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Fate's Fall #1
Long Grows the Dark
Before Glenna, court sorceress in the service of Princess Jael, struggles to hide her feelings for her best friend’s betrothed. Yet even as the realm approaches its golden age, an unforeseen enemy rises to corrupt the princess and take the land for himself. Fate may lead them down a path too painful to contemplate, but are Glenna’s choices enough to dispel the inevitable darkness set to veil their future? --- Now Gwendoline Hallewell, a Starford University student in a world where magic is commonplace, has always been unusual. When her casting book summons a man from the past to interfere with her dangerous new present, she has no choice but to trust him. As she and her friends Colt and Everleigh reconcile what happened before with what must happen in the present. Gwendoline must decide what it means to make her own choices, suffer her own consequences, and if free will is really within her grasp.
445 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2018
10 people are currently reading
472 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Labadie
9 books80 followersCatherine Labadie lives near mountains with her husband, her daughter, and her 4 pets. She’s written and published 7 romantic fantasy novels ranging from gothic & luxurious, to dreamy cottagecore, to angsty urban. MERE FLESH is her latest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 30, 2018
With a compelling story and a fascinating world, I recommend Long Grows the Dark to anyone who enjoys alternative interpretations of magical societies.
May 3, 2019
Taste is subjective, and this book definitely won't please everyone (it spends a lot of time on love triangles and destiny), but I loved it. The story begins hundreds of years in the past, when a group of friends tried and failed to defeat an immortal, powerful spellcaster to prevent the forced marriage of one of their own. In the throes of defeat, they laid the seeds necessary to try the battle again at some point in the future. The majority of the book follows Gwendoline, the reincarnation of one of those friends, as she struggles with carrying out her destiny and also with a similar love triangle to the one that plagued her predecessor.
It's the kind of story that lives or dies on the strength of its characters, and evidently the good news here is that the characterisation is top-notch. The members of the core group are painfully true to life: pining after people they can't have, being indecisive, making bad impulsive decisions and regretting them, letting anger get in the way of working together to do what's necessary… their goals and motivations are often contradictory but so terribly relatable. Of particular note, I think, is the character arc of Everleigh, which was portrayed so well despite her perspective ending up so much at odds with Gwendoline's. Overall, the characters here were just utterly compelling.
On top of that, the prose was excellent: the battle scenes were tense and exciting, the kissing scenes and sex scenes (non-explicit though they are) were alluring, and for the most part the story unfolded at a great pace (although I might have preferred slightly fewer pages being given over to the love triangle subplot). I've spent a long time wishing that New Adult fiction was more of a thing, and now I've found this excellent example of it, I'm wishing even harder that it was more of a thing! This was an extremely enjoyable story.
It's the kind of story that lives or dies on the strength of its characters, and evidently the good news here is that the characterisation is top-notch. The members of the core group are painfully true to life: pining after people they can't have, being indecisive, making bad impulsive decisions and regretting them, letting anger get in the way of working together to do what's necessary… their goals and motivations are often contradictory but so terribly relatable. Of particular note, I think, is the character arc of Everleigh, which was portrayed so well despite her perspective ending up so much at odds with Gwendoline's. Overall, the characters here were just utterly compelling.
On top of that, the prose was excellent: the battle scenes were tense and exciting, the kissing scenes and sex scenes (non-explicit though they are) were alluring, and for the most part the story unfolded at a great pace (although I might have preferred slightly fewer pages being given over to the love triangle subplot). I've spent a long time wishing that New Adult fiction was more of a thing, and now I've found this excellent example of it, I'm wishing even harder that it was more of a thing! This was an extremely enjoyable story.
October 31, 2019
I really, really enjoyed this book! It was well-written, with complex, flawed characters, a plot that kept me interested and made sense, and beautiful descriptions of the setting (I loved the the back and forth between the past and present worlds). The story drew me in, I got lost in the beautiful worlds the author created and wrapped up in the problems the main characters faced. My only issue was the love triangle (I'm not usually a fan of love triangles), but that's more of a preference. I loved the friendship between Gwendoline and Everleigh (and I definitely loved Everleigh! I hope to see more of her in the future). Overall, this was a great book with a clever storyline and beautiful world building. I look forward to reading the sequel!
May 16, 2020
First, the positive. This book was engaging, imaginative, and had a great backstory with great visuals surrounding the semi-magical world the characters inhabit.
I did almost give up about 60% of the way into the book - the plot slows down significantly, Gwendoline/Glenna gets pretty annoying, and I feared she would never undergo any personal development. Having spent so long on it, however, I persisted, and the plot came good in the end. I spent the whole book rooting for Niles, and was half hoping he and Everleigh would find their own happy endings and leave Colt and Gwendoline to wallow in their own self-pity, but alas. Though pleased Gwendoline/Glenna chose the ‘right’ man in the end, I couldn’t help but agree with Everleigh/Jael - Gwendoline/Glenna may have made her own choices, but she certainly didn’t suffer her own consequences - everyone else did plenty of that for her instead.
Glenna’s relationship with Leland (and Gwendoline’s relationship with Colt) would have benefited from more development, because despite the whole ‘linked souls’ thing I really did not understand their attraction to one another. The magic described was fantastical and endlessly interesting, though I did feel there was little context given to the wider magical world.
Also, this book is filled with extra words, missing words, words meant to mean something other than what they do, and is in need of a good copy edit. The author also needs to go through the ebook file to remove all the <*br> tags (which forces the text to a new line) - there were several of these throughout, and it was quite distracting. The book is quite long, which isn't usually a problem for me, but it really did feel it in places.
The whole reincarnated lives in tension against one another kept things interesting, however, and the writing is definitely engaging. I enjoyed this book enough to read past the errors and am glad I spent the time on it.
I did almost give up about 60% of the way into the book - the plot slows down significantly, Gwendoline/Glenna gets pretty annoying, and I feared she would never undergo any personal development. Having spent so long on it, however, I persisted, and the plot came good in the end. I spent the whole book rooting for Niles, and was half hoping he and Everleigh would find their own happy endings and leave Colt and Gwendoline to wallow in their own self-pity, but alas. Though pleased Gwendoline/Glenna chose the ‘right’ man in the end, I couldn’t help but agree with Everleigh/Jael - Gwendoline/Glenna may have made her own choices, but she certainly didn’t suffer her own consequences - everyone else did plenty of that for her instead.
Glenna’s relationship with Leland (and Gwendoline’s relationship with Colt) would have benefited from more development, because despite the whole ‘linked souls’ thing I really did not understand their attraction to one another. The magic described was fantastical and endlessly interesting, though I did feel there was little context given to the wider magical world.
Also, this book is filled with extra words, missing words, words meant to mean something other than what they do, and is in need of a good copy edit. The author also needs to go through the ebook file to remove all the <*br> tags (which forces the text to a new line) - there were several of these throughout, and it was quite distracting. The book is quite long, which isn't usually a problem for me, but it really did feel it in places.
The whole reincarnated lives in tension against one another kept things interesting, however, and the writing is definitely engaging. I enjoyed this book enough to read past the errors and am glad I spent the time on it.
November 1, 2018
Yay an original plot line! This book is not your typical magic, chosen one, save the world young adult book.
Long Grows the dark is an adventure filled with magic, romance, suspense, and snakes (yay!). If you're not into magic as much, the romance is steamy enough for it to hold your interest. If your not into romance, the adventure and suspense is thrilling enough to hold your interest. So you should read this book no matter what you're into because you'll love it!
My favorite part about this book is you can't really figure out what's going to happen. It's unpredictable. Its not a everyone-gets-a-happy-ending book. Its realistic (as much as a magic involved book can be anyway).
Long Grows the dark is an adventure filled with magic, romance, suspense, and snakes (yay!). If you're not into magic as much, the romance is steamy enough for it to hold your interest. If your not into romance, the adventure and suspense is thrilling enough to hold your interest. So you should read this book no matter what you're into because you'll love it!
My favorite part about this book is you can't really figure out what's going to happen. It's unpredictable. Its not a everyone-gets-a-happy-ending book. Its realistic (as much as a magic involved book can be anyway).
December 1, 2018
In the past Glenna is a court sorceress in the service of Princess Jael who is betrothed to Glenna's best friend (who Glenna has feelings for but is doing her best to hide). Then an unseen evil comes to try and take the land for himself. Do they make the right choices so that Fate can have happiness or pain in store for them? We then move to the present day where Gwendoline Hallewell is a student at Starford University in a world where magic is commonplace. Her trusty spell book pulls out a man from the past who then is the catalyst to memories of past lives that are the key to a present day threat. Can she work with her two friends Colt and Everleigh to reconcile the past with what needs to happen in the present while retaining their own free will even though past lives are trying to take control?
This was a powerful story where the past and present stories were woven together so that the reader was drip fed the story as it became necessary. In some ways that was really clever and in others it was a bit annoying keep moving between the two time periods and the players in each one. There were definitely times in the story when I really wanted to grab a hold of the main character and shake some sense into her, but she did manage to piece it all together and make the right decisions in the end. The ending was an explosive finale that definitely ended in the right choices. I wonder if there could be another book on the further adventures of Gwen. I also think that Fate has a lot to answer for - she really wasn't that kind to the players in this story. Well written and an original story-line, just stick with the switches between the past and the present - you will get used to it.
This was a powerful story where the past and present stories were woven together so that the reader was drip fed the story as it became necessary. In some ways that was really clever and in others it was a bit annoying keep moving between the two time periods and the players in each one. There were definitely times in the story when I really wanted to grab a hold of the main character and shake some sense into her, but she did manage to piece it all together and make the right decisions in the end. The ending was an explosive finale that definitely ended in the right choices. I wonder if there could be another book on the further adventures of Gwen. I also think that Fate has a lot to answer for - she really wasn't that kind to the players in this story. Well written and an original story-line, just stick with the switches between the past and the present - you will get used to it.
February 24, 2020
A fantastical and magnetic read about flawed characters and impossible choices.
LONG GROWS THE DARK was filled with moments of fury and awe as well as sweetness and bitterness. This book was a rollercoaster of emotions and some moments I found myself hating characters, but by the end I loved them because they weren’t perfect and they made mistakes. By far Everleigh was my favourite and I am so satisfied with this book’s ending.
Catherine’s writing is exquisite and captivating, I found myself getting lost in it and transported to this whole new world she’s developed. I loved it and I savoured every last word.
LONG GROWS THE DARK was filled with moments of fury and awe as well as sweetness and bitterness. This book was a rollercoaster of emotions and some moments I found myself hating characters, but by the end I loved them because they weren’t perfect and they made mistakes. By far Everleigh was my favourite and I am so satisfied with this book’s ending.
Catherine’s writing is exquisite and captivating, I found myself getting lost in it and transported to this whole new world she’s developed. I loved it and I savoured every last word.
November 17, 2018
Enjoyable and spellbinding.
January 14, 2019
I chose to read the book for the Indiecember, and I was not disappointed. To be honest, fantasy books are not my favorites, but this one captured my attention and interest.
The plot is original and intriguing.
The characters are amazingly flawed.
The book cover is beautiful and resonates with the story, which is not so often these days.
The only downside for me was formatting mistakes. (I read the kindle version). Sometimes lines and spacings looked weird.
But the story was interesting enough to not care about small details like that ☺
As for the characters I am really glad for the ending (no spoilers, don't worry). Gwendoline certainly made the right decision.
The only irritating character was Glenna. Her attitude towards her friends was more than annoying. But, I guess, this is why the difference between Glenna and Gwendoline is so much more distinguishable.
Looking forward for more!
Maybe Everleigh's story? :)
The plot is original and intriguing.
The characters are amazingly flawed.
The book cover is beautiful and resonates with the story, which is not so often these days.
The only downside for me was formatting mistakes. (I read the kindle version). Sometimes lines and spacings looked weird.
But the story was interesting enough to not care about small details like that ☺
As for the characters I am really glad for the ending (no spoilers, don't worry). Gwendoline certainly made the right decision.
The only irritating character was Glenna. Her attitude towards her friends was more than annoying. But, I guess, this is why the difference between Glenna and Gwendoline is so much more distinguishable.
Looking forward for more!
Maybe Everleigh's story? :)
April 23, 2025
I can’t wait for more!
I picked up Long Grows the Dark as part of Indiecember, and I’m so glad I did. I absolutely devoured this book and couldn’t put it down. The characters jump right off the page, and I love the switching between the modern world and the past. The romance was perfect, and I like that the book had a complete ending while also setting the stage for future books.
My only small quibble is the modern setting was a bit confusing sometimes; for the most part, the book reads like it’s taking place in an entirely separate world (with no parallel to Starford in our world that I could easily guess), but popular brand names like BMW make me think otherwise. But that was honestly a small detail I was able to look past easily, as engrossed in the story as I was. Can’t wait for Gwendoline’s story to continue!
I picked up Long Grows the Dark as part of Indiecember, and I’m so glad I did. I absolutely devoured this book and couldn’t put it down. The characters jump right off the page, and I love the switching between the modern world and the past. The romance was perfect, and I like that the book had a complete ending while also setting the stage for future books.
My only small quibble is the modern setting was a bit confusing sometimes; for the most part, the book reads like it’s taking place in an entirely separate world (with no parallel to Starford in our world that I could easily guess), but popular brand names like BMW make me think otherwise. But that was honestly a small detail I was able to look past easily, as engrossed in the story as I was. Can’t wait for Gwendoline’s story to continue!
September 7, 2019
This was an interesting and unique story that entwines two plots in two different eras. "Before" Glenna is a sorceress working to help her friend Princess Jael secure the throne, and "Now" Gwendoline is a college student with magic whose life changes when her spellbook begins communicating with her. The connection they share becomes evident throughout the novel, especially once their common enemy Lord Averill makes an appearance.
The characters were entertaining to read about, and I, of course, loved the web of drama surrounding them all. Niles is my favorite character; he's a bit dark and mysterious but also cute and genuine and kind of tragic. The poor guy never seems to get what he wants in either timeline.
I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of dark fantasy! It's a nice blend of high fantasy and contemporary fantasy.
The characters were entertaining to read about, and I, of course, loved the web of drama surrounding them all. Niles is my favorite character; he's a bit dark and mysterious but also cute and genuine and kind of tragic. The poor guy never seems to get what he wants in either timeline.
I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of dark fantasy! It's a nice blend of high fantasy and contemporary fantasy.
May 21, 2021
I really enjoyed the magic and emotional turmoil of this book and appreciated the fact that we got to read through two separate timelines chapter by chapter.
This book was more character driven than action driven which is what I prefer. While I like snippets of action here and there in fiction, I like spending personal time with the characters and seeing what makes them tick.
Some people hate love triangles but I’m a sucker for them. I love them, especially when they’re done well. I could really feel the raw emotions between these floored but lovable characters. I have to admit I had a favorite guy right from the start, and my fingers were crossed that he’d come out on top at the end.
Book 2 here I come.
This book was more character driven than action driven which is what I prefer. While I like snippets of action here and there in fiction, I like spending personal time with the characters and seeing what makes them tick.
Some people hate love triangles but I’m a sucker for them. I love them, especially when they’re done well. I could really feel the raw emotions between these floored but lovable characters. I have to admit I had a favorite guy right from the start, and my fingers were crossed that he’d come out on top at the end.
Book 2 here I come.
May 3, 2019
Long Grows the Dark is a fantasy novel that took me to a magical place, and introduced me to a tight-knit group of characters who become entwined in a connection between two dimensions in time. Forced into a battle to preserve their land and ruler, their efforts continue to be confounded by past secrets revealed in bits of riddles. Conflicting relationships among the characters, made them feel oh-so-real, causing this reader to wince, moan, and applaud as they struggled to make tough choices. If you enjoy fantasy, adventure, romance, and a roller coaster of emotions, you will definitely enjoy Catherine Labadie's Long Grows the Dark.
March 18, 2019
I can honestly say I’ve never read a book quite like this one. It is unique and very well-written. It is about the seeming fickleness of Fate and the poor mortals subject to her whims. I wanted to throttle Gwendoline, Niles was too good for her, and Everleigh ended up being the character I most admired.
June 19, 2020
Gorgeous cover! Great title! A story for Fantasy and Romance lovers!
I received this book from now defunct Indie Book Box.
This dual-timeline dark fantasy follows Glenna, sorceress in medieval times, reincarnated as Gwendoline, modern day student at magical Starford University. She and her friends are thrust into epic battle as Fate's chosen champions against immortal dark lord Averill (whom they failed to defeat in their previous lives).
Catherine Labadie delivers on this intriguing premise with imaginative world-building, compelling themes, and well-crafted characters (especially Niles).
The lore could be a little confusing, but the author reiterated it just enough to keep the reader from having to go back and reread.
The story got a little frustrating in the middle, when the characters were wallowing in relationship angst, divided during the countdown to the big battle. I would have preferred to see them forced to train together despite their feelings.
I believe I had an early edition of this novel, before several typos in the latter half were corrected. Mostly, they didn't bother me, except in one chapter where the names Glenna and Gwendoline were frequently interchanged and an unknown name (Geller?) was thrown into the mix.
I received this book from now defunct Indie Book Box.
This dual-timeline dark fantasy follows Glenna, sorceress in medieval times, reincarnated as Gwendoline, modern day student at magical Starford University. She and her friends are thrust into epic battle as Fate's chosen champions against immortal dark lord Averill (whom they failed to defeat in their previous lives).
Catherine Labadie delivers on this intriguing premise with imaginative world-building, compelling themes, and well-crafted characters (especially Niles).
The lore could be a little confusing, but the author reiterated it just enough to keep the reader from having to go back and reread.
The story got a little frustrating in the middle, when the characters were wallowing in relationship angst, divided during the countdown to the big battle. I would have preferred to see them forced to train together despite their feelings.
I believe I had an early edition of this novel, before several typos in the latter half were corrected. Mostly, they didn't bother me, except in one chapter where the names Glenna and Gwendoline were frequently interchanged and an unknown name (Geller?) was thrown into the mix.
February 24, 2022
Long Grows the Dark was a lovely storyline filled with uncovering secrets, devotion, friendship, and sacrifice. The relationships intertwine between the before and now fluidly, and when they finally collide, develops into a sublime twist of events.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I'm eager for book two. Catherine Labadie has a poetic way of writing that draws the reader into the world she's created. I definitely recommend this novel for those who love dark fantasy, magic, and dual POV stories.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I'm eager for book two. Catherine Labadie has a poetic way of writing that draws the reader into the world she's created. I definitely recommend this novel for those who love dark fantasy, magic, and dual POV stories.
dnf
December 10, 2020DNF, I got about 25% in.
The dual stories were interesting, but had too big of a difference for me. It was just hard for me to switch gears between old school fantasy and like, magic academy.
Note: the summary is clear about this, but I try not to read summaries because sometimes they contain accidental spoilers. I was drawn in by the cover and someone recommending it on Instagram, but in the end it just isn't my preferred subgenre/style.
The dual stories were interesting, but had too big of a difference for me. It was just hard for me to switch gears between old school fantasy and like, magic academy.
Note: the summary is clear about this, but I try not to read summaries because sometimes they contain accidental spoilers. I was drawn in by the cover and someone recommending it on Instagram, but in the end it just isn't my preferred subgenre/style.
October 28, 2018
It was so refreshing to read this, if you love a complex magic system involving today’s world that merges with the past this book is definitely for you. Not only do you witness the characters grow as the book goes on but you become attached to them as well, I constantly found myself rooting for Gwendoline as she faced each challenge!
November 27, 2019
Catherine Labadie's writing style is wonderful. It's completely unobtrusive to the story and allows the tale to unfold effortlessly. And the story was enjoyable, modern, and engaging. She blends the past and present story lines very well. The love triangle drags a little (for my taste) but the story definitely kept me turning pages!
January 23, 2019
I really liked this book. The plot and the twists and turns were interesting and the way "magic" works was refreshing. I also liked the characters and found them relatable and personable. I also enjoyed how the past was woven into the present. Will definitely be reading more from this author.
June 24, 2019
It is hard to find a unique story in fantasy books these days but this one was! There were a few characters I didn't connect with completely so I took a star off for that but it honestly is a personal opinion.
December 14, 2018
An obvious cover buy, but so worth it! The story held several twists that kept me interested, and I actually liked Gwendoline a good bit.
October 28, 2019
Last year I discovered fantasy retelling novels and got hooked on them. So, naturally, when I found Catherine Labadie’s novel, “Long Grows the Dark” I had to check it out.
In a world of magic, Gwendoline, a college student, has a familiar which is an old book that sort of talks to her. Gwendoline has a somewhat unnatural connection she has to the book, which she affectionately calls Niles, and this strange relationship opens up a world of trouble she never dreamed possible.
To throw in somewhat of a spoiler, Gwendoline is dealing with a past-life situation, where unresolved battles, both physical and mental, have to be dealt with in order to save their world.
First off, I really enjoyed it, although physical scenes get a little more graphic than I usually care to read (just my personal preference). The character relationships were realistically written and I especially LOVED Niles (who doesn't like the idea of a book that....I shall say no more). Glenna, I have to admit, even though she is sort of a main character, and sort of the same person as Gwendoline, I liked much less than Gwendoline due to a lot of the decisions she makes throughout the story. I found myself agreeing and sympathizing more with Gwendoline's friends than I did with her towards the end of the story. However, I feel like this is because both of the characters are developed awesomely.
I would recommend to anyone who wants to read something a little more than Young Adult.
In a world of magic, Gwendoline, a college student, has a familiar which is an old book that sort of talks to her. Gwendoline has a somewhat unnatural connection she has to the book, which she affectionately calls Niles, and this strange relationship opens up a world of trouble she never dreamed possible.
To throw in somewhat of a spoiler, Gwendoline is dealing with a past-life situation, where unresolved battles, both physical and mental, have to be dealt with in order to save their world.
First off, I really enjoyed it, although physical scenes get a little more graphic than I usually care to read (just my personal preference). The character relationships were realistically written and I especially LOVED Niles (who doesn't like the idea of a book that....I shall say no more). Glenna, I have to admit, even though she is sort of a main character, and sort of the same person as Gwendoline, I liked much less than Gwendoline due to a lot of the decisions she makes throughout the story. I found myself agreeing and sympathizing more with Gwendoline's friends than I did with her towards the end of the story. However, I feel like this is because both of the characters are developed awesomely.
I would recommend to anyone who wants to read something a little more than Young Adult.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2022
This book reminds me how important it is to have a likable main character. If not likable, then at least interesting. Magic and love triangles just become annoying if you don’t care about the hero’s choices, fears, or desires.
December 6, 2018
A world of magical realism and allegorical power struggles are unleashed on the reader of Catherine Labadie’s LONG GROWS THE DARK. With lush and rich language that kisses the border of purple prose in a most impressive way, Labadie’s novel envelops the reader in the world of what could be the most unlikable protagonist ever, Gwendoline Hallewell. Gwendoline is not inherently unlikable; and the glimpses we see into the world of Before with her counterpart, Glenna, don’t suggest an evilness or malevolence in their shared heart. Rather, there’s an apathy in Gwen that is so human it infuriates. And the tug-of-war played in both Gwendoline’s world and the world of the Before - for fate, power, blood, rule, love, honor - that make Gwen’s grayness and Glenna’s dutiful righteousness a devastating tango with deadly consequences.
The other three players in Gwen’s life and their counterparts in the Before are seemingly just pawns, unaware how their strings are pulled by Gwen’s selfishness and Glenna’s unwavering loyalty.
Both Gwen and Glenna face off against an ancient enemy - once a powerful vampire(?) god(?), now a respected political heir - when he tries to usurp the throne. Both are vessels for Fate. Both are tied to a brutish darling and a rakish, heart-wrenching man in ways that cross time and space. But it’s the differences between Gwen and Glenna that turn the tides both times.
The magic system in the Before has so many moving parts and is so dense that it can read muddy and confusing. But as interesting and confusing as it is, it’s not what kept me reading. It was the need to know how Gwen was going to fix what Glenna couldn’t when Glenna was...just...better. Labadie did something very hard to do - make an unlikable protagonist that doesn’t make the reader want to set the book on fire. Why does Gwen act the way she acts sometimes? She has her reasons. Not good enough reasons for me, but good enough for her. Her humanity is in her bad decisions, decisions she knows are bad while she makes them, but decisions she makes nonetheless.
Without getting into spoiler territory, the fact that it takes Gwen so long to be touched by what made Glenna special felt almost like a deus ex machina. And while it quelled the momentum of the story for me a bit, it didn’t take away from the satisfaction and also somehow, frustration of the ending.
Also, Everleigh is too good for this world. Trust me on that.
The other three players in Gwen’s life and their counterparts in the Before are seemingly just pawns, unaware how their strings are pulled by Gwen’s selfishness and Glenna’s unwavering loyalty.
Both Gwen and Glenna face off against an ancient enemy - once a powerful vampire(?) god(?), now a respected political heir - when he tries to usurp the throne. Both are vessels for Fate. Both are tied to a brutish darling and a rakish, heart-wrenching man in ways that cross time and space. But it’s the differences between Gwen and Glenna that turn the tides both times.
The magic system in the Before has so many moving parts and is so dense that it can read muddy and confusing. But as interesting and confusing as it is, it’s not what kept me reading. It was the need to know how Gwen was going to fix what Glenna couldn’t when Glenna was...just...better. Labadie did something very hard to do - make an unlikable protagonist that doesn’t make the reader want to set the book on fire. Why does Gwen act the way she acts sometimes? She has her reasons. Not good enough reasons for me, but good enough for her. Her humanity is in her bad decisions, decisions she knows are bad while she makes them, but decisions she makes nonetheless.
Without getting into spoiler territory, the fact that it takes Gwen so long to be touched by what made Glenna special felt almost like a deus ex machina. And while it quelled the momentum of the story for me a bit, it didn’t take away from the satisfaction and also somehow, frustration of the ending.
Also, Everleigh is too good for this world. Trust me on that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2022
☆4.5☆
A lot of times, indie books fall just a little short for me, but this one did not disappoint! Half a star off for some punctuation issues that littered the book, but for once they didn't take me out of the story as they often do.
This book is magic, a unique blend of high fantasy and urban fantasy (heavier on urban) that I couldn't get enough of. The magic system was unique, the characters were interesting, and the plot intriguing. Can't wait to read the sequel!
A lot of times, indie books fall just a little short for me, but this one did not disappoint! Half a star off for some punctuation issues that littered the book, but for once they didn't take me out of the story as they often do.
This book is magic, a unique blend of high fantasy and urban fantasy (heavier on urban) that I couldn't get enough of. The magic system was unique, the characters were interesting, and the plot intriguing. Can't wait to read the sequel!
March 30, 2020
I didn’t like this book at all, even though I should have. It had everything I needed in it. But, the execution, the writing style, pacing, character development and world building fell completely flat for me.
I am not giving up on this author though. She does have unique ideas. I like that.
I am not giving up on this author though. She does have unique ideas. I like that.
August 13, 2019
Reminded a little of amnesia guy + magic + Harry Potter and the half blood prince (I think it was).
By chapter 9 I still wasn't hooked to the characters or interested in their journey.
Bummer.
By chapter 9 I still wasn't hooked to the characters or interested in their journey.
Bummer.
November 7, 2023
If you're looking for fated mates with a twist, book boyfriends, and a tale of friendships and loves through multiple lives, this is it! Even with low spice, the passion is intense and haunts the characters in painfully sweet ways.
June 22, 2022
Love love love love itttttt. Plan on re reading it later in the year while on a long haul flight! Drags you right in!
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