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The Crystal Island #1
Untainted
There were several things Vera was quite skilled at. Wielding a blade and pretending to be human were two of them. Following the rules and controlling her anger, were not.
Raised in the heart of the Matherin Empire, Vera spent most of her life forced to hide what she was and what she could do. Until one day, she foolishly confronts a strange male she spies tailing the Crown Prince.
Not only does the altercation not go as planned, but the male claims she possesses a power his people vitally need. He's desperate to return home and refuses to leave without her.
Staying would give her a life she never thought she'd have but leaving could provide her with the only chance to learn more about her past.
The more answers she uncovers about herself, the more questions arise, and nothing is adding up. Vera must decide what to do, not only with her life, but with the ancient power inside her.
Raised in the heart of the Matherin Empire, Vera spent most of her life forced to hide what she was and what she could do. Until one day, she foolishly confronts a strange male she spies tailing the Crown Prince.
Not only does the altercation not go as planned, but the male claims she possesses a power his people vitally need. He's desperate to return home and refuses to leave without her.
Staying would give her a life she never thought she'd have but leaving could provide her with the only chance to learn more about her past.
The more answers she uncovers about herself, the more questions arise, and nothing is adding up. Vera must decide what to do, not only with her life, but with the ancient power inside her.
322 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 775 reviews
December 22, 2023
4.75/ 5⭐
2/5 🌶️
Step aside Wrath… There is a new MC in town. Jaren. Green Eyes.
For a first book, Lilian T. James knocked it out of the park. I absolutely LOVE the witty banter, the tension, and all the spice! It had all the right tropes- enemies to lovers, soul mates, forced proximity, one bed, one horse and hidden power.
Quotes:
“The kind of beautiful that could make anyone fall all over themselves for just a fleeting moment of his attention. The kind of beautiful that did make people do exactly that.”
“With a little love and attention, she could take something worn down, something used and beaten, and make it better than it was before.”
“Fear is a flame. It cannot be extinguished by will alone. You can let it burn you alive, or you can do something with it. Alter it, bend it to your will, forge it into a weapon.”
“I want to ruin you, worship you, claim you and make you burn only for me.”
“Seeing him lose control by her touch alone was invigorating. It made her feel powerful.”
2/5 🌶️
Step aside Wrath… There is a new MC in town. Jaren. Green Eyes.
For a first book, Lilian T. James knocked it out of the park. I absolutely LOVE the witty banter, the tension, and all the spice! It had all the right tropes- enemies to lovers, soul mates, forced proximity, one bed, one horse and hidden power.
Quotes:
“The kind of beautiful that could make anyone fall all over themselves for just a fleeting moment of his attention. The kind of beautiful that did make people do exactly that.”
“With a little love and attention, she could take something worn down, something used and beaten, and make it better than it was before.”
“Fear is a flame. It cannot be extinguished by will alone. You can let it burn you alive, or you can do something with it. Alter it, bend it to your will, forge it into a weapon.”
“I want to ruin you, worship you, claim you and make you burn only for me.”
“Seeing him lose control by her touch alone was invigorating. It made her feel powerful.”
January 4, 2022
Holy shit… this book was everything I never knew I needed! New Adult Fantasy-Romance with a hint of spice and a whole lot of tension!
Fated Mates
Enemies to lovers
Hidden power
Hidden identity
One bed
One horse
This thing literally checked everything I love, and the BEST PART?! The MC isn’t stupid and doesn’t make stupid choices. She is strong and makes decisions for herself and I LOVED it!
This book has is all, a cruel emperor, MC with a mysterious past, a comedic relief guard, arrogant handsome Prince and a dark and broody rogue like male to die for. The female MC is caught between what she knows and what she wants to find out and let’s her head and heart guide her through the whirlwind of chaos that’s thrown at her.
I literally bought this off of @Mandy’s recommendation without even reading the synopsis. I went in completely blind and I am SO HAPPY I did. I need more of this world immediately and pray to any and all gods this is like a 10 books series. Even then I’m not sure that would satisfy me 😅
This review is fresh after finishing the book so my emotions are still super high but hot damn this book is going to be taking over my brain for the foreseeable future. Thank you and goodnight 😘
Fated Mates
Enemies to lovers
Hidden power
Hidden identity
One bed
One horse
This thing literally checked everything I love, and the BEST PART?! The MC isn’t stupid and doesn’t make stupid choices. She is strong and makes decisions for herself and I LOVED it!
This book has is all, a cruel emperor, MC with a mysterious past, a comedic relief guard, arrogant handsome Prince and a dark and broody rogue like male to die for. The female MC is caught between what she knows and what she wants to find out and let’s her head and heart guide her through the whirlwind of chaos that’s thrown at her.
I literally bought this off of @Mandy’s recommendation without even reading the synopsis. I went in completely blind and I am SO HAPPY I did. I need more of this world immediately and pray to any and all gods this is like a 10 books series. Even then I’m not sure that would satisfy me 😅
This review is fresh after finishing the book so my emotions are still super high but hot damn this book is going to be taking over my brain for the foreseeable future. Thank you and goodnight 😘
December 5, 2021
I think this book had a lot of potential. The premise was there but I just don’t feel like the execution was. I don’t really feel like anything happened in this book and yet so much of it felt rushed. I felt like there was a lot of skimming over different situations and conversations and I don’t feel like I really connected with any of the characters. I also found a lot of it to just be too convenient. And I don’t really feel like it left me wanting more. I don’t feel like we actually really learned anything.
November 5, 2021
Wow! This book really surprised me. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this debut novel. The first chapter hooked me. It did take me a couple chapters to understand what was going on(typical for most fantasy). This story stuck its claws into me and I couldn’t stop reading. Vera is fierce and strong, and literally kicks butt. We love badass women over here! And Jaren, 🥵he’s top tier. Reminds me of Commander Rip from Gild and Rowan from ToG. He also has fangs!! This book had great tropes. Fated mates with an enemies to lovers spin. They literally tried to unalive each other during their first encounter. The tension and the steamy scenes were a nice touch. One horse trope AND a one bed trope!!! Also “who did this to you” *swoon*. I am definitely looking forward to book #2.
May 21, 2025
3.75 stars
July 29, 2022
Nothing I haven’t read before
Read
December 3, 2022Being a sucker for fated mates and 1-horse/ 1-bed trope, I really enjoyed this story.
June 27, 2022
The Best book I've ever read of Adult fantasy romance and what can I say ???
I'm Speechless and Stunned.
Untainted is the first adult fantasy romance in the Crystal Island series.
The story is sooo amazing with a MC where she finds herself who she was and what she was. She was isolated for fifteen years for a reason but she knew how to defend herself and knock assholes in the ass. Yep, that's the part i loved.
We got an evil emperor who wants Vera to marry his son so that the alliance will be tied between the kingdoms. But Vera rejected him and wants to know more about her heritage so she started her journey with a stranger who claims to know everything about her. She learns more about herself. She couldn't deny tug at her chest when she is with Jaren and likewise him.
Ahh, Jaren calling her 'his little star'. It always makes my stomach flatters. You know, butterflies.
The story is action paced from the beginng till the end. We got some banters with a comedic royal guard, dark and brooding MC, and fact paced. The romance between Vera and Jaren was swoon worthy and toe curling with a lot of tension and just the start of smut. I seriously wonder what would he do with her once their reached their home in book 2 🥵🥵.
~ Childhood friends to Soulmates
~ Enemies to lovers
~ Dagger to the throat by him
~ Over protective and possessive MC
~ Fierce and Loyal FMC
~ Grumpy/ Sunshine
~ Betrayal/ Lies
~ Hidden ancient power
~ Hiddel identity
~ Humans and Fae
~ War between Kingdoms
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4.5
🌶️ - 1.5
The story is Dual POV'S in third person. There's are some twist and turns in the last few chapters and you need to experience on your own and i still can't believe the story ends on a Cliffy so soon. Gods, now i need book 2.
I'm Speechless and Stunned.
Untainted is the first adult fantasy romance in the Crystal Island series.
The story is sooo amazing with a MC where she finds herself who she was and what she was. She was isolated for fifteen years for a reason but she knew how to defend herself and knock assholes in the ass. Yep, that's the part i loved.
We got an evil emperor who wants Vera to marry his son so that the alliance will be tied between the kingdoms. But Vera rejected him and wants to know more about her heritage so she started her journey with a stranger who claims to know everything about her. She learns more about herself. She couldn't deny tug at her chest when she is with Jaren and likewise him.
Ahh, Jaren calling her 'his little star'. It always makes my stomach flatters. You know, butterflies.
The story is action paced from the beginng till the end. We got some banters with a comedic royal guard, dark and brooding MC, and fact paced. The romance between Vera and Jaren was swoon worthy and toe curling with a lot of tension and just the start of smut. I seriously wonder what would he do with her once their reached their home in book 2 🥵🥵.
~ Childhood friends to Soulmates
~ Enemies to lovers
~ Dagger to the throat by him
~ Over protective and possessive MC
~ Fierce and Loyal FMC
~ Grumpy/ Sunshine
~ Betrayal/ Lies
~ Hidden ancient power
~ Hiddel identity
~ Humans and Fae
~ War between Kingdoms
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4.5
🌶️ - 1.5
The story is Dual POV'S in third person. There's are some twist and turns in the last few chapters and you need to experience on your own and i still can't believe the story ends on a Cliffy so soon. Gods, now i need book 2.
March 7, 2023
⤏ Actual rating: 3.5🌟
I was intrigued from the first few pages.
⤏ What to expect:
∘ Adult Fantasy
∘ Romance
∘ Dual POV
∘ Magic
∘ Humans & Fae
∘ Royals
∘ Betrayals
∘ Possessive, morally grey MMC
∘ Fierce FMC
∘ Knife to the throat (by him)
⤏ Tropes:
∘ Childhood friends
∘ Fated Mates
∘ Enemies to Lovers
∘ Slowburn
∘ Grumpy x Sunshine
∘ Hidden Identity
∘ One bed/one horse
I was intrigued from the first few pages.
⤏ What to expect:
∘ Adult Fantasy
∘ Romance
∘ Dual POV
∘ Magic
∘ Humans & Fae
∘ Royals
∘ Betrayals
∘ Possessive, morally grey MMC
∘ Fierce FMC
∘ Knife to the throat (by him)
⤏ Tropes:
∘ Childhood friends
∘ Fated Mates
∘ Enemies to Lovers
∘ Slowburn
∘ Grumpy x Sunshine
∘ Hidden Identity
∘ One bed/one horse
June 6, 2022
Untainted is the first installment within The Crystal Island series. Now I'll admit that this was sitting on my kindle for a while before I came across it. There's just so many books on that thing that I get easily distracted and jump into books at random. So, yes, that is exactly what happened when I came across this one, but it also ended up working for some challenges that I'm currently in too. Many birds one stone situation.
I'll also admit that even though I enjoyed this not a whole lot happened. In this, we meet Vera. We see her train, kick ass in sword fighting, and be constantly underestimated. We also start to learn more about Vera's past and possible future. Besides her, we meet Jaren. They are from the same race and have an easy connection with one another. Well, let's be honest here... Vera is very personable and has an easy connection with lots of people throughout the book.
The adventure was okay but I'm pretty confused about some of the things that were mentioned. Mostly about the queens and crystals. Also, some other stuff too but I don't want to spoil anything right now. Hoping that the next book will give us more insight on things or answer some of my many questions.
In the end, I'm happy that I decided to jump into this over the weekend. A little annoyed that I have to wait for the next book to be published though. Back to twiddling thumbs, I guess!
I'll also admit that even though I enjoyed this not a whole lot happened. In this, we meet Vera. We see her train, kick ass in sword fighting, and be constantly underestimated. We also start to learn more about Vera's past and possible future. Besides her, we meet Jaren. They are from the same race and have an easy connection with one another. Well, let's be honest here... Vera is very personable and has an easy connection with lots of people throughout the book.
The adventure was okay but I'm pretty confused about some of the things that were mentioned. Mostly about the queens and crystals. Also, some other stuff too but I don't want to spoil anything right now. Hoping that the next book will give us more insight on things or answer some of my many questions.
In the end, I'm happy that I decided to jump into this over the weekend. A little annoyed that I have to wait for the next book to be published though. Back to twiddling thumbs, I guess!
February 8, 2022
I liked this book even though it was very drawn out for no reason. The pacing was slow. The plot was really good and I can't wait to see what happens next.
January 11, 2022
the 3 stars are for the spice. this was basically wattpad for adults
January 29, 2022
First 70% is really good!! Last 30% not so much.
Overall it's good palate cleanser!!
Overall it's good palate cleanser!!
October 2, 2022
3 stars-
I’ll be generous here. Our heroine is pretty badass, along with our also very badass hero. They belong together! Obviously! But the plot of this was literally:
-Finds someone tailing the Crown Prince
-I jump him
-Knock him out
-Can’t stop thinking about him
-He forces me to escape with him by threatening to kill my friend
-Sexual tension
-Sexual tension is fulfilled
-End of book
????
The plot was based completely off the leads’ sexual tension. Nothing else happened. **Nothing**. We ended with them doing the whole ‘I claim you’ ‘You’re mine’ thing that I hate so much. Like aarergh have some conversation instead of **claiming eachother** like **beasts**.
I will probably read the next book, and I hope [praying] that there will be less sex and more plot.
I’ll be generous here. Our heroine is pretty badass, along with our also very badass hero. They belong together! Obviously! But the plot of this was literally:
-Finds someone tailing the Crown Prince
-I jump him
-Knock him out
-Can’t stop thinking about him
-He forces me to escape with him by threatening to kill my friend
-Sexual tension
-Sexual tension is fulfilled
-End of book
????
The plot was based completely off the leads’ sexual tension. Nothing else happened. **Nothing**. We ended with them doing the whole ‘I claim you’ ‘You’re mine’ thing that I hate so much. Like aarergh have some conversation instead of **claiming eachother** like **beasts**.
I will probably read the next book, and I hope [praying] that there will be less sex and more plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this book. I want to give this 2.5 and not a 2 because there were *some* good qualities.
I breezed through the first two hundred pages or so, captivated by Vera, the side characters, and the predicament she got herself into when she knocked Eithan on his ass. I enjoyed seeing her conform to a "lady's role" while hiding her true nature. While there were some flaws in both characters and plot, I was entertained and reading right along.
Then...Jaren happened. I wasn't a huge fan of him from the beginning because I just didn't like him as a character. He failed to defend his mate from childhood, he's been bitter ever since, and now he's a dick who kills without remorse and follows king's orders just because.
Bleh.
I didn't feel like he was very well developed. A lot of his actions felt conveniently executed, too. Like, he just SO happens to be there when Eithan and his guards leave the pub? Somehow, he can follow Vera all the way to the palace? Holy shit, that's a strong soul bond. I had trouble believing that. And then he manages to sneak out of the palace without anyone noticing a damn thing. Convenience, see?
And so, when a character is already on my annoying list, I cringe when I read about their sexual encounters. I really don't want to read about his erections or fantasies because I don't care about him. He came across as a big brute who didn't even know Vera but wanted to bang her every second he was with her. Another reviewer compared him to Slade from Plated Prisoner, but Jaren is nothing like that because he doesn't even take the time to truly care about Vera and help her grow as a person like Slade did with Auren. He just wants to have sex with her right away, and that's a huge turn off for me.
More annoying than Jaren, honestly, was Eithan. Holy shit, what happened to that guy? He was the cute, charming prince, and now he's a sociopath who loves to torture people? It just seemed so out of character, and I feel cheap-shotted by the author because there was NO indication of this throughout the book. Is his bloodthirstiness supposed to shock me? Frighten me? Raise the stakes for Vera? This graduates Eithan to SUPER DUPER annoying character. I thought he was going to be another Dorian from Throne of Glass. I hate these about-faces when there's no foreshadowing of them. Honestly, this author should read Falling Kingdoms. Gaius is a scary-ass king the first four books.
Elric and the king were stereotypical characters. Elric is the classic gruff parent who raises an unwanted child and the king makes me roll my eyes with his misogynic views and threats.
Trey was my favorite character, but he acted stupidly. He should have known his head would be on a platter if he went back to the palace, so he should have stuck with Vera--at least follow the bitch! Honestly, I thought he'd be the love interest for a while, but no--Jaren's erections were too potent to allow such a thing.
At the end of the day, this story annoyed the shit out of me. The romance sucked, too, because there was no build to it. Honestly, it felt like the author should have let this story sit for a few more months, or maybe another year, before publishing it. The plot, characters, and world-building are all lacking. This is supposed to be book one, but nothing happens. Everything is told, when it should have been revealed through action, capture, torture, or life-and-death situations. Even then, is there truly closure here? Vera's goal was to go back to her homeland, but she doesn't even make it there in this book. The characters are in limbo because there should have been another 70,000 words to this story. This is FANTASY! Which means WOLRD BUILDING! Which means time and dedication on the author's part!
But all I'm left with is a crazy Eithan torturing people in the basement. Somebody throw that guy in the middle of the ocean.
And speaking of which, why is this called "Crystal Island" series? They were on an island?
I breezed through the first two hundred pages or so, captivated by Vera, the side characters, and the predicament she got herself into when she knocked Eithan on his ass. I enjoyed seeing her conform to a "lady's role" while hiding her true nature. While there were some flaws in both characters and plot, I was entertained and reading right along.
Then...Jaren happened. I wasn't a huge fan of him from the beginning because I just didn't like him as a character. He failed to defend his mate from childhood, he's been bitter ever since, and now he's a dick who kills without remorse and follows king's orders just because.
Bleh.
I didn't feel like he was very well developed. A lot of his actions felt conveniently executed, too. Like, he just SO happens to be there when Eithan and his guards leave the pub? Somehow, he can follow Vera all the way to the palace? Holy shit, that's a strong soul bond. I had trouble believing that. And then he manages to sneak out of the palace without anyone noticing a damn thing. Convenience, see?
And so, when a character is already on my annoying list, I cringe when I read about their sexual encounters. I really don't want to read about his erections or fantasies because I don't care about him. He came across as a big brute who didn't even know Vera but wanted to bang her every second he was with her. Another reviewer compared him to Slade from Plated Prisoner, but Jaren is nothing like that because he doesn't even take the time to truly care about Vera and help her grow as a person like Slade did with Auren. He just wants to have sex with her right away, and that's a huge turn off for me.
More annoying than Jaren, honestly, was Eithan. Holy shit, what happened to that guy? He was the cute, charming prince, and now he's a sociopath who loves to torture people? It just seemed so out of character, and I feel cheap-shotted by the author because there was NO indication of this throughout the book. Is his bloodthirstiness supposed to shock me? Frighten me? Raise the stakes for Vera? This graduates Eithan to SUPER DUPER annoying character. I thought he was going to be another Dorian from Throne of Glass. I hate these about-faces when there's no foreshadowing of them. Honestly, this author should read Falling Kingdoms. Gaius is a scary-ass king the first four books.
Elric and the king were stereotypical characters. Elric is the classic gruff parent who raises an unwanted child and the king makes me roll my eyes with his misogynic views and threats.
Trey was my favorite character, but he acted stupidly. He should have known his head would be on a platter if he went back to the palace, so he should have stuck with Vera--at least follow the bitch! Honestly, I thought he'd be the love interest for a while, but no--Jaren's erections were too potent to allow such a thing.
At the end of the day, this story annoyed the shit out of me. The romance sucked, too, because there was no build to it. Honestly, it felt like the author should have let this story sit for a few more months, or maybe another year, before publishing it. The plot, characters, and world-building are all lacking. This is supposed to be book one, but nothing happens. Everything is told, when it should have been revealed through action, capture, torture, or life-and-death situations. Even then, is there truly closure here? Vera's goal was to go back to her homeland, but she doesn't even make it there in this book. The characters are in limbo because there should have been another 70,000 words to this story. This is FANTASY! Which means WOLRD BUILDING! Which means time and dedication on the author's part!
But all I'm left with is a crazy Eithan torturing people in the basement. Somebody throw that guy in the middle of the ocean.
And speaking of which, why is this called "Crystal Island" series? They were on an island?
July 23, 2022
I had added this book to my TBR and then I saw @listenwithbritt gave it 5⭐️ and I immediately moved it up the list and I’m so glad I did. Went in completely blind per her recommendation as well and agree the experience was so much better.
All my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers, fated mates, one horse, one bed. Great romantic tension. Spice level: 🌶
I’ve also been loving that lately some of the books I’ve been reading have great female/male best friend platonic (but still some flirty teasing banter) relationship. I hope that continues through the series, though we ended on a cliffhanger, argh!
I’m excited to see the world building and magic system expand more in the series as well since we’ve only gotten a small taste of it so far.
All my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers, fated mates, one horse, one bed. Great romantic tension. Spice level: 🌶
I’ve also been loving that lately some of the books I’ve been reading have great female/male best friend platonic (but still some flirty teasing banter) relationship. I hope that continues through the series, though we ended on a cliffhanger, argh!
I’m excited to see the world building and magic system expand more in the series as well since we’ve only gotten a small taste of it so far.
Read
April 16, 2022putting this on pause because i didn’t realize book two is not out yet. i’m really liking it though!
December 12, 2022
Okay this book right here. RIGHT HERE, YALL. I *rarely* give 5 stars. But THIS BOOK deserves all the stars. I’m shook to my core at how much I loved this book. I am a fan for LIFE now, so Lillian T. James, if you’re reading this, all I gotta say is *chefs kiss*, magnificent!
Listen, I love acotar as much as the next girl. I won’t lie, I’ve read the books a million times and I will a million more. But I despise when books are recommended to “fans of SJM’s ACOTAR!” Because they all suck. They all seem like cheap knock offs and wannabes that want SJM’s success. When someone says they want to read something they’ll love as much as ACOTAR, SHOW THEM THIS BOOK!!! They want a book they will connect with and a world and characters they can *feel*, NOT something that actually reminds them so much of acotar that it angers them— I’m looking at you, Fortuna Sworn.
Anyway this was a masterpiece and I need more people paying attention to it.
Listen, I love acotar as much as the next girl. I won’t lie, I’ve read the books a million times and I will a million more. But I despise when books are recommended to “fans of SJM’s ACOTAR!” Because they all suck. They all seem like cheap knock offs and wannabes that want SJM’s success. When someone says they want to read something they’ll love as much as ACOTAR, SHOW THEM THIS BOOK!!! They want a book they will connect with and a world and characters they can *feel*, NOT something that actually reminds them so much of acotar that it angers them— I’m looking at you, Fortuna Sworn.
Anyway this was a masterpiece and I need more people paying attention to it.
April 2, 2022
the fact that I have to wait until August for book 2 is absolutely criminal.
I finished the ebook of this through kindle unlimited and then immediately bought the physical copy so I can read it again and tab/annotate it.
I don't even know what to say. I absolutely LOVED this book. I love the main characters so much it's physically painful. some things felt a bit rushed (this book probably should been split in 2 so the events could be developed over time) but honestly I don't care because the author still did a great job at making me adore the characters and the world. and the end?????? was not expecting that but I love the twist.
this book kind of reminds me of gild by raven kennedy!
I finished the ebook of this through kindle unlimited and then immediately bought the physical copy so I can read it again and tab/annotate it.
I don't even know what to say. I absolutely LOVED this book. I love the main characters so much it's physically painful. some things felt a bit rushed (this book probably should been split in 2 so the events could be developed over time) but honestly I don't care because the author still did a great job at making me adore the characters and the world. and the end?????? was not expecting that but I love the twist.
this book kind of reminds me of gild by raven kennedy!
October 26, 2022
Vera is good with a blade- being raised around the weapons master will do that. Shes also learned to protect her identity at all costs- or at least the parts of her identity she remembers. But a quick temper has gotten Vera in a situation that threatens to unravel years of secrets and lies. Is it the Crown Prince or the mysterious foreigner she should trust?
I was so excited to read this not only because Lilian James is an Apollycon author but because it has everything I love. Fated mates, enemies to lovers, one bed, one horse…And the FMC? Badass. Vera has a solid backbone and definitely stands up for herself.
The world is complex but pretty easy to understand and figure out the politics, leadership, etc.
Can't wait for the next!
I was so excited to read this not only because Lilian James is an Apollycon author but because it has everything I love. Fated mates, enemies to lovers, one bed, one horse…And the FMC? Badass. Vera has a solid backbone and definitely stands up for herself.
The world is complex but pretty easy to understand and figure out the politics, leadership, etc.
Can't wait for the next!
December 4, 2022
I am so grateful to have received an ARC of this book! It is my first one ever so I was so excited to read this book and it did not disappoint! This book is in a genre that I love, fantasy, but is unique and unlike other fantasy books I’ve read. It has so many amazing tropes and bad-ass main characters.
It is told through three main perspectives, Vera, Jaren and less often, Eithan. Vera is our main girl and she is bad-ass. An orphan, sent to be a ward for Elric, the Weapon’s Master, she lives her life very isolated. She cannot remember the first five years of her life, and has spent fifteen years working and living with Elric, who she convinced to train her in fighting. On her first trip away from her home, accompanying Elric and the Prince, she encounters Jaren for the first time. Jaren is another amazing book-boyfriend to add to the collection. He is a Magyki (another race, I think - not human) and is on a scouting mission. He follows the Prince, Eithan, but before he can try anything, Vera attacks him. We love a tension-filled fight scene that almost ends up with them killing each other. Vera leaves him unconscious and steals his blade, which means he follows her to retrieve it. This leads to many revelations that are written so well. This book is unique as from the beginning, the reader is aware of who the two main characters are and the significance of their relationship to each other. This means that throughout the book when Vera and Jaren don’t understand their attraction and their emotions, we do, so at times I was internally screaming for them to finally see that they are mates! The moment when they finally realise is just *chef’s kiss*.
The tropes this book has - perfection. The soulmate trope, mutual pining, a slowish burn, lots of tension, one horse and one bed trope, and some very good spicy scenes! I cannot wait for the next book! The reason I gave it four stars and not five is, as standard with fantasy books, I was a bit confused with the world building and have a few questions about the world and would love more background. Also, I would have loved a map! However, I hope and think that most questions will be answered in the next book and this in no way lessened my enjoyment of the book! I read it so fast as I couldn’t wait to keep reading it! Very excited for its sequel and I’m sure I’ll re-read this book too.
It is told through three main perspectives, Vera, Jaren and less often, Eithan. Vera is our main girl and she is bad-ass. An orphan, sent to be a ward for Elric, the Weapon’s Master, she lives her life very isolated. She cannot remember the first five years of her life, and has spent fifteen years working and living with Elric, who she convinced to train her in fighting. On her first trip away from her home, accompanying Elric and the Prince, she encounters Jaren for the first time. Jaren is another amazing book-boyfriend to add to the collection. He is a Magyki (another race, I think - not human) and is on a scouting mission. He follows the Prince, Eithan, but before he can try anything, Vera attacks him. We love a tension-filled fight scene that almost ends up with them killing each other. Vera leaves him unconscious and steals his blade, which means he follows her to retrieve it. This leads to many revelations that are written so well. This book is unique as from the beginning, the reader is aware of who the two main characters are and the significance of their relationship to each other. This means that throughout the book when Vera and Jaren don’t understand their attraction and their emotions, we do, so at times I was internally screaming for them to finally see that they are mates! The moment when they finally realise is just *chef’s kiss*.
The tropes this book has - perfection. The soulmate trope, mutual pining, a slowish burn, lots of tension, one horse and one bed trope, and some very good spicy scenes! I cannot wait for the next book! The reason I gave it four stars and not five is, as standard with fantasy books, I was a bit confused with the world building and have a few questions about the world and would love more background. Also, I would have loved a map! However, I hope and think that most questions will be answered in the next book and this in no way lessened my enjoyment of the book! I read it so fast as I couldn’t wait to keep reading it! Very excited for its sequel and I’m sure I’ll re-read this book too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2022
Favorite Quote:
"Fear is a flame. It cannot be extinguished by will alone. You can let it burn you alive, or you can do something with it. Alter it, bend it to your will, forge it into a weapon."
Why I Decided to Read This:
I thought I was doing a buddy read book, but I guess I started the wrong one. Oops, but I'm not sorry.
Plot:
Vera has been hidden away for years, but when she meets Jarren, she finds out secrets from her past. She must decide if she wants to go back to her birth country to find more answers or stay and be married to the price. This plot was so good! I mean, not much happened, but I feel like this was the perfect setup for the series.
Brief Thoughts:
I LOVED this book! I read it in under 6 hours while watching my three year old who constantly wants me to play with him. Like that's how fast I read this book.
Characters:
Vera is this BA girl who is supposed to be proper, but knows how to fight. Then you have Jarren who just wants to help his country and felt a calling to go to where Vera was. Jarren was a very possessive character, but I loved both of them. And Troy! I loved Troy!
Writing Style:
This was written in first person and switched between multiple characters POVs. This was very well written; however, it did have a lot of proofreading errors that needed to be fixed.
Likes:
- Everything: This book was so good and so fast paced! I really enjoyed everything about it!
Dislikes:
- The Errors: This needed to go through another round of editing. There was just too many in it.
- The Crystals: I don't really understand how they work.
- Not Much Happened: There were a couple of bigger moments in the book, but I felt like not much happened. Although, I do feel like this is a great start to a series.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend this book to From Blood and Ash fans. I got total Poppy and Casteel vibes from Vera and Jarren.
"Fear is a flame. It cannot be extinguished by will alone. You can let it burn you alive, or you can do something with it. Alter it, bend it to your will, forge it into a weapon."
Why I Decided to Read This:
I thought I was doing a buddy read book, but I guess I started the wrong one. Oops, but I'm not sorry.
Plot:
Vera has been hidden away for years, but when she meets Jarren, she finds out secrets from her past. She must decide if she wants to go back to her birth country to find more answers or stay and be married to the price. This plot was so good! I mean, not much happened, but I feel like this was the perfect setup for the series.
Brief Thoughts:
I LOVED this book! I read it in under 6 hours while watching my three year old who constantly wants me to play with him. Like that's how fast I read this book.
Characters:
Vera is this BA girl who is supposed to be proper, but knows how to fight. Then you have Jarren who just wants to help his country and felt a calling to go to where Vera was. Jarren was a very possessive character, but I loved both of them. And Troy! I loved Troy!
Writing Style:
This was written in first person and switched between multiple characters POVs. This was very well written; however, it did have a lot of proofreading errors that needed to be fixed.
Likes:
- Everything: This book was so good and so fast paced! I really enjoyed everything about it!
Dislikes:
- The Errors: This needed to go through another round of editing. There was just too many in it.
- The Crystals: I don't really understand how they work.
- Not Much Happened: There were a couple of bigger moments in the book, but I felt like not much happened. Although, I do feel like this is a great start to a series.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend this book to From Blood and Ash fans. I got total Poppy and Casteel vibes from Vera and Jarren.
January 27, 2022
I should have used my mind and not began reading this right now. I should have waited for the second book to be released. What is this? They think I can wait for the second book? Just give it to me now
June 16, 2022
Orphaned fae girl raised by a surly weapons master. She's grown out of hiding in an armory, and things pick up once she begins her travels.
It starts out simply, the world building is just enough to feel solid but not daunting, and her companions are interesting. The romance is a nice background element, but the last third of the book went on horny parade and everyone goes kinda...feral? And not just the fae characters, everyone is now over the top and extremely dramatic
The epilogue does a complete 180 with one of the characters and I found myself missing the simpler roadtrip times of the book.
With how the romance devolved, and the OTT characters, I probably won't continue the series. I enjoy ott drama and love a steamy book, but it felt like a different writer did the last section and its rather jarring
It starts out simply, the world building is just enough to feel solid but not daunting, and her companions are interesting. The romance is a nice background element, but the last third of the book went on horny parade and everyone goes kinda...feral? And not just the fae characters, everyone is now over the top and extremely dramatic
The epilogue does a complete 180 with one of the characters and I found myself missing the simpler roadtrip times of the book.
With how the romance devolved, and the OTT characters, I probably won't continue the series. I enjoy ott drama and love a steamy book, but it felt like a different writer did the last section and its rather jarring
March 3, 2022
1 Spice
High Fantasy
Enemies to Lovers
I LOVED THIS! I really enjoyed our main characters. They are both bad asses. Our FMC is smart, strong, and determined. I really enjoyed this storyline, and i CANNOT WAIT for the next book!
High Fantasy
Enemies to Lovers
I LOVED THIS! I really enjoyed our main characters. They are both bad asses. Our FMC is smart, strong, and determined. I really enjoyed this storyline, and i CANNOT WAIT for the next book!
October 10, 2022
I finished Untainted in one day because I could not put it down!
It has everything you could want in an adult romance fantasy:
🧝🏼♀️Fae
🥊 Enemies to Lovers
💗 Fated Mates
🪄 Hidden Powers
🛏 One bed/one horse
🔥 Slow Burn
🗣 Secrets
💪🏻 Strong/badass female main character
I loved every minute of it and I cannot wait for the next book to come out!
It has everything you could want in an adult romance fantasy:
🧝🏼♀️Fae
🥊 Enemies to Lovers
💗 Fated Mates
🪄 Hidden Powers
🛏 One bed/one horse
🔥 Slow Burn
🗣 Secrets
💪🏻 Strong/badass female main character
I loved every minute of it and I cannot wait for the next book to come out!
January 23, 2022
I seem to have been on a small run of romantic light fantasy in the last few weeks and I enjoyed this one.
We have you usual trope of a human kingdom against a Fae one, but in this we have Vera, who was kidnapped out of the Fae kingdom at a 5 year old and hidden in the human kingdom with little memory of her life before. She the ward of the weapons master of the King and was lucky enough to convince him to allow her to train, even though it is a highly misogynistic society and women aren't allowed to do that sort of thing.
Vera has been kept relatively hidden for 15 years, until she is dramatically unveiled and then her life is pretty much upended.
I like Vera. She was rational and not to melodramatic, and while her characterisation was a little tropey, it wasn't too bad.
Jaren had good chemistry with Vera and I thought the development of their relationship with each other was effective in its build up.
I don't really have any specific criticisms, only that there was something a bit deeper missing for me to rate it higher than 4 stars, but it was still an enjoyable read and I'd definitely be moving onto the next book, if it was out yet.
We have you usual trope of a human kingdom against a Fae one, but in this we have Vera, who was kidnapped out of the Fae kingdom at a 5 year old and hidden in the human kingdom with little memory of her life before. She the ward of the weapons master of the King and was lucky enough to convince him to allow her to train, even though it is a highly misogynistic society and women aren't allowed to do that sort of thing.
Vera has been kept relatively hidden for 15 years, until she is dramatically unveiled and then her life is pretty much upended.
I like Vera. She was rational and not to melodramatic, and while her characterisation was a little tropey, it wasn't too bad.
Jaren had good chemistry with Vera and I thought the development of their relationship with each other was effective in its build up.
I don't really have any specific criticisms, only that there was something a bit deeper missing for me to rate it higher than 4 stars, but it was still an enjoyable read and I'd definitely be moving onto the next book, if it was out yet.
July 8, 2023
This review may contain SPOILERS!
So, the thing is that I got a really good head-start into this story, it kept me engaged and I really liked Vera as a main character. I just would've hoped for more of a point at which the excitement or intrigue built or topped. I felt like the revelations about Vera and others were pretty obvious. Then we had the fact that despite the soft attitude of Prince Eithan, I just found him annoying, his chapters as well, with the ending just solidifying that. Jaren was a good character, probably would've been my favorite, had it not been for the "Bookish Box" bonus chapter. I mean smut is good, don't get me wrong, but I felt that while Vera's POV for this chapter was delicate and enticing to read, his was just too overwhelming and not in the good sense. The repetitiveness of his thoughts left me feeling like "DUUUDE, just get on with it". Unfortunately that was just ridiculous in its incredulity, and left me rather unbothered. It's a good fantasy, and a good romance, but the "WOW"-factor just lacked! Still I enjoyed having read it!
4/5 stars
So, the thing is that I got a really good head-start into this story, it kept me engaged and I really liked Vera as a main character. I just would've hoped for more of a point at which the excitement or intrigue built or topped. I felt like the revelations about Vera and others were pretty obvious. Then we had the fact that despite the soft attitude of Prince Eithan, I just found him annoying, his chapters as well, with the ending just solidifying that. Jaren was a good character, probably would've been my favorite, had it not been for the "Bookish Box" bonus chapter. I mean smut is good, don't get me wrong, but I felt that while Vera's POV for this chapter was delicate and enticing to read, his was just too overwhelming and not in the good sense. The repetitiveness of his thoughts left me feeling like "DUUUDE, just get on with it". Unfortunately that was just ridiculous in its incredulity, and left me rather unbothered. It's a good fantasy, and a good romance, but the "WOW"-factor just lacked! Still I enjoyed having read it!
4/5 stars
October 11, 2022
This book came in my august bookish box and it is a good one, that’s for sure!
✅ fated mates
✅ enemies to lovers
✅ one bed trope 😎
✅ one horse trope 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻
✅ hidden powers/magic system
✅ easy to understand world building
✅ spiceeeee!! 🌶️
Vera is our main character, but we also get to enjoy Jaren’s POV and I’m a total simp for male POVs. 😌 the book starts out with a very sad scene, not to spoil anything but it’s important for the rest of the book. Then we pick back up into modern day life with Vera living as a ward in an armory in a city where her kind are disliked severely. They even mutilated her little ears. 😭
She goes on a trip with the Prince and some guards, she meets ol Green Eyes (IYKYK 😏) and this when the story started to get REAL good.
For a first book in the series I really enjoyed it, it was easy to understand and I loved the banter between the characters. The romance was good and the spice was *chef kiss*
I will absolutely be picking up book 2 as soon as I can. 😂🖤
✅ fated mates
✅ enemies to lovers
✅ one bed trope 😎
✅ one horse trope 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻
✅ hidden powers/magic system
✅ easy to understand world building
✅ spiceeeee!! 🌶️
Vera is our main character, but we also get to enjoy Jaren’s POV and I’m a total simp for male POVs. 😌 the book starts out with a very sad scene, not to spoil anything but it’s important for the rest of the book. Then we pick back up into modern day life with Vera living as a ward in an armory in a city where her kind are disliked severely. They even mutilated her little ears. 😭
She goes on a trip with the Prince and some guards, she meets ol Green Eyes (IYKYK 😏) and this when the story started to get REAL good.
For a first book in the series I really enjoyed it, it was easy to understand and I loved the banter between the characters. The romance was good and the spice was *chef kiss*
I will absolutely be picking up book 2 as soon as I can. 😂🖤
July 20, 2022
I really enjoyed the premise of the book, though it felt like there wasn't much that happened. Between initial training and travel, once Vera and her group reaches the capital, she's there for not even a full day before there's just more travel. I felt such a connection between Vera and Jaren and loved how protective he felt over her even though in the beginning he wanted to kill her. The spice was detailed but there wasn't that much of it; it seems there will be more to come in future books so I'm sure it will be great. The overall plot is believable but I'm a tad confused on what's going on with the queens and crystals. Hopefully that will be explained further with the next book.
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