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BEST OF THE SERIES.
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Yup. I said it.
Best of the series.
I loved this book so much. It was a combination of being with these characters for so long, getting some storylines I was hopeful for and it ending on a note I could definitely live with. All of these things made for such a perfect novel.
I really recommend this series on audio! It’s the same narrator for all 8 books and she does a fantastic job. The characters feel alive and I think that’s what has helped me love them all the more.
Wowww do I love Jaime and Claire. One of my all time OTPs. These two do NOT give up on each other and I am always here for them. I love their unfailing faith in one another. Their stubborness to remain together in the direst of circumstances and the way they cling together when everything else has fallen apart. A couple I will love always.
All of these other characters, Bri and Roger (+their kids), Fergus and Marsali, William, Ian and Rachel, John Grey and others, have my heart. I love how well adapted everyone is. There’s so much to even just the side characters that the books themselves feel incredibly tangible. Like these people really were there. I love the clear effort and research that goes into each of these novels.
I’m so excited to hear that there’s another book coming eventually. I will be allllll over that one too! One of my favorite historical series ever!
Overall audience notes:
- Historical fiction / romance
- Language: strong throughout
- Romance: multiple open door scenes
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones (child, pet, and adults), war, PTSD, slavery, attempted rape, sexual assault, sex with a minor, suicide, murder, abortion [these books contain many triggers and intense content, I know I may have missed some of them, please research before choosing to read this series!]
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Yup. I said it.
Best of the series.
I loved this book so much. It was a combination of being with these characters for so long, getting some storylines I was hopeful for and it ending on a note I could definitely live with. All of these things made for such a perfect novel.
I really recommend this series on audio! It’s the same narrator for all 8 books and she does a fantastic job. The characters feel alive and I think that’s what has helped me love them all the more.
Wowww do I love Jaime and Claire. One of my all time OTPs. These two do NOT give up on each other and I am always here for them. I love their unfailing faith in one another. Their stubborness to remain together in the direst of circumstances and the way they cling together when everything else has fallen apart. A couple I will love always.
All of these other characters, Bri and Roger (+their kids), Fergus and Marsali, William, Ian and Rachel, John Grey and others, have my heart. I love how well adapted everyone is. There’s so much to even just the side characters that the books themselves feel incredibly tangible. Like these people really were there. I love the clear effort and research that goes into each of these novels.
I’m so excited to hear that there’s another book coming eventually. I will be allllll over that one too! One of my favorite historical series ever!
Overall audience notes:
- Historical fiction / romance
- Language: strong throughout
- Romance: multiple open door scenes
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones (child, pet, and adults), war, PTSD, slavery, attempted rape, sexual assault, sex with a minor, suicide, murder, abortion [these books contain many triggers and intense content, I know I may have missed some of them, please research before choosing to read this series!]
OFFICIAL REGENCY FAV.
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Oh my goodness, I LOVED THIS. I kept this on my TBR for far too long. It’s an absolute favorite and if you don’t feel like reading this review, don’t worry, my answer for you would be READ IT. Thank me later.
From chapter one I was hooked. The initial banter and chemistry between Halstead and Juliet gave me all the feels and setup for an amazing read. I love the way the passion between them and the incredibly tender moments that had me swooning over and over. If you’re worried about a miscommunication issue, that isn’t a problem here! The conflict has been led to the entire time and it works out the way it should. Not to mention, that ending was PRECIOUS. I am still in a gush over the romance. There’s no steam here, but the wait Kimball builds heat and dynamic won’t leave you missing it at all.
I really liked the overall plot. It’s set at a castle (!!) and the writing sweeps you away to another time. There’s some general characteristics of regency romances but this holds its own with a unique story that had me finishing this in a day. I am an official fan now of Kimball’s and can’t wait to read her other books.
Overall audience notes:
- Regency romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: emotional/psychologically/physically abusive family member, a runaway child, loss of parents
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Oh my goodness, I LOVED THIS. I kept this on my TBR for far too long. It’s an absolute favorite and if you don’t feel like reading this review, don’t worry, my answer for you would be READ IT. Thank me later.
From chapter one I was hooked. The initial banter and chemistry between Halstead and Juliet gave me all the feels and setup for an amazing read. I love the way the passion between them and the incredibly tender moments that had me swooning over and over. If you’re worried about a miscommunication issue, that isn’t a problem here! The conflict has been led to the entire time and it works out the way it should. Not to mention, that ending was PRECIOUS. I am still in a gush over the romance. There’s no steam here, but the wait Kimball builds heat and dynamic won’t leave you missing it at all.
I really liked the overall plot. It’s set at a castle (!!) and the writing sweeps you away to another time. There’s some general characteristics of regency romances but this holds its own with a unique story that had me finishing this in a day. I am an official fan now of Kimball’s and can’t wait to read her other books.
Overall audience notes:
- Regency romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: emotional/psychologically/physically abusive family member, a runaway child, loss of parents
2.5 stars
YIKES.
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I’ll start off on a positive note. I’m not mad I read this. I had been curious for a long time what my thoughts would be on this popular series and after a few friends pushing it on me, I gave it a shot. It was entertaining. I’ll give it that much. And now my curiosity has been sated and I can put this series behind me.
Grace was a bit all over the place. Trying to claim she didn’t let a guy dictate her life then practically begging him to talk to her? Uhm, okay. Not to mention her inability to acknowledge the danger around her and still go running off towards it.
Jaxon waved so many red flags he should just carry a banner. I think it was supposed to play into some vampire book stereotypes? Alpha-ish and all that? It came off possessive. I think there’s a love triangle in the next book? My money is on whoever that soul is.
It was cool having more than just vampires running around. The addition of werewolves, witches and dragons was a nice touch. This never read as a Twilight knock-off. It is it’s own YA vampire book and that’s a positive too.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Paranormal romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: heated make-outs
- Violence: physical altercations, attempted murder, poisoning, magic weaponry
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of parents (car accident), Nonconsensual drugging, graphic blood & gore depiction, Blood-drinking, gun violence, murder
YIKES.
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I’ll start off on a positive note. I’m not mad I read this. I had been curious for a long time what my thoughts would be on this popular series and after a few friends pushing it on me, I gave it a shot. It was entertaining. I’ll give it that much. And now my curiosity has been sated and I can put this series behind me.
Grace was a bit all over the place. Trying to claim she didn’t let a guy dictate her life then practically begging him to talk to her? Uhm, okay. Not to mention her inability to acknowledge the danger around her and still go running off towards it.
Jaxon waved so many red flags he should just carry a banner. I think it was supposed to play into some vampire book stereotypes? Alpha-ish and all that? It came off possessive. I think there’s a love triangle in the next book? My money is on whoever that soul is.
It was cool having more than just vampires running around. The addition of werewolves, witches and dragons was a nice touch. This never read as a Twilight knock-off. It is it’s own YA vampire book and that’s a positive too.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Paranormal romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: heated make-outs
- Violence: physical altercations, attempted murder, poisoning, magic weaponry
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of parents (car accident), Nonconsensual drugging, graphic blood & gore depiction, Blood-drinking, gun violence, murder
2.5 maaaybe 3*.
TYPICAL.
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I hate to say it but that’s how I felt for this one. Which means a lot of people will probably really enjoy this. I’ve just read one too many young adult fantasies that played out exactly the same and there was no nuanced new things to change my tune.
I had the hardest time with the main characters. Things weren’t clicking and I wanted more depth and understanding of them both. Then the romance came into play and I felt like things were happening too quickly all over the place. The plot was super fast and things needed more time to settle.
By halfway I was in speed read mode and looking very much forward to being through with this one. This is a dash of my thoughts so take them for what you will. It truly wasn’t a bad book. The writing is fine and the potential for others to love it is there. Most of it didn’t work for me personally.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy + Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: physical and magical altercations, murder, loss of loved ones
- Trigger/Content Warnings: self harm, blood/gore depiction, grief/loss, torture
TYPICAL.
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I hate to say it but that’s how I felt for this one. Which means a lot of people will probably really enjoy this. I’ve just read one too many young adult fantasies that played out exactly the same and there was no nuanced new things to change my tune.
I had the hardest time with the main characters. Things weren’t clicking and I wanted more depth and understanding of them both. Then the romance came into play and I felt like things were happening too quickly all over the place. The plot was super fast and things needed more time to settle.
By halfway I was in speed read mode and looking very much forward to being through with this one. This is a dash of my thoughts so take them for what you will. It truly wasn’t a bad book. The writing is fine and the potential for others to love it is there. Most of it didn’t work for me personally.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy + Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: physical and magical altercations, murder, loss of loved ones
- Trigger/Content Warnings: self harm, blood/gore depiction, grief/loss, torture
ENJOYABLE.
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SAINT. The first thing this book makes me remember is Saint. Wow, he was the real gem here and oh my goodness I loved him. I would do many things to get another book involving him. His relationship with Fable is complicated and beautiful. An undeniable parental protection that made my heart swell.
Okay he’s a side character, but a worthy side character. Back to Fable. I loved her too. She’s a strong presence with some true deep moments. I like the way she formulated plans to save herself and those she loved. I’m especially happy there was a HEA here or I would have been broken.
WEST. Really into his morally gray self. I wish he was on page a lot more because I wanted more of his story too. I love the relationship he has with Fable. This magnetic connection that draws them to one another at any given time. I wanted even more romance since it felt left off until about near the end.
My main issue with this one was the pacing. It was slowwww going for the first half. I wasn’t sure what the point of the current plot was, and how it was going to solve the original plot from Fable. It wrapped up everything pretty dang quickly so yes, I think things were sealed off, but leaking a bit.
I have enjoyed reading all of Adrienne Young’s books and can’t wait to see what’s in the works next. Gorgeous writing and amazing settings always leave me with a pleasurable read.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy
- Language: some
- Romance: kisses and a closed door scene
- Violence: murder, swords, near drownings, rough seas, physical altercations
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SAINT. The first thing this book makes me remember is Saint. Wow, he was the real gem here and oh my goodness I loved him. I would do many things to get another book involving him. His relationship with Fable is complicated and beautiful. An undeniable parental protection that made my heart swell.
Okay he’s a side character, but a worthy side character. Back to Fable. I loved her too. She’s a strong presence with some true deep moments. I like the way she formulated plans to save herself and those she loved. I’m especially happy there was a HEA here or I would have been broken.
WEST. Really into his morally gray self. I wish he was on page a lot more because I wanted more of his story too. I love the relationship he has with Fable. This magnetic connection that draws them to one another at any given time. I wanted even more romance since it felt left off until about near the end.
My main issue with this one was the pacing. It was slowwww going for the first half. I wasn’t sure what the point of the current plot was, and how it was going to solve the original plot from Fable. It wrapped up everything pretty dang quickly so yes, I think things were sealed off, but leaking a bit.
I have enjoyed reading all of Adrienne Young’s books and can’t wait to see what’s in the works next. Gorgeous writing and amazing settings always leave me with a pleasurable read.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy
- Language: some
- Romance: kisses and a closed door scene
- Violence: murder, swords, near drownings, rough seas, physical altercations
HAPPY TO BE BACK.
Oh how I adore this series. It gets a lot of flack for being long and nuanced, but that’s kind of what I enjoy most. I know what I’m getting into and understand that this is a life story. Practically everything is included and that’s the appeal for me. Especially because I am utterly wrapped up in these characters and their stories.
This was another good read with plenty of action, moments where I swore I was about to throw my book and times where I’d rather hug it instead. I love Claire and Jamie. I always love how much deeper I feel their commitment to each other with each book. It never gets old.
I did miss seeing more of some of the side characters like Ian and Fergus!! I love them dearly and hoped for more of their stories, but I did get a few chapters with them at least. There was more focus on William and Lord John which was excellent in its own right. That part of the plot definitely has more to unleash come book ten.
I felt that this time around that some of the longer aspects of the novel, like traveling, were cut much shorter and I thought that really helped the pacing. A lot more things seemed to happen over time and that CLIFFHANGER ending was was lawless. Hopefully book ten makes it way too us soon-ish.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical fiction romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: mostly closed door, occasionally brief open
- Trigger/Content Warnings: war themes (Revolutionary specifically), death by bear mauling, mentions of rape and sexual assault, PTSD from war, rape, and sexual assault, childbirth, teenage pregnancy, gun violence, life altering injuries, near death experiences; (+ more I may have missed, please research before reading this series!)
WHY SO LONG.
After not loving the third book in the FBAA series, I decided to give this one a chance hoping it would reignite my love, but alas, that hope was dashed.
Why are these books so long?????? Take away 300 pages and then I would say we have a really great fantasy on our hands. Instead we get a lot of fluff + some info dumping chapters to round out a 700 page monster.
I did like Nyktos. He’s the saving grace. I liked his personality and how sweet he was on Sera. There quiet moments together when they got to talking were tender and I love how both of them began opening up to each other. Sera was a copycat of Poppy. Apparently that was on purpose? At least she asked a lot less questions. I definitely liked her more than Poppy. There was too much steam for me personally. Some scenes furthered the connection and plot, others just seemed there to add in another few pages.
The info dumping did add more to this world and I got a better understanding of the things I learned from TCoGB. I’m still on the fence about continuing this story. We’ll see.
Overall audience notes:
- NA Fantasy Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: multiple open door
- Violence: war and battle themes, weapons violence, magic violence
- Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, torture (whipping), loss of loved ones
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC.
BEST OF THE BUNCH [SO FAR].
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I’m still in shock over that ending y’all. SHOOKETH. And I can’t wait for more people to read this so we can chat about it because my mind is whirling with possibilities. Where does it go from here?! Way to set-up for an action packed finale.
I loved that this focused on Pippa and Arjun (and HELLO some of my favorite tropes!!). This turned into one of the few cases of more insta-ish love that I was all in for. Those two just worked. Fantastic chemistry, swoony kisses, and dire situations. The majority of the POV’s were from them and I liked the dynamic shift.
There’s points-of-view from some of the other characters in the series too. They’re many angles to the plot and seeing the shifting sides from werewolves, vampires, and fae are creating a thickly woven story.
I am very excited for the last book in this series. What started out as a meh series for me is turning into another highly enjoyable one.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses to closed door
- Violence: physical altercations, weaponry, war themes
- Trigger/Content Warnings: domestic and child abuse recounted
BEST OF THE BUNCH [SO FAR].
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I’m still in shock over that ending y’all. SHOOKETH. And I can’t wait for more people to read this so we can chat about it because my mind is whirling with possibilities. Where does it go from here?! Way to set-up for an action packed finale.
I loved that this focused on Pippa and Arjun (and HELLO some of my favorite tropes!!). This turned into one of the few cases of more insta-ish love that I was all in for. Those two just worked. Fantastic chemistry, swoony kisses, and dire situations. The majority of the POV’s were from them and I liked the dynamic shift.
There’s points-of-view from some of the other characters in the series too. They’re many angles to the plot and seeing the shifting sides from werewolves, vampires, and fae are creating a thickly woven story.
I am very excited for the last book in this series. What started out as a meh series for me is turning into another highly enjoyable one.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses to closed door
- Violence: physical altercations, weaponry, war themes
- Trigger/Content Warnings: domestic and child abuse recounted
Thank you to the author for an eARC.
A GOOD DEBUT.
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An enjoyable read! I liked this for an author debut. It was well written and had a good cast.
I liked the main characters and thought they had solid depth and intentions. Kota and Derrick were easy to follow and cheer for. The magic system could have used some more boundary explanation but it was unique. The concept was there and I understood most of the parameters.
There were quite a few plot holes I noticed. A mix of wondering why someone had made that choice or needing more on a side character to further explain the situation. Even though the story moves well with action and slower moments there’s room for the pieces that were missing.
It was unfortunate that most of the antagonists were POC. The evil stepmother and stepsister vibes were alive and well. As were many, many other tropes. It took away from the surprising twists because you could see them from a mile away.
Derrick and Kota have a sweet burgeoning relationship. Personally, I’d love some angst, but it’s tender and I like it well enough. Killian is a great morally grey character. I’m curious how he further fits into the series.
A mixed bag, but a positive debut. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: flirting
- Violence: physical and magical altercations, torture, near death experiences
A GOOD DEBUT.
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An enjoyable read! I liked this for an author debut. It was well written and had a good cast.
I liked the main characters and thought they had solid depth and intentions. Kota and Derrick were easy to follow and cheer for. The magic system could have used some more boundary explanation but it was unique. The concept was there and I understood most of the parameters.
There were quite a few plot holes I noticed. A mix of wondering why someone had made that choice or needing more on a side character to further explain the situation. Even though the story moves well with action and slower moments there’s room for the pieces that were missing.
It was unfortunate that most of the antagonists were POC. The evil stepmother and stepsister vibes were alive and well. As were many, many other tropes. It took away from the surprising twists because you could see them from a mile away.
Derrick and Kota have a sweet burgeoning relationship. Personally, I’d love some angst, but it’s tender and I like it well enough. Killian is a great morally grey character. I’m curious how he further fits into the series.
A mixed bag, but a positive debut. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: flirting
- Violence: physical and magical altercations, torture, near death experiences
TOO EASY.
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This was an enjoyable read, it was. I just started noticing some things that stuck out enough that caused my rating to go down.
I did love this historical vibes and time period. That was different for a young adult book and it was a good change of pace. The audio book was already really well narrated and I flew through it (it’s short, about 7 hours).
The romance had some sweet moments but I felt like things progressed for them too easily. They’re flat out enemies and I wanted more angst between them because of that. There wasn’t a sense of will they/won’t they and even in the midst of all the things happening around them I thought the romance arc moved too swiftly. Probably a by-product of a short story, but alas, these are my thoughts.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult historical romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: battle themes, kidnapping, whipping
- Trigger/Content Warnings: suicide ideation, loss of a spouse (prior to book, but discussed), grief, near death situations
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This was an enjoyable read, it was. I just started noticing some things that stuck out enough that caused my rating to go down.
I did love this historical vibes and time period. That was different for a young adult book and it was a good change of pace. The audio book was already really well narrated and I flew through it (it’s short, about 7 hours).
The romance had some sweet moments but I felt like things progressed for them too easily. They’re flat out enemies and I wanted more angst between them because of that. There wasn’t a sense of will they/won’t they and even in the midst of all the things happening around them I thought the romance arc moved too swiftly. Probably a by-product of a short story, but alas, these are my thoughts.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult historical romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: battle themes, kidnapping, whipping
- Trigger/Content Warnings: suicide ideation, loss of a spouse (prior to book, but discussed), grief, near death situations