The day I started seeing ghosts - my life went to shit. Too bad the Fates don’t hand out gift receipts because respectfully, I’d like a refund. Unfortunately, those meddlesome hags aren’t even close to being done with me.
A powerful, destructive creature is on the prowl and threatens the existence of the universe. The only way to stop the creature is with equal destructive power. That’s where I come in.
Not that I have any kind of destructive power of my own. That would have been way too cool. Instead, I’ve been tasked with acting as a supernatural dog walker for an equally powerful creature. Of course, said creature happens to be my ex from a previous life. Yeah, it’s as messy as it sounds.
He’s lost me once and will stop at nothing to possess me. To cap it off, we’re bound by a bond that makes me burn for him, even when I’m not sure I like the guy.
Melody is a Canadian author of dark romantasy novels, who loves to write about unhinged, strong FMCs that will have you laughing one moment and wondering if the author might need therapy the next.
When she’s not wrangling her three young children, she’s either writing or binge-reading (because the PhD is finally done—WOO!).
When the warmer weather sets in, she likes to plant fields of flowers and adopt more animals for her hobby farm.
Melody writes because she can’t afford her book addiction.
Erm. What? First foray into dark romance and it was a ride. Entirely picked this up because of the dedication. Very slow first half and dramatic second half. Not convinced, I absolutely think because the MMC isn’t the ultimate love interest, he’s not just dark but abusive but I do think the next book will prove this theory right so I’ll probably read it when it’s out just to be sure our Viv doesn’t end up with this one.
Honestly?? Absolutely not. I hated everything about this. In the beginning, I kind of liked Leon. But then after like 2 chapters of him being around, he just got more and more abusive towards her. Like I’m into a good dark romance, that’s my jammmm, but the MMCs need to have SOME kind of redeeming quality. Or something to indicate there’s more to them than meets the eye. But this guy? I don’t want to know anything more. As a matter of fact, I wish I never learned anything about the twat in the first place.
Like, I don’t even know where to start on how many things is wrong with him, but I’ll do my best:
1) she’ll explicitly say NO numerous times when it comes to engaging in sexual activities with this guy, and he uses the “bond” that they have, against her. A bond that manipulates and fogs her mind, effectively making it IMPOSSIBLE for her to consent to anything with him, whilst he is seemingly unaffected? Is so rapey and gross. Its rank.
2) he doesn’t allow her to speak, speaks down to her like she is nothing but a “dumb, silly little woman who just needs big strong alpha to lead”. He outright tells her, that he expects her to be silent and obey his every command… it’s giving incel 🤌🏻
3) he was physically abusive too… like he grabbed her arm at one point to drag her away, so hard he bruised her. He repeatedly chokes her because she uses her independent mind to form an opinion he doesn’t agree with - chokes her so hard he leaves BRUISES on her neck. And also not to mention he made her fall through a table that resulted in her getting bloody stabbed through the arm and he just screamed in her face and left her behind to suffer????
I could go on and on. I don’t even know what in the fresh hell this was but it’s outrageous. The only way this is redeemable is if Leon isn’t actually the love interest and it’s Sin instead. But if that’s the case, I still would have liked to know I was gearing up to read over 300 pages of various forms of abuse against a woman to get to the main story. I will likely read the second book, only to see if Leon gets the ass whooping he deserves. If not, I’ll stick with my original point of absolutely not. I’m so mad rn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoyed this book! I feel like it has a bit of everything in it. It has ghosts, magic, realms, humour, tension,cliffhangers, spice and lots of great world building and characters.
This book made me feel a lot of things. I never thought I could fall in love and then hate a character so fast!
It has a long list of triggers warnings, so make sure to read them before you start. That being said I cannot wait for the second book!
I knew it! I fucking knew that that dimbo Leon would be Tamlin-coded However slay girl! And, Sin, I have hopes you or Morgana would be the knew Rhysand Xo
I absolutely loved this book, started off slow with a lot of backstory, but when the spicy bits came and the story started to progress, I was not disappointed. I'm losing my mind having to wait a year for the second book, I can't wait!
Leon sucks, not even in a twisted alluring way. I became team Sin real quick with that bonus chapter. That said, this book lacked plot and narration that didn’t engage me as a reader. I’ll probably read the next one just to see if my theory about Sin is right.
This is Book 1 in a triology series, and it is super immersive, easy to read, fast-paced, and so hard to put down. I literally couldn't stop reading it all in one go.
Vivian has always been a bit different, finds it hard to make friends, a traumatic event in high school has left her scarred but with a gift for seeking ghosts.
Finally, fitting in at university, Vivian still still seeing ghosts and a bid to communicate with them changes her life drastically. She is set on a path of destiny that leads to Leon, the bond sizzles and burns as they navitage the mission ahead.
Bonded mates, forced proximity, one bed, fantasy, realm jumping, secrets, lies, plots, and destiny are what waits you in this amazing story. Be prepared, though, as it ends on a cliffhanger. There is a short teaser of book 2 at the end, but as always with us readers, it's never enough.
Due to be released on 11 April, dont delay and go straight to pre-order 🖤
❤️ARC REVIEW❤️ 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I genuinely didnt expect to love this book as much as I did. There were so many twists and turns throughout that I never knew what was coming next. From the world-building to the suspense, I was always desperate for the next tidbit of information and couldn’t put this book down. It was executed very well. The FMC was one I enjoyed reading, she was funny, whip smart and very human in that she is by no means perfect. The plot was well paced, the spice was immaculate, and the dialogue never felt forced. I am desperate for book 2.
Synopsis:
The day I started seeing ghosts - my life went to shit. Too bad the Fates don’t hand out gift receipts because respectfully, I’d like a refund. Unfortunately, those meddlesome hags aren’t even close to being done with me.
A powerful, destructive creature is on the prowl and threatens the existence of the universe. The only way to stop the creature is with equal destructive power. That’s where I come in.
Not that I have any kind of destructive power of my own. That would have been way too cool. Instead, I’ve been tasked with acting as a supernatural dog walker for an equally powerful creature. Of course, said creature happens to be my ex from a previous life. Yeah, it’s as messy as it sounds.
He’s lost me once and will stop at nothing to possess me.
To cap it off, we’re bound by a bond that makes me burn for him, even when I’m not sure I like the guy.
One line review - Its a great book for anyone just entering into dark romance
It was a really enjoyable read. The world and character building for Viv at the start was great and I just know will be important moving forward. Definitely feel like this book is building up to something absolutely fabulous so can't wait for the remainder in the series. The MMC, I don't know what to say, I'm in love with him, then I'm not, it's an unusual dynamic.
I can't wait for the next book
Do or die
➼ dark fantasy romance ➼ she sees ghosts ➼ 'You are mine!' ➼ ancient warrior ➼ sexual tension
2.5 ⭐️The damn thing ended on a cliffhanger…. I need all the answers even if I don’t want to read the second… this was pretty outside of my realm of books. It wasn’t the worst thing I’ve read. Onto the second.
First off, I just want to thank Melody for giving me the opportunity to download this book as an ARC ! It is my first ARC and dark romance. I have only just started on this book tonight, and I am hooked already. At the moment, it is pretty fast-paced, which I am enjoying, and I am wondering what is going to happen next. I am going to read a bit more tonight (I will sleep tonight, I promise xD), as well as some more tomorrow, so I will update my review at a later date. I can't wait to see what this book has in store for me.
1ST EDIT!: This book is moving at a fast pace but not too fast that you feel like you are missing out. It is pretty action-packed so far, and the character portrayal of the main character has been well done. You feel like you are seeing and witnessing things from her point of view. It is hard for me not to talk about it in more detail because I need someone to talk to about it, it's that good!! TBC
2ND EDIT!: OHMYFLUFFYCHICKENNUGGETS, ITS TOO GOOD! I devoured this book every spare moment I had. The characters make you feel real emotions, the spice is so nice, I couldn't get enough ! This book is really well written and I can't wait for book 2!
The beginning had my already captive. And then the rest came and it became even better! I love the female lead Vivian. And how the story develops after she has come in powers. It has all kinds of elements that I love. Ghosts, magic, atlantis and some really good spice. But the cliffhanger! How could you! I need the second book by like yesterday. Loved the writing and story. Look forward to read more of her
Beginning first with the fact that the beginning of the book had almost no connection to the actual plot. The main character's backstory didn't even matter after chapter 13 and was never mentioned anymore except once. There is this bothering feeling I had every time the two main protagonists had sex, because of the way Leon treated Vivianne; I hated it.
I have said this in many of my tweets though that in the beginning the writing is almost as childish as a Wattpad book back in 2018 and when the writing did matter, it was like it was written only for the purpose to have sex scenes in it.
The only plus points in this book I would say, is when Leon actually had character. The way he teases Vivianne and she didn't hate it as much, as well as when there were real character interactions other than abusive sex.
NOT TO MENTION THE UNSATISFYING ENDING.
You'e GOT to be serious.
At least have some sort of ending that will not anger your readers, because damn. If we got the sense that Leon was the actual villain here, at least tell us more clearly than ending at a cliff.
Hate cliffhangers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Oh boy. Where do I begin? When I first started this book I was so interested. I loved the bizarre concept and originality, it was different and I read and read…
But then. About 110 pages from the end it took a sharp turn into what the hell is this? It built up characters that you start to like and invest in, and then they’re gone. It speed boosts you into a different fantasy vibe and world that just is insanely random. So much so it takes you out of the story. The main character goes from being cozy and relatable- to downright annoying and immature. I can’t tell you the amount of times I rolled my eyes a during the last 110 pages.
Leon is obviously not the love interest but he’s also a really shitty character. Meaning he was written poorly. There’s no depth or relating to him. At least make it hard to dislike him? Like he’s learning from her or something! He’s such a flat character.
Just such a bad book that started out with such potential, and I’m insanely disappointed and quite honestly pissed off I wasted time on this.
This is such an enjoyable read for me! Truly love the paranormal side as well as the writing & how the plot goes!
The writing is fun & humorous, also satisfyingly descriptive as well for those paranormal creatures & certain circumstances. I’m not easily scared hence for me I can’t say it’s horror for me, but the paranormal part in this book are good indeed. When I dive more into the plot, it get more adventurous and have this fantasy-feeling kinda journey as well - which is entertaining yet can be tense too at times, such exciting journey indeed.
I love the plot growth and there are always interesting things going on to keep me glued on reading till the end. I also love how the fmc’s life being introduced then structured to show to us how resilient & special she is, even when everything around her seems to keep on crumbling - somehow kinda motivates me regarding life aspects while taking this journey with her as well.
I can’t get enough at the end since there’s sort of a cliffhanger - there’s also some teaser to the cliffhanger which kinda succeeds to calm me down yet still, hopefully the second book come out soon and I will surely wanna get my hand on & read that too!
Overall, truly enjoyed reading this book & the whole first part story, can’t wait for the next! Thank you so much for this ARC ❤️❤️
“Creation’s Captive” is the first book in the Broken Souls Trilogy.
The FMC of the book is Vivian, who unexpectedly started seeing ghosts four years ago. The beginning of the book tells about that day, and after that, the book jumps 4 years forward. Now Vivian has moved across the country, is attending university, and still sees ghosts without knowing why.
I liked the friendships between Vivian and her new friends from the university.
One day Vivian’s world changes when she meets the MMC of the book, Leon, who is both charming and insufferable at the same time. Leon and Vivian are fated mates, but I didn’t feel the connection or chemistry between the characters.
The overall idea of the book is interesting. Vivian as a character was well introduced, but I would have liked to learn more about Leon. This is the first book of a trilogy, so maybe the next two books will reveal more about Leon and his past.
The pacing of the book was quite fast, especially towards the end.
I would also like to learn more about the world and the “bad guys,” but I’m sure there will be more information about them in the coming books.
There are some dark elements in the book, but I don’t know whether I would classify it as a dark romance or more like a paranormal romance because the focus of the book seemed to be more on the paranormal elements.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
I finished this book in one day and I absolutely loved it!!! I am so honored to be apart of this ARC read!! I was hooked from the very beginning and I cannot wait to find out what happens next! This book was truly a rollercoaster and it’s not even out yet! You won’t be disappointed in this if you’re interested in dark romance and magic!
I devoured this book! I am new to the genre and the author does a fantastic job of blending erotically charged passages with smart and witty repertoire. Would recommend! Loved it and can’t for the sequel!
I RARELY read series that aren’t completed so this is a whole new realm for me. 😁
The beginning did start a little confusing for me, but then at the end of the prologue it all made sense after, but after the events that started everything we get to meet Vivian four years later.
She’s pretty much tasked with saving the whole world with her ex, from a previous life, and he’s domineering to the extreme. Although I originally was like just get on with it and do what he says, I’m proud of her for sticking up to him.
Leon, is controlling and uses their 🌶️🌶️ for his gain, can you blame him? He just wants to be free.
Overall, I loved this book, it was really hard to put down! The one downside is, I’m only really upset the book ended but I can’t wait for the next one to come out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The guy is a manipulative and commanding bastard who clearly doesn't bother with consent before doing whatever he wants with the girl, while the girl is an annoying brat who talks about standing for herself and things like that, but once the guy starts making out with her all forms of reason gets thrown out the window. EDIT!!!!! I take this back. Leon is one of the worst book characters in existence. Tamlin is even better than him, and that's saying something because even though Tamlin did a lot of things, he would never leave Feyre injured with a serious injury and make her suffer through any bond. I still don't like the FMC, but she deserves better. Authors should really stop doing this things where because a character introduced into the story is not the ultimate love interest, they make them into the worst characters possible. It's okay for Leon to be a nice guy and still not be with the girl at the end of the book
Honestly this book was amazing and I loved every second of it. There was a little bit of the book that felt like it dragged on a bit but nothing too bad. The beginning started with a lot of background on Vivian which I appreciated a lot. I absolutely loved Vivian and all she was. The fact that she can see and help these ghost has me in a chokehold. Leon was another thing completely. I think that he’s such a huge part to the book and necessary but his anger is totally uncalled for sometimes and the fact that he is so pushy about Vivian unlocking his collar makes me feel uneasy about him. The sneak peak for book 2 has me in shambles. Is Leon really the good guy like he’s played out to be? Or is the people he’s supposed to destroy actually the good guys? Overall I would 110% recommend reading this book and I’m so excited to read the second
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
At first I had my doubts, but gradually I started to get really carried away by Vivian's story. I couldn't put the book down. I was reading every spare moment of the day.
The book contains everything I like to read. A strong leading role, ghosts, mystery and a handsome naughty boy.