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World of Aureum #1
The Sunderlands
A Kingdom of Men is pushing the Elven clans of the Sunderlands over the brink of extinction. The mortal counterpart to the God of Death, Keres has the power to stem the tide of bloodshed. As brutal civil war threatens to tear her homeland asunder, she struggles to control her gift without succumbing to a curse of unslakable blood-lust. When her people are attacked, she can no longer hold back. The beast within awakens. Gods know there will be no redemption on the other side of her revenge. Wading deeper into the darkness plaguing her land, unraveling the secrets of her heritage, Keres faces a greater challenge: finding her place in this world or being broken by it. Many seek to tame her and use her as a divine weapon. Including a Knight desiring to claim her body and spirit. As the war between Man and Elf stains the Sunderlands with innocent blood, Keres must make a choice: save her people and damn her cursed soul, or forsake the Gods and her homeland to gain freedom.
Note: This story is not suitable for persons under the age of 18.
Note: This story is not suitable for persons under the age of 18.
461 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2019
664 people are currently reading
11767 people want to read
About the author
Anastasia K. King
6 books191 followersBre G., also known by her pen name Anastasia King, is the internationally best-selling dark fantasy romance author of the World of Aureum series. She is a mythology and folklore-obsessed witchy woman with a serious caffeine addiction and too many tarot decks.
She writes monstrous villains and the bratty antiheroines who turn their worlds upside down. Her stories are steeped in myth and magic, taking readers over the hedge and far beyond your typical smutty romantasy. She is best known for her immersive world-building and jaw-dropping spice. If you're looking for characters to follow into their dark, grim worlds, teeming with wicked gods and addictive monsters, start with book one, The Sunderlands, available on Amazon.
Follow her on social media to stay updated about the highly anticipated, upcoming third installment in the World of Aureum series, Blood Waker.
THANK YOU to anyone who leaves an honest review here. Reviews help authors create more magic. So, you're a wizard if you write one ;)
She writes monstrous villains and the bratty antiheroines who turn their worlds upside down. Her stories are steeped in myth and magic, taking readers over the hedge and far beyond your typical smutty romantasy. She is best known for her immersive world-building and jaw-dropping spice. If you're looking for characters to follow into their dark, grim worlds, teeming with wicked gods and addictive monsters, start with book one, The Sunderlands, available on Amazon.
Follow her on social media to stay updated about the highly anticipated, upcoming third installment in the World of Aureum series, Blood Waker.
THANK YOU to anyone who leaves an honest review here. Reviews help authors create more magic. So, you're a wizard if you write one ;)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
January 24, 2022
I was super excited for this one as it was advertised as an adult fantasy romance based around a revenge plot, and I live for those stories.
Unfortunately, I had to DNF this after the first chapter. For reference: in my 28 years, I can count all the books I EVER DNFed on one hand. I just don’t do it. Especially not after only reading one chapter.
This goes to say that I have never in my life read a worse opening to a book. In my SUBJECTIVE opinion, this is bad writing. It is all telling and zero showing. Even the dialogue is not direct but there are sections where it is simply relayed.
Example:
“Blood filled her lungs, and she sputtered as she tried to tell me not to cry. I told her she was my best friend, my right hand, and she nodded her head, her eyes hanging low. I asked her how I could fight those who had done this to her and our comrades if she died. She smiled, and I knew what she’d meant by it.”
Despite this being a single chapter, I managed to be confused by several of the scenes/images which seemed inconsistent.
The MC also somehow already managed to be the holy trifecta of a bland heroine: entitled, whiny and annoying. In just one chapter! That’s a record.
Let me share just two examples of this:
Example 1:
“Come. It is time to say goodbye. Come do—”
“No.” I cut her off, pushing her aside. Doesn’t she understand what they meant to me? How many times did the ten of us sit in Chamira’s tent getting minor wounds cleaned and bandaged? Now they’re gone, and I’m left here, a lone warrior.
Excuse you, Keres??? What makes you so special as opposed to everyone else losing them? Why should they care more about your feelings than someone else’s? Also, why should we as the reader? We don’t know you yet.
Example 2:
“The rites are no small thing.” She argues. “There is nothing else except the rites, Keres.”
“Call me by my name once more and I’ll send you with the nine.” I shake her again. “You will call me Coroner. That’s who I am. Do you understand?”
She whimpers and nods.
“This is what I do. My power, my responsibility. You do not decide what I can and cannot do. You have your role and I have mine. Perform the rites yourself.”
She shakes her head, dropping her gaze. Tears follow it. “Coroner, your very bones could tell you what Mrithyn chose you to do, your duty.”
“Enough,” I snarl, releasing her but stepping closer so fast she flinches. She recoils, drawing her brown shawl around her chest. “Don’t tell me how to do my duty, healer, when you failed at your own. You didn’t save them. How effective was praying when she coughed up blood?” I ask.
Chamira breaks down, turning from me back to her own tent where the corpses decorate her front yard.
“Do your part and I’ll do mine,” I add.”
I’m sorry, WHAT? How delusional and entitled do you have to be to act that way? No matter how much you hurt. First, she refuses to do her duty (out of selfish reasons), then she lashes out at the healers and whatnot, and still she think she is in the right? No remorse?
I just… I could not after this point.
Maybe there is an audience for this story somewhere, but that audience surely isn’t me.
Unfortunately, I had to DNF this after the first chapter. For reference: in my 28 years, I can count all the books I EVER DNFed on one hand. I just don’t do it. Especially not after only reading one chapter.
This goes to say that I have never in my life read a worse opening to a book. In my SUBJECTIVE opinion, this is bad writing. It is all telling and zero showing. Even the dialogue is not direct but there are sections where it is simply relayed.
Example:
“Blood filled her lungs, and she sputtered as she tried to tell me not to cry. I told her she was my best friend, my right hand, and she nodded her head, her eyes hanging low. I asked her how I could fight those who had done this to her and our comrades if she died. She smiled, and I knew what she’d meant by it.”
Despite this being a single chapter, I managed to be confused by several of the scenes/images which seemed inconsistent.
The MC also somehow already managed to be the holy trifecta of a bland heroine: entitled, whiny and annoying. In just one chapter! That’s a record.
Let me share just two examples of this:
Example 1:
“Come. It is time to say goodbye. Come do—”
“No.” I cut her off, pushing her aside. Doesn’t she understand what they meant to me? How many times did the ten of us sit in Chamira’s tent getting minor wounds cleaned and bandaged? Now they’re gone, and I’m left here, a lone warrior.
Excuse you, Keres??? What makes you so special as opposed to everyone else losing them? Why should they care more about your feelings than someone else’s? Also, why should we as the reader? We don’t know you yet.
Example 2:
“The rites are no small thing.” She argues. “There is nothing else except the rites, Keres.”
“Call me by my name once more and I’ll send you with the nine.” I shake her again. “You will call me Coroner. That’s who I am. Do you understand?”
She whimpers and nods.
“This is what I do. My power, my responsibility. You do not decide what I can and cannot do. You have your role and I have mine. Perform the rites yourself.”
She shakes her head, dropping her gaze. Tears follow it. “Coroner, your very bones could tell you what Mrithyn chose you to do, your duty.”
“Enough,” I snarl, releasing her but stepping closer so fast she flinches. She recoils, drawing her brown shawl around her chest. “Don’t tell me how to do my duty, healer, when you failed at your own. You didn’t save them. How effective was praying when she coughed up blood?” I ask.
Chamira breaks down, turning from me back to her own tent where the corpses decorate her front yard.
“Do your part and I’ll do mine,” I add.”
I’m sorry, WHAT? How delusional and entitled do you have to be to act that way? No matter how much you hurt. First, she refuses to do her duty (out of selfish reasons), then she lashes out at the healers and whatnot, and still she think she is in the right? No remorse?
I just… I could not after this point.
Maybe there is an audience for this story somewhere, but that audience surely isn’t me.
February 8, 2023
VIDEO REVIEW: THE SUNDERLANDS is everything wrong with fantasy romance
https://youtu.be/tZNEDXB4kiE
Ultimately this is just disappointing. We have so many of my favorite things as descriptions for the book yet none of them were actually used here. Death god, villain origin story, angry woman mc. The writing is not good, there’s absolutely no plot, I don’t understand this world at all because no time is taken to build this world, and there’s misogyny but only in sex. Weird romanticization of infantilizing women, women’s “virginity” is important but not men’s, and the mc has sex with a dude she loves and he says “it feels like you’re still brand new”. Which is not how vaginas work and also just playing into ideas around virginity that are constructed by men to subjugate and commodify women and girls.
There was nothing here that I liked. I wish there was.
https://youtu.be/tZNEDXB4kiE
Ultimately this is just disappointing. We have so many of my favorite things as descriptions for the book yet none of them were actually used here. Death god, villain origin story, angry woman mc. The writing is not good, there’s absolutely no plot, I don’t understand this world at all because no time is taken to build this world, and there’s misogyny but only in sex. Weird romanticization of infantilizing women, women’s “virginity” is important but not men’s, and the mc has sex with a dude she loves and he says “it feels like you’re still brand new”. Which is not how vaginas work and also just playing into ideas around virginity that are constructed by men to subjugate and commodify women and girls.
There was nothing here that I liked. I wish there was.
July 27, 2023
The author chose the pen name Anastasia King because she claimed she wanted to empower women and speak for someone who was otherwise silenced?? The real Anastasia King was a mail-order bride strangled by one of her tenants whiles her husband pinned her down and then buried her in a shallow grave. All you have to do is google her name, and several articles about it will pop up. Now, explain how a dark romance with a woman who is repeatedly abused and sexually assaulted by men(and she enjoys it) honors her--not to mention the number of times these men choke her. The author has changed her website biography several times—I assume because she realized how tactless it was to profit off this woman’s name. But rather than admit any fault in what she did, she continues to twist the narrative and lie about it. Now it says that Anastasia King sounds like a 'porn star's alias'...so that's unbelievably disrespectful.
--
The Sunderlands is a perfect example of why it’s essential to ensure your beta-readers and editors are unbiased and not your best friends. This book looks like an editor has never even touched it though the author claims a ‘team of editors’ have gone over it dozens of times. I see no evidence of that. The book is overflowing with fragments; the author doesn’t seem to understand how to use proper punctuation or even an Oxford comma. There are hyphenated words that should not be, and many typos and grammatical errors. There are so many anachronisms that I could probably write my own book about them. The author writes solely in fragments or overly purple prose, making the narrative difficult to follow. Words like ‘Man’, ‘Human’, and ‘Sun’ are turned into proper nouns for no conceivable reason.
The Sunderlands is advertised as a ‘villain origin story’, but it doesn’t feel like one. Keres is described as a bad guy from the beginning, yet she doesn’t do anything I would consider villainous. This would have been better suited if she had begun the story when Keres died as a child and was resurrected. But clearly, the author was too excited to write her subpar smut, so she had to ensure Keres was at least 19.
One of the biggest struggles this book has is being far too ambitious. The author is trying to create her own pantheon from scratch, apparently based on Greek mythology, while simultaneously merging into a world of her own making that includes elves, humans and monsters. Faeries are considered mythical even though elves are technically a class of faerie. While, in theory, this could work, the execution is very poorly done, leaving a complete mess in its place. This book read like a half-baked cake taken out because the baker was too excited to frost it and show everyone how good of a job she did, but the flavor is TERRIBLE.
As far as plot, I’m still not entirely sure what it is. The chapters are mainly from Keres’ perspective, but then there’s a random POV from Liriene thrown in the middle and the epilogue is split between the two love interests in the book. I don’t understand the point of the switching POVs if it’s not going to be consistent. It felt strange and jarring to randomly be thrown into someone else’s head when I’ve grown so used to being in Keres’.
Keres’ backstory is incredibly vague. She’s chosen by a death god, resurrected for some reason, but it’s never fully explained why. She’s cursed with bloodlust, but it’s unclear if she wants to drink blood or murder everyone. She’s a vegan elf(with bloodlust?), claws, fangs, fire magic, a death curse, she cries blood and is somehow a wolf? And probably more to come. Listen, I don’t mind your character having these characteristics but like…at least make it make sense as to why!! All the powers are revealed randomly, so each time, I think, ‘my god, ANOTHER power?’ Oh, can’t forget that time she heard a man’s arm hairs raise. She also fights with a scythe and bow and arrow and has never lost a fight before or even dropped her bow before. No one has ever even cut her before ever in her life. Like my god, how Mary Sue can you be? Lmao. Her only physical features are ‘opalescent white skin, white hair and green eyes.’
No other feature is mentioned, but no one can shut up about how hot Keres is. She only ever talks about blood, how she’s Death’s right hand, her obsession with blood, her nipples, blood and NOTHING else. I don’t know if she hears this Death Spirit voice in her head or if she’s just insane. She acts incredibly tough and full of resolve, but it’s a mask. She whines and cries when told to do something but does it two seconds later anyway.
Of course, it’s apparently impossible to write a medieval fantasy without copious amounts of misogyny. It’s especially disappointing to see in a female author. All the women in Keres’ elven clan are illiterate for some reason. But not Keres because she’s “special or whatever”. <—I wish that wasn’t worded exactly like this in the book, but it is. Every other sentence is ‘female this’ or ‘female that’. It really chaps my ass to see another woman calling women ‘females’ so often. ‘Females are the lesser sex.’ ‘Females are illiterate.’
Her elves are all vegan and don’t ‘eat animals of the earth (do they eat animals, not of the earth?) Despite not eating the animals, they still kill them for their pelts…which makes absolutely no sense. What an absolute waste. Do they leave the corpses with the rotting meat in a ditch somewhere? Also, vegetarian elves in medieval settings make zero sense to me. How does that even work? Oh, and another thing. The elves don’t wear shoes. Ever. Yet their feet are still soft as a baby and get cut up, which makes…no…sense. You will have calloused gross feet if you have been walking on the hard ground barefoot from day one. You are going to have essentially hobbit feet. Keres says these are all her core beliefs, yet she wears shoes with little to no convincing and feels no remorse. Keres is dead-set on not cheating on her husband but cheats on him immediately. So strong-willed Keres.
The arranged marriage plot was dropped about 70 pages into the book. Keres can’t decide if she’s happy about it or not. She didn’t give a crap until she found out her mom wrote a will that said she HAD to marry him and then, like a child, started to get mad about it. She marries Silas anyway, who wants to trap her with the marriage because he didn’t wish Keres to find out about his secret girlfriend at Court, and then when Keres runs off to Court(and finds out about his secret girlfriend), he…doesn’t even go after her? Or write or anything. Lmao, like what?
All the world-building and background information is given in long rant-like info dumps. The terrain/landscape is a mystery. The dynamics of the elven clan are a mystery. The distance between places is a mystery. The weather is described solely through Keres’ nipples. Elves are all-powerful, have elemental magic, and can bond with gods, but I have no idea how these gods impact the world. Everything is thrown at us in drunken info-dumps instead of shown in an actual cohesive storytelling manner. But that’s unsurprising since the author has admitted that she writes this stuff wine-drunk.
The queer rep in this book is pathetic. The book starts immediately with a gay character dying. Two random side characters mentioned approximately three times are gay, so Keres can say she’s not homophobic as she tries to murder one of them. “I wasn’t trying to kill him because he was gay. It’s cuz he was human!” But immediately after, as Keres’ sister explains how she was in love with the woman who died at the beginning of the book, Keres legit says Liriene has a sick claim on Katrielle(the girl who died)….like, great queer rep there.
The author claims there’s POC rep in this book as well, and I’m here to tell you that the first POC is introduced 300 pages into the book and is described as having ‘skin like the earth’….just, wow.
As for spice…this book advertises itself like it is the spiciest thing you will ever read in your life. Well…there’s little foreplay, just instant penetration and lots of screaming and ‘you like that’ type of juvenile dirty talk. All the men go straight for choking. Like without warning, suddenly, a man is choking Keres. Like…why?????? Why not write some sex that might actually FEEL good to the woman? No woman is going to get off from a man going down on them for .2 seconds and then slamming their dick in. Like, I don’t know about you, but that hurts. Keres constantly talks about how she’s an untouched virgin, and it’s DISGUSTING. Someone compares her to a ‘sheathed blade, shiny and new’, and I literally gagged. You are writing a book for adult women. Please, for the love of god, write about adults. Most of us of sound mind do not fantasize about being untouched virgins or ‘little girls who need to be broken’. That’s disgusting and, honestly, pedophilic. Most of us don’t have mountain peaks for clits, either.
The build-up between relationships is nonexistent. There is no tension. There is no chemistry. Just bland dialogue, and then suddenly, a man is groping Keres and biting her without her consent, and she does nothing to stop them. It just is like…I guess this is fine ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I don’t understand why she’s interested in either of the love interests. I’m a person who tends always to find villains fascinating if they’re written well, and like if they happen to be attractive and saucy, then that’s cool too. But I don’t find men who don’t know boundaries hot at all. Darius kisses her without consent, threatens to break her back over his knee(????) and throws her into the river she died in as a child, knowing she can’t swim. I’m struggling to find why I should like either of these men. One of them she’s whining about that she doesn’t even want or like through the whole book until she’s told she can’t have him, then she’s terrified of losing him??? You make no sense, gurl. Someone explain to me what’s sexy about a man threatening to paralyze you lmao; I don’t understand.
I will end this review by begging the author to get an editor. Stop lying about it because all I have to do is read your book once to know that no editor went over this. Get someone who will be brutally honest with you because then you might be able to make your book into something resembling what you advertise it to be.
Also, one last thing. It’s strange to advertise your book as being like ‘The Witcher, Game of Thrones and Outlander’ when you haven’t even read those books. The author has admitted they have never even read The Witcher series, so like…how do you know if your book is like that???
February 14, 2020
As the author, I'm just feeling blessed that my debut novel has been received with so much love. THANK YOU to anyone who leaves an honest review here on Goodreads and on Amazon. It's the HIGHEST form of support you can show any author. Reviews help authors create more magic. So, you're a wizard if you write one ;)
My priority is getting my story out to readers, and I even personally GIVE AWAY free copies to those who ask. Wanna know how you can get one? Keep reading.
You can see The Sunderlands featured on many stunning #bookstagram accounts on Instagram. Check out some of the best shots taken by my lil monsters (readers) @worldofaureum !
Pretty please stalk me @anastasiaking.og on IG for everything Books, Beauty, & Biz.
Feel free to direct message me for a free copy! I give while supplies last and they go fast! (Note* must be at least 18 to receive a free copy. This is not a signed copy.)
If you're really cool, come party in my reader FaceBook group "Anastasia King's Queens."
You can also check out my videos on IGTV & YouTube for BTS look at my self-publishing journey.
My priority is getting my story out to readers, and I even personally GIVE AWAY free copies to those who ask. Wanna know how you can get one? Keep reading.
You can see The Sunderlands featured on many stunning #bookstagram accounts on Instagram. Check out some of the best shots taken by my lil monsters (readers) @worldofaureum !
Pretty please stalk me @anastasiaking.og on IG for everything Books, Beauty, & Biz.
Feel free to direct message me for a free copy! I give while supplies last and they go fast! (Note* must be at least 18 to receive a free copy. This is not a signed copy.)
If you're really cool, come party in my reader FaceBook group "Anastasia King's Queens."
You can also check out my videos on IGTV & YouTube for BTS look at my self-publishing journey.
August 15, 2021
DNF
Awesome premise but poor writing. I was really excited to read this book but I didn’t enjoy the writing style at all. It kept pulling me out of the story.
Awesome premise but poor writing. I was really excited to read this book but I didn’t enjoy the writing style at all. It kept pulling me out of the story.
October 15, 2019
A fantastic start to an enthralling series! This book has action, romance, mystery, and dark intrigue, and I cannot wait to read more from the author.
King has a way with words that draws you in and begs for the pages to keep on turning. Her effortless descriptions give you a real taste for what the protagonist is feeling as she embarks on her quest.
Keep an eye on this author— she’s got talent!
King has a way with words that draws you in and begs for the pages to keep on turning. Her effortless descriptions give you a real taste for what the protagonist is feeling as she embarks on her quest.
Keep an eye on this author— she’s got talent!
August 16, 2022
This was my final straw. I will no longer be taking book recs from tiktok.
I don’t care what people think, no one reads my reviews anyway so I’m just gonna say it… the book sucked. Like, literally fucking AWFUL. I’m so tired of tiktok only recommending books by indie authors that don’t know how to write. I’m all for supporting indie authors but most of the ones recommended on tt are horrible. They recycle the same fucking plots over and over again and think that the more explicit they make it, will somehow make up for their atrocious writing style and piss poor creativity. This book was no different. It’s one of the worst books I’ve ever read and for what? This entire first book was completely useless and after almost 400 pages, the reader gets next to no world building and, what little we do get, is so convoluted I had to put it down out of frustration multiple times.
Every single man in this book was trash and Keres, this bitch…idk where to even begin. I don’t understand how a character who has so many powers still manages to be so completely and utterly useless. And mind you, how the fuck are all these magical, overpowered elves and other mystical creatures losing a whole ass war to measly humans??
Moving on…
I don’t give a fuck about who or how many people a main character sleeps with, but if I’m reading a romance, I do not want to read about the hero/ heroine, sleeping with multiple different partners who are not the love interest in graphic, smutty detail. So, now that I know neither Silas nor Darius are endgame, Keres sleeping with them added absolutely nothing to the plot. All the spice in this book was so forced and just plain ick 😖 More than anything, what ruined the book for me was the fact that the entire plot of the book could have been easily solved. But instead of creating more complex problems to deepen the storyline and character development, the author chose to write a 400 page drama of a meaningless love triangle and bandaged it all together with horribly cringy sex scenes that I completely skipped. I’m starting to think I’ll never find a good romance recommendation ever again. 😩
I don’t care what people think, no one reads my reviews anyway so I’m just gonna say it… the book sucked. Like, literally fucking AWFUL. I’m so tired of tiktok only recommending books by indie authors that don’t know how to write. I’m all for supporting indie authors but most of the ones recommended on tt are horrible. They recycle the same fucking plots over and over again and think that the more explicit they make it, will somehow make up for their atrocious writing style and piss poor creativity. This book was no different. It’s one of the worst books I’ve ever read and for what? This entire first book was completely useless and after almost 400 pages, the reader gets next to no world building and, what little we do get, is so convoluted I had to put it down out of frustration multiple times.
Every single man in this book was trash and Keres, this bitch…idk where to even begin. I don’t understand how a character who has so many powers still manages to be so completely and utterly useless. And mind you, how the fuck are all these magical, overpowered elves and other mystical creatures losing a whole ass war to measly humans??
Moving on…
I don’t give a fuck about who or how many people a main character sleeps with, but if I’m reading a romance, I do not want to read about the hero/ heroine, sleeping with multiple different partners who are not the love interest in graphic, smutty detail. So, now that I know neither Silas nor Darius are endgame, Keres sleeping with them added absolutely nothing to the plot. All the spice in this book was so forced and just plain ick 😖 More than anything, what ruined the book for me was the fact that the entire plot of the book could have been easily solved. But instead of creating more complex problems to deepen the storyline and character development, the author chose to write a 400 page drama of a meaningless love triangle and bandaged it all together with horribly cringy sex scenes that I completely skipped. I’m starting to think I’ll never find a good romance recommendation ever again. 😩
September 18, 2021
I am writing this review at 2:00AM after the second half of the book completely ENTHRALLED me. So, that might be all some of you need to know.
In all honesty, I had some trouble breaking into this one at the beginning. I couldn’t quite figure out the characters or their relationships - they felt complex initially in a negative, confusing way - but in the later half I adjusted to King’s pacing (which is unique and very much her own!) - and began to recognize (and love/hate, of course) more developed characters. 100% worth the initial slowness, but curious to see how the pacing is re: character/world building in the next installment.
That being said - once you’re in - it’s an engaging read. The Queen gives “and off with her head!” AND “let them eat cake!” vibes. There is also a love triangle(?)… maybe…? I’m still trying to work out what happened with this - but I found King’s chemistry-chaos engaging - and if you’re looking for some spice, you won’t be disappointed. (Although, the central storyline does not revolve around the romance arc per say - so if you’re looking for that this might not be the best choice for you!).
More than one fantastic twist as well… definitely looking forward to a second book!
In all honesty, I had some trouble breaking into this one at the beginning. I couldn’t quite figure out the characters or their relationships - they felt complex initially in a negative, confusing way - but in the later half I adjusted to King’s pacing (which is unique and very much her own!) - and began to recognize (and love/hate, of course) more developed characters. 100% worth the initial slowness, but curious to see how the pacing is re: character/world building in the next installment.
That being said - once you’re in - it’s an engaging read. The Queen gives “and off with her head!” AND “let them eat cake!” vibes. There is also a love triangle(?)… maybe…? I’m still trying to work out what happened with this - but I found King’s chemistry-chaos engaging - and if you’re looking for some spice, you won’t be disappointed. (Although, the central storyline does not revolve around the romance arc per say - so if you’re looking for that this might not be the best choice for you!).
More than one fantastic twist as well… definitely looking forward to a second book!
March 28, 2020
I knew I was going to enjoy this book as soon as I saw @pagesoverpeople raving about it and that’s why I immediately picked it up and (almost) immediately started reading it!
So I found myself struggling in the beginning because there was a lot of world building and I did find myself a bit confused at times but once I hit about 100 pages in I was hooked ( I blame me being impatient from a previous book putting me in a slump lol). I loved the fact that this was a world surrounding elves, it was very unique for me since I’ve thus far, never read a story that revolved around elves, especially elves that are in conflict with humans.
I found every character to be unique and have distinct personality traits so I wasn’t confusing them. Let me just say I LOVE Darius and hope to be seeing more of him 😏. Also I’m obsessed with Ivaia and Riordan as a couple!
Overall, I loved the characters, I loved the unique magic system revolving around gods and their chosen ones and I loved the smut that was sprinkled throughout this story!
So I found myself struggling in the beginning because there was a lot of world building and I did find myself a bit confused at times but once I hit about 100 pages in I was hooked ( I blame me being impatient from a previous book putting me in a slump lol). I loved the fact that this was a world surrounding elves, it was very unique for me since I’ve thus far, never read a story that revolved around elves, especially elves that are in conflict with humans.
I found every character to be unique and have distinct personality traits so I wasn’t confusing them. Let me just say I LOVE Darius and hope to be seeing more of him 😏. Also I’m obsessed with Ivaia and Riordan as a couple!
Overall, I loved the characters, I loved the unique magic system revolving around gods and their chosen ones and I loved the smut that was sprinkled throughout this story!
November 15, 2021
This START OF A SERIES is really good. I think the reviews are kinda aggressive.
I follow the author on all platforms and she has stated multiple times the author is supposed to be bratty and dark because this is her origin story and the build up for the events in book two. Reading all the way through she really grew into herself, being the right hand of Death can’t be easy. There are plenty of popular books that are RAVED ABOUT and are so popular that have flawed writing and flawed main characters.
I think this author will really get into her groove for this series and I am SO EXCITED to read the second one!!
I follow the author on all platforms and she has stated multiple times the author is supposed to be bratty and dark because this is her origin story and the build up for the events in book two. Reading all the way through she really grew into herself, being the right hand of Death can’t be easy. There are plenty of popular books that are RAVED ABOUT and are so popular that have flawed writing and flawed main characters.
I think this author will really get into her groove for this series and I am SO EXCITED to read the second one!!
November 1, 2019
I'm excited to be finally writing this review! It might be a long one, so be prepared(:
This book was incredibly easy to get into once I sat down to read. Chapters would fly and then I'd look at the time and ask myself, can I fit in one more chapter? The answer was always yes, and I still don't regret the late nights reading this. I was enthralled.
In that regard, this book helped me get out of a reading slump. Sometimes I just need to unwind and read something I enjoy, which this book was for me.
Now, onto the details:
THE CHARACTERS:
Keres is our main girl - I really loved her as the MC. She was never indecisive even though she had quite the internal struggle with everything she had to deal with. She constantly surprised me with her actions! I loved how unpredictable and honest she was with everything she did, never one to drown herself in regrets or cower from a challenge.
As a "strong female character" she is definitely one that my picky-ass enjoyed. I'm very choosy about which female characters I call "strong" and which I identify as ones suffering from "not like other girls syndrome." You know? the kind that always screams she's different, but never actually does anything to prove it. Ker here was not like that.
She really drove the story forward and owned up to her mistakes like a mature adult and not some whiny teenager. I can seriously appreciate that about her. From the beginning she may have struggled with self-identity, but that's understandable when one is the mortal counterpart to the God of Death. And I think King did a really good job at balancing this out, and not dragging the story with tedious inner monologues about her struggles.
Liriene, Keres's sister - She was interesting, and I loved her and Keres' relationship/dynamic. As sisters they had their struggles, but Liriene was her own defined person. She had her own motives and desires, and oh my! just everything that happened to her near the end had me so excited and proud. Lol I'm not sure if that was the intended reaction, but her character development was great. She wasn't a huge part of the story, but I sense she might become more so in the following books.
Ivaia and Riordan - I adored these two! Can't say too much because spoilers, but their dynamic was great to read and experience, and I just [at a certain scene, could not keep the tears in. King how dare you make me cry]. At the start I'd suspected Ivaia's character arc was going one way, but I was so relieved when it didn't turn out to be so. These two still cling to me and my memories, not forgettable characters.
Darius - haha, give me. Need I say more? Honestly, his inclusion in the story surprised me the most! but his character just... aaah, no spoilers but I'm so glad he wasn't around toward the end, because King is a ruthless writer and I need him around in book 2. He was all tough and quiet at first, until a certain someone got under his skin and warmed his heart *cough* Keres *cough*. He also developed quite a bit as a character toward the end, but I'd definitely like to see more of his back story in following books!
Silas - I could appreciate him as a character, and I still like his character even though he had done a shitty thing in regard to Keres and his past. And I mean, I thought he at least redeemed himself a little toward the end. Which was another thing I loved, he was never completely vilified because Keres wasn't into him as much as he wanted her to be. In some stories, one character is painted black to make the other one shine brighter, but here it was all up to the characters themselves to make a decision on who to love.
Queen Hero - The second I met her I just knew she was my new crazy best friend. She was truly a unique character and I enjoyed every minute Keres spent on the page with her. I think I'm just a sucker for mentally unstable characters (haha, so sue me, I like them). Her character was such a great addition to the story, and I'd honestly like to see more of her in future books.
Other side characters - Osira, Indiro, Nadia, Moriya, Faye, Rydel, Dorian, and a few others, but these really jumped off the page to me, and they were all so unique to one another.
THE PLOT:
Honestly I'd be writing forever trying to explain every little intricacy, but just know, for me, there was a lot to love!
Here's a brief overview of what happened:
- Establishing characters, conflict between Keres and Ivaia, Keres and the Death Spirit, Keres and Humans, basically conflict everywhere lol.
- Keres got a visit from the Gryphon King, suggesting she go to court, she was also channeled by an Oracle.
- She was forced into something she didn't want to do, but went along with it because of her principles.
- Decided to obey the Gryphon King and traveled to court. There she met Queen Hero, the bunny servants Nadia, Rydel and others. More conflict and intrigue, unraveling mysteries and piecing things together.
- Visited the Oracle who'd channeled her, was required to go on a quest to help said Oracle and piece together another part of the missing puzzle [for many interesting reasons].
- Epic battle and some steamy romance scenes (I won't say with who though(; )
- And that's where I end describing what happened because everyone needs to experience what comes next for themselves (Still, you are too ruthless Anastasia, please never stop lol)
I mean, right here I've left out SO much of what happened in between my mentions, all of which contributed to the overall story. Romance was still sprinkled throughout, but it never overtook the plot or Keres' mind, several times she mentioned that she had more important things to worry over than her love life. Which I mean, girl, get it, you're no damsel in distress.
RESULT:
What can I say? I enjoyed it, I enjoyed the characters and I enjoyed the story. There wasn't a point where I thought "this isn't going anywhere, I want to stop reading, I don't like these characters, I couldn't care less" so 5 stars from me!
With that ending in mind, I can't wait to see what's going to happen in Book 2 - Kings of Stone and Shadow.
This book was incredibly easy to get into once I sat down to read. Chapters would fly and then I'd look at the time and ask myself, can I fit in one more chapter? The answer was always yes, and I still don't regret the late nights reading this. I was enthralled.
In that regard, this book helped me get out of a reading slump. Sometimes I just need to unwind and read something I enjoy, which this book was for me.
Now, onto the details:
THE CHARACTERS:
Keres is our main girl - I really loved her as the MC. She was never indecisive even though she had quite the internal struggle with everything she had to deal with. She constantly surprised me with her actions! I loved how unpredictable and honest she was with everything she did, never one to drown herself in regrets or cower from a challenge.
As a "strong female character" she is definitely one that my picky-ass enjoyed. I'm very choosy about which female characters I call "strong" and which I identify as ones suffering from "not like other girls syndrome." You know? the kind that always screams she's different, but never actually does anything to prove it. Ker here was not like that.
She really drove the story forward and owned up to her mistakes like a mature adult and not some whiny teenager. I can seriously appreciate that about her. From the beginning she may have struggled with self-identity, but that's understandable when one is the mortal counterpart to the God of Death. And I think King did a really good job at balancing this out, and not dragging the story with tedious inner monologues about her struggles.
Liriene, Keres's sister - She was interesting, and I loved her and Keres' relationship/dynamic. As sisters they had their struggles, but Liriene was her own defined person. She had her own motives and desires, and oh my! just everything that happened to her near the end had me so excited and proud. Lol I'm not sure if that was the intended reaction, but her character development was great. She wasn't a huge part of the story, but I sense she might become more so in the following books.
Ivaia and Riordan - I adored these two! Can't say too much because spoilers, but their dynamic was great to read and experience, and I just [at a certain scene, could not keep the tears in. King how dare you make me cry]. At the start I'd suspected Ivaia's character arc was going one way, but I was so relieved when it didn't turn out to be so. These two still cling to me and my memories, not forgettable characters.
Darius - haha, give me. Need I say more? Honestly, his inclusion in the story surprised me the most! but his character just... aaah, no spoilers but I'm so glad he wasn't around toward the end, because King is a ruthless writer and I need him around in book 2. He was all tough and quiet at first, until a certain someone got under his skin and warmed his heart *cough* Keres *cough*. He also developed quite a bit as a character toward the end, but I'd definitely like to see more of his back story in following books!
Silas - I could appreciate him as a character, and I still like his character even though he had done a shitty thing in regard to Keres and his past. And I mean, I thought he at least redeemed himself a little toward the end. Which was another thing I loved, he was never completely vilified because Keres wasn't into him as much as he wanted her to be. In some stories, one character is painted black to make the other one shine brighter, but here it was all up to the characters themselves to make a decision on who to love.
Queen Hero - The second I met her I just knew she was my new crazy best friend. She was truly a unique character and I enjoyed every minute Keres spent on the page with her. I think I'm just a sucker for mentally unstable characters (haha, so sue me, I like them). Her character was such a great addition to the story, and I'd honestly like to see more of her in future books.
Other side characters - Osira, Indiro, Nadia, Moriya, Faye, Rydel, Dorian, and a few others, but these really jumped off the page to me, and they were all so unique to one another.
THE PLOT:
Honestly I'd be writing forever trying to explain every little intricacy, but just know, for me, there was a lot to love!
Here's a brief overview of what happened:
- Establishing characters, conflict between Keres and Ivaia, Keres and the Death Spirit, Keres and Humans, basically conflict everywhere lol.
- Keres got a visit from the Gryphon King, suggesting she go to court, she was also channeled by an Oracle.
- She was forced into something she didn't want to do, but went along with it because of her principles.
- Decided to obey the Gryphon King and traveled to court. There she met Queen Hero, the bunny servants Nadia, Rydel and others. More conflict and intrigue, unraveling mysteries and piecing things together.
- Visited the Oracle who'd channeled her, was required to go on a quest to help said Oracle and piece together another part of the missing puzzle [for many interesting reasons].
- Epic battle and some steamy romance scenes (I won't say with who though(; )
- And that's where I end describing what happened because everyone needs to experience what comes next for themselves (Still, you are too ruthless Anastasia, please never stop lol)
I mean, right here I've left out SO much of what happened in between my mentions, all of which contributed to the overall story. Romance was still sprinkled throughout, but it never overtook the plot or Keres' mind, several times she mentioned that she had more important things to worry over than her love life. Which I mean, girl, get it, you're no damsel in distress.
RESULT:
What can I say? I enjoyed it, I enjoyed the characters and I enjoyed the story. There wasn't a point where I thought "this isn't going anywhere, I want to stop reading, I don't like these characters, I couldn't care less" so 5 stars from me!
With that ending in mind, I can't wait to see what's going to happen in Book 2 - Kings of Stone and Shadow.
February 25, 2020
You know when you realize a book is good ?
When it inspires you to write something. When it leaves you craving more and when you have to take 2 cold shower because you’re in bed sweating from the tension.
My absolute favorite part about this book wasn’t the tension or the angst, the romance or the political intrigue . Although they all played part, my ABSOLUTE favorite part of this book was Keres. She is fierce and loyal. She is herself throughout the whole book. Since the first page you learn about her and exactly what she stands for and who she stands with and that never changes. She is a ferocious, cunning warrior until the very last page, but she grows in so ways.
With that being said, the style of the book itself has a fantastic flow, Ms.King did an exceptional job at creating these amazing characters and a world that you will not forget. I absolutely love the way she wrote the book with no limitations if she wanted to say something she said it. She created a new standard for me in adult fantasy.
This book is one for well, the books. (pun intended)
Now I’m going to spam her email in hopes we get the second book soon, if not look for me crying in a ball somewhere.
When it inspires you to write something. When it leaves you craving more and when you have to take 2 cold shower because you’re in bed sweating from the tension.
My absolute favorite part about this book wasn’t the tension or the angst, the romance or the political intrigue . Although they all played part, my ABSOLUTE favorite part of this book was Keres. She is fierce and loyal. She is herself throughout the whole book. Since the first page you learn about her and exactly what she stands for and who she stands with and that never changes. She is a ferocious, cunning warrior until the very last page, but she grows in so ways.
With that being said, the style of the book itself has a fantastic flow, Ms.King did an exceptional job at creating these amazing characters and a world that you will not forget. I absolutely love the way she wrote the book with no limitations if she wanted to say something she said it. She created a new standard for me in adult fantasy.
This book is one for well, the books. (pun intended)
Now I’m going to spam her email in hopes we get the second book soon, if not look for me crying in a ball somewhere.
December 4, 2019
Brilliance
This story is crafted to lure you into a world like no other. Anastasia writes with a vividness that makes you feel like you’ve never actually seen the world in all its glorious colors and grandeur. I read this book slowly partly because I didn’t want to miss any fine detail (there are many).
Her analogies and comparisons in every detail of part one builds a world so enthralling that wrapping my brain around its concept had me reeling with delight at her pure genius of word play.
Keres is struggling with self identify while trying to maneuver through her emotions of a great loss. Her sister Liri seems conniving & spiteful. Silas is hiding big secrets, while Darius wants absolute honesty. Everyone in between has secrets to tell as well but how long will they hold their secrets before Keres rips it from them???
Parts 2 & 3 literally sucked me in as the pace quickens and the storyline development is established.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! CANNOT WAIT FOR THE SECOND ONE!!!
This story is crafted to lure you into a world like no other. Anastasia writes with a vividness that makes you feel like you’ve never actually seen the world in all its glorious colors and grandeur. I read this book slowly partly because I didn’t want to miss any fine detail (there are many).
Her analogies and comparisons in every detail of part one builds a world so enthralling that wrapping my brain around its concept had me reeling with delight at her pure genius of word play.
Keres is struggling with self identify while trying to maneuver through her emotions of a great loss. Her sister Liri seems conniving & spiteful. Silas is hiding big secrets, while Darius wants absolute honesty. Everyone in between has secrets to tell as well but how long will they hold their secrets before Keres rips it from them???
Parts 2 & 3 literally sucked me in as the pace quickens and the storyline development is established.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! CANNOT WAIT FOR THE SECOND ONE!!!
July 21, 2024
I’m in the middle for this. There are definitely a lot of pluses and minuses. This book has sat on my TBR for a while-
I personally can do without all the religious stuff but I understand the role it plays in the story. The “love triangle” is like weird?? Because it’s so random. One dude doesn’t even know her!
Tbh I don’t like EITHER of the love interests anyway.
I’m undecided about getting the second book. There is a lot to like but once again I’m stuck in the middle about how I feel.
I personally can do without all the religious stuff but I understand the role it plays in the story. The “love triangle” is like weird?? Because it’s so random. One dude doesn’t even know her!
Tbh I don’t like EITHER of the love interests anyway.
I’m undecided about getting the second book. There is a lot to like but once again I’m stuck in the middle about how I feel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2022
I was super disappointed with this book! I thought it has potential in the beginning, but I was just confused the entire time. I didn't even really know what the point of the book was. The MC wasn't the badass blood-thirsty FMC that was 'advertised'. I really wanted to like this book and continue the series.
March 6, 2020
The Sunderlands
4 stars
The dominant thought in my mind while reading ‘The Sunderlands’ was “this would make a phenomenal movie”. I rarely say this about books because I can’t envision the scenes playing out so visually in my head as well as I did for this one. And that is because, Anastasia’s writing really brings scenes to life so vividly. She’s a phenomenal writer and it was visible in every single sentence. Her action scenes literally gave me chills, I can still see them as if I was watching them play out in real life. Her writing in general was amazing.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“Monsters aren’t real Keres. They’re just people wearing masks.”
“The spirt of one may be greater than an army. Although alone, she would not win, every fire starts with a single spark.”
“She waited in silence for a feeling of comfort, but none came because she was in love, and it made her feel a vulnerability for which there is no comfort.”
“Power comes from the ability to see what is right and do it, even if it costs us. It is a weakness to chase accomplishments only for self-glorification. It is a failure to be selfish, not to see what our words and actions do to others.”
It did take me a while to get into it just because there’s a lot going on in the world and a lot to grasp, but I feel like that was intentional sort of to keep the reader guessing at the entirety of the plot, which really blew me away. I really enjoyed the themes of the book as well as the development of our main character.
One of my favorite things to see is when a ‘chosen one’ trope comes into their own and decides to dictate their own destiny which is a prominent aspect of the book.
Keres is an interesting character who has multiple layers to her development and she’s written in a way that’s relatable and enjoyable. As a reader, I couldn’t help but struggle with her and root for her. She’s a strong female lead and I absolutely adored her.
In terms of relationships, I did enjoy the representation and the theme of choosing who you love but at the same time I would’ve liked to seen more scenes of evolvement and growth in the relationships. Personally I couldn’t invest in our main character’s love interest just because I didn’t feel it was at the level of genuineness that I prefer and like to see. And that’s mainly because I felt like it went from Point A to Point C with no development between. To put it in the best way possible, I felt a bit detached. And like I said, that’s a personal preference and although I did like them together as a couple I didn’t feel the intensity of what they felt for each other was all that believable.
I did however really love the strong themes of sexual positivity and how openly discussed it was in the book. I loved how it wasn’t portrayed as something to shy away from but rather portrayed in a positive light.
To quote: “Sex is about more than bodies winding in silken sheets or creating life. It’s about energy, the connection, the nature of love and desire. Sex is an art form. It is a lifestyle that focuses on emotional and physical fulfillment.”
Other than that, the plot was AMAZING. It was very cleverly crafted and well plotted also executed fantastically. Honestly those plot twists have me SHOOK. I’m still reeling and full on trying to grasp the entirety of what occurred but I won’t elaborate on anything because I just highly recommend going in blind and prepare to be destroyed. I cannot wait for the sequel and to see where the author takes the story!
4 stars
The dominant thought in my mind while reading ‘The Sunderlands’ was “this would make a phenomenal movie”. I rarely say this about books because I can’t envision the scenes playing out so visually in my head as well as I did for this one. And that is because, Anastasia’s writing really brings scenes to life so vividly. She’s a phenomenal writer and it was visible in every single sentence. Her action scenes literally gave me chills, I can still see them as if I was watching them play out in real life. Her writing in general was amazing.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“Monsters aren’t real Keres. They’re just people wearing masks.”
“The spirt of one may be greater than an army. Although alone, she would not win, every fire starts with a single spark.”
“She waited in silence for a feeling of comfort, but none came because she was in love, and it made her feel a vulnerability for which there is no comfort.”
“Power comes from the ability to see what is right and do it, even if it costs us. It is a weakness to chase accomplishments only for self-glorification. It is a failure to be selfish, not to see what our words and actions do to others.”
It did take me a while to get into it just because there’s a lot going on in the world and a lot to grasp, but I feel like that was intentional sort of to keep the reader guessing at the entirety of the plot, which really blew me away. I really enjoyed the themes of the book as well as the development of our main character.
One of my favorite things to see is when a ‘chosen one’ trope comes into their own and decides to dictate their own destiny which is a prominent aspect of the book.
Keres is an interesting character who has multiple layers to her development and she’s written in a way that’s relatable and enjoyable. As a reader, I couldn’t help but struggle with her and root for her. She’s a strong female lead and I absolutely adored her.
In terms of relationships, I did enjoy the representation and the theme of choosing who you love but at the same time I would’ve liked to seen more scenes of evolvement and growth in the relationships. Personally I couldn’t invest in our main character’s love interest just because I didn’t feel it was at the level of genuineness that I prefer and like to see. And that’s mainly because I felt like it went from Point A to Point C with no development between. To put it in the best way possible, I felt a bit detached. And like I said, that’s a personal preference and although I did like them together as a couple I didn’t feel the intensity of what they felt for each other was all that believable.
I did however really love the strong themes of sexual positivity and how openly discussed it was in the book. I loved how it wasn’t portrayed as something to shy away from but rather portrayed in a positive light.
To quote: “Sex is about more than bodies winding in silken sheets or creating life. It’s about energy, the connection, the nature of love and desire. Sex is an art form. It is a lifestyle that focuses on emotional and physical fulfillment.”
Other than that, the plot was AMAZING. It was very cleverly crafted and well plotted also executed fantastically. Honestly those plot twists have me SHOOK. I’m still reeling and full on trying to grasp the entirety of what occurred but I won’t elaborate on anything because I just highly recommend going in blind and prepare to be destroyed. I cannot wait for the sequel and to see where the author takes the story!
January 29, 2020
5 glorious stars! I read this book in one day!!!!!! It was so good, I loved every aspect of this world. Keres is a fierce warrior and is used by the god of Death. You could really feel all the inner turmoil she goes through during the story. All the feels. ❤️ It is a mystery adventure read with the juicy bits of sex. I don’t think I’d call it a RH or love triangle but at this point there are a few love interests, I can’t freaking wait to learn who she’ll end up with. If you love pnr or fantasy, add it to your tbr pile. I honestly loved it.... Ana I Hope book two comes out quickly, please and thank you.
November 21, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. Keres is super badass along with many of the other characters in this book. I killed it in one sitting & I'm already anxious for the next. For this to be a first from the author I'm shocked & excited to know it only gets better from here. Fans of Laura thalassa & Amelia Hutchins will love this book!
March 7, 2020
Loved this little devil of a book! Can't wait to see what's next!
January 19, 2022
You won’t regret this one
I agree with some other reviews that it took me a minute to get into this one. There is some in depth world building, a lot of moving pieces and names to keep track of. Once you get a feel of the story and the characters though, you are hooked! All of the fantasy, action and romance vibes you need. Can’t wait to see what else this series holds. Well done!
I agree with some other reviews that it took me a minute to get into this one. There is some in depth world building, a lot of moving pieces and names to keep track of. Once you get a feel of the story and the characters though, you are hooked! All of the fantasy, action and romance vibes you need. Can’t wait to see what else this series holds. Well done!
December 22, 2021
This book is exceptionally written. There's a fair bit of world building and the detailed writing style took some time to get used to, but once I did, I feel in love with this world and with Keres. The main character is easily one of the most interesting and raw MC's I've read in years. I love the dark fantasy, war-stricken world with the perfect amount of action, political intrigue, and romance. I found myself wanting to soak up every detail about the world and the characters and I was able to picture the characters and scenes more easily thanks to the detail in this book. I have already pre-ordered the next book and cannot wait to see where King takes this series. Spice level is a 3.5/5 and is so perfectly balanced with everything else going on in the world.
Read
March 10, 2020This book was a slow burn romance between me and the story. I went into it seeing it being rated a New Adult and expected to devour it, but it turned out that there was so much more to the story than I was expecting! So, I wound up REALLY taking my time reading it. Which is something of a rare occurrence for me, as I am typically a binge reader. BUT, there are some books that just deserve your time and consideration.
Ok, but honestly, all I really have to say after finishing this book is: What the h*ll? Seriously, have you ever had a lucid dream where you wake up and can’t tell up from down? That’s what finishing this story is like. It’s an amazing feel, but also, I like seriously need the second book twenty minutes ago. THIS is why I hate reading series before every book is out. I am destroyed and distraught by this ending! AHHHHHH!!!
But on a more serious note, this book is good. The first 2/3 of the book is really focused on world building. And, if you have read any of my other reviews, you know that’s basically what I fantasize about in my dreams. I salivate when I hear there’s some amazing world building in a book. What can I say? I was raised on Tolkien. But, this book NEEDED to spend all that time setting the scene, as some may say. There is a LOT in this book and even with that much focus on world building, I still don’t know everything about this world, or even honestly some of what I read! Which is fantastic, because that means there’s going to be even more foundation laid in the upcoming book.
So, imagine you’re going on this lovely but Wonderland inspired stroll through the park. That’s what the first 2/3 of the books feels like. There’s so much happening, but it still feels like hardly anything is happening all at the same time. Lucid fever dream, I’m telling you. Then you get to the last third of the book. And phew, child, I… I have no words. I literally couldn’t put the book down. Asides from the couple of (ignored, RUDE) messages to my friend who I read this with of me asking her: WHAT IS EVEN HAPPENING?! I mean, it’s just wild. Like holy heck, just wow.
But now that I’ve ranted on and on about my feelings (ew, who wants to talk about those?), I should probably give a little info about the book? Maybe? So, take a little bit of ACOTAR and a pinch of Throne of Glass, throw in some elves, a dash of “Off with their heads!” and you have The Sunderlands. First off, I’m loving that this is a book about elves. While I love the fae, elves need their limelight too! Plus these are smexy warrior elves, so, I mean, what’s not to love? My girl Keres is a total babe. She is in essence a vessel on earth for the God of Death, which is honestly pretty cool. I really loved learning about how the Gods worked in this world, and I am particularly intrigued to learn more about this harbinger of Death. Then you have the two main hulking elven men vying for Keres’ attention (’nuff said). BUT, who I am most intrigued to learn more about is Keres’ sister, Liriene. Read it and find out why (because spoilers and secrets).
But yeah, that’s it. I should stop pouring out all of my feelings over needing the second book yesterday (see how my time is going further and further back?) because you could have started reading this book in the time that it took you to read this review! Oh! And before I leave I forgot to mention how ecstatic I was to see a book filled with characters that didn't shy away from swearing! The inner sailor in me was ecstatic!
You can view my full review on my blog! I post a wide range of reviews!
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Ok, but honestly, all I really have to say after finishing this book is: What the h*ll? Seriously, have you ever had a lucid dream where you wake up and can’t tell up from down? That’s what finishing this story is like. It’s an amazing feel, but also, I like seriously need the second book twenty minutes ago. THIS is why I hate reading series before every book is out. I am destroyed and distraught by this ending! AHHHHHH!!!
But on a more serious note, this book is good. The first 2/3 of the book is really focused on world building. And, if you have read any of my other reviews, you know that’s basically what I fantasize about in my dreams. I salivate when I hear there’s some amazing world building in a book. What can I say? I was raised on Tolkien. But, this book NEEDED to spend all that time setting the scene, as some may say. There is a LOT in this book and even with that much focus on world building, I still don’t know everything about this world, or even honestly some of what I read! Which is fantastic, because that means there’s going to be even more foundation laid in the upcoming book.
So, imagine you’re going on this lovely but Wonderland inspired stroll through the park. That’s what the first 2/3 of the books feels like. There’s so much happening, but it still feels like hardly anything is happening all at the same time. Lucid fever dream, I’m telling you. Then you get to the last third of the book. And phew, child, I… I have no words. I literally couldn’t put the book down. Asides from the couple of (ignored, RUDE) messages to my friend who I read this with of me asking her: WHAT IS EVEN HAPPENING?! I mean, it’s just wild. Like holy heck, just wow.
But now that I’ve ranted on and on about my feelings (ew, who wants to talk about those?), I should probably give a little info about the book? Maybe? So, take a little bit of ACOTAR and a pinch of Throne of Glass, throw in some elves, a dash of “Off with their heads!” and you have The Sunderlands. First off, I’m loving that this is a book about elves. While I love the fae, elves need their limelight too! Plus these are smexy warrior elves, so, I mean, what’s not to love? My girl Keres is a total babe. She is in essence a vessel on earth for the God of Death, which is honestly pretty cool. I really loved learning about how the Gods worked in this world, and I am particularly intrigued to learn more about this harbinger of Death. Then you have the two main hulking elven men vying for Keres’ attention (’nuff said). BUT, who I am most intrigued to learn more about is Keres’ sister, Liriene. Read it and find out why (because spoilers and secrets).
But yeah, that’s it. I should stop pouring out all of my feelings over needing the second book yesterday (see how my time is going further and further back?) because you could have started reading this book in the time that it took you to read this review! Oh! And before I leave I forgot to mention how ecstatic I was to see a book filled with characters that didn't shy away from swearing! The inner sailor in me was ecstatic!
You can view my full review on my blog! I post a wide range of reviews!
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January 14, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Do you thirst for a strong morally grey MC? LOOK NO FURTHER! Keres is the right hand of death, and suffers from insane blood lust that is put to good use. She is tired of everyone around her controlling her fate, and goes on a journey to take it into her own hands. She kills with efficiency and damns her enemy’s souls.
“My bones are as mighty as these trees. I am small but I am not slight, for I am from them. They are the ribcage of my home, the Sunderlands, and I am their beating heart.”
The poetry in this book is also amazing, and very cryptic and well written. The battle scenes give what they are supposed to give, I hate when authors nerf them to advance the plot, but that (thankfully) did not happen! The author lets keres be powerful even when it would probably be easier to let her fail.
“A poisonous snake who bites and gives no venom,” Ivaia says. But, “If my bite is deadly, venom is overkill.”
I cannot wait for all the books in this series, it’s like acotar but with way less crying and more dirty spice. I will say, the spice in this book was verrryy slow to start, but that’s expected as it’s the origin story. And I can only assume from her tiktoks that will not be the case in book #2.
“I am. Cursed to thirst. Blood is no small tribute to the God of Death and to me it is everything. Vengeance is my life’s purpose. Blood sings to me, and the screams of my enemies light me up inside. That fire is all I feel in battle and the chill of Death Himself is the only thing that soothes me. So, don’t take it lightly when I warn you not to test me. I am cursed, and you’d be wise to stay out of my way.”
🌶🌶🌶
Do you thirst for a strong morally grey MC? LOOK NO FURTHER! Keres is the right hand of death, and suffers from insane blood lust that is put to good use. She is tired of everyone around her controlling her fate, and goes on a journey to take it into her own hands. She kills with efficiency and damns her enemy’s souls.
“My bones are as mighty as these trees. I am small but I am not slight, for I am from them. They are the ribcage of my home, the Sunderlands, and I am their beating heart.”
The poetry in this book is also amazing, and very cryptic and well written. The battle scenes give what they are supposed to give, I hate when authors nerf them to advance the plot, but that (thankfully) did not happen! The author lets keres be powerful even when it would probably be easier to let her fail.
“A poisonous snake who bites and gives no venom,” Ivaia says. But, “If my bite is deadly, venom is overkill.”
I cannot wait for all the books in this series, it’s like acotar but with way less crying and more dirty spice. I will say, the spice in this book was verrryy slow to start, but that’s expected as it’s the origin story. And I can only assume from her tiktoks that will not be the case in book #2.
“I am. Cursed to thirst. Blood is no small tribute to the God of Death and to me it is everything. Vengeance is my life’s purpose. Blood sings to me, and the screams of my enemies light me up inside. That fire is all I feel in battle and the chill of Death Himself is the only thing that soothes me. So, don’t take it lightly when I warn you not to test me. I am cursed, and you’d be wise to stay out of my way.”
September 27, 2021
I discovered Anastasia on TikTok and I am SO GLAD that I did. I was immediately drawn in to the videos she made of the world of Aureum and I knew I had to give this book a try. The author has said this is very much a world building book that is meant to start the series and give readers all the information they need to know before the fun starts. Even though it was heavy world and magic building, it was never overwhelming for me and I was interested in the progression of the story.
Our main character Keres has been reborn with the powers of a death god which basically just makes her the most badass, terrifying fae around. I mean if that’s not my bread and butter of female MCs idk what is. The world is basically split between fae who live in clans, those who live in the kingdom and humans who are at war with the fae. There are a TON of characters in the book and we get to see Keres travel to multiple settings which I really enjoyed. Anastasia’s writing was so easy and enjoyable to read. This is her debut book and it read as if it was written by a seasoned author which only makes me more excited for the continuation of the series.
If you love YA fantasy but need some **spice** this book is perfect for you- note, it is NOT YA it is definitely spicy and from what I’ve seen on TikTok book 2 will be even more so! This book gives me all the dark fae, gods, anti-hero/heroine, toeing the line of good vs evil, morally complex/grey, incredible magic &power, SPICY vibes. EVERYONE GO READ IT !! Book 2 is coming out on Valentine’s Day 2022!
Our main character Keres has been reborn with the powers of a death god which basically just makes her the most badass, terrifying fae around. I mean if that’s not my bread and butter of female MCs idk what is. The world is basically split between fae who live in clans, those who live in the kingdom and humans who are at war with the fae. There are a TON of characters in the book and we get to see Keres travel to multiple settings which I really enjoyed. Anastasia’s writing was so easy and enjoyable to read. This is her debut book and it read as if it was written by a seasoned author which only makes me more excited for the continuation of the series.
If you love YA fantasy but need some **spice** this book is perfect for you- note, it is NOT YA it is definitely spicy and from what I’ve seen on TikTok book 2 will be even more so! This book gives me all the dark fae, gods, anti-hero/heroine, toeing the line of good vs evil, morally complex/grey, incredible magic &power, SPICY vibes. EVERYONE GO READ IT !! Book 2 is coming out on Valentine’s Day 2022!
September 23, 2021
This book is absolutely fantastic. King's writing and world building is magical. The sexual tension was palpable and whenever it ended I couldn't wait to read more of it. This is nothing like anything else I've read. Usually when I read a fantasy genre novel, I end up comparing it to others. That didn't happen here. This felt like a completely new experience and story. Everything fell in place, no ties hung loose.
Keres is a bad bitch with flaws and I think that makes her the perfect MC. Darius is my love and I yearn to know more about Thane.
I'm so excited to read book two in February and this will definitely become a series that lives on my bookshelf.
Keres is a bad bitch with flaws and I think that makes her the perfect MC. Darius is my love and I yearn to know more about Thane.
I'm so excited to read book two in February and this will definitely become a series that lives on my bookshelf.
August 19, 2021
Epic read
Great start to a new series! I love the intricate world building the author put into this book. The main character is lovable, but with her own flaws. With great growth throughout the first book, and can’t wait to see where she goes in the next one. It’s a brutal cliffhanger, I’m not gonna lie. But it’s just leaving me desperate for the next one. Just wish there was a glossary with all the characters, to explain who they are. Got a little confused with her some of the side characters were. This book gave me Throne of Glass vibes, but darker and sexier.
Great start to a new series! I love the intricate world building the author put into this book. The main character is lovable, but with her own flaws. With great growth throughout the first book, and can’t wait to see where she goes in the next one. It’s a brutal cliffhanger, I’m not gonna lie. But it’s just leaving me desperate for the next one. Just wish there was a glossary with all the characters, to explain who they are. Got a little confused with her some of the side characters were. This book gave me Throne of Glass vibes, but darker and sexier.
July 12, 2020
This was really enjoyable. At the beginning, I wasn't sure about this book at all, and I had a hard time getting into it. But once I did and the story picked up pace, I found myself really invested. I especially loved the world-building; it left an amazing impression on me. I couldn't fully connect to the main character and her motives, though, but it didn't bother me much overall to lower my rating. A great read all in all.
December 19, 2021
Just wow...
Have you ever read a first book and just knew it's going to be one of your favorite series?
The Sunderlands offered everything I want in a single book!
If you're into dark fantasy, with an insanely badass female MC, brilliant world building, interesting plot, banter, smut, magic and myth - do yourself a favour and READ THIS BOOK!
Have you ever read a first book and just knew it's going to be one of your favorite series?
The Sunderlands offered everything I want in a single book!
If you're into dark fantasy, with an insanely badass female MC, brilliant world building, interesting plot, banter, smut, magic and myth - do yourself a favour and READ THIS BOOK!
October 12, 2019
300 pages of... Nothing. Couldn't keep up/be even bothered with the plot. Poor worldbuilding. The romance just seemed too forced.
Perfect book if you just want to waste your time on something you won't even remembr.
Perfect book if you just want to waste your time on something you won't even remembr.
November 17, 2020
Wow this book became one of my favourite books from the first day i started reading it from day one cant wait to read the next book KERES U R UNBELIEVABLE! Anastasia created an amazing character and so much more if u havent read it yet GET READING ALREADY!
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