Miya, Kai, Ama, Crowbar and Gavran are back once again, solving yet another mystery and...adopting a cat!! A cat was the last thing I was expecting frMiya, Kai, Ama, Crowbar and Gavran are back once again, solving yet another mystery and...adopting a cat!! A cat was the last thing I was expecting from Kai, especially since he's the Big Bad Wolf and all that, but it somehow fits.
So, I know that Wildblood can be read as a standalone, but I decided to read the duology that came before it anyway. You don't HAVE to do that, everything you need to know is explained inside, and you get to know Kai better.
At the same time though, I'm glad I was able to experience Kai and Miya's beginnings, and watch them grow throughout each book, and with each challenge they face. So if you can, I'd recommend reading The Chaos Cycle first.
This time we follow only two PoVs, and Kai's is the main one. I won't lie, I definitely miss Mason from the past books and wonder what happened to him, but I suppose they wouldn't have had a reason to mention him.
Kai deals with a lot of stuff internally, which just makes me want to give him a big hug. If anyone needs therapy, it's him. Luckily, Miya convinces him to go and he actually listens. You can feel the development as you read, it doesn't come overnight, but by the end of the book, he's better at dealing with his emotions.
He's also a fighter now, which ultimately leads him into trouble (no surprise). Miya meanwhile, has become really confident in her powers and uses them in ways we haven't seen before, in order to find a missing girl.
Their relationship is stronger than ever, but still has its ups and downs. Either way, you can feel their love through the screen. There's also a higher steamy scene count than before, just putting that out there!!
As a Slavic, and specifically Serbian, reader, I love when I see little things from my culture sprinkled into a story. Be it creatures from our mythology or just characters with accurate, familiar names. Wildblood has both. At this point I know I'm going to have a little something to look forward to each time I pick up a book by this author.
Vrana mixes in some creatures non-Slavic readers might be familiar with (like the domovoy), as well as lesser known ones (bukavac, leshy). There's also an Irish mythological creature that fits in perfectly.
I'd say the first two books had more of a fairytale/folklore feel than this one though, which is pure urban fantasy. The vibes are still there, just a bit different.
The writing is even better than it was, and the story is just as engaging. I really hope this isn't the end for these characters, I want to see them going on more adventures, picking up new strays, maybe reuniting with Mason?? Fingers crossed.
Also, A.J. Vrana, THANK YOU for making Miya tall!!!! I don't recall her height being mentioned previously, but here we learn she's 5'9, which qualifies for my "tall girl rep" shelf. Never enough tall female MCs if you ask me.
Anywayyyyy, listen to me and go read this series from the beginning!!! Kai, Miya and the gang are all amazing characters who deserve your attention.
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
Three years have passed since the events of the first book, and Kai and Miya are now...demon hunters, facing both old and new foes alike.
The world andThree years have passed since the events of the first book, and Kai and Miya are now...demon hunters, facing both old and new foes alike.
The world and lore got such an expansion in this one, there was almost a bigger focus on it than the new mystery, but it all ties together, carried over from book one.
I feel like the atmosphere was lighter, and there were no slower parts, everything moved at a medium pace. It was really easy for me to jump back in, despite the in-world time skip.
We still follow Kai, Miya and Mason, but there's a few other PoVs we get later on that are important to the story. They help to explain what was, and what will be (I'm channeling my inner Gavran, can you tell?).
The romance is deeper, and you get to see just how deep it goes at the end, it's true devotion, the kind that makes even undead mermaids bawl.
There was something that happened to Kai that made me want to screech, I was like "not agaaaain" and then he went and did something stupid and AGH. It gets fixed, don't worry, but for a portion of the book, he and Miya were apart and IT HURT ME.
On a lighter note, there were more Serbian names that popped up, and a demon called Drekalo which is actually a screeching creature in Slavic mythology, so I was not the only one wanting to screech!! There was also a Rusalka (hence the undead mermaid), so now I'm wondering which other creatures will show up in Wildblood.
I do kinda wish that more of this series was based around Slavic myths, but I'll take what I can get.
The ending wrapped things up once again, but left the door open for more adventures. Which we are getting, TODAY, because Wildblood is out and I am on my way to read it, yes sir.
P. S. I'm glad Ama found her happy ending as well. Mason next?? Fingers crossed....more
“You don’t understand. A world without you in it is my hell. I would rather fall with you than live a million years without you.”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THI“You don’t understand. A world without you in it is my hell. I would rather fall with you than live a million years without you.”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THIS BOOK AND TO MEEEEE!!! We both came into the world on November 5th, so I couldn't pass up a chance to wish us both the happiest of birthdays. It's also very fitting that one of my ultimate fav series is ending on my birthday.
(We will ignore the fact that this was posted on the 6th, it was mostly ready on the 5th which is what counts ahem)
In the *FINAL* book in this epic series, Layla and her guys have to stop the world from ending once and for all, while everything is working against them. Will they make it out alive? Are more betrayals on the way? Will Ink finally say the three magic words? And what about the little life growing inside our favourite witch? All questions that will be answered when you read this lovely book.
I can't believe it's overrrrrrr. I'm literally sitting here, having followed this series since the start, and I don't know what to do with my life now that I have no more Coven of Desire books to look forward to.
Mint delivered on that ending though, we got to see everyone happy and thriving, the world changed for the better, AFTER putting us through a lot of stress, not being sure how things would go until the very last moment.
The most stressful part was Layla being held captive with her men unable to reach her. I kept rooting for a certain someone to save her, and wouldn't you know it...they did!!
I was mad at Daniel for a good chunk of the book, you know why. I forgive him now though, we're all good. That scene with him and Izzy at the end was so precious.
Speaking of precious...INK SAID I LOVE YOU, I REPEAT, HE SAID I LOVE YOU AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! It only took him 10 books and a few novellas, but HE. SAID. IT. I'm so happy. I could flyyyy.
But anyway, I was truly convinced the world was gonna end for a good second there, and the way they all worked together to fix it was just *chef's kiss*. We got to see the results of their efforts months and years down the line, which is almost like we got a few different epilogues in one.
Ellen Mint is so creative, I love the world she created so so much, I want to live inside it. PLEASE LET ME IN, I WILL BRING BURGERS OF CHEESE!!!
And the way she can bring humour to even the direst of situations, makes this series extra unique.
I laughed and cried with these characters over the years, and my only hope is that CoD gets super popular so everyone else can find as much joy in this amazing series as I did.
Pleaseeeee go and start CoD by reading Ink, I promise you'll have a banger of a time (and fall in love with the most fabulous incubus known to any realm, don't say I didn't warn you!!).
Oh, I liked that little nod to the novella that started it all too, by the way. And everyone's costumes, especially little Izzy's, she's so real for that.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'll go drown my sorrows in a salad of various greens one would feed to a giraffe. Sniff sniff. I'm going to miss Layla, Ink, Cal, Daniel, Garavel, Raul and now Izzy so much. In a just world, there would be an infinite number of Coven of Desire books, but the good part is, I can reread them anytime I want.
*Thank you to the author and StoryOrigin for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
My very first read by this author, now I'm looking forward to reading more of her books. I actually own one of her series physically, but figured thisMy very first read by this author, now I'm looking forward to reading more of her books. I actually own one of her series physically, but figured this would probably be easier to start off with and it was.
Basically, it's sapphics with A LOT of religious trauma, who find each other again, 9 years after one of them ran away. Then they work through it all together, the only way they know how.
I feel like we got enough story, but I do still wish it was longer and a bit more developed. I liked the characters, but didn't have enough time to fully connect with them, so I wish there was a sequel of sorts. I'd love to see these two pop up in some other series too, fingers crossed they do. ...more
The Demons They Forged is a novella that bridges the gap between books 2 and 3 of the Gothic Grove series, giving us a peek into Kallen's head, and loThe Demons They Forged is a novella that bridges the gap between books 2 and 3 of the Gothic Grove series, giving us a peek into Kallen's head, and lots of steam to make up for the time she's been away from her mate(s).
You do have to read the series in order, this one happens around the same time as book two, but it's Kallen's side of the events. It doesn't feel repetitive, just gives us some little nuggets of info we've been missing.
I love how she's creating her own "coven" of sorts, with Demon, Dios, Jax and possibly Harrow? Fun times are ahead!! There's steam in almost every chapter, so it's the steamiest book yet.
I do wish it was longer though because I haven't had enough of Kallen!! She does what she wants, whenever she wants, and has zero regrets. She's my kind of girl.
I can't wait to read the next book, which is coincidentally out on Orthodox Christmas soooo it's like a Christmas present for me from JA George woop woop.
If you haven't started this series yet, you should, it's perfect for spooky season....more
A witch and a merman fall in love in a cute little town? It was a lot more fun than I thought it would be, even if I'm not a huge fan of mermaids as lA witch and a merman fall in love in a cute little town? It was a lot more fun than I thought it would be, even if I'm not a huge fan of mermaids as love interests.
I listened to the audiobook and I'm planning on doing the same with the rest of the books in this series, but I wish this one had a slightly better female narrator because she could be so monotonous, it really took me some time to get used to her.
Also, for a town full of magical creatures, there wasn't a lot of magic going on...but despite that, I had a good time and I liked the romance. It's a second chance one, but they weren't actually together before, which works better for me when it comes to this trope. And the cozy fall vibes were on point, so I'm glad I picked this up when I did....more
I can't believe this was written by the same person who wrote Planes, Trains, and All the Feels because WHAT IS THIS?? I really did not care for it whI can't believe this was written by the same person who wrote Planes, Trains, and All the Feels because WHAT IS THIS?? I really did not care for it whatsoever.
I couldn't feel the chemistry between the two leads, and at the start I even shipped Nora with Benji because he was, at least, more interesting than Sebastian.
The first half of the book was overall better, the second is where it really went downhill for me. I kept rolling my eyes every time there was a sex scene, because they felt really out of place in this story. Not to compare AGAIN, but I didn't get this feeling with the other book I read by Livy Hart, so this just wasn't put together the best.
The audiobook was fine, and I liked the feuding families, but that's about it. Maaaybe I'd read Benji's story if he got one and maaaaybe I'd give Hart's other books a try, because there's always a chance they could work for me like PTAATF did. ...more
I know I'm overanalyzing a smutty novella, but hear me out. This line?
"I've known her for longer than most people know their own kids."
My headcannon iI know I'm overanalyzing a smutty novella, but hear me out. This line?
"I've known her for longer than most people know their own kids."
My headcannon is that they're actually in their 50s/60s.
Because in the book, they met when she was 18 and he was 21 and they wrote to each other etc, eventually something happened and they haven't seen each other in 7 years so I know they're closer to 30 than 50, but say they knew each other for 10 years, I don't think most people lose their parents that young. I did at 13, but I'm not the majority.
This is just my detail oriented mind, maybe the line was supposed to be that he knew her BETTER than people know their own kids, that would make more sense.
ANYWAY, the novella was fine. I've read similar ones before that I liked better, so I knew what to expect. I was hoping I'd love it though, but alas.
The writing was okay, but it didn't really do anything for me, neither did the characters. I actually kind of disliked both of them, which made it hard for me to care about their storyline.
I agree with the people who said the ending felt rushed, it doesn't feel like their story was properly concluded. There will be another book though, following different characters.
I'm not sure if I'd read it, even if these two make a cameo, maybe I'll give it some thought and then decide.
"He would have done anything for her in that moment. Torn apart mountains and worlds. Climbed to the moon if she asked. She was his purpose. His desti"He would have done anything for her in that moment. Torn apart mountains and worlds. Climbed to the moon if she asked. She was his purpose. His destiny."
OH HOW WE'VE BEEN FED IN THIS ONE!!
We got the most relationship development by far in Storm of Ink and Blood, Zarya and Rabin went from her not trusting him, to slowly rebuilding that trust, to being lovers (again), to something even more and then something I wasn't expecting, but it makes perfect sense for them.
Rabin isn't hiding his feelings for Zarya AT ALL, he's completely devoted to her, mind body and soul. It's so refreshing to see.
Like, if anyone went to the school of grovelling, Rabin did. He really made up for his mistakes. Which is not to say that I think their decision to go where they're gonna go at the end of the book is correct, by the way, just putting that out there.
Also, I love how, for him, there was no one else while they were apart, it just proves he's so down bad for her. He's come a looong way from the start of the series and he's almost (but not quite) sharing Yasen's spot on my faves list.
Zarya meanwhile, developed her powers and is so much more confident using them. I also like how Rabin doesn't just encourage her, but helps her along the way (in more ways than one).
I love that she's finally properly embracing her destiny, and that we're taking this journey with her step by step. I may or may not have cried as the prophecy was coming true.
And Yasen, my fav fav favvvvv character, the apple of my eye, my sugar plum, sweetie pie, HAS FOUND A SPECIAL SOMEONE, WE CHEER!!! I wasn't expecting it, but the pairing is perfect.
In every single book, Yasen's friendship with Zarya is the highlight of my reading experience and this one is no different, the way they joke around and care for each other warms my heart.
Because of everything that happened here, I'm expecting an epic battle in the final book, and I'm already telling you, I don't trust You Know Who. Absolutely not. I'm open to being proven wrong, but...we'll see.
And you know, it's not just this series that keeps getting better, but Nisha J. Tuli's writing also. With every single book, she blows me away. This series is now my favourite by her, and if you know me, then you know Cursed Captors, more specifically Wicked is the Reaper, was hard to beat. AND YET.
So if you haven't started The Nightfire Quartet yet, please do. The final book will be out before you know it, and until then, you can enjoy the lovely cliffhanger Nisha left us with.
P. S. That glossary at the beginning? So funny!
P. P. S. I'm really hoping that one line about x character being the death of a different character was just a figure of speech and not foreshadowing.
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
YES so, I was so excited to jump back into this because of the way the first book ended. If you haven't read book one then please go back and do so beYES so, I was so excited to jump back into this because of the way the first book ended. If you haven't read book one then please go back and do so before reading my review because I will be mentioning some stuff that happened at the end, okay? Okay.
As we all know, Ravinica's powers finally came in, three cheers for her and for Corym who made the whole thing possible!!! Ahem. The first third-ish of the book is spent on her learning how to use them and him teaching her. Not gonna lie, I could read about them training all day and never get bored.
Meanwhile, Grim, Magnus, Sven and the-one-I-still-haven't-forgiven (Arne), are searching for her. I felt their pain at being away from her, I really did. But worry not, they do find her, and all is well. For about five seconds.
It was nice to see her thriving once she got back to Vikingrune, and passing her exams with flying colours too. But of course, all is not as it appears.
How do I say this without spoiling...we learned that someone is related to someone else who is in turn related to a very important person which I actually thought might happen, but not exactly like that. I really want to see it explored more in the next book. Also, the fact that this happened AFTER the visit is criminal, I want my questions answered!!
We also learned that Ravinica might have more to her than everyone originally thought. Now I wanna know what that is AGH. I have some guesses, watch none of them be correct.
There's also the issue of trying to convince people that elves aren't actually the bad guys, but is it falling on deaf ears or are tides starting to turn? We'll have to wait and see.
Now, let's talk about Arne's grovelling. I require more!! That is not enough! But it's a start for sure. I know Ravinica's forgiven him, and okay I do feel a little bad for him because of that thing near the end, but hey, karma. He's still at the bottom of my list.
Sven may have carved himself a permanent spot right next Corym..I have no explanation, it just happened. The rest of the list is the same as it was before.
The ending was another cliffhanger, and I was honestly sitting there thinking it wouldn't be as bad, but then that character appeared and well...when is book three coming KC??
P. S. Eirik is still useless in case anyone was wondering. I'd name him the worst brother, but Ravinica does have one that's undoubtedly worse soooo second worst it is.
*Thank you to the amazing author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
“But people don’t love sad girls. They look right past us, pray we won’t become those angry sad girls, and god forbid you try to explain why you’re an“But people don’t love sad girls. They look right past us, pray we won’t become those angry sad girls, and god forbid you try to explain why you’re angry, then they’ll really hate you.”
From the start I was thinking "it's giving Beetlejuice", and then we got this line:
“I can’t get pregnant or anything from you, right? This isn’t going to turn out like a crazy Beetlejuice fanfiction or something?”
I'M STILL LAUGHING GUYS. This whole book was full of funny, deep and romantic lines. What I love even more than that though, is the (half) Slovenian rep.
Samantha's last name is Kos, like the bird. I see what you did there, Molly Likovich, and I approve. She also worships Perun on page, we love to see it.
That golden apple tale? I need to know if it's made up, or a real story. We have a similar tale or two in Serbia also.
And the ending??? I NEED BOOK THREE RIGHT NOW GIVE IT TO ME GIVE GIVE!!!!!!
I'd suggest you start with book one of this series, but this one also let's you know the most important info if you choose to start here, and if you do, I know you'll wanna go back and check out Arletta's story too sooo either way works.
And now I need everyone to say thank you Molly for giving us more books in this universe!! THANK YOU MOLLY <3...more
Starting off spooky season early with this lovely read <3 It's a little novella that bridges the gap between books one and two, and yes you gotta readStarting off spooky season early with this lovely read <3 It's a little novella that bridges the gap between books one and two, and yes you gotta read everything!! We see more of Arletta and the Headless Horseman, the plot is also...plotting, and I once again wish this was longer, but it's all good because book two is finally out. Yayyyyy!!!...more
EXCUSE ME, HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO BREATHE NOW?? So much stress in the second half, I fear I'll wake up fully gray tomorrow.
Death is the second to last EXCUSE ME, HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO BREATHE NOW?? So much stress in the second half, I fear I'll wake up fully gray tomorrow.
Death is the second to last book in this series, and it really packs a punch. Right from the start, Layla and her guys are battling creatures and trying to stop the apocalypse from happening, all while arguing with each other (so, business as usual, hah).
Layla is also dealing with losing her mother, but for real this time, and I FELT that sorrow as if it were my own. I want to give her a hug and tell her everything is going to be okay. BUT...IS IT??? IT BETTER BE, OR ELSE!!!!!!
There's this big thing that happened that made me want to throw my phone at the wall. After the last book, where things were finally looking up for this character...I'm sooooo sad. I just want to lay in my bed and cry.
Relating to that, WHY DON'T YOU TRUST ONE ANOTHER? HUH? HUH??? If I could yell at the guys right now I absolutely would. Because, you've been together for how many books now? And you still think one of you would sell the others (especially Layla) out???? No "brown sauce of deliciousness" for any of you. There.
(I had to add that line in somewhere, Ink always makes me laugh)
To lighten the mood a little, I also loved that taco scene, it was so random, but fitting in a tense moment, I couldn't help but laugh at it as well. Aaaand I want tacos now.
Anyway, I can't (well, I can, but I don't want to) believe I'm going to have to wait until the very last book to hear those three words from Ink. We nearly got it, and okay, it wasn't the best moment, but AGHHHH!!! Why must you torment me so???
I have no idea how everything is going to end, literally nobody is safe. Yes, I am slightly panicking, can you tell? I need everyone to make it out alive and I do mean EVERYONE. HINT. HINT. AHEM.
I need even the side characters to make it, I want them all to be one big, happy, dysfunctional family by the end of the series, okay?
Since it's ending on my birthday, I'm choosing to believe it'll all work out. Waving my magic want as we speak. Bibbidi bobbidi boo and all that jazz. Everyone lives, series over, me happy, goodbye.
*Thank you to the author and StoryOrigin for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
Sue me, but I liked the first book so much better. This one had almost zero plot, it was all smut and horror elements which is fine, I just personallySue me, but I liked the first book so much better. This one had almost zero plot, it was all smut and horror elements which is fine, I just personally need more to fully engage with a book.
I found myself rolling my eyes at some of Lux's lines, which didn't happen in À La Folie, so it's safe to say I'm disappointed! Johnny ended up being more entertaining, although his chapters were by far the sickest/darkest.
I feel like Maison De Fous also upped the ridiculous factor, like that bit near the end with the customers in masks and black robes...very silly, but I don't think this book takes itself very seriously anyway.
I'll still read book three, hopefully it'll have just a tiny bit of plot, I'm not asking for much, I swear....more
Even though the next full Mate Games series book is months away, we are still getting FED by Meg and Kim, they really love us, yes they do.
If you havEven though the next full Mate Games series book is months away, we are still getting FED by Meg and Kim, they really love us, yes they do.
If you haven't read all three series that are currently out, please go do so before starting this, because it includes spoilers for them and a teaser of what's to come.
I couldn't be any more excited. I feel like a kid with a bouncy ball, just bouncing around everywhere, I CANNOT WAIT I AM READY GIVE ME THE FINAL SERIES!!!!
I started this before travelling with my bestie and I sadly didn't get to finish it until I got home, but trust me, I was thinking about it A LOT.
The novella starts off sweet, with Sunday and her men and their bedroom shenanigans, but nothing in this universe is ever that simple. There is, of course, some trouble, that I for one, did not see coming. It was a 10/10 plot, and I will gladly take the villain off everyone's hands thank you.
I do not forgive said villain for what they put everyone through mind you!! There were parts of the book where I really disliked them, but they grew on me. I hope they can be redeemed.
I loved catching up with everyone and all the steamy scenes, and the narration was perfect, as always.
This novella is a wonderful addition to the main books, I hope we'll get at least one more to bridge the gap until the next series.
*Thank you to the authors for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
When I picked up this book, I was not expecting the PAIN the third act conflict would bring me. I haven't been hurt like that in a while, and that's sWhen I picked up this book, I was not expecting the PAIN the third act conflict would bring me. I haven't been hurt like that in a while, and that's saying something.
With that said though, I was not a big fan of said conflict. Despite it actually being a good reason, I felt like the characters gave up on each other too easily, and it took them a while to solve it.
But did it make me cry when they fought? Yes. So I can't really be too mad, can I? Clearly the book did its job.
The writing was smooth and the book easy to get into and it made me hungry for more books written by this author. Also, THE COVER!!! That was what drew me in initially and I'm glad the inside matched.
Hettie was a better character than Finn which, if you asked me about at the start of the book, I wouldn't think I'd say. Because at the start Finn was a dream, he treated Hettie so well, they were great together, but that conflict...it felt like Finn wasn't that same sweet guy from the beginning.
In my mind, it didn't seem like something he'd care about at all, or if he did that he wouldn't behave the way he did. Because he's been pining over Hettie for years and then something so silly makes him change his tune? Nahhh.
But yeah Hettie, I think she stayed truer to her starting character than Finn. There were times where she felt a bit different too, but I could still say "yup that's Hettie".
I am so glad they worked it out at the end, and I wouldn't have minded if we got a bit more pages of them being truly happy with no secrets between them. But I also like that this was a shorter read.
I'm looking forward to whatever Addy Du Lac puts out next.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Merged review:
When I picked up this book, I was not expecting the PAIN the third act conflict would bring me. I haven't been hurt like that in a while, and that's saying something.
With that said though, I was not a big fan of said conflict. Despite it actually being a good reason, I felt like the characters gave up on each other too easily, and it took them a while to solve it.
But did it make me cry when they fought? Yes. So I can't really be too mad, can I? Clearly the book did its job.
The writing was smooth and the book easy to get into and it made me hungry for more books written by this author. Also, THE COVER!!! That was what drew me in initially and I'm glad the inside matched.
Hettie was a better character than Finn which, if you asked me about at the start of the book, I wouldn't think I'd say. Because at the start Finn was a dream, he treated Hettie so well, they were great together, but that conflict...it felt like Finn wasn't that same sweet guy from the beginning.
In my mind, it didn't seem like something he'd care about at all, or if he did that he wouldn't behave the way he did. Because he's been pining over Hettie for years and then something so silly makes him change his tune? Nahhh.
But yeah Hettie, I think she stayed truer to her starting character than Finn. There were times where she felt a bit different too, but I could still say "yup that's Hettie".
I am so glad they worked it out at the end, and I wouldn't have minded if we got a bit more pages of them being truly happy with no secrets between them. But I also like that this was a shorter read.
I'm looking forward to whatever Addy Du Lac puts out next.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
Me, when we met Arne and Grim: woof Me, when we met Sven and Magnus: woof woof Me, when we met Corym: WOOF WOOF BARK BARK GRRR
Yes, I clearly have a favoMe, when we met Arne and Grim: woof Me, when we met Sven and Magnus: woof woof Me, when we met Corym: WOOF WOOF BARK BARK GRRR
Yes, I clearly have a favourite, I will not apologise!!
Throughout the book, I actually had a feeling like something or someONE was missing, then Corym showed up and all was right with the world. Yay!!! I'm glad we got someone who's more similar to Ravinica added as a potential love interest, he'd probably understand her the best out of anyone. Also, he's hot.
Speaking of Ravinica, I've been swallowing the first "i" in her name and reading it as Ravnica this whole time. Ravnica means plain/flat land in my language, and I fear I'll never be able to unsee it.
She's a cool character though, one who doesn't deserve all the insults and beatings she got, my poor baby. Every time someone would try her AGAIN, my blood would boil. Just leave her alone!! She did nothing wrong!!
It was so satisfying, seeing one of her bullies get what was coming to them. I wasn't expecting the full extent of it though, at least not in the first book.
There are people who show her kindness, other than the men of course, but it's mostly her two friends, Randi and Dagny. The three of them are giving Totally Spies, I love their trio so much (even if Randi's taste in men is questionable).
Ravinica's brother Eirik on the other hand...USELESS. I liked him at first, but as soon as he got her to the academy and left her to figure things out on her own it was over. Every time she's in danger, you know who comes to her rescue (if she can't handle it herself)? NOT Eirik. Hmph.
Okay, now ~the men~. Obviously, pretty, nicely eared (yes, that's a hint) Corym is on top of my pyramid, even if we only saw him in a few chapters. I'm biased, you can't blame me.
I can't really choose between Magnus and Sven because they're both my type, so I'll have to wait and see which way I lean in the next books. It was Magnus for a good bit there, but Sven, with his change of heart at the end...I DONT KNOW.
Grim is for sure above Arne, he was even before Arne did you know what (I'm gonna need to see extreme amounts of grovelling to make up for it). He's like a cute cuddly teddy bear, but literally. I love how protective he is, a real sweetheart. I do also need to see him in full rage mode, please.
And Arne...listen, as of right now, I do not care for him whatsoever. I'm mad. Even if what he did directly led to Ravinica meeting Corym, I'm not ready to forgive him.
Plot wise, Vikingrune Academy was very entertaining. Even though KC has written different academy series before, each one feels fresh and different. This one probably more so since it seems to be set in a different world from the others. The Norse mythology is naturally a bonus.
AND THE ENDING!??? I'm silently screaming, HOW DARE YOU LEAVE US ON SUCH A CLIFFHANGER KC????? Those final lines had me SHOOK.
I badly want to know more about the Arne situation, and if Ravinica will ever find out about the other side of her heritage, or meet her father. Elves are long-lived so mayhaps?
You know what I didn't see coming? That twist when she was finishing the family trees. In retrospect it seems like an obvious thing, but at the time my gasts were flabbered.
I cannot wait until the next book, I GOTTA KNOW WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN NEXT!!! GAH.
*Thank you to the amazing author who provided me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
This was a fun listen, more so in the first half than in the second. The concept was interesting and I liked the characters enough to wish this wasn'tThis was a fun listen, more so in the first half than in the second. The concept was interesting and I liked the characters enough to wish this wasn't a standalone, but did I connect with them on some deeper level? No. That's okay though, and I do have a favourite (it's Shep, duh).
The narrators made this experience more enjoyable for me, but not even they could save the somewhat disappointing ending. It felt like partial closure, but also not really, because justice wasn't served. This would be the perfect time to announce a sequel!! I'm just saying.
As far as rockstar romances go, this was pretty good. Like, I don't really have any complaints, and I probably liked it more than some other rockstar romances I've read, so yeah.
I'd be open to reading something else by Grace McGinty in the future.
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