indept of rollercoaster ride of flawed characters trying to get past their tragedy. I like their character development. The chemistry between Elowyn and Aramis was slow because one of them was skeptical of the other.
He belonged to me and I belonged to him. W were entwined and harmonious with each other. Fated.
They started a bond through a mutual motivation: for recovering the lost book. A needed it for more power, and E needed it in order to save her most trusted friend.
This story is not about love. It is also about politic conflict.
And that cliffhanger?!?!
*Release date: January 16, 2024*
And thank you to the author and bookfunnel for this ARC!
TW/CW: sexual content; violence; injury details; blood; sexual assault; rape; incest; adult/minor relationship; grooming; misogyny; drug use; suicide attempts/thoughts; child abuse; confinement; domestic abuse; Stockholm syndrome.
December 11, 2023
"A Curse Of Flame and Ash: A Realm Of Chaos: Book 1," by Kaitlyn L. Hill.
@kaitlyn.l.hill
Thank you so much for this ARC opportunity. his was such a fantastic read! I've got a thunderstorm happening where I am right now and with the ambience of the playlist this was a perfect way to spend the day reading! I couldn't resist as it drew me just like Acotar if I do say, better??? The chaos was just the beginning and I loved the aesthetics, plot, characters and how you brought faeries to life. The action and magic was enthralling and you wrote a badass FMC. I'm torn between love triangles since they can be over done but I'm intrigued to find out more and I really hope the next too are darker! The pace of this book was so enjoyable I am rating it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐.
@kaitlyn.l.hill
Thank you so much for this ARC opportunity. his was such a fantastic read! I've got a thunderstorm happening where I am right now and with the ambience of the playlist this was a perfect way to spend the day reading! I couldn't resist as it drew me just like Acotar if I do say, better??? The chaos was just the beginning and I loved the aesthetics, plot, characters and how you brought faeries to life. The action and magic was enthralling and you wrote a badass FMC. I'm torn between love triangles since they can be over done but I'm intrigued to find out more and I really hope the next too are darker! The pace of this book was so enjoyable I am rating it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐.
December 12, 2023
Omg! That’s all I can say well and maybe a few swear words because aside from that I am speechless. I am absolutely in love with this book. I mean I went from never wanting the story to end and trying to drag out reading it as much as possible just so I could stay in their world forever to bingeing as much of the book as possible because I just had to know what happened next. I mean just trying to figure out who to trust, had had me unable to put the book down me as I was second guessing everyone and everything trying to piece it all together. Plus that ending?!? Like I need the second book as soon as possible!
December 11, 2023
A fantastically well written first novel with flawed characters that I am so excited to read more about in the next books! A great addition to the dark fantasy romance genre
December 17, 2023
Been in a reading slump and this book definitely got me out of it. I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Especially Elowyn. :)
December 21, 2023
ARC Reader: There were good parts throughout but lots of cutting off scenes and then jumping to others, which was hard to follow! I would start getting into it and then it’d move on to the next thing. Also, I wish more background was provided for characters so I could build a connection with them. Overall, it was an easy read and I will be reading the next book to hopefully get more answers on what’s happening!!
January 17, 2024
Ohhhh I just loved this so much!! This is a dark fantasy romance, and I can't believe this is a debut novel! I'm in love with the FMC, and I need more now!! She is a total bad ass and I'm here for it!
The only reason I'm giving it four and a half stars is because the beginning didn't have much world building and was a little slow, but after that, it was so good! The character development of the FMC and the MMC is amazing. Their relationship and how they both made each other better is what left me intrigued. The magic in this book was on point and kept me so entertained. I couldn't put this book down. I was dying to know what happened and how it ended, but what a cliffhanger! I need to know what happens next!!
The only reason I'm giving it four and a half stars is because the beginning didn't have much world building and was a little slow, but after that, it was so good! The character development of the FMC and the MMC is amazing. Their relationship and how they both made each other better is what left me intrigued. The magic in this book was on point and kept me so entertained. I couldn't put this book down. I was dying to know what happened and how it ended, but what a cliffhanger! I need to know what happens next!!
December 17, 2023
You want romance? ✔️
You want action? ✔️
You want spice? ✔️
You want a bad guy to use as kindling for a bonfire to dance around and roast s’mores over? ✔️✔️
Kaitlyn’s has written an engaging story that is perfect for scratching that dark romance itch. It has great world building and characters you will both love and hate.
Elowyn’s character is perfectly flawed and her journey is fascinating. Girl needs a break!
Aramis is a walking red flag and I’m kind of into it 😜
And Oulixeus? Oh, so many things I would do to him… most of them requiring some rope, lots of sharp objects and definitely some 🔥.
You want action? ✔️
You want spice? ✔️
You want a bad guy to use as kindling for a bonfire to dance around and roast s’mores over? ✔️✔️
Kaitlyn’s has written an engaging story that is perfect for scratching that dark romance itch. It has great world building and characters you will both love and hate.
Elowyn’s character is perfectly flawed and her journey is fascinating. Girl needs a break!
Aramis is a walking red flag and I’m kind of into it 😜
And Oulixeus? Oh, so many things I would do to him… most of them requiring some rope, lots of sharp objects and definitely some 🔥.
January 16, 2024
I received this book as an ARC read. I'm soooo grateful for the opportunity to read this before release! Releasing January 16, 2024!
Before reading the book, please read the trigger warnings.
This book is magical. Kaitlyn L. Hill DELIVERS dark fantasy. I couldn't put this book down once I started! The ending made me wish the second book was releasing 2 days after this debut novel! The characters all have their own secrets and keep you guessing all the way through. I loved Elowyn's journey, which is all about growing into herself and training to be a bad ass! (At least to me)
Before reading the book, please read the trigger warnings.
This book is magical. Kaitlyn L. Hill DELIVERS dark fantasy. I couldn't put this book down once I started! The ending made me wish the second book was releasing 2 days after this debut novel! The characters all have their own secrets and keep you guessing all the way through. I loved Elowyn's journey, which is all about growing into herself and training to be a bad ass! (At least to me)
December 21, 2023
I know a book is good when I read the last page and go, “OPE!”
A Curse of Flame and Ash is a story about Elowyn, an outcast princess, who is plotting her escape from the imprisonment forced upon her by her parents and the abusive relationship with her uncle. While her escape attempt is foiled, she finds eventual freedom in the place she least expected: through an arranged marriage to King Aramis, the new Fae high king, to cement a treaty between mortals and Fae.
As a debut novel, it’s very successful in fleshing out the world and taking the reader on a twisty turny adventure filled with flawed characters figuring out how to overcome their trauma. I loved seeing Elowyn and Aramis work together to find the lost book, even if they each had their own reasons for finding it. Though at odds with each other (Elowyn probably moreso because Aramis is fully gone for her), they make a really great team when they work together.
What I loved:
The world was really interesting and I’m really excited to dive into more parts of it in future books. Elowyn and Aramis both felt like real people. They have tempers and make both dumb and smart decisions. They’re both dealing with some major trauma but listen and accept each other, darkness and all. I loved seeing their bond blossom and I can’t wait to see where their relationship will go, especially with that ending…
What I didn’t love:
The pacing felt a little off in some areas with some transitions between scenes being abrupt, but otherwise the writing and descriptions were really beautiful. I wasn’t ready for the graphic depictions of Elowyn’s abusive relationship with her uncle who groomed her, but it did set him up as a true villain who I absolutely need Elowyn to exact revenge on. Check the content warnings.
Without getting too spoiler-y, there is a bit of a cliff-hanger at the end (hence the “OPE!”) and I’m really stoked to see where the rest of the story goes!
CW: grooming, SA, abusive relationship (by the FMC’s uncle, NOT the MMC)
**Thank you to the author for the ARC!**
A Curse of Flame and Ash is a story about Elowyn, an outcast princess, who is plotting her escape from the imprisonment forced upon her by her parents and the abusive relationship with her uncle. While her escape attempt is foiled, she finds eventual freedom in the place she least expected: through an arranged marriage to King Aramis, the new Fae high king, to cement a treaty between mortals and Fae.
As a debut novel, it’s very successful in fleshing out the world and taking the reader on a twisty turny adventure filled with flawed characters figuring out how to overcome their trauma. I loved seeing Elowyn and Aramis work together to find the lost book, even if they each had their own reasons for finding it. Though at odds with each other (Elowyn probably moreso because Aramis is fully gone for her), they make a really great team when they work together.
What I loved:
The world was really interesting and I’m really excited to dive into more parts of it in future books. Elowyn and Aramis both felt like real people. They have tempers and make both dumb and smart decisions. They’re both dealing with some major trauma but listen and accept each other, darkness and all. I loved seeing their bond blossom and I can’t wait to see where their relationship will go, especially with that ending…
What I didn’t love:
The pacing felt a little off in some areas with some transitions between scenes being abrupt, but otherwise the writing and descriptions were really beautiful. I wasn’t ready for the graphic depictions of Elowyn’s abusive relationship with her uncle who groomed her, but it did set him up as a true villain who I absolutely need Elowyn to exact revenge on. Check the content warnings.
Without getting too spoiler-y, there is a bit of a cliff-hanger at the end (hence the “OPE!”) and I’m really stoked to see where the rest of the story goes!
CW: grooming, SA, abusive relationship (by the FMC’s uncle, NOT the MMC)
**Thank you to the author for the ARC!**
March 22, 2025
A Curse of Flame and Ash has all the ingredients for an epic tale—betrayal, war, and a forced alliance with a fae prince—but it ultimately fell short for me.
Elowyn has been mistreated by everyone in her life except her best friend, Cara. She's set to marry her childhood love, who has returned from the Fae-Mortal War cruel and hardened. With the mortals defeated, her ruthless parents arrange a marriage to the Fae prince, Aramis, in a calculated move to secure power. But their true intentions? They want Elowyn to betray him and steal a coveted book.
While the premise intrigued me, the execution felt anticlimactic. The character development was lacking, making it hard to fully invest in Aramis and Elowyn’s relationship. I wanted to love their dynamic, but I just never got there.
Overall, this book had potential, but it didn’t quite deliver for me. At this point, I don’t think I’ll continue with book two.
Elowyn has been mistreated by everyone in her life except her best friend, Cara. She's set to marry her childhood love, who has returned from the Fae-Mortal War cruel and hardened. With the mortals defeated, her ruthless parents arrange a marriage to the Fae prince, Aramis, in a calculated move to secure power. But their true intentions? They want Elowyn to betray him and steal a coveted book.
While the premise intrigued me, the execution felt anticlimactic. The character development was lacking, making it hard to fully invest in Aramis and Elowyn’s relationship. I wanted to love their dynamic, but I just never got there.
Overall, this book had potential, but it didn’t quite deliver for me. At this point, I don’t think I’ll continue with book two.
January 24, 2024
Thank you for this ARC opportunity. Before I started reading the book, I reviewed the trigger warnings that cautioned me about the potentially disturbing content. I had some expectations about the book, but I was pleasantly surprised by how it captivated me. The pace was fast and thrilling, and I enjoyed the action and the fae. The characters and the plot were well-developed. I think the book was a great read and I would recommend it to others who like romantsy. The playlist compliments to Book.
December 15, 2023
A curse of Flame and Ash is a dark fantasy romance that had me re-reading chapters in an effort to capture EVERY detail. The enemies to lovers, love triangles and touch her and die vibes hit the spot. The pace is great and felt like it has just the right amount of spice.The ending tho👀… so many questions to be answered!! Im giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 24, 2023
Kaitlyn!!!! I know you did not just do that to me!!! One of my favorite feelings when reading a book is when you know you’re getting to the end and there are so many things left open the anticipation to make you stay up and read till it’s over. This book had me like that the whole time. Constantly questioning who can we trust had was giving me whiplash trying to guess! It’s going to be absolute torture waiting for the next book but absolutely can not wait!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2023
4 stars!! A great debut novel! The characters made me love them and they made me want more. I want to know more about her family at home and I want to know more about the kingdom. I love that Aramis fell first and he was so understanding of her triggers. Can’t wait to read more from you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2023
I'm so grateful to of received the ARC. I loved being part of this world I couldn't put it down, at every page I was questioning everything along side Elowyn on who to trust and who the hooded figure was. I can't wait for the rest.
December 21, 2023
I received A Curse of Flame and Ash as an ARC and I’m SO glad I did! This book was so good! It was incredibly well written. The pacing was good. The story was great. The characters were lovable. I truly loved it.
Elle is a young woman in a VERY twisted situation. She dreams of escaping this life she’s been cursed with. Thinking it’s finally her chance, her father marries her off to the High Fae King with a HIGHLY terrible reputation. She thinks her life is about to get even more twisted…but does it???
I highly recommend this book! It was so, so good! I cannot wait for book 2!
Elle is a young woman in a VERY twisted situation. She dreams of escaping this life she’s been cursed with. Thinking it’s finally her chance, her father marries her off to the High Fae King with a HIGHLY terrible reputation. She thinks her life is about to get even more twisted…but does it???
I highly recommend this book! It was so, so good! I cannot wait for book 2!
December 20, 2023
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book!
Overall, this is a dark but fun read for avid fantasy lovers. It had trauma, suspense, comedic relief and great side characters! However, I felt things were scattered/very rushed, and it was hard to determine when I was reading a flashback vs being in the present time. Although I’m not opposed to a fast burn romance, it felt like key moments happened without any sort of context.
Although the book ended on a great cliffhanger, I am unsure if I will continue with the series due to the above.
Overall, this is a dark but fun read for avid fantasy lovers. It had trauma, suspense, comedic relief and great side characters! However, I felt things were scattered/very rushed, and it was hard to determine when I was reading a flashback vs being in the present time. Although I’m not opposed to a fast burn romance, it felt like key moments happened without any sort of context.
Although the book ended on a great cliffhanger, I am unsure if I will continue with the series due to the above.
December 21, 2023
Thank you so much for the ARC! I finished this really fast and I’m normally not a fantasy girlie but I really enjoyed this. Started off a little slow but once I got into it, I really enjoyed it!
Definitely recommend
Definitely recommend
January 6, 2024
Received an ARC of A Curse of Flame and Ash. Definitely recommended giving this a shot. This book has everything. Has a fun fae/witchy magic system. Fated mates. Strong FMC. Low on the spice scale for me. Spice scenes were tame in my opinion. Really enjoyed reading this novel. Also that ending though was *chefs kiss* can’t wait to see where the second one takes us.
January 17, 2024
Do you like fantasy lands and cool magic systems? This book is for you.
This book sucked me in, in the first chapter. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
I had a little trouble connecting with the FMC until I learned more of her backstory and why she is the way she is. But once I learned more, I absolutely loved her!
Overall, a very good read and I’m looking forward to the next one!
*I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This book sucked me in, in the first chapter. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
I had a little trouble connecting with the FMC until I learned more of her backstory and why she is the way she is. But once I learned more, I absolutely loved her!
Overall, a very good read and I’m looking forward to the next one!
*I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review*
January 17, 2024
I tried to stick this one out but I couldn't. Do we really need multiple descriptive incestuous rape scenes?!?! Wtf. Am I supposed to enjoy the dark romance/ insta love after that?! I skipped to the end and realize that there is a possibility that this turns out to not be blood relation, but I don't care at this point. It's so off putting...mainly because she seemed like she was okay with the relationship until he turned abusive. I get that she's trying to have a tragic backstory, but I don't need every detail in this situation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2024
I received this book as an ARC reader and well here’s what I gotta say about it:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As someone who is new into the dark fantasy romance genre I have to say Kaitlyn L. Hill has me craving the sequel. This novel sent me through a whirlwind of emotions. I am in love with Elowyn’s character and cannot wait to watch her develop and grow. Make sure to read the trigger warnings before you jump into this book but damn it was hot and violent and all of the goodness thrown together.
Cheers to your debut novel Kaitlyn!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As someone who is new into the dark fantasy romance genre I have to say Kaitlyn L. Hill has me craving the sequel. This novel sent me through a whirlwind of emotions. I am in love with Elowyn’s character and cannot wait to watch her develop and grow. Make sure to read the trigger warnings before you jump into this book but damn it was hot and violent and all of the goodness thrown together.
Cheers to your debut novel Kaitlyn!
June 20, 2025
A Curse Of Flame And Ash was such a fun and amazing read! I couldn’t put the book down! - trying to figure everything out along side Elowyn, second guessing everyone and everything, plus trying to figuring out who to trust made my head spin in the best kind of way! I can’t wait for more, and seeing all the characters I’ve grown found of again! AND to find out what happens after the book ended LIKE THAT!!😩
January 3, 2024
*This have spoilers and writing english isn't my thing so watch out this google translation :D*
First I want to congratulate the author on the first book and thank you for the Arc file! And another thing, I'm from Finland, so you can imagine the amount of excited squealing every time I saw a Finnish word used. And as we say in Finland: SUOMI MAINITTU, TORILLA TAVATAAN!
The story is dark and accurately describes terrible things, so if you want to read the book, be sure to check out TW.
Usually not a fan of the fated mates trope, but this time it wasn't a problem. Elowyn's brain remains in her head even though she has mate, which is a nice change. I fell in love with Aramis at first sight. Long blonde hair and dimples? Count me in!
There were some problems with the story. First of all, I don't want to be rude, but if the book had been any free book other than an ARC I would have stopped reading the first chapter. The first chapter contained every single cliché there is and described the main character's breasts three times if I remember correctly. But since it's an ARC I decided to move on and if anything it was a good decision. I think the pacing was a problem in many places. There was a rush to the next scene. And when Aramis was first introduced, he said "you're beautiful" way too many times. The reader will understand if it is said once. Unfortunately, Aramis remained a somewhat unclear character anyway. It's as if he had no place in the story other than to tell Elowyn that he loved her. Likewise, I was left wondering what happened to Cara? Why didn't Elowyn take it upon herself to go find out if her best friend was really okay? But maybe these things will be clarified in the next book, which I really want to read!
Hopefully, the second book will also see more side characters who turned out to be particularly interesting. Maybe even different POV, multiple POV's? Elowyn herself didn't interest me that much, because I couldn't keep up with the girl's mood swings.
Oh, I have to mention how much I laught when council member... Retired.. XD There you have it you old fools!
And while my review contains a lot of criticism, I fully understand that the book is the author's first and I see a lot of potential. I fully believe that Kaitlyn will definitely improve as a writer. This story was good, despite the problems, becauce you can always learn to write better and imagination is already there.
I can't wait to see if Aramis' red flags bloom! ;)
First I want to congratulate the author on the first book and thank you for the Arc file! And another thing, I'm from Finland, so you can imagine the amount of excited squealing every time I saw a Finnish word used. And as we say in Finland: SUOMI MAINITTU, TORILLA TAVATAAN!
The story is dark and accurately describes terrible things, so if you want to read the book, be sure to check out TW.
Usually not a fan of the fated mates trope, but this time it wasn't a problem. Elowyn's brain remains in her head even though she has mate, which is a nice change. I fell in love with Aramis at first sight. Long blonde hair and dimples? Count me in!
There were some problems with the story. First of all, I don't want to be rude, but if the book had been any free book other than an ARC I would have stopped reading the first chapter. The first chapter contained every single cliché there is and described the main character's breasts three times if I remember correctly. But since it's an ARC I decided to move on and if anything it was a good decision. I think the pacing was a problem in many places. There was a rush to the next scene. And when Aramis was first introduced, he said "you're beautiful" way too many times. The reader will understand if it is said once. Unfortunately, Aramis remained a somewhat unclear character anyway. It's as if he had no place in the story other than to tell Elowyn that he loved her. Likewise, I was left wondering what happened to Cara? Why didn't Elowyn take it upon herself to go find out if her best friend was really okay? But maybe these things will be clarified in the next book, which I really want to read!
Hopefully, the second book will also see more side characters who turned out to be particularly interesting. Maybe even different POV, multiple POV's? Elowyn herself didn't interest me that much, because I couldn't keep up with the girl's mood swings.
Oh, I have to mention how much I laught when council member... Retired.. XD There you have it you old fools!
And while my review contains a lot of criticism, I fully understand that the book is the author's first and I see a lot of potential. I fully believe that Kaitlyn will definitely improve as a writer. This story was good, despite the problems, becauce you can always learn to write better and imagination is already there.
I can't wait to see if Aramis' red flags bloom! ;)
January 2, 2024
THE GOOD: Fun and playful romance, a varied cast of characters, an intriguing magic system, and very descriptive writing that made it easy to get sucked into the story.
THE "MEH": An indecisive main character who doesn't learn quickly
THE BAD: Absolutely nothing.
I liked this book quite a bit. It reminds me of a Sarah J. Maas book, in a very good way.
The romance is playful and passionate, just problematic enough to make it enjoyable.
The story as a whole seemed very "small", but I think that's just because it's the first of a series. I imagine that larger conflicts and higher stakes will come in later books. Overall, a very good introduction to the Realm Of Chaos.
The whole story world manages to be original and intriguing, even in the currently oversaturated fantasy novel landscape. I felt like I was reading something new and exciting. Some of it felt familiar, but those elements only served as a nice way to ease me into the story without confusion.
My only issue with the story was the main character (Elowyn) not learning very quickly or making decisions without a lot of brewing. The solutions seem within reach, yet she stops herself right before them. Towards the end of the book she becomes more of a badass, but it feels a bit late. One major example is the internal conflict between doing her (evil) family's bidding and pursuing a partnership with her super accommodating and wonderful Fae fiancé. It seems like a pretty simple choice, but she agonizes over it endlessly, until she eventually flips the switch and fully commits.
I await more badassery and quick decision making as we continue her story.
With all that being said, great book, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to a friend.
THE "MEH": An indecisive main character who doesn't learn quickly
THE BAD: Absolutely nothing.
I liked this book quite a bit. It reminds me of a Sarah J. Maas book, in a very good way.
The romance is playful and passionate, just problematic enough to make it enjoyable.
The story as a whole seemed very "small", but I think that's just because it's the first of a series. I imagine that larger conflicts and higher stakes will come in later books. Overall, a very good introduction to the Realm Of Chaos.
The whole story world manages to be original and intriguing, even in the currently oversaturated fantasy novel landscape. I felt like I was reading something new and exciting. Some of it felt familiar, but those elements only served as a nice way to ease me into the story without confusion.
My only issue with the story was the main character (Elowyn) not learning very quickly or making decisions without a lot of brewing. The solutions seem within reach, yet she stops herself right before them. Towards the end of the book she becomes more of a badass, but it feels a bit late. One major example is the internal conflict between doing her (evil) family's bidding and pursuing a partnership with her super accommodating and wonderful Fae fiancé. It seems like a pretty simple choice, but she agonizes over it endlessly, until she eventually flips the switch and fully commits.
I await more badassery and quick decision making as we continue her story.
With all that being said, great book, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to a friend.
January 22, 2024
When I get enthralled with a book, it gets binged! I honestly read this in less than 24 hours because I just could not put it down. The world building was so descriptive and made me feel like I was walking the fortress with the characters. Aramis went from Big Bad Brute to an eloquent, caring male and although it took her a minute, Elowyn began to see her own power, both magical and not. This book made you question her family relationships (cough O brand cough) but you definitely received answers at the right time. My heart broke for Linnaea and for Elowyn, a tragic accident taking so much from them. I'm really curious about how much her uncle knew and how her conception played in to all of the family's history.
I do wish we had more information on Cara and what happened there. So much of Elowyns hesitation to fully trust Aramis or be fully honest was to do with the unknown fate of her best friend. Conlaed and Molvy were the perfect combination of serious protector and goofy advisor. Really hope to see more of their stories in future books. That cliff hanger though!! I must've blinked at the page a dozen times, not quite believing there was no more to the book. Alas this is what I get for reading ARC's and loving them!
I received this as an Arc from the talented Kaitlyn and feel bad that I wasn't able to review before publication. That said, I am on pins and needles for book 2 and will be buying a hardcover for my trophy shelf... i mean bookshelf asap!
I do wish we had more information on Cara and what happened there. So much of Elowyns hesitation to fully trust Aramis or be fully honest was to do with the unknown fate of her best friend. Conlaed and Molvy were the perfect combination of serious protector and goofy advisor. Really hope to see more of their stories in future books. That cliff hanger though!! I must've blinked at the page a dozen times, not quite believing there was no more to the book. Alas this is what I get for reading ARC's and loving them!
I received this as an Arc from the talented Kaitlyn and feel bad that I wasn't able to review before publication. That said, I am on pins and needles for book 2 and will be buying a hardcover for my trophy shelf... i mean bookshelf asap!
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