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Hearts of Bluestone #2
Prince of Masks
The Sinclairs rule everything and everyone... but the Cravens.
I am Olivia Craven.
Dray Sinclair's favourite target.
But out in elite society, he can't touch me.
Here, outside the walls of Bluestone, I am invincible.
So I thought...
We leave Bluestone for high society season, and in it, we wear our masks. We play our parts.
But I don't let that fool me...
I don't let the charm of Dray's devilish smile and gleaming blue eyes trick me.
He is a stone cold psycho.
After he cornered me at Bluestone, and that night I fled the academy, I fled him... I thought this season I might be safe.
But Dray finds his ways to get to me, to let his mask slip.
The grip I have on my life is unravelling, and if I look, I will see that it's Dray Sinclair pulling the thread.
______________________________________________________________________________________
The Hearts of Bluestone series is both "dark romance" and "bully academy" thus content warnings do apply. This series is planned to have four books.
Not for sensitive readers. Please consider your wellbeing before reading.
I am Olivia Craven.
Dray Sinclair's favourite target.
But out in elite society, he can't touch me.
Here, outside the walls of Bluestone, I am invincible.
So I thought...
We leave Bluestone for high society season, and in it, we wear our masks. We play our parts.
But I don't let that fool me...
I don't let the charm of Dray's devilish smile and gleaming blue eyes trick me.
He is a stone cold psycho.
After he cornered me at Bluestone, and that night I fled the academy, I fled him... I thought this season I might be safe.
But Dray finds his ways to get to me, to let his mask slip.
The grip I have on my life is unravelling, and if I look, I will see that it's Dray Sinclair pulling the thread.
______________________________________________________________________________________
The Hearts of Bluestone series is both "dark romance" and "bully academy" thus content warnings do apply. This series is planned to have four books.
Not for sensitive readers. Please consider your wellbeing before reading.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2025
30 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Quinn Blackbird
34 books751 followersQUINN BLACKBIRD is a wanderer, a caffeine addict, a concern to her teachers & a bit of a dork.
You can find Quinn buying gym equipment she never uses or being dragged out of the writing cave by pesky friends.
Mention "margarita" and she'll come ah-runnin.
QB's goal is to live on a farm with rescue animals and write!
Now beware!! Blackbird writes about everything she loathes. This makes for books that are darker, grittier, anti-heroes, messed-up characters, and dark worlds. It's not a guarantee you'll find redemption in her pages. Because, as Gaslight Her warns, 'sometimes, the villains win.'
popular questions answered:
*there is no reading order to the dark fae universe books ~ and yes, another dark fae book is coming!*
CONTACT:
FB Quinn Blackbird
FB READER GROUP: Quinn Blackbird and Her Blackbirds
You can find Quinn buying gym equipment she never uses or being dragged out of the writing cave by pesky friends.
Mention "margarita" and she'll come ah-runnin.
QB's goal is to live on a farm with rescue animals and write!
Now beware!! Blackbird writes about everything she loathes. This makes for books that are darker, grittier, anti-heroes, messed-up characters, and dark worlds. It's not a guarantee you'll find redemption in her pages. Because, as Gaslight Her warns, 'sometimes, the villains win.'
popular questions answered:
*there is no reading order to the dark fae universe books ~ and yes, another dark fae book is coming!*
CONTACT:
FB Quinn Blackbird
FB READER GROUP: Quinn Blackbird and Her Blackbirds
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 19, 2025
It takes exceptional talent to hook the readers into reading a sequel and this author has it. Neither Olivia nor Dray are sunshine and rainbows. They are both morally grey, rich snobs. Olivia's loneliness felt so real and so was her treatment of so called gentry or made ones. Both main characters are deeply flawed and yet.....Somehow the author pulls it off. Love it.
August 2, 2025
Once again, this is a story of abuse. To read it as anything else would be incredibly frustrating, and a horrifying portrayal of love (that’s how I cope with this series anyways). From Olivia‘s family, “friends”, and Dray, Olivia is alone in nearly every corner of her world. Olivia’s family, incredibly controlling, secretive, and impassive towards her emotional well-being. Then there is Dray, who fits the profile of abusive lover to a T. His cycle of abuse can’t be missed, whether it’s hurting her physically or emotionally, isolating her from any connections she has or tries to form, forcing himself on her, showing her acts of “kindness” or speaking to her as if he hasn’t spent a decade abusing her (especially in public), stomping on any sense of worth she has in herself or in her relationships. The list goes on and I hope he burns. Poor Olivia is had a panic attack over the news of her impending marriage to him. At least there’s the comfort in seeing her beginning to clock his intentions and abusive cycle.
Olivia’s family is no better. I felt so satisfied when Olivia told Oliver that she had no intention of keeping him in her life. I think what hurts worse than a former best friend turning into your psychotic abuser is your own twin brother, whom you loved and cherished, siding with said abuser then contributing to your torment, misery, and loneliness.
And for all Olivia‘s talk about being her parent’s favourite, the only proof I see of that is in the financial leeway they give her, as they certainly show no interest in her personal life or emotional well-being. It’s all in the name of more decorations for Olivia’s gilded cage. Their daughter comes home, covered in shit and tears and they ask no follow up questions. They have her so closely monitored and controlled in her caged life that Olivia, as spoiled, bratty, and frustrating as she is managed to elicit my sympathy and root for her desire for independence. The double standards drives me crazy, and it was refreshing in this book to see her realize and rage against the system.
As for the writing, Quinn Blackbird has a way of immersing me in her characters and books to the point of obsession, although on the flip side I think there are times where I’m given too much detail to the point of boredom. The beginning was a slow start with blackbird detailing every step Olivia took to her room after coming home from school and the following days, which was not very gripping for the start of a tale. That aside, it was refreshing to have a setting away from the Academy and to see Olivia’s life at home.
Now to wait for rare announcements and sporadic releases. Guess I’ll be reading the next one in 6 months? A year? Who knows, but I can’t wait.
Olivia’s family is no better. I felt so satisfied when Olivia told Oliver that she had no intention of keeping him in her life. I think what hurts worse than a former best friend turning into your psychotic abuser is your own twin brother, whom you loved and cherished, siding with said abuser then contributing to your torment, misery, and loneliness.
And for all Olivia‘s talk about being her parent’s favourite, the only proof I see of that is in the financial leeway they give her, as they certainly show no interest in her personal life or emotional well-being. It’s all in the name of more decorations for Olivia’s gilded cage. Their daughter comes home, covered in shit and tears and they ask no follow up questions. They have her so closely monitored and controlled in her caged life that Olivia, as spoiled, bratty, and frustrating as she is managed to elicit my sympathy and root for her desire for independence. The double standards drives me crazy, and it was refreshing in this book to see her realize and rage against the system.
As for the writing, Quinn Blackbird has a way of immersing me in her characters and books to the point of obsession, although on the flip side I think there are times where I’m given too much detail to the point of boredom. The beginning was a slow start with blackbird detailing every step Olivia took to her room after coming home from school and the following days, which was not very gripping for the start of a tale. That aside, it was refreshing to have a setting away from the Academy and to see Olivia’s life at home.
Now to wait for rare announcements and sporadic releases. Guess I’ll be reading the next one in 6 months? A year? Who knows, but I can’t wait.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2025
This may be my favorite series by this author and it’s not even finished. I devoured books 1 and 2. As selfish and spoiled as the MFC is, I couldn’t help but feel for her. I could feel her terror and angst when dealing with the MMC. I cannot wait for the next 2 books. I will read anything and everything Quinn Blackbird writes. She knows how to write a villain.
July 31, 2025
Lovee the build up & Dray’s growing obsession. Their interactions are so tension filled. Can’t wait for the next book, I’m so curious about what Olivia’s family is hiding from her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2025
Oh god I can’t wait until July next year for the next one 😭
August 3, 2025
I loved it?🤔
I have a very complicated relationship with Quinns books. I find it hard to even put into words my weird reaction to her work.
The writing is good and I was hooked…couldn’t put it down, as I am with all her books I’ve read so far.
Here comes the crux…. I find myself not liking any of the characters in any of her books. I do feel for them. I get angry for, sad and mad at her main heroines because Quinn is so good at crafting actual realistic characters.
I could walk outside, go to work or hangout with any of the characters in her novels and recognize them as just plain human beings with nuances.
That’s how good Quinn is at building her characters. There is no expectation of redemption for them at the end either. They don’t change/reform for the readers gaze.
Like I very much doubt that if Olivia finds out (theory) that she’s actually a Krum and the daughter of the krum maid at her grandmother’s house, that she would find any affinity to them and try to change the system. I would very much doubt that any of the characters in this book had any moral code that you would find in the typical above human trope we are raised on. They are inwardly and at times outwardly selfish, singular creatures.
I see Quinn’s heroes/leads as Darth Vader/Kylo Ren archetypes.
And this is one of the reasons why I love reading her work!!
This series is of course great for me but I wanted more interactions between the leads and hope the last 2 books focus on that. I don’t want the remainder of the series to focus on the secret of Olivia’s lineage. I’m guesstimating at what it could be but I don’t want the last few books to hang on that. Give me more of the leads and their messed up relationship after maybe spending a few minutes on whatever the secret is. Which is saying a lot because I know the secret is what animates their relationship.
In conclusion, 5/5 for the characters and 4/5 for the story thus far. I want to see the unraveling of their messed up relationship in the next one’s pretty please🤭
I have a very complicated relationship with Quinns books. I find it hard to even put into words my weird reaction to her work.
The writing is good and I was hooked…couldn’t put it down, as I am with all her books I’ve read so far.
Here comes the crux…. I find myself not liking any of the characters in any of her books. I do feel for them. I get angry for, sad and mad at her main heroines because Quinn is so good at crafting actual realistic characters.
I could walk outside, go to work or hangout with any of the characters in her novels and recognize them as just plain human beings with nuances.
That’s how good Quinn is at building her characters. There is no expectation of redemption for them at the end either. They don’t change/reform for the readers gaze.
Like I very much doubt that if Olivia finds out (theory) that she’s actually a Krum and the daughter of the krum maid at her grandmother’s house, that she would find any affinity to them and try to change the system. I would very much doubt that any of the characters in this book had any moral code that you would find in the typical above human trope we are raised on. They are inwardly and at times outwardly selfish, singular creatures.
I see Quinn’s heroes/leads as Darth Vader/Kylo Ren archetypes.
And this is one of the reasons why I love reading her work!!
This series is of course great for me but I wanted more interactions between the leads and hope the last 2 books focus on that. I don’t want the remainder of the series to focus on the secret of Olivia’s lineage. I’m guesstimating at what it could be but I don’t want the last few books to hang on that. Give me more of the leads and their messed up relationship after maybe spending a few minutes on whatever the secret is. Which is saying a lot because I know the secret is what animates their relationship.
In conclusion, 5/5 for the characters and 4/5 for the story thus far. I want to see the unraveling of their messed up relationship in the next one’s pretty please🤭
November 20, 2025
Olivia is unlikeable, Dray is a bastard and somehow I‘m still obsessed.
August 18, 2025
I feel the need to say that the FMC is not likeable. In DR, there’s a tendency to only expect the most innocent and righteous FMC but here that is not the case. It’s probably one of the reasons why I enjoyed it
August 1, 2025
Exactly what I expected from Quinn. I'm hooked and looking forward to the next 2 books.
September 18, 2025
Still thinking about this series and extremely looking forward to the next one😵💫
Dray gave me whiplash in how he acted in this book compared to the first one. Ngl his jealousy over any man who expresses any interest in her makes me overlook all his evilness. That sounds bad but you can just feel how obsessed he is with her. It makes me wonder how he even had it in him to hate her to the extent he did (maybe he still does?)
I love how morally grey QB writes her fmcs. Like Olivia is a spoiled brat but I still really like her
Dray gave me whiplash in how he acted in this book compared to the first one. Ngl his jealousy over any man who expresses any interest in her makes me overlook all his evilness. That sounds bad but you can just feel how obsessed he is with her. It makes me wonder how he even had it in him to hate her to the extent he did (maybe he still does?)
I love how morally grey QB writes her fmcs. Like Olivia is a spoiled brat but I still really like her
September 3, 2025
SOMEHOW GOT EVEN MORE BETTER
I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH
I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH
August 1, 2025
Deliciously bad for you! Yum...
Once again, I really enjoy Blackbird's writing about villains who always get their girls. Sometimes you don't want a HEA because they are just so typical and boring. Totally looking forward to books 3 & 4 coming out.
Once again, I really enjoy Blackbird's writing about villains who always get their girls. Sometimes you don't want a HEA because they are just so typical and boring. Totally looking forward to books 3 & 4 coming out.
August 4, 2025
3.5 stars... I love a Quinn Blackbird book, and I like this story but this one was a tad slow. Just vacation, and shopping, and everyone being nice. Great set up to the next book though i suppose. I had some unkind things to say about the cliffhanger ending though. haha
August 8, 2025
Obsessed!!
Ms Quinn Blackbird has a way with words, describing fantastic environments that makes them as fascinating as the antihero/love story.
Please continue to share more story’s, so we can fall in love all over again.
Ms Quinn Blackbird has a way with words, describing fantastic environments that makes them as fascinating as the antihero/love story.
Please continue to share more story’s, so we can fall in love all over again.
October 12, 2025
Loved Dray as always. I have so many theories about the next book! Could Olivia actually be a Krum?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2025
love it! odd for me with second books. normally I loose interest but this kept me locked in. I finished it in less than 24 hours 😅 awaiting book 3 to come out 😁
September 5, 2025
Can anyone guess what is happening? This is one of my fav series now. But 2 books next year??? I can't wait. Totally clueless what will happen!!!!
August 3, 2025
One of the best books I have ever read in my life, by far. I'm usually too lazy to leave comments on books, but I wanted to say this…
I loved that the main characters haven’t had sex yet, despite the readers being two books deep into the story. It makes every interaction between them more meaningful and really builds up the tension. Every touch crackles with static. I’m also really relieved that Olivia never had a “my-body-betrayed- me” moment, despite Dray trying his best to seduce her. I genuinely enjoyed watching him be envious of every suitor that she interacts with and I especially enjoyed seeing her turn her nose up at him in disgust any time he approaches— and he rightly deserves it!
I do have to note that despite Olivia being childish and spoiled, you still can’t help but soften up to her as we feel the same waves of sadness, loneliness and frustration she has to experience as she stumbles her way through this very harsh and archaic witch society. I really hope she undergoes a transformation by the end of the series and becomes a stronger character. Maybe she'll discover she does have powers and they were waiting to get coaxed out of her. I highly doubt this though and I kind of have a hunch she's actually the daughter of her grandma's maid. Can't imagine why her parents would raise a krum child but if this is the secret her parents are trying to hide from Dray and his family I cant even begin to fanthom how he would treat her once he finds out he has been tricked.
Her relationship with her brother is still a grey area for me so it will be interesting to see it play out as I follow along in the story. I also have a hunch that her brother's engagement will fall to pieces. Furthermore, I really hope Olivia doesn't fall for Serena's tempting attempts at renewing a friendship now that Dray is planning on marrying her and bringing her back into society's good graces. Characters like Serena really are good examples of slithery snakes you would be unfortunate enough to encounter in real life.
There's so many questions that I still have and theories that have yet to be confirmed or rejected. I can't wait to see what happens next.
But one thing is for sure...I want to eventually see Dray on the floor begging for forgiveness😌
I loved that the main characters haven’t had sex yet, despite the readers being two books deep into the story. It makes every interaction between them more meaningful and really builds up the tension. Every touch crackles with static. I’m also really relieved that Olivia never had a “my-body-betrayed- me” moment, despite Dray trying his best to seduce her. I genuinely enjoyed watching him be envious of every suitor that she interacts with and I especially enjoyed seeing her turn her nose up at him in disgust any time he approaches— and he rightly deserves it!
I do have to note that despite Olivia being childish and spoiled, you still can’t help but soften up to her as we feel the same waves of sadness, loneliness and frustration she has to experience as she stumbles her way through this very harsh and archaic witch society. I really hope she undergoes a transformation by the end of the series and becomes a stronger character. Maybe she'll discover she does have powers and they were waiting to get coaxed out of her. I highly doubt this though and I kind of have a hunch she's actually the daughter of her grandma's maid. Can't imagine why her parents would raise a krum child but if this is the secret her parents are trying to hide from Dray and his family I cant even begin to fanthom how he would treat her once he finds out he has been tricked.
Her relationship with her brother is still a grey area for me so it will be interesting to see it play out as I follow along in the story. I also have a hunch that her brother's engagement will fall to pieces. Furthermore, I really hope Olivia doesn't fall for Serena's tempting attempts at renewing a friendship now that Dray is planning on marrying her and bringing her back into society's good graces. Characters like Serena really are good examples of slithery snakes you would be unfortunate enough to encounter in real life.
There's so many questions that I still have and theories that have yet to be confirmed or rejected. I can't wait to see what happens next.
But one thing is for sure...I want to eventually see Dray on the floor begging for forgiveness😌
August 5, 2025
I loved this book because, beyond the sadistic bully main character who is hell-bent on making the heroine’s life miserable, Blackbird weaves several fast-moving sub-plots.
We witness the extravagance of aristocratic life—its elitist rules and suffocating codes—while also seeing how deeply hypocritical the Craven family can be in private. I suspect Olivia is not merely a deadblood (a dormant witch) but also a half-breed. In fact, both Olivia and her twin, Oliver, might be the biological children of Mila (the Krŭm maid employed by Olivia’s grandmother). Four details point in that direction:
1. The twins were delivered at their maternal grandmother’s estate.
2. Vittoria (their legal mother) almost died of postpartum hemorrhage and was “saved” by the family witch-doctor, hinting at complications.
3. Mila has been living with the grandmother for roughly twenty-three years, while the twins are twenty-two.
4. Neither twin resembles Vittoria. Oliver is described as a carbon copy of his father, whereas Olivia looks nothing like her mother; the sparse descriptions of Mila’s features suggest that Olivia might take after her instead, with a dash of her father’s coloring, and it is noted that the twins, despite their differences, look "familial."
When Olivia eavesdrops on her parents, she learns that Dray’s father refuses to let the Craven witch-doctor perform the mandatory blood test that measures a witch’s health and magic potency. A Sinclair-controlled test would expose Olivia’s true parentage, so the Cravens discuss bribery and, later, Olivia notices the possibility of her vials being switched—classic subterfuge.
These breadcrumbs raise thorny questions: Why is Olivia kept ignorant and sheltered while Oliver appears to know more? Why would the Cravens risk a betrothal to Dray when discovery by the Sinclairs could ruin them?
We witness the extravagance of aristocratic life—its elitist rules and suffocating codes—while also seeing how deeply hypocritical the Craven family can be in private. I suspect Olivia is not merely a deadblood (a dormant witch) but also a half-breed. In fact, both Olivia and her twin, Oliver, might be the biological children of Mila (the Krŭm maid employed by Olivia’s grandmother). Four details point in that direction:
1. The twins were delivered at their maternal grandmother’s estate.
2. Vittoria (their legal mother) almost died of postpartum hemorrhage and was “saved” by the family witch-doctor, hinting at complications.
3. Mila has been living with the grandmother for roughly twenty-three years, while the twins are twenty-two.
4. Neither twin resembles Vittoria. Oliver is described as a carbon copy of his father, whereas Olivia looks nothing like her mother; the sparse descriptions of Mila’s features suggest that Olivia might take after her instead, with a dash of her father’s coloring, and it is noted that the twins, despite their differences, look "familial."
When Olivia eavesdrops on her parents, she learns that Dray’s father refuses to let the Craven witch-doctor perform the mandatory blood test that measures a witch’s health and magic potency. A Sinclair-controlled test would expose Olivia’s true parentage, so the Cravens discuss bribery and, later, Olivia notices the possibility of her vials being switched—classic subterfuge.
These breadcrumbs raise thorny questions: Why is Olivia kept ignorant and sheltered while Oliver appears to know more? Why would the Cravens risk a betrothal to Dray when discovery by the Sinclairs could ruin them?
August 2, 2025
{Paranormal Romance; M/F; Single POV, first person; Open Door}
Olivia is useless. A powerless witch who burns through her father’s money. This is actually refreshing after all the people with surprise special powers or snarky comments. I don’t like her but I sympathize with her because she feels loved but unwanted.
Her one redeeming quality is her song writing, which surprises me after she shirks classes and seems to avoid any work.
She grew up in high society and cannot imagine a middle class life.
“I am dragged all over the continent, through veils and hauled onto a jet like I’m mere luggage.” This second novel is more about pomp and circumstance than the academy, romance, or any action. Think “Ballgowns and Bullies”, salon appointments, and disappointed glances rather than love. The plot was set in book 1, and the atmosphere is set in book 2. We get more of the high life of witch society.
Some highlights:
⁃ Caning for slumped shoulders
⁃ Biting his shoulder
⁃ Denial of chocolate and biscuits (cookies?)
⁃ Imps (brownies) as house help
- Bargaining for kisses
Special mention:
I think I love her Aunt Ethel. As scary as she was with her discipline, she gave as good as she got.
The World Building
Is wonderful. You get a strong description of witch society in the upper class.
Olivia is useless. A powerless witch who burns through her father’s money. This is actually refreshing after all the people with surprise special powers or snarky comments. I don’t like her but I sympathize with her because she feels loved but unwanted.
Her one redeeming quality is her song writing, which surprises me after she shirks classes and seems to avoid any work.
She grew up in high society and cannot imagine a middle class life.
“I am dragged all over the continent, through veils and hauled onto a jet like I’m mere luggage.” This second novel is more about pomp and circumstance than the academy, romance, or any action. Think “Ballgowns and Bullies”, salon appointments, and disappointed glances rather than love. The plot was set in book 1, and the atmosphere is set in book 2. We get more of the high life of witch society.
Some highlights:
⁃ Caning for slumped shoulders
⁃ Biting his shoulder
⁃ Denial of chocolate and biscuits (cookies?)
⁃ Imps (brownies) as house help
- Bargaining for kisses
Special mention:
I think I love her Aunt Ethel. As scary as she was with her discipline, she gave as good as she got.
The World Building
Is wonderful. You get a strong description of witch society in the upper class.
August 3, 2025
I loved this book. Made me cry from the FMC emotions.
This book they spend no time at the school ... but overall I liked that they weee travelled to expensive locations.
Dray isn't rude or mean at all in this book.
This book they spend no time at the school ... but overall I liked that they weee travelled to expensive locations.
Dray isn't rude or mean at all in this book.
July 31, 2025
slow start
The beginning dragged until the antagonists were back together then it got really interesting. Still a lot left to figure out can’t wait for the next book.
The beginning dragged until the antagonists were back together then it got really interesting. Still a lot left to figure out can’t wait for the next book.
August 14, 2025
😆 Now Oliver why would you do that.
August 15, 2025
Ok, I'm into it.
FUTURE SELF: Dray has decided he is going to marry Olivia even though she wants to set him on fire.
FUTURE SELF: Dray has decided he is going to marry Olivia even though she wants to set him on fire.
August 17, 2025
marginally better than the first one.
November 9, 2025
Need more Quinn books Now!!
January 21, 2026
Idk what kind of crack this author put in this series but I devoured it in two days and I can barely finish a single book a month.
Dray and Olivia are unmatched. Their chemistry is so off the charts. He is completely obsessed with her, I mean he literally spent two entire books just starting at her. He kinda already admitted he loves her and I need Olivia to wake tf up and realize it.
My only strife is her fcking James and Eric. Idk my mood just took a huge dip when she had sex w Eric. He’s just so meh and James gives me the ick. We need standards Olivia.
July cannot come soon enough.
Dray and Olivia are unmatched. Their chemistry is so off the charts. He is completely obsessed with her, I mean he literally spent two entire books just starting at her. He kinda already admitted he loves her and I need Olivia to wake tf up and realize it.
My only strife is her fcking James and Eric. Idk my mood just took a huge dip when she had sex w Eric. He’s just so meh and James gives me the ick. We need standards Olivia.
July cannot come soon enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2026
this book was even better than the first on tbh i’m so so so excited to read the next one
December 23, 2025
I liked this book but not as much as book 1, this is set away from Bluestone and I love Academy settings. Olivia is realising how trapped she is, little more than an expensively dressed puppet, at the mercy of her controlling family. She lives in a gilded, priviledged cage but its a cage nonethless. In this book we see how fabulously wealthy and influential the Cravens are, they are the top tier elites, along with the Sinclairs. She is under so much pressure to conform and keep up appearances.
There are more questions than answers here, why is Olivia so controlled, why isnt she allowed the freedoms her brother has or the other elite girls? Why are her parents so cagey about her finding out more about Deadbloods? Its clear they are hiding a big secret. Is it possible that Olivia isnt a Deadblood at all but something else?
This is an old fashioned misogynistic society, men have the power, wealth, influence, women little more than pretty, stay at home baby making machines. There are contracts and dowries. In some ways its modern, with mobile phones and planes but in others its very medieval.
The more Olivia tries to find out the more she is stifled, the plotting and behind the scenes scheming is interesting. Dray is as awful as ever but his tactics have changed from overt bullying to something more insidious. As the Debutante Ball looms the reader will have an inkling of Olivia's fate but she is naively oblivious.
I do find Olivia a frustrating character at times, she is spoilt, selfish, brattish and far too passive, which makes for an annoying read, but you feel for her because of the bullying she has endured for nearly 10 years because of her Deadblood status, and the treatment from her family, her loneliness and isolation are palpable and she has no one at her back. Its a testament to QB's writing that she manages to make you care, sympathise and will her to fight back even when you want to shake her.
I hope in the next 2 books that we see her do exactly that. I hope she gets Dray crawling on his belly. I hope that she proves to be completely without magic, dormant or otherwise and messes up his schemes.
There are more questions than answers here, why is Olivia so controlled, why isnt she allowed the freedoms her brother has or the other elite girls? Why are her parents so cagey about her finding out more about Deadbloods? Its clear they are hiding a big secret. Is it possible that Olivia isnt a Deadblood at all but something else?
This is an old fashioned misogynistic society, men have the power, wealth, influence, women little more than pretty, stay at home baby making machines. There are contracts and dowries. In some ways its modern, with mobile phones and planes but in others its very medieval.
The more Olivia tries to find out the more she is stifled, the plotting and behind the scenes scheming is interesting. Dray is as awful as ever but his tactics have changed from overt bullying to something more insidious. As the Debutante Ball looms the reader will have an inkling of Olivia's fate but she is naively oblivious.
I do find Olivia a frustrating character at times, she is spoilt, selfish, brattish and far too passive, which makes for an annoying read, but you feel for her because of the bullying she has endured for nearly 10 years because of her Deadblood status, and the treatment from her family, her loneliness and isolation are palpable and she has no one at her back. Its a testament to QB's writing that she manages to make you care, sympathise and will her to fight back even when you want to shake her.
I hope in the next 2 books that we see her do exactly that. I hope she gets Dray crawling on his belly. I hope that she proves to be completely without magic, dormant or otherwise and messes up his schemes.
December 29, 2025
QUINN BLACKBIRD!! I do have my problems with you but damn can you write a romance.
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