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To Pick a Violet
In a kingdom torn by war, Violet uses her gifts to heal and feed those in need. As princess of Veris, she will do anything for her people, fighting to do more despite the king and queen's disapproval.
When she discovers the enemy kingdom's prince has set his deadly sights on her to end the war once and for all, she knows there will be little she can do to defend herself against the Prince of Taro. Yet, as she waits for the death that she is sure is to come at his hands, she is met with something far more terrifying.
Prince Kieran Charles Ryder is the general of his father's armies and a destructive force on the battlefield. With deadly magic that can render his opponents motionless and steal the thoughts straight from their heads, he has earned his title as the Prince of Death. Ending the war and healing his dying lands is the top priority for Kieran, even if it means kidnapping the princess he despises to achieve it.
When she discovers the enemy kingdom's prince has set his deadly sights on her to end the war once and for all, she knows there will be little she can do to defend herself against the Prince of Taro. Yet, as she waits for the death that she is sure is to come at his hands, she is met with something far more terrifying.
Prince Kieran Charles Ryder is the general of his father's armies and a destructive force on the battlefield. With deadly magic that can render his opponents motionless and steal the thoughts straight from their heads, he has earned his title as the Prince of Death. Ending the war and healing his dying lands is the top priority for Kieran, even if it means kidnapping the princess he despises to achieve it.
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 18, 2024
How dare this book do this to me?
To Pick a Violet takes place in a world at war. On one side, you have Violet, the Princess of Veris. Interestingly enough, she has two types of magic, that of healing and control of plants, which leads to her healing and providing food for her kingdom. On the other side, we have Kieran, the Prince of Death, the mind-reading tall dark and deadly heir to the kingdom of Taro. And this man has a plan: abduct Violet, arrange a truce marriage, and have her bring her healing and plant abilities to his struggling kingdom and establish peace between the kingdoms. What could go wrong?
All right. We've established at this point that I'm terrible at writing reviews for books I love. So, welcome to my rambling session about how much I love Kieran and Violet. Starting with Kieran because book boyfriends first.
This man... This man somehow manages to completely entertain and exasperate me at the same time. Essentially, he has the ability to read the minds of those around him, and therefore this knucklehead just assumes everyone else innately understands intentions like he does. So, we have this outwardly grumpy, ill-tempered man sheparding a begrudging Violet back to his kingdom, all the while wondering, "Why does she think so poorly of me...? Oh, right, my reputation" *winces*. This dummy, I can't. I love him. He has such wonderful, and even sweet intentions, and god-awful executions of almost all of them. The enemies to lovers in this book is just phenomenal. And on the other side of that relationship, we have Violet.
Violet is a character that immediately intrigued me. There's this interesting push-and-pull with her where outwardly, she's incredibly thoughtful with a sharp tongue at the ready if someone tries to mess with her. Yet, internally, there's a lot of fear and uncertainty, and perhaps even some loneliness? Her emotions definitely fluctuate between extremes, and at first, I didn't know what to make of it, but after a lifetime of healing horrific wounds and being treated more as a resource than a child by her family? I wonder if instead of suppressing, Violet does the opposite. I'm super interested to see if a part of Violet's arc moving forward is to regain some control over her emotions and reactions.
Outside of characters, the number of plot twists and reveals, especially in the last 100 or so pages gave me emotional whiplash (in the best possible way). The sequence at the end with the dagger and someone's neck genuinely gave me anxiety as I read, which is so hard to do these days. Oh, and then the little spicy teases we get??? Olivia. I called you a tease in your DMs, and I'm doing it again here because I. Need. More!
Overall, To Pick a Violet is certainly an impressive debut. The characters are likeable and flawed, the plot twists are EVERYWHERE, and the magic system is super interesting. Pick it up. The slow burn enemies to lovers needs to be experienced.
To Pick a Violet takes place in a world at war. On one side, you have Violet, the Princess of Veris. Interestingly enough, she has two types of magic, that of healing and control of plants, which leads to her healing and providing food for her kingdom. On the other side, we have Kieran, the Prince of Death, the mind-reading tall dark and deadly heir to the kingdom of Taro. And this man has a plan: abduct Violet, arrange a truce marriage, and have her bring her healing and plant abilities to his struggling kingdom and establish peace between the kingdoms. What could go wrong?
All right. We've established at this point that I'm terrible at writing reviews for books I love. So, welcome to my rambling session about how much I love Kieran and Violet. Starting with Kieran because book boyfriends first.
This man... This man somehow manages to completely entertain and exasperate me at the same time. Essentially, he has the ability to read the minds of those around him, and therefore this knucklehead just assumes everyone else innately understands intentions like he does. So, we have this outwardly grumpy, ill-tempered man sheparding a begrudging Violet back to his kingdom, all the while wondering, "Why does she think so poorly of me...? Oh, right, my reputation" *winces*. This dummy, I can't. I love him. He has such wonderful, and even sweet intentions, and god-awful executions of almost all of them. The enemies to lovers in this book is just phenomenal. And on the other side of that relationship, we have Violet.
Violet is a character that immediately intrigued me. There's this interesting push-and-pull with her where outwardly, she's incredibly thoughtful with a sharp tongue at the ready if someone tries to mess with her. Yet, internally, there's a lot of fear and uncertainty, and perhaps even some loneliness? Her emotions definitely fluctuate between extremes, and at first, I didn't know what to make of it, but after a lifetime of healing horrific wounds and being treated more as a resource than a child by her family? I wonder if instead of suppressing, Violet does the opposite. I'm super interested to see if a part of Violet's arc moving forward is to regain some control over her emotions and reactions.
Outside of characters, the number of plot twists and reveals, especially in the last 100 or so pages gave me emotional whiplash (in the best possible way). The sequence at the end with the dagger and someone's neck genuinely gave me anxiety as I read, which is so hard to do these days. Oh, and then the little spicy teases we get??? Olivia. I called you a tease in your DMs, and I'm doing it again here because I. Need. More!
Overall, To Pick a Violet is certainly an impressive debut. The characters are likeable and flawed, the plot twists are EVERYWHERE, and the magic system is super interesting. Pick it up. The slow burn enemies to lovers needs to be experienced.
May 7, 2024
To Pick a Violet is a fantastic read!! I highly recommend this book! I would describe this book as a slow burn fantasy enemies to lovers with political drama. If that sounds like your thing or even if it doesn’t, read this book! Violet is such a lovable character and I connected to her so much. Seeing a fictional character mirror some of your own personal struggles is really empowering. There are so many twists and turns and unexpected plot points. There is never a dull moment in this book. Once again I cannot recommend it enough and plan to re-read it again. Olivia Wilder is a fantastic author and she has done a marvelous job with her debut novel! I can’t wait to read more from this author!
May 10, 2024
I just have to say I am speechless!
I truly have no words for how incredible To Pick a Violet is. I laughed, cried and screamed the characters while reading. I honestly could not put it down, I was hooked from the first page!
I truly felt like I was there with Violet, like I was transported into the story. This story has so many little details that were just breathtaking! My favorite books are the ones that make me FEEL the emotions and oh boy did I feel the emotions!! All of the emotions!! And The plot twists!! Oh my goodness!! I am just blown away!!
This is BY FAR one of the best books I have ever read, like ever. This is now my comfort story that I will forever read over and over and over again. I can’t stop thinking about it! Honestly I don’t think I can read another book for a while, this left me with such a book hangover in the best way possible. If this isn’t already on your TBR, it needs to go at the top of your list asap! I cannot express how badly you need to read this story as soon as you possibly can!!
If you love a story that has beautiful world building, strong characters, enemies to lovers, political intrigue, and fast paced and action packed then you absolutely need to pick up To Pick a Violet!
I truly have no words for how incredible To Pick a Violet is. I laughed, cried and screamed the characters while reading. I honestly could not put it down, I was hooked from the first page!
I truly felt like I was there with Violet, like I was transported into the story. This story has so many little details that were just breathtaking! My favorite books are the ones that make me FEEL the emotions and oh boy did I feel the emotions!! All of the emotions!! And The plot twists!! Oh my goodness!! I am just blown away!!
This is BY FAR one of the best books I have ever read, like ever. This is now my comfort story that I will forever read over and over and over again. I can’t stop thinking about it! Honestly I don’t think I can read another book for a while, this left me with such a book hangover in the best way possible. If this isn’t already on your TBR, it needs to go at the top of your list asap! I cannot express how badly you need to read this story as soon as you possibly can!!
If you love a story that has beautiful world building, strong characters, enemies to lovers, political intrigue, and fast paced and action packed then you absolutely need to pick up To Pick a Violet!
July 11, 2024
Incredibly talented debut novel! I only wish there was more! I would've been happy to have 100-150 more pages, and more romance (spice). It felt like the storyline was naturally going there, and then was just cut short.
I wouldn't say the ending 25% was rushed, but everything just happened all at once (the mother in law, the husband away, then the murders at the end). It really kept me on my toes. I would've been happy to see that spaced out a little more, and see the furthering of the romance of the two main characters. They seemed to finally accept their marriage and new roles too quickly.
Overall, great, sweet read and fun world! Would love to read more in this kingdom!
I wouldn't say the ending 25% was rushed, but everything just happened all at once (the mother in law, the husband away, then the murders at the end). It really kept me on my toes. I would've been happy to see that spaced out a little more, and see the furthering of the romance of the two main characters. They seemed to finally accept their marriage and new roles too quickly.
Overall, great, sweet read and fun world! Would love to read more in this kingdom!
June 5, 2024
Be ready to cancel your plans because the last 100 pages of this book will have you staying up to the early hours frantically turning the pages. I love romantasy and adventure genres and this was a great read. I can’t wait to read more about Violet & Kieran’s adventures!
May 25, 2024
I got an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I connected with Violet as a FMC and liked the politics that went on surrounding the war that is happening between these two kingdoms.
I would’ve liked more world building and was a bit letdown by the MMC. With a name like the Prince of Death I was expecting someone more depraved and slow to trust than he was. I also would’ve liked to see more of his powers in action. It was told to us but not shown.
With that said, I do intend to read the next book. The writing style is easy to read and the pacing was good.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I connected with Violet as a FMC and liked the politics that went on surrounding the war that is happening between these two kingdoms.
I would’ve liked more world building and was a bit letdown by the MMC. With a name like the Prince of Death I was expecting someone more depraved and slow to trust than he was. I also would’ve liked to see more of his powers in action. It was told to us but not shown.
With that said, I do intend to read the next book. The writing style is easy to read and the pacing was good.
December 26, 2024
OMGGGG OBSESSED!!! CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK 2!!!
June 27, 2024
This book really picked up after the MMC was introduced. I was hooked from that point on! I would say this is primarily a romance book with a side of fantasy. The main story is definitely the romance (I’m not complaining!). It’s a great slow burn for sure. The ending is not a cliffhanger, but I’m definitely interested to see how the story continues in book 2. Overall, a really fun read!
November 3, 2024
Not bad for a debut. The writing isn't strong but it's not cringe either.
My main issue:
I wish there was more "grace" period after some of the darker chapters in this book. The heroes seemed to have recovered quite quickly like nothing bad ever happened to them, which resulted in those chapters feeling foreign to the story. Not only was the tone different from the rest of the book, there wasn't enough "aftercare", not enough attention given to what had happened in those chapters. Why even include them? Seems like they had little value to add since the main characters treated those events like minor nuisances and not major traumatic, potentially life altering actions that require a long adjustment/recovery period. Usually when something like this happens, especially towards the end of the book, that means... ding ding ding - bingo, the book is part one of a series as this is a perfect/easy way to build up on for the future books. But this is a standalone, as far as I gathered, so imagine the confusion.
Some nitpicking:
The exposition is drawn out. We get it, the FMC is Mother Theresa incarnate, just move on. Nope, it kept insisting that everybody and their cousin know the fmc is a saint.
The book seemed to think it was a plot heavy book. I'm sorry, no. I expect more from a romance than a few heated lines - and I don't even mean spice, please, please, please, don't include spice if you don't feel like it, but just... make all this build up worthwhile? Make it lead to something? The novel spends a long time "in transition", as if too afraid to evolve beyond its initial plotlines and character relationships.
My main issue:
I wish there was more "grace" period after some of the darker chapters in this book. The heroes seemed to have recovered quite quickly like nothing bad ever happened to them, which resulted in those chapters feeling foreign to the story. Not only was the tone different from the rest of the book, there wasn't enough "aftercare", not enough attention given to what had happened in those chapters. Why even include them? Seems like they had little value to add since the main characters treated those events like minor nuisances and not major traumatic, potentially life altering actions that require a long adjustment/recovery period. Usually when something like this happens, especially towards the end of the book, that means... ding ding ding - bingo, the book is part one of a series as this is a perfect/easy way to build up on for the future books. But this is a standalone, as far as I gathered, so imagine the confusion.
Some nitpicking:
The exposition is drawn out. We get it, the FMC is Mother Theresa incarnate, just move on. Nope, it kept insisting that everybody and their cousin know the fmc is a saint.
The book seemed to think it was a plot heavy book. I'm sorry, no. I expect more from a romance than a few heated lines - and I don't even mean spice, please, please, please, don't include spice if you don't feel like it, but just... make all this build up worthwhile? Make it lead to something? The novel spends a long time "in transition", as if too afraid to evolve beyond its initial plotlines and character relationships.
December 28, 2025
FMC is a really great person and literally no one in this story deserves her. Not even MMC.
The chemistry feels forced and the flirty moments always seem to happen at really awkward times like “sorry my mom tortured you again but you’re really sexy”. By the end I was definitely rooting for FMC, but I’d honestly be fine if they didn’t end up together at all. For a romantassy, it’s mostly just endlessly torturing the FMC who’s never done anything wrong in her whole life and then having hot men in the general vicinity to pick her off the ground and tell her to try harder not to die. Not a ton of actual romance.
I liked the idea of a FMC who is a healer and not a fighter so queue my disappointment when she goes through a generic training sequence and then never even uses those fighting skills anyway, so what was the point?
Probably the best way I can sum up my feelings towards this book is the scene towards the end where the MMC is teasing her and says something like “do I need to teach you everything?” Excuse me? She was an extremely accomplished person before you kidnapped her, she wasn’t sheltered and she wasn’t useless. But noooo she couldn’t use a sword and she’s a virgin so yeah she doesn’t know anything and she needs his help all the time.
Oh and she’s still a virgin when the book ends so what the heck was even that?
The chemistry feels forced and the flirty moments always seem to happen at really awkward times like “sorry my mom tortured you again but you’re really sexy”. By the end I was definitely rooting for FMC, but I’d honestly be fine if they didn’t end up together at all. For a romantassy, it’s mostly just endlessly torturing the FMC who’s never done anything wrong in her whole life and then having hot men in the general vicinity to pick her off the ground and tell her to try harder not to die. Not a ton of actual romance.
I liked the idea of a FMC who is a healer and not a fighter so queue my disappointment when she goes through a generic training sequence and then never even uses those fighting skills anyway, so what was the point?
Probably the best way I can sum up my feelings towards this book is the scene towards the end where the MMC is teasing her and says something like “do I need to teach you everything?” Excuse me? She was an extremely accomplished person before you kidnapped her, she wasn’t sheltered and she wasn’t useless. But noooo she couldn’t use a sword and she’s a virgin so yeah she doesn’t know anything and she needs his help all the time.
Oh and she’s still a virgin when the book ends so what the heck was even that?
June 1, 2024
The overlapping points of view the characters have, the end of some sections flowing into the beginnings of the next, are perfect. Knowing what each character is thinking during an event is something that I usually long for when reading other books with alternating perspectives and I think Wilder does this so well in To Pick a Violet. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Violet and Kieran. His nickname for her unravels me.
July 23, 2024
I’m very torn about this book. I loved so much of it, but then there came a turning point.
I really enjoyed Violet, Kieran and the slow burn enemies to lovers. That part was excellent. Violet is a strong character that put up with a lot, and she didn’t easily fall for Kieran. If you love a slow burn, give this a chance. Their relationship is the best part about the book.
Some choices early on were a bit… odd? I don’t understand why the twins were easily accepted into the Veris kingdom. One act of heroism doesn’t make them trustworthy enough to get so close to the royal family.
Everyone at court being so resigned and accepting that Violet was about to be murdered was strange, but I guess it had something to do with what we learn much later.
Straight up spoilers for the later part of the book:
The Queen torturing Violet was so unnecessary, and she never got any consequences for the pure hell she (the queen) put her (Violet) through. I did love that very last scene though, so I hope Violet continues to succeed against the queen. And I really need the queen to die.
I don’t know if I care enough to read anymore in what I’m assuming is a series. I got this for free on one of the recent ‘stuff your kindle’ days, and so far it is the second best book from my haul.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2025
Really torn by how to rate this one. Read most of it in one sitting I liked it so much…up to a point. Just kind of rolled my eyes at some of the early tropes/weaker choices because it’s a debut (she’s never been kissed? And has never even THOUGHT of marriage? At 22??). But I liked the writing and healer/destroyer match up.
BUT then the author has a 3rd character use a fake-ghost version of the MMC to torture and assault the FMC for weeks (and chapters) on end. And not for any real reason. I was SURE as I was reading this that, unless her memory was wiped, this would be the ‘big thing’ they have to get over as a couple for the next book in the series. But nope, all good here. She’s over the trauma like 10% of the book later.
She should really be having nightmares of all of this torture, unable to be in a room with him, PTSD flashbacks every time he touches her. Violet is even r*ped by fake-ghost Kieran, in 1 line that is never mentioned again. (The adding of sexual violence in this casual way feels really really unnecessary).
So I don’t know. That makes me want to give it 1 star. But I really enjoyed the first, like, 3/4 of the story! So it gets 2.
BUT then the author has a 3rd character use a fake-ghost version of the MMC to torture and assault the FMC for weeks (and chapters) on end. And not for any real reason. I was SURE as I was reading this that, unless her memory was wiped, this would be the ‘big thing’ they have to get over as a couple for the next book in the series. But nope, all good here. She’s over the trauma like 10% of the book later.
She should really be having nightmares of all of this torture, unable to be in a room with him, PTSD flashbacks every time he touches her. Violet is even r*ped by fake-ghost Kieran, in 1 line that is never mentioned again. (The adding of sexual violence in this casual way feels really really unnecessary).
So I don’t know. That makes me want to give it 1 star. But I really enjoyed the first, like, 3/4 of the story! So it gets 2.
May 24, 2025
4.5 / 5 ⭐️
1 / 5 🌶
Not really a cliffhanger... but it is Book One of a Series with more questions than answers.
I was an emotional wreck throughout this book! I cried tears at Violet's trials and struggles. I am still not over everything she had to go through! The ending felt a little rushed compared to the rest of the book, with secret alliances mentioned but not flushed out. For a dual POV, I'm left as confused as Violet at times. EDIT: This is a Book One of a Series, so expect more answers to come!!
Also, I don't think Kieren is top-tier book boyfriend. He does nothing to redeem himself in my eyes. Violet endures so much because of and in spite of him, and he never explains or makes it up to her. but hey.... he must be hot, so of course she falls for him.
EDIT: I had the amazing opportunity to meet this author, and... she agrees with me. does that mean.... more groveling and redemption in the next books? oh now I'm hooked!!!
1 / 5 🌶
Not really a cliffhanger... but it is Book One of a Series with more questions than answers.
I was an emotional wreck throughout this book! I cried tears at Violet's trials and struggles. I am still not over everything she had to go through! The ending felt a little rushed compared to the rest of the book, with secret alliances mentioned but not flushed out. For a dual POV, I'm left as confused as Violet at times. EDIT: This is a Book One of a Series, so expect more answers to come!!
Also, I don't think Kieren is top-tier book boyfriend. He does nothing to redeem himself in my eyes. Violet endures so much because of and in spite of him, and he never explains or makes it up to her. but hey.... he must be hot, so of course she falls for him.
EDIT: I had the amazing opportunity to meet this author, and... she agrees with me. does that mean.... more groveling and redemption in the next books? oh now I'm hooked!!!
July 29, 2026
The torture scenes were quickly forgotten by everyone. Including Violet who quickly forgot the PTSD and was back to normal with Kieran/Queen in a couple days. Also physically recovered and no more discussion about the starving or beating or broken ribs? Also quick to forgot how cruel Leena was during the initial reveal. Now they’re besties? Also the Balkan royal heirs were there when the fire happened at the ball, mentioned they were there for a secret Kieran deal, then not talked about the rest of the novel.
I liked the twist of Violet’s parents becoming more and more horrible as well as the war origins.
It was a slow burn, Stockholm syndrome romance. But had some endearing dialogue and I am really intrigued by the prophesies, the magic system, and political layout/map.
I liked the twist of Violet’s parents becoming more and more horrible as well as the war origins.
It was a slow burn, Stockholm syndrome romance. But had some endearing dialogue and I am really intrigued by the prophesies, the magic system, and political layout/map.
June 2, 2024
this book was not very well written
the plot definitely had potential but so many things just happened and the plot just kept moving on
spoilers:
- violet gets tortured and the prince just accepts it and doesn't even reasonably retaliate?
- violet isn't actually a princess and she just accepts it and there is no moment where it shows that she feels betrayed - there is literally no recognition from her of what happened
- the queen just casually kills the king
i dont know the whole plot was rushed
the plot definitely had potential but so many things just happened and the plot just kept moving on
spoilers:
- violet gets tortured and the prince just accepts it and doesn't even reasonably retaliate?
- violet isn't actually a princess and she just accepts it and there is no moment where it shows that she feels betrayed - there is literally no recognition from her of what happened
- the queen just casually kills the king
i dont know the whole plot was rushed
June 4, 2024
Fantastic book!
I fell in love with the characters Violet and Kieron, with me rooting particularly for Violet throughout. Although a marriage of convenience, it was nice to see how their relationships developed over time, against the odds stacked against them. There are lots of twists and turns that you won't see coming that will hook you right in, and make you want to read bits again when certain parts of Violets story are revealed. You will find yourself on tender hooks towards the end, hoping for that happy ending. Amazing story that I highly recommend.
I fell in love with the characters Violet and Kieron, with me rooting particularly for Violet throughout. Although a marriage of convenience, it was nice to see how their relationships developed over time, against the odds stacked against them. There are lots of twists and turns that you won't see coming that will hook you right in, and make you want to read bits again when certain parts of Violets story are revealed. You will find yourself on tender hooks towards the end, hoping for that happy ending. Amazing story that I highly recommend.
September 7, 2024
So good‼️ I laughed, I cried (okay sobbed), felt remarkable pride, & totally engulfed myself in the world of violet and Kieran. Seriously I enjoyed this book so much🥹 I am clawing at my enclosure to have more of their story.
🚨SPOILER🚨
I’m not sure I would be able to come back from having my mother in law bonding sessions be focused on my new, enemy husband torturing me. Like that was the one unrealistic part of this book for me, there’s no way she would have recovered psychologically from the trauma so fast.
🚨SPOILER🚨
I’m not sure I would be able to come back from having my mother in law bonding sessions be focused on my new, enemy husband torturing me. Like that was the one unrealistic part of this book for me, there’s no way she would have recovered psychologically from the trauma so fast.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2025
It’s good but
This book was great until it wasn’t for me. I went from having my heart ripped out at 76% with Violet and then 86% you are like what’s going on is there a book 2? And then there’s too much going on and more questions than answers. It was good but could’ve been better. 80% of this book was chefs kiss. Spoiler…..
I don’t like the way we downplayed what the queen did and the princess’s mental state the most. Like you went through 17 days of pure torture with the FMC just for it to be like whatever lalala omg I’ve never been to a ball. Be serious. lol.
This book was great until it wasn’t for me. I went from having my heart ripped out at 76% with Violet and then 86% you are like what’s going on is there a book 2? And then there’s too much going on and more questions than answers. It was good but could’ve been better. 80% of this book was chefs kiss. Spoiler…..
I don’t like the way we downplayed what the queen did and the princess’s mental state the most. Like you went through 17 days of pure torture with the FMC just for it to be like whatever lalala omg I’ve never been to a ball. Be serious. lol.
August 4, 2025
Weak character development
This book had the beginnings of something good but could not get there in the end. The characters were not developed nearly enough and there was zero evolution. so much so that I was rooting against the main male character the entire time, and fully judging the main female character for just rolling over and forgiving him/falling for him, as well as the other two supporting characters, etc. Main female character just came off as super weak and naive and there was no development throughout the book.
This book had the beginnings of something good but could not get there in the end. The characters were not developed nearly enough and there was zero evolution. so much so that I was rooting against the main male character the entire time, and fully judging the main female character for just rolling over and forgiving him/falling for him, as well as the other two supporting characters, etc. Main female character just came off as super weak and naive and there was no development throughout the book.
May 17, 2024
I found this author and her book on TikTok and was lucky enough to get a sneak peak .
I loved watching the growth of the author as she dived into the world building and creating the characters. You can see it blossoms, as you move through the chapters and for me that is just as exciting as the plot , the passion, and the betrayals you’re reading about.
The slow burn romance is enough to keep you glued to the pages, while the twists and turns keep you guessing .
I loved watching the growth of the author as she dived into the world building and creating the characters. You can see it blossoms, as you move through the chapters and for me that is just as exciting as the plot , the passion, and the betrayals you’re reading about.
The slow burn romance is enough to keep you glued to the pages, while the twists and turns keep you guessing .
December 30, 2024
I absolutely adored this book... I wish I could give more than 5*... a beautifully written story with excellent world-building and fantastic mental health rep this story drags you through page after page until you've finished and don't know how you've got there... The MMC is dark and dangerous with a softer side that becomes evident as you go through with a wicked slow-burn buildup with the FMC who gains strength throughout the chapters... I cannot wait to see what comes next.
January 11, 2025
3.5 stars! Wonderful debut novel! I loved how the beginning of each chapter included snippets from letters or secondary sources which helped with the world building. The book started slow, but the last 15-10% was WILD! As a debut novel, there were some grammatical errors/sentences that could have been worded for better clarity, and at times didn’t flow well. Nevertheless, I think the author will write 5 stars in no time! 💜
Did Not Finish
April 9, 2025DNF @ 25%. While I think the premise of this book has immense potential, it feels unpolished and unedited. I try to give grace to indie authors, knowing that not everyone has the budget to hire an editor, etc.
I would love to see the author refine this book and fine tune it some more, but for now, it’s not for me.
2.5/5 stars for what I did read.
I would love to see the author refine this book and fine tune it some more, but for now, it’s not for me.
2.5/5 stars for what I did read.
October 19, 2025
Great book with warring kingdoms, magic powers, different classes, and a couple of plot twists. *Actual* enemies to lovers was great and there is a tiny bit of spice at the end but, since they were enemies for most of the book, it is a sslllooooooow burn. Narration was perfect and I am interested to see where the rest of the story goes! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2024
after a successful 24 hour read, this book has me thinking about it the entire day. I was shocked, there were surprises, banter, and character growth. I hope she writes another and I am about to yap about this book to anyone who will listen. There should be more reviews and more reads than it has. this book is one I am going to buy physically.
January 3, 2025
Binged it in a night ❤️❤️❤️
I loved it. I loved the Dual POVs that allow us to see all sides and the world building. I do t
often get caught up in books anymore but this one was exceptional!
I loved it. I loved the Dual POVs that allow us to see all sides and the world building. I do t
often get caught up in books anymore but this one was exceptional!
June 13, 2025
surprise
So it took a while for me to get into the book. The beginning starts of kinda slow. But towards 20% you like okay..... overall a good book. Awesome word building. All plot, growth and all that
So it took a while for me to get into the book. The beginning starts of kinda slow. But towards 20% you like okay..... overall a good book. Awesome word building. All plot, growth and all that
July 5, 2024
I loved this book so much! I was completely drawn in by the world created. I fell in love (and hate)with the characters and can't wait to see where the next book takes them!
January 13, 2025
awesome debut
This book was an awesome debut. Definitely had some unexpected twists and turns. Look forward to reading more from this author
This book was an awesome debut. Definitely had some unexpected twists and turns. Look forward to reading more from this author
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