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Red Does Not Forget
In the fractured realm of Aeltheris, where magic is forbidden, Princess Evelyne of Edrathen has been trained to be a statue—graceful, unmoving, perfect. A symbol. Her wedding to Prince Alaric of Varantia is meant to unite kingdoms, bury the blood-soaked past, and seal her fate as a living monument to peace.
But nothing is as it seems.
In the heart of the palace, ritual and power entwine like thread through velvet. Prophecies lie shattered beneath marble altars. Blood symbols bloom behind chapel walls. And beneath it all, a deeper magic pulses. Forgotten, divine, and furious.
As Evelyne uncovers the cracks beneath her kingdom’s perfection, she must decide what kind of woman she wants to the silent bride in the tower… or the storm that breaks it.
Set in a world of moonlight rituals, forbidden magic, and the quiet rage of women forced to smile through their own undoing, The Age of Red Does Not Forget is a story of survival, reclamation, and the cost of becoming whole in a kingdom that fears wholeness.
This is not a story about a woman marrying a prince.
It’s about a girl surviving a system that wants to silence her—and choosing, slowly, painfully, to speak.
To live.
For readers of slow-burn fantasy romance, myth-laced intrigue, and epic tales where love cuts as deeply as dagger.
But nothing is as it seems.
In the heart of the palace, ritual and power entwine like thread through velvet. Prophecies lie shattered beneath marble altars. Blood symbols bloom behind chapel walls. And beneath it all, a deeper magic pulses. Forgotten, divine, and furious.
As Evelyne uncovers the cracks beneath her kingdom’s perfection, she must decide what kind of woman she wants to the silent bride in the tower… or the storm that breaks it.
Set in a world of moonlight rituals, forbidden magic, and the quiet rage of women forced to smile through their own undoing, The Age of Red Does Not Forget is a story of survival, reclamation, and the cost of becoming whole in a kingdom that fears wholeness.
This is not a story about a woman marrying a prince.
It’s about a girl surviving a system that wants to silence her—and choosing, slowly, painfully, to speak.
To live.
For readers of slow-burn fantasy romance, myth-laced intrigue, and epic tales where love cuts as deeply as dagger.
- GenresFantasy
616 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2026
7 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Anette Marcelle
1 book9 followersA writer drawn to the quiet power of emotion, legacy, and rebellion. My stories live at the crossroads of beauty and brutality, exploring what it means to survive, to remember, and to choose truth in a world built on silence. I write character-driven fantasy with sharp political undercurrents, slow-burn tension, and magic that always comes at a cost. Whether it's through serialized chapters, narrative essays, or lore-rich glimpses into fictional realms.
When I’m not building fictional kingdoms, I’m probably drinking too much coffee, overthinking character arcs, or wandering into bookstores "just to look." I write for readers who love emotional tension, layered characters, and the ache of a truth just barely spoken. Welcome—I’m glad you’re here.
When I’m not building fictional kingdoms, I’m probably drinking too much coffee, overthinking character arcs, or wandering into bookstores "just to look." I write for readers who love emotional tension, layered characters, and the ache of a truth just barely spoken. Welcome—I’m glad you’re here.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 11, 2026
This review is based on an advance reader copy kindly provided by the author.
I will be frank — I often struggle with fantasy novels aimed primarily at a female audience. Too often, they lean heavily toward emotional or romantic elements, while the world-building feels secondary or even neglected.
That said, there are authors such as Robin Hobb or Leigh Bardugo who manage to craft truly complete fantasy worlds — rich in both character and setting. I believe Anette has the potential to join this group with her Age of Silence series.
What impressed me most was the language and prose. This is not another “easy-to-read, Wattpad-style” story, but a carefully structured and thoughtfully written novel. The writing is poetic, elegant, and deeply immersive.
The characters are another strong point. They are far from perfect — flawed, complex, and entirely human. They are not the trendy “morally grey” types who are portrayed as terrible yet secretly kind-hearted. Instead, they think and act in their own ways, sometimes failing to understand others, often guided by good intentions mixed with a touch of egoism. They feel real — not idealized or romanticized.
If you are expecting a typical charming male lead — intelligent yet rugged, strong but sensitive, the perfect blend of alpha and sigma — you will not find that here. Instead, the male protagonist is authentically human: imperfect, believable, and refreshingly grounded.
In terms of plot, it is clear that the author envisions something grand and long-term. The pacing is deliberate, with the story unfolding gradually as new information and settings are revealed. At the same time, it is evident that Red Does Not Forget functions as a kind of prologue — an introduction to the world and its main characters, with the major mysteries still to come.
This structure may test the reader’s patience at times, but I am confident that the payoff will be worthwhile.
I will be frank — I often struggle with fantasy novels aimed primarily at a female audience. Too often, they lean heavily toward emotional or romantic elements, while the world-building feels secondary or even neglected.
That said, there are authors such as Robin Hobb or Leigh Bardugo who manage to craft truly complete fantasy worlds — rich in both character and setting. I believe Anette has the potential to join this group with her Age of Silence series.
What impressed me most was the language and prose. This is not another “easy-to-read, Wattpad-style” story, but a carefully structured and thoughtfully written novel. The writing is poetic, elegant, and deeply immersive.
The characters are another strong point. They are far from perfect — flawed, complex, and entirely human. They are not the trendy “morally grey” types who are portrayed as terrible yet secretly kind-hearted. Instead, they think and act in their own ways, sometimes failing to understand others, often guided by good intentions mixed with a touch of egoism. They feel real — not idealized or romanticized.
If you are expecting a typical charming male lead — intelligent yet rugged, strong but sensitive, the perfect blend of alpha and sigma — you will not find that here. Instead, the male protagonist is authentically human: imperfect, believable, and refreshingly grounded.
In terms of plot, it is clear that the author envisions something grand and long-term. The pacing is deliberate, with the story unfolding gradually as new information and settings are revealed. At the same time, it is evident that Red Does Not Forget functions as a kind of prologue — an introduction to the world and its main characters, with the major mysteries still to come.
This structure may test the reader’s patience at times, but I am confident that the payoff will be worthwhile.
Review of advance copy received from Author
the emotional whiplash I have experienced is traumatizing. Will post a full review soon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"After the Sundering shattered the world of Aeltheris, magic became forbidden, art was stripped of meaning; and silence turned sacred.
Princess Evelyne of Edrathen has been trained to be perfect - graceful, quiet, obedient. A living symbol of peace.
But when her arranged marriage begins to unravel the secrets buried beneath her kingdom's polished surface, she must decide whether to remain the statue they built her to be...or become the storm that breaks it."
I enjoyed this book mainly for its rich and immersive world building; and complex and relatable characters. None of them are perfect or romanticised - they each have their own flaws and traits.
The plot is driven by character and setting instead of emotions and relationships, which i found to be a refreshing change of pace.
Another thing that I loved about this book was that the language is very polished and eloquent, and gives another level of depth to the dialogue.
The pace is very steady and gradual. Introducing us to the world, its characters and its history, whilst leaving a lot of mysteries left to solve and a lot of the plot left to unravel.
This book is clearly just one piece of a larger puzzle; one I found truly captivating and cannot wait to continue.
Princess Evelyne of Edrathen has been trained to be perfect - graceful, quiet, obedient. A living symbol of peace.
But when her arranged marriage begins to unravel the secrets buried beneath her kingdom's polished surface, she must decide whether to remain the statue they built her to be...or become the storm that breaks it."
I enjoyed this book mainly for its rich and immersive world building; and complex and relatable characters. None of them are perfect or romanticised - they each have their own flaws and traits.
The plot is driven by character and setting instead of emotions and relationships, which i found to be a refreshing change of pace.
Another thing that I loved about this book was that the language is very polished and eloquent, and gives another level of depth to the dialogue.
The pace is very steady and gradual. Introducing us to the world, its characters and its history, whilst leaving a lot of mysteries left to solve and a lot of the plot left to unravel.
This book is clearly just one piece of a larger puzzle; one I found truly captivating and cannot wait to continue.
January 9, 2026
Where do I begin? First book of 2026 and I had the pleasure of reading this (Thank you Anette and her team for the advance copy) early and I couldn’t have picked a better book to start the year off!
I will say it did start a bit slow for me BUT listen Thalen carried this book then Cedric and Vessena. And by 60% of the book the banter got juicier, the tension was suffocating and oh my goodness… You Ms Anette have outdone yourself!
Our MMC, Alaric is refreshing because instead of brute force, he geeked out about ancient scrolls and we like a beautiful brainiac!
I cannot wait for book two because at this point everybody guilty until otherwise proven innocence!
I will say it did start a bit slow for me BUT listen Thalen carried this book then Cedric and Vessena. And by 60% of the book the banter got juicier, the tension was suffocating and oh my goodness… You Ms Anette have outdone yourself!
Our MMC, Alaric is refreshing because instead of brute force, he geeked out about ancient scrolls and we like a beautiful brainiac!
I cannot wait for book two because at this point everybody guilty until otherwise proven innocence!
January 11, 2026
Absolutely amazing read! I've never highlighted so many passages in a book before. Lots of extremely poignant lines, especially about the duty and expectations of women and silence in society.
The book pulls you in immediately by shocking you within the first few chapters.
You get great banter between the FMC and MMC, as well as, great political intrigue.
And now I'm just reeling trying to figure everything out and cannot wait for the next book in the series!!! 💕
The book pulls you in immediately by shocking you within the first few chapters.
You get great banter between the FMC and MMC, as well as, great political intrigue.
And now I'm just reeling trying to figure everything out and cannot wait for the next book in the series!!! 💕
January 5, 2026
Hey Cozy Readers🌹✨
MY FIRST BOOK REVIEW OF 2026!!!!!!!
and it goes to the LOVELY & TALENTED @anettemarcelle.author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Because Love is not responsibility. But it is what makes responsibilities bearable”
What do I say except this book took me on an ULTIMATE rollercoaster! And it’s the most BEAUTIFUL book i’ve ever read! @anettemarcelle.author words were like poetry on every page. I felt like I was reading in a completely different life. At times it was soft and others pure CHAOS!
The dynamic of Alaric and Princess Evelyn OR as i like to call her my LADY RED!!!! was the PUREST of LOVE and Is safe to say they have become my NEW couple!!!! She is the symbol of peace and brilliance! And through out the story you find out she’s more than just that, she’s willing and ready to break every single rule the system has ever told her. Ugh! the female rage is everything!
I think this story was a great pace, the characters were real and the political alliances were stern and raw! You will be SUCKED IN with the first few chapters!
This story was really refreshing and i think the author does a wonderful job building the world where art and magic doesn’t reign! it is silenced!!! an interesting take i loved everything about it!!
i couldn’t put the book down, it CONSUMED ME!!! Everything about this story worked so well! it’s deff my favorite read so far of 2026 BRAVO friend 😍🌹✨
“Dreamers die twice”
If you’re looking for a book with….
🌹Bridgerton meets Game of Thrones
🌹Post apocalyptic fantasy
🌹multi-POV character driven plot
🌹many factions rich love and mythology
🌹cursed ice queen become soft arc
🌹arranged marriage and juicy banter
#reddoesnotforget #indieauthors #bookreviews #indiereviews #bookishreviews
MY FIRST BOOK REVIEW OF 2026!!!!!!!
and it goes to the LOVELY & TALENTED @anettemarcelle.author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Because Love is not responsibility. But it is what makes responsibilities bearable”
What do I say except this book took me on an ULTIMATE rollercoaster! And it’s the most BEAUTIFUL book i’ve ever read! @anettemarcelle.author words were like poetry on every page. I felt like I was reading in a completely different life. At times it was soft and others pure CHAOS!
The dynamic of Alaric and Princess Evelyn OR as i like to call her my LADY RED!!!! was the PUREST of LOVE and Is safe to say they have become my NEW couple!!!! She is the symbol of peace and brilliance! And through out the story you find out she’s more than just that, she’s willing and ready to break every single rule the system has ever told her. Ugh! the female rage is everything!
I think this story was a great pace, the characters were real and the political alliances were stern and raw! You will be SUCKED IN with the first few chapters!
This story was really refreshing and i think the author does a wonderful job building the world where art and magic doesn’t reign! it is silenced!!! an interesting take i loved everything about it!!
i couldn’t put the book down, it CONSUMED ME!!! Everything about this story worked so well! it’s deff my favorite read so far of 2026 BRAVO friend 😍🌹✨
“Dreamers die twice”
If you’re looking for a book with….
🌹Bridgerton meets Game of Thrones
🌹Post apocalyptic fantasy
🌹multi-POV character driven plot
🌹many factions rich love and mythology
🌹cursed ice queen become soft arc
🌹arranged marriage and juicy banter
#reddoesnotforget #indieauthors #bookreviews #indiereviews #bookishreviews
January 9, 2026
Evelyne must learn to accept herself, broken pieces and all, as she embraces her true inner authority while everything around her seems to be masked behind facades of ice and silence.
"This kingdom trained its daughters in the art of concealment long before it taught them to speak."
It's rare that a book comes along, peers into your very soul, and steals a part of it. I am beyond fortunate to have had the pleasure of being an #arc reader for this book. It was by far my top read of 2025 and has left me missing the characters and the world since I put it down.
This is a multi-POV read, and - what I thought was previously impossible - I cared about every single character. Somehow Anette toed the line of giving each character just enough emotion and plot to draw me in, no matter which eyes I was peering through.
Evelyne's depth gripped me the same way Aelin's did towards the end of Throne of Glass. Alaric felt like a cross between Flynn Rider's smolder in Tangled and Milo Thatch's endearing nerdiness from Alantis. And Thalen! What a foil to the iciness of the book's world.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It has so much potential for a brilliant epic fantasy, and I genuinely hope it gets all the recognition it deserves.
"This kingdom trained its daughters in the art of concealment long before it taught them to speak."
It's rare that a book comes along, peers into your very soul, and steals a part of it. I am beyond fortunate to have had the pleasure of being an #arc reader for this book. It was by far my top read of 2025 and has left me missing the characters and the world since I put it down.
This is a multi-POV read, and - what I thought was previously impossible - I cared about every single character. Somehow Anette toed the line of giving each character just enough emotion and plot to draw me in, no matter which eyes I was peering through.
Evelyne's depth gripped me the same way Aelin's did towards the end of Throne of Glass. Alaric felt like a cross between Flynn Rider's smolder in Tangled and Milo Thatch's endearing nerdiness from Alantis. And Thalen! What a foil to the iciness of the book's world.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It has so much potential for a brilliant epic fantasy, and I genuinely hope it gets all the recognition it deserves.
December 22, 2025
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I actually really really enjoyed this book. The pacing was steady with stakes rising near the end. I felt like I could put the book down and easily come back to it again. The plot twist at the end shocked me. I truly loved the characters and the complexity of the magic system, court and world. I liked how the romance wasn’t immediate, and there was sort of a slow burn and slow realization of what they feel built on consistency and trust. There are so many poetic sounding quotes in this book and I’ll list just a few that stood out to me:
- “In this world, women do not often get to choose their power. But we can choose each other. And we should.”
- “Sometimes silence is not the absence of sound—but the breath before change.”
- “Just because you're not a warrior doesn't mean you're not a force. Moonlight and steel are both the color silver.”
- “Because love is not responsibility. But it is what makes responsibilities bearable.”
- “In this world, women do not often get to choose their power. But we can choose each other. And we should.”
- “Sometimes silence is not the absence of sound—but the breath before change.”
- “Just because you're not a warrior doesn't mean you're not a force. Moonlight and steel are both the color silver.”
- “Because love is not responsibility. But it is what makes responsibilities bearable.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
What really stood out to me is how personal this book feels. The characters are written with so much depth that their pain becomes your pain, their confusion feels like yours, and their secrets weigh heavy as the truth comes to light. The author captures trauma, memory, and the way the past can haunt the present so beautifully.
The tension builds so naturally that you don’t even realize how tightly you’re holding your breath until something shocking drops—and trust me, this book delivers those moments.
One thing I really appreciated about this book is how easy it is to follow. I could put it down and pick it up the next day without feeling lost. The pacing is steady and smooth, which I really enjoy—especially as someone who’s balancing work, life, and squeezing in reading whenever I can. It’s the kind of book that fits perfectly into a busy schedule without losing the story’s impact.
Thank you Anette. You did an amazing job. congratulations✨️ Can't wait for the sequel🩷
The tension builds so naturally that you don’t even realize how tightly you’re holding your breath until something shocking drops—and trust me, this book delivers those moments.
One thing I really appreciated about this book is how easy it is to follow. I could put it down and pick it up the next day without feeling lost. The pacing is steady and smooth, which I really enjoy—especially as someone who’s balancing work, life, and squeezing in reading whenever I can. It’s the kind of book that fits perfectly into a busy schedule without losing the story’s impact.
Thank you Anette. You did an amazing job. congratulations✨️ Can't wait for the sequel🩷
January 5, 2026
I kicked off 2026 with an absolute masterpiece of a book. The book does not mess about, the opening 2 chapters will have you shocked & hooked.
Red Does Not Forget sets the scene for what I believe will be an incredible series. If you love a book with extensive world and character building, court intrigue, found family, yearning & mystery, then this the one for you.
I felt connected to FMC, Evelyne from the initial chapters and really enjoyed that she was not a "perfect princess", she has her demons which made her relatable.
Our MMC Alaric was a breath of fresh air, a prince who valued knowledge as much as brute strength and of course his witty sense of humour.
The side characters, Cedric, Thalen & Vesena complimented each other. Their personalities although entirely different from one another, found a way to add value to their new found family and development of this story.
The ending of this book has me feeling like I can't trust anyone I will be reading book 2 with every single person as my enemy until they prove their innocence.
Red Does Not Forget sets the scene for what I believe will be an incredible series. If you love a book with extensive world and character building, court intrigue, found family, yearning & mystery, then this the one for you.
I felt connected to FMC, Evelyne from the initial chapters and really enjoyed that she was not a "perfect princess", she has her demons which made her relatable.
Our MMC Alaric was a breath of fresh air, a prince who valued knowledge as much as brute strength and of course his witty sense of humour.
The side characters, Cedric, Thalen & Vesena complimented each other. Their personalities although entirely different from one another, found a way to add value to their new found family and development of this story.
The ending of this book has me feeling like I can't trust anyone I will be reading book 2 with every single person as my enemy until they prove their innocence.
January 9, 2026
This book has one of the strongest opening chapters I’ve read in a long time. It immediately pulls you into the world and makes it impossible to put down. Described as Bridgerton meets Game of Thrones, I couldn’t agree more. The political intrigue, regality, and tension feel rich and immersive, while still leaving room for romance to shine.
The contrast between Evelyn and Alaric is one of my favorite parts of the story. Evelyn’s composure and regality pair beautifully with Alaric’s upbeat, warm, and positive presence. Their slow-burn romance is handled so delicately and effectively. Having both characters’ POVs adds so much depth, tension, and emotional weight. I truly wish I could read even more moments between the two of them.
Looking forward to seeing how the story continues!
The contrast between Evelyn and Alaric is one of my favorite parts of the story. Evelyn’s composure and regality pair beautifully with Alaric’s upbeat, warm, and positive presence. Their slow-burn romance is handled so delicately and effectively. Having both characters’ POVs adds so much depth, tension, and emotional weight. I truly wish I could read even more moments between the two of them.
Looking forward to seeing how the story continues!
December 15, 2025
This book kept me hooked from the very first chapter and was impossible to put down. The lore was outstanding and the prose was so very beautiful. The political plot was so incredibly well thought out and the personal storylines of the characters felt so natural and real that I found myself disappointed that the next book isn’t available to read yet so I can see what they are up to next, but I will for sure be preordering it once it is announced.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Not all book loves are born from the story itself. Some are born from the feeling of it, because while characters and events hold us in place, it is the luster, vastness and the very structure of the world that allows us to see the invisible mechanics that drive every beloved quote and misguided decision that we choose to carry away from the book.
I am not a trope or genre reader. In my reading choices, I am guided by the cohesiveness and sheer amount of layers of the story, the way I see the way women finish hems of their dresses, the way religious regimes crumble to dust, the way people justify their manners.
To my copy of the book I have added 218 bookmarks and highlighted 101 quotes. I simply cannot offer any greater compliment. This one is for the obsessive readers.
Religious philosophies crumbling to dust, Bridgerton restrictiveness of manners, elegance of phrase and description masking the smoldering moral rot beneath, refined smut and Game of Thrones-like feeling of looking at a realm almost too ancient and complex to even place a tale in - that is what delving into Red Does Not Forget feels like.
I can simply recommend you to slip into this book, as you go to a museum: to watch, to learn, to feel and to be changed.
I am not a trope or genre reader. In my reading choices, I am guided by the cohesiveness and sheer amount of layers of the story, the way I see the way women finish hems of their dresses, the way religious regimes crumble to dust, the way people justify their manners.
To my copy of the book I have added 218 bookmarks and highlighted 101 quotes. I simply cannot offer any greater compliment. This one is for the obsessive readers.
Religious philosophies crumbling to dust, Bridgerton restrictiveness of manners, elegance of phrase and description masking the smoldering moral rot beneath, refined smut and Game of Thrones-like feeling of looking at a realm almost too ancient and complex to even place a tale in - that is what delving into Red Does Not Forget feels like.
I can simply recommend you to slip into this book, as you go to a museum: to watch, to learn, to feel and to be changed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Red Does Not Forget is a beautiful work of art that shows softness turning into power. It’s like a rich explored painting ready to tell a story. A gilded age setting with a layered world building that shapes the story into something extraordinary. It’s prose, lyrical, and longing. It’s woven into a symbol.
Princess Evelyne. Our future empress and Red Queen I like to call her. She is a symbol of peace and quite clever. A wedding that turned red. Whispers among the kingdoms declaring a curse bride. Secrets and questions that burned into the archives. Her walls are a blank expression. She is a symbol to this kingdom where her mind is lonely. It’s a home but trapped like a labyrinth maze ready to burst into a storm. She truly is elegant & flawed where you start to question that she is more than duty. She is more than a symbol and you find out if she is willing to break every rule she has ever been told.
This story is layered beautifully with a political alliance that’s sharp and featuring raw complex characters. It’s messy and delicious that will consume you and have you glued between the pages. It’s silence and a world where magic is forbidden. Secrets buried so deep that this kingdom needs to be reminded why magic was forbidden and why art is restricted. Meanwhile, uncovering a suspicious murder that Evelyne can’t let go from.
The age of silence cut me like a knife where I couldn’t get tired of the chaos between the pages. It really shows you deep symbolism and Alaric!? Our Scholar prince, future king, charming golden retriever MMC that is a mystery but intelligent. I was feral for this man and the power and love he shows towards Evelyne was breathtaking. His engagement to Evelyne is either going to be a great prosperity to their realms or it’s going to break it.
This story is refreshing and measured while testing your patience. If you want to be buried deep into the lore where you’ll continue to sink into, craving yearning where the stakes feel high, then immediately add Red Does Not Forget to your TBR. I promise this is worth the read as this story is unfolding into something great long-term 🥀 I cannot wait to add this to my trophy shelf ♥️
Princess Evelyne. Our future empress and Red Queen I like to call her. She is a symbol of peace and quite clever. A wedding that turned red. Whispers among the kingdoms declaring a curse bride. Secrets and questions that burned into the archives. Her walls are a blank expression. She is a symbol to this kingdom where her mind is lonely. It’s a home but trapped like a labyrinth maze ready to burst into a storm. She truly is elegant & flawed where you start to question that she is more than duty. She is more than a symbol and you find out if she is willing to break every rule she has ever been told.
This story is layered beautifully with a political alliance that’s sharp and featuring raw complex characters. It’s messy and delicious that will consume you and have you glued between the pages. It’s silence and a world where magic is forbidden. Secrets buried so deep that this kingdom needs to be reminded why magic was forbidden and why art is restricted. Meanwhile, uncovering a suspicious murder that Evelyne can’t let go from.
The age of silence cut me like a knife where I couldn’t get tired of the chaos between the pages. It really shows you deep symbolism and Alaric!? Our Scholar prince, future king, charming golden retriever MMC that is a mystery but intelligent. I was feral for this man and the power and love he shows towards Evelyne was breathtaking. His engagement to Evelyne is either going to be a great prosperity to their realms or it’s going to break it.
This story is refreshing and measured while testing your patience. If you want to be buried deep into the lore where you’ll continue to sink into, craving yearning where the stakes feel high, then immediately add Red Does Not Forget to your TBR. I promise this is worth the read as this story is unfolding into something great long-term 🥀 I cannot wait to add this to my trophy shelf ♥️
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review: Red Does Not Forget
[I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion]
THE WHAT
Evelyne is known as the “cursed bride” after her fiancé and court were murdered in the chapel on her wedding day. Years later, her father, the King, finally secures a new suitor from another kingdom, Prince Alaric. Their journey begins as reluctant obedience and mutual annoyance. It then slowly turns into a partnership as they dive headfirst into uncovering the mystery behind the massacre and work to prevent it from happening again.
THE VIBE
Epic fantasy, Dark romance, slow burn, forbidden magic, betrayal, religious justification, cultish, revenge driven, high stakes danger.
THE HOW
This is a long book and a true slow burn. The author is clearly playing the long game, taking time to build the kingdoms while establishing the rules, customs and culture. It is written from multiple POV’s that shift based on the plot of the story.
THE HIT
The character development was excellent. The storyline was engaging, the writing was beautiful and descriptive, and watching the relationship between the two main characters slowly build was a highlight. I was truly rooting for them in the end. Also the ending, GASP.
THE MISS
At times the pacing felt very slow and there were moments where it could have picked up slightly, especially given the length of the book. This may frustrate some readers that like a little more action, but given this will be a multiple book story, it is fitting for the first book.
THE REC:
Highly recommend this for readers who enjoy immersive epic fantasy and slow burn romances. This is especially a good pick if you enjoy authors who take their time setting up a long series.
THE OVERALL: Overall, I would rate this book as follows:
⭐️Overall Rating: 4.5/5
🔥Spice Rating : 1/5
[I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion]
THE WHAT
Evelyne is known as the “cursed bride” after her fiancé and court were murdered in the chapel on her wedding day. Years later, her father, the King, finally secures a new suitor from another kingdom, Prince Alaric. Their journey begins as reluctant obedience and mutual annoyance. It then slowly turns into a partnership as they dive headfirst into uncovering the mystery behind the massacre and work to prevent it from happening again.
THE VIBE
Epic fantasy, Dark romance, slow burn, forbidden magic, betrayal, religious justification, cultish, revenge driven, high stakes danger.
THE HOW
This is a long book and a true slow burn. The author is clearly playing the long game, taking time to build the kingdoms while establishing the rules, customs and culture. It is written from multiple POV’s that shift based on the plot of the story.
THE HIT
The character development was excellent. The storyline was engaging, the writing was beautiful and descriptive, and watching the relationship between the two main characters slowly build was a highlight. I was truly rooting for them in the end. Also the ending, GASP.
THE MISS
At times the pacing felt very slow and there were moments where it could have picked up slightly, especially given the length of the book. This may frustrate some readers that like a little more action, but given this will be a multiple book story, it is fitting for the first book.
THE REC:
Highly recommend this for readers who enjoy immersive epic fantasy and slow burn romances. This is especially a good pick if you enjoy authors who take their time setting up a long series.
THE OVERALL: Overall, I would rate this book as follows:
⭐️Overall Rating: 4.5/5
🔥Spice Rating : 1/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you like a book with a focus on varied character development, this books for you. This book doesn’t just focus on two main characters, instead introducing a set of characters that each have their own story to tell. I enjoyed the diversity in their personalities - the quiet strength of some and the wit/ charisma of others. The interactions between characters were honest, playful and at times delicate. The characters are what, for me, are what makes this a three star read.
Personally, I did find the book to be slow paced. A lot happens in the last 10% of the book, and whilst this did make for a great ending, I would have liked some of the twists and turns to have been threaded through the book. As a result the book, for the most part, was quite predictable right up until the last moment.
Please note I received an ARC from the author, this review is provided voluntarily.
Personally, I did find the book to be slow paced. A lot happens in the last 10% of the book, and whilst this did make for a great ending, I would have liked some of the twists and turns to have been threaded through the book. As a result the book, for the most part, was quite predictable right up until the last moment.
Please note I received an ARC from the author, this review is provided voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to be on the ARC team for Red Does Not Forget, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was a total privilege! I’m still reeling. First off: Alaric. He is pure sunshine, and I’m obsessed. The chemistry between him and Evelyne was 10/10, and I loved watching her character arc unfold.
There is so much to sink your teeth into here—complex politics, deep symbolism, and writing so beautiful and poetic I found myself highlighting entire pages. It’s rare to find a book that’s this smart and this romantic. Do yourself a favor and add it to your TBR!
There is so much to sink your teeth into here—complex politics, deep symbolism, and writing so beautiful and poetic I found myself highlighting entire pages. It’s rare to find a book that’s this smart and this romantic. Do yourself a favor and add it to your TBR!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fantastic take on romantasy featuring forgotten, illegal magic and intense court politics, Red Does Not Forget is a must read. There's an ancient tithe that begs to be paid, no matter the cost and the characters must choose between the truth and silence.
Twist and turns that lift off the page, it is hard not to be captured from page one and desperate to find out more. An arranged marriage that's a sloooooow burn but gives the main characters the opportunity to realise who they are and gain strength from each other. And who doesn't like a MMC that empowers and protects?
Twist and turns that lift off the page, it is hard not to be captured from page one and desperate to find out more. An arranged marriage that's a sloooooow burn but gives the main characters the opportunity to realise who they are and gain strength from each other. And who doesn't like a MMC that empowers and protects?
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