**I received this as an ARC from Cara Blaine. This in no way impacts my opinion of or ratings for this book.**
"Luxe's Lullaby Trilogy" follows Niamh 'Luxe' Finnegan, who inherits her aunt's store after losing her last family member to cancer. When a stranger named Sören reveals truths about her parents and her dormant magical abilities, Luxe's life takes a drastic turn. Fleeing with Sören and two high fae, Alistair and Calix, Luxe embarks on a dangerous journey to unlock her magical potential, unravel a prophecy, and evade the fae queen's pursuit.
In the first book of the trilogy, Luxe must come to terms with her heritage and navigate her burgeoning powers to protect herself and the only family she has left, while also unraveling the mysteries surrounding her past. Along the way, expect a why chose, slow-burn romance with plenty of witty banter and heart-pounding moments. It's a fast-paced fantasy romance that is worth reading.
Rating:
1. **Plot and Storytelling:** 4/5 The plot is well-crafted and thoughtfully executed, providing an adventurous journey that keeps readers engaged. While enjoyable, I would have liked to see a few more twists to further enhance the excitement.
2. **Characterization:** 5/5 The characters are beautifully developed, each possessing depth and individuality. Their authentic dynamics and interpersonal relationships add layers to the romance, making it compelling and believable.
3. **Writing Style:** 4.5/5 Cara Blaine's writing style is captivating, seamlessly blending an intricate fantasy world with our reality. However, there were moments when the pace slowed down to a medium, which slightly detracted from the overall fast-paced experience.
4. **Originality:** 4/5 The book presents a fresh and unique world, featuring characters and relationships that stand out. It follows a familiar narrative of a young protagonist fueled by tragedy on a journey of self-discovery and revolution while feeling like a fresh and brand-new story.
5. **Emotional Impact and Resolution:** 5/5 This rollercoaster of a book evokes a range of emotions, from heart-tugging moments to anger and laughter. The satisfying conclusion ties up loose ends while leaving room for anticipation of the next installment, ensuring a memorable reading experience.
Overall rating: 4.5/5
I do recommend that you purchase this book. It's worth a read if you're a fan of romantasy.
If you liked this book I recommend you check out the Divine Articles series by Em Livett or The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo. Both series fall into the romantasy genre, are entertaining, and are well written.