[third read, May 2020]

These books are my everything. Since my first time reading in 2017, I’ve yet to find another historical fantasy I love to the same degree. Despite the dark themes, I love each book for different reasons and overall, they’re just brilliant. Not only that, but I can’t think of any other straight couples I adore so wholeheartedly. Just saying.

I could read these books a hundred times each and likely never get bored. Robin LaFevers could write another hundred books in this world, among these characters, and I’d likely devour them all.

[second read, Jan 2019]

I’ve officially finished my trilogy reread and I’m a mess of emotions. Although this one gets off to a slower start and has the same slower pacing as its predecessors, it’s freaking amazing. Annith has wonderful character development, going from a somewhat naïve girl that strived to please others to a complete badass who does what she wants. On top of that, the romance is positively swoon-worthy. I remembered bits and pieces from my first read and the slow burn was agonizing but also exquisite.

There were some twists I remembered, and those reveals made me happy. Then there were a few that I’d forgotten, and I was surprised as if I’d never read it before. Although it’s likely that that’s due to the time gap between my first and second reads and the number of books I read in that time, I think it also proves that these novels are great to reread. I see more rereads in my future.

Ismae, Sybella, and Annith are a fabulous trio and every scene they were in together was pure gold. I love the three of them so much. Don’t even get me started on their love interests because dang. If a gay girl says that, I think that’s a pretty good implication of the writer’s talent and the LIs’ personalities, just saying. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

”’Don’t you see? Your mortal heart shines like a candle flame and I … am helpless before its lure.’”

(The entire quote is lovely but I took out part of it to avoid any sort of spoilers.)

”Impossible things do happen. But only if we make them.”

That’s my favorite quote. I remembered it from my first time reading and it inspires me to this day.

I LOVE THESE BOOKS SO MUCH.

[first read, July 2017]

Fourth book of the booktubeathon!

AHHHHHHH. ❤️