Jessica Bolt > Recent Status Updates

I am loving this so far. I was initially disappointed that the first page stated that it was Nyall's story (the prince who hates his father the King). However, I love how it is retelling the first book from other characters perspectives. It makes me want to go back and read book 1 to double check if the conversations are the same).

I love how we are shown the history of both MMC and their connection/relationship.

Although I am still enjoying the story, it is dragging a bit. There are many chapters that could have been cut, including the ones where both our MC's ended up in the clouds with the goddess, the ones where our FMC was trying to steal the coral artifact and the ones where the guards had imprisoned the real king and the main guard kept visiting him.

Instantly enjoying it. The FMC Lor is what reads as a filthy, muddy, underground prison, along with her brother Tristan and sister Willow. She has been there for 12 years. She has a nemesis Jude and a boyfriend Aero.

She is feisty and gets into trouble a lot.

Looking to be a 5 star read! Reminds me of ACOTAR, Powerless, Serpent of the Wings and Night and Foirth Wing = Shadow daddy, poor non Fae going off into the Fae world to compete in battles, the banter, the spicey tension!!!!!

Would love to own this book.

Love that this is so similar to The Hunger Games and Lightlark, with the interviews, training and trials to kill each other off, as well as the female MC pretending to have abilities/powers.

Really enjoying all of the names for those with gifts (Veilers, Silencers, Crawlers, etc). Love how strong the male MC is and his gift being that he can take on his opponents gifts.

Instantly interested in the plot. I love all of the names of those with gifts (Crawlers, Veilers, Silencers). I also love the insanely strong male MC and the fact that his gift allows him to embody the gift of his opponents.

I also really love the Hunger Games vibes so far with them all training leading up to the trials. This is also similar to Lightlark where the female MC too pretends to have powers.

Listening to via Audible. Pleased that they have both female and male voice actors. However I'm really missing 2 things:

1. Fantasy/magic! Everything is too focused on fighting, almost reads like a historical book.
2. A strong, undefeatale male (like Rhysand). The male is this seems weak during fighting, needing the woman to save him.

I've realised my true favourite genre - romanticy (fantasy, with a strong romance, spice AND mystery in that there are quests, challenges, many plot twists and 'whodunits' to keep me guessing and wanting to read on). Very similar to ACOTOR and Fourth Wing/Iron Flame. Every chapter reads as a new adventure so can listen to each one and feel it's like a new episode.

(All books have been listened to and not read).

I am much more invested in this book as opposed to Book 1. Although there isn't the build up of when the MC will get together, instead it is all about the fantasy and never ending action with plot twists.

Best scene was when Violet and her squad mates were kept and 'questionned/tortured' as part of their second year training programme.

I feel the characters are developing nicely too.

Loving the initial retelling of Little Mermaid over the first few pages, then instantly felt like Pirates of the Carribean. Am enjoying references to the Kraken and the part Eagle part lion creatures also in Fourth Wing.