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The Ithenmyr Chronicles #1
Of Earth and Flame
She refuses to be bound to anyone. He's trying to find freedom.
Aileana is the king's pet. She has lived her entire life in a tower, waiting for the day she will be forced to marry his son. When that day arrives, she has a plan. Armed with her daggers and desire for freedom, she runs from the king and his deadly power.
Xander has spent his entire life on the run. He doesn't need anyone or anything, certainly not a mate. But when his path crosses with a feisty elf, nothing will ever be the same again.
He has secrets to keep. She wants to leave Ithenmyr behind and not look back. Fate has other plans for them both.
This Rapunzel retelling is a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, high fantasy romance filled with banter, fated mates, fake marriage, and world-building. Of Earth and Flame is book one in The Ithenmyr Chronicles, which ends in a series HEA. For mature listeners.
Aileana is the king's pet. She has lived her entire life in a tower, waiting for the day she will be forced to marry his son. When that day arrives, she has a plan. Armed with her daggers and desire for freedom, she runs from the king and his deadly power.
Xander has spent his entire life on the run. He doesn't need anyone or anything, certainly not a mate. But when his path crosses with a feisty elf, nothing will ever be the same again.
He has secrets to keep. She wants to leave Ithenmyr behind and not look back. Fate has other plans for them both.
This Rapunzel retelling is a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, high fantasy romance filled with banter, fated mates, fake marriage, and world-building. Of Earth and Flame is book one in The Ithenmyr Chronicles, which ends in a series HEA. For mature listeners.
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Published July 16, 2024
About the author
Elayna R. Gallea
44 books2,702 followersElayna Gallea lives in beautiful New Brunswick, Canada with her husband and two kids. They have dogs and cats and enjoy touring their beautiful province whenever they can.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 464 reviews
November 21, 2022
2.5 stars rounded up to 3. While super troupey, I actually really enjoyed the storyline. My biggest issue was with the writing itself. I'm not sure if the author is a debut author, but the writing felt very unpolished and sentences were awkwardly structured throughout. The amount of similes, metaphors, and hyperboles was astounding and gave them a comical affect, which was distracting and to the detriment of the book. It reminded me of a fifth grade language arts assignment where the student is trying to write a paragraph using all of these types of sentences together so it just comes out silly and over the top. They are very occasionally used in published writing, or natural speech, for that matter, not back to back constantly, and there is a very good reason for that. The amount of time that the author said an inch or foot was like a mile or a minute like a second and lifetime or something to that affect was unfortunate and really made the phrases meaningless. When complaining to my husband, he joked that perhaps she just didn't know what a mile meant since she was locked in a tower her whole life. I thought his retort was funny, but unfortunately, based on the rest of the writing, I very much doubt that was the reason for her using the simile like ten times. In another part, the author states there is blood pouring out of an individual and creature that are fighting while they are fighting. I'm sure she saw it differently in her head, but pouring is such a nonspecific word there to describe what would be happening and I'm not sure it is the one she really wants since it doesn't make sense in the context of them fighting an ongoing battle. The book really would have benefited from an editor to help identify some of these issues that made the book come across more as high school creative writing paper than published book. I'm hoping these issues are improved upon or eliminated in successive books.
I try to rate generously because writing a book is no small feat and I especially love independent authors. This book had some really neat ideas and I did find it engaging, but again, it really needed some help in the writing department and character development/inconsistencies. With a bit more writing experience/training and a good editor, I could see this author's books being really great in the future!
I try to rate generously because writing a book is no small feat and I especially love independent authors. This book had some really neat ideas and I did find it engaging, but again, it really needed some help in the writing department and character development/inconsistencies. With a bit more writing experience/training and a good editor, I could see this author's books being really great in the future!
August 8, 2023
If I have to read someone growling, hissing, snarling or sneering one more fucking time, I'm going to end myself /j
Seriously, every sentence had a variation of one of those. Also, this was far from a rapunzel retelling
Seriously, every sentence had a variation of one of those. Also, this was far from a rapunzel retelling
December 27, 2022
Has potential, but...
The dialogue ruins so much of this book. It's remarkably juvenile and there is so much unnecessary back-and-forth (and not the good back-and-forth of well-written banter). You can tell the author wanted to write a stabby, snarky heroine but Aileana just comes across as a child. Xander is little better. I might try the next in the series just to see if it improves, but it won't be worth reading if it's more of the same.
The dialogue ruins so much of this book. It's remarkably juvenile and there is so much unnecessary back-and-forth (and not the good back-and-forth of well-written banter). You can tell the author wanted to write a stabby, snarky heroine but Aileana just comes across as a child. Xander is little better. I might try the next in the series just to see if it improves, but it won't be worth reading if it's more of the same.
May 21, 2023
We get it she stabbed him. We get it he’s bossy.
Otherwise liked the book. 3/5 would recommend.
Otherwise liked the book. 3/5 would recommend.
October 5, 2024
A "re-telling of Rapunzel" as a marketing bit was a bit overzealous, guys. 🙄 This book may have had some slight parallels to the fairytale, but definitely was not a dark re-telling of the story at all. That being said, this was a 2.5⭐ read for me, but I'm rounding up to 3⭐ because the ending had me hooked enough that I kind of want to read the next in the series. I think the plot of this book is interesting, but lacked luster.✨
The worldbuilding in this first book wasn't fantastic by my standards, which are exceedingly high. However, it certainly has potential. I can see the world slowly coming together, but there wasn't enough worldbuilding there to truly help form Gallea's vision... Even the small part of the kingdom in which the story played out.🌲🏰
As for characters, I can also see potential there. It seemed like the author was trying to create a snarky, fierce FMC.💁🏼♀️ While I did appreciate the effort, the dialogue between her and the MMC was so adolescent it had me cringing. The FMC comes off unnecessarily insolent and spoiled despite the fact she isn't a spoiled brat. The MMC is your typical broody, fierce warrior.⚔️ I much preferred his character to our FMC, but again, their banter just wasn't done well. You can feel the slow burn of their chemistry, however.🔥 I won't deny that.
I think the magic system in this book could be really cool, but it isn't necessarily executed well. However, maybe it will get better as the series progresses?🤞🏼✨
I think the ending was predictable... That the twist was predictable. But somehow I was still entranced.🤷🏼♀️ The book really started to pick up in the last 1/4 which is why I don't want to give up on the series quite yet. I honestly just have mixed feelings about this book. It was nothing to cream your pants over.
⭐⭐⭐/5
The worldbuilding in this first book wasn't fantastic by my standards, which are exceedingly high. However, it certainly has potential. I can see the world slowly coming together, but there wasn't enough worldbuilding there to truly help form Gallea's vision... Even the small part of the kingdom in which the story played out.🌲🏰
As for characters, I can also see potential there. It seemed like the author was trying to create a snarky, fierce FMC.💁🏼♀️ While I did appreciate the effort, the dialogue between her and the MMC was so adolescent it had me cringing. The FMC comes off unnecessarily insolent and spoiled despite the fact she isn't a spoiled brat. The MMC is your typical broody, fierce warrior.⚔️ I much preferred his character to our FMC, but again, their banter just wasn't done well. You can feel the slow burn of their chemistry, however.🔥 I won't deny that.
I think the magic system in this book could be really cool, but it isn't necessarily executed well. However, maybe it will get better as the series progresses?🤞🏼✨
I think the ending was predictable... That the twist was predictable. But somehow I was still entranced.🤷🏼♀️ The book really started to pick up in the last 1/4 which is why I don't want to give up on the series quite yet. I honestly just have mixed feelings about this book. It was nothing to cream your pants over.
⭐⭐⭐/5
Want to Read
August 18, 2024To Read
Rapunzel retelling??
Rapunzel retelling??
June 30, 2025
5 ⭐️ IMPERFECT BUT LOVED IT ANYWAY
Of Earth and Flame was my final read for June, and honestly it ended the month on a high. I’ve read Elayna R. Gallea’s books before and really enjoyed them, so I dove into this series and was not disappointed.
Aileana has been through it and I really liked her fire … her resistance to being controlled made so much sense given her backstory. Some might read her as bratty but I saw where it was coming from, and I loved her even more for it.
Now Xander … listen. There were moments I didn’t like him at all - he was a borderline bossy jerk for no clear reason. But I mentally cast him as Geralt from The Witcher and pushed through and it worked for me 😂
That said, I actually learnt more about his character from the Goodreads blurb than I did from the book, which felt a bit odd. I didn’t even realise he was supposed to be on the run!
Were there flaws? Yep. Did I overlook them because I was vibing with the story? Also yes. I just enjoyed it. The vibes were great and I’m definitely going to keep going with the series
Of Earth and Flame was my final read for June, and honestly it ended the month on a high. I’ve read Elayna R. Gallea’s books before and really enjoyed them, so I dove into this series and was not disappointed.
Aileana has been through it and I really liked her fire … her resistance to being controlled made so much sense given her backstory. Some might read her as bratty but I saw where it was coming from, and I loved her even more for it.
Now Xander … listen. There were moments I didn’t like him at all - he was a borderline bossy jerk for no clear reason. But I mentally cast him as Geralt from The Witcher and pushed through and it worked for me 😂
That said, I actually learnt more about his character from the Goodreads blurb than I did from the book, which felt a bit odd. I didn’t even realise he was supposed to be on the run!
Were there flaws? Yep. Did I overlook them because I was vibing with the story? Also yes. I just enjoyed it. The vibes were great and I’m definitely going to keep going with the series
October 27, 2024
This filled the hole that throne of glass left. Thank you
Read
September 2, 2022DNF 60%
I'm so sorry I decided to DNF this book. The premises were soo good, and I loved the fact that I was going to read a Rapunzel retelling. And actually, I enjoyed the first chapters a LOT, and I already spent all of my time thinking about this story and its characters.
However, going on, I realised there were some elements I was not really liking (the fact that the two protagonists are always angry for no apparent and serious reason when it's clear they're going to desperately fall in love and that they are mates; the fact that to me the MCs seemed so flat and unoriginal; the fact that the promised Rapunzel retelling was not really there - at least, not yet, I won't ever know -; the absence of actual secondary characters - to me they are super important -; and generally speaking, the fact that I feel this book is made by situations already seen that do not manage to be original and entertaining in their own, which made me thinking I was reading a fanfic of sorts). In the end, I realised I was not drawn by Of Earth and Flame and its characters anymore, and that I didn't really care to know the rest of the story. That's why I decided to abandon it.
I'm so sorry because I had so high expectations about it, but in the end I ended up reading something I was not enjoying and didn't think was worth my time.
I'm so sorry I decided to DNF this book. The premises were soo good, and I loved the fact that I was going to read a Rapunzel retelling. And actually, I enjoyed the first chapters a LOT, and I already spent all of my time thinking about this story and its characters.
However, going on, I realised there were some elements I was not really liking (the fact that the two protagonists are always angry for no apparent and serious reason when it's clear they're going to desperately fall in love and that they are mates; the fact that to me the MCs seemed so flat and unoriginal; the fact that the promised Rapunzel retelling was not really there - at least, not yet, I won't ever know -; the absence of actual secondary characters - to me they are super important -; and generally speaking, the fact that I feel this book is made by situations already seen that do not manage to be original and entertaining in their own, which made me thinking I was reading a fanfic of sorts). In the end, I realised I was not drawn by Of Earth and Flame and its characters anymore, and that I didn't really care to know the rest of the story. That's why I decided to abandon it.
I'm so sorry because I had so high expectations about it, but in the end I ended up reading something I was not enjoying and didn't think was worth my time.
December 28, 2022
I started this book on Thanksgiving, and just finished reading it today. When I got to the end, I was disappointed that it was over. I can’t wait to start on book two! The world building is great, and I love the dynamic between Aileana and Xander. Aileana and Xander are both well developed, unique characters. While there were a few times throughout the book where some of the phrasing used got to be a little repetitive, overall I really enjoyed it. It’s a great take on the Rapunzel story, and I can’t wait to read more!
April 14, 2023
I liked this book, there was some repetitiveness in the book that I think would improve the story if it would be cleaned up.
I plan to to continue reading the series because the world she is building is very interesting and I want to see how things develop.
Also Rapunzel retelling which we need more of!!!
I feel like this was borderline insta-love but there was some pretty high tension in part of the book that I hope we get again.
I need her to explain more about the concept of mates in this world!
I plan to to continue reading the series because the world she is building is very interesting and I want to see how things develop.
Also Rapunzel retelling which we need more of!!!
I feel like this was borderline insta-love but there was some pretty high tension in part of the book that I hope we get again.
I need her to explain more about the concept of mates in this world!
February 15, 2023
Magical
Excellent, outstanding fantasy. Like Rapunzel, Ana has been locked in a tower her whole life, escaping to avoid marrying her captor's son. While fleeing, she meets Xander who agrees to help. Their journey includes witches, elves and a dragon.
I was totally immersed in this tale. The protagonists are engaging and sympathetic, the world in which they exist is well-drawn, and the entire experience is rewarding.
Excellent, outstanding fantasy. Like Rapunzel, Ana has been locked in a tower her whole life, escaping to avoid marrying her captor's son. While fleeing, she meets Xander who agrees to help. Their journey includes witches, elves and a dragon.
I was totally immersed in this tale. The protagonists are engaging and sympathetic, the world in which they exist is well-drawn, and the entire experience is rewarding.
January 12, 2024
Loved this book!! It was a 4.5 star read for me for sure.. what dropped it a half a point.. it was a little predictable, a little repetitive and I would have LOVED the entire book to be in dual POV. Cannot wait to read the next ones with both their POVs
September 9, 2026
“Knowledge was the most dangerous thing one person could give another. It was powerful in ways we could not imagine. And if someone was withholding knowledge, they could not be trusted.”
Okay, this is my second book by this author and of course a different series than the previous one. Not sure why I decided to jump into another one without completing the first one, but here we are. Lots of chaos floating around me and I'm okay with it. Now the characters were mostly likable throughout this book. There were things that kind of irked me when they happened but overall, it was an interesting start to the chronicles.
I also totally missed this be a Rapunzel kind of retelling and that's probably why things irked me the way they did. That being said, some of what happened makes total sense to my tired brain. I also think the "banter" between the characters could've been a bit better in my eyes (and yes, I might be a little snobbish about that after reading some really great banter lately).
Anyways, Aileana is snarky and stabby (at times) but very childish too... while Xander was just, well, Xander. I liked them enough to keep reading and will probably carve out some time to see what happens in the next book. Hopefully they see some growth as well. Oh, and I do hope to see Nonna some more -- I really liked her.
Did Not Finish
October 22, 2024Ehhh, I was super excited about this one - it was all over my internet and I loved the premise. I gave up at 30%. I tried liking it but I cannot get passed writing style and dialogues.
Normally, I'd have had power through and push through but since world did not collapse after I DNF a book week ago, oh well. Guess this will be my new policy.
Normally, I'd have had power through and push through but since world did not collapse after I DNF a book week ago, oh well. Guess this will be my new policy.
February 7, 2026
Honestly, this was really good. It’s very fun story plot. I’m intrigued though it is a five book series. I don’t know if I have the patience to read all of that.
July 7, 2025
OMG!! Love it!!!!!!! Love the way Aileana and Xander come together and accept the bond. Love even more how she slowly with every step grows stronger and fights to keep her freedom, her rights as a woman. Love how Xander put down his walls and no matter how many fights he and Aileana got, he will always come back to save her and will not let her go. Love the way he treats her like an equals and now that they are stronger together they will kill the king a hopefully restore the kingdom. Of course, they need to find a way to get the restraining cuffs off her and all... can wait to read the 2nd book....
July 20, 2023
Would be a 3 star if the writing was simply better.
The book was advertised as an enemy to lovers book however it failed to deliver.
It's more forced companions to lovers.
Throughout the whole interaction between Xander and Ana, as the reader, we were constantly being told that they didn't like each other but in reality, almost all interactions and actions that occurred were quite friendly and full of companionship. Xander was advertised as Ana's enemy via the trope however he is probably one of the best kindest and caring male characters i've read under this genre.
If the author was a stronger writer then the whole enemy thing would have been communicated a whole lot better instead on relying on the characters saying in their own inner monologues that a character hates another and vice versa.
The plot was painfully predictable especially in the last sequence of story. I was there just reading it to get it over with because I knew exactly how the story was going to go. It feels like there was meant to be some kind of reveal but it was not written strongly enough to actually have any effect as you guess it before the main part of the sequence even happens.
The whole "Rapunzel retelling" is incredibly lost within the story as it is barely relevant. In comparison to the classic beauty and the beast retelling such as ACOTAR where the premise is relevant throughout most of the book. In this, Ana escaped from the tower in the first chapter and just fights to keep her freedom. It took one plot point and decided that was enough to call it a retelling.
We don't know what Ana looks like until a quarter into the book when we finally find out she has red her and later on that its long. I had no idea who I was meant to be imagining since her appearance just wasn't described.
For some reason every minor character has to have a name as well when they don't mean anything to the plot at all. This one guard that does nothing? Give him a name. These three people at a bar relevant for one chapter that don't even interact with the main characters? Give them names too. It felt odd that some parts had so much detail but we didn't even know what our main character looked like.
I finished it within two days, so clearly it really wasn't that bad and I appreciated a lot of the continuity of how little Ana knew about the world.
The actual world building and politics were interesting and something I wouldn't mind reading more about.
If you have some free time and looking for an easy read, I would say this book would be good for that. I definitely came to like the characters throughout my read.
Not sure if I will continue with the series but I can see why people would like it.
The book was advertised as an enemy to lovers book however it failed to deliver.
It's more forced companions to lovers.
Throughout the whole interaction between Xander and Ana, as the reader, we were constantly being told that they didn't like each other but in reality, almost all interactions and actions that occurred were quite friendly and full of companionship. Xander was advertised as Ana's enemy via the trope however he is probably one of the best kindest and caring male characters i've read under this genre.
If the author was a stronger writer then the whole enemy thing would have been communicated a whole lot better instead on relying on the characters saying in their own inner monologues that a character hates another and vice versa.
The plot was painfully predictable especially in the last sequence of story. I was there just reading it to get it over with because I knew exactly how the story was going to go. It feels like there was meant to be some kind of reveal but it was not written strongly enough to actually have any effect as you guess it before the main part of the sequence even happens.
The whole "Rapunzel retelling" is incredibly lost within the story as it is barely relevant. In comparison to the classic beauty and the beast retelling such as ACOTAR where the premise is relevant throughout most of the book. In this, Ana escaped from the tower in the first chapter and just fights to keep her freedom. It took one plot point and decided that was enough to call it a retelling.
We don't know what Ana looks like until a quarter into the book when we finally find out she has red her and later on that its long. I had no idea who I was meant to be imagining since her appearance just wasn't described.
For some reason every minor character has to have a name as well when they don't mean anything to the plot at all. This one guard that does nothing? Give him a name. These three people at a bar relevant for one chapter that don't even interact with the main characters? Give them names too. It felt odd that some parts had so much detail but we didn't even know what our main character looked like.
I finished it within two days, so clearly it really wasn't that bad and I appreciated a lot of the continuity of how little Ana knew about the world.
The actual world building and politics were interesting and something I wouldn't mind reading more about.
If you have some free time and looking for an easy read, I would say this book would be good for that. I definitely came to like the characters throughout my read.
Not sure if I will continue with the series but I can see why people would like it.
March 15, 2025
Saw this on a reel as a “Tangled meets the Witcher with dragons” and I said “say less”.
As a Tangled retelling it was fun to read (I LOVE the movie Tangled). It was fun to see the little similarities and the ways the author nodded to the movie in this story. While also be very different and taking on a darker side of the story of Rapunzel.
Lovely Xander is literally Geralt the Witcher in the physical sense (which made the book amazing as I imagined Henry Cavil from the Witcher and I couldn’t have been happier). But he also gives Flynn Rider vibes at times? An interesting combo but I worked with it.
The beginning was a bit of a struggle. The writing style was either just off and difficult for me or it just wasn’t very strong. At times the storytelling and writing wasn’t that great in my opinion but I will look past it because the overall fantasy world she created is actually pretty sick (and it’s Tangled and the Witcher!).
Sometimes, Aileana was annoying. She rubber banded with her feelings a lot. “I hate him, but I desire to be near him and it makes me feel things I don’t want to think about. I hate him, but then something has changed between us. No I hate him. Oh but I want to kiss him.” It kind of hindered her character development. The author at one point explained it in a way that made sense as to why! But that was later in the book and maybe I wish I just understood that sooner.
Overall, I vibed with this book. The unique story and fantasy world had me hooked at parts and I couldn’t put it down! Sure the writing lacked at times but I’ll get over it and probably still read the rest of the series.
Tropes:
💜 Fated Mates
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🔪 Stabby and fierce FMC
💍 Fake Marriage
☀️ Grumpy/Sunshine (sorta)
Spice: 🫑
As a Tangled retelling it was fun to read (I LOVE the movie Tangled). It was fun to see the little similarities and the ways the author nodded to the movie in this story. While also be very different and taking on a darker side of the story of Rapunzel.
Lovely Xander is literally Geralt the Witcher in the physical sense (which made the book amazing as I imagined Henry Cavil from the Witcher and I couldn’t have been happier). But he also gives Flynn Rider vibes at times? An interesting combo but I worked with it.
The beginning was a bit of a struggle. The writing style was either just off and difficult for me or it just wasn’t very strong. At times the storytelling and writing wasn’t that great in my opinion but I will look past it because the overall fantasy world she created is actually pretty sick (and it’s Tangled and the Witcher!).
Sometimes, Aileana was annoying. She rubber banded with her feelings a lot. “I hate him, but I desire to be near him and it makes me feel things I don’t want to think about. I hate him, but then something has changed between us. No I hate him. Oh but I want to kiss him.” It kind of hindered her character development. The author at one point explained it in a way that made sense as to why! But that was later in the book and maybe I wish I just understood that sooner.
Overall, I vibed with this book. The unique story and fantasy world had me hooked at parts and I couldn’t put it down! Sure the writing lacked at times but I’ll get over it and probably still read the rest of the series.
Tropes:
💜 Fated Mates
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🔪 Stabby and fierce FMC
💍 Fake Marriage
☀️ Grumpy/Sunshine (sorta)
Spice: 🫑
September 24, 2024
DNF at 80% Insufferable dialogue, no actual development between the two main characters even though they want you to believe there was. Why is there a paragraph of Aileana saying how "oh now there's a mutual understanding between us" and then the next paragraph is "why is he being nice to me, he hates me?" like what are you talking about .... very frustrating to read lol
March 22, 2025
I wish that it went more into detail about things, but it is YA so that makes sense. Pretty cute. Very predictable. I loved the female empowerment that was starting to come through… that’s the only reason I would keep reading this series.
April 14, 2024
The main character was extremely annoying and the writing was all over the place. The pages were filled with a whole lot of nonsense and it was just plain annoying. I don’t recommend the book.
February 20, 2025
This was a good book but ended super rushed not my favorite. Also even though both main characters aren’t kids they act like them which isn’t great.
March 1, 2025
too much use of the words "male" and "female"
relationship between the FMC & MMC seemed too immature for this level of writing and world building, even though that might have been on purpose...
relationship between the FMC & MMC seemed too immature for this level of writing and world building, even though that might have been on purpose...
March 20, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
Boring, predictable, romantacy cliche.
Boring, predictable, romantacy cliche.
June 8, 2026
Read 37 pages and decided.... the dialog is so damn juvenile and the book ain't worth my time.
July 23, 2022
This is a Rapunzel retelling and it’s nothing like what you know. Ana has spent her life locked in a tower and has been tortured by the evil king for as long as she can remember. On the eve of her wedding to the evil king’s son she finally gets the courage to escape.
I really enjoyed this retelling. The information and backstory was delivered in a way that kept me interested and didn’t overload me with it all at once. I enjoyed the rich world that the author created. Ana is a well developed character who is strong, sassy, and naive. Xander is a hotheaded mystery who grows on you over time.
The only thing I didn’t love was the miscommunication or lack of communication at times. Both characters are a bit overly aggressive/threatening at times but when you learn their backstories it’s understandable and they both grow throughout the book.
Trigger warnings: violence, torture told through flashbacks
I really enjoyed this retelling. The information and backstory was delivered in a way that kept me interested and didn’t overload me with it all at once. I enjoyed the rich world that the author created. Ana is a well developed character who is strong, sassy, and naive. Xander is a hotheaded mystery who grows on you over time.
The only thing I didn’t love was the miscommunication or lack of communication at times. Both characters are a bit overly aggressive/threatening at times but when you learn their backstories it’s understandable and they both grow throughout the book.
Trigger warnings: violence, torture told through flashbacks
October 3, 2024
I’m starting this on 10/3/2024 randomly because I’ve had nothing to read and 9 books on hold at the lib. I got this for free through Prime reading, which I literally just learned is a thing.
Aileana / Ana
Xander
Tropes:
- enemies to lovers (?)
- pretending to be in a relationship (married)
lol okay so the writing isn’t my favorite so far but I’m still going w it 🥴 also, who tf copy edited this? A ghost? Aka no one?
Nonna is a witch. And Auras???
Rx race feels too fast 😣
Elves. Werewolves???
Lolol jokes on me guess who is obsessed with this book and can’t put it down 🙋🏻♀️
What!? A dream!?
Wait omg he’s a dragon!? Dragon shifter!?
AHHHH DRAGON!!!!
Okay Nonna, you gd angel baby witch. (But also like where were you earlier, girl?)
Eh, I have too many other books to read right now, so I don’t think I will be reading the next one. At least not right now!
Aileana / Ana
Xander
Tropes:
- enemies to lovers (?)
- pretending to be in a relationship (married)
lol okay so the writing isn’t my favorite so far but I’m still going w it 🥴 also, who tf copy edited this? A ghost? Aka no one?
Nonna is a witch. And Auras???
Rx race feels too fast 😣
Elves. Werewolves???
Lolol jokes on me guess who is obsessed with this book and can’t put it down 🙋🏻♀️
What!? A dream!?
Wait omg he’s a dragon!? Dragon shifter!?
AHHHH DRAGON!!!!
Okay Nonna, you gd angel baby witch. (But also like where were you earlier, girl?)
Eh, I have too many other books to read right now, so I don’t think I will be reading the next one. At least not right now!
July 8, 2024
Who doesn’t love a damsel that saves herself and is fierce!
I read this because of the “Repunzel Retelling” pull. I see parallels with the two stories but I’m not sure it’s a “retelling”. I did enjoy the story, and thought Gallea did great on entertaining the reader! There are twists that were well thought out and intrigued you enough to not want to put the book down. I had a higher rating until the final chapters which overwhelming felt like she had a need to drive a point home. The ending was just a little too repetitive in the last chapters, but they did the job and I’m interested to read the next book.
I read this because of the “Repunzel Retelling” pull. I see parallels with the two stories but I’m not sure it’s a “retelling”. I did enjoy the story, and thought Gallea did great on entertaining the reader! There are twists that were well thought out and intrigued you enough to not want to put the book down. I had a higher rating until the final chapters which overwhelming felt like she had a need to drive a point home. The ending was just a little too repetitive in the last chapters, but they did the job and I’m interested to read the next book.
July 28, 2026
There are a lot of OMG moments in this book - things I FOR SURE did not see coming. There are things that are typical of a Romantacy - Enemies to lovers/fated mates type stories (which I live for). I love to feel how their relationship changes and how they grow individually and together. I enjoy the fact that this girl is a fighter and will not let anyone tell her what to do (Tethered series is written in a similar fashion) - she got her freedom and she is going to make sure she never loses it!
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