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Of Goblins Kings #2
Of Shadows and Elves
To save the Goblin King, she must risk her life on a journey to the ends of the faerie realm...
Freya couldn't have known she would destroy the entire faerie court by beating the Goblin King. All she wanted was her sister back, not to imprison the king. But with her sister refusing to return home, Freya is left trapped in her own mess. She has to fix what she broke or the faerie realm will get infinitely more dangerous.
Bring the Goblin King back. Save the people she harmed. And do her best to avoid the temptation of falling into the Goblin King's arms. Considering the Goblin King is locked away in a magical prison, at least one of her goals may be impossible to achieve...
...unless she's willing to go through hardships unnumbered.
Fans of Sarah J. Maas and the Labyrinth will be left guessing at every turn!
Freya already beat the Goblin King. But can she defeat the Goblin Queen? Scroll up and one click to find out today!
Freya couldn't have known she would destroy the entire faerie court by beating the Goblin King. All she wanted was her sister back, not to imprison the king. But with her sister refusing to return home, Freya is left trapped in her own mess. She has to fix what she broke or the faerie realm will get infinitely more dangerous.
Bring the Goblin King back. Save the people she harmed. And do her best to avoid the temptation of falling into the Goblin King's arms. Considering the Goblin King is locked away in a magical prison, at least one of her goals may be impossible to achieve...
...unless she's willing to go through hardships unnumbered.
Fans of Sarah J. Maas and the Labyrinth will be left guessing at every turn!
Freya already beat the Goblin King. But can she defeat the Goblin Queen? Scroll up and one click to find out today!
234 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2021
375 people are currently reading
1423 people want to read
About the author
Emma Hamm
72 books4,537 followers
We all know you don't really care about reading my background. Enjoy Cap instead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
June 11, 2021
Things you should know before reading this:
1. There are no elves in this book.
2. It's not very good.
3. The writing is overly simplistic.
4. I finished the damned thing anyway because I stan sexy goblin kings and I'm obsessed with Labyrinth, one of the greatest movies ever made (I will die on this hill, so don't fight me on this).
5. I am reading the next one purely because I need to see if Freya and the Goblin King do ittttttt.
6. I'm a sick fuck (see above).
1. There are no elves in this book.
2. It's not very good.
3. The writing is overly simplistic.
4. I finished the damned thing anyway because I stan sexy goblin kings and I'm obsessed with Labyrinth, one of the greatest movies ever made (I will die on this hill, so don't fight me on this).
5. I am reading the next one purely because I need to see if Freya and the Goblin King do ittttttt.
6. I'm a sick fuck (see above).
April 15, 2021
The unexciting middle book. At least this tale was a lot less confusing.
Yes, I'll be reading the final book too; such is my burden. If it didn't have a Goblin King involved, I would've given up after the first book - especially with all the "it's" instead of "its," and "who's" instead of "whose." Few things will break the momentum easier than an incorrect apostrophe.
Yes, I'll be reading the final book too; such is my burden. If it didn't have a Goblin King involved, I would've given up after the first book - especially with all the "it's" instead of "its," and "who's" instead of "whose." Few things will break the momentum easier than an incorrect apostrophe.
March 30, 2021
I have decided that Emma Hamm is my slow burn soul mate. After devouring the first book I was counting down the days until this was released and I was not disappointed.
The relationship build and tender moments between Freya and Eldridge is done to perfection, nothing felt forced or rushed. What truly shines though is Freya, she is tough but compassionate. As a heroine she comes across authentic when many heroines in the fantasy romance genre are a copy and paste version of a cliché. The ending was a little rushed and the defeat of the Goblin Queen a bit too nice and tidy but not enough to take away from the book. I think this author and this series are hidden gems that I can't get enough of! Bring on book 3!!
Side note - these covers are amazing! I giggled when I realized Eldridge loses clothing as the series goes on.
The relationship build and tender moments between Freya and Eldridge is done to perfection, nothing felt forced or rushed. What truly shines though is Freya, she is tough but compassionate. As a heroine she comes across authentic when many heroines in the fantasy romance genre are a copy and paste version of a cliché. The ending was a little rushed and the defeat of the Goblin Queen a bit too nice and tidy but not enough to take away from the book. I think this author and this series are hidden gems that I can't get enough of! Bring on book 3!!
Side note - these covers are amazing! I giggled when I realized Eldridge loses clothing as the series goes on.
June 26, 2021
4.5 Stars
I am so invested in this series and all the adventures "the hero of this story" must go through. I love the world and the different courts along with the slow building romance. And what exactly is our hero if not mortal?
I am so invested in this series and all the adventures "the hero of this story" must go through. I love the world and the different courts along with the slow building romance. And what exactly is our hero if not mortal?
March 7, 2021
Another magical adventure filled with not only dark danger and drama, but deep emotion on every level.
Freya’s journey to set things right takes her deep into the heart of the Winter Kingdom. With magic all around her and the threat of darkness that looms over her from The Winter Queen, she has only her goblin companion, Arrow, and her own wits to get her by. Until a shadowy presence begins to accompany her.
This was action packed as Freya deals with one questionable character after another. She never knew what the objectives of each creature were, which cranked up the angsty and drama for me. I loved that what was in her heart always played a pivotal role in how she ultimately solved the puzzles she faced.
Freya and the Goblin King’s relationship grows deeper and their emotions heightened as they work together to defeat the Queen. There is still just a low simmer, but it was much more prevalent than it was in book one.
With a story that is rich in magical locations, mystical creatures as well as magic plain and simple, I recommend this to anyone who enjoys the paranormal that is wrapped in all of the above. This is deep paranormal and it’s magical story will pull you in.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Freya’s journey to set things right takes her deep into the heart of the Winter Kingdom. With magic all around her and the threat of darkness that looms over her from The Winter Queen, she has only her goblin companion, Arrow, and her own wits to get her by. Until a shadowy presence begins to accompany her.
This was action packed as Freya deals with one questionable character after another. She never knew what the objectives of each creature were, which cranked up the angsty and drama for me. I loved that what was in her heart always played a pivotal role in how she ultimately solved the puzzles she faced.
Freya and the Goblin King’s relationship grows deeper and their emotions heightened as they work together to defeat the Queen. There is still just a low simmer, but it was much more prevalent than it was in book one.
With a story that is rich in magical locations, mystical creatures as well as magic plain and simple, I recommend this to anyone who enjoys the paranormal that is wrapped in all of the above. This is deep paranormal and it’s magical story will pull you in.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
April 4, 2021
Guess I’m in the minority because I didn’t enjoy this book as much as book one. To me it felt like the same story only flip flopped to defeat the Evil Queen instead. This time however the heroine is working with the Goblin King rather than against him. The tension and tricks were high between the MCs in book one and honestly this still felt like a tease. He’s able to visit in her mind but actual time spent between them in the book (especially without lingering issues in the way), is very minimal and they mostly just spend it making out. I just didn’t feel a lot of chemistry between the two. And if I’m being honest the descriptions of the hero with the billowing white shirt, dark hair and black pants reminds me of old paperback romance covers and it’s hard to take him seriously lol.
Personally I also wasn’t shocked at the revelation of Freya and her sister being magical or that their mother is still alive. Honestly given the way the book ended I feel like the only thread left hanging is her mother being alive. Everything else wrapped up the story where one could reasonably stop here happily. I guess I was more shocked at the start because for whatever reason I assumed having defeated the King, Freya would have been the new Queen, especially given her magical abilities. I did not expect an evil Queen who’d grown up with the King like family. All the Queens behavior is based on the fact that he didn’t return her feelings. Actually sounds like the kind of evil tantrum Freya’s sister Esther would make. I still didn’t like the girl in this one, she’s still pretty bratty and selfish if you ask me. Shout out to the best part of the book though, which was the stone giant who doled out relationship advice. It was a good read. Shall see if I feel like reading the last book when it releases next month 🤔🤔
Personally I also wasn’t shocked at the revelation of Freya and her sister being magical or that their mother is still alive. Honestly given the way the book ended I feel like the only thread left hanging is her mother being alive. Everything else wrapped up the story where one could reasonably stop here happily. I guess I was more shocked at the start because for whatever reason I assumed having defeated the King, Freya would have been the new Queen, especially given her magical abilities. I did not expect an evil Queen who’d grown up with the King like family. All the Queens behavior is based on the fact that he didn’t return her feelings. Actually sounds like the kind of evil tantrum Freya’s sister Esther would make. I still didn’t like the girl in this one, she’s still pretty bratty and selfish if you ask me. Shout out to the best part of the book though, which was the stone giant who doled out relationship advice. It was a good read. Shall see if I feel like reading the last book when it releases next month 🤔🤔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2021
A tortured Eldridge breaks my heart. I felt so bad for him and I’m so glad he’s safe now. Freya and Arrow were fantastic as usual and I enjoy their banter although with a kidnapped and hurt Eldridge, there wasn’t very much humor. This was a fast read with lovable characters. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 28, 2025
Definitely not as good as book 1 but something about it is still so charming. There are no elves in this book so the title is confusing (unless this is a hint as to what Freya is?) The pacing is a bit wonky; but the second half I found hard to set down.
And it ends on a damn cliffhanger.
And it ends on a damn cliffhanger.
January 14, 2025
The title is a tad misleading as there's no elves. However, I still loved the book. I adore Freya. In this book, there's a bit more with her and Elridge but in an unexpected way. Honestly, their relationship build up, and the sweet and tender moments made this book for me. There are plenty of faults with the story, but Freya and Elridge saved the book for me. That's why I'm rating it 5 stars. It's not about the writing and plotting itself, but those two are swoony and sweet. I need them together now!! ugh! The slowest of slow burns. Will I read the next book? Yep. No doubt about it.
November 15, 2023
4.5 ⭐️. I know these books aren’t perfect, but I have so much FUN reading them. The world building is beautiful, the characters are interesting, and the pace is on point. Freya is strong but not your average angsty and serious heroine. She’s sensible, resilient, and kind. Her moments with Eldridge are a combination of sweet and tensual (haha!). I liked that this story took place in the winter court and had Ice Queen vibes. Overall an enjoyable experience
March 22, 2021
3.5 stars.
I definitely preferred the first book to this second one but I still found it really enjoyable!
We got much more world-building and a better in-depth look at the winter court in this book which I appreciated. I also think the interactions with the goblin queen were interesting and I couldn't help but want more of her.
We barely got any Arrow/Freya interactions in this book and he was my favourite character in book one so I hope to see him more in the second book.
I also think the romance element developed nicely. Emma has a way of building romance up and creating a story before they reach their feelings and I really like this.
I thought the ending was interesting but didn't leave on a cliffhanger enough that if the third book was already out, I don't know if I would have gone straight ahead and picked it up.
However, this series so far has been a unique take on the fae world and I have really enjoyed it!
I definitely preferred the first book to this second one but I still found it really enjoyable!
We got much more world-building and a better in-depth look at the winter court in this book which I appreciated. I also think the interactions with the goblin queen were interesting and I couldn't help but want more of her.
We barely got any Arrow/Freya interactions in this book and he was my favourite character in book one so I hope to see him more in the second book.
I also think the romance element developed nicely. Emma has a way of building romance up and creating a story before they reach their feelings and I really like this.
I thought the ending was interesting but didn't leave on a cliffhanger enough that if the third book was already out, I don't know if I would have gone straight ahead and picked it up.
However, this series so far has been a unique take on the fae world and I have really enjoyed it!
April 22, 2021
Well what did she do and can she make things right again? Well yet again another fun filled adventure. I felt this one wasn't as good as the first but it wasn't bad in itself. I liked the ideas used, like how she had to rescue the king. It's nice to see the queen and what she could do but I still feel these guys are a little weak if a human who doesn't believe or really have magic can bet them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2021
❖︎Characters❖︎
The only new character in this installment was the Goblin Queen. I did enjoy her contrast to the Goblin King, who we learn is named Eldridge and her role as the antagonist. She was very much like any other Ice Queen in any other fairy/fae story, though their relationship was very different. While he considered her more of a sister for most of their lives, as they were raised as such, she had different feelings. I think she may have been more tame had they ruled together.
A fun side character was The Giant, who was wise, if not sort of pained. I think he was a good addition to the cast, but unfortunately, I don't see him reappearing.
Rating: 👍︎
❖︎Plot❖��
This time Freya is saving the Goblin King himself rather than her sister. Honestly, I'm quite glad that Esther didn't trail along with her. She doesn't help much and really only serves to cause problems. Freya had to play along with the Goblin Queen for some time, which was tricky, though she really should have known she couldn't fool her altogether. After some scrambling, Freya finally finds Eldridge and love abounds. My favorite part was with the Giant and how he spoke to Freya almost as an equal. He helped her put things in perspective.
Rating: 👌︎
❖︎Setting❖︎
This is a different part of the Faery Lands, the Goblin Queen's court/Winter court. Much like the Queen herself, this is much the way I would have expected her court to be. Cold.
Rating: 👌︎
❖︎Overall Rating❖︎ 👌︎
❖︎Quotes:❖︎
"She rolled her eyes, frustrated with life at this point." -- Same, Freya, same.
"I'm trying to tell you I love you, you ridiculous woman." -- Well, that's romantic.
❖︎Hashtags❖︎
#book #books #booksofinsta #bookreview #kindle #kindleunlimited #free #freebook #freebooks #goblins #fae #faeries #elves #fairies #GoblinKing #readersofIG #readersofinsta #OfShadowsandElves
January 3, 2022
I gave this book a chance even after not really liking the first one. I had hopes this story would picked up and that Freya would have a better development, however this was not what happened.
Freya is a boring character, I almost even dared say she had no personality but the problem was not this. She was just someone that would not stand for what she believes, and we see this clear with the end of the first book when she just accepts so easily that maybe she indeed wants to stay in the faery realm - even if in the whole book she kept saying she didn't.
In this book she claims she doesn't want to murder anyone, and it's exactly what she did - worst of all, she accept the killing bit too quickly (even if after the act she looked traumatized, I couldn't buy it!)
I also don't understand her friendship with Arrow. And in that tone, Freya just trust anyone too fast - she sounds almost naive, which is so ironical, since it is so different from the beginning of the series.
I hated her relationship with her sister and the excuse of "Oh maybe Esther was unhappy" when her sister was - again - an ass who didn't bother having a chat with her sister who risked everything to rescue her.
And the relationship with the Goblin King had so much promise to be dramatic and alas it wasn't.
I just feel like it was a wasted opportunity.
As for the plot of this book: it was boring and repetitive and I won't subject myself into reading another book like this one, especially after the way it ended.
Overall, it wasn't even a good story to pass the time... and sounded too different from the other works of Emma Hamm. I only not dnfed because I had hopes it would be dramatic, and because this was the first read of this year.
Freya is a boring character, I almost even dared say she had no personality but the problem was not this. She was just someone that would not stand for what she believes, and we see this clear with the end of the first book when she just accepts so easily that maybe she indeed wants to stay in the faery realm - even if in the whole book she kept saying she didn't.
In this book she claims she doesn't want to murder anyone, and it's exactly what she did - worst of all, she accept the killing bit too quickly (even if after the act she looked traumatized, I couldn't buy it!)
I also don't understand her friendship with Arrow. And in that tone, Freya just trust anyone too fast - she sounds almost naive, which is so ironical, since it is so different from the beginning of the series.
I hated her relationship with her sister and the excuse of "Oh maybe Esther was unhappy" when her sister was - again - an ass who didn't bother having a chat with her sister who risked everything to rescue her.
And the relationship with the Goblin King had so much promise to be dramatic and alas it wasn't.
I just feel like it was a wasted opportunity.
As for the plot of this book: it was boring and repetitive and I won't subject myself into reading another book like this one, especially after the way it ended.
Overall, it wasn't even a good story to pass the time... and sounded too different from the other works of Emma Hamm. I only not dnfed because I had hopes it would be dramatic, and because this was the first read of this year.
March 16, 2021
In Of Shadows and Elves, Freya's story continues as tries to defeat the Goblin Queen and help repair the damage that she unintentionally unleashed on the Fae realm. The story continues after the events of book one with the same action, a touch of slow burn romance/tension and deeper character development. There are twists, turns and plenty of court intrigue and politics for our favorite heroine to navigate during her quest to defeat the Goblin Queen. Freya grows immensely throughout the book, learning more about herself, trying to learn from her own mistakes and somehow rectify them. I am a huge fan of fantasy romance and I really dislike "insta-love". Freya and the Goblin King have the slowest of slow burn romance and its absolutely delicious. I found myself eagerly anticipating their interactions and hanging onto every tense romantic moment! Any fan of fantasy with a romantic subplot should absolutely read both Of Goblins and Gold and Of Shadows and Elves, they are amazing! I can't wait for the third book to find out how our wonderful adventure ends!
March 18, 2021
This was a really entertaining read and I recommend it. The only reason I didn’t give a full five stars was because I was left wanting more in terms of meaningful interactions between Freya and the Goblin King. The way they interact in this book is clever so I understand why contact was limited. It just felt like this book was more Freya processing her feelings over interactions from the previous book versus new developments. This is a very minor critique and I don’t think it will be an issue in the next book. The writing and plot were great! I really enjoyed how the Goblin Queen was multi-layered and not just a one-dimensional villain. It added a lot more weight to Freya’s actions. I’m looking forward to reading the next one!
January 16, 2022
CAWPILE rating: 3/10
STAR rating: ★★
Thoughts:
- Less enjoyable than the first.
- Felt very superficial and rushed and the villain? was incredibly boring + flat to me.
- Freya can be incredibly, incredibly frustrating.
- I still also don't understand why the Goblin King is so enamoured with her out of nowhere, but 🤷♀️ you go girl get that goblin mans 🍆
Am I going to continue because I want to see if they 👉👌 in the next book?
STAR rating: ★★
Thoughts:
- Less enjoyable than the first.
- Felt very superficial and rushed and the villain? was incredibly boring + flat to me.
- Freya can be incredibly, incredibly frustrating.
- I still also don't understand why the Goblin King is so enamoured with her out of nowhere, but 🤷♀️ you go girl get that goblin mans 🍆
Am I going to continue because I want to see if they 👉👌 in the next book?
February 19, 2021
Emma Hamm has delivered yet again another magical and poetic fantasy story!
Emma writes such emotionally and mentally badass heroines! Freya is delicate, stubborn, and strong-willed. I loved experiencing the journey of personal growth she went on to save the Goblin King she unintentionally dethroned!
I am so pleased with how this story is evolving! The characters, the world, and the surprises just mix together to create the perfect storm!
Emma writes such emotionally and mentally badass heroines! Freya is delicate, stubborn, and strong-willed. I loved experiencing the journey of personal growth she went on to save the Goblin King she unintentionally dethroned!
I am so pleased with how this story is evolving! The characters, the world, and the surprises just mix together to create the perfect storm!
March 15, 2021
I was given this book as an ARC for an honest rewiev.
The book starts where the first one ended, Freya has beaten the Goblin king. What she didn’t see was what will happen when one monarch falls.
This book is about Freya who is turing to right the wrongs she did in the first book. We see deeper into the characters and see they evolve.
What I really love about this book is the characters are real. They have flaws, they feel, it’s genuine.
I couldn’t put the book down before I was finished!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book starts where the first one ended, Freya has beaten the Goblin king. What she didn’t see was what will happen when one monarch falls.
This book is about Freya who is turing to right the wrongs she did in the first book. We see deeper into the characters and see they evolve.
What I really love about this book is the characters are real. They have flaws, they feel, it’s genuine.
I couldn’t put the book down before I was finished!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2021
This series definitely has its flaws, but it’s the first Labyrinth inspired series I’ve read that TRULY fits the bill. So many of them don’t captured that same feel but this one does. Eldridge is such chaos. He is working against Freya but also kinda not and really straddles that morally gray line perfectly. These have a very addictive quality to them and I love how easy they are to devour.
April 13, 2021
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars!
Review to come!
Review to come!
January 6, 2023
2 feels harsh but 3 feels like too much.. solid 2.5
February 23, 2021
Emma Hamm has done it again. I LOVE this series!
I really enjoyed the first book - Freya is such an interesting character who manages to balance strength and compassion in a unique way. In the sequel I’ve only learned to love her more.
It was heartbreaking, terrifying and inspiring all at once. The Goblin King is on top form, and I love the tension and inevitability between him and Freya that has been present since book one.
Despite my love for the first book, I think this is my favourite - Freya really comes into her own now that she’s not hurrying to save her sister and is instead looking to undo the damage she inflicted upon the courts in the first book. The ending, in particular, is beautifully bittersweet for many reasons.
The main thing I love is the way the author writes - her prose are almost lyrical at times and it’s so enchanting, which works particularly well in a book like this one.
I cannot wait for whatever comes next after THAT plot twist.
I really enjoyed the first book - Freya is such an interesting character who manages to balance strength and compassion in a unique way. In the sequel I’ve only learned to love her more.
It was heartbreaking, terrifying and inspiring all at once. The Goblin King is on top form, and I love the tension and inevitability between him and Freya that has been present since book one.
Despite my love for the first book, I think this is my favourite - Freya really comes into her own now that she’s not hurrying to save her sister and is instead looking to undo the damage she inflicted upon the courts in the first book. The ending, in particular, is beautifully bittersweet for many reasons.
The main thing I love is the way the author writes - her prose are almost lyrical at times and it’s so enchanting, which works particularly well in a book like this one.
I cannot wait for whatever comes next after THAT plot twist.
August 26, 2021
Say it with me: currently hovering between 3.5 and a four star. This did wonders to yank me from my historical romance reading slump (no shade on the sub genre; simply too much of a good thing). This read quite differently from its predecessor and I'll explain soon:
Pros/Interesting Elements
-Contained Plot
*Unlike the first novel, this one has Freya and Arrow trekking to the dreaded Goblin Queen's (AKA the former Winter Princess/Goblin King's adoptive sister) palace in the Winter Court. Allies were intact, and as a reader, I got a feel for the icy surroundings instead of getting secondhand whiplash trying to keep up with the courts.
-Opening Line
*"They plotted rebellion over a cup of earl grey tea". Nowadays, I'm strictly an herbal tea girl... however, that tea name takes me back! Took me forever to get the brewing time/add in's just right (so, hang in there, Arrow), but when I did, the scent of bergamot was heaven incarnate.
-Being Human/Breaking the Mold
*Most "chosen one" stories have the heroine go from "What?! But I can't be doing this? I'm just a girl..." then two chapters later, they wield their weapon of choice like a boss. But here, Freya has qualms till the end about:
1.Fighting correctly (no training montages here; it's all about that mental warfare, and when she does fight back, it's the way many of us would with no formal training: lots of kicking/elbowing their assailant).
2.Killing the admittedly horrible Goblin Queen (I mean, she eventually gets her with a special knife, but the act makes Freya physically sick, recalling the sound the weapon made tearing through the woman's heart and how even though the Queen treated her badly, Freya stayed by her side, refusing to let her die alone).
3.Has few allies seeing as she's mortal (despite being in love with a man of authority/their race, they don't just fawn all over her, also prior to her journey into the Fae realm, she openly despised Goblins. She admits this fear won't fade overnight, but she's learning to banish what she was conditioned to believe).
-Metaphorical vs. Physical Journey
*Freya complains she's taken one step forward and three steps back, seeing as she achieved victory over the Goblin King, and now must free him/face another royal threat. Yeah, she uses her feet to journey into the Winter Court with Arrow, but once they get there, they're separated, to the point where we really don't see Arrow and she's got to face the threat solo.
*Also, is the series "repetition" an extended metaphor for growing up/annoyances of adulting? Just when Freya thinks she's in control, a similar/slightly twisted task must be completed. Kind of like how life throws curve balls/obstacles right when you've got a handle on things (got a better job, but then they hike up your rent sort of deal) and now you've got to cope with the hopefully minor in the long run issue.
-Sibling Struggle
*It's interesting that Esther was the one who craved adventure, but has now settled down/forced to hold down the fort while Freya, the one who wanted the quiet life, must go off on a perilous journey.
-Romance
*It's definitely not as in your face as other Labyrinth homages, but to say it's sidelined is flippant (yeah, Freya's taking down the queen to clean up the mess/save the goblins, but it's also because at the journey's end, she's hoping she'll know what to do about these pesky feelings she's caught for G.K.).
*His "there's always time for romance" and not a page later "there's no right time for romance", their kiss, and his begging her to let him stay the night, just to feel her next to him... Perfection.
*Also, when Freya brings up her sister's odd marriage, G.K. asks "Do you think a goblin and a human could fall in love?", as well as the fact that the reason she's able to see him at all is because he's using all his magic to project himself into her presence... I'm rambling/listing at this point, but who cares? Its my review.
-Meta Ref/Breaking the Mold
*The G.K. claims her affection makes no sense, seeing as he's the villain in her story, referring to the idea that they're living a fairy tale, and that your enemy shouldn't wind up comforting you. Kind of saw this as picking out the harmful nature that in the wrong hands, could turn the trope of enemies to lovers deadly.
*Freya is not only on a hero's journey, but is called the hero on multiple occasions by G.K. as a term of endearment, while his being held captive by one woman and saved by another sends a nice feminist message to me. G.K. is not only the damsel in distress, but an authority figure at the mercy of a lower class outlier.
-Gothic Imagery/Tension
*I mean, the moment they arrive in Winter Court, Freya's fingers feel like they're about freeze off (we've all forgotten our gloves at some point...), but it's when she's forced to slide down into the icy dark tunnel, knowing that because her hands are tied, she's got no way of catching herself from hitting something that ups the ante. The men escorting her don't care whether she makes it or not, and her realizing that one wrong move means she's left to bleed out or freeze to death should she turn wrong... chills and not the windy kind, either
*The Goblin Queen freezes one of her guards to death and tips his crystalized body over, and it's described as "spilling out perfectly pebbled baubles, like rubies pouring from a jewelry box". Eerie.
*The dancers the Queen has trapped for amusement are destroying their feet with every step: Freya watches their feet bleeding, skin tearing with each turn, lovely skirts shield most eyes from the sound/sight of bloody flesh sticking to the floor, ripping with each tug. Jesus, took me back to my Point Horror days, there.
-Seasonal Symbolism
*Not so hard to see here, but winter, in lit. represents death. With the Goblin Queen now in control, it's the death of free will, competent rule, and free speech (if you don't agree with what she wants, she'll have more "rubies" to put in her jewelry box.. watch your back...)
Fairy Tale/Misc. Refs.
-Snow White
*When the queen asks what color she'd like to wear, Freya goes "White, seeing as it's your kingdom's color... white as snow and all." Very Snow White whose skin was described as white as snow.
*The G.K. lets it slip that the queen tried dressing Freya in dowdy colors to hide her beauty, seeing as the queen's afraid Freya will outshine her, also has insecure Evil Queen/stepmother vibes who made sure Snow was thought of as less than.
-Misc./Various
*Freya being tricked by the table laden with food which, upon tasting it, finds it's gone ice cold and inedible had me remembering...
1.In the film, Labyrinth, Jareth makes Hoggle give Sarah an enchanted peach, which looked appealing from the outside.
2.Neil Jordan's The Company of Wolves, had our RRH biting into a beautiful shiny red apple, only to to spit it out two seconds later because a worm made its home in the core.
3.In another Labyrinth inspired novel, Wintersong, that Goblin King gives Liesel, his new bride, a bowl of her favorite fruit, strawberries. Strawberries so juicy, they stain her fingertips scarlet. But upon biting into one, it turns to ash in her mouth/makes it difficult to swallow.
Labyrinth Elements
-The back cover ends with "...Unless she's willing to go through hardships unnumbered", harkening back to the famous line from the film: "Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered".
-Freya tells Arrow that the queen reorders the corridors so people lose their way, sort of like how Sarah tried to Hansel and Gretel her way through the labyrinth using red lipstick to mark the tiles. Come to find out, little goblins living beneath the floor rearrange the tiles, making her arrows useless.
-Just like the film, there's a sinister ballroom scene.
-A character claims "he's-G.K.- moved time and space for you" reminiscent of Jareth's "I've turned the world upside down and I've done it all for you", declaration.
-The G.K. wears an open chested white collar shirt and during his kidnapping and donned a velvet coat prior. Jareth, is that you?
Cons
-Over Explaining
*A lot of the cleverness was tarnished by the author jumping in and stating exactly what characters and even objects meant, wasting an extra paragraph to do it. Insults a reader's intelligence, really.
-Repetition
*Early on, Freya makes note that Arrow and Lux will argue till they're blue in the face. And then a the next chapter begins: "They argued till they were blue in the face". Could we not have this be the last line of a chapter and the next one begin, "and blue in the face they were by argument's end, no progress made, not a single compromise". Just flows better.
-Why couldn't the actual dress have made it on the cover?
*What even is this breezy blue thing? Couldn't have been Freya's; she says she's been stuck in traveling clothes. Plus, her real dress was midnight blue, dotted with silver stars. Beautiful.
-Grammatical Error
*One of the queen's goblin guards, says about his friend turned rubies, that their mother's told them to look after one another... Umm, did you mean "mothers"?
-Where in the World are These Elves You Speak Of?
*Seriously, am I supposed to infer the Winter Court houses elves, not goblins? 'Cause I'm pretty sure the author called the race of creatures, goblins throughout, not elves... Maybe I'm wrong...
All in all, I think this was entertaining, a real feast for the eyes. I could go on about the dangerous décor of the queen's court (ex: frozen icicles hang from the ceiling, like ribbons torn from ball gowns), but honestly, I want some fan to make a miniseries out of these books: they read like serials. One book could be a whole season. Someone with time, talent, and true vision, get on it!
Pros/Interesting Elements
-Contained Plot
*Unlike the first novel, this one has Freya and Arrow trekking to the dreaded Goblin Queen's (AKA the former Winter Princess/Goblin King's adoptive sister) palace in the Winter Court. Allies were intact, and as a reader, I got a feel for the icy surroundings instead of getting secondhand whiplash trying to keep up with the courts.
-Opening Line
*"They plotted rebellion over a cup of earl grey tea". Nowadays, I'm strictly an herbal tea girl... however, that tea name takes me back! Took me forever to get the brewing time/add in's just right (so, hang in there, Arrow), but when I did, the scent of bergamot was heaven incarnate.
-Being Human/Breaking the Mold
*Most "chosen one" stories have the heroine go from "What?! But I can't be doing this? I'm just a girl..." then two chapters later, they wield their weapon of choice like a boss. But here, Freya has qualms till the end about:
1.Fighting correctly (no training montages here; it's all about that mental warfare, and when she does fight back, it's the way many of us would with no formal training: lots of kicking/elbowing their assailant).
2.Killing the admittedly horrible Goblin Queen (I mean, she eventually gets her with a special knife, but the act makes Freya physically sick, recalling the sound the weapon made tearing through the woman's heart and how even though the Queen treated her badly, Freya stayed by her side, refusing to let her die alone).
3.Has few allies seeing as she's mortal (despite being in love with a man of authority/their race, they don't just fawn all over her, also prior to her journey into the Fae realm, she openly despised Goblins. She admits this fear won't fade overnight, but she's learning to banish what she was conditioned to believe).
-Metaphorical vs. Physical Journey
*Freya complains she's taken one step forward and three steps back, seeing as she achieved victory over the Goblin King, and now must free him/face another royal threat. Yeah, she uses her feet to journey into the Winter Court with Arrow, but once they get there, they're separated, to the point where we really don't see Arrow and she's got to face the threat solo.
*Also, is the series "repetition" an extended metaphor for growing up/annoyances of adulting? Just when Freya thinks she's in control, a similar/slightly twisted task must be completed. Kind of like how life throws curve balls/obstacles right when you've got a handle on things (got a better job, but then they hike up your rent sort of deal) and now you've got to cope with the hopefully minor in the long run issue.
-Sibling Struggle
*It's interesting that Esther was the one who craved adventure, but has now settled down/forced to hold down the fort while Freya, the one who wanted the quiet life, must go off on a perilous journey.
-Romance
*It's definitely not as in your face as other Labyrinth homages, but to say it's sidelined is flippant (yeah, Freya's taking down the queen to clean up the mess/save the goblins, but it's also because at the journey's end, she's hoping she'll know what to do about these pesky feelings she's caught for G.K.).
*His "there's always time for romance" and not a page later "there's no right time for romance", their kiss, and his begging her to let him stay the night, just to feel her next to him... Perfection.
*Also, when Freya brings up her sister's odd marriage, G.K. asks "Do you think a goblin and a human could fall in love?", as well as the fact that the reason she's able to see him at all is because he's using all his magic to project himself into her presence... I'm rambling/listing at this point, but who cares? Its my review.
-Meta Ref/Breaking the Mold
*The G.K. claims her affection makes no sense, seeing as he's the villain in her story, referring to the idea that they're living a fairy tale, and that your enemy shouldn't wind up comforting you. Kind of saw this as picking out the harmful nature that in the wrong hands, could turn the trope of enemies to lovers deadly.
*Freya is not only on a hero's journey, but is called the hero on multiple occasions by G.K. as a term of endearment, while his being held captive by one woman and saved by another sends a nice feminist message to me. G.K. is not only the damsel in distress, but an authority figure at the mercy of a lower class outlier.
-Gothic Imagery/Tension
*I mean, the moment they arrive in Winter Court, Freya's fingers feel like they're about freeze off (we've all forgotten our gloves at some point...), but it's when she's forced to slide down into the icy dark tunnel, knowing that because her hands are tied, she's got no way of catching herself from hitting something that ups the ante. The men escorting her don't care whether she makes it or not, and her realizing that one wrong move means she's left to bleed out or freeze to death should she turn wrong... chills and not the windy kind, either
*The Goblin Queen freezes one of her guards to death and tips his crystalized body over, and it's described as "spilling out perfectly pebbled baubles, like rubies pouring from a jewelry box". Eerie.
*The dancers the Queen has trapped for amusement are destroying their feet with every step: Freya watches their feet bleeding, skin tearing with each turn, lovely skirts shield most eyes from the sound/sight of bloody flesh sticking to the floor, ripping with each tug. Jesus, took me back to my Point Horror days, there.
-Seasonal Symbolism
*Not so hard to see here, but winter, in lit. represents death. With the Goblin Queen now in control, it's the death of free will, competent rule, and free speech (if you don't agree with what she wants, she'll have more "rubies" to put in her jewelry box.. watch your back...)
Fairy Tale/Misc. Refs.
-Snow White
*When the queen asks what color she'd like to wear, Freya goes "White, seeing as it's your kingdom's color... white as snow and all." Very Snow White whose skin was described as white as snow.
*The G.K. lets it slip that the queen tried dressing Freya in dowdy colors to hide her beauty, seeing as the queen's afraid Freya will outshine her, also has insecure Evil Queen/stepmother vibes who made sure Snow was thought of as less than.
-Misc./Various
*Freya being tricked by the table laden with food which, upon tasting it, finds it's gone ice cold and inedible had me remembering...
1.In the film, Labyrinth, Jareth makes Hoggle give Sarah an enchanted peach, which looked appealing from the outside.
2.Neil Jordan's The Company of Wolves, had our RRH biting into a beautiful shiny red apple, only to to spit it out two seconds later because a worm made its home in the core.
3.In another Labyrinth inspired novel, Wintersong, that Goblin King gives Liesel, his new bride, a bowl of her favorite fruit, strawberries. Strawberries so juicy, they stain her fingertips scarlet. But upon biting into one, it turns to ash in her mouth/makes it difficult to swallow.
Labyrinth Elements
-The back cover ends with "...Unless she's willing to go through hardships unnumbered", harkening back to the famous line from the film: "Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered".
-Freya tells Arrow that the queen reorders the corridors so people lose their way, sort of like how Sarah tried to Hansel and Gretel her way through the labyrinth using red lipstick to mark the tiles. Come to find out, little goblins living beneath the floor rearrange the tiles, making her arrows useless.
-Just like the film, there's a sinister ballroom scene.
-A character claims "he's-G.K.- moved time and space for you" reminiscent of Jareth's "I've turned the world upside down and I've done it all for you", declaration.
-The G.K. wears an open chested white collar shirt and during his kidnapping and donned a velvet coat prior. Jareth, is that you?
Cons
-Over Explaining
*A lot of the cleverness was tarnished by the author jumping in and stating exactly what characters and even objects meant, wasting an extra paragraph to do it. Insults a reader's intelligence, really.
-Repetition
*Early on, Freya makes note that Arrow and Lux will argue till they're blue in the face. And then a the next chapter begins: "They argued till they were blue in the face". Could we not have this be the last line of a chapter and the next one begin, "and blue in the face they were by argument's end, no progress made, not a single compromise". Just flows better.
-Why couldn't the actual dress have made it on the cover?
*What even is this breezy blue thing? Couldn't have been Freya's; she says she's been stuck in traveling clothes. Plus, her real dress was midnight blue, dotted with silver stars. Beautiful.
-Grammatical Error
*One of the queen's goblin guards, says about his friend turned rubies, that their mother's told them to look after one another... Umm, did you mean "mothers"?
-Where in the World are These Elves You Speak Of?
*Seriously, am I supposed to infer the Winter Court houses elves, not goblins? 'Cause I'm pretty sure the author called the race of creatures, goblins throughout, not elves... Maybe I'm wrong...
All in all, I think this was entertaining, a real feast for the eyes. I could go on about the dangerous décor of the queen's court (ex: frozen icicles hang from the ceiling, like ribbons torn from ball gowns), but honestly, I want some fan to make a miniseries out of these books: they read like serials. One book could be a whole season. Someone with time, talent, and true vision, get on it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2021
This story kinda felt like a mess. How exactly did the Goblin King fall in love with a mortal? How can a "Fae King and Queen" fall easily into a trap?
I'm sensing a recurring theme... Feyra always need to be a hero in her story. Without being one, she can't find peace in her world.
I'm sensing a recurring theme... Feyra always need to be a hero in her story. Without being one, she can't find peace in her world.
March 8, 2021
(ARC provided by Author Emma Hamm - There might be a slight spoiler of some scene but it is a mostly spoiler-free 🚨 review)
That was one cold-steamy ride!
Once are back in the Faerie Realm- we are in the Autumn Court (I think my favorite 😉 court) where we left Freya with her sister Esther, the Rat-Boy Goblin Lux (we now know his name) and Arrow (the best Goblin Dog going). With the realm starting to crumble because Eldridge our Goblin King has been defeated and is now imprisoned - by the Goblin Queen (all because Freya wanted to win and get her sister back - the Goblin King got himself imprisoned). Freya wanted to go home - but now she cant (one because her sister cant, and two cause she feels she has to clean up the mess she has started).
Freya now must go to the Winter Court - and OMGP Emma Hamm did not disappoint with describing the cold (I froze reading about it) and what the world looks like now with the Goblin Queen awake and living in the Ice Palace. The way Emma Hamm described how the Goblin Queen can be cruel (🚨 SPOILER) and how she described little dancers and how they danced on the ice that ripped their skin and they danced with bleeding toes - my toes hurt reading it (END OF SPOILER 🚨) and not care for her subjects - that Freya can see that she would be just as cruel and non-feeling towards all the other Fae Realms that she knows what must be done, and to do it she needs to find the Goblin King.
The moments of Freya and the Eldridge are once again I LOVED them they show how much he really cares for her, and her hardheadedness in how she was raised "Goblins are bad, they steal children away" in that she realizes that it was wrong and that having Goblins for friends are not as bad as she thought they would be.
And, speaking of her upbringing and her parents - was there something to why her mom was like the way she was? Why she was sooo interested in the Fae? Why did her mom have those papers (in the chest her dad buried in the first book) in the first place? And, why does it seem like she might not be a normal.......😉
Could a Goblin King really love a peasant girl like her? And, could she return his love in the end?
Can Freya do what she needs to do to save him from the mess (he actually created) and do what is necessary to win?
I cannot wait to see what Emma Hamm has up her sleeves for Freya and Eldridge next (and how many more times is she going to save his butt - or is he going to save hers?)
That was one cold-steamy ride!
Once are back in the Faerie Realm- we are in the Autumn Court (I think my favorite 😉 court) where we left Freya with her sister Esther, the Rat-Boy Goblin Lux (we now know his name) and Arrow (the best Goblin Dog going). With the realm starting to crumble because Eldridge our Goblin King has been defeated and is now imprisoned - by the Goblin Queen (all because Freya wanted to win and get her sister back - the Goblin King got himself imprisoned). Freya wanted to go home - but now she cant (one because her sister cant, and two cause she feels she has to clean up the mess she has started).
Freya now must go to the Winter Court - and OMGP Emma Hamm did not disappoint with describing the cold (I froze reading about it) and what the world looks like now with the Goblin Queen awake and living in the Ice Palace. The way Emma Hamm described how the Goblin Queen can be cruel (🚨 SPOILER) and how she described little dancers and how they danced on the ice that ripped their skin and they danced with bleeding toes - my toes hurt reading it (END OF SPOILER 🚨) and not care for her subjects - that Freya can see that she would be just as cruel and non-feeling towards all the other Fae Realms that she knows what must be done, and to do it she needs to find the Goblin King.
The moments of Freya and the Eldridge are once again I LOVED them they show how much he really cares for her, and her hardheadedness in how she was raised "Goblins are bad, they steal children away" in that she realizes that it was wrong and that having Goblins for friends are not as bad as she thought they would be.
And, speaking of her upbringing and her parents - was there something to why her mom was like the way she was? Why she was sooo interested in the Fae? Why did her mom have those papers (in the chest her dad buried in the first book) in the first place? And, why does it seem like she might not be a normal.......😉
Could a Goblin King really love a peasant girl like her? And, could she return his love in the end?
Can Freya do what she needs to do to save him from the mess (he actually created) and do what is necessary to win?
I cannot wait to see what Emma Hamm has up her sleeves for Freya and Eldridge next (and how many more times is she going to save his butt - or is he going to save hers?)
Want to read
May 14, 2021Another one?
I don't even need to read this i can just stare at the cover and i bet that would be way more entertaining than reading this SHIT.
The review is gonna be on the cover:
The girl in the cover looks downright model. i like her cheekbones, and the impossible shiny hair. Like have somewhat of her hair and from experience i know hair usually doesnt turn out that way. It turns frizzy no matter what.
The guy. is absolute dipshit. Look at him, he has man tits, his face is literally vampire.com and all hes missing is the teeth and a cape. also can i mention, something about him just isnt attractive? i remember from the last book she went like "super high cheekbones, cute pale skin, midnight hair, super sex bro's" no.. not really..
oh also he looks possessed.
guys please do not rate this book a 3 or up because it just doesn't deserve it. i can tell. im judging it by its cover.
I don't even need to read this i can just stare at the cover and i bet that would be way more entertaining than reading this SHIT.
The review is gonna be on the cover:
The girl in the cover looks downright model. i like her cheekbones, and the impossible shiny hair. Like have somewhat of her hair and from experience i know hair usually doesnt turn out that way. It turns frizzy no matter what.
The guy. is absolute dipshit. Look at him, he has man tits, his face is literally vampire.com and all hes missing is the teeth and a cape. also can i mention, something about him just isnt attractive? i remember from the last book she went like "super high cheekbones, cute pale skin, midnight hair, super sex bro's" no.. not really..
oh also he looks possessed.
guys please do not rate this book a 3 or up because it just doesn't deserve it. i can tell. im judging it by its cover.
December 27, 2022
NOTHING MAKES SENSE
WHY IS IT UP TO FREYA AND HER SISTER THE 2 FRIENDS TO SAVE THE WORLD?? LITERALLY EVERYONE KNOWS WHATS GOING ON BC EARTHQUAKE AND YET THE OTHER COURTS ARE LIKE HMMM WERE GONNA SIT IT OUT AND LEAVE IT TO THE LOWLY HUMAN
THEY SAY ITS BE FREYA IS HUMAN SHES THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN FIND THE GOBLIN KING BUT SHES MAGIC AND SHE WAS LED THERE BY A LITERAL MAGICAL CREATURE AND WHEN SHE GETS THERE THERES ABSOLUTELY NO LOCKS ON ANY OF THE DOORS HOW ARE THEY PRISONERS RIDDLE ME THAT BATMAN
THE GOBLIN QUEEN WAS SUPPOSED TO BE TOUGH AND CALCULATING AND POWERFUL BUT SHE DIDNT EVEN KNOW THAT GOBLIN KING WAS LET OUT?? UNBELIEVABLE I DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY
I VERY DONT LIKE FREYA SHES RACIST EVEN AFTER EVERYTHING AND SHALLOW AND MORALLY RIGHTEOUS AND EVERYTHING SHE SAYS IS CONTRADICTORY TO HER LAST STATEMENT I HATE IT GIVE ME BADASS MORALLY GREY BITCHES
EVERYTHING GOES RIGHT 100% OF THE TIME EVEN WHEN THAT “GO WRONG” LIKE WHERE ARE THE STAKES
I HATE THE WHOLE “omg ur my hero and I’m ur villain in this story teehee” SCHTICK ITS SO CLICHE AND ANNOYING
EVERYTHING IS SO PREDICTABLE AS WELL I AM THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE OF ON MY TOES. FUCKING FLAT FOOTED
THE ROMANCE FELT SO FORCED AND YET SO SLOW BC I DONT KNOW EHAT FREYA IS THINKING WHEN ELRIDGE DOES THINGS SHE JUST GETS RIGID AND QUIET AND IM LIKE … DOES SHE LIKE OR NOT??? HONESTLY ELRIDGE IS THE ONLY THINK GETTING ME THROUGH THIS HES SO HOT AND NOW THAT FREYA FINALLY SHOWED US EMOTIONS IF HE DOESNT GET PUSS IN THE NEXT BOOK IM THROWING IT AGAINST THE WALL. I THOUGHT THIS WAS NA NOT YA
I HAVE TO KEEP READING BC IM READING THE OMNIBUS VERSION WITH THE PRETTY COVER BUT JESUS FUCK GET AN EDITOR
-end rant-
WHY IS IT UP TO FREYA AND HER SISTER THE 2 FRIENDS TO SAVE THE WORLD?? LITERALLY EVERYONE KNOWS WHATS GOING ON BC EARTHQUAKE AND YET THE OTHER COURTS ARE LIKE HMMM WERE GONNA SIT IT OUT AND LEAVE IT TO THE LOWLY HUMAN
THEY SAY ITS BE FREYA IS HUMAN SHES THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN FIND THE GOBLIN KING BUT SHES MAGIC AND SHE WAS LED THERE BY A LITERAL MAGICAL CREATURE AND WHEN SHE GETS THERE THERES ABSOLUTELY NO LOCKS ON ANY OF THE DOORS HOW ARE THEY PRISONERS RIDDLE ME THAT BATMAN
THE GOBLIN QUEEN WAS SUPPOSED TO BE TOUGH AND CALCULATING AND POWERFUL BUT SHE DIDNT EVEN KNOW THAT GOBLIN KING WAS LET OUT?? UNBELIEVABLE I DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY
I VERY DONT LIKE FREYA SHES RACIST EVEN AFTER EVERYTHING AND SHALLOW AND MORALLY RIGHTEOUS AND EVERYTHING SHE SAYS IS CONTRADICTORY TO HER LAST STATEMENT I HATE IT GIVE ME BADASS MORALLY GREY BITCHES
EVERYTHING GOES RIGHT 100% OF THE TIME EVEN WHEN THAT “GO WRONG” LIKE WHERE ARE THE STAKES
I HATE THE WHOLE “omg ur my hero and I’m ur villain in this story teehee” SCHTICK ITS SO CLICHE AND ANNOYING
EVERYTHING IS SO PREDICTABLE AS WELL I AM THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE OF ON MY TOES. FUCKING FLAT FOOTED
THE ROMANCE FELT SO FORCED AND YET SO SLOW BC I DONT KNOW EHAT FREYA IS THINKING WHEN ELRIDGE DOES THINGS SHE JUST GETS RIGID AND QUIET AND IM LIKE … DOES SHE LIKE OR NOT??? HONESTLY ELRIDGE IS THE ONLY THINK GETTING ME THROUGH THIS HES SO HOT AND NOW THAT FREYA FINALLY SHOWED US EMOTIONS IF HE DOESNT GET PUSS IN THE NEXT BOOK IM THROWING IT AGAINST THE WALL. I THOUGHT THIS WAS NA NOT YA
I HAVE TO KEEP READING BC IM READING THE OMNIBUS VERSION WITH THE PRETTY COVER BUT JESUS FUCK GET AN EDITOR
-end rant-
May 24, 2021
3.5 stars - While I'm enjoying the world and story, I still do not get the romance at all. No feels in book 1 or book 2 for me. This is surprising, because I loooooved Emma Hamm's Heart of the Fae and Veins of Magic (so so good!) and thought the romance in that was great.
In this series so far... I have seen no chemistry between the characters - no swoon-worthy moments, no fun banter, nothing. It has a fun concept, some fun characters, and entertaining world-building. These things make it somewhat enjoyable, but I am struggling with the lack of romance. I'll probably read book 3, but I'm in no rush to do so.
In this series so far... I have seen no chemistry between the characters - no swoon-worthy moments, no fun banter, nothing. It has a fun concept, some fun characters, and entertaining world-building. These things make it somewhat enjoyable, but I am struggling with the lack of romance. I'll probably read book 3, but I'm in no rush to do so.
September 3, 2023
3.5 stars??? idk. the slowburn between the goblin king & freya is so absolutely delicious when they made out i literally jumped outta my bed- like all that tension & buildup & the way they interact at the end when she saves him- phew.
ok so i was a *bit* disappointed though by the lack of arrow & in general just goblin king/freya interactions??? like, i understand this book needed to happen so freya can examine her feelings but it should've been longer!! it felt like nothing happened! i loved the ending tho i guess i just wanted MOREEEEE. i definitely liked the first book a lot more personally
BUT THAT ENDINGGGGGGGG
ok so i was a *bit* disappointed though by the lack of arrow & in general just goblin king/freya interactions??? like, i understand this book needed to happen so freya can examine her feelings but it should've been longer!! it felt like nothing happened! i loved the ending tho i guess i just wanted MOREEEEE. i definitely liked the first book a lot more personally
BUT THAT ENDINGGGGGGGG
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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