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Spicy romantasy. NOTE: This is the previous edition and is no longer available. For the revised second editions of this series with 18+ explicit adult content, changes to worldbuilding, magic systems, and character development, plus rebranded covers, GO HERE
This is a previously-published edition - ISBN13: 9781548073213
This is a previously-published edition - ISBN13: 9781548073213
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 25, 2017
223 people are currently reading
4217 people want to read
About the author
Natalia Jaster
22 books1,546 followersNatalia Jaster is a romantasy author who routinely swoons for the villain.
She lives in a dark forest, where she writes spicy fantasy romance tales about rakish jesters, immortal deities, and vicious faeries.
Wicked heroes are her weakness, and rebellious heroines are her best friends.
AMAZON: www.amazon.com/Natalia-Jaster/e/B00OE...
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/nataliajaster
NEWSLETTER: www.nataliajaster.com/newsletter
TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@nataliajasterauthor
WEBSITE: www.nataliajaster.com
She lives in a dark forest, where she writes spicy fantasy romance tales about rakish jesters, immortal deities, and vicious faeries.
Wicked heroes are her weakness, and rebellious heroines are her best friends.
AMAZON: www.amazon.com/Natalia-Jaster/e/B00OE...
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/nataliajaster
NEWSLETTER: www.nataliajaster.com/newsletter
TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@nataliajasterauthor
WEBSITE: www.nataliajaster.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
November 19, 2019
Love the writing style.
July 29, 2018
I feel like this isn’t an easy book to review and put my feelings into words. It’s a beautifully written slow burn romance with some wonderful and even humorous moments, but along with the light parts, there is a darkness to the world within this book and the topic is a sensitive one.
In this Fantasy world (with no magic) the kingdoms and societies have a very prejudiced view of mental illness and people born with it. And while the previous book introduced this, with the protagonists speaking up against that and trying to bring about change to the awful laws — this book takes a deeper look through its two main characters: one is a prejudiced and cold prince, and the other is a fiery and passionate girl who was held captive because the monarchy saw her as “mad”. Jeryn (the prince of a foreign kingdom) starts out trading for her, but Flare (the girl) escapes on a boat. He catches up to her and they end up stranded alone on an island. It takes years but in that time, Jeryn changes a lot and learns from Flare, especially regarding his (and his kingdom’s) own ignorance, and he faces his own demons and past sins.
Both the characters are interesting and complex, and have their own struggles and journeys. The slow development/friendship/romance is done very well - the author has a talent for writing characters that remain with you after reading. (Poet from “Trick” is still one of my favorite characters).
* I’m still not sure how I feel about the “world building”, because this talks about a sensitive topic with a different approach to the representation, and I’m not exactly sure if some parts of the book can be triggering. There is no violence or anything physical like that shown (nor explicitly described), and the book has a peaceful, light, and positive atmosphere. BUT, I did really find the first half of the book at times very hard and uncomfortable to read (how bad the ignorance and cruelty is described to be in this fictional world). And yet, the book clearly works towards a positive message about empathy and equality - and change/awareness through the story and characters (and in the Author’s Note, she talks briefly about living with anxiety herself and her reasons/feelings writing this book).
Still, tread carefully... and I recommend you read book 1, the companion novel “Trick”, first (because it’s really good, and even lighter in tone/subject) to get an idea of whether or not the series (and its approach) is one you’d like. Also, this book has HUGE spoilers for “Trick”, so better to read that one first if you’re interested.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, especially the last third of it was wonderful (especially it you liked the first book 😉). Although, I still do love the first book, “Trick”, more. And I hope the next book takes the characters’ mission/cause more steps further — and to revisit our favorite characters.
In this Fantasy world (with no magic) the kingdoms and societies have a very prejudiced view of mental illness and people born with it. And while the previous book introduced this, with the protagonists speaking up against that and trying to bring about change to the awful laws — this book takes a deeper look through its two main characters: one is a prejudiced and cold prince, and the other is a fiery and passionate girl who was held captive because the monarchy saw her as “mad”. Jeryn (the prince of a foreign kingdom) starts out trading for her, but Flare (the girl) escapes on a boat. He catches up to her and they end up stranded alone on an island. It takes years but in that time, Jeryn changes a lot and learns from Flare, especially regarding his (and his kingdom’s) own ignorance, and he faces his own demons and past sins.
Both the characters are interesting and complex, and have their own struggles and journeys. The slow development/friendship/romance is done very well - the author has a talent for writing characters that remain with you after reading. (Poet from “Trick” is still one of my favorite characters).
* I’m still not sure how I feel about the “world building”, because this talks about a sensitive topic with a different approach to the representation, and I’m not exactly sure if some parts of the book can be triggering. There is no violence or anything physical like that shown (nor explicitly described), and the book has a peaceful, light, and positive atmosphere. BUT, I did really find the first half of the book at times very hard and uncomfortable to read (how bad the ignorance and cruelty is described to be in this fictional world). And yet, the book clearly works towards a positive message about empathy and equality - and change/awareness through the story and characters (and in the Author’s Note, she talks briefly about living with anxiety herself and her reasons/feelings writing this book).
Still, tread carefully... and I recommend you read book 1, the companion novel “Trick”, first (because it’s really good, and even lighter in tone/subject) to get an idea of whether or not the series (and its approach) is one you’d like. Also, this book has HUGE spoilers for “Trick”, so better to read that one first if you’re interested.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, especially the last third of it was wonderful (especially it you liked the first book 😉). Although, I still do love the first book, “Trick”, more. And I hope the next book takes the characters’ mission/cause more steps further — and to revisit our favorite characters.
May 31, 2019
I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
FEELS FEELS FEELS FEELS FEELS FEELS FEELS FEELS
That’s all I am and all I’ll ever be because how does one resurface from the beautifully complex world of Dare?
THIS IS WAS SO PLEASANT AND PERFECT AND WHOLESOME UGH WHERE DO I BEGIN?!??
Ahem. Well then.
Dare is the second book in the Foolish Kingdoms duology, told in Flare’s first perspective and third perspective for Jeryn, and I wish I read the first book, Trick, before this (and I’m kicking myself for keeping it on my TBR list for this long). This can be read as a standalone, though (BUT YA’LL READ TRICK BEFOREHAND, as I wish I did).
I will try my best to give a brief summary of this exquisite craftsmanship:
Flare, a Summer prisoner claimed to be mad, and Jeryn, a calculating Winter prince are shipwrecked against all odds, to battle with a wilderness that is not meant to be tamed. The rainforest is unlike any other, a dangerous, magical, exciting thing of nature. Flare and Jeryn are thrust into a journey of discovery and survival, fear and wonder, confrontation and healing. Their journey is painful and mesmerizing and on the edge of charting into dangerous territories, both figuratively and literally.
There. That’s all I’m going to say. That’s my formal introduction to the novel. SHALL WE DIVE INTO THE FEELS?? YES. YES, WE SHALL.
First of all, the characters are so damn unapologetically themselves and I adored that with all my gleeful, feels-filled heart. We have:
The best part about them is that they clash and hate and understand and don’t understand each other. The differences between fantasy and reality expands beyond their individualities; you can literally look at the narrative style and see how Flare’s continuous, unpolished thoughts contrast to Jeryn’s careful, precise thoughts. Their personalities extend beyond their persons and into the body of the text, and THAT WAS JUST BLOODY FANTASTICbecause too often I’ve read polar opposite characters thinking the same way and it leaves me slightly unhinged because each person has their own way of thinking, doing, and processing things, let alone opposites. But I digress. That doesn’t happen here. NATALIA JASTER, YOU ARE BRILLIANT.
SKJFGSDKHJFH. I could write an essay about these two but I shouldn’t, as there is more to be discussed.
Secondly, the novel isn’t just an adventure and a romance; it addresses mental health, and that, to me, is a damn score.
How often do trauma, panic, anxiety, and paranoia get represented in YA/NA fantasy without being over-the-top, patronizing, and just flat-out misrepresented? Not freaking enough. In Dare, the characters are smothered in pains and it’s not cringey. It’s methodically displayed in the style of writing, in the subtle actions of the characters, and it’s all done with respect.
Some things I’d like to point out:
FEELS FEELS FEELS FEELS FEELS FEELS FEELS FEELS
That’s all I am and all I’ll ever be because how does one resurface from the beautifully complex world of Dare?
THIS IS WAS SO PLEASANT AND PERFECT AND WHOLESOME UGH WHERE DO I BEGIN?!??
Ahem. Well then.
Dare is the second book in the Foolish Kingdoms duology, told in Flare’s first perspective and third perspective for Jeryn, and I wish I read the first book, Trick, before this (and I’m kicking myself for keeping it on my TBR list for this long). This can be read as a standalone, though (BUT YA’LL READ TRICK BEFOREHAND, as I wish I did).
I will try my best to give a brief summary of this exquisite craftsmanship:
Flare, a Summer prisoner claimed to be mad, and Jeryn, a calculating Winter prince are shipwrecked against all odds, to battle with a wilderness that is not meant to be tamed. The rainforest is unlike any other, a dangerous, magical, exciting thing of nature. Flare and Jeryn are thrust into a journey of discovery and survival, fear and wonder, confrontation and healing. Their journey is painful and mesmerizing and on the edge of charting into dangerous territories, both figuratively and literally.
There. That’s all I’m going to say. That’s my formal introduction to the novel. SHALL WE DIVE INTO THE FEELS?? YES. YES, WE SHALL.
First of all, the characters are so damn unapologetically themselves and I adored that with all my gleeful, feels-filled heart. We have:
- Flare, who is passionately engrossed with the rainforest, does not give up her beliefs, stands her ground, and is perpetually uncensoredThere are other characters, of course, but these two are our focus because friggin’ hell ya’ll. I’ve never rooted for characters as much as I have for Flare and Jeryn *brb, crying*
- Jeryn, who is patient, careful, resilient, and ever-evolving, and a boy who learns and learns and learns, healing others and working through his cruelty and fears
The best part about them is that they clash and hate and understand and don’t understand each other. The differences between fantasy and reality expands beyond their individualities; you can literally look at the narrative style and see how Flare’s continuous, unpolished thoughts contrast to Jeryn’s careful, precise thoughts. Their personalities extend beyond their persons and into the body of the text, and THAT WAS JUST BLOODY FANTASTIC
SKJFGSDKHJFH. I could write an essay about these two but I shouldn’t, as there is more to be discussed.
Secondly, the novel isn’t just an adventure and a romance; it addresses mental health, and that, to me, is a damn score.
How often do trauma, panic, anxiety, and paranoia get represented in YA/NA fantasy without being over-the-top, patronizing, and just flat-out misrepresented? Not freaking enough. In Dare, the characters are smothered in pains and it’s not cringey. It’s methodically displayed in the style of writing, in the subtle actions of the characters, and it’s all done with respect.
Some things I’d like to point out:
- This is a slow burn that ignites into an inferno. No one is spared in this book. Not Flare, not Jeryn, not the cute little frog you’ll love, not the kingdoms, not the reader. Everyone faces changeThis truly felt like a daring adventure. The characters, the rainforest, the morals, the surprises, the struggles, the changes. I had to put my kindle down and let my body normalize because feels feels feels feels feels. Definitely give Dare a read because it will unravel you as it has done with Flare and Jeryn.
- Things took time to happen and that was completely understandable because conditioned thinking doesn't strip itself in a few days, nor does passion break boundaries or understanding and change occur in a few encounters
- At one point, I was reminded of GoT omg omg omg I needed a moment to collect myself
- There is diversity and inclusivity and it’s done without glamour and it’s perfect. We have POC, we have gender roles blasted to hell, we have sexual openness, and we have societal norms stripped bare and burned to ashes
- “You have to dare.” Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, stooopppp my feelssskyfdskhg
- I appreciated the details of the landscapes and histories! My biology-major heart rejoiced at Jeryn's curiosity and keen eye for all things science and my English-major heart loved all things mystical and profound ahhh this was a treat!
- I’d really like a vial pendant now
- My whole perspective of beaches has changed. I never liked beaches or sand or the sun, but I’ve always appreciated it and respected those who did but Dare gave me another understanding
- "In the daylight, you're bold. By the firelight, you're brilliant. Under the night light, you're enduring. Always, you're lasting." *sobbing*
- I felt Flare and Jeryn’s journey in my bones. I don’t know how that’s possible but I did
- I couldn’t have imagined a better ending. How fitting!
September 16, 2017
you can find my review on my blog as well!
Dare was a book far more different than I expected it to be and in all the best ways, I think.
Natalia Jaster really has a way with writing, but specifically, writing her characters, because I think they're always the strongest part of her books. I was impressed by this when I read Trick, and how she'd managed to do dual POV between a character like Poet and the Autumn Princess, Briar. Poet was a character like I've never met before and the way he spoke, the way he acted--it was amazing how she managed to be consistent with him, such a unique and different character.
In the follow up to Trick, Jaster does that again! While the main characters here, Jeryn and Flare, aren't quite like Poet, their personalities are complete and total opposites and Jaster wrote them splendidly. Exploring and developing them throughout the book was something I really enjoyed.
Admittedly, I was a bit worried at first. Whenever there's a cruel, cold prince involved, I'm hesitant. It's so easy to have them be abusive and that ruins the character for me, even after the cruel prince begins to change. I found the way Jaster handled Jeryn to be mindful of that, but only later on... if that makes sense. I loved his character arc, definitely, but in the beginning, it was hard to feel anything positive for him. But I definitely enjoyed his point of view a lot!
Flare lives up to her name--she is fiery and feisty! It was strange to read a story where the character is mute and relies on mouthing words, but I thought it was well done.
Getting used to Flare took some time. She was hotheaded and reckless and went into things without thinking of the consequences. One of the best parts of her development was witnessing her pay more mind instead of brashly rushing headfirst into things.
Also: they did this together! They made each other better and I just adored that.
The romance, to me, took forever. The buildup was amazing, definitely but oh my god! It makes sense, considering they hated each other, but this isn't a story that takes place in several days or weeks or months. So the buildup was a really long time. This is one of the bits that surprised me but I suppose it did make sense.
Another thing about the romance: while it was heated, it was also... a bit more mature than Trick. It was one of the few things I didn't like about that book, but Jaster did a phenomenal job with Jeryn and Flare! Their moments together were so cute!
The ending was another different aspect. Not saying anything about this other than that I enjoyed what she did and that it took me by surprise.
Overall, this book was a really enjoyable read! I loved the characters, the lush setting, the romance, and everything in between. Natalia Jaster is an amazing writer and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next
---
The synopsis is up! And it sounds prettyyyy good. Is that the enemies-to-lovers trope I sense? 👀
Dare was a book far more different than I expected it to be and in all the best ways, I think.
Natalia Jaster really has a way with writing, but specifically, writing her characters, because I think they're always the strongest part of her books. I was impressed by this when I read Trick, and how she'd managed to do dual POV between a character like Poet and the Autumn Princess, Briar. Poet was a character like I've never met before and the way he spoke, the way he acted--it was amazing how she managed to be consistent with him, such a unique and different character.
In the follow up to Trick, Jaster does that again! While the main characters here, Jeryn and Flare, aren't quite like Poet, their personalities are complete and total opposites and Jaster wrote them splendidly. Exploring and developing them throughout the book was something I really enjoyed.
Admittedly, I was a bit worried at first. Whenever there's a cruel, cold prince involved, I'm hesitant. It's so easy to have them be abusive and that ruins the character for me, even after the cruel prince begins to change. I found the way Jaster handled Jeryn to be mindful of that, but only later on... if that makes sense. I loved his character arc, definitely, but in the beginning, it was hard to feel anything positive for him. But I definitely enjoyed his point of view a lot!
Flare lives up to her name--she is fiery and feisty! It was strange to read a story where the character is mute and relies on mouthing words, but I thought it was well done.
Getting used to Flare took some time. She was hotheaded and reckless and went into things without thinking of the consequences. One of the best parts of her development was witnessing her pay more mind instead of brashly rushing headfirst into things.
Also: they did this together! They made each other better and I just adored that.
The romance, to me, took forever. The buildup was amazing, definitely but oh my god! It makes sense, considering they hated each other, but this isn't a story that takes place in several days or weeks or months. So the buildup was a really long time. This is one of the bits that surprised me but I suppose it did make sense.
Another thing about the romance: while it was heated, it was also... a bit more mature than Trick. It was one of the few things I didn't like about that book, but Jaster did a phenomenal job with Jeryn and Flare! Their moments together were so cute!
The ending was another different aspect. Not saying anything about this other than that I enjoyed what she did and that it took me by surprise.
Overall, this book was a really enjoyable read! I loved the characters, the lush setting, the romance, and everything in between. Natalia Jaster is an amazing writer and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next
---
The synopsis is up! And it sounds prettyyyy good. Is that the enemies-to-lovers trope I sense? 👀
July 11, 2020
She was a dreamer and he was a scientist. She was a monster and he was her nightmare.
If you're a fan of hate-to-love, forbidden, slow burn romance (who isnt?), you'd enjoy this!
RTC
If you're a fan of hate-to-love, forbidden, slow burn romance (who isnt?), you'd enjoy this!
RTC
September 9, 2024
Same Review Also Posted On My Blog: Dreamy Addictions
“In the daylight, you’re bold.
By the firelight, you’re brilliant.
Under the night light, you’re enduring.
Always you're lasting”
Dare is the second book in the Foolish Kingdoms series. I've been so looking forward to read this book since I've finished the first book Trick which I really loved. After reading Dare's synopsis, I'm totally sold. It really sounded like another great hate to love romance which I'm a total sucker for. So, I Knew I had to read it ASAP. Well, I enjoyed this book as much as I did with the first one. This book gave some Blue Lagoon Vibes, and boy, did I loved it. The characters Flare and Jeryn were pretty amazing. I loved reading their story even though I found the pacing a bit slow. The whole setting was quite fascinating. Besides the wonderful slow burn romance, this book also focused on mental disorders. Seriously, I've never read a fantasy book that represented mental illnesses because you usually find them in contemporary books. So, it was very refreshing.
“Love was a danger to all. To the heart. To sanity.
Yet all dared to have it. Because it gave life.”
Flare is born a fool and one day she was caught by the summer soldiers just because she's made of madness that she didn't even understand. She was only Ten years old when she was locked up in a cage and since then she always dreamed of escaping to her mystical island. Now she's seventeen and still a prisoner in her cage, but she hasn't lost her hope yet. When a cruel winter Prince arrives in Summer for the fools trade, he surveys the imprisoned fools and then his eyes land on the fiery gaze of Flare who refuses to stand down without a fight. To him, they're just test subjects meant for experimentation and he despises them. For the greater good of humanity, he doesn't feel guilty about sacrificing them. After a mythical shipwreck, Flare and the cold prince both find themselves stranded on a mysterious rainforest island which everyone believed was a myth. They hate each other, but In order to survive in the wildness, they need to work together even if they don't trust each other. Hence begins an unlikely relationship between a prisoner and a prince which soon turns into a friendship and later evolves into something forbidden and equally dangerous.
“Our language was the sand and snow, the rain and tides. Our language was a ferocious and hidden one, an isolated one, a language of survival. It was a rainforest.”
I loved Flare! She's wild, feisty, stubborn, fearless, and very much determined. She stood strongly on her beliefs and never gave up without a fight. On the other hand Prince Jeryn is smart, calculated, cold, and arrogant. He's such an intriguing character and I quite enjoyed his character growth throughout, it's one of the best things I loved about this book. The very slow burn romance between Flare and Jeryn is quite well done, I absolutely loved it. I'm glad it wasn't rushed and I really enjoyed how they communicated with each other. Flare is actually a mute but Jeryn got the words by reading her lips. Their relationship grew very slowly and when it turned into something more intense, things started to get hot and heavy between them. Their love was so beautiful and strong that I couldn't help but rooting for them. They're polar opposites but together they're perfect. And finally I'd like to mention another character that stole my heart, he's called the Little Knight. He's a tiny little frog who adored Flare and followed her everywhere. He's so cute, loyal, and adorable. I wish I had a loyal companion like him. I almost forgot to mention that my favorite couple from the first book made an appearance at the end of the book and I really liked seeing them once again.
“I felt in us science and spirit, caution and curiosity, sanity and wildness, realness and myth, the normal and the strange. There was sense and madness everywhere, love and hate. We’d dared to explore both, a prince and a drifter, a cold boy and a flaming girl, a healer and a sand sketcher. Our story happened.”
This book is mostly a character driven plot. If you like Character driven Plot then you'll love this book. The Pacing seemed slower than the first book but It didn't bother me much because I really enjoyed the story and the adventurous journey of Flare and Jeryn. Their story was so addicting and captivating, I never got bored. Things seemed a bit rushed at the end, but it's not a big deal. The characters are well built and well developed. The author perfectly represented the mental disorders like anxiety, panic attacks, and Paranoia etc. The writing was simply superb. I loved the poetic writing style of the author. The book was told in Flare's first Person Perspective and Jeryn's third person perspective. The world building was fantastic. I loved the whole landscape of the rainforest Island, it was beautiful but also deadly. There's actually no real magic in this book but the whole journey will definitely feel like a magical experience.
“For wrongness and violence come in many guises, as do goodness and innocence. Nature distinguishes us all, not merely some of us. Thus, our job is not to exclude blindly. Our job is to unite sagely.”
Overall, I loved this book! It's a beautiful story of Adventure, Survival, Love, Healing, and Redemption. The ending was just perfect, I loved it. I really can't wait to know what Jaster has in store for us next.
“In the daylight, you’re bold.
By the firelight, you’re brilliant.
Under the night light, you’re enduring.
Always you're lasting”
Dare is the second book in the Foolish Kingdoms series. I've been so looking forward to read this book since I've finished the first book Trick which I really loved. After reading Dare's synopsis, I'm totally sold. It really sounded like another great hate to love romance which I'm a total sucker for. So, I Knew I had to read it ASAP. Well, I enjoyed this book as much as I did with the first one. This book gave some Blue Lagoon Vibes, and boy, did I loved it. The characters Flare and Jeryn were pretty amazing. I loved reading their story even though I found the pacing a bit slow. The whole setting was quite fascinating. Besides the wonderful slow burn romance, this book also focused on mental disorders. Seriously, I've never read a fantasy book that represented mental illnesses because you usually find them in contemporary books. So, it was very refreshing.
“Love was a danger to all. To the heart. To sanity.
Yet all dared to have it. Because it gave life.”
Flare is born a fool and one day she was caught by the summer soldiers just because she's made of madness that she didn't even understand. She was only Ten years old when she was locked up in a cage and since then she always dreamed of escaping to her mystical island. Now she's seventeen and still a prisoner in her cage, but she hasn't lost her hope yet. When a cruel winter Prince arrives in Summer for the fools trade, he surveys the imprisoned fools and then his eyes land on the fiery gaze of Flare who refuses to stand down without a fight. To him, they're just test subjects meant for experimentation and he despises them. For the greater good of humanity, he doesn't feel guilty about sacrificing them. After a mythical shipwreck, Flare and the cold prince both find themselves stranded on a mysterious rainforest island which everyone believed was a myth. They hate each other, but In order to survive in the wildness, they need to work together even if they don't trust each other. Hence begins an unlikely relationship between a prisoner and a prince which soon turns into a friendship and later evolves into something forbidden and equally dangerous.
“Our language was the sand and snow, the rain and tides. Our language was a ferocious and hidden one, an isolated one, a language of survival. It was a rainforest.”
I loved Flare! She's wild, feisty, stubborn, fearless, and very much determined. She stood strongly on her beliefs and never gave up without a fight. On the other hand Prince Jeryn is smart, calculated, cold, and arrogant. He's such an intriguing character and I quite enjoyed his character growth throughout, it's one of the best things I loved about this book. The very slow burn romance between Flare and Jeryn is quite well done, I absolutely loved it. I'm glad it wasn't rushed and I really enjoyed how they communicated with each other. Flare is actually a mute but Jeryn got the words by reading her lips. Their relationship grew very slowly and when it turned into something more intense, things started to get hot and heavy between them. Their love was so beautiful and strong that I couldn't help but rooting for them. They're polar opposites but together they're perfect. And finally I'd like to mention another character that stole my heart, he's called the Little Knight. He's a tiny little frog who adored Flare and followed her everywhere. He's so cute, loyal, and adorable. I wish I had a loyal companion like him. I almost forgot to mention that my favorite couple from the first book made an appearance at the end of the book and I really liked seeing them once again.
“I felt in us science and spirit, caution and curiosity, sanity and wildness, realness and myth, the normal and the strange. There was sense and madness everywhere, love and hate. We’d dared to explore both, a prince and a drifter, a cold boy and a flaming girl, a healer and a sand sketcher. Our story happened.”
This book is mostly a character driven plot. If you like Character driven Plot then you'll love this book. The Pacing seemed slower than the first book but It didn't bother me much because I really enjoyed the story and the adventurous journey of Flare and Jeryn. Their story was so addicting and captivating, I never got bored. Things seemed a bit rushed at the end, but it's not a big deal. The characters are well built and well developed. The author perfectly represented the mental disorders like anxiety, panic attacks, and Paranoia etc. The writing was simply superb. I loved the poetic writing style of the author. The book was told in Flare's first Person Perspective and Jeryn's third person perspective. The world building was fantastic. I loved the whole landscape of the rainforest Island, it was beautiful but also deadly. There's actually no real magic in this book but the whole journey will definitely feel like a magical experience.
“For wrongness and violence come in many guises, as do goodness and innocence. Nature distinguishes us all, not merely some of us. Thus, our job is not to exclude blindly. Our job is to unite sagely.”
Overall, I loved this book! It's a beautiful story of Adventure, Survival, Love, Healing, and Redemption. The ending was just perfect, I loved it. I really can't wait to know what Jaster has in store for us next.
June 29, 2018
4.5 stars
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!
Yes that needed to be said in all caps lock because I want to scream it to the sky. This book was a thousand times better than the first book, which is a prize considering I really enjoyed the first book. But this book...this book owned my heart. I was captivated from the first page and I couldn't stop reading, couldn't stop thinking about these characters and their story. I have finals coming up so I haven't had time to breathe really, much less read anything but this book demanded my full attention and I gave it, happily.
I loved so much that this book was all about Flare and Jeryn. Their time spent on the island (which was 3 quarters of the book) were my absolute favorite parts of this book. I loved seeing them live and learn each other on that island. I loved that this was a enemies to lovers romance and it was done so well. Once they left the island I liked the book a teensy bit less but even then, I still loved these characters and yearned for more.
The one thing that I'm learning about this author's writing style and her books is that she gives unconventional endings. Not quite happily ever afters but not a horrible ending either. But they leave me with so many questions and they don't leave me fully satisfied and I'm learning that I don't like that at all. I dislike that the endings (judging from this book and the first) don't actually give the characters an actual HEA with them together but sort of HFN-ish. Especially in this book. I don't want to spoil anything more but I was a bit disappointed with the ending of this book and how .
Overall I'm so happy I read this and it is definitely going down as one of my favorite books I've read this year!
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!
Yes that needed to be said in all caps lock because I want to scream it to the sky. This book was a thousand times better than the first book, which is a prize considering I really enjoyed the first book. But this book...this book owned my heart. I was captivated from the first page and I couldn't stop reading, couldn't stop thinking about these characters and their story. I have finals coming up so I haven't had time to breathe really, much less read anything but this book demanded my full attention and I gave it, happily.
I loved so much that this book was all about Flare and Jeryn. Their time spent on the island (which was 3 quarters of the book) were my absolute favorite parts of this book. I loved seeing them live and learn each other on that island. I loved that this was a enemies to lovers romance and it was done so well. Once they left the island I liked the book a teensy bit less but even then, I still loved these characters and yearned for more.
The one thing that I'm learning about this author's writing style and her books is that she gives unconventional endings. Not quite happily ever afters but not a horrible ending either. But they leave me with so many questions and they don't leave me fully satisfied and I'm learning that I don't like that at all. I dislike that the endings (judging from this book and the first) don't actually give the characters an actual HEA with them together but sort of HFN-ish. Especially in this book. I don't want to spoil anything more but I was a bit disappointed with the ending of this book and how .
Overall I'm so happy I read this and it is definitely going down as one of my favorite books I've read this year!
March 18, 2018
Me right before I started this book: I am 101% sure I will NOT be dissapointed by this book. At all.
Now I feel completely stupid, because if reading series has taught me anything, some books just don't live up to their former counterparts.
But boy was I taken aback by my total indifference towards Dare. Trick was tense, imaginative, and epically romantic. I spent a lot of time reminiscing over how good it was afterwards, and admiring how nuanced the characters were, particularly fond of the ingenious of a love story involving a jest of all things, and making it work so beautifully. It really elevated my expectations for the next book, but those expectations soon came crumbling down.
I don't have a problem with Flare. In fact, she was probably the only component truly worth enjoying with all her quirks and adventurous mind.
The story lagged considerably - it was so. Damn. Slow. And way lengthier than it needed to be, especially when it's about being stranded on an island. There really wasn't much to showcase which just meant 70% filler, so cutting the length might have been a wise decision.
Trick is one of my favourite romances. I loved how it took an unconventional approach to a love story involving royalty. But the romance in Dare turned me off because of how obnoxiously pompous and self-entited Jeryn was . His stilted way of speech, demeaning retorts and overall snottiness prevented me from experiencing any genuine chemistry between him and Flare. And maybe I'm just being insensitive, but I couldn't empathise with his PTSD from a shark attack. I didn't feel convinced of his urgency and fear, and therefore using the incident to justify his arsehole-ry didn't succeed in earning my sympathy.
Suffice to say, I will never EVER expect any sequel to be as good as the first book. Although I know I'll continue hoping.
Now I feel completely stupid, because if reading series has taught me anything, some books just don't live up to their former counterparts.
But boy was I taken aback by my total indifference towards Dare. Trick was tense, imaginative, and epically romantic. I spent a lot of time reminiscing over how good it was afterwards, and admiring how nuanced the characters were, particularly fond of the ingenious of a love story involving a jest of all things, and making it work so beautifully. It really elevated my expectations for the next book, but those expectations soon came crumbling down.
I don't have a problem with Flare. In fact, she was probably the only component truly worth enjoying with all her quirks and adventurous mind.
The story lagged considerably - it was so. Damn. Slow. And way lengthier than it needed to be, especially when it's about being stranded on an island. There really wasn't much to showcase which just meant 70% filler, so cutting the length might have been a wise decision.
Trick is one of my favourite romances. I loved how it took an unconventional approach to a love story involving royalty. But the romance in Dare turned me off because of how obnoxiously pompous and self-entited Jeryn was . His stilted way of speech, demeaning retorts and overall snottiness prevented me from experiencing any genuine chemistry between him and Flare. And maybe I'm just being insensitive, but I couldn't empathise with his PTSD from a shark attack. I didn't feel convinced of his urgency and fear, and therefore using the incident to justify his arsehole-ry didn't succeed in earning my sympathy.
Suffice to say, I will never EVER expect any sequel to be as good as the first book. Although I know I'll continue hoping.
November 16, 2019
Can a fiery Summer Fool melt the heart of the coldblooded Winter Prince?
I really enjoyed this book! It had Blue Lagoon vibes with our main characters Flare and Jeryn not only fighting to survive the island but each other.
Can't wait to read about the other courts next!
I really enjoyed this book! It had Blue Lagoon vibes with our main characters Flare and Jeryn not only fighting to survive the island but each other.
Can't wait to read about the other courts next!
July 21, 2024
I liked the premise, there were some really strong moments, the second half was good, and I love the author's writing style, but all of that cannot make up for how cruel and bigoted the love interest was in the first half of the book. Even for enemies-to-lovers, it was too much.
July 9, 2019
I can't believe I almost forgot about this series! While I read Trick earlier this year and really liked it, this story of Flare and Jeryn made me laugh and cry and feel.
Jeryn is so hard to sympathize with initially. He's rigid and cruel in his ideology and sees only what he wants to see. Those born as "fools" or "mad" aren't really people and are only a means to an end in the medical research field. Flare, this spirited girl without a voice who really does possess a touch of madness, is not having any part in this submissive slave role that she's been sold into. Instead of going meekly, Flare makes a daring escape using her parent's boat only to realize too late that Jeryn has followed after her. Through a summer squall, they make it to an uncharted island, an island that Flare has felt calling to her for her entire life. Jeryn and Flare must learn to live with one another on this island, this island that only exists in myths, where the weather doesn't behave as it ought and the forest has a mind of its own.
Seeing these two grow together over the course of the book brought me to tears multiple times. It was poignant and moving and inspiring and so very hard at times. I loved it.
Jeryn is so hard to sympathize with initially. He's rigid and cruel in his ideology and sees only what he wants to see. Those born as "fools" or "mad" aren't really people and are only a means to an end in the medical research field. Flare, this spirited girl without a voice who really does possess a touch of madness, is not having any part in this submissive slave role that she's been sold into. Instead of going meekly, Flare makes a daring escape using her parent's boat only to realize too late that Jeryn has followed after her. Through a summer squall, they make it to an uncharted island, an island that Flare has felt calling to her for her entire life. Jeryn and Flare must learn to live with one another on this island, this island that only exists in myths, where the weather doesn't behave as it ought and the forest has a mind of its own.
Seeing these two grow together over the course of the book brought me to tears multiple times. It was poignant and moving and inspiring and so very hard at times. I loved it.
April 27, 2025
Flare’s story
I love that Flare got a whole story and while a super slow burn this one was interesting from start to finish! Yes the backstories as well as that ending was heartbreaking! But why??? But looking forward to book 5!
I love that Flare got a whole story and while a super slow burn this one was interesting from start to finish! Yes the backstories as well as that ending was heartbreaking! But why??? But looking forward to book 5!
July 13, 2019
Still well written, but goodness, the author chose two very difficult characters (one an icy prince and the other, a girl who'd lost her voice due to trauma) and had the tricky job of making us, the readers, identify with them. Still a great romance, but there's little tension and no stakes, so this doesn't have the breathless, heart-pounding pace that Trick had. The whole series is in KU, which makes reading-on a no-brainer.
September 15, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ What an adventure! I really enjoyed Flare and Jeryn's story in Dare! As always and just like the previous books in The Foolish Kingdoms series, I absolutely LOVE Natalia's writing style! It's dark, beautiful and absolute perfection! Natalia has a way with words and I am always captivated.
In Dare we follow Flare and Jeryn along a wild roller coaster ride of a cat and mouse chase to reluctant allies, then enemies to lovers/captor captive romance.... I really enjoyed the development of their characters! It truly was a wild ride. The spice was SPICING and done right! The tension was absolutely feral and I ate it up!
Well done, Natalia! I can't wait to read the next installment in this series! 👏🏽
In Dare we follow Flare and Jeryn along a wild roller coaster ride of a cat and mouse chase to reluctant allies, then enemies to lovers/captor captive romance.... I really enjoyed the development of their characters! It truly was a wild ride. The spice was SPICING and done right! The tension was absolutely feral and I ate it up!
Well done, Natalia! I can't wait to read the next installment in this series! 👏🏽
July 19, 2017
“In the daylight, you’re bold. By the firelight, you’re brilliant. Under the night light, you’re enduring. Always, you’re lasting.”
- I read an early ARC copy in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own, and some details may have changed -
Dare is the second book in the Foolish Kingdoms world, but can be read as a stand-alone (although it’s highly recommened to read the first book, Trick, before diving into this one).
Dare is the tale of a fiercely passionate girl of Summer and a cold but brilliant prince of Winter. lt’s the tale of two people who absolutely detest each other, but wind up stranded on an uncharted island together. Dare is the story of two people who absolutely cannot be together, but find they desparately want to be. If they can survive the island. If they can find each other after.
With bold characters, a little froggy side-kick, and a wildly vivid landscape, this novel is all of the best qualities Jaster has become known for.
Reading a new Natalia Jaster book (or any Natalia Jaster book) is like returning to my happy place. Her writing is just so lyrical and vivid; exceptionally gorgeous. Dare lives up to these standards and does not disappoint. She takes the enemies to lovers trope and executes it impeccably.
Through the characters, Flare and Jeryn, we experience a wonderful arc of character development.
We see Jeryn go from a cold, cruel prince, to a more caring and open-minded man. A person who wants to use his passion for science and his power to help the world change for the better.
We see Flare grow from a person who unwittingly follows her base instincts to a woman who learns to consider her actions and recognise her faults. Who uses her art to change the hearts and minds of people.
We also see the return of characters from Trick which absolutely warmed my heart.
I honestly love this book, and this world, so much. I don’t even know what to say without being a flail-y mess. It’s almost painful leaving her worlds and words behind, moving on to another book.
“Then I am yours. Everywhere you are, I shall be yours.”
Rating:
5/5
August 10, 2017
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
They called me a freak of nature. They said I was a fool captive, one of the mad, made of madness, but I didn’t know why.
I knew only one thing.
I was ten years old.
Dare takes place in the same realm as Trick and it's the second book in the Foolish Kingdoms duology.
It can be read as a standalone, but I highly suggest you to read Trick before this one, mostly because it's my favorite one of the two.
Dare is a story told from Flare’s first perspective and Jeryn's third one.
Our protagonists are Flare, a Summer prisoner declared mad, and Jeryn, the cold prince of Winter. They absolutely destest each other, but due to some circumstances they end up together, and alone, on a mythical island. It's a story about two people who can't and don't want to be together in the beginning, but find out they can't live without each other at the end.
This is a character driven book, the focus is mostly on their relationship and their personal development. That's one of the reasons why I found the book slow at times, it took many pages to get into the story. Enemies to lovers stories are my favorites, and I loved how this one was execute. Natalia’s writing is as lyrical and beautiful as always.
They called me a freak of nature. They said I was a fool captive, one of the mad, made of madness, but I didn’t know why.
I knew only one thing.
I was ten years old.
Dare takes place in the same realm as Trick and it's the second book in the Foolish Kingdoms duology.
It can be read as a standalone, but I highly suggest you to read Trick before this one, mostly because it's my favorite one of the two.
Dare is a story told from Flare’s first perspective and Jeryn's third one.
Our protagonists are Flare, a Summer prisoner declared mad, and Jeryn, the cold prince of Winter. They absolutely destest each other, but due to some circumstances they end up together, and alone, on a mythical island. It's a story about two people who can't and don't want to be together in the beginning, but find out they can't live without each other at the end.
This is a character driven book, the focus is mostly on their relationship and their personal development. That's one of the reasons why I found the book slow at times, it took many pages to get into the story. Enemies to lovers stories are my favorites, and I loved how this one was execute. Natalia’s writing is as lyrical and beautiful as always.
December 24, 2018
Beautiful.
I really love the writing style in the Foolish Kingdoms Books. I can only describe it as beautiful.
The story of Jeryn and Dare is the classic story of two people stranded on an island, finding love. It's an enemies-to-lovers book, so a little more intriguing. The Island of the Lost Rain that they were stranded on was a very interesting place, too. It defied explanation, and really did seem to have a spirit, as Flare believed. The island leant to the fantasy of the realms, with it's punishing rains and healing springs.
I'm wondering if the goals of the MCs in both books will come to fruition in the next book. I will continue to read the series.
On a side note: Jeryn was more my type. Ha ha! The stoic guy with a scientifically assessing mind. Brawny, with good hair. 😜 My question is, why must the author make it a point to reveal that the male leads have all had homosexual experiences thus far? I find it strange.
I really love the writing style in the Foolish Kingdoms Books. I can only describe it as beautiful.
The story of Jeryn and Dare is the classic story of two people stranded on an island, finding love. It's an enemies-to-lovers book, so a little more intriguing. The Island of the Lost Rain that they were stranded on was a very interesting place, too. It defied explanation, and really did seem to have a spirit, as Flare believed. The island leant to the fantasy of the realms, with it's punishing rains and healing springs.
I'm wondering if the goals of the MCs in both books will come to fruition in the next book. I will continue to read the series.
On a side note: Jeryn was more my type. Ha ha! The stoic guy with a scientifically assessing mind. Brawny, with good hair. 😜 My question is, why must the author make it a point to reveal that the male leads have all had homosexual experiences thus far? I find it strange.
February 3, 2025
I truly must give applause to Natalia Jaster for her beautiful words, world building and characters. It takes skill to make you loath a character and at the same time enjoy what you are reading, then to turn your emotions around and love that same flawed character. So far, I have enjoyed this series. Each book has such different characters portrayed, definitely not cookie cutter. Recommended read.
January 6, 2018
I was very bored with this book.
October 21, 2019
As good as the first one! Love it, the romance is well crafted. 4/5
August 22, 2024
This book is a high fantasy adventure romance that I simply couldn’t put down! I’m a slow reader and let me tell you I did not rush this because I wanted to saver every moment of this book! I have to be honest, I did get a little nervous that I wasn’t gonna like it “as much” as her other books but dang it, it ended up being better than I even imagined! The miracles that happen in this book and the adventure crusade to better lives in their kingdoms for a better world makes it all worth it.
Natalia Jaster is one of my top favorite authors and she never disappoints! The newly released gem is available on KU and paperback today! This romantasy is a story of captivity, isolation, survival, learning understanding, compassion, and brutal smoldering passion between two opposing souls. An enemies to lovers experience! This fire storm of an adventure shows how hate can be overpowered by love and move kingdoms!
This is the 4th book in foolish kingdoms/Dark seasons series. I do suggest you start with book 1 which is Trick, but you will still have a really good time if you jump in on the 4th book. Makes more of an impact if you start with the 1st in the series. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed because the series is one hell of a whirlwind, powerful, romantic adventure! It literally ignited kingdoms! You will also see some familiar faces that you’ve seen in the first three books. With Dare, you follow a coldhearted royal villain, a prince of Winter, with his Summerland captive with fire in her veins! Accidents happen, and when marooned on a magical, phantom, misty, mysterious, dangerous island, fire and ice collide! They must work together, but with such strong, opposing souls at war with each other, they must come together to survive on this mythical jungle Island. Full of perils that will only bring them together. Or will it pull them even more apart? Tee hee!!!!! Adventure Time! It’s dual POV and I really enjoy the play that Author Natalia does with the two main characters at the end of a chapter and to the beginning of the chapter. The play with the dual POV’s when it switches to one person and then to the other is unique and is something that I haven’t read before. When you read it, you’re gonna know what I’m talking about and it’s really fun!
The hate, the love, the passion, the self forgiveness, the self sacrifice and healing is so incredible and blended so well to make an incredible plot! Spicy, intense and so well done for this couple! Absolutely fits and works and is absolutely titillating! “Break down with me. Fall with me.”-Flare. Slow burn, but the slow melt of the ice princes heart is worth every second! The adventure that goes along with it with the incredible spice, incredible adventure, and the incredible passion is everything you’re looking for a high fantasy romance. “Then I unraveled like the sea, like a tale of flame. Bracing my palms on his chest….” (I’m just gonna leave this right here for ya😉)
How will they get off the island? How are they going to reconcile the differences between a prince and a so-called born soul nobody? Well summer be able to change the villain’s ice heart? Well, I’m not gonna spoil it for you. Exciting I know!
“We kissed the past away. And as we did, the sun rose.” A gripping, exciting, passionate, romantic adventure. Natalia you did it once again! Thank you for sharing your works of art with us!
This is part of the dark season/foolish kingdoms series. The first three are a completed trilogy, and an absolute must read! Do not pass this series up! I am so excited for more of the foolish kingdom series! I simply can’t wait! Natalia is, and always will be one of the few authors that is an instant buy for me! I believe in her work and you can feel the passion and love that she puts into her amazing stories as you read it.
5/5🌟 and the dark seasons/foolish kingdoms series is a 5/5🌟 5/5🌶️ 18+ make sure to always check your trigger warnings.
Enjoy my bookish friends and remember; if you love/like a book, talk about it!
* I received this book as an ARC, but I can assure you all the thoughts in this review are my own.
#romantasy #highfantasybooks #romantic #enemiestolovers #instabooks #spicybooks #smuttybooklover #foolishkingdoms #nataliajaster #bookboyfriend #darkseasons #booktok #newrelease #fall2024 #summer2024 #romanticfantasy
Natalia Jaster is one of my top favorite authors and she never disappoints! The newly released gem is available on KU and paperback today! This romantasy is a story of captivity, isolation, survival, learning understanding, compassion, and brutal smoldering passion between two opposing souls. An enemies to lovers experience! This fire storm of an adventure shows how hate can be overpowered by love and move kingdoms!
This is the 4th book in foolish kingdoms/Dark seasons series. I do suggest you start with book 1 which is Trick, but you will still have a really good time if you jump in on the 4th book. Makes more of an impact if you start with the 1st in the series. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed because the series is one hell of a whirlwind, powerful, romantic adventure! It literally ignited kingdoms! You will also see some familiar faces that you’ve seen in the first three books. With Dare, you follow a coldhearted royal villain, a prince of Winter, with his Summerland captive with fire in her veins! Accidents happen, and when marooned on a magical, phantom, misty, mysterious, dangerous island, fire and ice collide! They must work together, but with such strong, opposing souls at war with each other, they must come together to survive on this mythical jungle Island. Full of perils that will only bring them together. Or will it pull them even more apart? Tee hee!!!!! Adventure Time! It’s dual POV and I really enjoy the play that Author Natalia does with the two main characters at the end of a chapter and to the beginning of the chapter. The play with the dual POV’s when it switches to one person and then to the other is unique and is something that I haven’t read before. When you read it, you’re gonna know what I’m talking about and it’s really fun!
The hate, the love, the passion, the self forgiveness, the self sacrifice and healing is so incredible and blended so well to make an incredible plot! Spicy, intense and so well done for this couple! Absolutely fits and works and is absolutely titillating! “Break down with me. Fall with me.”-Flare. Slow burn, but the slow melt of the ice princes heart is worth every second! The adventure that goes along with it with the incredible spice, incredible adventure, and the incredible passion is everything you’re looking for a high fantasy romance. “Then I unraveled like the sea, like a tale of flame. Bracing my palms on his chest….” (I’m just gonna leave this right here for ya😉)
How will they get off the island? How are they going to reconcile the differences between a prince and a so-called born soul nobody? Well summer be able to change the villain’s ice heart? Well, I’m not gonna spoil it for you. Exciting I know!
“We kissed the past away. And as we did, the sun rose.” A gripping, exciting, passionate, romantic adventure. Natalia you did it once again! Thank you for sharing your works of art with us!
This is part of the dark season/foolish kingdoms series. The first three are a completed trilogy, and an absolute must read! Do not pass this series up! I am so excited for more of the foolish kingdom series! I simply can’t wait! Natalia is, and always will be one of the few authors that is an instant buy for me! I believe in her work and you can feel the passion and love that she puts into her amazing stories as you read it.
5/5🌟 and the dark seasons/foolish kingdoms series is a 5/5🌟 5/5🌶️ 18+ make sure to always check your trigger warnings.
Enjoy my bookish friends and remember; if you love/like a book, talk about it!
* I received this book as an ARC, but I can assure you all the thoughts in this review are my own.
#romantasy #highfantasybooks #romantic #enemiestolovers #instabooks #spicybooks #smuttybooklover #foolishkingdoms #nataliajaster #bookboyfriend #darkseasons #booktok #newrelease #fall2024 #summer2024 #romanticfantasy
October 15, 2018
After hearing so many great things about Natalia Jaster’s Foolish Kingdoms series, I decided to jump in and give it a try. Although I enjoyed the first book, Trick, I was not as crazy about it as I had expected to be. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it enough to pick up book two, Dare.
There is no doubt in my mind that I enjoyed Dare more than I enjoyed Trick. Both were enjoyable reads, yet I was completely smitten with Dare whereas I simply enjoyed Trick.
With Dare we have the kind of story I constantly find myself drifting towards – the love that develops between two individuals when stranded on an island together. It’s been done many times before, but when done right it’s a wonderful kind of tale. With Dare, we have that wonderful tale. Not only does it have all the fun of a couple stranded together, it also has all the wonderful elements of a great fantasy world. In fact, this one is a great addition to the series – it can be read as a standalone novel, but it delivers a stronger impact when read within the series.
In many ways, Dare starts off slow. Things are slow to develop between the characters, lots happens but time does not seem to move at all. Then, everything happens at once. We move forward in time, bigger events seem to happen, and the romance grows. Part of me feels as though the way in which things developed, the way in which attention to elements played out, was not as equal as it could have been, yet another part of me adores the way in which it reflects the changes in the characters. Things are slow to move between them, they’re both stuck within their views, then the development hits them as certain events happen. It’s slow where it needs to be, then intense when necessary. It’s a different way of showing the romance developing between characters, and I really enjoyed the break from what everyone else seems to be doing.
Plus, I feel as though this book will do wonders for the future books in the series. The things that occurred in this book are sure to have a knock-on effect on the future books, and I cannot wait to see what happens there. In fact, I’m extremely desperate to dive into the next book.
Trick left me curious about the Foolish Kingdoms series yet Dare has left me obsessed.
There is no doubt in my mind that I enjoyed Dare more than I enjoyed Trick. Both were enjoyable reads, yet I was completely smitten with Dare whereas I simply enjoyed Trick.
With Dare we have the kind of story I constantly find myself drifting towards – the love that develops between two individuals when stranded on an island together. It’s been done many times before, but when done right it’s a wonderful kind of tale. With Dare, we have that wonderful tale. Not only does it have all the fun of a couple stranded together, it also has all the wonderful elements of a great fantasy world. In fact, this one is a great addition to the series – it can be read as a standalone novel, but it delivers a stronger impact when read within the series.
In many ways, Dare starts off slow. Things are slow to develop between the characters, lots happens but time does not seem to move at all. Then, everything happens at once. We move forward in time, bigger events seem to happen, and the romance grows. Part of me feels as though the way in which things developed, the way in which attention to elements played out, was not as equal as it could have been, yet another part of me adores the way in which it reflects the changes in the characters. Things are slow to move between them, they’re both stuck within their views, then the development hits them as certain events happen. It’s slow where it needs to be, then intense when necessary. It’s a different way of showing the romance developing between characters, and I really enjoyed the break from what everyone else seems to be doing.
Plus, I feel as though this book will do wonders for the future books in the series. The things that occurred in this book are sure to have a knock-on effect on the future books, and I cannot wait to see what happens there. In fact, I’m extremely desperate to dive into the next book.
Trick left me curious about the Foolish Kingdoms series yet Dare has left me obsessed.
September 9, 2024
Dare
I absolutely loved this!! It was such an epic adventure and love story! Jeryn & Flare were fiery together.
Flare was daring, bold, imaginative, and unafraid. I loved how she came into herself and flourish.
Jeryn was cold, calculating, smart, possessive, and protective. I’ll be honest in the beginning I hated him. But of course over the course of the story I grew to understand his character and fell in love with this villain Prince.
The story was spicy with so much push and pull with the characters. Plus there were so many fantastic tropes to enjoy here like; enemies to allies to lovers, hate ***, possessive characters, hot villain MMC, captive romance, obsessive love, spicy, touch him/her and x, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, burn the world for you, chosen one, found family, and so much more!!
This could possibly be read as a standalone but best enjoyed in order of the Foolish Kingdoms Series. Plus Poet and Briar make some appearances and they’re always worth reading ;)
I absolutely loved this!! It was such an epic adventure and love story! Jeryn & Flare were fiery together.
Flare was daring, bold, imaginative, and unafraid. I loved how she came into herself and flourish.
Jeryn was cold, calculating, smart, possessive, and protective. I’ll be honest in the beginning I hated him. But of course over the course of the story I grew to understand his character and fell in love with this villain Prince.
The story was spicy with so much push and pull with the characters. Plus there were so many fantastic tropes to enjoy here like; enemies to allies to lovers, hate ***, possessive characters, hot villain MMC, captive romance, obsessive love, spicy, touch him/her and x, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, burn the world for you, chosen one, found family, and so much more!!
This could possibly be read as a standalone but best enjoyed in order of the Foolish Kingdoms Series. Plus Poet and Briar make some appearances and they’re always worth reading ;)
October 1, 2024
Mixed feelings about this. I'm a thousand times more interested in side characters and the overall fate of the kingdom. I have to see what's happening next. The romance was a chore to read.
I think it is more of a "not for me" situation with the romance, though. My two least favorite conventions are stranded on a desert island, and primal dom. Make one of the main characters Josef Mengele, and you've got a recipe for loathing.
The writing style is starting to wear on me. It works for any story that has Poet...it's his whole thing. Without his presence, it starts to look like overwrought thesaurus mining.
Still firmly entrenched in the series, but I won't be inviting others to join me down here anymore.
I think it is more of a "not for me" situation with the romance, though. My two least favorite conventions are stranded on a desert island, and primal dom. Make one of the main characters Josef Mengele, and you've got a recipe for loathing.
The writing style is starting to wear on me. It works for any story that has Poet...it's his whole thing. Without his presence, it starts to look like overwrought thesaurus mining.
Still firmly entrenched in the series, but I won't be inviting others to join me down here anymore.
July 31, 2017
*I received an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Dare is set in the same realm as Trick, and is the second instalment in the Foolish Kingdoms duology.
This story is told from dual point of views. Flare, a wild and free spirited girl who refuses to stand down without a fight, born as a fool and being locked away for a madness she doesn't understand. Jeryn, a prince of winter with a reputation for cruelty and a heart as cold as his season.
Two very different people with very different views and opinions, whose hatred for one another are about the only thing they can agree on.
Flare and Jeryn are polar opposites, and yet, also the perfect combination, their romance slow burning and unhurried. We learn about their pasts, their fears and their ambitions, and we watch slowly as their hatred turns into friendship, then followed by something more.
Reading Dare and being able to dive back in to this world was a wonderful experience. I found myself lost in the world that Natalia Jaster has created, easily being swept away by her writing style; something that I don't think I'll ever tire of.
I can never be sure how her books will finish, whether her stories will come to a bitter sweet end, a happily ever after, or heart wrenching conclusion. Never the less, it is always hard to let go once I've read a book by Jaster, and I think it's safe to say that I might have just found a new favourite author.
As for a favourite character, does little knight count? He was such a loyal companion, and while he spoke no words, he was definitely an adorable little friend who won me over instantly.
While this can be read as a standalone, I would personally recommend starting with Trick, as it gives you a bit of background on the world and also as there are a few characters from Trick that are mentioned in Dare.
Dare is set in the same realm as Trick, and is the second instalment in the Foolish Kingdoms duology.
This story is told from dual point of views. Flare, a wild and free spirited girl who refuses to stand down without a fight, born as a fool and being locked away for a madness she doesn't understand. Jeryn, a prince of winter with a reputation for cruelty and a heart as cold as his season.
Two very different people with very different views and opinions, whose hatred for one another are about the only thing they can agree on.
Flare and Jeryn are polar opposites, and yet, also the perfect combination, their romance slow burning and unhurried. We learn about their pasts, their fears and their ambitions, and we watch slowly as their hatred turns into friendship, then followed by something more.
Reading Dare and being able to dive back in to this world was a wonderful experience. I found myself lost in the world that Natalia Jaster has created, easily being swept away by her writing style; something that I don't think I'll ever tire of.
I can never be sure how her books will finish, whether her stories will come to a bitter sweet end, a happily ever after, or heart wrenching conclusion. Never the less, it is always hard to let go once I've read a book by Jaster, and I think it's safe to say that I might have just found a new favourite author.
As for a favourite character, does little knight count? He was such a loyal companion, and while he spoke no words, he was definitely an adorable little friend who won me over instantly.
While this can be read as a standalone, I would personally recommend starting with Trick, as it gives you a bit of background on the world and also as there are a few characters from Trick that are mentioned in Dare.
August 28, 2025
3.5 stars
On one hand, I really wanted to love this, and although I enjoyed it, love was not what I felt for this series. My two issues with these books is that the author has added so much spice to the story, the plot gets buried under all the moaning and groaning. What makes it even harder is that the author has a very romanticized style of writing that personally, I feel leans into the purple category. It's just a lot.
On one hand, I really wanted to love this, and although I enjoyed it, love was not what I felt for this series. My two issues with these books is that the author has added so much spice to the story, the plot gets buried under all the moaning and groaning. What makes it even harder is that the author has a very romanticized style of writing that personally, I feel leans into the purple category. It's just a lot.
August 15, 2017
3.5/5 Stars
April 11, 2019
4.5 stars.
December 19, 2019
O começo foi bem legal, no meio tive um pouco de dificuldade de continuar lendo, pois achei um pouco arrastado, mas amei o final.
Flare e Jeryn são personagens complexos e diferenciados.
Essa série é bem criativa, pretendo continuar lendo.
Flare e Jeryn são personagens complexos e diferenciados.
Essa série é bem criativa, pretendo continuar lendo.
March 20, 2022
“In the daylight, you’re bold.
By the firelight, you’re brilliant.
Under the night light, you’re enduring.
Always you're lasting”
I absolutely love this series and the Idea of it, however this book wasn't my favorite, but still quite enjoyable.
You follow the story of Flare a Fool in the kingdom of Summer and the prince of Winter, Jeryn when their stories intertwine when Jeryn needs fools for some health experiments. But Flare isn't ready for that future and flees with Jeryn on her heels. Stranded on an island they need each other to survive and the story takes up from there.
Can't wait for the next book in the series.
By the firelight, you’re brilliant.
Under the night light, you’re enduring.
Always you're lasting”
I absolutely love this series and the Idea of it, however this book wasn't my favorite, but still quite enjoyable.
You follow the story of Flare a Fool in the kingdom of Summer and the prince of Winter, Jeryn when their stories intertwine when Jeryn needs fools for some health experiments. But Flare isn't ready for that future and flees with Jeryn on her heels. Stranded on an island they need each other to survive and the story takes up from there.
Can't wait for the next book in the series.
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