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Prince of the Doomed City #1
Entranced
The prince and the librarian....
Clara is an Obligate—a human servant at the Court of Dawn. She doesn’t know why. She knows only that she broke the Pledge and must therefore spend her days obliging the every whim of a capricious fae princess. If she can keep her head down and follow the rules, she might survive to the end of her Obligation, spending her days working in the vast palace library.
But how can she stop devastatingly beautiful Lord Ivor from looking at her in that special way that makes her heart stutter? And how can she avoid the jealous fury of Princess Estrilde, who seeks to claim Lord Ivor for herself?
Most of all, how can she elude the conniving Prince of the Doomed City, who is determined to buy her Obligation for his own dark purposes?
Clara is an Obligate—a human servant at the Court of Dawn. She doesn’t know why. She knows only that she broke the Pledge and must therefore spend her days obliging the every whim of a capricious fae princess. If she can keep her head down and follow the rules, she might survive to the end of her Obligation, spending her days working in the vast palace library.
But how can she stop devastatingly beautiful Lord Ivor from looking at her in that special way that makes her heart stutter? And how can she avoid the jealous fury of Princess Estrilde, who seeks to claim Lord Ivor for herself?
Most of all, how can she elude the conniving Prince of the Doomed City, who is determined to buy her Obligation for his own dark purposes?
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First published September 10, 2021
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About the author
Sylvia Mercedes
37 books2,259 followersHi, there. I'm Sylvia: cat-lover, tea-drinker, book-addict, and avid fan of the Kickbutt Heroine Fantasy Genre! If you like reading about tough heroines with extraordinary powers facing their demons and saving their loved ones . . . then we ought to be friends!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 346 reviews
February 16, 2022
I thought this would be a complete story so I was super confused when not really anything has happened and I was 70% into this book. This is basically the story of a girl who's inprisoned by the Fay and her slavery. She doesn't really have a personality until the last couple of chapters of the book. There are three beginning/possible leading men in this story. She only spends very little time with each during the whole book. I went into this expecting more of a beauty and the beast retelling. I expected a slow developing love story between her and the Prince. But the prince was not even introduced until the book was half over. This book also has a very dark scary depressing feeling. There's just no hope and it just drug me down as I read.
I've liked her other books this one I just can't keep reading more in this series.
I've liked her other books this one I just can't keep reading more in this series.
March 20, 2024
Clara did very little for herself in this book. She obediently followed along with everything that anyone told her even when they were actively harming her. She felt almost like a blank piece of paper and never tried to find out about the lost memories or her powers. Some could say that this was a direct result of her slavery to the fae... I would say that that's boring. It isn't beneficial to a story for your main character to have no real purpose other than keeping their head down and surviving for over 70% of the book.
Another issue was the characters. There was a lot of mystery around what exactly Clara had done to facilitate such hatred from everyone around her and that unfortunately didn't really work for me.
In the first chapter, I was excited because the Prince seemed to be mean but in a romantic lead kind of way. That didn't really last very long. He became cruel in a really obnoxious way. He would repeatedly allude to Clara's great villiany but then also acknowledge the fact that she had no clue what he was talking about... so what's the purpose of your threats? You might as well be talking to a wall for all Clara reacts. She's not the type to push or ask questions so nothing really came from these interactions.
He wasn't the only one who was cruel. EVERYONE hated this girl. Her own brother who she was taking care of despised her. So... like obviously if everyone hates one character... Am I just supposed to give her the benefit of the doubt? She gave me nothing to really defend her with. If I were to give her a few adjectives they would be: meek, punch-able, and dumb. She had the lowest will to live I've ever seen. Even her fellow obligates seemed to hate the sight of her. Like damn
No one wants to talk to this chick? 😂
The cover is absolutely gorgeous though. Love it.
Another issue was the characters. There was a lot of mystery around what exactly Clara had done to facilitate such hatred from everyone around her and that unfortunately didn't really work for me.
In the first chapter, I was excited because the Prince seemed to be mean but in a romantic lead kind of way. That didn't really last very long. He became cruel in a really obnoxious way. He would repeatedly allude to Clara's great villiany but then also acknowledge the fact that she had no clue what he was talking about... so what's the purpose of your threats? You might as well be talking to a wall for all Clara reacts. She's not the type to push or ask questions so nothing really came from these interactions.
He wasn't the only one who was cruel. EVERYONE hated this girl. Her own brother who she was taking care of despised her. So... like obviously if everyone hates one character... Am I just supposed to give her the benefit of the doubt? She gave me nothing to really defend her with. If I were to give her a few adjectives they would be: meek, punch-able, and dumb. She had the lowest will to live I've ever seen. Even her fellow obligates seemed to hate the sight of her. Like damn
No one wants to talk to this chick? 😂
The cover is absolutely gorgeous though. Love it.
April 30, 2023
Really interesting concept with the Noswraith background.
But no spoilers--So the story starts, but with our h, Clara, who is a young human woman trapped in the world of Fae. She has somehow wronged them, and in punishment she has to serve as an Obligate—aka human servant at the Court of Dawn. With 10 years left on her sentence she mostly works in the Library and stays well away from her Mistress (A Fae Princess who can't seem to stand her.) But under her obligation she has to do as commanded, lest suffer debilitating pain until she does.
While trying to keep her head down and quietly finish her time in order to get back to her ill brother and friends she follow the simple rules of: not trusting a fae, not angering the fae--and most importantly never falling in love with one. However, Clara finds her self not only getting attention from a handsome fae named Ivor, but also the entire Court on one disastrous evening.
It seems a Noswraith has broken into the library and everyone is looking to Clara to defeat it. But what the hell is a Noswraith and why is everyone expecting her to know what to do!? And why after being released from her Obligation momentarily does she have so much power? How important were the memories she had forcibly erased after being sentenced?
So many questions--and the book really doesn't give too many answers so I'm hoping for more in the next one!
But no spoilers--So the story starts, but with our h, Clara, who is a young human woman trapped in the world of Fae. She has somehow wronged them, and in punishment she has to serve as an Obligate—aka human servant at the Court of Dawn. With 10 years left on her sentence she mostly works in the Library and stays well away from her Mistress (A Fae Princess who can't seem to stand her.) But under her obligation she has to do as commanded, lest suffer debilitating pain until she does.
While trying to keep her head down and quietly finish her time in order to get back to her ill brother and friends she follow the simple rules of: not trusting a fae, not angering the fae--and most importantly never falling in love with one. However, Clara finds her self not only getting attention from a handsome fae named Ivor, but also the entire Court on one disastrous evening.
It seems a Noswraith has broken into the library and everyone is looking to Clara to defeat it. But what the hell is a Noswraith and why is everyone expecting her to know what to do!? And why after being released from her Obligation momentarily does she have so much power? How important were the memories she had forcibly erased after being sentenced?
So many questions--and the book really doesn't give too many answers so I'm hoping for more in the next one!
November 19, 2021
5 stars // read November 2021
Finally! A Sylvia Mercedes book that I really enjoyed! I’ve tried some of her other books before and they were just too dark for my personal tastes. And while “Entranced” was still fairly dark, there were so many other interesting things going on that it didn’t bother me as much.
The unique magic system, the characters, the world… everything was original, vibrant, and fascinating. Not only does the concept of librarian warriors and book magic sound cool, it’s executed really well too. The only thing that gives me pause is the romance- even though it’s clear who Clara will end up with, I’m worried that there’s going to be a love triangle/square thing going on in later books. But we’ll see. 🤷♀️
One of my favorite things with the worldbuilding were the trolls- the author actually made them a unique race, not just stereotypical brutish creatures (although, as I mentioned in an earlier update, my brain kept reading their voices in Scooby-Doo’s voice- help!)
I’d definitely recommend Entranced, and I’m looking forward to future installments!
Finally! A Sylvia Mercedes book that I really enjoyed! I’ve tried some of her other books before and they were just too dark for my personal tastes. And while “Entranced” was still fairly dark, there were so many other interesting things going on that it didn’t bother me as much.
The unique magic system, the characters, the world… everything was original, vibrant, and fascinating. Not only does the concept of librarian warriors and book magic sound cool, it’s executed really well too. The only thing that gives me pause is the romance- even though it’s clear who Clara will end up with, I’m worried that there’s going to be a love triangle/square thing going on in later books. But we’ll see. 🤷♀️
One of my favorite things with the worldbuilding were the trolls- the author actually made them a unique race, not just stereotypical brutish creatures (although, as I mentioned in an earlier update, my brain kept reading their voices in Scooby-Doo’s voice- help!)
I’d definitely recommend Entranced, and I’m looking forward to future installments!
January 19, 2023
Reading this book was EXHAUSTING.
This book is full of very alluring, lovely yet one dimensional ideas about a magic system that involves books, terrifying Fae Lords & Ladies, and creatures of a mirror world, a huge cast of characters with exquisite and evocative names, imminent peril in various forms and all of this: it's just the setup for a next book in the QUADRILOGY so be warned. This is not a standalone book, it is a 4-part story. I felt really disillusioned with how the final arc of it ended--not sure if I will go to book 2 yet.
So....It has libraries! Fae! and a Mysterious....I refuse to tag this as 'romance' though I'm sure it might happen in later books. The FMC has three potential conflicting love interests initially, which I became excited to read about because of the potential tension there, but the plot seems to forget about them suddenly and abruptly after she is , or maybe the MC does on purpose as she *is* already the queen of mental compartmentalism and emotional suppression, not to mention . There is merely the implication of POSSIBLE romance in this book. It does not contain any actual romance!
Events and people are things that "happen" to the FMC in this book-- rarely is it the other way around. Part of her subservience is tied to the plot, but even when the terms of this allow her to act more, there feels like there's "something missing", a "something more" she could have done or said to connect herself to the other characters that she does not.
She goes from being a neutral, understandable mostly blank-slate of a character, to a mildly chaotic and weird (but not the *interesting* kind of chaotic and weird) yet still neurotic and over-inner monologuing person, which goes from letting us relate to her through thoughts, to tiring us of them and becoming grating and repetitive (The book is written in the dreaded 1st person POV).
There is so much repetition about small details that are meant to give a sense of imminence, but could often have been omitted. I've often seen people complain about how often blow-by-blow battle scenes in books become boring when not written in the right way...this book is that, but with curtseying, bobbing, and smiling. Had I realized what a meme all the smiling was going to become, I would have kept count...
The author, for all her editing mistakes (what editor? -- one example being describing spilled ink as being 'like a blood stain' FOUR TIMES-- also the SMILING, I truly lost count of how many times everyone smiles)... The author for all her troubles is extremely good at crafting a beautiful sentence, is full of dreamy sentiments, can conjure up an evocative sense of 'about-to-go-somewhere' (but this sense remains as that) and in the end...Her characters and their dialogue frequently fall flat and strange. One dimensional.
It's clear that the author has lots of interesting ideas and is trying to incorporate and realize them here, but with an FMC whose entire personality is "I will suppress my emotions and intuition whenever possibly and deliberately become antisocial"...it's frustrating. Not just on her explicit ( as in, it's explicitly written in the text) refusal to introspect, but to critically think: when given important information or clues, the FMC never follows a gut feeling, and frequently doesn't put two and two together.
She does something proactive towards the end of the book. but it can't make up for her persistential passive aggressive, actively ignorant approach to her world. Even her curiosity must be compelled out of her by the conceit of strong magic calling to her, which is normally a conceit I am perfectly okay with, but since she is established as such an anti-curious character by this point it felt contrived.
It's been a whole book, and I went into this story perfectly prepared to like her... but after just short of 400 pages I am really not sure she is a person I'd like to spend any time with. Unfortunately, she's not just the heroine, but the POV character, so we cannot delve into the thoughts of others for a possible respite.
By 20-% I was excited by the possibilities of this book, by 30-40% I realized the plot was going nowhere, 50% was a slog to find the interesting and fascinating parts between the pages (such as lengthy tours of the magical library and explanation of the magic system) and 50% is where the FMC went from having the potential to change (since there is a catalyst here that would allow it), to staying bland, with no convincing inner morals or ethics, and getting 'stuck' in her character development arc.
I speed read (not the same as skimming) the ~60-70% portion of this book...I wanted to see the great showdown. It wasn't that great, and the twist in the plot was way too easy to guess before it was revealed. I felt so underwhelmed.
In hands of a lesser author, I would have DNF'd this, but her often flowing prose, fairly well constructed lines, combined with some neat tropes I really like, flagellated me to finish it with flagging hopes. The "interesting stuff" takes a long, long meander to get to; I swear half this book could have got strategically axed (I really wish that editor existed) and it would have been much improved in terms of pacing at least.
My adjacent main issue with this book is the wooden dialogue. It's either a lengthy exposition dump, or it's characters *saying* things to, but not communicating with, each other. Sometimes the exposition-- especially from the supposed prince / love interest - turns into downright pompous, pedant preaching sermons.
I think the author was going for an "arrogant rogue" type H but holy god, this guy is just an asshole. He's done a few good things, but we learn so little about the actual internal lives of both h and H, that we feel very little when they interact, like puppets.
I also feel that the author also does not trust the reader. By this, I mean that information mentioned once, often clearly obvious from subtext, is spelled out explicitly and then repeated many times. Every time she locks on to an important idea relating to the plot, she hammers it into the readers head that it exists, and they Must Notice It!
It's too bad, this story has many many cool concepts and cool character ideas, but the author lets them remain as that: tropes and concepts, just to exist and add a 'placeholder' feeling of worldbuilding flavor, without transforming, exploring them or having them interact in ways to which the reader can relate (and half the time, coming up with a great character idea then immediately forgetting they exist and moving on to adding the next one to the cast)
I read the author's note and commenters reviews on this book. Other people I follow had reviewed this book and expressed the same frustrations as me, but I went in thinking (hoping) they were exaggerating and that I would enjoy it despite it "lacking" (to quote another reviewer).
I am frustrated about there being no romance in book one, but with the interesting premise of the library and book-magic system, I easily could have overlooked this if this story had other qualities to make me like it though! (It's not like a romance could have saved the book on its own, either, I'm just saying that Part 1 promises something it does not have)
I wanted so badly to like this story the whole time. But in the end it was exhausting, arduous, disappointing.
I'm going to end this review with a quote directly from the FMC about herself, from one of the very *LAST* scenes in the book:
"After all, while I’m not at all opposed to writing the thrills of an epic battle, I’m certainly not equipped to take on the role of action heroine myself."
Mercedes, Sylvia. Entranced (Prince of the Doomed City Book 1) (p. 308). FireWyrm Books. Kindle Edition.
This book is full of very alluring, lovely yet one dimensional ideas about a magic system that involves books, terrifying Fae Lords & Ladies, and creatures of a mirror world, a huge cast of characters with exquisite and evocative names, imminent peril in various forms and all of this: it's just the setup for a next book in the QUADRILOGY so be warned. This is not a standalone book, it is a 4-part story. I felt really disillusioned with how the final arc of it ended--not sure if I will go to book 2 yet.
So....It has libraries! Fae! and a Mysterious....I refuse to tag this as 'romance' though I'm sure it might happen in later books. The FMC has three potential conflicting love interests initially, which I became excited to read about because of the potential tension there, but the plot seems to forget about them suddenly and abruptly after she is , or maybe the MC does on purpose as she *is* already the queen of mental compartmentalism and emotional suppression, not to mention . There is merely the implication of POSSIBLE romance in this book. It does not contain any actual romance!
Events and people are things that "happen" to the FMC in this book-- rarely is it the other way around. Part of her subservience is tied to the plot, but even when the terms of this allow her to act more, there feels like there's "something missing", a "something more" she could have done or said to connect herself to the other characters that she does not.
She goes from being a neutral, understandable mostly blank-slate of a character, to a mildly chaotic and weird (but not the *interesting* kind of chaotic and weird) yet still neurotic and over-inner monologuing person, which goes from letting us relate to her through thoughts, to tiring us of them and becoming grating and repetitive (The book is written in the dreaded 1st person POV).
There is so much repetition about small details that are meant to give a sense of imminence, but could often have been omitted. I've often seen people complain about how often blow-by-blow battle scenes in books become boring when not written in the right way...this book is that, but with curtseying, bobbing, and smiling. Had I realized what a meme all the smiling was going to become, I would have kept count...
The author, for all her editing mistakes (what editor? -- one example being describing spilled ink as being 'like a blood stain' FOUR TIMES-- also the SMILING, I truly lost count of how many times everyone smiles)... The author for all her troubles is extremely good at crafting a beautiful sentence, is full of dreamy sentiments, can conjure up an evocative sense of 'about-to-go-somewhere' (but this sense remains as that) and in the end...Her characters and their dialogue frequently fall flat and strange. One dimensional.
It's clear that the author has lots of interesting ideas and is trying to incorporate and realize them here, but with an FMC whose entire personality is "I will suppress my emotions and intuition whenever possibly and deliberately become antisocial"...it's frustrating. Not just on her explicit ( as in, it's explicitly written in the text) refusal to introspect, but to critically think: when given important information or clues, the FMC never follows a gut feeling, and frequently doesn't put two and two together.
She does something proactive towards the end of the book. but it can't make up for her persistential passive aggressive, actively ignorant approach to her world. Even her curiosity must be compelled out of her by the conceit of strong magic calling to her, which is normally a conceit I am perfectly okay with, but since she is established as such an anti-curious character by this point it felt contrived.
It's been a whole book, and I went into this story perfectly prepared to like her... but after just short of 400 pages I am really not sure she is a person I'd like to spend any time with. Unfortunately, she's not just the heroine, but the POV character, so we cannot delve into the thoughts of others for a possible respite.
By 20-% I was excited by the possibilities of this book, by 30-40% I realized the plot was going nowhere, 50% was a slog to find the interesting and fascinating parts between the pages (such as lengthy tours of the magical library and explanation of the magic system) and 50% is where the FMC went from having the potential to change (since there is a catalyst here that would allow it), to staying bland, with no convincing inner morals or ethics, and getting 'stuck' in her character development arc.
I speed read (not the same as skimming) the ~60-70% portion of this book...I wanted to see the great showdown. It wasn't that great, and the twist in the plot was way too easy to guess before it was revealed. I felt so underwhelmed.
In hands of a lesser author, I would have DNF'd this, but her often flowing prose, fairly well constructed lines, combined with some neat tropes I really like, flagellated me to finish it with flagging hopes. The "interesting stuff" takes a long, long meander to get to; I swear half this book could have got strategically axed (I really wish that editor existed) and it would have been much improved in terms of pacing at least.
My adjacent main issue with this book is the wooden dialogue. It's either a lengthy exposition dump, or it's characters *saying* things to, but not communicating with, each other. Sometimes the exposition-- especially from the supposed prince / love interest - turns into downright pompous, pedant preaching sermons.
I think the author was going for an "arrogant rogue" type H but holy god, this guy is just an asshole. He's done a few good things, but we learn so little about the actual internal lives of both h and H, that we feel very little when they interact, like puppets.
I also feel that the author also does not trust the reader. By this, I mean that information mentioned once, often clearly obvious from subtext, is spelled out explicitly and then repeated many times. Every time she locks on to an important idea relating to the plot, she hammers it into the readers head that it exists, and they Must Notice It!
It's too bad, this story has many many cool concepts and cool character ideas, but the author lets them remain as that: tropes and concepts, just to exist and add a 'placeholder' feeling of worldbuilding flavor, without transforming, exploring them or having them interact in ways to which the reader can relate (and half the time, coming up with a great character idea then immediately forgetting they exist and moving on to adding the next one to the cast)
I read the author's note and commenters reviews on this book. Other people I follow had reviewed this book and expressed the same frustrations as me, but I went in thinking (hoping) they were exaggerating and that I would enjoy it despite it "lacking" (to quote another reviewer).
I am frustrated about there being no romance in book one, but with the interesting premise of the library and book-magic system, I easily could have overlooked this if this story had other qualities to make me like it though! (It's not like a romance could have saved the book on its own, either, I'm just saying that Part 1 promises something it does not have)
I wanted so badly to like this story the whole time. But in the end it was exhausting, arduous, disappointing.
I'm going to end this review with a quote directly from the FMC about herself, from one of the very *LAST* scenes in the book:
"After all, while I’m not at all opposed to writing the thrills of an epic battle, I’m certainly not equipped to take on the role of action heroine myself."
Mercedes, Sylvia. Entranced (Prince of the Doomed City Book 1) (p. 308). FireWyrm Books. Kindle Edition.
September 3, 2021
Easily Sylvia Mercedes BEST BOOK YET!
I was blessed by the reading gods with an ARC, and you all are in for a treat!
Clara is an Obligate in the Fae realm. As punishment for crimes she doesn’t remember committing, she is bound in service for fifteen years. It’s not all bad. She gets to work in a library, hunt pests that eat books, and give reading lessons to the super shmexy Lord Ivor.
Then the cursed Prince buys her Obligation and whisks her away to the Doomed city (such a sunny nickname, right?) to work in his library binding noswraiths (creatures born from the deepest, darkest parts of a storyteller’s mind) and protecting innocents from the Nightmare Realm.
So right off the bat, we’re sucked into a world of intrigue and backstabbing. The questions build and build until we are forced to ignore the most basic human needs in lieu of reading another chapter, and another, and another.
And the worldbuilding? Exquisite! If it weren’t for the fact that I’d probably be dismembered and eaten within moments, I, too, would love to live there!
Clara herself is relatable and intelligent. Even when we learn the reason for her Obligation, she’s easy to root for.
Perfect for readers who love:
1) LIBRARIES
2) MCs who don’t make stupid decisions
3) Troll children
4) Realistic magic
5) Super-duper slow burn romances
6) Fae
7) Books that contain the force of pure evil
8) Toying with the idea of binding your ex, who also happens to be a force of pure evil, into the pages of a book
I was blessed by the reading gods with an ARC, and you all are in for a treat!
Clara is an Obligate in the Fae realm. As punishment for crimes she doesn’t remember committing, she is bound in service for fifteen years. It’s not all bad. She gets to work in a library, hunt pests that eat books, and give reading lessons to the super shmexy Lord Ivor.
Then the cursed Prince buys her Obligation and whisks her away to the Doomed city (such a sunny nickname, right?) to work in his library binding noswraiths (creatures born from the deepest, darkest parts of a storyteller’s mind) and protecting innocents from the Nightmare Realm.
So right off the bat, we’re sucked into a world of intrigue and backstabbing. The questions build and build until we are forced to ignore the most basic human needs in lieu of reading another chapter, and another, and another.
And the worldbuilding? Exquisite! If it weren’t for the fact that I’d probably be dismembered and eaten within moments, I, too, would love to live there!
Clara herself is relatable and intelligent. Even when we learn the reason for her Obligation, she’s easy to root for.
Perfect for readers who love:
1) LIBRARIES
2) MCs who don’t make stupid decisions
3) Troll children
4) Realistic magic
5) Super-duper slow burn romances
6) Fae
7) Books that contain the force of pure evil
8) Toying with the idea of binding your ex, who also happens to be a force of pure evil, into the pages of a book
September 8, 2021
Delicious. Engaging. Perfect.
This first installment in Mercedes' latest series was an absolute treat. I literally muttered dark things at life every time I had to put it down. The cast is large but each character felt unique and captivating in their own way. Immersive world-building has always been Mercedes' particular talent and this was no exception. The places the plot takes us were brought to life in such a detailed, vivid way, I was totally taken in.
I'm excited to see where all these revelations, remaining mysteries, and so much ominous threat is going to take us. #readernerves
To borrow LOTR..."we've had one book, yes. But what about second book?"
This first installment in Mercedes' latest series was an absolute treat. I literally muttered dark things at life every time I had to put it down. The cast is large but each character felt unique and captivating in their own way. Immersive world-building has always been Mercedes' particular talent and this was no exception. The places the plot takes us were brought to life in such a detailed, vivid way, I was totally taken in.
I'm excited to see where all these revelations, remaining mysteries, and so much ominous threat is going to take us. #readernerves
To borrow LOTR..."we've had one book, yes. But what about second book?"
October 28, 2021
Sadly, this book/series is not for me. I was truly interested in reading this as broody fae, library, prince...it had the tropes usually I gravitate towards. But....it lacked!
Overall: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Spark: 2/5
Romance: 0.5/5
Pace: 3/5
World building: 2.5/5
Clara is an obligate - a slave to the fae for crimes she committed BUT kicker is she has no recollection of her crimes. Her service is for 15 years and after that she can go free. She's allowed to visit her human family once a month for a day but she cannot tell them where she is. While the author tried to create scenario for us readers to feel for Clara - Honestly, I could not feel much for her plight. It just lacked the oomph for me!
This book eventually bored me and I found myself skipping over things around 60% mark. And I did not miss much. I was confused with world building as there wasn't much. The characters itself were dull for me and I did not find myself rooting for any of them. The fae did not seem like "fae" a lot. There was some mention of humans having magic but I was confused...maybe, it was just me. The Prince, other than turning hateful glares at Clara (for reasons I suppose I can understand but there wasn't much as to how the events came to be) did not seem much intriguing.
Rest of the side characters were not as interesting either.
There is no romance so for those of you who don't care for much romance it might be a good read. There is hints of attraction with one of the characters and I did not "feel" any. Clara had a love interest in her human world as well BUT again, since there wasn't much about him except for mention and a brief meeting - it was a no for me as well.
Overall: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Spark: 2/5
Romance: 0.5/5
Pace: 3/5
World building: 2.5/5
Clara is an obligate - a slave to the fae for crimes she committed BUT kicker is she has no recollection of her crimes. Her service is for 15 years and after that she can go free. She's allowed to visit her human family once a month for a day but she cannot tell them where she is. While the author tried to create scenario for us readers to feel for Clara - Honestly, I could not feel much for her plight. It just lacked the oomph for me!
This book eventually bored me and I found myself skipping over things around 60% mark. And I did not miss much. I was confused with world building as there wasn't much. The characters itself were dull for me and I did not find myself rooting for any of them. The fae did not seem like "fae" a lot. There was some mention of humans having magic but I was confused...maybe, it was just me. The Prince, other than turning hateful glares at Clara (for reasons I suppose I can understand but there wasn't much as to how the events came to be) did not seem much intriguing.
Rest of the side characters were not as interesting either.
There is no romance so for those of you who don't care for much romance it might be a good read. There is hints of attraction with one of the characters and I did not "feel" any. Clara had a love interest in her human world as well BUT again, since there wasn't much about him except for mention and a brief meeting - it was a no for me as well.
May 5, 2023
Wow this was really great!! This I think is my favorite book I have read this year so far. The magic the story the characters are amazing. The only thing I wish is that the characters descriptions were a bit more clear but other then that perfect to me!!!
January 14, 2024
Good, interesting start. I really liked both of the MC, though sometimes i was confused about their personalities. I'm sure they will be more developed and consistent in the next book, when she stops having memory issues and the Prince gets more page time. For a 450 page book it did go by fast and it didn't seem like alot happened but everything that did I'm sure will lead to something more.
May 26, 2022
When I read the synopsis of the book, I saw the word 'library' and immediately decided to pick it up. Little did I expect that the library would be filled with dangerously magical creatures. I found the concept fascinating, and the author did a great job in the execution.
Usually, I prefer character-driven books; even if the worldbuilding and plot are not elaborate, I can work with it, but strong and steady characters are a must. Surprisingly, I couldn't connect with either of the protagonists in this book but still ended up loving it.
Clara was a little too meek for me; while she did improve a bit later on, her submissive nature put me off. Coming to the Prince, I understood his motives and reasons for why he was the way he was, but something about him made me distrust him. I hope both characters go experience significant growth in the coming books and learn to work together.
The supporting characters, however, were great! I liked them all, especially the troll children. I can't wait to see all the mischief they get up to and how their relationship with Clara progresses.
The magic, creatures, and hierarchies among the humans and fae were interesting to read about. The mystery surrounding Clara's powers kept me hooked on the story. I liked the author's writing style; she would give out information bit by bit that would lead to a major revelation. It felt like solving a puzzle and then seeing the final picture.
There was no romance in the book as such, just a lot of complicated feelings, but it didn't bother me at all. Overall, this was a fantastic read, and I recommend it to readers who enjoy unique plots with a magic library and a good amount of action. Basically, if you liked Inkheart, I think you'll like this book as well.
Usually, I prefer character-driven books; even if the worldbuilding and plot are not elaborate, I can work with it, but strong and steady characters are a must. Surprisingly, I couldn't connect with either of the protagonists in this book but still ended up loving it.
Clara was a little too meek for me; while she did improve a bit later on, her submissive nature put me off. Coming to the Prince, I understood his motives and reasons for why he was the way he was, but something about him made me distrust him. I hope both characters go experience significant growth in the coming books and learn to work together.
The supporting characters, however, were great! I liked them all, especially the troll children. I can't wait to see all the mischief they get up to and how their relationship with Clara progresses.
The magic, creatures, and hierarchies among the humans and fae were interesting to read about. The mystery surrounding Clara's powers kept me hooked on the story. I liked the author's writing style; she would give out information bit by bit that would lead to a major revelation. It felt like solving a puzzle and then seeing the final picture.
There was no romance in the book as such, just a lot of complicated feelings, but it didn't bother me at all. Overall, this was a fantastic read, and I recommend it to readers who enjoy unique plots with a magic library and a good amount of action. Basically, if you liked Inkheart, I think you'll like this book as well.
November 12, 2021
I read Entranced some days ago now, and it's taken that long for me to pull back my scattered thoughts from the fog that comes with reading a *really* *good* *book*. Seriously, the last time I've been so...entranced (hehe) was when I read Wildwood Dancing some years ago. This is truly the highest form of storytelling I've seen in a very, very long time. Sylivia Mercedes isn't playing around with this world, these characters, this STORY...
I wanted to write a clear review, but apparently my mind is still in the Doomed City with the friends I made there. (The characters are REAL and I love them, and you can't tell me otherwise!) Basically, read it, and join me in my newest obsession.
Guys. This romance.
I'M OBSESSED, OKAY?!
I wanted to write a clear review, but apparently my mind is still in the Doomed City with the friends I made there. (The characters are REAL and I love them, and you can't tell me otherwise!) Basically, read it, and join me in my newest obsession.
Guys. This romance.
I'M OBSESSED, OKAY?!
January 12, 2022
Look, I love Sylvia Mercedes and her writing. Venatrix is my favorite, then The Moonfire Bride. But THIS new series very well might become my new favorite of hers. She's outdone herself. I LOVED IT. It felt like a modern classic--full of those "little delights" that classics have, writing as smooth as butter, with the perfect slow burn, while still being a spellbinding romantic fantasy adventure.
The romance is slow burn over a multibook series, so no kisses yet, but there's still plenty of romantic treats and chemistry along the way to satisfy you as a first installment.
I read this two weeks ago, and I'm already dying to reread it again. Fingers crossed that Book 2 comes out ASAP!!!
The romance is slow burn over a multibook series, so no kisses yet, but there's still plenty of romantic treats and chemistry along the way to satisfy you as a first installment.
I read this two weeks ago, and I'm already dying to reread it again. Fingers crossed that Book 2 comes out ASAP!!!
February 25, 2024
Why did I think it was similar to acotar?
ITS NOT, IT ISN’T
This was so fun, it really shows a power of readers/librarians and I was obsessed with that representation.
This book is literally for everyone who is obsessed with books ( because magic system is literally writing and books in that world can contain actual monsters 🛐)
And I’m waiting when enemies will become lovers
ITS NOT, IT ISN’T
This was so fun, it really shows a power of readers/librarians and I was obsessed with that representation.
This book is literally for everyone who is obsessed with books ( because magic system is literally writing and books in that world can contain actual monsters 🛐)
And I’m waiting when enemies will become lovers
November 18, 2021
Slow-burn romance, library setting, high stakes, and beloved character from a previous series – yes, please! I had no idea that this series connected to the Scarred Mage trilogy, but that was such a fun discovery. Mercedes has what I can only call an immersive world-building style in her books. When you are reading, you are entirely in the world she’s created, and everything flows in such a way that even the fantastic feels utterly believable. And the stakes are so incredibly high for the main character (and everyone) that I’m on pins and needles when reading – it’s an engrossing style of storytelling that I adore.
Readers that want their romance and want it now might find this a bit slow in that department, and I don’t mean that it’s just a closed door that will be open later because this author doesn’t write those types of romances. However, there is an underlying chemistry beneath what I’m going to call the enemies to loves trope.
I do think that readers who want a plot that doesn’t quit might get a little bogged down in some of the detail? I expected some lengthier set-up since this is book one, but it’s just something potential readers might be aware of. Also, I find the descriptions of the monster a bit creepy – but I’m also kind of a wimp when it comes to things like that, so that could totally just be me. I skimmed a bit if I needed, but ultimately found those battle-like scenes engaging and hard to stop reading. Also, random aside, I haven’t even read any of the wildly popular “courts of whatever and whatever” books and I still really enjoyed this book, so I wouldn’t worry about that much.
Overall, Entranced is a fun read, and I will definitely be continuing on with the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel; these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Readers that want their romance and want it now might find this a bit slow in that department, and I don’t mean that it’s just a closed door that will be open later because this author doesn’t write those types of romances. However, there is an underlying chemistry beneath what I’m going to call the enemies to loves trope.
I do think that readers who want a plot that doesn’t quit might get a little bogged down in some of the detail? I expected some lengthier set-up since this is book one, but it’s just something potential readers might be aware of. Also, I find the descriptions of the monster a bit creepy – but I’m also kind of a wimp when it comes to things like that, so that could totally just be me. I skimmed a bit if I needed, but ultimately found those battle-like scenes engaging and hard to stop reading. Also, random aside, I haven’t even read any of the wildly popular “courts of whatever and whatever” books and I still really enjoyed this book, so I wouldn’t worry about that much.
Overall, Entranced is a fun read, and I will definitely be continuing on with the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel; these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 18, 2021
Overall: 3/5
Plot and themes: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Writing style: 3/5
Attention-grabbing: 3/5
Entranced is another book by Sylvia Mercedes, a bit of a slow start to a brand new series featuring a previous character. Clara is an Obligate to the fae, she has been assigned 15 years of indentured servitude as penance for a crime she does not remember. The rest of the human world ages on but she is trapped, far away from her friends and her childhood sweetheart and forced to serve in a mystical library. After an attack by a powerful creature, her Obligation changes hands and she is once again thrown into an unknown world.
I wasn't a big fan of the romance in this book. There wasn't a lot of chemistry and I don't really see how it can build up in a realistic way. I was also just disappointed to see the outcome of two characters I really liked from another novella. Maybe it will be better in the next book and I'll get more closure but it's like we got a great little love story only to end like this? I really wasn't satisfied.
Not much else to say, I think it was interesting but really not super invested and it was hard for me to get through to the end. Her crime was pretty freaking obvious to me but I guess it'll be explained away as unintentional or something in the next book. I think that it was a lot of drama without a lot of back up and I don't know if I'm a big fan.
This review and all my others can be found at: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot.com
September 13, 2021
I SO loved this! You will ZOOOOOOM through these pages at a rate of knots.
Not only do you get the story of Clara Darlington, Obligate, with a power she didn't know she had, but you also get a loved character from another series that fans of Sylvia Mercedes' work will recognise immediately. Honestly! I'm not going to spoil it for anyone, though. You'll want to experience the happy tingle of understanding for yourself.
This is so well written, exciting, well put together, heartbreaking, and it flows beautifully. The characters are absolutely fabulous, and the world building is completely believable from page one.
In my humble opinion, for me, this is perfect. There is one downside, however, I want book two right now!
I chose an ARC copy of this which I voluntarily read and honestly reviewed. All opinions are my own.
Not only do you get the story of Clara Darlington, Obligate, with a power she didn't know she had, but you also get a loved character from another series that fans of Sylvia Mercedes' work will recognise immediately. Honestly! I'm not going to spoil it for anyone, though. You'll want to experience the happy tingle of understanding for yourself.
This is so well written, exciting, well put together, heartbreaking, and it flows beautifully. The characters are absolutely fabulous, and the world building is completely believable from page one.
In my humble opinion, for me, this is perfect. There is one downside, however, I want book two right now!
I chose an ARC copy of this which I voluntarily read and honestly reviewed. All opinions are my own.
September 7, 2021
This was like The Cruel Prince meets Inkheart, with a dash of gothic horror to top it off. I loved it!
Clara is human obligate who just wants to keep her head down and finish her service to the fae princess so that she can return to her human life. Just ten more years, and she can go home … but then Pricne Castien, the king’s half-human son, shows up. Why does he dislike her so much? What does he want with her? And what is it that Clara just can’t quite remember about her own past?
As the first in a series, this was paced beautifully. It came to a good resolution but left me wanting so much more, too!! I can’t wait to see what surprises Sylvia Mercedes has in store next …
Clara is human obligate who just wants to keep her head down and finish her service to the fae princess so that she can return to her human life. Just ten more years, and she can go home … but then Pricne Castien, the king’s half-human son, shows up. Why does he dislike her so much? What does he want with her? And what is it that Clara just can’t quite remember about her own past?
As the first in a series, this was paced beautifully. It came to a good resolution but left me wanting so much more, too!! I can’t wait to see what surprises Sylvia Mercedes has in store next …
January 14, 2022
Another stellar book from Sylvia Mercedes. I absolutely adored this one. The romance was very, very slow burn, but this did not detract from the story. I loved everything—the library, the books, the mages, the Prince, and of course sweet and determined Clara. And the troll children. Must adopt ALL THE TROLL CHILDREN.
October 21, 2021
I read tons of fantasy and love when I come across a really well done new series, something that’s well written, imaginative, with strong characters, a good magic system and well-crafter world building. Entranced, Prince of the Doomed City is all of that, so it’s easy to highly recommend.
Want to read
July 16, 2023That cover 😍
March 28, 2023
This series is unlike any other that I've ever read, let me tell you.
I love the idea of fae libraries. A fae library of nightmares. And those of us who read The Mage of Roseward know they are nothing to scoff at.
Clara is a great character, seeming so sweet and demure on the surface, but independent to her soul despite being an obligate. Joining her on her journey to remember her past and realize why she became an obligate in the first place is fun and a great way to experience the world with her. It was also great to have a heroine in a fae world who didn't just turn 18 years old.
Then there's the Prince. He's quite another dynamic character. Does he hate Clara? Does he hate that he doesn't hate her? We don't know, but I suspect some things after reading his parent's book . . . The stubborn back and forth between him and Clara has me rereading this series continuously. And every time he purposely misconstrue her name "Darlington" into "Darling" . . . Well, every time is my new favorite line.
My one sadness: I was expecting to see characters from previous series/standalone(s), and I saw fewer characters
Note to more sensitive readers: I think there may be some bad language, but I don't recall completely (there is more of that in the latter books than the earlier). There are horror elements, and non-main character nudity.
The perfect series for all lovers of romantic fantasy.
Review first published on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...
I love the idea of fae libraries. A fae library of nightmares. And those of us who read The Mage of Roseward know they are nothing to scoff at.
Clara is a great character, seeming so sweet and demure on the surface, but independent to her soul despite being an obligate. Joining her on her journey to remember her past and realize why she became an obligate in the first place is fun and a great way to experience the world with her. It was also great to have a heroine in a fae world who didn't just turn 18 years old.
Then there's the Prince. He's quite another dynamic character. Does he hate Clara? Does he hate that he doesn't hate her? We don't know, but I suspect some things after reading his parent's book . . . The stubborn back and forth between him and Clara has me rereading this series continuously. And every time he purposely misconstrue her name "Darlington" into "Darling" . . . Well, every time is my new favorite line.
My one sadness: I was expecting to see characters from previous series/standalone(s), and I saw fewer characters
Note to more sensitive readers: I think there may be some bad language, but I don't recall completely (there is more of that in the latter books than the earlier). There are horror elements, and non-main character nudity.
The perfect series for all lovers of romantic fantasy.
Review first published on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...
October 7, 2024
DNF @ 60%
*sad trombone noise*
Well, based on the reviews, this seems to be a bit of a polarizing read. I didn't hate it, but my enthusiasm waned as the book went on and then plunged off a cliff into nonexistence. I really loved the first 25% or so of this book: there's slow lore-building and an interesting take on fae/human relations, and I always love a magical library. I was also really digging the perilous interactions the heroine Clara had with each fae leader: is she going to trip up and do or say the wrong thing? Why do they want her services in the first place? Oooh mystery.
But then the bad boy exiled fae prince makes his debut and whisks Clara away to his boring ass troll kingdom where nothing interesting happens. I have no interest in said mysterious prince or his brooding, but I was willing to go with it until they arrive in his kingdom and....nothing happens for many chapters. Just troll nonsense.
Well, it was fun while it lasted? This is the first in several books of a series, and I cannot imagine myself soldiering on through any more of this slog, so I'm out.
I might read another book by this author since I really enjoyed her writing style - maybe another of her works has a more compelling plot.
*sad trombone noise*
Well, based on the reviews, this seems to be a bit of a polarizing read. I didn't hate it, but my enthusiasm waned as the book went on and then plunged off a cliff into nonexistence. I really loved the first 25% or so of this book: there's slow lore-building and an interesting take on fae/human relations, and I always love a magical library. I was also really digging the perilous interactions the heroine Clara had with each fae leader: is she going to trip up and do or say the wrong thing? Why do they want her services in the first place? Oooh mystery.
But then the bad boy exiled fae prince makes his debut and whisks Clara away to his boring ass troll kingdom where nothing interesting happens. I have no interest in said mysterious prince or his brooding, but I was willing to go with it until they arrive in his kingdom and....nothing happens for many chapters. Just troll nonsense.
Well, it was fun while it lasted? This is the first in several books of a series, and I cannot imagine myself soldiering on through any more of this slog, so I'm out.
I might read another book by this author since I really enjoyed her writing style - maybe another of her works has a more compelling plot.
June 16, 2024
Not sure what I just read but I don’t think I hated it.
The world in this story is so insanely cool. The beginning is rather gag worthy and the interactions between certain characters had me, well, they weren’t it. It does feel like not a lot happened through most of this and the climax felt too short. I think things balance out in the end to a neutral book
The world in this story is so insanely cool. The beginning is rather gag worthy and the interactions between certain characters had me, well, they weren’t it. It does feel like not a lot happened through most of this and the climax felt too short. I think things balance out in the end to a neutral book
November 6, 2024
I just…didn’t care
January 22, 2025
clara kinda got on my nerves a lot but i liked the book overall
September 23, 2021
I can’t quite get past Ivor
Lol! Such a good story, and I loved all the characters and the world development and descriptive writing. It was fun to see characters from older stories too😊
But man, there was a certain fae in the beginning that I absolutely adored; I hope to see him again!
Lol! Such a good story, and I loved all the characters and the world development and descriptive writing. It was fun to see characters from older stories too😊
But man, there was a certain fae in the beginning that I absolutely adored; I hope to see him again!
June 7, 2023
3.5 Stars! Review to come! =)
November 14, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I thought the pacing was moderate. I didn’t think it was too slow or too fast. Clara is an interesting character. We learn a lot about her and her past by the end of the book. There are 3 major things in this book that I’m not sure about, but hope to learn in the next book. It’s also interesting to me how the Prince seems to hate but also enjoy Clara’s company. I hope that in the next book we learn what became of the King and his city.
I thought the pacing was moderate. I didn’t think it was too slow or too fast. Clara is an interesting character. We learn a lot about her and her past by the end of the book. There are 3 major things in this book that I’m not sure about, but hope to learn in the next book. It’s also interesting to me how the Prince seems to hate but also enjoy Clara’s company. I hope that in the next book we learn what became of the King and his city.
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