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Shadow Hills Academy: Relentless #2
A Drop of Anguish
A soulless monster is hunting me. I might be a magicless human, but I won't be easy prey. Everyone at Shadow Hills Academy thinks they know who I am. Canadice Montgomery, a weak magicless human whose only claim to power was her relationship with the demon prince, Jarron. The girl who's so desperate for power, she'd be willing to kill her peers in a deadly competition. A broken-hearted girl who wasn't good enough to keep the attention of a prince. They're wrong, about nearly all of it. I don't want their magic. All I care about is finding the demon that killed my sister and making him suffer. But that's made extra difficult when I'm public enemy number one at a school full of immensely powerful beings. Not to mention the ominous notes I keep receiving signed “the Jinn.” Soon, I realize just how little I know about the games, and my sister's death. When Jarron returns to the school, a shell of his former self, things get even more complicated. The dark beast inside of him is growing, clawing at him from the inside and tearing apart his soul. There isn't a cure for his sickness in any of my potions books but that won't stop me from seeking out any possible solution. Even if it means consulting with the enemy. The jinn has a plan for her next set of games. She knows my every weakness. And this time, she will not stop until I'm one of the contestants.
Pre-order the exciting continuation of the Shadow Hills Academy series now!
Pre-order the exciting continuation of the Shadow Hills Academy series now!
404 pages, Paperback
Published December 29, 2022
206 people are currently reading
1064 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Trombley
18 books266 followersStacey Trombley is the author of several fantasy romance series including WICKED FAE and SHADOW HILLS ACADEMY. Her places to travel list is almost as long as her to-be-read list. Most recently, she spent 9 months living in a van with her family, traveling the US and Mexico. She has many more adventures in mind, both on Earth and in her imagination.
Follow her journey on Instagram and Tiktok @StaceyTrombleyAuthor and learn more about her books at www.StaceyTrombley.com
Follow her journey on Instagram and Tiktok @StaceyTrombleyAuthor and learn more about her books at www.StaceyTrombley.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
December 2, 2024
WHEN A SUPERNATURAL BEING ASKS TO BITE YOU IN ORDER TO CLAIM YOU AND MAKE YOU THE QUEEN OF THEIR WORLD YOU SAY YES GODAMMIT!!!!! i hate these stupid human girls that can’t just do as they’re told istg i will 🔪🔪🔪 *immediately starts book 3*
December 13, 2023
This book was so good, Candice was quite stupid in this book, but from her perspective, it kind of makes sense I mean everyone was telling her she wasn't Jarron's mate so who was she suppsoed to trust.. Her sister was such a cow, like she was so selfish and manipulative, i hated her character. Jarron on the other hand was the best part of this book, like his descriptions gave grumpy but I would burn the world for you vibes he definitely had more of his own personality in this book compared to first one and I liked his dominating character more than his sweet one.I hope I see more of Thompson in the third book and his motives but overall amazing read..
November 6, 2023
This book. Oh gosh, this book.
I was both hooked and so wildly frustrated. I wanted them to just COMMUNICATE because everything felt so obvious, but the MC is SO STUBBORN. I wanted to slap some sense into her. I did like, however, that we got to know more about her personality and the people that surround her. Also, as weird as it is to say because this is a YA novel, I liked seeing the tension between the characters.
The twists were great and the side characters are memorable and sweet.
I was hooked and I couldn't put it down until the very end. Like I said with the first book, this definitely gave me that same high that I got when I was reading ZODIAC ACADEMY. I personally think this shouldn't be a YA novel, but to each their own.
Read this series and feel the frustration and addiction with me.
I still need to read the last book because...reasons.
Happy reading!
I was both hooked and so wildly frustrated. I wanted them to just COMMUNICATE because everything felt so obvious, but the MC is SO STUBBORN. I wanted to slap some sense into her. I did like, however, that we got to know more about her personality and the people that surround her. Also, as weird as it is to say because this is a YA novel, I liked seeing the tension between the characters.
The twists were great and the side characters are memorable and sweet.
I was hooked and I couldn't put it down until the very end. Like I said with the first book, this definitely gave me that same high that I got when I was reading ZODIAC ACADEMY. I personally think this shouldn't be a YA novel, but to each their own.
Read this series and feel the frustration and addiction with me.
I still need to read the last book because...reasons.
Happy reading!
February 16, 2023
Book rating: 2.75 ⭐
Spice rating: 0.5 🔥
Character chemistry: 3.25✨ (Canadice & Jarron)
Book tropes:
-Supernatural beings
-Mates
-School romance
-Miscommunication
My thoughts:
-I was looking for something to read today, and I was wondering when this book was coming out. I can't explain it because I'm not that big of a fan of the saga or the FMC but I'm still intrigued by its ending. Later I realized this was already out and I decided to read it.
-If I'm being honest I forgot about the names of the main characters. I remembered their vibes, their problems, and the story. Yet, I forgot their names...
-In my opinion, it had the second book syndrome. I felt like nothing really happened for around half of the book, Canadice annoyed the living bejesus out of me, and also it was the prologue for what is going to happen in the next one.
-Not my stupid ass reading Candace and not Canadice. I kinda forgot the physical description of the FMC and I pictured her like this...
Literally, until this moment I read her name as Candace... ups.
-I'm intrigued by the story and I'm definitely going to read the next one. It has the potential to be really entertaining and I'm here for it.
Spice rating: 0.5 🔥
Character chemistry: 3.25✨ (Canadice & Jarron)
Book tropes:
-Supernatural beings
-Mates
-School romance
-Miscommunication
My thoughts:
-I was looking for something to read today, and I was wondering when this book was coming out. I can't explain it because I'm not that big of a fan of the saga or the FMC but I'm still intrigued by its ending. Later I realized this was already out and I decided to read it.
-If I'm being honest I forgot about the names of the main characters. I remembered their vibes, their problems, and the story. Yet, I forgot their names...
-In my opinion, it had the second book syndrome. I felt like nothing really happened for around half of the book, Canadice annoyed the living bejesus out of me, and also it was the prologue for what is going to happen in the next one.
-Not my stupid ass reading Candace and not Canadice. I kinda forgot the physical description of the FMC and I pictured her like this...
Literally, until this moment I read her name as Candace... ups.
-I'm intrigued by the story and I'm definitely going to read the next one. It has the potential to be really entertaining and I'm here for it.
March 12, 2024
2☆. spoilers ahead.
Well, A Drop of Anguish officially made me give up on this series. Issues with the lack of plot, poor pacing, and annoying romance developments aside, the one thing I couldn't overlook while reading this was Candice herself. By the time she and Jarron made up, I'd had just about enough of her back-and-forth opinions and feelings regarding him. If I had to read about her insisting she wasn't afraid of Jarron but actually was but wasn't or about how she wants to jump his bones until he tries to reciprocate those feelings and then she thinks everything is moving too fast or about how she wants to be with him all the time but isn't ready to commit to anything long-term, I would've lost my mind. It went beyond her being indecisive and into her having boomerang character development that made no sense and only served to irritate me. Jarron's overpossessiveness and murderous tendencies aside, I want someone to save him from Candice. He deserves a better FMC with a better romance plot to boot. I actually didn't mind the plot itself, including the stuff that involved Liz, but all of it was overshadowed by an agitating main character, so this is where my journey with this series ends.
February 23, 2023
Whyyyyyy.........
Why must we have to wait until May for the last book. 😭
Just like the first book, it was amazing!!!!!!
I can't wait to read, how it ends.
Why must we have to wait until May for the last book. 😭
Just like the first book, it was amazing!!!!!!
I can't wait to read, how it ends.
May 20, 2023
Tropes/ Key Points:
📓Academy Romance
📓Murder Mystery
📓Revenge
📓Childhood friends to strangers to lovers
📓Touch her and die
📓I would burn the world for you
📓Slow Burn
📓Soul Bonds
TW: Murder, Talk of Murder
Blurb:
I found out who killed my sister. Now I just have to prove it. After two weeks off of school due to the destruction of the arena, I am back and was forced into taking higher level classes. The new headmaster has taken an interest in my classes and realized I was coasting through. News of my attendance in the Games has be come common knowledge and now I am back to being the topic of gossip. Everyone thinks I entered to get more power instead of the truth. It doesn’t help that Jarron hasn’t returned to school either.
There is a new kid that started and has claimed me as one of his friends. His motives are unclear but he doesn’t make me feel threatened. He seems to honestly want to be my friend and has been helpful at keeping people off my back. Things start to calm down again at least until Jarron returns. He agrees to continue to help me with solving my sisters murder but he is different, distant. He thinks I was just using him and in a way I was, but I truly did fall in love with him. I just don’t want to be second choice. His demon mated with my sister and I don’t want to be her replacement.
An ex boyfriend I still love, a new kid with hidden intentions, harder classes, solving my sisters murder and figuring out the significance of the games make this semester to be my hardest challenge yet.
Review:
Candice is an idiot. An honest to whatever idiot. She is so clueless and it gets a bit frustrating to see as a reader. She takes UNRELIABLE information as fact and refuses to look at the numerous clues to the truth that are practically punching her in the face. I figured out the “twist” that Jarron’s Demon had claimed her a quarter of the way into book one. To be honest, I don’t think this was mean to be a twist for us, I think the FMC is just honestly that dumb. To be fair, at least it makes her well rounded by including it as a character flaw. In a lot of ways she is a badass and so smart.
I really enjoyed Jarron’s character. I love that he is kind of broody and willing to do anything to protect Candice. He is somewhat morally grey as he is willing to let the world burn if it keeps her safe. I do like that he still has his humanity and, even though they are limited, has friendships outside of her. My heart aches for him throughout the book considering the situation he’s in with Candice. He so clearly loves her and she is fighting her own desires.
I enjoyed that we got to explore more of Candice’s friendships in this book. It made sense considering the plot that had developed and I think it was needed. I love Lola and Janet and feel they are such a vital part to Candice’s development despite only being minor characters.
This book provided us a nice clear twist towards the end that I only started suspecting around 50% of the way through this one. Despite having an inkling, it was still shocking circumstances and I enjoyed peeling back that later of the mystery.
I once again don’t have many negatives about the book and I’m so eager for the finale with book three next week.
📓Academy Romance
📓Murder Mystery
📓Revenge
📓Childhood friends to strangers to lovers
📓Touch her and die
📓I would burn the world for you
📓Slow Burn
📓Soul Bonds
TW: Murder, Talk of Murder
Blurb:
I found out who killed my sister. Now I just have to prove it. After two weeks off of school due to the destruction of the arena, I am back and was forced into taking higher level classes. The new headmaster has taken an interest in my classes and realized I was coasting through. News of my attendance in the Games has be come common knowledge and now I am back to being the topic of gossip. Everyone thinks I entered to get more power instead of the truth. It doesn’t help that Jarron hasn’t returned to school either.
There is a new kid that started and has claimed me as one of his friends. His motives are unclear but he doesn’t make me feel threatened. He seems to honestly want to be my friend and has been helpful at keeping people off my back. Things start to calm down again at least until Jarron returns. He agrees to continue to help me with solving my sisters murder but he is different, distant. He thinks I was just using him and in a way I was, but I truly did fall in love with him. I just don’t want to be second choice. His demon mated with my sister and I don’t want to be her replacement.
An ex boyfriend I still love, a new kid with hidden intentions, harder classes, solving my sisters murder and figuring out the significance of the games make this semester to be my hardest challenge yet.
Review:
Candice is an idiot. An honest to whatever idiot. She is so clueless and it gets a bit frustrating to see as a reader. She takes UNRELIABLE information as fact and refuses to look at the numerous clues to the truth that are practically punching her in the face. I figured out the “twist” that Jarron’s Demon had claimed her a quarter of the way into book one. To be honest, I don’t think this was mean to be a twist for us, I think the FMC is just honestly that dumb. To be fair, at least it makes her well rounded by including it as a character flaw. In a lot of ways she is a badass and so smart.
I really enjoyed Jarron’s character. I love that he is kind of broody and willing to do anything to protect Candice. He is somewhat morally grey as he is willing to let the world burn if it keeps her safe. I do like that he still has his humanity and, even though they are limited, has friendships outside of her. My heart aches for him throughout the book considering the situation he’s in with Candice. He so clearly loves her and she is fighting her own desires.
I enjoyed that we got to explore more of Candice’s friendships in this book. It made sense considering the plot that had developed and I think it was needed. I love Lola and Janet and feel they are such a vital part to Candice’s development despite only being minor characters.
This book provided us a nice clear twist towards the end that I only started suspecting around 50% of the way through this one. Despite having an inkling, it was still shocking circumstances and I enjoyed peeling back that later of the mystery.
I once again don’t have many negatives about the book and I’m so eager for the finale with book three next week.
December 31, 2022
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THIS FREAKING BOOK SURPASSED ALL MY EXPECTATIONS!!!!!!!!!!
I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO EVEN SAY!!!
The amount of drama, angst and character development!!!
I love that this book worked more on the character's growth and their relationship, I seriously loved how Candice grew through out this book, and in so many different ways.
We have new and old characters and the develop of those relationships
BUT THE ROMANCE!!!!!!
The whole book I was consumed by the angst, screaming to Jarren and Candice to just COMMUNICATE!!!!!!!
I mean, I obviously felt about their issues and stuff, but I was so frustrated!!!!!
And every interaction they had I was there reading it over and over and trying to savour it slowly because oof, the feels!!!!!
And the plot twist!!!!! When Candice received the letter that came after the diary page, I guessed it, but was still like "it can be???" And after the reveal???? Mind blown
Gosh, that ending.... I really don't know how I'll hold up until the next release, I was so grateful this book was released a day before, it will make me finish the year in such a positive note ❤️❤️❤️
THIS FREAKING BOOK SURPASSED ALL MY EXPECTATIONS!!!!!!!!!!
I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO EVEN SAY!!!
The amount of drama, angst and character development!!!
I love that this book worked more on the character's growth and their relationship, I seriously loved how Candice grew through out this book, and in so many different ways.
We have new and old characters and the develop of those relationships
BUT THE ROMANCE!!!!!!
The whole book I was consumed by the angst, screaming to Jarren and Candice to just COMMUNICATE!!!!!!!
I mean, I obviously felt about their issues and stuff, but I was so frustrated!!!!!
And every interaction they had I was there reading it over and over and trying to savour it slowly because oof, the feels!!!!!
And the plot twist!!!!! When Candice received the letter that came after the diary page, I guessed it, but was still like "it can be???" And after the reveal???? Mind blown
Gosh, that ending.... I really don't know how I'll hold up until the next release, I was so grateful this book was released a day before, it will make me finish the year in such a positive note ❤️❤️❤️
February 15, 2023
While I was reading this book, I made numerous annotations saying that I thought Candice was wrong about Liz being Jarron’s chosen. Well, I was proved correct! She definitely mentioned at least 10 times about how “Liz is his mate” or “She’s the one he chose.” I personally thought that there was going to be a link.
The spice was mid but I liked the development on Candice and Jarron’s relationship.
4/5.
The spice was mid but I liked the development on Candice and Jarron’s relationship.
4/5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2024
This book is way more frustrating than the first one. Because there's ZERO character growth, despite the fact that there are clues being dropped left and right that what Candice perceives as the truth is, in fact, a lie.
Like, for the ENTIRE book, Candice is just CON-vinced that her sister was Jarron's chosen. Because all the bad guys in the story--literally every one--have told her so.
Even her best friends are looking at her like
trying to tell her that she's believed this lie and is letting it destroy what's so obviously right between her and Jarron only for her to go "no it's got to be true, I'm nothing."
🙄🙄🙄
The man's proven to her time and time again that he's got feelings for her. He's pining for her, still protecting her while she's being a stubborn "I can do it myself" queen, and she actively refuses put the pieces together.
The ONLY time I wasn't hoping someone would shift into a monster and eat Candice was when she was brewing her potions. I love me a smart main character. And she has one strength that's actually really cool. I can also appreciate that we've gotten through the end of book 2 and she's still not been morphed into some immortal being. Girl's still a fragile little human. I'll give props to the author for having the balls for that.
Doesn't change the fact the FMC is terrible, though.
She's terrible because even at the end, when she KNOWS the truth (even if Jarron can't say the exact words and confirm it) she STILL opts out of accepting the bond and letting him mark her. Because she wants him to "earn" her the old fashioned way. Whatever the fuck that means.
Even after she finds out what's going on in Jarron's home world, even after she learns that there are threats against his claim on the throne. Threats being made by her sister and their ex-principal who claim that Jarron's been rejected by his mate and thus isn't fit to rule. She STILL fucking refuses because, I guess, the plot for book 3 has to come from SOMEWHERE.
Whatever cocaine-magic was in the first one didn't quite hold up for this one for me. Yes, I did read this in the course of a single afternoon. But it's left a foul taste in my mouth and I'm wholly unimpressed with the sheer lack of progression that went on.
Like, for the ENTIRE book, Candice is just CON-vinced that her sister was Jarron's chosen. Because all the bad guys in the story--literally every one--have told her so.
Even her best friends are looking at her like
trying to tell her that she's believed this lie and is letting it destroy what's so obviously right between her and Jarron only for her to go "no it's got to be true, I'm nothing."
🙄🙄🙄
The man's proven to her time and time again that he's got feelings for her. He's pining for her, still protecting her while she's being a stubborn "I can do it myself" queen, and she actively refuses put the pieces together.
The ONLY time I wasn't hoping someone would shift into a monster and eat Candice was when she was brewing her potions. I love me a smart main character. And she has one strength that's actually really cool. I can also appreciate that we've gotten through the end of book 2 and she's still not been morphed into some immortal being. Girl's still a fragile little human. I'll give props to the author for having the balls for that.
Doesn't change the fact the FMC is terrible, though.
She's terrible because even at the end, when she KNOWS the truth (even if Jarron can't say the exact words and confirm it) she STILL opts out of accepting the bond and letting him mark her. Because she wants him to "earn" her the old fashioned way. Whatever the fuck that means.
Even after she finds out what's going on in Jarron's home world, even after she learns that there are threats against his claim on the throne. Threats being made by her sister and their ex-principal who claim that Jarron's been rejected by his mate and thus isn't fit to rule. She STILL fucking refuses because, I guess, the plot for book 3 has to come from SOMEWHERE.
Whatever cocaine-magic was in the first one didn't quite hold up for this one for me. Yes, I did read this in the course of a single afternoon. But it's left a foul taste in my mouth and I'm wholly unimpressed with the sheer lack of progression that went on.
December 29, 2022
What a book! This was everything I needed and wanted. When I got this book I was so excited to start it and to be honest it was I was not disappointed.
This book got me hooked. I didn't want to stop reading, I love all these characters and this story was even better than te first one. It was a gem. This book held so many emotions, it truly pained me sometimes. But that's the part that proves the book is written so well. You feel with all these characters. You want them to be okay, to be happy, to be loved.
This book was a lot darker then the first one, literally there were a lot of shadows (if you know, you know) but it developed all so good. These characters has my heart, especially Candice and Jarron and I can't wait to learn more about what will happen to them.
Last but not least I want to thank the author for providing me with an earc.
This book got me hooked. I didn't want to stop reading, I love all these characters and this story was even better than te first one. It was a gem. This book held so many emotions, it truly pained me sometimes. But that's the part that proves the book is written so well. You feel with all these characters. You want them to be okay, to be happy, to be loved.
This book was a lot darker then the first one, literally there were a lot of shadows (if you know, you know) but it developed all so good. These characters has my heart, especially Candice and Jarron and I can't wait to learn more about what will happen to them.
Last but not least I want to thank the author for providing me with an earc.
March 6, 2024
dayum
This was nonstop action and angst and spice! And the slow burn of some revelations I was hoping for and I can’t wait for the confirmation of what I think is going on. Ready for the next book!
This was nonstop action and angst and spice! And the slow burn of some revelations I was hoping for and I can’t wait for the confirmation of what I think is going on. Ready for the next book!
August 29, 2024
This was one of those books where I wanted to reach through the pages and shake these characters, lol. Guess that means the author did a great job of handling her audience. Already ordered the next one.
June 3, 2023
I do love me a possessive demon and Jarron is exactly that!! 🥵
December 8, 2025
I really loved this book and it got a lot more into the world building. We also got to know a lot more about Candice’s friends and I had a better grasp on characters. I love the slow burn buildup and mixed emotions from both characters. I can’t wait to learn more about the demon world in the next book.
January 20, 2023
I FREAKING CALLED IT!!! Ugh I love being right lol.
I’m not normally the biggest fan of the miscommunication trope but it just WORKS with Candice and Jarron. The angst that they have to go through! The emotional turmoil! It’s frustrating in the best kind of way, making me super invested in how their story will pan out. I mean, they’re teenagers and miscommunication—especially for teenagers and their feelings—makes all kinds of sense. Add that in with the literal demon custom of being forbidden to talk about certain topics until the other party accepts, and that trope just absolutely fits.
To edit my prior list, definitely recommend this series if you enjoy:
🧪FMC looking for revenge and growing into her mad potion skills
🧪MMC is THE demon prince and uber protective yet big on choice
🧪Boy definitely falls first
🧪Boarding school for the (at times dangerously) magical/mythical
🧪Fake dating (for book one)
🧪Murder mystery
🧪Crazy games and schemes
🧪ANGST!!
This series is so good so far and that angsty tension/kinda sorta slowburn (just with more kissing 😏 I mean they are young teenagers, even if I kept forgetting and thought they were college-aged) is just hooking its claws so deep. I cannot wait to read the next book when it releases!
I’m not normally the biggest fan of the miscommunication trope but it just WORKS with Candice and Jarron. The angst that they have to go through! The emotional turmoil! It’s frustrating in the best kind of way, making me super invested in how their story will pan out. I mean, they’re teenagers and miscommunication—especially for teenagers and their feelings—makes all kinds of sense. Add that in with the literal demon custom of being forbidden to talk about certain topics until the other party accepts, and that trope just absolutely fits.
To edit my prior list, definitely recommend this series if you enjoy:
🧪FMC looking for revenge and growing into her mad potion skills
🧪MMC is THE demon prince and uber protective yet big on choice
🧪Boy definitely falls first
🧪Boarding school for the (at times dangerously) magical/mythical
🧪Fake dating (for book one)
🧪Murder mystery
🧪Crazy games and schemes
🧪ANGST!!
This series is so good so far and that angsty tension/kinda sorta slowburn (just with more kissing 😏 I mean they are young teenagers, even if I kept forgetting and thought they were college-aged) is just hooking its claws so deep. I cannot wait to read the next book when it releases!
January 4, 2023
This book was relentless!
The author didn't shy away from putting the MC’s through hell and back! And of course she took me with them!! 😭💀I felt everything. I screamed, i laughed, i swoon and i panicked like a mofo!
Seriously though, the tittle lives up to its name. The turmoil and anguish is REAL!! I stayed up all night and morning reading this book. I couldn’t stop!! I was emotionally invested and I couldn’t stop reading as i needed to know what was gonna happened.
Jarron is gone and Candance is fair game to all the supernatural predators. But just because her demon is not by her side she still has herself. And boy does she show them!! 👏She.is.bad@ss👏🐍 So good!! Plus old friends and new friends are back. This academy series has become my favorite!! And Then …*mic drops* 🎤 JARRON comes back!!😱😱😱 *screams* you guys!!!! i cant even. i’m done .
ps: Stacey…how can i hate you and love you at the same time!?? You broke me. Several times and then picked me up right at the end.. 😭😭😭😭 speaking of which…That twist at the end!?? 🤯 You.Are.Evil.#YouBetterFixThis#SendHelp#YouAreSavage#howcouldYou
The author didn't shy away from putting the MC’s through hell and back! And of course she took me with them!! 😭💀I felt everything. I screamed, i laughed, i swoon and i panicked like a mofo!
Seriously though, the tittle lives up to its name. The turmoil and anguish is REAL!! I stayed up all night and morning reading this book. I couldn’t stop!! I was emotionally invested and I couldn’t stop reading as i needed to know what was gonna happened.
Jarron is gone and Candance is fair game to all the supernatural predators. But just because her demon is not by her side she still has herself. And boy does she show them!! 👏She.is.bad@ss👏🐍 So good!! Plus old friends and new friends are back. This academy series has become my favorite!! And Then …*mic drops* 🎤 JARRON comes back!!😱😱😱 *screams* you guys!!!! i cant even. i’m done .
ps: Stacey…how can i hate you and love you at the same time!?? You broke me. Several times and then picked me up right at the end.. 😭😭😭😭 speaking of which…That twist at the end!?? 🤯 You.Are.Evil.#YouBetterFixThis#SendHelp#YouAreSavage#howcouldYou
January 2, 2023
70%
A great book that had the potential to be truly epic.
CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR BOOK 1
A senior wants to avenge her sister's death by taking down the pedophilic predator that seduced and lured her sister into playing a supernatural Hunger Games. Having an ex fake-boyfriend that she definitely has real feelings for helping her definitely complicates the situation.
With a new friend, a soul-deep longing, and a crap-ton of assumptions, Candice faces unexpected twists and turns that may change her life forever.
A few inconsistencies knocked off a point or five, but one thing that really bothered me was the presentation of a non-binary character, followed by a discussion about their pronouns, and then the immediate and continuous misgendering of the character throughout the rest of the book.
That knocked it down the rest of the way.
Genuinely a great book, with all the romantic tension you crave, it will have you desperate for a glass (or a bottle) of wine and a discussion with the main character where you carefully explain some things to her, and to remind her to use the correct darned pronouns.
A great book that had the potential to be truly epic.
CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR BOOK 1
A senior wants to avenge her sister's death by taking down the pedophilic predator that seduced and lured her sister into playing a supernatural Hunger Games. Having an ex fake-boyfriend that she definitely has real feelings for helping her definitely complicates the situation.
With a new friend, a soul-deep longing, and a crap-ton of assumptions, Candice faces unexpected twists and turns that may change her life forever.
A few inconsistencies knocked off a point or five, but one thing that really bothered me was the presentation of a non-binary character, followed by a discussion about their pronouns, and then the immediate and continuous misgendering of the character throughout the rest of the book.
That knocked it down the rest of the way.
Genuinely a great book, with all the romantic tension you crave, it will have you desperate for a glass (or a bottle) of wine and a discussion with the main character where you carefully explain some things to her, and to remind her to use the correct darned pronouns.
May 16, 2024
This whole series could have fit in one book. And the whole story line is very annoying. FMC is a “stubborn bitch,” to the point where it gets repetitive and I can’t deal with her anymore. And we all know that they’re mates I just don’t understand why the author didn’t reveal it during the first book because then there would be no need for this one. This book was very dragged on and I will admit I skimmed a lot of it. And once I got to the end there wasn’t anything important that I missed. I would say the writing is good but just save your time and know that they’re mates, he can’t say because of some stupid rule, but they get together in the end oh and her sister is alive and helps them though some trials but she’s annoying as well. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2023
Just two things:
Ugh! Sigh…
Ugh! Sigh…
June 15, 2023
.5🌶
Paranormal
Childhood friends
Mystery/Suspense
Paranormal Hunger Games
Cliffhanger
Twists & turns abound. From the introduction of Thompson to the unraveling of the games, Liz partook in to the unveiling of betrayal. This story has it all.
The underlying theme that I absolutely love is not to underestimate those whom you think are weak or have little power. The way Candice's friends have rallied & fought with her is inspiring. Loyalty & bravery is just as strong as magic.
Paranormal
Childhood friends
Mystery/Suspense
Paranormal Hunger Games
Cliffhanger
Twists & turns abound. From the introduction of Thompson to the unraveling of the games, Liz partook in to the unveiling of betrayal. This story has it all.
The underlying theme that I absolutely love is not to underestimate those whom you think are weak or have little power. The way Candice's friends have rallied & fought with her is inspiring. Loyalty & bravery is just as strong as magic.
January 24, 2025
Type: Supernatural Romance, Academy/School, Demon-Centered
Also really good, the friend group is more solidified which is nice, Candice accepts her abilities. Jarron is off his rocker a bit but he’s still a great male main character. The plot is a tad weird but the book keeps you into it. Candice is literally kind of blind to what she is to Jarron and why he hurt her sister when they were younger.
Also really good, the friend group is more solidified which is nice, Candice accepts her abilities. Jarron is off his rocker a bit but he’s still a great male main character. The plot is a tad weird but the book keeps you into it. Candice is literally kind of blind to what she is to Jarron and why he hurt her sister when they were younger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2023
This definitely suffered from middle book syndrome and some things plot-wise
May 7, 2023
This book was so good! I liked the first one but this one was so much better. I am SO GLAD that Candice finally mf realizes that she is his chosen instead of listening to her enemies who are IDIOTS and missing all of those clues Jarron gave her. I absolutely ate this book up and I can’t believe I have to wait for the next one 😭 I need it NOWWWWW! 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2023
So frustrating
******** spoiler alert***
This is a great book with the female lead is so whiny and just daff! To get to the end of the second book and still not have anything resolved is still not accepting your mate this is asinine I am so frustrated with this book!!!!!
And the way this is going there’s not gonna be anything resolved till the end of book 3 come on?!
******** spoiler alert***
This is a great book with the female lead is so whiny and just daff! To get to the end of the second book and still not have anything resolved is still not accepting your mate this is asinine I am so frustrated with this book!!!!!
And the way this is going there’s not gonna be anything resolved till the end of book 3 come on?!
January 3, 2023
Read it in 3 days
Was not expecting that plot twist, but I was expecting a good ending. Recommend for people who like vampire, witches, fantasy, and a freaking good plot with a side of romance.
Was not expecting that plot twist, but I was expecting a good ending. Recommend for people who like vampire, witches, fantasy, and a freaking good plot with a side of romance.
October 15, 2023
Going in, I thought I was gonna hate this book, but things between Candice and Jarron resolve fairly quickly and I loved the rest. The way that party ended? 🤭
July 26, 2024
Kinda hated the way he had to mark her. It kinda felt like she just agreed to it because he was dying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2024
You know.. I somewhat enjoy this book series but I have extremely low tolerance for miscommunication, lack of growth and just plain foolishness in books.
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
It’s understandable that Candice would be confused about everything, but at the same time it felt like a drag to literally read her have the same conversations over and over again about it. She wants Jarren and knows that he wants her, so why not believe him? I had to skip some parts because of how frustrating it was. For someone that has such a scientific mind, she has problems going off of the facts.
I’m mostly frustrated with this book because all it was about for the most part was THE MISCOMMUNICATION AROUND THE MATING SITUATION. Yes, there was some action. Yes, we got some dialogue between characters. But a lot of stuff would have been resolved had Candice accepted Jarren’s feelings and actively worked on her own insecurities as well (which I believe is really why she’s being so annoying about this). In fact, I would have been more interested in seeing growth in all these characters and instead of having Liz ‘The Jinn’ (and ´em) use the mating confusion to destabilize Candice, maybe just.. i don’t know… make up a lie that makes sense?!?! Why did it have to be about that? I’m just disappointed someone as smart as Candice could be fooled so easily. It feels like a lazy plot.
It was just all predictable at the end of the day. I knew Candice was his mate from the moment it was mentioned he attacked her sister. BECAUSE WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD HE ATTACK HIS MATE?? That just made no sense to me. I do not see where the confusion was or how a confusion around that would be interesting. It just added nothing to the story for me.
Anyways, like i said… I still somewhat enjoyed it so it wasn’t all bad. I just feel like the plot didn’t do these characters justice and made the book all too uninteresting. I have nothing against a slow burn but PLEASE make it actually make sense and mean SOMETHING.
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
It’s understandable that Candice would be confused about everything, but at the same time it felt like a drag to literally read her have the same conversations over and over again about it. She wants Jarren and knows that he wants her, so why not believe him? I had to skip some parts because of how frustrating it was. For someone that has such a scientific mind, she has problems going off of the facts.
I’m mostly frustrated with this book because all it was about for the most part was THE MISCOMMUNICATION AROUND THE MATING SITUATION. Yes, there was some action. Yes, we got some dialogue between characters. But a lot of stuff would have been resolved had Candice accepted Jarren’s feelings and actively worked on her own insecurities as well (which I believe is really why she’s being so annoying about this). In fact, I would have been more interested in seeing growth in all these characters and instead of having Liz ‘The Jinn’ (and ´em) use the mating confusion to destabilize Candice, maybe just.. i don’t know… make up a lie that makes sense?!?! Why did it have to be about that? I’m just disappointed someone as smart as Candice could be fooled so easily. It feels like a lazy plot.
It was just all predictable at the end of the day. I knew Candice was his mate from the moment it was mentioned he attacked her sister. BECAUSE WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD HE ATTACK HIS MATE?? That just made no sense to me. I do not see where the confusion was or how a confusion around that would be interesting. It just added nothing to the story for me.
Anyways, like i said… I still somewhat enjoyed it so it wasn’t all bad. I just feel like the plot didn’t do these characters justice and made the book all too uninteresting. I have nothing against a slow burn but PLEASE make it actually make sense and mean SOMETHING.
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