What do you think?
Rate this book
Fallen Gods #1
The Sting of Victory
“When faced with monstrosity, become the greater monster. The sting of victory will fade with time.”
Haunted by a history of horror and abuse, Flowridia, a witch with a tender heart, finds a second chance in the home of her kingdom’s royal family. With employment comes friendship, and perhaps she has finally found a place to belong—until she catches the eye of Lady Ayla Darkleaf, a woman with enticing grace and a predatory smile. The corrupt world of politics consumes her, and Flowridia falls into a toxic love affair surely doomed for heartbreak. Yet when Ayla’s legacy as a monster unfolds, Flowridia sees only the tender soul hiding beneath.
An ancient deity returns, hell-bent on restoring the world to its natural order, and Flowridia’s kingdom is tasked to stop him. Caught in the ensuing clash of gods, her loyalties will be tempted at every turn—by family, by fate, and by the woman whose claws grip her heart.
Horror abounds, monsters rise, and hearts break in the first installment of FALLEN GODS
Haunted by a history of horror and abuse, Flowridia, a witch with a tender heart, finds a second chance in the home of her kingdom’s royal family. With employment comes friendship, and perhaps she has finally found a place to belong—until she catches the eye of Lady Ayla Darkleaf, a woman with enticing grace and a predatory smile. The corrupt world of politics consumes her, and Flowridia falls into a toxic love affair surely doomed for heartbreak. Yet when Ayla’s legacy as a monster unfolds, Flowridia sees only the tender soul hiding beneath.
An ancient deity returns, hell-bent on restoring the world to its natural order, and Flowridia’s kingdom is tasked to stop him. Caught in the ensuing clash of gods, her loyalties will be tempted at every turn—by family, by fate, and by the woman whose claws grip her heart.
Horror abounds, monsters rise, and hearts break in the first installment of FALLEN GODS
453 pages, ebook
First published September 14, 2018
465 people are currently reading
6937 people want to read
About the author
S.D. Simper
22 books871 followersSD Simper is a bestselling horror author, award-winner of fantasy romance, and understands that the true secret to writing great villains is living with cats. She and her wife share a home with four cats, a Great Dane, and innumerable bookshelves.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
June 19, 2024
This is by far and away the worst book I read in 2023, of the 108 books I read.
I read this for the Shit We've Read: After Dark podcast which is the only reason I finished it. Were I not reading this to record a podcast I would have DNF'd it by page 2. I don't even have it in me to write a cohesive review right now because we just recorded the episode and I'm a lightweight who's three glasses of wine in so here are my notes on the book for the episode:
- Hands down the worst prologue I’ve ever read in my life. My god, what is this complete fucking mess?
- The main character's name is FLOWRIDIA?????? (My own nicknames for this travesty of a name include: Flo Rida, Floridian, Florida Woman, Fluoride In The Tap Water, Heavy Flow, Flow Chart). That's the worst name I've ever had to read over and over again. The name appears 2,231 times in this godforsaken book (322 pages). LEARN WHAT A PRONOUN IS, I AM BEGGING.
- Horrendous writing and atrocious world building. It takes a bunch of fantasy creatures and shoves them all into a pot stirred into a nothing stew to try to distract you from the fact that there’s no comprehensible plot.
- All of the characters are almost completely one dimensional with no real motivations or personality. There’s the naïve one, the nice one, the other naïve one, the abusive one, the drunk one, the religious one, the loud one, and that’s about it.
- WHAT WAS THE PLOT? FOR A DOLLAR, NAME A PLOT, ANY PLOT.
- The entire “romance” plotline in this book is just abuse. It’s physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Even when it “turns” it’s still abusive. Ayla’s big crying speech reads like literally any abuser sobbing at their partner that they’ll change, they’ll be better, and then that they’re a disgusting, horrible, awful, no good person and should just die all to manipulate their partner into staying and caring for them.
- This book has absolutely no idea what it wants to say about that abuse. It flip flops seemingly at random between being a cautionary tale of falling into an abusive relationship while everyone around you just lets it happen, and a message that ultimately says you can fix your abuser with nothing but the power of love and kindness, which is frankly fucking disgusting.
- The way the author skirts around giving Flo Rida’s age MULTIPLE TIMES is an insane red flag and I’m going to take that to mean she’s a child. It’s joked that she has the body of a twelve year old and then amended to “no you look at least fifteen,” and when she is point blank asked her age multiple times she responds only with “I’m older than I look.” Paired with Ayla saying “age is just a number” not once, but TWICE, and her line late in the book that essentially amounts to “you’re very mature for your age,” it's disturbing. (post-recording: one of our other hosts remembers the book mentioning her age at some past point and extrapolating that to put the MCs age at about 17 within this book. Which...yikes. I am not into reading about the sexual abuse of anyone, but certainly not a minor.)
- We can get an exact age for the one that’s 1,736 years old, but not for the what I’m going to assume is a near child she’s coerced into a sexual relationship? I wonder why that is…
- Absolutely atrocious sex scenes. It reads like something written by someone who can’t conceive of what sex could even be outside of penetrative PiV sex. Writing sex scenes is a skill, y'all, and not everyone has it. These are very very bad.
- I saw someone's review refer to this relationship as a domme/sub dynamic and I cannot stress enough that that’s not what this is. D/S dynamics are mutually consensual, negotiated, they include safewords and aftercare, and this is not that. This is just one person preying upon someone younger, more naïve, and more inexperienced.
- It brings up slavery a lot for a book that has literally nothing to say about it and where we never actually meet one of these former slaves. Slavery is brought up again and again and again only in telling us that Etolie (fair skinned) is the ~savior of slaves~ because that’s all there is to her other than her one (1) allotted trait of alcoholism and it’s used simply to make the good guys look good and the bad guys look bad. There is no discussion of what slavery actually means in this world, who becomes slaves, or any real discussion of slaves as people. They’re invisible props. There’s also a completely throwaway line about refugees that we never come back to after that whole genocide thing.
- There’s a bizarre gender binary going on, ironically with the one angelic character. The author is so strictly set on that binary that there’s a “She? He? It.” moment when she doesn’t know how to refer to an angel being possessed by a god.
I read this for the Shit We've Read: After Dark podcast which is the only reason I finished it. Were I not reading this to record a podcast I would have DNF'd it by page 2. I don't even have it in me to write a cohesive review right now because we just recorded the episode and I'm a lightweight who's three glasses of wine in so here are my notes on the book for the episode:
- Hands down the worst prologue I’ve ever read in my life. My god, what is this complete fucking mess?
- The main character's name is FLOWRIDIA?????? (My own nicknames for this travesty of a name include: Flo Rida, Floridian, Florida Woman, Fluoride In The Tap Water, Heavy Flow, Flow Chart). That's the worst name I've ever had to read over and over again. The name appears 2,231 times in this godforsaken book (322 pages). LEARN WHAT A PRONOUN IS, I AM BEGGING.
- Horrendous writing and atrocious world building. It takes a bunch of fantasy creatures and shoves them all into a pot stirred into a nothing stew to try to distract you from the fact that there’s no comprehensible plot.
- All of the characters are almost completely one dimensional with no real motivations or personality. There’s the naïve one, the nice one, the other naïve one, the abusive one, the drunk one, the religious one, the loud one, and that’s about it.
- WHAT WAS THE PLOT? FOR A DOLLAR, NAME A PLOT, ANY PLOT.
- The entire “romance” plotline in this book is just abuse. It’s physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Even when it “turns” it’s still abusive. Ayla’s big crying speech reads like literally any abuser sobbing at their partner that they’ll change, they’ll be better, and then that they’re a disgusting, horrible, awful, no good person and should just die all to manipulate their partner into staying and caring for them.
- This book has absolutely no idea what it wants to say about that abuse. It flip flops seemingly at random between being a cautionary tale of falling into an abusive relationship while everyone around you just lets it happen, and a message that ultimately says you can fix your abuser with nothing but the power of love and kindness, which is frankly fucking disgusting.
- The way the author skirts around giving Flo Rida’s age MULTIPLE TIMES is an insane red flag and I’m going to take that to mean she’s a child. It’s joked that she has the body of a twelve year old and then amended to “no you look at least fifteen,” and when she is point blank asked her age multiple times she responds only with “I’m older than I look.” Paired with Ayla saying “age is just a number” not once, but TWICE, and her line late in the book that essentially amounts to “you’re very mature for your age,” it's disturbing. (post-recording: one of our other hosts remembers the book mentioning her age at some past point and extrapolating that to put the MCs age at about 17 within this book. Which...yikes. I am not into reading about the sexual abuse of anyone, but certainly not a minor.)
- We can get an exact age for the one that’s 1,736 years old, but not for the what I’m going to assume is a near child she’s coerced into a sexual relationship? I wonder why that is…
- Absolutely atrocious sex scenes. It reads like something written by someone who can’t conceive of what sex could even be outside of penetrative PiV sex. Writing sex scenes is a skill, y'all, and not everyone has it. These are very very bad.
- I saw someone's review refer to this relationship as a domme/sub dynamic and I cannot stress enough that that’s not what this is. D/S dynamics are mutually consensual, negotiated, they include safewords and aftercare, and this is not that. This is just one person preying upon someone younger, more naïve, and more inexperienced.
- It brings up slavery a lot for a book that has literally nothing to say about it and where we never actually meet one of these former slaves. Slavery is brought up again and again and again only in telling us that Etolie (fair skinned) is the ~savior of slaves~ because that’s all there is to her other than her one (1) allotted trait of alcoholism and it’s used simply to make the good guys look good and the bad guys look bad. There is no discussion of what slavery actually means in this world, who becomes slaves, or any real discussion of slaves as people. They’re invisible props. There’s also a completely throwaway line about refugees that we never come back to after that whole genocide thing.
- There’s a bizarre gender binary going on, ironically with the one angelic character. The author is so strictly set on that binary that there’s a “She? He? It.” moment when she doesn’t know how to refer to an angel being possessed by a god.
October 16, 2018
I. Loved. This.
And I’m typing this on my phone with little battery left in the middle of nowhere so apologies for inarticulateness...
The longer title of this book initially gave me pause because it bespeaks of cheesy and perhaps less quality content. The professionalism of the cover, though, made me persist and, holy hell, an I glad that I did!
The book is fantastic and another indie that’s won me over. And that cheesy subtitle “An Adult Dark Fantasy Lesbian Romance”? One, it actually describes the genres the book meets but I’m guessing it’s to ward off those that would get into the read to then protest the f/f aspect or the quite gruesome scenes provided throughout the plot. Fair enough.
This book won’t be for everybody. But, if you love fantasy that involves nobility, witches, demons, elves, vampires, god(desses), and everything in between, if you love a romance between complete opposites, if you love a twisted tale with excellent characters, this is for you.
The intensity and severity of twisted characters is matched by its light and loving ones. And, at least one of those twisted characters ends up with my affection...though I’m not sure how comfortable I am with that admission.
The story is not as twisted as an Angela Peach book but it’s on par with Elizabeth Watasin’s “Monster Stalker”.
With the latest political climate I was looking for reads that were either complete fluff or had a ruthless vigilante...and this fits the latter.
Whatever darkness in the book, though, there’s still a lot of heart and sweeter scenes to give some balance. And the author managed to land some excellent jokes. She also is one of the few authors that has ever used flashbacks in a meaningful way so my kudos.
There is a domme/sub bdsm vibe to the love relationship in this book, the lead is not white (at least not completely), the sex scenes are steamy, and damn this story ends on a humdinger of a cliffhanger. Argh!
I so loved this story and can’t wait to follow it to the end.
Currently, this is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Five stars.
And I’m typing this on my phone with little battery left in the middle of nowhere so apologies for inarticulateness...
The longer title of this book initially gave me pause because it bespeaks of cheesy and perhaps less quality content. The professionalism of the cover, though, made me persist and, holy hell, an I glad that I did!
The book is fantastic and another indie that’s won me over. And that cheesy subtitle “An Adult Dark Fantasy Lesbian Romance”? One, it actually describes the genres the book meets but I’m guessing it’s to ward off those that would get into the read to then protest the f/f aspect or the quite gruesome scenes provided throughout the plot. Fair enough.
This book won’t be for everybody. But, if you love fantasy that involves nobility, witches, demons, elves, vampires, god(desses), and everything in between, if you love a romance between complete opposites, if you love a twisted tale with excellent characters, this is for you.
The intensity and severity of twisted characters is matched by its light and loving ones. And, at least one of those twisted characters ends up with my affection...though I’m not sure how comfortable I am with that admission.
The story is not as twisted as an Angela Peach book but it’s on par with Elizabeth Watasin’s “Monster Stalker”.
With the latest political climate I was looking for reads that were either complete fluff or had a ruthless vigilante...and this fits the latter.
Whatever darkness in the book, though, there’s still a lot of heart and sweeter scenes to give some balance. And the author managed to land some excellent jokes. She also is one of the few authors that has ever used flashbacks in a meaningful way so my kudos.
There is a domme/sub bdsm vibe to the love relationship in this book, the lead is not white (at least not completely), the sex scenes are steamy, and damn this story ends on a humdinger of a cliffhanger. Argh!
I so loved this story and can’t wait to follow it to the end.
Currently, this is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Five stars.
February 3, 2019
I'm not sure I have the words to describe this but it is fantastic. I finished it and went straight on to the second one because I didn't want to spend time writing a review when I could remain in the world created by Simper. A world populated by all manner of creatures from human, to elf, half-elf, demons, gods, giants, dwarfs, celestials and witches. Flowridia, a young witch, is the ward of one or the rulers of an oligarchy which lies between a land of theocracy and a land run by a dark tyrant. In order to impress the beautiful diplomat of the tyranny Nox'Kartha, Ayla Darkleaf, Flowridia tells her that she too is a diplomat. Flowridia finds herself entrenched in political wranglings and inexplicably drawn to the distrusted and dangerous Ayla.
I found the first third slow going as absorbed the information about Flowridia and her world. It's complex and vivid with flashes of a horrid childhood breaking through. Flowridia is an extraordinary character with the innocence and naivety of a flower child that made me wonder at times if she really understood the ways of the political world. Then she would do something or part of her background would pop up making it hard to conceive of how she kept her innocence. My feelings about Ayla were constantly moving which makes what I'm about to say a little odd. Flowridia and Ayla are the best pairing I've read but at the same time, I'm not sure they should be together at all.
Sorry, that was as clear as mud. If you're a fan of fantasy, read this.
I found the first third slow going as absorbed the information about Flowridia and her world. It's complex and vivid with flashes of a horrid childhood breaking through. Flowridia is an extraordinary character with the innocence and naivety of a flower child that made me wonder at times if she really understood the ways of the political world. Then she would do something or part of her background would pop up making it hard to conceive of how she kept her innocence. My feelings about Ayla were constantly moving which makes what I'm about to say a little odd. Flowridia and Ayla are the best pairing I've read but at the same time, I'm not sure they should be together at all.
Sorry, that was as clear as mud. If you're a fan of fantasy, read this.
February 12, 2019
Fantastic, extraordinary good, remarkable and outstanding book.
I loved it, and normally I take a break between books in a series, but I had to read the second book of Fallen Gods right away because I couldn't get enough of the creative world S.D. Simper built for us.
A well deserved five stars.
I loved it, and normally I take a break between books in a series, but I had to read the second book of Fallen Gods right away because I couldn't get enough of the creative world S.D. Simper built for us.
A well deserved five stars.
February 5, 2019
Second read
Seriously. If you haven't read this, you need to.
How can something so wrong feel so right?
The characters are so unique and loevable. Flowridia and her shy but not innocent ways. Etolie and her drunken humor. Thalmus and his giant protectiveness. Ayla and her gruesome mutilating yet betraying tender heart.
Also, the story is pretty amazing. On to book 2. YES!
And why had I voted this as a 4?! This is 5 star material. Updated.
Monsters and Flowers
Fascinatingly dark and gruesome. Witches, gods, giants, elves, undead... The story has a vast amount of characters that all play specific roles in this creative world.
A witch and her familiar are taken in by royals. A diplomat from another nation catches her fancy. But love is a weakness. And sometimes we press forward against better judgement or advice from trusted friends.
I was very immersed in this. I think part of the appeal was how dark it was in spots. I was well and truly uncomfortable with a lot of things. I couldn't stop reading. It's like wanting to look when you pass a car crash. Or secretly wish for that disaster to happen.
The romance (It's not a spoiler when it is in the title, right?) was literally nuts. I felt so guilty rooting for it. It was also charming. So many feelings about this that I wouldn't be able to explain here.
I guess this will be a series? I'm on board.
Seriously. If you haven't read this, you need to.
How can something so wrong feel so right?
The characters are so unique and loevable. Flowridia and her shy but not innocent ways. Etolie and her drunken humor. Thalmus and his giant protectiveness. Ayla and her gruesome mutilating yet betraying tender heart.
Also, the story is pretty amazing. On to book 2. YES!
And why had I voted this as a 4?! This is 5 star material. Updated.
Monsters and Flowers
Fascinatingly dark and gruesome. Witches, gods, giants, elves, undead... The story has a vast amount of characters that all play specific roles in this creative world.
A witch and her familiar are taken in by royals. A diplomat from another nation catches her fancy. But love is a weakness. And sometimes we press forward against better judgement or advice from trusted friends.
I was very immersed in this. I think part of the appeal was how dark it was in spots. I was well and truly uncomfortable with a lot of things. I couldn't stop reading. It's like wanting to look when you pass a car crash. Or secretly wish for that disaster to happen.
The romance (It's not a spoiler when it is in the title, right?) was literally nuts. I felt so guilty rooting for it. It was also charming. So many feelings about this that I wouldn't be able to explain here.
I guess this will be a series? I'm on board.
February 15, 2022
Dark lesbian fantasy on Kindle Unlimited.
It's dark and gritty, showcasing the corruption of an somewhat naive young woman to the more monstrous side of things. Literally falling for a monster. But she isn't purely innocent, either. She has a past and perhaps a fated future.
There's magic and politics, demons and angels, elves and giants.
The world building is amazing and the political intrigue is interesting while not being too overbearing either.
It's a heck of a saga that I can't wait to sink my teeth further into.
It's dark and gritty, showcasing the corruption of an somewhat naive young woman to the more monstrous side of things. Literally falling for a monster. But she isn't purely innocent, either. She has a past and perhaps a fated future.
There's magic and politics, demons and angels, elves and giants.
The world building is amazing and the political intrigue is interesting while not being too overbearing either.
It's a heck of a saga that I can't wait to sink my teeth further into.
January 26, 2020
Totally twisted, yet totally awesome! On to book 2...
April 4, 2023
3.75 stars. The world building in this book was very well done and I enjoyed reading it, but the romance and storytelling didn’t pull me in the way I know Simper can. I first read “The Sea and Stars” series and this book did not captivate me the way those books did, but this is one of the earlier books Simper wrote, so I hope this will happen later on in the series. Looking forward to reading more.
November 10, 2018
The Sting of Victory is an exciting and interesting romance with an unpredictable plot. I can't wait for the sequel!
March 11, 2019
In a word, simply wonderful. Ok two words. Thank you to my Goodreads friends for the recommendation. I haven’t come across a 5 star book in a while, so I’m in total bliss right now.
September 11, 2021
4 stars - I had a hard time starting but boy does this story finish strong!
I loved the world building and the characters but there was one thing that really, really, really bugged me about this book and I feel like its kinda a major thing and if any of you can point me to where I missed this bit of the story please do, cuz it's still bugging me like a loose tooth.
Ok so.. one of the major hinges of this story is how all the Staelish council folks just loved Flowridia. Etolie, Mariebelle, Thalmus etc. Thalmus even says "There is nothing I wouldn't do to save my little flower girl." ok, cool, fine but...... Where is all this good will, love and devotion coming from? When the story starts and we start getting introduced to the Staelish folks, Flowridia has only been there for 6 months. There is no point in the story that gives any reason other then we are told it is so that these people would be so trusting and enamored with her. I just don't get it. Why, why, why do they all love her so and she is immediately excepted in the upper echelons of Staelish royal court? Etolie had a good feeling about her and that's it? Everyone is like, "Yep! We are besties now! I don't make the rules." I dunno, you guys - this bit just make me nuts. I feel like there should have been a chapter or two showing a reason for this, like Flowridia uses her magic to save the queen from an assassination attempt or a bad case of the flu - i dunno - just anything.
HOWEVER - hats off to all the great reviews, CLAR (who let me vent at her) and SD Simper's writing cuz I just tried to go with it and ignore my irritation. Once the romance started blooming I was able to get into it and the book really grabbed me. By the end - and wow what an ending, I was good and truly hooked. Looking forward to reading book 2. But yeah ... if any of you guys can explain the insta-acceptance/bestie/love vibes for Flow right off the bat, other then Etolie liked her... that would be great. :)
I loved the world building and the characters but there was one thing that really, really, really bugged me about this book and I feel like its kinda a major thing and if any of you can point me to where I missed this bit of the story please do, cuz it's still bugging me like a loose tooth.
Ok so.. one of the major hinges of this story is how all the Staelish council folks just loved Flowridia. Etolie, Mariebelle, Thalmus etc. Thalmus even says "There is nothing I wouldn't do to save my little flower girl." ok, cool, fine but...... Where is all this good will, love and devotion coming from? When the story starts and we start getting introduced to the Staelish folks, Flowridia has only been there for 6 months. There is no point in the story that gives any reason other then we are told it is so that these people would be so trusting and enamored with her. I just don't get it. Why, why, why do they all love her so and she is immediately excepted in the upper echelons of Staelish royal court? Etolie had a good feeling about her and that's it? Everyone is like, "Yep! We are besties now! I don't make the rules." I dunno, you guys - this bit just make me nuts. I feel like there should have been a chapter or two showing a reason for this, like Flowridia uses her magic to save the queen from an assassination attempt or a bad case of the flu - i dunno - just anything.
HOWEVER - hats off to all the great reviews, CLAR (who let me vent at her) and SD Simper's writing cuz I just tried to go with it and ignore my irritation. Once the romance started blooming I was able to get into it and the book really grabbed me. By the end - and wow what an ending, I was good and truly hooked. Looking forward to reading book 2. But yeah ... if any of you guys can explain the insta-acceptance/bestie/love vibes for Flow right off the bat, other then Etolie liked her... that would be great. :)
February 15, 2022
The Sting of Victory is a ride of epic proportions, a marriage of LaShea’s horrific 21 Weeks series and a stunningly romantic, hot love affair between a monstrous beauty and a seemingly innocent ingénue. No, it shouldn’t work and there are moments where I had to stop to be angry at violence and abusive behavior. I had to rail against harsh passages and complain to friends because it’s an intense shot of storytelling that unsettled me but still pulled me in because I absolutely had to know the outcome.
The story is told in beautiful language that unravels the tale of a young witch who uses her powers to heal. She’s a foundling mentored by a celestial in a royal court and has grown to be an intelligent, thoughtful young adult. Demitri, her wolf pup and familiar, speaks telepathically to her and is the best boy. Their conversations are delightfully humorous and a highlight. Politics, religion, and warfare are all intermingled with intrigue and fantasy characters, the usual menagerie of who’s who in this genre but written in a very strong voice that makes it fresh and new.
During an official function, a diplomat from a necromancy laden country appears. Ayla, is an ancient undead being, who revels in the genius of the worlds but manifests it in the stuff of mind-altering nightmares. She is evil incarnate but begins an obsessive, passionate relationship with Flowridia which seems woefully wrong but the author has other ideas in mind. Their tumultuous affair is the centerpiece of a spellbinding crazy train of a story.
Read Sting of Victory but know ahead of time that it is a powerfully told tale with few boundaries. I jumped immediately into Book 2 because the first was worth every bit of anguish that I felt.
The story is told in beautiful language that unravels the tale of a young witch who uses her powers to heal. She’s a foundling mentored by a celestial in a royal court and has grown to be an intelligent, thoughtful young adult. Demitri, her wolf pup and familiar, speaks telepathically to her and is the best boy. Their conversations are delightfully humorous and a highlight. Politics, religion, and warfare are all intermingled with intrigue and fantasy characters, the usual menagerie of who’s who in this genre but written in a very strong voice that makes it fresh and new.
During an official function, a diplomat from a necromancy laden country appears. Ayla, is an ancient undead being, who revels in the genius of the worlds but manifests it in the stuff of mind-altering nightmares. She is evil incarnate but begins an obsessive, passionate relationship with Flowridia which seems woefully wrong but the author has other ideas in mind. Their tumultuous affair is the centerpiece of a spellbinding crazy train of a story.
Read Sting of Victory but know ahead of time that it is a powerfully told tale with few boundaries. I jumped immediately into Book 2 because the first was worth every bit of anguish that I felt.
July 3, 2019
Magnificent story telling. Two antiheroine's? Is that even the right descriptor? It sounds like it. There is of course black and white, but here's there's 1,000,000 shades of grey. I'm pretty gobsmacked actually. I normally buy into all the good feels, and this really took me by surprise. Just a lot of wow here.
May 16, 2024
I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't. The writing style might be good, but it just didn't take me into the world the author has created - and she's definitely built a whole world because you can feel it, it's just really hard to get pulled into it if you're not feeling the writing.
The innuendos felt often out of place and thrown in just for the sake of it, and the forced ingenuity of the protagonist was cringy from start to end.
You can totally like the cliché pairing of young and naive newbie with ancient and dark broken bad girl. Personally, I hate it when it's brought to these extremes. Flowridia (yeah, even the name made me cringe every time, sorry) has had a far from innocent childhood, she has seen horrifying brutalities and has been forced to do terrible things herself. While it makes her in no way bad herself, she is far from innocent, even if only because of what she's been through. And insisting on this portrayal of her as an angel with a dark past that was not her fault is boring and makes her very one-dimensional.
Meanwhile, her 'dark half' is by the book and probably only slightly more interesting because the bad girl somehow always ends up being more interesting. It's like we tend to write a lot more into the shadows that make a character and we leave the light of another character empty, forgetting to build their identity.
You can enjoy the characters or not, I found Flowridia exhausting and terribly boring. The book would have been much more interesting if it had been from Ayla's pov.
Their relationship, however, is troubling. It's problematic on purpose, that's the whole point, and abusive, and that's addressed. Over and over it's addressed, up until the moment when it truly needs to be addressed and taken seriously. Instead, Ayla apologises and somehow that's it. They barely even talk about it, there's close to no acknowledgement from Flowridia of the abuse she suffered, just a quick forgiveness and a cute scene where they're suddenly the perfect couple, supporting each other and all. Ayla becomes the most devoted girlfriend, and it's like it makes up for all the abuse (and there's a lot of it). And what bothers me the most is not the problematic message, because the way that particular situation unfolds could still be considered realistic, my issue is with the lack of exploring the situation. You can tell me that someone who's been abused is quick to forgive their abuser once the latter crumbles and begs for forgiveness and makes promises of eternal devotion - I can totally buy that. But, as the writer, you can't simply move on and ignore all the past abuse as if you actually thought it was all solved. If you include an abusive relationship in your central romance, you have to handle it right, you can't just throw it in for shock effect (and, I mean, who was even shocked, it was clearly abusive from the very start, Ayla doesn't even make a mystery out of it) and avoid the serious talk. Abusive relationships are hard to navigate, so I wouldn't hold the author to impossible expectations, but she didn't do the bare minimum to tackle the issue she introduced in the story. That alone would have ruined the whole book for me.
The innuendos felt often out of place and thrown in just for the sake of it, and the forced ingenuity of the protagonist was cringy from start to end.
You can totally like the cliché pairing of young and naive newbie with ancient and dark broken bad girl. Personally, I hate it when it's brought to these extremes. Flowridia (yeah, even the name made me cringe every time, sorry) has had a far from innocent childhood, she has seen horrifying brutalities and has been forced to do terrible things herself. While it makes her in no way bad herself, she is far from innocent, even if only because of what she's been through. And insisting on this portrayal of her as an angel with a dark past that was not her fault is boring and makes her very one-dimensional.
Meanwhile, her 'dark half' is by the book and probably only slightly more interesting because the bad girl somehow always ends up being more interesting. It's like we tend to write a lot more into the shadows that make a character and we leave the light of another character empty, forgetting to build their identity.
You can enjoy the characters or not, I found Flowridia exhausting and terribly boring. The book would have been much more interesting if it had been from Ayla's pov.
Their relationship, however, is troubling. It's problematic on purpose, that's the whole point, and abusive, and that's addressed. Over and over it's addressed, up until the moment when it truly needs to be addressed and taken seriously. Instead, Ayla apologises and somehow that's it. They barely even talk about it, there's close to no acknowledgement from Flowridia of the abuse she suffered, just a quick forgiveness and a cute scene where they're suddenly the perfect couple, supporting each other and all. Ayla becomes the most devoted girlfriend, and it's like it makes up for all the abuse (and there's a lot of it). And what bothers me the most is not the problematic message, because the way that particular situation unfolds could still be considered realistic, my issue is with the lack of exploring the situation. You can tell me that someone who's been abused is quick to forgive their abuser once the latter crumbles and begs for forgiveness and makes promises of eternal devotion - I can totally buy that. But, as the writer, you can't simply move on and ignore all the past abuse as if you actually thought it was all solved. If you include an abusive relationship in your central romance, you have to handle it right, you can't just throw it in for shock effect (and, I mean, who was even shocked, it was clearly abusive from the very start, Ayla doesn't even make a mystery out of it) and avoid the serious talk. Abusive relationships are hard to navigate, so I wouldn't hold the author to impossible expectations, but she didn't do the bare minimum to tackle the issue she introduced in the story. That alone would have ruined the whole book for me.
March 25, 2021
Dang this is good! I heart Demitri for sure.
March 9, 2025
5 Stars
It was difficult to keep track of all the characters in the book. There were so many gods and mixed beings, it was a feat to remember which character was mixed with what lineage. But bloody hell the story was a mould. It grew on me slowly, unbeknownst to my conscious self until it was too late and I was enveloped and consumed by the characters and their stories.
The characters were gripping and enthralling.
A seemingly innocent, nonthreatening witch.
An elf-vampire seductress with a necromancer for a boss.
A perpetually drunk celestial being who saves slaves from slavers for a job.
A half-demon, half something general who’d level the planet for the perpetually drunk celestial.… and then some.
It was difficult to keep track of all the characters in the book. There were so many gods and mixed beings, it was a feat to remember which character was mixed with what lineage. But bloody hell the story was a mould. It grew on me slowly, unbeknownst to my conscious self until it was too late and I was enveloped and consumed by the characters and their stories.
The characters were gripping and enthralling.
A seemingly innocent, nonthreatening witch.
An elf-vampire seductress with a necromancer for a boss.
A perpetually drunk celestial being who saves slaves from slavers for a job.
A half-demon, half something general who’d level the planet for the perpetually drunk celestial.… and then some.
April 5, 2021
I really liked this! I think the Fallen Gods series shows great promise — it’s my second book by Simper, and while I’m still not a great fan of her writing style, I kind of loved the story itself. The worldbuilding was on point, the MCs were nicely fleshed-out and original. Flowridia was a bonafide ‘flower child’ here, what with her perpetually bare feet and flowers braided in her hair, and while she was a little too meek for my liking, I foresee that changing real soon. That scene with Sora and Demitri showed she has absolutely no scruples when it comes to protecting her own, and I loved that about her, how protective she was of her little wolf familiar. Likewise, the flashbacks to her life with her mother Odessa the Swamp Witch were truly horrifying. That girl went through so much shit it’s crazy.
I was very excited when the love interest, one sexy Ayla Darkleaf, turned out to be an undead ‘monster’ with a vicious temper and D/s leanings, but as her relationship with Flowra progressed, it became pretty clear that their dynamic was unhealthy, too intense, toxic even. Flowra was too soft; Ayla held all the power, and something had to change. Luckily, it did and it made everything better. I’m shipping them so hard now. If someone can soften Ayla’s demeanor and show her what being loved feels like, it’s Flowridia.
The first book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, but I liked the way it circled back to the beginning, when the ‘red-eyed demon’ first appeared. Pretty clever, that.
I was very excited when the love interest, one sexy Ayla Darkleaf, turned out to be an undead ‘monster’ with a vicious temper and D/s leanings, but as her relationship with Flowra progressed, it became pretty clear that their dynamic was unhealthy, too intense, toxic even. Flowra was too soft; Ayla held all the power, and something had to change. Luckily, it did and it made everything better. I’m shipping them so hard now. If someone can soften Ayla’s demeanor and show her what being loved feels like, it’s Flowridia.
The first book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, but I liked the way it circled back to the beginning, when the ‘red-eyed demon’ first appeared. Pretty clever, that.
March 16, 2019
Describing how magnificent this book is leaves me at a loss for words, but bear with me as I try.
Though I don't shy away from them, I don't read lots of fantasy novels. I do, however, know that I've got a good one on my hands when reality blurs in the background as I'm reading it. The story the author gifted us with immerses us in its fantasy world without difficulty. The writing is perfect to say the least. But what's more remarkable is the unpredictable direction to where each arc unfolds. Sometimes when reading dialogues, you can't keep your mind from forming the next words you expect a character will utter as a response to another's. To my delight, this book is consistent in leaving these expectations unsatisfied, and the surprises were always welcome.
There is a short part in the story where it may have dragged a bit with nothing too exciting was happening. My advice is be patient and you will be mind-blowingly rewarded.
If you have a knack for feeling strongly for villainous characters, understanding the depths of their background, and seeing a character development full of animosity and unexpected vulnerability, then give no second thoughts about picking this up.
And oh, when you buy this book, make sure you get the next one along with it. Trust me on this: you'll want to read the next book as soon as you've finished this one. The world created by Simper has so much to offer, you will surely want to revel in it again ASAP.
Though I don't shy away from them, I don't read lots of fantasy novels. I do, however, know that I've got a good one on my hands when reality blurs in the background as I'm reading it. The story the author gifted us with immerses us in its fantasy world without difficulty. The writing is perfect to say the least. But what's more remarkable is the unpredictable direction to where each arc unfolds. Sometimes when reading dialogues, you can't keep your mind from forming the next words you expect a character will utter as a response to another's. To my delight, this book is consistent in leaving these expectations unsatisfied, and the surprises were always welcome.
There is a short part in the story where it may have dragged a bit with nothing too exciting was happening. My advice is be patient and you will be mind-blowingly rewarded.
If you have a knack for feeling strongly for villainous characters, understanding the depths of their background, and seeing a character development full of animosity and unexpected vulnerability, then give no second thoughts about picking this up.
And oh, when you buy this book, make sure you get the next one along with it. Trust me on this: you'll want to read the next book as soon as you've finished this one. The world created by Simper has so much to offer, you will surely want to revel in it again ASAP.
April 18, 2019
Rarely am I left at a loss for words, but this week’s read has me solidly in the land of where do I begin? The Sting of Victory by S.D. Simper is a lot of things all rolled into one. The tagline, “A Dark Fantasy Lesbian Romance” is a perfect descriptor, and yet somehow manages to leave a few important nuances out.
This is the second review I’ve done for this author and I was champing at the bit to get my hands on this book. The first story I read was Carmilla & Laura, a lesbian Victorian romance with vampires and intrigue for days. It had me salivating for more, which meant I snagged The Sting of Victory as soon as I opened my blog to all LGBTQ+ genres.
However, this read still managed to exceed my expectations. As I said, it is a lot of things, all crammed into one beautifully crafted story. Allow me to explain what I mean. First and foremost, this is an epic fantasy—both in length and quality. I was straight up floored by the level of detail Ms. Simper put into the world, including masterful political intrigue, compelling character factions, and cleverly varied personalities. She has a wonderfully unique take on magic, and developed a world filled with every creature your little fantasy-loving heart could desire, from elves to demons to gods to witches and beyond.
Then there is the “dark” part. Make no mistake, this story means it when it says dark. It dives deep, at times going so far as to leave me squirming, flushed, and uncomfortable in my own skin. It’s categorized partially as horror for a reason, folks. But then, some of said dark is portrayed with a humorous note, which found me laughing out loud and clapping a hand over my mouth in self-mortification. More than once I wondered whether I should or shouldn’t be laughing. At the end of the day? I think Ms. Simper fully intended the uncomfortable humor as a means to normalize those moments your brain otherwise rebels against. It was weaved into the story so well and with such obvious care, there’s no way it was done by chance.
But beneath the fantasy and horror, a simmering love story brews. One that left me uneasy and completely unsure how to feel. Not because Ms. Simper failed, but because she succeeded so very, very well.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who adores fantasy, but who isn’t afraid of a little horror and dark humor in their lives. The relationship between the main characters is gorgeously portrayed and will undoubtedly leave any lesbian romance lovers satisfied, while also making them question the very fabric of their being. Trust me, my lovelies, this is one helluva roller coaster ride you’d be remiss to avoid!
This is the second review I’ve done for this author and I was champing at the bit to get my hands on this book. The first story I read was Carmilla & Laura, a lesbian Victorian romance with vampires and intrigue for days. It had me salivating for more, which meant I snagged The Sting of Victory as soon as I opened my blog to all LGBTQ+ genres.
However, this read still managed to exceed my expectations. As I said, it is a lot of things, all crammed into one beautifully crafted story. Allow me to explain what I mean. First and foremost, this is an epic fantasy—both in length and quality. I was straight up floored by the level of detail Ms. Simper put into the world, including masterful political intrigue, compelling character factions, and cleverly varied personalities. She has a wonderfully unique take on magic, and developed a world filled with every creature your little fantasy-loving heart could desire, from elves to demons to gods to witches and beyond.
Then there is the “dark” part. Make no mistake, this story means it when it says dark. It dives deep, at times going so far as to leave me squirming, flushed, and uncomfortable in my own skin. It’s categorized partially as horror for a reason, folks. But then, some of said dark is portrayed with a humorous note, which found me laughing out loud and clapping a hand over my mouth in self-mortification. More than once I wondered whether I should or shouldn’t be laughing. At the end of the day? I think Ms. Simper fully intended the uncomfortable humor as a means to normalize those moments your brain otherwise rebels against. It was weaved into the story so well and with such obvious care, there’s no way it was done by chance.
But beneath the fantasy and horror, a simmering love story brews. One that left me uneasy and completely unsure how to feel. Not because Ms. Simper failed, but because she succeeded so very, very well.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who adores fantasy, but who isn’t afraid of a little horror and dark humor in their lives. The relationship between the main characters is gorgeously portrayed and will undoubtedly leave any lesbian romance lovers satisfied, while also making them question the very fabric of their being. Trust me, my lovelies, this is one helluva roller coaster ride you’d be remiss to avoid!
September 15, 2020
If I were to rate the world building alone this book would be getting 5 stars.
It has witches, demi- gods, gods, immortals, elfs and more. It’s dark and intriguing, I didn’t find any difficulty imagining and understanding the world presented to me, and I found myself completely immersed.
However, the 2 main characters are in an abusive relationship. I completely understand that it was by design, but I did not feel it was executed well.
It is abusive from the first moment of their physical relationship, over and over throughout the story, and the forgiveness process is too quick when Ayla talks about her feelings, makes promises, and apologies.
I understand how someone with Florida’s trauma and past abuse would be the kind of person who would fall victim to someone who is abusive. But her easy forgiveness is exactly my problem. It’s the idea that someone like Ayla can be changed with enough time/effort that bothers me. It’s a dangerous idea to entertain, and, well, I certainly didn’t feel like Ayla deserved it by the end of this book.
It has witches, demi- gods, gods, immortals, elfs and more. It’s dark and intriguing, I didn’t find any difficulty imagining and understanding the world presented to me, and I found myself completely immersed.
However, the 2 main characters are in an abusive relationship. I completely understand that it was by design, but I did not feel it was executed well.
It is abusive from the first moment of their physical relationship, over and over throughout the story, and the forgiveness process is too quick when Ayla talks about her feelings, makes promises, and apologies.
I understand how someone with Florida’s trauma and past abuse would be the kind of person who would fall victim to someone who is abusive. But her easy forgiveness is exactly my problem. It’s the idea that someone like Ayla can be changed with enough time/effort that bothers me. It’s a dangerous idea to entertain, and, well, I certainly didn’t feel like Ayla deserved it by the end of this book.
June 24, 2023
Wow. I need more immediately. Idk which ending has me more pressed: this one or the end of Heart of Silver Flame!
Damn this was so good. Definitely dark and not for a lot of readers, but I am here for these messy and toxic queers. More please!
CWs: Blood, gore, violence, animal death, Infanticide, child abuse, domestic abuse, toxic relationship (romantic, MC/SC), sexual content, death, murder, emotional abuse, cursing, physical abuse, fire/fire injury, alcohol consumption, injury/injury detail, alcoholism (SC), death of parent, panic attacks, mentions of slavery, mentions and themes of war.
Damn this was so good. Definitely dark and not for a lot of readers, but I am here for these messy and toxic queers. More please!
CWs: Blood, gore, violence, animal death, Infanticide, child abuse, domestic abuse, toxic relationship (romantic, MC/SC), sexual content, death, murder, emotional abuse, cursing, physical abuse, fire/fire injury, alcohol consumption, injury/injury detail, alcoholism (SC), death of parent, panic attacks, mentions of slavery, mentions and themes of war.
July 15, 2021
3.5 stars, rounded down.
I have mixed feelings with this one.
As another reviewer said, if I had to rate the world building alone, it would definitely be a 5 stars.
However, I couldn't stand the main character, Flowridia, too naive for my liking, and often found myself rolling my eyes on how she reacted or spoke with others.
I wasn't enthralled by her romance with Ayla either, which seemed rushed for some parts.
3 stars for the world building, and 0.5 bonus for Demitri !
I'm curious to see what happens in the next book and hope to see Flowridia grow and have a little more bite, so I'll give it a try.
I have mixed feelings with this one.
As another reviewer said, if I had to rate the world building alone, it would definitely be a 5 stars.
However, I couldn't stand the main character, Flowridia, too naive for my liking, and often found myself rolling my eyes on how she reacted or spoke with others.
I wasn't enthralled by her romance with Ayla either, which seemed rushed for some parts.
3 stars for the world building, and 0.5 bonus for Demitri !
I'm curious to see what happens in the next book and hope to see Flowridia grow and have a little more bite, so I'll give it a try.
June 13, 2019
I read this book about a month ago and it made quite the impression upon me. Honestly, in spite of being interested in the fantasy genre as a whole, I didn't immediately jump on this book when it hit my radar. More often than not, I tend to be a little disapointed with KU offerings as they rarely live up to the description and the writing itself varies in quality. Those concerns don't apply here. I thought this book was fantastic.
I think it's important to address part of the title. On Amazon the description for this book says, "A Dark Fantasy Lesbian Romance." I wasn't exactly sure what that meant. However, after reading the book, I can confirm this is an accurate description. This novel is dark, it is a fantasy, and it's definitely a lesbian romance.
The most important thing to address, though, is the "dark" part. So, there are certain things readers should know before diving in. In this novel "dark" refers to some gore that definitely toes the line into horror and it explores some uncomfortable topics including child abuse and cannibalism. "Dark" also refers to the alignment of one half of the romance. Ayla Darkleaf is intriguing, beautiful, sensuous, and at times, both cruel and chaotically evil. I loved her.
And I love lesfic. But more often than not most characters we read about are generally cut from the same mold. Usually these women are beautiful, moderately successful, and can solidly stand on moral high ground. This is important, right? We want to read novels where our protagonists are heroes and where we can fall a little bit in love of them. What happens when a character tears that moral high ground apart and is more often wicked than kind? Murderer rather than savior? Can she still be worthy of love? This is a question I asked myself throughout the reading of this novel.
The author paints her scenes with a beautifully descriptive brush. I was impressed at how detailed the world was and how richly developed the many characters were. There are quite a few names in the beginning, and, at first, you may find yourself getting a little lost among the many characters. Eventually, though, I felt like each character had a distinct personality and any initial confusion I felt as I tried to place who everyone was, passed.
I highly recommend this novel for anyone who is looking for a well-written, well-plotted fantasy novel. Sometimes it's gruesome, sometimes thrilling, and always fascinating.
This book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, but book two of the series has already been released. Pick this up, it's both original and great. Hands down the most enjoyable books I've read in years.
I think it's important to address part of the title. On Amazon the description for this book says, "A Dark Fantasy Lesbian Romance." I wasn't exactly sure what that meant. However, after reading the book, I can confirm this is an accurate description. This novel is dark, it is a fantasy, and it's definitely a lesbian romance.
The most important thing to address, though, is the "dark" part. So, there are certain things readers should know before diving in. In this novel "dark" refers to some gore that definitely toes the line into horror and it explores some uncomfortable topics including child abuse and cannibalism. "Dark" also refers to the alignment of one half of the romance. Ayla Darkleaf is intriguing, beautiful, sensuous, and at times, both cruel and chaotically evil. I loved her.
And I love lesfic. But more often than not most characters we read about are generally cut from the same mold. Usually these women are beautiful, moderately successful, and can solidly stand on moral high ground. This is important, right? We want to read novels where our protagonists are heroes and where we can fall a little bit in love of them. What happens when a character tears that moral high ground apart and is more often wicked than kind? Murderer rather than savior? Can she still be worthy of love? This is a question I asked myself throughout the reading of this novel.
The author paints her scenes with a beautifully descriptive brush. I was impressed at how detailed the world was and how richly developed the many characters were. There are quite a few names in the beginning, and, at first, you may find yourself getting a little lost among the many characters. Eventually, though, I felt like each character had a distinct personality and any initial confusion I felt as I tried to place who everyone was, passed.
I highly recommend this novel for anyone who is looking for a well-written, well-plotted fantasy novel. Sometimes it's gruesome, sometimes thrilling, and always fascinating.
This book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, but book two of the series has already been released. Pick this up, it's both original and great. Hands down the most enjoyable books I've read in years.
October 31, 2018
4.49 stars out of 5... I really liked it. I will definitely read the next in the series.
Seemingly gentle Flowridia, the young witch, has been pulled from the swamps by a drunken angel and is now thrust into the world of high fantasy politics. She finds herself falling in love with undead Ayla, a diplomat from a dark nation. Flowridia seems far too naive to survive as she bungles her way through diplomatic situations for which she has no context or experience led instead only by her open and trusting heart. It's a highway to disaster and the author carries the reader headlong into the chaos.
The tale is one part tender budding love story that left me imagining the characters as though torn straight from "The Nightmare Before Christmas", though this is not a YA story. These characters get down and dirty with some real awesome sexual power dynamics. The other part of the story is bloody monster destruction and death.
The author has a truly awesome dark sense of humor which I loved. Don't, however, read this story while drinking alcohol. The world building is thick and intense and I had trouble, with my feeble brain, keeping up with all the many factions and characters. Also there is a sense that I don't really know the boundaries of this world, so I'm uncertain what peril would kill the love story and when I should be concerned. (For example, Ayla, seems unaffected by being chopped up into pieces from time to time.)
In the end, however, I love the characters and the dynamics between them. I can't wait to read the next book (although I'm worried about how well I will remember all the factions... grrr...).
Recommended!
Seemingly gentle Flowridia, the young witch, has been pulled from the swamps by a drunken angel and is now thrust into the world of high fantasy politics. She finds herself falling in love with undead Ayla, a diplomat from a dark nation. Flowridia seems far too naive to survive as she bungles her way through diplomatic situations for which she has no context or experience led instead only by her open and trusting heart. It's a highway to disaster and the author carries the reader headlong into the chaos.
The tale is one part tender budding love story that left me imagining the characters as though torn straight from "The Nightmare Before Christmas", though this is not a YA story. These characters get down and dirty with some real awesome sexual power dynamics. The other part of the story is bloody monster destruction and death.
The author has a truly awesome dark sense of humor which I loved. Don't, however, read this story while drinking alcohol. The world building is thick and intense and I had trouble, with my feeble brain, keeping up with all the many factions and characters. Also there is a sense that I don't really know the boundaries of this world, so I'm uncertain what peril would kill the love story and when I should be concerned. (For example, Ayla, seems unaffected by being chopped up into pieces from time to time.)
In the end, however, I love the characters and the dynamics between them. I can't wait to read the next book (although I'm worried about how well I will remember all the factions... grrr...).
Recommended!
Read
December 22, 2022DNF almost immediately… every time I saw the name Flowridia I just thought “Flo Rida” and started laughing again. ☠️☠️☠️
May 3, 2021
I liked this and am going to continue on to book number two. There's a lot going on in this world - all the different creatures, gods as well. I think the author did quite well with her writing and not confusing the reader. I like majority or the characters. I like Flowerdia and how this story is told from her point of view. This is a dark fantasy too, so expect some disturbing scenes.
Unfortunately I do not like Ayla, the main character (Flowridia) love interest. I tried to, but as the book went on my dislike for her grew. They're relationship and their professing of love felt too fast and unnatural, and parts of the relationship are definitely abusive. I honestly was wishing that something would happen and Flowerdia would find a new love interest..but it looks like no this won't be happening.
I didn't feel any strong attachment to any of the characters really and it might be because there's a lot of them and this is only the first book. However..the major scene with Sora and the other half-elves..that was quite difficult. Disliked Alya even more after that, and was just like wtf at Flowerdia
The character I found myself the most curious about though was Thalmus, and found myself protective of his character
Unfortunately I do not like Ayla, the main character (Flowridia) love interest. I tried to, but as the book went on my dislike for her grew. They're relationship and their professing of love felt too fast and unnatural, and parts of the relationship are definitely abusive. I honestly was wishing that something would happen and Flowerdia would find a new love interest..but it looks like no this won't be happening.
I didn't feel any strong attachment to any of the characters really and it might be because there's a lot of them and this is only the first book. However..the major scene with Sora and the other half-elves..that was quite difficult. Disliked Alya even more after that, and was just like wtf at Flowerdia
The character I found myself the most curious about though was Thalmus, and found myself protective of his character
December 29, 2018
This was not a romance/erotica read for me, but interesting character driven fantasy world read about trauma and abuse. The main character views the world through her trauma and guilt forged lens, and it effects what she finds attractive, what she finds acceptable behavior, and what she thinks she deserves in a romantic/sexual partner. The flashbacks are done well to move the story along.
Not 100% sure if I will want to read any sequels.
Not 100% sure if I will want to read any sequels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2019
I couldn't get into this story. Everything felt rushed, from the entry to this new world, to the character first change, to it's second.
Then I read this sentence : "To be eaten alive by Ayla . . . A macabre thought, but metaphorically speaking, the idea caused her heart to race." and urgh, I closed the epub.
Then I read this sentence : "To be eaten alive by Ayla . . . A macabre thought, but metaphorically speaking, the idea caused her heart to race." and urgh, I closed the epub.
January 21, 2019
I loved the book! It was very creative and like nothing I've ever read before. I found myself unwilling to put it down. I love the world that the author was able to create, and felt myself totally immersed in the story. I can not wait for the next book!
September 19, 2018
I'm not one for romance novels, lesbian or otherwise.
That being said, this book is masterfully written, full of compelling characters that are true to themselves. The world is beautifully built with a great take on magic, as well as deities both heavenly and not-quite so heavenly. Also, all of the characters have a clear personality- no two are the same. Marielle is markedly different from Flowridia, because they are different people, who grew up under different circumstances (particularly in Flowridia's case), and are therefore Different. This is what makes them, and therefore the story, compelling - the meeting of the minds and personalities of these characters together to overcome dangerous circumstances, conduct political maneuvering, and avoid potential consequences is what compels the reader to keep reading. I have read it twice, the second time in a marathon - and I have noticed things in the second read that I did not in the first. This to me is a mark of great, subtle writing.
If romance is why you're here, you will not be disappointed. The primary couple comes together organically, despite one being young and inexperienced, and the other being mysterious and, to everyone but her love, very dangerous. The evolution of their relationship is handled well, and by the end you're rooting for them despite one of them being a bit on the murder-hobo side. I get the feeling that while this book focuses on this couple, there may be room in future to explore more character's romantic relationships, and this would be great. (Khastolie for the win)
In short, this is a compelling novel whose focus is on a blossoming romance, but this romance is the result of political intrigue, subtle maneuvering, magical forces, and all in a world which is consistent in its rules. Can't wait for more.
That being said, this book is masterfully written, full of compelling characters that are true to themselves. The world is beautifully built with a great take on magic, as well as deities both heavenly and not-quite so heavenly. Also, all of the characters have a clear personality- no two are the same. Marielle is markedly different from Flowridia, because they are different people, who grew up under different circumstances (particularly in Flowridia's case), and are therefore Different. This is what makes them, and therefore the story, compelling - the meeting of the minds and personalities of these characters together to overcome dangerous circumstances, conduct political maneuvering, and avoid potential consequences is what compels the reader to keep reading. I have read it twice, the second time in a marathon - and I have noticed things in the second read that I did not in the first. This to me is a mark of great, subtle writing.
If romance is why you're here, you will not be disappointed. The primary couple comes together organically, despite one being young and inexperienced, and the other being mysterious and, to everyone but her love, very dangerous. The evolution of their relationship is handled well, and by the end you're rooting for them despite one of them being a bit on the murder-hobo side. I get the feeling that while this book focuses on this couple, there may be room in future to explore more character's romantic relationships, and this would be great. (Khastolie for the win)
In short, this is a compelling novel whose focus is on a blossoming romance, but this romance is the result of political intrigue, subtle maneuvering, magical forces, and all in a world which is consistent in its rules. Can't wait for more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews