zoetic's reviews
934 reviews

"Till the Villain left the oaths of ease to walk in perilous paths, and drive just the man into barren climes."

So many of you asked for my thoughts on Promises and Pomegranates by Sav R. Miller, and here it is!

This is only my second dark romance read, and while it had similarities to others I’ve read, it felt refreshingly unique. The story was compelling, and I found myself having strong reactions while reading—gasping in surprise, blushing, and laughing out loud at times. It really tugged at my heartstrings in ways I didn’t expect.

That being said, I do feel the book leans heavily into the sexual encounters, perhaps more than the plot itself, but there is an underlying story with deep meaning. Promises and Pomegranates explores themes of agency and how women, in particular, often have their power stripped away. It also delves into the complexity of desire, offering a safe exploration of giving in to darker urges while still acknowledging the importance of embracing one’s own power and desires.

"To give her the gift of choice." - Sav R. Miller, Promises and Pomegranates 

     "Persephone eating the seed, tying her to the Underworld indefinitely.
     My version is a little different, a little skewed and bloody and downright agonizing at times come up, but the result remains the same.
     She's here to stay, and the darkness inside me start to feel a little less heavy." - Sav R. Miller, Promises and Pomegranates 

While the book draws some inspiration from the story of Hades and Persephone, it is not a direct retelling. Instead, it uses those mythological themes and character archetypes to draw parallels, particularly in the dynamics between the characters and certain plot points. This subtle connection adds a layer of depth and intrigue to the story, without being a copy of the ancient myth.

One thing that surprised me was the age gap, which I wasn’t expecting. I went into the book with little information beyond checking the content warnings, as I usually do, and I was taken aback by how it played into the dynamics of the story. There was also a twist that I didn’t fully see coming, even though it was alluded to earlier. Once revealed, it added a powerful layer to the plot.

"It feels like an admission, though I'm not exactly sure of what. A promise of sorts, the kind whispered against skin and spoken to your soul. It breaches mine, uncertain as it brushes the surface, and I lean in, ghosting my lips over his when I speak." - Sav R. Miller, Promises and Pomegranates 

The story follows a mafia princess, Elena, and Kal, the hitman who works for her father, the mafia king. Their evolving relationship kept me hooked, and I appreciated how the epilogue tied everything together. It wrapped up their story nicely while leaving room for future installments, which I’m excited to explore.

My edition of the book came with annotions from Sav R. Miller herself, which I found a nice touch. I also added my own annotations, marking moments that really resonated with me or made me reflect on the characters’ journeys. This added a personal connection to the book and enhanced my experience.

The book also features representation of misophonia through Kal, who is deeply affected by certain sounds. His struggles with this condition add another layer to his character, making him more complex and relatable. It’s a detail that showcases his vulnerability, adding depth to his often tough exterior. 

"But when that's all you know, when someone manipulates you during your formative years, it's a touch cycle to break away from." - Sav R. Miller, Promises and Pomegranates 

"It's terrifying, trying to find courage to take a leap of faith, but you can't spend eternity hiding. Eventually, you have to take the opportunities that are thrust upon you and trust that the universe knows what's it doing." - Sav R. Miller, Promises and Pomegranates 

Beyond that, Promises and Pomegranates tackles the severe dysfunction within families, particularly the toxic and manipulative dynamics at play. It explores the emotional and physical abuse that can occur within these environments, and the toll it takes on those involved. 

The book paints a stark picture of how someone can be conditioned to both recognize the signs of abuse and still struggle to break free from it. It also examines how those who manipulate others—often show signs of emotional damage and how that damage manifests in their abusive actions.

It’s an eye-opening look at the cycle of manipulation and abuse, and how healing and growth can happen even after surviving such trauma.

In addition to that, the book explores the complexity of villains and morally gray characters. It’s not about turning the hitman into a “good guy,” but rather about both characters coming together, being vulnerable, and accepting each other’s flaws and strengths—celebrating them in a way that felt genuine. Promises and Pomegranates does have true villains characters. 

Overall, I’m really happy I tried this book. I found the themes and emotional depth of the story engaging. Dark romance, for me, offers a unique way to explore difficult themes in an accessible manner, and I’m curious to see how future books in this genre handle similar issues.

With a reluctant, steamy romance and a missing persons case, Duchess Romance is a quick read perfect for historical romance fans. The plot moves steadily, intertwined with banter between characters, discussions of societal issues, and the wedding season. As the story unfolds, revelations about the plot and the characters' true feelings are gradually accepted within themselves.

"Any place made a mark on you, maybe imperceptibly until you were gone, on to your next move. Only then could you see what you had left, and what it had left on you." - Alison Stine, Dust

Dust is a beautifully written and captivating exploration of a dysfunctional family and the challenges a deaf person faces when their loved ones fail to accept them for who they are. The story delves into the complexities of family dynamics, focusing on the elusive father figure, whose struggles deeply affect everyone around him. 

The lyrical writing style was easy to immerse in and read quickly. The plot pacing was slow. Dust was hard hitting: The father's harsh treatment of his family, the stifling nature of his rules, and his oppressive control over the women in the household. One of the members of the family suffers sickness from the severe weather. 

"But we were our own shapes. We grew our own way and so did the land. It had grown before us. It would grow after us, probably better." - Alison Stine, Dust

"I felt as unfixed as our crops. I might struggle. I might grow. I would change, that was the only for sure thing." - Alison Stine, Dust

The novel also features a beautifully portrayed hard-of-hearing character, Thea, whose experiences bring depth and authenticity to the narrative. Her journey adds a poignant layer to the story, highlighting the complexities of self-acceptance and understanding in the face of adversity.

At its core, Dust is about the journey of self-acceptance, finding community, innocent romance, and navigating a harsh, unforgiving world shaped by severe weather. Dust also has a subtle theme of exploring the effects of global warming.

"But the sky had taken up the earth. It had swallowed it and now it was preparing to swallow us. The clouds came faster than we could drive. They rolled like an ocean wave, churning and turning. The surf on the bottom of them devoured, and the tops spiraled over, a rotating whirl of dust." - Alison Stine, Dust

Dust is a powerful story of resilience, personal growth, and familial reconciliation. I would highly recommend it to other readers.

I received a copy from Wednesday Books and leave my review voluntarily. My review reflects my own thoughts and experience in reading this story.

The Hunger Games meets fae romantasy in Trial of the Sun Queen. Lor is thrust into a deadly game of court politics, caught in the middle of competing agendas, while her own goal is simply to survive.

The writing style is accessible, and the story moves quickly, making it an engaging read.

At the beginning, the author provides a content guide. Some of the scenes, especially those involving contestants being hurt, are intense and reminiscent of The Hunger Games.

The characters are another highlight. Many are deeply damaged, and while some appear kind, their actions reveal a much darker side. It’s difficult to find redeeming qualities in these morally ambiguous characters because their deeds often overshadow their attempts at kindness.

Lor herself is an emotional fighter. Throughout the story, she struggles with her emotions, often bottling them up. While this occasionally leads to harmful outbursts, it also fuels her resilience, motivating her to keep fighting—not just for herself, but for her loved ones as well.

I still have questions that were not answered in this installment that I do hope get answered in the later installments.

I thoroughly enjoyed my reading experience and will definitely be continuing the series. Trial of the Sun Queen is an exciting and captivating read that I would highly recommend to other fae romantasy fans, especially those who enjoy deadly competitions, a court of debauchery, and thrilling escapes from prisons.

I received a copy from Forever and leave my review voluntarily. My review is my own thoughts and opinion, my experience in reading this story.

"I will teach you. If you let me, I can teach you a thousand different ways of loving yourself." His promise unsettled her very soul.

It was a dangerous thing, loving herself. Because when Kidan loved, she loved entirely. Selfishly. - Tigest Girma, Immortal Dark 

Immortal Dark is marketed as The Cruel Prince meets Ninth House, and I agree with this comparison.

This dark academia meets romantasy novel features black vampires, a cat-and-mouse trope, and layers of betrayal upon betrayal. The story is primarily set within Uxlay University, a hidden world within a world, steeped in secrets and intrigue.

"Sometimes, to survive, we must be made something entirely new." - Tigest Girma, Immortal Dark 

The writing style quite engaging, and it was easy to fall into a steady rhythm while reading. The setting is picturesque, and the writing style creates a moody ambiance that enriches the dark academia narrative.

One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of power dynamics within society, especially focusing on some of the struggles black women face. It highlights the challenges they must endure and how society often ignores or marginalizes them. At the start of Immortal Dark, Kidan's sister, June, goes missing, yet society does nothing to help. But when Kidan is accused of murder, everyone is involved with turning on her.

The concept of magical houses is particularly intriguing. There are several quotes in the book that resonated with me, especially when considering houses as entities—perfect embodiments of our mindset. I truly believe that houses, in a way, are alive, and the magic system in Immortal Dark plays on this idea.

The Three Binds of vampires are another fascinating aspect of the story. This could lead to a nuanced conversation. In the novel, Kidan suggests that it would be easier if all vampires were killed off, but, of course, that would end the story. Still, it raises the moral issue of wiping out an entire group of people. The rich lore of Dranacti is intriguing and adds depth to the world-building. 

"I will fight to live." - Tigest Girma, Immortal Dark 

Kidan herself is a morally complex and compelling character. She is determined to achieve her goals, even at the cost of self-damage. Her journey epitomizes what it means to be pushed to the edge and face the choice of whether to fight or bend. Kidan also has low-key OCD tics, which she uses to identify her feelings and calm herself, adding depth to her character.

Immortal Dark also incorporates a bully romance trope, as well as bullying in general.

In this darkly gothic tale of forbidden, polyamorous love and dangerous pacts, Lark must bind herself to the powerful chthonic demon, Therion, to protect her family’s legacy and secure her own survival. To navigate this perilous bond, she must rely on Alastair, the son of a rival house, even as the stakes grow ever more treacherous. Fast-paced and gripping, the story unfolds with dark secrets and lyrical, poetic prose, drawing one deep into its shadowy world, rich with haunting themes.

For fans of The Spellshop and The Honey Witch, A Dark and Secret Magic is a transportive and enchanting read, blending cozy everyday moments with spells and a touch of darkness The atmosphere evokes the feel of a Studio Ghibli film, making the scenes truly cinematic. The tight-knit community of witches grapples with the typical societal issues found in close groups. As the main character navigates romance, unexpected visitors, and ominous signs, she uncovers profound truths about her family's past, her mother, and herself. A Dark and Secret Magic is a delightful and quick read that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels featuring witches, cooking, and slow burn romance.

The Hollow Places is a captivating portal horror novel filled with unsettling events and a gripping narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat. As the protagonist, Kara, discovers a mysterious portal, she is thrust into a world of terrifying challenges and eerie encounters, leading to dark secrets and confrontations that heighten the suspense. This blend of horror and intrigue makes for an unforgettable read.

"Life is not measured in good or bad thoughts- it's how you treat the world around you despite them. All the people who only do good deeds because of what it might gain them in the afterlife are no better than those who indulge in a little sin every once in a while." - Kaylie Smith, Phantasma 

In Phantasma, the stakes are deadly in a magical competition where reality and illusion blur. This captivating romantasy follows Ophelia, a budding necromancer, on her quest to find her sister, Genevieve, navigating binding contracts and shadowy figures. The narrative weaves a rich tapestry of intrigue, horroresque elements, romance, and suspense.

At its core, Ophelia’s struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder adds depth to her journey, highlighting the challenges and resilience of living with mental health issues. The story unfolds with perilous challenges and dangerous characters, as alliances shift and secrets unravel. It raises the question: are the devils or the humans the real threat?

The pacing is steady, with perfectly timed reveals that kept me engaged and eager for more. As Ophelia discovers her true self and chooses her own path, themes of self-discovery and empowerment shine through. The narrative also beautifully emphasizes the importance of consent, reinforcing healthy relationships amidst the chaos.

As competitors confront their own demons and each other, the tension mounts, leaving one eager to uncover the truth behind the enchanting facade and the Grimm sister's family secrets. 

Phantasma is an engaging read that masterfully intertwines magic, mystery, and personal struggle. I would highly recommend Phantasma to fans of romantasy featuring magical competitions and shadow daddies.

There is a content guide provided by the author. Phantasma is recommended for readers 18+.

I received a copy from Forever and am sharing my review voluntarily. My thoughts and opinions reflect my personal experience reading the story.