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Prince of the Doomed City #2
Entangled
(Alternate cover edition of ASIN B09DRXNJ4R.)
THE LIBRARIAN AND THE PRINCE . . .
Clara is an Obligate, an indentured servant of the fae.
If she ever wants to see home again, she must survive ten more years of servitude, developing her newly-discovered magic and battling powerful nightmare monsters in the Doomed City Library. She can’t afford any distractions . . .
Distractions like Danny—her handsome childhood sweetheart, who longs to free her from her Obligation.
Or Lord Ivor—the devastatingly beautiful fae lord, who desires to whisk her away to his own bright court of intrigue and danger.
Most of all, she won’t be distracted by the complicated and intriguing Prince of the Doomed City . . . who may not be the enemy she’s always believed him to be.
Continue this dark and twisted tale of brave librarians, deadly grimoires, and living nightmares. If you’re looking for breathtaking adventure, spine-chilling thrills, and a healthy dose of slow-burn romance, this is the series for you!
THE LIBRARIAN AND THE PRINCE . . .
Clara is an Obligate, an indentured servant of the fae.
If she ever wants to see home again, she must survive ten more years of servitude, developing her newly-discovered magic and battling powerful nightmare monsters in the Doomed City Library. She can’t afford any distractions . . .
Distractions like Danny—her handsome childhood sweetheart, who longs to free her from her Obligation.
Or Lord Ivor—the devastatingly beautiful fae lord, who desires to whisk her away to his own bright court of intrigue and danger.
Most of all, she won’t be distracted by the complicated and intriguing Prince of the Doomed City . . . who may not be the enemy she’s always believed him to be.
Continue this dark and twisted tale of brave librarians, deadly grimoires, and living nightmares. If you’re looking for breathtaking adventure, spine-chilling thrills, and a healthy dose of slow-burn romance, this is the series for you!
315 pages, ebook
First published November 10, 2021
316 people are currently reading
1130 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Mercedes
37 books2,257 followersHi, there. I'm Sylvia: cat-lover, tea-drinker, book-addict, and avid fan of the Kickbutt Heroine Fantasy Genre! If you like reading about tough heroines with extraordinary powers facing their demons and saving their loved ones . . . then we ought to be friends!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
November 22, 2021
Flew through this book in one day!
The beginning of the book is a little slower than the last book, but the slow build just makes the payoff at the end feel even more fast paced and tense! And that ending...wow, what a twist!
Though, I'm not sure my heart can stand the battering it is taking in this series. I love the cameos of favorite characters from past series...until this author uses those cameos to rip my heart out!
The beginning of the book is a little slower than the last book, but the slow build just makes the payoff at the end feel even more fast paced and tense! And that ending...wow, what a twist!
Though, I'm not sure my heart can stand the battering it is taking in this series. I love the cameos of favorite characters from past series...until this author uses those cameos to rip my heart out!
April 6, 2022
We're back and in a new library with new adventures!
Over generations there have been some human authors whose works have captured a rapt audience of readers due to the horror, darkness, and pain in their books. Though this sort of human magic the gruesome subjects of the books have turned into nightmares that can cause havoc if let loose on the world.
It is only the few librarians and those that have magic that can trap these nightmares into their pages....for a time anyways.
I really like reading about Vespre, the Trolls, and all about their lore. I was also glad we got to see what Clara's nightmare was...but I want answers! Who are Clara and the Prince to each other really, what happened to her that she's not remembering, and what's up with her fam!
Over generations there have been some human authors whose works have captured a rapt audience of readers due to the horror, darkness, and pain in their books. Though this sort of human magic the gruesome subjects of the books have turned into nightmares that can cause havoc if let loose on the world.
It is only the few librarians and those that have magic that can trap these nightmares into their pages....for a time anyways.
I really like reading about Vespre, the Trolls, and all about their lore. I was also glad we got to see what Clara's nightmare was...but I want answers! Who are Clara and the Prince to each other really, what happened to her that she's not remembering, and what's up with her fam!
November 2, 2021
This second installment of the Prince of the Doomed City was filled with exciting, terrifying moments as well as epic twists. The immersive, close up views we're given of the Doomed City itself were definitely an added treat.
Delicious cliff hanger ending! *rubs hands*
Look forward to what happens next.
Delicious cliff hanger ending! *rubs hands*
Look forward to what happens next.
November 30, 2021
30 Nov 2021
1. Under fae-contract woman settles into her new role as monster wrangler in semi-cursed fairy city, and has sexual tension with multiple hot guys.
2. Again, this is more like a single book broken up into multiple books than a series. It has a lot of the same strengths as the first book- interesting worldbuilding, fairly fun side characters and some genuinely upsetting and creepy themes. However, this book also amps up the less than perfect elements of book 1, mostly by making the protagonist not just bland but too stupid to live. I'm sorry, but the amount of times she went her own way in a city she knows is dangerous with no awareness of said danger only to be rescued by the love interest is just- ugh. I was prepared for a subpar heroine, but I may not be able to stifle my irritation at an actively incompetent one.
3. Also, religious narrative are... complicated. This is a pretty standard oppressive religion narrative and that's okay with me most of the time but in this case Clara is just waaaay too white savior-y and that annoys the fuck out of me. You're telling me that in the whole history of religion with traumatized kids who grew up into traumatized adults NOBODY thought to make the "non trolls don't count for anti-adoption" argument? NOBODY? A random human who first saw a troll a month ago is somehow more capable of finding all the evil parts of the local religion and calling them out and fixing them? And her troll maid just goes "GASP I never thought of that before!" at that despite herself being adopted by loving parents? This is some colonialist nonsense and it brought down my enjoyment of this a LOT.
4. It's pretty clear that Clara's and you know what? That is actually genuinely compelling and I like it. It's also pretty obvious that Ivor is suspicious as fuck. I do not trust him one bit and I absolutely suspect him of being
5. I also really want all three of Clara's mortal world acquaintances to come to Vesper and interact with the people and things there because it would be fun and I am SO GLAD the next book drags Danny into the depths of the Doomed City. Someone should also pick Oscar up by the scruff of his neck and dump him there so that he can get some poetic inspiration or whatever and stop moping around, and I say that in the nicest way possible. Kitty is a more complicated case, but I think it would be good to see unstoppable magic meet immovable denial, because I'm feeling a bit sadistic.
6. Anyway, it was fun and I'm looking forward to more. Just... a little wary about the whole wite savior religion thing, you know.
1. Under fae-contract woman settles into her new role as monster wrangler in semi-cursed fairy city, and has sexual tension with multiple hot guys.
2. Again, this is more like a single book broken up into multiple books than a series. It has a lot of the same strengths as the first book- interesting worldbuilding, fairly fun side characters and some genuinely upsetting and creepy themes. However, this book also amps up the less than perfect elements of book 1, mostly by making the protagonist not just bland but too stupid to live. I'm sorry, but the amount of times she went her own way in a city she knows is dangerous with no awareness of said danger only to be rescued by the love interest is just- ugh. I was prepared for a subpar heroine, but I may not be able to stifle my irritation at an actively incompetent one.
3. Also, religious narrative are... complicated. This is a pretty standard oppressive religion narrative and that's okay with me most of the time but in this case Clara is just waaaay too white savior-y and that annoys the fuck out of me. You're telling me that in the whole history of religion with traumatized kids who grew up into traumatized adults NOBODY thought to make the "non trolls don't count for anti-adoption" argument? NOBODY? A random human who first saw a troll a month ago is somehow more capable of finding all the evil parts of the local religion and calling them out and fixing them? And her troll maid just goes "GASP I never thought of that before!" at that despite herself being adopted by loving parents? This is some colonialist nonsense and it brought down my enjoyment of this a LOT.
4. It's pretty clear that Clara's and you know what? That is actually genuinely compelling and I like it. It's also pretty obvious that Ivor is suspicious as fuck. I do not trust him one bit and I absolutely suspect him of being
5. I also really want all three of Clara's mortal world acquaintances to come to Vesper and interact with the people and things there because it would be fun and I am SO GLAD the next book drags Danny into the depths of the Doomed City. Someone should also pick Oscar up by the scruff of his neck and dump him there so that he can get some poetic inspiration or whatever and stop moping around, and I say that in the nicest way possible. Kitty is a more complicated case, but I think it would be good to see unstoppable magic meet immovable denial, because I'm feeling a bit sadistic.
6. Anyway, it was fun and I'm looking forward to more. Just... a little wary about the whole wite savior religion thing, you know.
January 29, 2024
Sometimes she just does the stupidest stuff, and for the minor stuff she gets some flack from it and realizes her mistakes. But sometimes she is just too stubborn, and I do not find that a good thing in her case. She is just driving me crazy.
Everyone else around her lets her get by with everything. She is supposed to be working and helping this city, why are they always letting her get off work? Ma'am and sirs, this is her punishment stop letting her do whatever.
Everyone else around her lets her get by with everything. She is supposed to be working and helping this city, why are they always letting her get off work? Ma'am and sirs, this is her punishment stop letting her do whatever.
November 4, 2021
Sylvia Mercedes has quickly become one of my new favourite authors. I discovered her Venetrix series, and burned through those. Then I moved on to her Scarred Mage of Roseward Trilogy, followed up by her Of Candlelight and Shadows duet, and her Once in a Whispering Wood duet. And we can't forget her short novels - Carabosse and the Spindle Spell and A Stolen Mage Bride. Imagine how happy I was when Sylvia announced that she was writing a new six book series!
As I started reading the first book - Entranced, I realized that some of the characters were linked to Sylvia's earlier works. A hint of familiarity in this great cast of new characters. I was truly 'Entranced' by this new world that Sylvia was weaving, and now I find myself 'Entangled' in the thickening plot of book two. Sylvia is a master at creating intricate, complex characters who are entwined in mysterious ways that are only slowly revealed. Sylvia leaves you guessing, taunting you with hints of great secrets soon to be revealed, and you love her for it! I want to know EVERYTHING, but I want to savour the path to get there, because I know that all too soon I will be turning the last page on book six, wondering how long I will have to wait for Sylvia's next book!
I can't wait to get my hands on Book 3 -Encorcelled. I've already pre-ordered my copy - HAVE YOU?
As I started reading the first book - Entranced, I realized that some of the characters were linked to Sylvia's earlier works. A hint of familiarity in this great cast of new characters. I was truly 'Entranced' by this new world that Sylvia was weaving, and now I find myself 'Entangled' in the thickening plot of book two. Sylvia is a master at creating intricate, complex characters who are entwined in mysterious ways that are only slowly revealed. Sylvia leaves you guessing, taunting you with hints of great secrets soon to be revealed, and you love her for it! I want to know EVERYTHING, but I want to savour the path to get there, because I know that all too soon I will be turning the last page on book six, wondering how long I will have to wait for Sylvia's next book!
I can't wait to get my hands on Book 3 -Encorcelled. I've already pre-ordered my copy - HAVE YOU?
November 13, 2021
This story continues to enchant me with its lyrical prose, its fantastical imagery, its dark ambiance and its phenomenal, yet very intriguing, characters. It kept me gripping my kindle tightly and turning the pages quickly just to see how it all turns out.
Once again we are transported to a magical world filled with fae, trolls, monsters and a library filled with the unimaginable. Clara’s adventures in the Doomed City are becoming more tangled and twisted as the story progresses. Her journey is rife with mystery, drama and intense emotions that the poor girl hasn’t a clue what to do. She is finally starting to remember things from her past but there is so much that is just out of her reach in her mind. If she could just remember! Once she does this story is going to take some very twisted turns - I just know it!
I love how her relationships are evolving. There is something that keeps pulling the men in her life towards her but for now that remains another mystery to solve.
This story is so well written that it draws you in, keeps you on the edge of your seat with anticipation of what was going to happen next with each turn of the page and enthrals you right to its slightly shocking ending.
I love this series and I can’t wait to see how this story unfolds.
Once again we are transported to a magical world filled with fae, trolls, monsters and a library filled with the unimaginable. Clara’s adventures in the Doomed City are becoming more tangled and twisted as the story progresses. Her journey is rife with mystery, drama and intense emotions that the poor girl hasn’t a clue what to do. She is finally starting to remember things from her past but there is so much that is just out of her reach in her mind. If she could just remember! Once she does this story is going to take some very twisted turns - I just know it!
I love how her relationships are evolving. There is something that keeps pulling the men in her life towards her but for now that remains another mystery to solve.
This story is so well written that it draws you in, keeps you on the edge of your seat with anticipation of what was going to happen next with each turn of the page and enthrals you right to its slightly shocking ending.
I love this series and I can’t wait to see how this story unfolds.
November 6, 2021
I am loving this series so much. There are many twists and turns and ups and downs and side to sides and surprises. You should always expect these in this author's work. You know the ones I mean, the inhaled 'gasp' moments that'll stop you in your tracks? Yeah, those.
Clara certainly has a choice of men... There's the gorgeous Lord Ivor Illithor, heir to King Lodírhal's throne instead of the rightful heir, the stunning half-human half-fae, Prince Castien, Clara's Obliege Lord. Finally, there's Danny Gale, a close childhood boyfriend and now a doctor, although I think Clara has asked way too much of him this time.
It's a heartbreaking end for one of the characters. *sob* And the ending? A categoric WOW! Excellent storytelling as usual, but this one is more personal. At least I felt it was. Clara, along with the reader, is dragged through the book kicking, screaming, and losing control of every emotion they have. Wonderful worldbuilding, and I care about the characters very much. I so want to see Clara happy with no obligation to anyone. Bring on book three, please!
I chose an ARC of this work which I voluntarily read and honestly reviewed. All opinions are my own.
Clara certainly has a choice of men... There's the gorgeous Lord Ivor Illithor, heir to King Lodírhal's throne instead of the rightful heir, the stunning half-human half-fae, Prince Castien, Clara's Obliege Lord. Finally, there's Danny Gale, a close childhood boyfriend and now a doctor, although I think Clara has asked way too much of him this time.
It's a heartbreaking end for one of the characters. *sob* And the ending? A categoric WOW! Excellent storytelling as usual, but this one is more personal. At least I felt it was. Clara, along with the reader, is dragged through the book kicking, screaming, and losing control of every emotion they have. Wonderful worldbuilding, and I care about the characters very much. I so want to see Clara happy with no obligation to anyone. Bring on book three, please!
I chose an ARC of this work which I voluntarily read and honestly reviewed. All opinions are my own.
March 29, 2023
This is my comfort series even though it causes me such pain.
This installment is my favorite (except for the ending), and I love seeing what Clara and Prince think of the other having someone come calling for them.
We get to see more of Clara's past, and boy, is it something. I also loved all the time we got to spend with the other librarians. Would love to see more of their stories.
Most of all, though, these intense staring contests between Clara and the Prince are KILLING me. The tension is real. And poor Clara cannot figure out why the Prince keeps summoning her to dinner even though he clearly resents it. I'm not sure the Prince can figure it out himself.
My one sadness: The ending had a very heartbreaking scene I was not ready for.
Note to more sensitive readers: I think there may be some bad language, but I don't recall completely (there is more of that in the latter books than the earlier). There are also horror elements.
The perfect series for all lovers of romantic fantasy.
Review first published on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...
This installment is my favorite (except for the ending), and I love seeing what Clara and Prince think of the other having someone come calling for them.
We get to see more of Clara's past, and boy, is it something. I also loved all the time we got to spend with the other librarians. Would love to see more of their stories.
Most of all, though, these intense staring contests between Clara and the Prince are KILLING me. The tension is real. And poor Clara cannot figure out why the Prince keeps summoning her to dinner even though he clearly resents it. I'm not sure the Prince can figure it out himself.
My one sadness: The ending had a very heartbreaking scene I was not ready for.
Note to more sensitive readers: I think there may be some bad language, but I don't recall completely (there is more of that in the latter books than the earlier). There are also horror elements.
The perfect series for all lovers of romantic fantasy.
Review first published on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...
November 4, 2021
It appears Clara has found herself in a ‘gubdagog’!
You may be asking yourself…has she lost it…or are trying to google this peculiar word but I assure you it’s troll. Actually troll for tangle.
And Clara is definitely tangled up here…in more ways than one.
I loved everywhere this book took us. The vaults of our dark gothic library, the lower city in the Doomed City and the deep dark and blood thirsty trolls. Plus more characters have entered the game upping the anti.
I have my theories but I definitely can not wait to see where all these characters fall when all is said and done. I’m definitely holding my breath and maybe shedding some tears after that last battle.
A clean dark m/f epic fantasy romance with a young woman who has to decide where she wants her heart to go. Door 1, 2, or door #3. Magic, curses, trolls, family vs. found family, finding ones inner strength and political intrigue begins to thicken.
Bring on book 3!
You may be asking yourself…has she lost it…or are trying to google this peculiar word but I assure you it’s troll. Actually troll for tangle.
And Clara is definitely tangled up here…in more ways than one.
I loved everywhere this book took us. The vaults of our dark gothic library, the lower city in the Doomed City and the deep dark and blood thirsty trolls. Plus more characters have entered the game upping the anti.
I have my theories but I definitely can not wait to see where all these characters fall when all is said and done. I’m definitely holding my breath and maybe shedding some tears after that last battle.
A clean dark m/f epic fantasy romance with a young woman who has to decide where she wants her heart to go. Door 1, 2, or door #3. Magic, curses, trolls, family vs. found family, finding ones inner strength and political intrigue begins to thicken.
Bring on book 3!
January 12, 2022
I have no words. Nothing I can say will communicate how much I ADORE this book. A day doesn't go by where I'm not daydreaming of Clara and the Prince. Like, it's a slow-burn romance, but we have some MOMENTS along the way, and the moments in this book are UTTER PERFECTION. It's not just the romance though--it's the troll children, the magic, the setting, the theme, the secrets and mystery, the love triangles (now, now, don't get your panties in a wad if you hate love triangles. These are the best kind of love triangles!! The ones where they fight over the main character!). IT'S SO GOOD. Also--clean romance! But not the boring kind of clean romance. This is the high tension, high chemistry kind of clean romance.
Why are you still reading this review??? GO BUY THE BOOK!!!!
Why are you still reading this review??? GO BUY THE BOOK!!!!
November 16, 2021
That was fun. But I knew I should’ve waited to read it before more of the series was published…now I really have to wait!
Read
October 16, 2025NRN but probably not later. I stopped ages ago at 14% and just tried to get farther along. Turns out
I have low to no tolerance for sadness related to sibling situations. The melancholy and angst is lasting too long to be enjoyable for me. I loved the first book though so this is an added bummer!
I have low to no tolerance for sadness related to sibling situations. The melancholy and angst is lasting too long to be enjoyable for me. I loved the first book though so this is an added bummer!
November 26, 2024
It was wonderful to have the second book take off where the first left off. I thought this read was as good as the first one. There are still questions that I have that still need to be answered, but I'm relatively patient when it comes to a big reveal in a series like this. I have my thoughts on what will happen next. Well, maybe not because that ending surprised me.
March 2, 2022
This is dark and lyrical. The atmosphere is absolutely beautiful.
The story feels so interwoven with mystery, though they remain just out of reach. Perhaps it's because Clara doesn't even remember her past. At times it feels like it is more than just that, that mysteries surround every aspect of this plot.
I'm enjoying Clara's evolving relationship with the Prince; his behavior toward her in this book is almost....caring at times. But she can't trust it, because she can't trust him. I can self the conflict here, not just in her but in him. Like the rest of this story, this relationship feels as if it's full of mysteries, but you just can't quite put your finger on them. It's a sense, more than anything. This romance will be so satisfying when they come together.
I will admit, I'm a bit worried for whatever will happen in her relationship with Danny. I feel like it's going to hurt.
I continue to be drawn in by the world, the Noswraiths, and the characters. I feel like we constantly learn more, but in such little pieces that you continuously grow more curious and more intrigued.
I adore this lyrical, beautiful series with it's atmospheric darkness.
The story feels so interwoven with mystery, though they remain just out of reach. Perhaps it's because Clara doesn't even remember her past. At times it feels like it is more than just that, that mysteries surround every aspect of this plot.
I'm enjoying Clara's evolving relationship with the Prince; his behavior toward her in this book is almost....caring at times. But she can't trust it, because she can't trust him. I can self the conflict here, not just in her but in him. Like the rest of this story, this relationship feels as if it's full of mysteries, but you just can't quite put your finger on them. It's a sense, more than anything. This romance will be so satisfying when they come together.
I will admit, I'm a bit worried for whatever will happen in her relationship with Danny. I feel like it's going to hurt.
I continue to be drawn in by the world, the Noswraiths, and the characters. I feel like we constantly learn more, but in such little pieces that you continuously grow more curious and more intrigued.
I adore this lyrical, beautiful series with it's atmospheric darkness.
November 10, 2021
I just finished reading this a minute ago. All I can say is WOW! Followed by, I can’t wait to read the next one! I want this story in particular to keep on going! I thought Candlelight and Shadows series was my favorite. That changed as of a minute ago. Doomed City is now at the top of my list. Sylvia continues to amaze. Entangled focuses on Clara’s adventures in Doomed City and her blossoming relationship with Prince Castien. Sylvia is an expert in slow burn romance stories that I’m drawn to. She also packed the story with enough action to keep the thrill seekers in us riveted. Also weaved throughout the story are underlying issues of neglect and abuse. Not too much to make one cringe and depressed. Just enough to keep me reading. All this elements make this novel very hard to put down. I cannot wait for the final installment in this series. It will be very interesting to see how she incorporates everything in the finale. What an amazing read by a very talented author.
October 29, 2021
Amazing!!!! Better than the first!!! The moments shared between Castien and Clara were just…words cannot describe. There’s a lot of character growth not just from Clara but from the Prince as well. We definitely saw him through a new light this time around. I need the third book like now!!!!! March cannot come soon enough 😫
December 24, 2021
I would give it more than 5 stars if I could. I could not stop reading this book. I can't wait for the next one. It's easily one of my favorite books and series
August 27, 2023
not much happens in any way, and it's not enough to keep me interested.
dnf-ing the series for now
dnf-ing the series for now
October 29, 2021
Give me more, PLEASE!!!!
No doubt, this series is my favorite from Sylvia Mercedes! And, her naming of the books is spot on! The first book definitely "Entranced" me from the beginning. This book is "Entangled" all the way through with a cliff-hanger ending.
"Never anger the fae. Never trust the fae. Never love the fae."
This book is for those who love the fae, librarians, spell-writing, magic, intrigue, battles against monsters, tricky obligations, and conflicted feelings (that will literally drive you insane, yet keep you begging for more). Strong Character Development & Growth...Intricate World Building
A cursed prince, half-fae and half-human, is looking for answers while others wish for him to take his rightful position as heir to the throne. A budding librarian continues to learn her trade while dealing with shadows in the darkness. Noswraiths, born out of betrayal and heartache, were written and brought into being after dealing with some tragedy/extreme darkness at an earlier time. But, to truly bind a Noswraith the true name is needed. Can Clara face her deepest darkness, or will she continue to live in fear of what her mind is protecting her from? Prince Castien desires for Clara to be courageously whole and without fear. Castien has a strong need to protect Clara at all costs, even if it costs him his health. It's a delicate balance between them. Prince Castien and Clara share wondrous wit and banter, but the continued dinner invitations and chemistry between them leads to many conflicted feelings. Eventually, those feelings will bubble to the surface.
Anxiously awaiting book 3!!!!
No doubt, this series is my favorite from Sylvia Mercedes! And, her naming of the books is spot on! The first book definitely "Entranced" me from the beginning. This book is "Entangled" all the way through with a cliff-hanger ending.
"Never anger the fae. Never trust the fae. Never love the fae."
This book is for those who love the fae, librarians, spell-writing, magic, intrigue, battles against monsters, tricky obligations, and conflicted feelings (that will literally drive you insane, yet keep you begging for more). Strong Character Development & Growth...Intricate World Building
A cursed prince, half-fae and half-human, is looking for answers while others wish for him to take his rightful position as heir to the throne. A budding librarian continues to learn her trade while dealing with shadows in the darkness. Noswraiths, born out of betrayal and heartache, were written and brought into being after dealing with some tragedy/extreme darkness at an earlier time. But, to truly bind a Noswraith the true name is needed. Can Clara face her deepest darkness, or will she continue to live in fear of what her mind is protecting her from? Prince Castien desires for Clara to be courageously whole and without fear. Castien has a strong need to protect Clara at all costs, even if it costs him his health. It's a delicate balance between them. Prince Castien and Clara share wondrous wit and banter, but the continued dinner invitations and chemistry between them leads to many conflicted feelings. Eventually, those feelings will bubble to the surface.
Anxiously awaiting book 3!!!!
March 16, 2022
“Stay.”
Just one word and you feel like your heart can finally be at rest, only to have it ripped out, stomped on, and then shoved back in your chest. Mercedes doesn’t play when it comes to developing the slow-burn that is Clara and the Prince. But the volcano of emotion building between these two is so exciting, that I almost don’t want to be put out of my misery. Almost.
The war that each character fights against their own inner darkness, is as heart stopping as the physical evil manifested by their suffering, and the desperate hope of seeing how unconditional love reveals itself and ultimately destroys the chains of fear and hopelessness, keeps me in a constant state of anticipation for Book 3.
How can I even say it!? But bring me back to the library!
Just one word and you feel like your heart can finally be at rest, only to have it ripped out, stomped on, and then shoved back in your chest. Mercedes doesn’t play when it comes to developing the slow-burn that is Clara and the Prince. But the volcano of emotion building between these two is so exciting, that I almost don’t want to be put out of my misery. Almost.
The war that each character fights against their own inner darkness, is as heart stopping as the physical evil manifested by their suffering, and the desperate hope of seeing how unconditional love reveals itself and ultimately destroys the chains of fear and hopelessness, keeps me in a constant state of anticipation for Book 3.
How can I even say it!? But bring me back to the library!
August 21, 2023
2.5 stars again.
- the FMC is boring and dumb as shit. The book is literally her walking around and being dumb.
- there is maybe the thought of a romance. there is no tension, no build up, no pining, literally nothing.
- The "darling" thing just reads like ACOTAR. Actually a lot of the general gist gives ACOTAR vibes
- bland world with no world building.
- I wish I wasn't in Clara's head. She talks too much
- like with the first, the book magic is cool.
- what is this embarrassing white savior complex is this? it just feels forced and gross
- why is this a series? because these two books so far could have been one.
- I do appreciate some of the dark themes, but there isn't enough of it, and it doesn't mesh well with the bland plot and FMC.
Would I read the next one? Maybe
- the FMC is boring and dumb as shit. The book is literally her walking around and being dumb.
- there is maybe the thought of a romance. there is no tension, no build up, no pining, literally nothing.
- The "darling" thing just reads like ACOTAR. Actually a lot of the general gist gives ACOTAR vibes
- bland world with no world building.
- I wish I wasn't in Clara's head. She talks too much
- like with the first, the book magic is cool.
- what is this embarrassing white savior complex is this? it just feels forced and gross
- why is this a series? because these two books so far could have been one.
- I do appreciate some of the dark themes, but there isn't enough of it, and it doesn't mesh well with the bland plot and FMC.
Would I read the next one? Maybe
November 27, 2023
“Not every book in Vespre Library will try to kill you. But most of them will if given half a chance.”
Clara is torn between her duty to her brother back home and her obligation to the Prince of the Doomed City—and Vespre Library’s dangerous book-bound monsters. She is also determined to reclaim the missing orphan troll children that claimed her as mother. She cannot afford to be distracted by romantic gestures from Danny back at home, fae Lord Ivor, or the Prince himself…
I enjoyed the intense action sequences with the Noswraiths and the developing friendship between Clara and her troll maid Lir.
This slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romance takes tiny steps forward, but Castien’s POV is particularly delicious.
On to book no3!
Clara is torn between her duty to her brother back home and her obligation to the Prince of the Doomed City—and Vespre Library’s dangerous book-bound monsters. She is also determined to reclaim the missing orphan troll children that claimed her as mother. She cannot afford to be distracted by romantic gestures from Danny back at home, fae Lord Ivor, or the Prince himself…
I enjoyed the intense action sequences with the Noswraiths and the developing friendship between Clara and her troll maid Lir.
This slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romance takes tiny steps forward, but Castien’s POV is particularly delicious.
On to book no3!
May 8, 2022
even better than the first
More character development; hints and teases of a past, and a possible future, all the while pushing the plot forward and twisting the characters around each other.
More character development; hints and teases of a past, and a possible future, all the while pushing the plot forward and twisting the characters around each other.
July 15, 2022
This series is definitely a slow burn, but the tension is so strong that I’m completely engaged with it. Excellent characters and the world building is highly intriguing. I can��t wait for the next book!
August 16, 2023
This cover? It does not do this book any justice!🥹 the first book was so good but this one! Gahhh so much tension and feels! Utter perfection!🤌🏼 the progress on Clara and Castien’s slowburn romance! Butterflies inducing🫠🤭.
May 7, 2022
why is everyone in love with the mc tho
February 18, 2024
I am DNFing this book at 36%. And the reasons why are important:
1. This book honestly makes no sense. What is even the point? Characters are so contradictory it is ridiculous. The world building was spent on the wrong things, and there are too many gaps.
2. I am sorry, but the MC and her white savior complex with the troll children? I am normally a person who can read anything despite whatever political connotations are made. But she is attacking an entire culture that she’s been around for 5 days and thinks she knows better than everyone who has lived there for hundreds of years and actually knows it? Tell me, if I went to a random country in Africa, as a white American, and started telling them their entire culture was flat out wrong though I know nothing about it in reality and I only just arrived less than a week ago, would I be a hero or a villain? That is the equivalent.
3. On that note, she acts like she knows nothing about everything else and wants nothing to do with this world except when it comes to these children that she describes as ugly? I don’t understand.
4. I don’t need romance to like a fantasy book, however the romance in this book is awful. The character we are obviously supposed to expect her to end up with, there is nothing but hatred on the FMC’s end for him. And while he is battling his own feelings, and it’s obvious. And I’ve read a total of maybe 5 chapters from his POV he was better developed than the FMC. The side romances though? We’ve got a human back in that world who is trying everything to be with her and she insists he isn’t allowed to because she just cannot stand the thought of it. Wtf is that nonsense? Just tell him you don’t want to be with him and he’s free to date other people. Stop stringing the boy along. Then we’ve got an obvious villain who she just keeps giving these dreamy eyes to…like no girl. I’m sorry, but SHE is the problem in all the scenarios.
5. I really tried, I did. And I never review books that I think are bad. But this one, you just need to be warned.
1. This book honestly makes no sense. What is even the point? Characters are so contradictory it is ridiculous. The world building was spent on the wrong things, and there are too many gaps.
2. I am sorry, but the MC and her white savior complex with the troll children? I am normally a person who can read anything despite whatever political connotations are made. But she is attacking an entire culture that she’s been around for 5 days and thinks she knows better than everyone who has lived there for hundreds of years and actually knows it? Tell me, if I went to a random country in Africa, as a white American, and started telling them their entire culture was flat out wrong though I know nothing about it in reality and I only just arrived less than a week ago, would I be a hero or a villain? That is the equivalent.
3. On that note, she acts like she knows nothing about everything else and wants nothing to do with this world except when it comes to these children that she describes as ugly? I don’t understand.
4. I don’t need romance to like a fantasy book, however the romance in this book is awful. The character we are obviously supposed to expect her to end up with, there is nothing but hatred on the FMC’s end for him. And while he is battling his own feelings, and it’s obvious. And I’ve read a total of maybe 5 chapters from his POV he was better developed than the FMC. The side romances though? We’ve got a human back in that world who is trying everything to be with her and she insists he isn’t allowed to because she just cannot stand the thought of it. Wtf is that nonsense? Just tell him you don’t want to be with him and he’s free to date other people. Stop stringing the boy along. Then we’ve got an obvious villain who she just keeps giving these dreamy eyes to…like no girl. I’m sorry, but SHE is the problem in all the scenarios.
5. I really tried, I did. And I never review books that I think are bad. But this one, you just need to be warned.
June 21, 2024
This book was a bit of a step down from the first one. My biggest complaint was that nothing really seemed to happen until the last 15%. The ending was good, but the rest could have been condensed down to less than 100 pages.
Although we do get to see Clara and the Prince interact more, there wasn’t much character development and nothing really moved forward from book one. We’re still in the dark about the circumstances of Clara’s past and how she created the Noswraith. While I do like Clara, I wish the author would let us see more of her emotions. She felt a bit one dimensional in this book.
We also don’t get to know the Prince’ character any more than in the first book. I was again hoping for some angst and emotions, but his character was also a bit flat. There were some hints that there may be a romantic subplot coming somewhere down the line, but so far nothing has happened.
The bulk of the plot focused on the trolls and troll children. That was my least favorite part of the first book, so having it take up so much page time in this one made for rough reading. I could do without the troll and troll children plot altogether.
I did really enjoy parts of the book, such as Clara’s interaction with her brother and Ivor’s visit. Seeing Ivor and the Prince interact was fascinating, and his motivation remains an enigma. Also, the ending was very good and interesting enough that I’ll read the next one, albeit with a lot of skimming.
If book 3 isn’t an improvement, I’ll probably give up on the series. However, I’m hopeful that I’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Although we do get to see Clara and the Prince interact more, there wasn’t much character development and nothing really moved forward from book one. We’re still in the dark about the circumstances of Clara’s past and how she created the Noswraith. While I do like Clara, I wish the author would let us see more of her emotions. She felt a bit one dimensional in this book.
We also don’t get to know the Prince’ character any more than in the first book. I was again hoping for some angst and emotions, but his character was also a bit flat. There were some hints that there may be a romantic subplot coming somewhere down the line, but so far nothing has happened.
The bulk of the plot focused on the trolls and troll children. That was my least favorite part of the first book, so having it take up so much page time in this one made for rough reading. I could do without the troll and troll children plot altogether.
I did really enjoy parts of the book, such as Clara’s interaction with her brother and Ivor’s visit. Seeing Ivor and the Prince interact was fascinating, and his motivation remains an enigma. Also, the ending was very good and interesting enough that I’ll read the next one, albeit with a lot of skimming.
If book 3 isn’t an improvement, I’ll probably give up on the series. However, I’m hopeful that I’ll be pleasantly surprised.
March 24, 2025
Good follow-up on the first book as Clara Darlington grows more comfortable with her life in the Doomed City.
My problem (and why there’s one less star than before), is that she doesn’t get really any training here. We were led to believe Clara’s arrival was meant because it was urgent to get her trained and up to speed ASAP, yet this book left her training in the hand of lesser librarians and the Prince studiously avoiding Clara’s training. Yes, he has good reasons, but still…. a lot of library time is rather dull here unless actively dealing with nasties.
Clara seems to spend an inordinate amount of time in her bedroom for her scenes. Not that interesting things weren’t happening, but it would have been more fun to explore more of the castle- though we do discover a solarium in this book. I just wish we could have spent more time in it.
The ongoing trouble with adopting the little troll family continue on, and I can only wish her the best of luck with those darlings- they do enjoy stealing the scenes they are in.
Hints of continued interest from three wannabe suitors continues for Clara, though Ivor is obviously for her, and I don’t care for Danny Gale much either. Nothing against his character, but I just can’t see Clara coming back to a mundane life once her obligation comes to an end.
One heck of an ending- now I absolutely must hop off to read book 3 to learn just what the prince meant by that ominous statement.
My problem (and why there’s one less star than before), is that she doesn’t get really any training here. We were led to believe Clara’s arrival was meant because it was urgent to get her trained and up to speed ASAP, yet this book left her training in the hand of lesser librarians and the Prince studiously avoiding Clara’s training. Yes, he has good reasons, but still…. a lot of library time is rather dull here unless actively dealing with nasties.
Clara seems to spend an inordinate amount of time in her bedroom for her scenes. Not that interesting things weren’t happening, but it would have been more fun to explore more of the castle- though we do discover a solarium in this book. I just wish we could have spent more time in it.
The ongoing trouble with adopting the little troll family continue on, and I can only wish her the best of luck with those darlings- they do enjoy stealing the scenes they are in.
Hints of continued interest from three wannabe suitors continues for Clara, though Ivor is obviously for her, and I don’t care for Danny Gale much either. Nothing against his character, but I just can’t see Clara coming back to a mundane life once her obligation comes to an end.
One heck of an ending- now I absolutely must hop off to read book 3 to learn just what the prince meant by that ominous statement.
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