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pagepixie's reviews
162 reviews
Taming the Wolves by Lyx Robinson
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Can I give this 100 stars?
Stolen by the Wolves by Lyx Robinson
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book really shocked me in the best way possible. I was not expecting the historically rich world building or slow developed plot to accompany the slow burn romance.
I’m sad to see that so many readers were disappointed by these discoveries as for me they were a pure joy to discover! How can you be upset that you expect to find mediocre “spicy” writing and instead find the first book of a beautifully written, well researched, Viking fantasy romance?!
BUT WAIT THATS NOT ALL NO! The author also gives us interesting, complex characters that clearly struggle and will continue to struggle with the their concepts of what is right and wrong based on their vastly different upbringings. Our FMC and MMC are technically enemies on different sides of an ever evolving conflict and fight for power (men, am I right?), and yet their relationship is so soft and tender. I was swooning!
I will say that this book has some series trigger warnings. There are some very violent and difficult scenes and themes, including unwilling human sacrifice. There are also very complex religious themes that are integral to the plot and characters that may be triggering to some people.
Now so many people were saying this wasn’t spicy enough… I personally cannot relate to that sentiment. This book explicitly states it is a slow burn, EVENTUAL reverse haram and we are only the first book in to a SIX BOOK SERIES! That being said, while there is not why choose in this book there is definitely tension and SPICE between the two main characters. We have pining, longing, and a very hot moments that combine it all. Of course we don’t have insta satisfaction though and there is plenty of room to grow. I can only imagine the way this will all build!
I’m very excited to continue this series and am simply delighted to see these books get thicker and thicker as we go!
I’m sad to see that so many readers were disappointed by these discoveries as for me they were a pure joy to discover! How can you be upset that you expect to find mediocre “spicy” writing and instead find the first book of a beautifully written, well researched, Viking fantasy romance?!
BUT WAIT THATS NOT ALL NO! The author also gives us interesting, complex characters that clearly struggle and will continue to struggle with the their concepts of what is right and wrong based on their vastly different upbringings. Our FMC and MMC are technically enemies on different sides of an ever evolving conflict and fight for power (men, am I right?), and yet their relationship is so soft and tender. I was swooning!
I will say that this book has some series trigger warnings. There are some very violent and difficult scenes and themes, including unwilling human sacrifice. There are also very complex religious themes that are integral to the plot and characters that may be triggering to some people.
Now so many people were saying this wasn’t spicy enough… I personally cannot relate to that sentiment. This book explicitly states it is a slow burn, EVENTUAL reverse haram and we are only the first book in to a SIX BOOK SERIES! That being said, while there is not why choose in this book there is definitely tension and SPICE between the two main characters. We have pining, longing, and a very hot moments that combine it all. Of course we don’t have insta satisfaction though and there is plenty of room to grow. I can only imagine the way this will all build!
I’m very excited to continue this series and am simply delighted to see these books get thicker and thicker as we go!
The Midnight Arrow by Zoey Draven
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Twisted Soul by Morgan B. Lee
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Wow the way this series has progressively gotten better and better is so impressive!
The character development and growth I enjoyed so much in book two continued into book 3!
Along the way the world and magic system has slowly developed to a enjoyable point too. Of course I personally find the relationship of our quintent the best part and the concept of quintent a the most interesting. I particularly like that quintent are not always romantic and can be platanoic.
The plot has always been developing well too. The stakes are high and the action is always badass. It can be so graphic and violent I physically cringe, but that’s really cool actually. Every time you get answers to questions, new tidbits are introduced. It’s simple but fun plot building!
That ending was absolutely brutal! Such an amazing cliff hanger.
I can’t wait to see what book 4 holds and how Maven’s story truly ends!
The character development and growth I enjoyed so much in book two continued into book 3!
Along the way the world and magic system has slowly developed to a enjoyable point too. Of course I personally find the relationship of our quintent the best part and the concept of quintent a the most interesting. I particularly like that quintent are not always romantic and can be platanoic.
The plot has always been developing well too. The stakes are high and the action is always badass. It can be so graphic and violent I physically cringe, but that’s really cool actually. Every time you get answers to questions, new tidbits are introduced. It’s simple but fun plot building!
That ending was absolutely brutal! Such an amazing cliff hanger.
I can’t wait to see what book 4 holds and how Maven’s story truly ends!
Blood Oath by Morgan B. Lee
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book was a solid 3 stars for me. It didn’t blow me away but it didn’t underwhelm me. There were parts I was invested and parts that I was just coasting along. I found the world building and magic system to be a little flat. But honestly I wasn’t too worried about it.
I picked this book up because I wanted a fantasy romance that would be fun and quick and easy as a take a break from the freaking trauma train that is the Zodiac Academy series. The magic academy setting for this series is similar to Zodiac in that way so I enjoyed that. However, I liked that the MC and main characters are older, as I believe these magical beings (“Legacies” as they are called here) can enroll at 20 or 21 but some can defer and go in later.
This is a RH novel so we got meet lots of sexy men, but I honestly didn’t connect that well with many of them individually because they had a similar vibe. Particularly Crypy, Silas, and Everett. I liked Baelfire a lot though. I feel like as the golden retriever of the group he stood out a bit more amongst his grumpy, cranky counter parts.
I will say I just finished book two as I’m writing this review and it was a HUGE improvement on this book. I felt so much more growth from the characters individually but also as a unit!
The ending of this book is what really made me keep going with this series and I’m not mad about it!
If you like a Shadow of Embers, The Bonds that Tie, Zodiac Academy (if all Heirs wanted Tory), and Blood Steel (for the reckless badass FMC) then you might like this!
I picked this book up because I wanted a fantasy romance that would be fun and quick and easy as a take a break from the freaking trauma train that is the Zodiac Academy series. The magic academy setting for this series is similar to Zodiac in that way so I enjoyed that. However, I liked that the MC and main characters are older, as I believe these magical beings (“Legacies” as they are called here) can enroll at 20 or 21 but some can defer and go in later.
This is a RH novel so we got meet lots of sexy men, but I honestly didn’t connect that well with many of them individually because they had a similar vibe. Particularly Crypy, Silas, and Everett. I liked Baelfire a lot though. I feel like as the golden retriever of the group he stood out a bit more amongst his grumpy, cranky counter parts.
I will say I just finished book two as I’m writing this review and it was a HUGE improvement on this book. I felt so much more growth from the characters individually but also as a unit!
The ending of this book is what really made me keep going with this series and I’m not mad about it!
If you like a Shadow of Embers, The Bonds that Tie, Zodiac Academy (if all Heirs wanted Tory), and Blood Steel (for the reckless badass FMC) then you might like this!
Nero by S.J. Tilly
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This was fine. I didn’t openly dislike it but it was kind of boring to me and I found the FMC to be kind of hard to connect to in anyway.
Anywho! No harm no foul.
Anywho! No harm no foul.
Shadow Heart by Morgan B. Lee
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book really surprised me. I was just looking for a quick break from the tumultuous and traumatizing experience of Zodiac Academy when I picked up Blood Oath. I wanted a fast easy romantasy.
Book one was alright. The ending made me want to read book two. But I’m so pleased that Shadow Heart was better!
The relationships and character development in this book were very enjoyable. Where before I didn’t feel like the boys had enough individualism I felt that change in this book.
Obviously, Maven is kind of the highlight here. I love seeing her emotions come to the surface and her slow healing from the love her quintent.
I’m honestly starting to struggle with which boy I like the best. Baelfire might be my favorite but Crypt is deliciously deviant lmao.
Anyway with the ending being a cliffhanger (which I love in books) I will most likely continue this series!
While this series isn’t necessarily something new for fantasy romance, I’m still enjoying it a lot.
If you like Zodiac Academy, the Bonds that Tie, or Blood and Steel you might like this series as a little side quest!
Book one was alright. The ending made me want to read book two. But I’m so pleased that Shadow Heart was better!
The relationships and character development in this book were very enjoyable. Where before I didn’t feel like the boys had enough individualism I felt that change in this book.
Obviously, Maven is kind of the highlight here. I love seeing her emotions come to the surface and her slow healing from the love her quintent.
I’m honestly starting to struggle with which boy I like the best. Baelfire might be my favorite but Crypt is deliciously deviant lmao.
Anyway with the ending being a cliffhanger (which I love in books) I will most likely continue this series!
While this series isn’t necessarily something new for fantasy romance, I’m still enjoying it a lot.
If you like Zodiac Academy, the Bonds that Tie, or Blood and Steel you might like this series as a little side quest!
Cursed Fates by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I have very mixed feelings about this book.
I really enjoy these characters and think the relationships, both romance, friendships, and siblings, make this series so great.
However, I’m really struggling with enjoying the plot. While I’m definitely invested, the constant setbacks and terrible things that happen to the main characters is super draining and the good isn’t outweighing that for me. I don’t know if I’m too empathetic for this or what.
The main problem I have is that so many of these setbacks are just poorly done. When you’re reading 800 pages, you should feel like you understand why things are happening besides to simply torture the reader. Except, particularly in book 5, I felt that the plot twist and cliff hanger at the end was not well set up in the rest of the book and basically occurs out of nowhere.
I’m going to keep reading because I need to know that certain people get the horrible terrible deaths they deserve by the end of this series, but it’s just not a pleasant experience at this point.
I really enjoy these characters and think the relationships, both romance, friendships, and siblings, make this series so great.
However, I’m really struggling with enjoying the plot. While I’m definitely invested, the constant setbacks and terrible things that happen to the main characters is super draining and the good isn’t outweighing that for me. I don’t know if I’m too empathetic for this or what.
The main problem I have is that so many of these setbacks are just poorly done. When you’re reading 800 pages, you should feel like you understand why things are happening besides to simply torture the reader. Except, particularly in book 5, I felt that the plot twist and cliff hanger at the end was not well set up in the rest of the book and basically occurs out of nowhere.
I’m going to keep reading because I need to know that certain people get the horrible terrible deaths they deserve by the end of this series, but it’s just not a pleasant experience at this point.
Wolf Gone Wild by Juliette Cross
Did not finish book. Stopped at 34%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 34%.
Officially moving this to dnf.
I found this too be too cringy and full of too many pop culture references. Some were even incorrect lmao.
I found this too be too cringy and full of too many pop culture references. Some were even incorrect lmao.
The Awakening by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I totally get the hype here.
This was definitely cringy, but also fun. I’m not sure I really like any of the characters besides Darcy. I like Tory but she can grate on me because of her internal monologues and the hating on other women. You can be confident in yourself without putting others down. ANYWAY that’s small and subtle and maybe I’m being to picky?
The world building is kind of silly (Faebook?) and while I could see people not liking the zodiac magic system, I like it because I like astrology!
Im excited about the girls characters growing and their powers emerging. But I’m mostly hesitant about the romance because I don’t like any of the men in this story qnd I don’t see how that could change or how they could redeem themselves.
Mostly I’m hoping the girls get revenge and kick ass in the next book. Starting with Heirs and ending with literally everyone else.
This was definitely cringy, but also fun. I’m not sure I really like any of the characters besides Darcy. I like Tory but she can grate on me because of her internal monologues and the hating on other women. You can be confident in yourself without putting others down. ANYWAY that’s small and subtle and maybe I’m being to picky?
The world building is kind of silly (Faebook?) and while I could see people not liking the zodiac magic system, I like it because I like astrology!
Im excited about the girls characters growing and their powers emerging. But I’m mostly hesitant about the romance because I don’t like any of the men in this story qnd I don’t see how that could change or how they could redeem themselves.
Mostly I’m hoping the girls get revenge and kick ass in the next book. Starting with Heirs and ending with literally everyone else.