I picked this up for $4 in "like new" condition after finishing up another of C.L Wilson's books "The Winter King." I loved that book; it was full of romance and fantasy and had a full, engaging plot. The problem was that that story ended with just one book, as the next book in the series will have a new couple as the focus, leaving me wanting more because I was very impressed by the fantasy woven into that book and the author's ability to create a true romantic-fantasy, not just a collection of sex-scenes in a fantasy-like framework. As you can imagine, I saw this was five books long and was quite interested in looking into it more.
Now, I will say this: the cover art isn't pretty. It just isn't cutting it for me, not like the way The Winter King's cover art did. But in spite of this sub-par cover design, the story inside was excellent. Yes, I did also find the idea of fire-breathing large cats with wings a little weird and I snorted at it, but that aside, I grew used to the concept and find I wholly liked what I was given in this book.
I'm a big lover of anything relating to faeries (that doesn't treat them like cute garden sprites, of course) and I think this was a pretty unique spin on that idea. The author has done a wonderful job of building a world where we have multiple species, kingdoms, countries, lots of history, backstory, cultures, etc. that really immerses readers in this new world. I enjoyed learning about the fey and seeing the author use a unique language in the book and watching things unfold between them and the humans. I was pretty drawn to the plot and I'm hooked; halfway through this book I hopped on Amazon to order the next three books and I'll get the final one as soon as I reload my account balance. I loved the characters, the romance, the fantasy, the world building... I think I loved just about everything, honestly. I can't really find a thing I can honestly say gave me a negative reaction in terms of writing, plot, ethics, actions, etc. This book didn't have any questionable actions taken within the romance aspect, which I greatly approve of and which put me at ease (I've seen so many romances try to pass off abusive behaviors as romantic/acceptable so when I find one that isn't like that I'm like "Bless! Rejoice! Hallelujah!")
Though one point I have to make is this: the goal of this book is to set the scene, to introduce the characters, the world, and the conflicts to be resolved, so that you're drawn in, informed of all the necessary background and history to understand the fantasy aspects, and then go to the next four books to get more of the story, and from the looks of the length of these books, there is much more story to read about, for which I am very thankful because I'm not at all ready for this story to be over so soon. The story cuts off on a bit of a cliffhanger; not the worst one since it doesn't cut-off mid scene or anything, you see, but it definitely leaves you needing that next book to see where things go after all this was set up and began to play out. In all honestly, I'm pretty excited to see what's happening next. Since this series is all published, I don't mind the book cutting off where it does and continuing in another book since I have time off from school and will be able to quickly resume the story once the next books arrive in my mailbox, but had I read and reviewed this when it was new and the next 4 books weren't here, I probably would have screamed internally a little and begun the long, impatient wait for the next book because I like books that follow that "resolve 1 problem, leave another for book 2 to resolve and so on" formula, but I understand why the author went this route. I think if she'd presented some major resolution amongst all she'd done to set things up to create something big and complex and interesting that is tying together all these elements, it would have felt rushed or ended up making the book more in the range of 600+ pages and would have ruined that slow, simmering reveal that the author seems to be going for to pique reader's interest and keep them glued to the page.
Final verdict: great start to a series I'm pumped to buy and read. I already have purchased the next three books and am awaiting their arrival at my house. I was thoroughly entertained and engaged, got through all 400 pages in two days, and am excited to begin them. I think this was definitely a great book investment. I recommend it to fantasy lovers for its complexity and world-building and politics, and I recommend it to romance lovers for its sweet, meaningful, and thankfully healthy romantic relationship between two wonderful characters who are sure to have amazing growth in the coming books.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover comes a novel that explores life after tragedy and the enduring spirit of love. | Learn more
Frequently bought together
$8.99
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14
In Stock
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
Enchanting, Romantic, and Unlike Anything I’ve Read Before 💗
I bought this book not only because I love Fantasy/PNR, but because it was recommended by others who love it dearly! My adoration of the characters, setting, and plot cannot be quelled! Every interaction between Ellysetta (Ellie) and Rain was heart-wrenching, intense, and my heart sang through the building passion. Rain is just so tortured, so in need of someone to share his burden with and yet he is full of hope and love that I couldn't help but feel, feel, and feel with him. Ellie is fierce, gracious, honest, and quite frankly, the perfect heroine of a story where she must find a strength she has yet to indulge as she empowers herself while also learning who she is. I loved seeing Ellie and Rain, change and strive to be what they must even as they remain true. Furthermore, the fantasy and magic weaved into this tale is so unique, the world-building unlike anything else! I was drawn steadily into the story initially and with each turned page, I found myself hungry for more, anxious when I had to stop; awaiting the next moment I could continue. I also loved the secondary characters! The Quintet, oh, how I feel so deeply in love with them. Particularly Belliard. He made me swoon in his loyalty and kindness, with his humanity and endearing nature. Goodness, I’m distraught I won’t have the second in my hands until tomorrow! Can I also just applaud the author for the subtle trickery with the evil-doers and plot twists? I really wasn’t quite sure what would it would it happen, and the way that all the threads slowly emerged to further reveal the evil simmering in the pages was angsty and well done. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Top reviews from other countries
RoseMarie
Fantastic Start to the Series!!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 1, 2012