She fought and survived. Now Riven is tasked with bringing the Kingdoms together under one rule, surviving her flame and facing what lies beneath the tide. Will this new world swallow her whole, or will she thrive in its chaos. You held Riven's hand in book one. Will you cheer for her in book two?
I took a lot of notes for Part One cause your girl is feral over this series so let me crack open just a few.
This starts off with Riven back in her small town and a majority of the people there are shunning her. They don't care for her side of the story not that she even wants to tell it. The trauma of what she went through, what she saw is just hitting her so hard. She is literally a shell of a person. She didn't make it back in time to see her father and he passed while she was away. She's grieving for him and she's grieving for the girl she used to be.
Riven has turned to certain coping mechanisms since her return not limited to the intake of certain herbs to not feel. Time becomes a blur to her. The man she cared for in her little village, she doesn't really feel the same for her, but she let's him do what he wants with no objections, her best friend is betrothed to the literal scum of the Earth and she just feels so done with everything.
When she stops the advances once again of that specific scum, he comes back with the village people and burn her house down and to hang her. Then Alek comes. TO SAVE HIS QUEEN.
The writing style in this book is super good like if I had been in a reading slump, this would have brought me out of it. I just did not want to put it down, but book two is lengthy besties and I needed sleep so I had to carry it over into later days.
I loved in Part One that we got to see this relationship that Alek has with his friends and how he treats everyone it's such a pleasant experience from what Riven saw in book one. Heck if I am not over here screaming girl just love him, he's a green flag.
First, I did really like the storyline and where it’s going, I think it’s original and not the same story I’ve read countless times so that’s my one positive thing about this book.
Plot line: Moves SO slowly, very little main character development, jumps from one place to the next in the span of a chapter but no real plot development happening. The author uses so many words to describe things that don’t really need it but then barely mentions something that should majorly impact the plot. It was hard to keep up with, and honestly, this amount of plot could have been cut down to one book instead of two. Any time the two main characters had any type of disagreement or conflict, they turned to sex-but-not-quite-sex to solve it and never even talked about the issue.
MY MAIN ISSUE: THE GRAMMAR AND THE SPELLING
I’ve never read a book that has had so many grammatical and spelling issues. Even Wattpad has better editing. I hope the author didn’t pay anyone to edit this because it’s like it didn’t even happen. Some major things I noticed:
too vs. to vs. two - used incorrectly multiple times desert vs. dessert - used incorrectly twice waived vs. waved - used incorrectly at least once barely vs. barley - multiple times their vs. there vs. they’re - SO MANY TIMES your vs. you’re - multiple times He seen vs. he has seen or he saw - OMG girl, I’m from Appalachia so I get it but come on!!!!
I would have been really disappointed if I had bought the paperback version for $17 with so many mistakes and part 2’s editing is even worse.
I truly love the plot and how Riven’s story is unfolding. Her character is so strong and she’s really coming into her new found identity, which I commend her for. She’s had so much thrown at her in such a short period of time and bears a huge responsibility.
What I seriously struggled with the entire book is her interactions with Alekxander. That sweet, sweet man deserves way better than Riven. I understand, to an extent, what Riven is doing and why she’s doing it. But good grief she just needs to talk to him. How she treats him is just so off putting.
book two was more engaging than the first for me, but I think I'm going to take a break and read something shorter for a brain break before starting book 3.
a few thoughts - I've really been struggling with the character consistency here. alek feels like a completely different character from book one, and not necessarily because we're spending more time with him. and even then, he feels like different character throughout this book at times. it's hard to understand his personality.
riven's power-up across a few chapters told from a different random perspective felt a little like a cop-out, and she also feels completely different when we come back to her POV afterwards. I understand what the author was trying to go for, but the story has been so long, and the pacing with that just felt a bit strange. (also why was enver there for that end scene?? so awkward).
speaking of riven, the back and forth hot and cold with alek is getting really tired. their relationship doesn't feel super organic as it is, but it's frustrating when she decides to let him in and then snaps back to NO I can't. the author does sort of explain why, but it's frustrating to read over and over. by the end of book two, lets make a decision here.
the grammar, spelling, and editing was also atrocious and very distracting, as many others have pointed out. the "breath" instead of "breathe" was particularly cringe-inducing for me.
I thought about not continuing the series because book three is even longer, but I think I will because I've come this far lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Book 2 did not disappoint. I love how this focused on Riven and Alekxander. I felt that you got to see their relationship develop more. The FMC was also coming into her own throughout this book. You saw her weaknesses her strength and in the end accomplishments that allow her to feel more whole. I feel as though the characters have been written really well and the plot is developing each time I crack open a new book. I am definitely loving this series so far. I also loved the undercurrent of sexual tension which gives another element of the story and the plot line.
I feel as though this series is fast becoming a favourite of mine only being on book 2 and already fallen in love with the characters in the world. The universe has been created is definitely three dimensional there was so many aspects within the story and within the universe that I find myself eager to continue. Even though that has not yet been any spice, the undercurrent of their relationship is definitely hot. I feel as though this is a more accurate representation as even though there is an undeniable and mate bond between them there are still growing pains.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The way this book started! Immediately had me in my feelings in ways I was not prepared for. Seeing & experiencing Riven's journey has been as beautiful as it has been heart breaking. Obviously I don't want to leave spoilers because they wouldn't do this book any justice. One of the things that will keep me coming back to an author is if they can sink their claws into me before I finish the first page. Katherine Ann has absolutely done that with her writing. Believe me when I say the story & characters only get more relatable and endearing (or despised, depending on the character) as the book goes on. Watching Riven's struggles & successes has permanently embedded her in my heart. Alekxander was not what I was expecting from meeting him in A Throne of Ruin and Rose. I am irrevocably addicted to this world & these characters. Well done Katherine Ann!
Heart wrenchingly beautiful! I don’t think you can beat this character development that Riven possessed. She’s always putting others before herself and that really shows as she grabs the attention and hearts of different kingdoms. When Riven beat the pulp out of Kenna for flirting with her man, I never rooted for a FMC more. Bold and ballsy doesn’t even describe Riven, she is worldly. The twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat for the whole ride. Enver has really became my favorite side character! Proving his loyalty and big heart time and time again has me weak in the knees. The way he calls Riven “sweetheart” and “my queen” has me kicking my feet in the air giggling. The patience that Alek has for Riven! What?! I am falling more and more in live with their love. Jumping straight to part two!
The FMC in this book is an absolute badass. She is full of snark and sass, but she genuinely turns into an amazing feral creature. I inhaled this book as quickly as I could!
"My knuckles busted and covered in blood. I looked down at her, hardly recognizable as I hooked my fingers into her hair and raised her head enough that I knew she could hear me. "Consider this your only warning." Dropping her head back to the coals I stood and said plainly "The Dark Faye belong to me."... "
This is just a teeny tiny snippet of the book, but this scene had me FERAL for my girl Riven. Being such a strong, independent, badass FMC. If I could give it more then 5 stars I would!
I am OBSESSED!!! This series is actually giving me a physical reaction. I can’t function properly or read fast enough 😂 and then the anxiety of what I’m going to do when I’ve read what’s available 😭
This series is absolutely beautifully written. The execution is profound and the way the author creates these feelings and emotions together with such intense connections to these characters 👌👌👌 MASTERFUL!!!
I cannot get enough!!
The plot is amazing. The romance is amazing. And the anticipation is debilitating!!! I can’t breathe!!!
If you haven’t read these books yet, you are missing out!!
This is turning into a VERY BIG 6 star series for me. I am utterly in love.
Part one takes up back to Rivens mortal home only some things aren’t quite the same, if anything they are worst. Mentally she’s spiraling and doing all the things to numb the pain, that is until the towns people take things too far and her shadow mate brings her home. Alek knows their time in the ruins changed things for Riven, for all the kingdoms, he’s just not quite sure of the battles to come. From nightshade poisoning to visiting the Flame kingdom, it is time to find out who really is an ally and who’s leaking around every corner.
Katherine!!! What are you doing to me! This book was such an amazing addition to this series, The amount of times I wanted to smack the two Main Characters for their stubbornness is real and the EMOTIONAL EDGING has me feral don't get me started on this SLOW EFFIN BURN!
Riven's Character development in this story really is amazing to see! This story was well written and the world building is perfectly done.
On too part two!
x Enemies to lovers x x Found Family x x Fated Mates x x Slow Burn LOTS of Sexual Tension x x Trauma x
I absolutely loved this book. It was so good. The way the author started it out with how much of a depression Riven was in and how she was handling things and her father’s death was just so intense. And then when they came to rescue from her village. There was so much about Riven that I connected with. Meeting Riven and reading her story in the ruins was good and it’s just getting even better. The slow burn is absolutely killing me but I know it’ll be worth it. I can’t wait to see how Riven progresses and I hope she eases up on Alekxander soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Great continuity. Character development is well done. Different POV made it more intriguing. I was getting tired of Riven constantly rejecting Alekxander, although it is well explained why she was doing so. After two books, you wish for their relationship to evolve further than it did. Multiple typos and sentence structure errors which annoyed me. Overall great series so far. Up there with ACOTR. They share many similarities but many differences which make A Throne of Ruin and Rose stand apart.
I'd like to thank the author for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book. This story dive right into where book one left off. There are so many different things happening, and boy do they pull on your heart strings. Tears will be shed. Laughter will follow. The world Building... It is absolutely amazing. This book is (chefs kiss) 👨🍳💋 Enemies are made, friends are found, and families are created. A must read for sure.
Absolute Epic Romantasy! Amazing plot and character development. This is book 2 and it begins right where book 1 stops. I could not stop thinking about this book it is so, so good. I was so engaged and invested in this story line from start to finish. Great writing and world building. You are going to love this series. I cannot wait for book 3.
Katherine Ann outdoes herself once again! I could read this series over and over and over! She may be my new favorite author. She just has a way of writing that makes you think you are in the book. Can't wait to read part 2!
Hey, Riven? Listen to me for a second, babe. Alek already knows you're blocking him out to protect something, so just go ahead and tell him WHY!!! If you don't, I will 😭😭 he deserves the truth if you can't give him your trust and full love yet 💅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A wonderful emotional journey! This book had me in my feelings and addicted to the story . I had to know what happened to Riven. The book was so well written and the world building is amazing.
What a read! From the first chapter your back into the world of Terling. Watching the outcome of the last book unfold you see the heart break that has been uncovered. Your heart and emotions are bound by the words of the author. Watching the struggles emotionally that both Alek and Riven go through was both sad and yet beautiful. I can’t wait to see where their adventure takes them next.
This series has an absolute chokehold on me! The first 20% or so of this one ripped my heart out as Riven dealt with her trauma and the mental illness and substance abuse that followed in its wake after surviving the ruins. Alekxander is a gem of a dark faye. The found family vibes are so warm and cozy. This 2nd book part one is a lot of buildup after the craziness that went on in the ruin in the first book. This fantastical world is so well thought out and written. How the ACOTAR girlies haven’t found this series and gone feral over it yet I don’t know but it definitely deserves all the hype. Super slow burn, the sexual tension is off the charts. Thank you so much Katherine for the digital copy. Onto part 2.
Loved it! Definitely similar to ACOTAR in all the best ways. But… BUT… they were SO.DAMN.CLOSE to finally giving into each other!!! I want to reach into the pages and slap Riven and tell her to just give into her mate already!!! Uggghh. Poor Alex has been 🍆blocked more times than he can count. She’s too caught up in this whole prophecy business and doing what Fallon did to Keir and blocking him completely out. Some progress was made in the last 100 pages but I will be pisssssed if they don’t get it on early in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was pleasantly surprised by this series and tried it out after seeing a recommendation on Booktok. If you are an ACOTAR fan, this series is like the darker, spicier version of it. I truly enjoyed this read and can’t wait to read more of her work in the future.
Also, I would rate this 4.5. It would be nice to rate half stars.