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Dragon's Gift: The Forbidden Fae #1
Crown of Fire
My fated mate is a lethal fae king.
And I'm going to kill him.
Ever since the Court of Flames banished me, I've managed to hide my true nature--Chosen One of the Fire Fae, destined to save us all. Truth is, I'm not that impressive. I've spent my banishment hunting demons for fun and slinging drinks at Potions & Pastilles. But then the lethally sexy king of the Court of Ice finds me.
He's been hunting me for years and wants to claim me as his fated mate. But it gets darker. He plans to sacrifice me to save his dying kingdom. One touch changes everything though, because I’m the only one who can warm him.
I'm going to use that to my advantage and convince him to return with me to the Court that banished me years ago. There, I will kill him before he kills me. But I'm playing with fire, because I'm not sure if I can I resist him long enough to change my fate, and if I don't die, then his entire Court will. Including him.
And I'm going to kill him.
Ever since the Court of Flames banished me, I've managed to hide my true nature--Chosen One of the Fire Fae, destined to save us all. Truth is, I'm not that impressive. I've spent my banishment hunting demons for fun and slinging drinks at Potions & Pastilles. But then the lethally sexy king of the Court of Ice finds me.
He's been hunting me for years and wants to claim me as his fated mate. But it gets darker. He plans to sacrifice me to save his dying kingdom. One touch changes everything though, because I’m the only one who can warm him.
I'm going to use that to my advantage and convince him to return with me to the Court that banished me years ago. There, I will kill him before he kills me. But I'm playing with fire, because I'm not sure if I can I resist him long enough to change my fate, and if I don't die, then his entire Court will. Including him.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2019
3276 people are currently reading
3157 people want to read
About the author
Linsey Hall
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Before becoming a writer, Linsey was an archaeologist who studied shipwrecks in all kinds of water, from the tropics to muddy rivers (and she has a distinct preference for one over the other). After a decade of tromping around in search of old bits of stuff, she settled down to start penning her own adventure novels and is freaking delighted that people seem to like them. Since life is better with a little (or a lot of) magic, she writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
For giveaways, contests and book discussion join my Facebook group
here!
Before becoming a writer, Linsey was an archaeologist who studied shipwrecks in all kinds of water, from the tropics to muddy rivers (and she has a distinct preference for one over the other). After a decade of tromping around in search of old bits of stuff, she settled down to start penning her own adventure novels and is freaking delighted that people seem to like them. Since life is better with a little (or a lot of) magic, she writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
did-not-finish
February 24, 2020"My fated mate is a lethal fae king."
Me:
"And I'm going to kill him."
Me:
"He plans to sacrifice me to save his dying kingdom. And if I don't die, then his entire Court will. Including him. "
Me:
This is going to be interesting.
Me:
"And I'm going to kill him."
Me:
"He plans to sacrifice me to save his dying kingdom. And if I don't die, then his entire Court will. Including him. "
Me:
This is going to be interesting.
January 14, 2020
3.5 Stars
I just LOVE these kinds of conflicts/premises, where everything is already doomed from the start.
All in all, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. The plot is very fast-paced which I liked on the one hand but on the other, there just wasn't a lot of time for their relationship to build and develop. To be fair they are fated mates which in most cases means insta-like/love but I do think that the main couple would have benefitted from some more one on one time.
I just LOVE these kinds of conflicts/premises, where everything is already doomed from the start.
All in all, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. The plot is very fast-paced which I liked on the one hand but on the other, there just wasn't a lot of time for their relationship to build and develop. To be fair they are fated mates which in most cases means insta-like/love but I do think that the main couple would have benefitted from some more one on one time.
January 2, 2020
Hmm this went in a direction I wasn't expecting. Please don't misunderstand because that opening statement is not a criticism just the simple fact that I honestly didn't know what to expect. For so long Claire and her brother Connor have been background characters supporting this authors Firesouls so it was with trepidation that I sat down to read this. For a start the cover art whilst lovely just didn't fit with my image of the deadly Mercenary that Claire is and invoked a much well fluffier image. Perhaps the fact that Claire is called upon to be much more seductive than I'm used to in this authors YA stories is partly to blame ? Whatever the reason this story and indeed the overall plot was a complete surprise.
I do enjoy the way there's always time for history and legends to make an appearance and this time we travel to Devon and Cornwall as Claire retraces her childhood steps. She's not alone though because we finally discover that Claire has been hiding from a powerful Fae King who is her Mate but in a cruel twist of fate he appears to be cursed to kill her ! I cannot fault Claire for staying well out of his way but now he's found her will he understand or indeed forgive her for using a powerful spell on him ? Alas my lips are sealed but I hope I've intrigued you enough to give this new series a go because as usual it's magical !
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I do enjoy the way there's always time for history and legends to make an appearance and this time we travel to Devon and Cornwall as Claire retraces her childhood steps. She's not alone though because we finally discover that Claire has been hiding from a powerful Fae King who is her Mate but in a cruel twist of fate he appears to be cursed to kill her ! I cannot fault Claire for staying well out of his way but now he's found her will he understand or indeed forgive her for using a powerful spell on him ? Alas my lips are sealed but I hope I've intrigued you enough to give this new series a go because as usual it's magical !
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
January 6, 2020
Disclaimer - I’m on a mission at the moment to find new, amazing books to add to my bookshelves. So my tolerance for books I’m not immediately sucked into is pretty low. I’m looking for engaging writing, well-developed characters, and engrossing plot lines.
This blurb sounds like it’s right up my alley. I’ve read a “only I can warm the Ice Queen” book before and I liked the concept.
But this didn’t grab me. It didn’t have the elegance I’ve come to expect from fantasy novels. It was too simplistic, I think.
Skimmed.
This blurb sounds like it’s right up my alley. I’ve read a “only I can warm the Ice Queen” book before and I liked the concept.
But this didn’t grab me. It didn’t have the elegance I’ve come to expect from fantasy novels. It was too simplistic, I think.
Skimmed.
January 3, 2020
Too much too fast... The characters didn't have much depth nor the story had a complete background.
The h was really annoying at times and the H most time was just an accessory to the story.
Found it hard to finish
The h was really annoying at times and the H most time was just an accessory to the story.
Found it hard to finish
October 19, 2021
will read next
February 21, 2020
The premisse of this book was good and although the story is a bit cliche in some aspects, specially in the "fae-book" department, in some aspects it was quite different.
I can't say I loved it, but I liked it enough. It was entertaining and I'm curious to know the rest, although I'm not sure I will continue reading it. Maybe the second book and then I'll decide if I like the rest of the series.
I can't say I loved it, but I liked it enough. It was entertaining and I'm curious to know the rest, although I'm not sure I will continue reading it. Maybe the second book and then I'll decide if I like the rest of the series.
July 12, 2020
No. Just... no. The idea was there but the follow through was not
January 30, 2020
I didn't enjoy this one. I was not connected to the characters or their bond. I mean mates? No I was not feeling this kind of love with them. Caera and Iain...mh.
I finished it but then that cliffhanger almost had me throwing my phone.
*takes a deep breath**
Yes it the first time I'm reading about this author and yes I came to understand that these characters might have appeared in other books. Still, their story was not told in a way that I could connect with them.
2. 5 stars.
I finished it but then that cliffhanger almost had me throwing my phone.
*takes a deep breath**
Yes it the first time I'm reading about this author and yes I came to understand that these characters might have appeared in other books. Still, their story was not told in a way that I could connect with them.
2. 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2020
Just wow, speechless
Ok so where to start ! What a fabulous book, didn't see this story developing the way it did, even though, all the way through the series we knew about Clair and her speed and fighting skills and Conned her brother, there was just no way of envisioning how this book would unfold
One of the reasons I've enjoyed this entire series, which I seriously suggest you do, right back to the beginning with the fire souls, Dell, Nix and Cass, is that not only is each book a full and colourful adventure that can stand alone as a good read, but each book also dives into each of the main characters.
The brilliance of this is you get to understand the character, why they do what they do, how they behave having been shaped by the last and the present and future, you, as the reader, end up on the edge of your seat. Wishing and wanting the story to go your way, wanting to dive in and lend a hand, and just when you think you know how it's going to end, you're very much mistaken, and like an addict you need, NEED, that next book
C!aire, her past, and who she is came as a wonderful surprise ...... the strength of these woman, even though they're fictional, is very inspiring
I just hope everyone enjoys this book, in its place in the series, or as a stand alone book, as thoroughly as I have
Thank you Linsey Hall
Ok so where to start ! What a fabulous book, didn't see this story developing the way it did, even though, all the way through the series we knew about Clair and her speed and fighting skills and Conned her brother, there was just no way of envisioning how this book would unfold
One of the reasons I've enjoyed this entire series, which I seriously suggest you do, right back to the beginning with the fire souls, Dell, Nix and Cass, is that not only is each book a full and colourful adventure that can stand alone as a good read, but each book also dives into each of the main characters.
The brilliance of this is you get to understand the character, why they do what they do, how they behave having been shaped by the last and the present and future, you, as the reader, end up on the edge of your seat. Wishing and wanting the story to go your way, wanting to dive in and lend a hand, and just when you think you know how it's going to end, you're very much mistaken, and like an addict you need, NEED, that next book
C!aire, her past, and who she is came as a wonderful surprise ...... the strength of these woman, even though they're fictional, is very inspiring
I just hope everyone enjoys this book, in its place in the series, or as a stand alone book, as thoroughly as I have
Thank you Linsey Hall
February 10, 2020
I probably should rate this 4 stars for the handful of typos but I just loved this story so much I can't. It's a 5 star read.
Who knew what lurked in the background of Claire and Conner? Besides Linsey Hall that is. So they're both Fae and Claire has been banished in an attempt to protect her from her fated mate who is prophesied to wed her, then sacrifice her in order to save his kingdom from a terrible curse. This curse is slowly freezing everyone and turning the Sea Court into the Ice Court. Aside from not wanting to die, Claire is fated to save the Fire Court from a fire devastation that will kill all of the Fire Fae. Great premise for an amazing story and Linsey Hall weaves and amazing tale that kept me glued to my book. I'm glad book two is out and I hope book makes an appearance very soon.
Highly recommended.
Who knew what lurked in the background of Claire and Conner? Besides Linsey Hall that is. So they're both Fae and Claire has been banished in an attempt to protect her from her fated mate who is prophesied to wed her, then sacrifice her in order to save his kingdom from a terrible curse. This curse is slowly freezing everyone and turning the Sea Court into the Ice Court. Aside from not wanting to die, Claire is fated to save the Fire Court from a fire devastation that will kill all of the Fire Fae. Great premise for an amazing story and Linsey Hall weaves and amazing tale that kept me glued to my book. I'm glad book two is out and I hope book makes an appearance very soon.
Highly recommended.
February 10, 2020
This wasn't for me. It felt short, repetitive, and never captured my interest. I'm also not a fan of being bashed over the head with the fated mates idea. I get it, they are fated, stop reminding me and let me experience it. Instead, there was a lot of telling (very little showing), and zero feels or relationship development. If it'd been longer, I'm not sure if I'd have finished it... and I doubt I'll ever continue the series.
April 5, 2020
3.6 stars
Can I just say, the best character in this was the little fox that followed our protagonist around. I love Puka with all of my heart.
Can I just say, the best character in this was the little fox that followed our protagonist around. I love Puka with all of my heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2020
Ice fae
I think this book could have been better with more backstory and fleshed out more. The characters were engaging, but I didn't connect with them as it seemed rushed. A curse, and a prophesied sacrifice. Good story premise.
I think this book could have been better with more backstory and fleshed out more. The characters were engaging, but I didn't connect with them as it seemed rushed. A curse, and a prophesied sacrifice. Good story premise.
January 19, 2020
I don't hate it, but it has too many loopholes in the story, the conversations all sounds awkward and I don't feel the connection with the heroine nor the hero.
Well, I love the cover so it's kinda my fault, I guess.
2.5 ⭐⭐
Well, I love the cover so it's kinda my fault, I guess.
2.5 ⭐⭐
January 22, 2020
Claire is a mercenary for the Order of Magica with a very big secret. She is a Fae of the Fire Court and she and her brother Connor came to the human realm to save her people. There is a prophecy declaring that she will be the savior of her people and also the Sea Court.
Iain is the King of the Sea(Ice) Court and Claire’s fated mate. To save his people he has to sacrifice Claire on the Solstice.
Iain finally finds Claire in hiding and takes Connor. Claire will do anything for Connor so she goes after him. Together Claire and Iain travel to the Rowan Tree to speak to the greatest seer ever to find away to break the curse but also allow Claire to live.
This book has deception and romance with strong characters and awesome friendships. Will the Prophecy be fulfilled as they thought it had to be or will they find another way. I love this book and all the characters from Linsey’s Firesoul books.
Iain is the King of the Sea(Ice) Court and Claire’s fated mate. To save his people he has to sacrifice Claire on the Solstice.
Iain finally finds Claire in hiding and takes Connor. Claire will do anything for Connor so she goes after him. Together Claire and Iain travel to the Rowan Tree to speak to the greatest seer ever to find away to break the curse but also allow Claire to live.
This book has deception and romance with strong characters and awesome friendships. Will the Prophecy be fulfilled as they thought it had to be or will they find another way. I love this book and all the characters from Linsey’s Firesoul books.
January 2, 2020
Every new mini-series that Linsey Hall starts seems to top the last one. Claire’s series is no exception!
Claire and her brother Connor have made appearances in several books up to now, but we haven’t learned much about them. This book really opens up about their history, where they came from and who they are.
Claire’s mate, who has been hunting her for years, is in a tough spot. He needs to save his people, but to do that he would need to sacrifice his fated mate. This is a classic damned if you do, if you don’t situation. You want to admire him for being willing to do whatever it takes to save his people, but you want to throat punch him for even considering sacrificing Claire.
I do wish there had been more of Claire’s animal sidekick. They always provide fun comic relief and situational help. At times in this book he almost felt like an afterthought.
Claire and her brother Connor have made appearances in several books up to now, but we haven’t learned much about them. This book really opens up about their history, where they came from and who they are.
Claire’s mate, who has been hunting her for years, is in a tough spot. He needs to save his people, but to do that he would need to sacrifice his fated mate. This is a classic damned if you do, if you don’t situation. You want to admire him for being willing to do whatever it takes to save his people, but you want to throat punch him for even considering sacrificing Claire.
I do wish there had been more of Claire’s animal sidekick. They always provide fun comic relief and situational help. At times in this book he almost felt like an afterthought.
April 28, 2020
Meh. Nothing to write home about.
I have really enjoyed Linsey's work and this universe in particular. However, I found this story to be dreadfully boring and tedious. There is little world developing and practically no character development at all in this book. I had no investment whatsoever in what was happening to anyone. I'm a pathetically emotional person (one of the people everyone makes fun of for crying at commercials) but I felt no connection to the plights of these characters. The struggles and the fears over the potential loss of an entire race felt so hollow that I found myself wishing that the FMC was just sacrificed so it would be finished. No tears, no heartbreak, no anger, nothing. Just bored.
I gave two stars because Linsey is a great author and while this book was not interesting, it wasn't terrible to read. However, I do not recommend it.
I have really enjoyed Linsey's work and this universe in particular. However, I found this story to be dreadfully boring and tedious. There is little world developing and practically no character development at all in this book. I had no investment whatsoever in what was happening to anyone. I'm a pathetically emotional person (one of the people everyone makes fun of for crying at commercials) but I felt no connection to the plights of these characters. The struggles and the fears over the potential loss of an entire race felt so hollow that I found myself wishing that the FMC was just sacrificed so it would be finished. No tears, no heartbreak, no anger, nothing. Just bored.
I gave two stars because Linsey is a great author and while this book was not interesting, it wasn't terrible to read. However, I do not recommend it.
January 14, 2020
:(
Not my cup of tea, the repeated “I’m his fated mate” and just the repetition of everything was....disappointing and frustrating.
Also, 2 days.
That’s all it took for this dude to become a sap XD I’m sometimes fine with these situations because the writing saves it but this wasn’t able to convince me :/
It would have been nice to expand the world building and the couple had more banter instead of only glares and grunts lol I’m not against glares and such but I like personalities too :)
I didn’t hate this (just the repetitions) but I don’t like it enough to continue :( I won’t deny I’m intrigued about the “evil” creature but again, if it had ensnared me a bit more then I would have anticipated the next book >^<
Not my cup of tea, the repeated “I’m his fated mate” and just the repetition of everything was....disappointing and frustrating.
Also, 2 days.
That’s all it took for this dude to become a sap XD I’m sometimes fine with these situations because the writing saves it but this wasn’t able to convince me :/
It would have been nice to expand the world building and the couple had more banter instead of only glares and grunts lol I’m not against glares and such but I like personalities too :)
I didn’t hate this (just the repetitions) but I don’t like it enough to continue :( I won’t deny I’m intrigued about the “evil” creature but again, if it had ensnared me a bit more then I would have anticipated the next book >^<
January 6, 2020
Groundhogs day
That's what reading this book felt like. The same phrases, the exact same words repeated over and over and over until your mind is numb. This read much more like a short story, a VERY basic idea for a story that, instead of being fleshed out and made into a real book, was carelessly filled with repeated phrases and thoughts. It would have been a one star had it not been for the last few pages which were the ONLY tiny bit of redemption for this book. No character building, no world building, a very thin sliver of a plot and no romance at all. Fae are my favorite. Huge disappointment.
That's what reading this book felt like. The same phrases, the exact same words repeated over and over and over until your mind is numb. This read much more like a short story, a VERY basic idea for a story that, instead of being fleshed out and made into a real book, was carelessly filled with repeated phrases and thoughts. It would have been a one star had it not been for the last few pages which were the ONLY tiny bit of redemption for this book. No character building, no world building, a very thin sliver of a plot and no romance at all. Fae are my favorite. Huge disappointment.
December 26, 2020
The story telling is pretty juvenile. The whole story feels like a video game. Level 1: creepy tunnels. Level 2: muddy forest with grabby creatures, etc. It seemed silly that they had a perfect potion for everything at just the right time, that her cellphone worked in fae kingdom and the battery lasted like 3 days, she could summon random weapons out of thin air whenever she wanted (also like a video game), and that strange fox always appeared when she most needed it, out of the blue. I don't think I'll continue the series.
March 9, 2020
A surprisingly good, quick read! I enjoyed the characters, the plot was fast paced, and I'm looking forward to the next book.
October 3, 2021
Claire was hunting a demon when she met with a super handsome powerful guy who turned out to be her mate and fated to kill her. She was a fire fae and he was the king of ice fae, destined to kill her in order to save his own people, but if she died, she could not save her own people from a fiery apocalypse that already happened once in the past (called the Great Burning). So she decided that it was time for her and Connor to run again, to the desert. However, he immediately found her again the next day, but this time, he kidnapped Connor. Panicked, she asked for the firesouls' help and went to the ice court by herself. She infiltrated the castle, but she got captured by a creepy looking man that seemed wrong and got jailed.
The ice king said he would make her love him and then sacrifice her, because his own court would froze if he didn't. They used to be a sea fae before the ice started to freeze everything in their realm. However, with the help of her fox sidekick named puka that she found out of nowhere, (every single fucking main character her had to get a fckin hot guy and a sidekick, boring), she managed to escape and found Connor. They planned to get away through the kitchen, and they eavesdropped the guards talking. They said the curse was getting worse and already at the end of the line, some of their wives and daughters already froze (by froze, they meant their soul froze, turned them into a strange, gray, creature like the thing that captured Claire). They were glad the king would sacrifice her in two days at solstice.
They almost got away when the king came and captured them again. They took Connor to her room while the king took her with him. Claire tried to convince him that they should find another way, that his seer was not as strong as the Rowan seer, the fire fae's seer. Because the king also didn't want to sacrifice his mate, he agreed that they go to the Rowan seer to find some answer. They sneaked into the fire fae's homeland, went through some tunnels and challenges, and Claire tried to kill the king, but he managed to subdue her. To regain his trust, Claire had to use blood oath to swear she would never attack him again and help him found the seer. They did and they asked her how to avoid Claire's death. She said there might be a way by using the soul stone, fire fae's most precious item. However, she wouldn't be the same after using it.
They returned to rest and made out but Claire had other planned, she poisoned the king with sleeping and love tonic so she could sneaked out and released Connor, but she already determined to help the sea fae but after she found Connor, he already froze. The king came short while later, and she flew into a fit of rage, but she couldn't hurt him. The king promised to take care of him but Claire was even more determined to save the sea fae from freezing totally, so she could also save Connor. They sneaked into the fire fae's court and tried not to be captured (because if they found Claire, they would just caged her so she could save them in the future). After another boring danger and challenges, they found the soul stone. It gave her a vision of her past self, causing the Great Burning. Somehow, she would do it again because she stole the stone and could not control it.
They returned back, got 'married' or bonded, in fae term, and it triggered some kind of spell, which made them got attacked by ice demons. Claire managed to broke the curse by using the soul stone and gave up all her magic, but she fell into the ocean and lost the stone. In the ocean, she also felt the presence of an evil being that was the source of the sea fae's curse, but Iain rescued her before she drowned. The frozen faes (including Connor) returned back to normal so Claire immediately got to him, along with the firesouls, and before Iain could stop her, she got away from him because Iain would eventually force her to be with him due to the mating bond.
The ice king said he would make her love him and then sacrifice her, because his own court would froze if he didn't. They used to be a sea fae before the ice started to freeze everything in their realm. However, with the help of her fox sidekick named puka that she found out of nowhere, (every single fucking main character her had to get a fckin hot guy and a sidekick, boring), she managed to escape and found Connor. They planned to get away through the kitchen, and they eavesdropped the guards talking. They said the curse was getting worse and already at the end of the line, some of their wives and daughters already froze (by froze, they meant their soul froze, turned them into a strange, gray, creature like the thing that captured Claire). They were glad the king would sacrifice her in two days at solstice.
They almost got away when the king came and captured them again. They took Connor to her room while the king took her with him. Claire tried to convince him that they should find another way, that his seer was not as strong as the Rowan seer, the fire fae's seer. Because the king also didn't want to sacrifice his mate, he agreed that they go to the Rowan seer to find some answer. They sneaked into the fire fae's homeland, went through some tunnels and challenges, and Claire tried to kill the king, but he managed to subdue her. To regain his trust, Claire had to use blood oath to swear she would never attack him again and help him found the seer. They did and they asked her how to avoid Claire's death. She said there might be a way by using the soul stone, fire fae's most precious item. However, she wouldn't be the same after using it.
They returned to rest and made out but Claire had other planned, she poisoned the king with sleeping and love tonic so she could sneaked out and released Connor, but she already determined to help the sea fae but after she found Connor, he already froze. The king came short while later, and she flew into a fit of rage, but she couldn't hurt him. The king promised to take care of him but Claire was even more determined to save the sea fae from freezing totally, so she could also save Connor. They sneaked into the fire fae's court and tried not to be captured (because if they found Claire, they would just caged her so she could save them in the future). After another boring danger and challenges, they found the soul stone. It gave her a vision of her past self, causing the Great Burning. Somehow, she would do it again because she stole the stone and could not control it.
They returned back, got 'married' or bonded, in fae term, and it triggered some kind of spell, which made them got attacked by ice demons. Claire managed to broke the curse by using the soul stone and gave up all her magic, but she fell into the ocean and lost the stone. In the ocean, she also felt the presence of an evil being that was the source of the sea fae's curse, but Iain rescued her before she drowned. The frozen faes (including Connor) returned back to normal so Claire immediately got to him, along with the firesouls, and before Iain could stop her, she got away from him because Iain would eventually force her to be with him due to the mating bond.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2020
Ummmm...
I didn’t hate this book, but I didn’t love it either. I found too much repetition of the same words and thoughts. How many times did we have to be told that her touch cause a physical reaction in him? Was there another way of writing it so it wasn’t the same words? The repetition of things was so bad that at one point I thought I had flipped back as I was reading the exact same sentence.
I am not a fan of books with cliff hangers, but suffer through them when the book is good and interesting enough to make me want to read further. This didn’t. The imagery wasn’t nearly enough, the story wasn’t compelling and there was no depth to the characters. I will start the next book to see if my opinion holds up or if the story got better.
I found the story lacking and almost like the author was trying too hard to ill the pages. The story at times made no sense, ex she lied to her friend in the beginning, sad they may never see them again, but can just send a text without explaining for help...Friends that were only half fae, but turn out to be mythical creatures with kick ass fighting abilities ? Why the heck wouldn’t you use them from the start? Makes no sense. The seduction/sleeping & love potion part of the book why couldn’t he see when he found her trying to bust her brother out?
The male lead was all strong and kinda alpha in the start but quickly turned soft and was always “pained”, the female lead ....idk, supposed to be super tough, a fighter, violent, smart but turned into someone that always needed saving?? And ??
I thought it ridiculous that this bond is so strong in the male but the female can walk away. Completely against staying with a man she actually wants.
I would have loved it if we got the male lead’s POV in this book.
I didn’t hate this book, but I didn’t love it either. I found too much repetition of the same words and thoughts. How many times did we have to be told that her touch cause a physical reaction in him? Was there another way of writing it so it wasn’t the same words? The repetition of things was so bad that at one point I thought I had flipped back as I was reading the exact same sentence.
I am not a fan of books with cliff hangers, but suffer through them when the book is good and interesting enough to make me want to read further. This didn’t. The imagery wasn’t nearly enough, the story wasn’t compelling and there was no depth to the characters. I will start the next book to see if my opinion holds up or if the story got better.
I found the story lacking and almost like the author was trying too hard to ill the pages. The story at times made no sense, ex she lied to her friend in the beginning, sad they may never see them again, but can just send a text without explaining for help...Friends that were only half fae, but turn out to be mythical creatures with kick ass fighting abilities ? Why the heck wouldn’t you use them from the start? Makes no sense. The seduction/sleeping & love potion part of the book why couldn’t he see when he found her trying to bust her brother out?
The male lead was all strong and kinda alpha in the start but quickly turned soft and was always “pained”, the female lead ....idk, supposed to be super tough, a fighter, violent, smart but turned into someone that always needed saving?? And ??
I thought it ridiculous that this bond is so strong in the male but the female can walk away. Completely against staying with a man she actually wants.
I would have loved it if we got the male lead’s POV in this book.
August 12, 2020
Great concept- fated mates, one trying to sacrifice the other to save his people, the other trying to kill him before he kills her, neither able to live long after their mate dies. A seemingly no-win situation that, obviously, doesn't turn out that way. Overall I found it to be a very meh book- great chemisty between the characters if a little 'love at first sight'--then again they are fated mates, but the plot was weak and predictable- obviously neither sacrifices the other, Claire defeats the big bad but comes away from the battle with something taken from her but instead of staying with her mate who, for all intents and purposes she seems to actually like and be attracted to throughout the entire book, she runs away from him. I guess to set up a plot for the next two books? Definitely a set up for the 'I want him, but can't be with him for yada yada reasons' overused and worn out arc whose sole purpose is to force romance readers into reading a series just to see the happy ending. It feels insincere and it's used to drag the book's lifeless, conflictless, streched out into more books than it should be, storyline. Sadly, I will not be continuing to read this series.
So overall good piece of light reading if you're into fantasy, fated mates, predictability, and that whole 'will they won't they' (which imo seems moot b/c of the whole fated mate thing).. but not a life changer and you won't really be missing anything if you skip this read.
So overall good piece of light reading if you're into fantasy, fated mates, predictability, and that whole 'will they won't they' (which imo seems moot b/c of the whole fated mate thing).. but not a life changer and you won't really be missing anything if you skip this read.
February 13, 2020
Let me preface my review with this, I have not read any other books by this author so I'm unable to comment on any of her other works, obviously she has a huge following. That being said, I was prepared to throw myself into this story, because on the surface it seemed to be right down my alley. The overall premise of the book is compelling and had a lot of potential. What's not to like? A fantasy fae storyline with a vague prophecy that includes two fated mates that are doomed by their destinies. However, I quickly became frustrated with the main character, who comes across as whiny and immature. The dialogue and themes were repetitive at best and by the time I made it 65% of the way through the book I could no longer endure it. Sadly, I did not finish the read. For that reason alone, I'm giving this review a 3-star rating, rather than the 2-star rating that I feel it deserves.
Seeing as how this book appears to be a spin-off on a universe that this author has previously created, I would have like to have seen better character development, additional attention to detail shared on her fae universe at large, as well as a more intriguing story. This book may be better suited for younger readers, I for one found it somewhat disappointing.
Seeing as how this book appears to be a spin-off on a universe that this author has previously created, I would have like to have seen better character development, additional attention to detail shared on her fae universe at large, as well as a more intriguing story. This book may be better suited for younger readers, I for one found it somewhat disappointing.
January 4, 2020
What are you to do when fate catches up to you and suddenly you can't run anymore? That's the big question Claire faces when her fated mate finds her, but not all is as it seems as this isn't some happy ever after scenario, this is someone Claire has been running from for years. Crown of Fire wasn't at all what I was expecting, though I don't really know what I was expecting. Claire and her brother, Conner, have been ever present, but side characters throughout the Dragon Gift series, and not much is known about them other than Claire is a mercenary and Connor is a potions master, and together they own a little coffee shop that specialises in pasties and magic drinks. Jumping in with a splash we meet up with Claire while she's out on a hunt and it not long before we learn a bit about her and her brother's history, and what she's been running from all these years.
This book follows along a similar style to Linsey's previous books but this one throws you straight into the action from the get go, instead of a slow reveal, and to be honest I quite like the change of pace.
This book follows along a similar style to Linsey's previous books but this one throws you straight into the action from the get go, instead of a slow reveal, and to be honest I quite like the change of pace.
July 27, 2020
The plot was actually pretty interesting, but the book failed to grab me. I just didn't feel anything for the characters.
It was also quite repetitive. The "banter" recycled the same lines. Like every time Iain would even remotely show concern for Claire she would snipe back with something like "Are you trying to keep me alive so you can sacrifice me later?" Something like that can be considered snarky maybe the first time but after that it just becomes childish.
Also she wouldn't shut up about how much she hates him.
I really hate him.
I hate him but I want him.
I want him and I hate it.
Hate hate hate
Yes we get it, you hate him.
So clearly I had my issues and I didn't love the book, but the end was actually pretty good. I was like 90% sure I was not going to read the sequel until I got to the last few chapters and now I don't know. I might give the next book a try.
It was also quite repetitive. The "banter" recycled the same lines. Like every time Iain would even remotely show concern for Claire she would snipe back with something like "Are you trying to keep me alive so you can sacrifice me later?" Something like that can be considered snarky maybe the first time but after that it just becomes childish.
Also she wouldn't shut up about how much she hates him.
I really hate him.
I hate him but I want him.
I want him and I hate it.
Hate hate hate
Yes we get it, you hate him.
So clearly I had my issues and I didn't love the book, but the end was actually pretty good. I was like 90% sure I was not going to read the sequel until I got to the last few chapters and now I don't know. I might give the next book a try.
July 17, 2020
So it wasn’t as bad as some reviews had me worried about...but it wasn’t the bees knees either. Started fairly strong, but then it got a bit jumpy. Like a decision would be made and then things would go sideways Immediately after. Also, I liked Puka but felt like more explanation was needed than him just appearing randomly to assist at the last minute. Some of the details and action scenes in this book weren’t as clear as they could be either I felt like my eyes were glazing and I skimmed to the point.
I give it a B because it wasn’t horrendous it just wasn’t sharp enough to hold my interest. Was interesting enough to finish but I was mostly going through the motions. For a 200 page book it felt strangely long. Might pick up the sequel if I can’t find something else to read but I’m not dying to find out what happens.
I give it a B because it wasn’t horrendous it just wasn’t sharp enough to hold my interest. Was interesting enough to finish but I was mostly going through the motions. For a 200 page book it felt strangely long. Might pick up the sequel if I can’t find something else to read but I’m not dying to find out what happens.
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