Well done, Harper ... you played us all. I just finished reading this book and it left me completely spDefinitely one of my favorite reads of the year.
Well done, Harper ... you played us all. I just finished reading this book and it left me completely speechless. From start to finish, it was packed with action, suspense, mystery, dark secrets, and a cast of characters that I found myself rooting for.
⇢ What to expect: ∘ Adult Fantasy ∘ Dark Paranormal Romance ∘ Witches & Demons ∘ Elemental Magic ∘ Epic Worldbuilding ∘ Dark Academia/Gothic vibes ∘ Mysteries, dark secrets, betrayals ∘ Plot Twists that leave you reeling ∘ Dual POV ∘ Revenge Plot ∘ Villain MMC ∘ Strong, fierce FMC ∘ Sexual tension and Spice ⇢ Tropes: ∘ Enemies to Lovers ∘ Forced Proximity ∘ Forbidden Romance ∘ "Touch her and you die" ∘ Villain gets the girl ∘ Hidden Identity ∘ Who Did This To You?
⇢ Trigger Warnings: dub-con, forced feeding, graphic violence, references to past abuse & traumatic reactions to triggering stimuli, knife violence, graphic depictions of blood, physical harm inflicted upon the main character, ritualistic murder
“If it is order that you value, then I will bring you nothing but chaos.”
⤏ Summary Willow is a witch who has spent her entire life hiding from the coven of Crystal Hollow and she was raised by her father to fulfill a destiny she wanted no part of. Despite her efforts to stay hidden, Willow's mission forces her to return to Crystal Hollow. When the handsome but infuriating Headmaster of the school, Alaric Grayson Thorne, is sent to retrieve her, Willow won't go down without a fight. Their mutual loathing for each other and their beliefs only add to the tension between them. Dark secrets are hidden within the walls of Hollow's Grove University, the prestigious school where witches go to learn their craft. No one talks about the bloody massacre that forced it to close decades prior, only the opportunity it can afford to those fortunate enough to attend. Despite the dangers that surround her, Willow is determined to complete her mission and overcome the obstacles that stand in her way.
⤏ Plot/Writing The Coven is an incredible ride, packed with mystery, suspense, and action that will keep you on the edge of your seat, desperate to find out what happens next. The pacing is perfect, with a plot that never drags and keeps you engaged from beginning to end. The book is full of unpredictable twists and turns that left me reeling. At times, it felt like I would lose something important if I stopped reading. In addition to Willow's perilous mission, the book also delves deeply into the complex relationship between the two main characters, offering a compelling emotional component to the already gripping plot.
⤏ Worldbuilding The author has crafted a complex and intriguing world, with secrets hiding behind every corner. From witches controlling the elements to demons taking over human bodies called 'Vessels,' this book is full of quite interesting creatures. The magic system is intricate and captivating, and I loved reading about the historical events that led to what is happening in the present day. The depiction of Hollow's Grove University was really well done, creating a spooky and gothic atmosphere that perfectly suited the story.
⤏ Characters ∘ Headmaster Alaric Grayson Thorne Demon soul trapped in a human body, his Vessel in the human world, Gray is undeniably a villain. He's a centuries-old character shrouded in darkness and mystery, whose possessiveness, and manipulative tendencies all serve as major warning signs. Despite his villainous nature, there are moments when Gray shows tenderness towards Willow and is very protective of her.
“My hands clenched at my sides as I turned away from the sight of what she had given. The Coven didn’t deserve the sacrifice she was willing to make”
I'm always drawn to the villain, and he is no exception. However, don't let him fool you, he has his own agenda and would stop at nothing to get what he wants. Even if it means using her.
∘ Willow Willow's kindness, and determination in pursuing her destiny and seeking revenge against the coven make her a truly strong character, and her unwavering love for her brother is admirable. She's such a good person and didn't deserve all the hardships that were thrown her way. It was clear that she was still dealing with past trauma and I felt so bad for all the bad things that just kept happening to her.
“As much as I hated to cry when I was sad, the rage cries were the absolute worst. They hinted at what I assumed some perceived as weakness, when all I wanted was to commit murder.”
She's also a total badass and I love when I encounter an FMC who knows what she's doing.
“Wearing a skirt was so impractical if I was going to be burying bodies in the woods.”
⤏ Romance For centuries, Vessels and Witches have harbored deep-seated animosity towards each other. Thus, it comes as no shock that Willow and Gray's intense chemistry sizzles with a mix of both love and hate. ― Enemies-to-lovers trope, welcome ~ The romance was intense, and the tension between them was palpable. Gray, despite being a villain, displayed a surprising vulnerability when it came to Willow. It was clear that he couldn't bear the thought of her being hurt, whether it was by him or anyone else. Things are complicated between these two, but I'm still weak for him.
“Thank you. For coming for me.” “I’ll always come for you, Witchling”
I loved their banter and even though their relationship is forbidden, every time they clashed, sparks flew. I just can't get enough of it!
“I wanted to tear his throat out. I wanted to tear his clothes off. The fact that I wasn’t even sure which one I wanted more terrified me.”
⤏ Conclusion This book is a thrilling page-turner that will satisfy any reader who craves action, mystery, and romance. Once you start reading, you won't want to put it down until you've devoured every last page. I highly recommend this book to the romance fantasy readers with a soft spot for the villain.
P.s. That ending had me in tears, screaming and the sneak peek of The Cursed DIDN'T HELP. I need the second book ASAP.
“You fight. Every moment of every day, you fight. Because that is who you are,” he whispered, dropping his forehead to mine. “What happens when I’m tired of fighting?” “Then you let me do it for you.”
⤏ For more bookish content, you can follow me on Instagram: @asternyx...more
Ella Fields strikes again. I loved The Savage and the Swan and I'm so glad I got to see more of this world in this book. The story was heartbreaking, aElla Fields strikes again. I loved The Savage and the Swan and I'm so glad I got to see more of this world in this book. The story was heartbreaking, and the author didn't shy away from showing the characters' emotional struggles and breakdowns. I'll be back with a more detailed review soon!
⤏ What to expect: ∘ Adult Fantasy Romance ∘ Queen x Mysterious Wolf ∘ Betrayals & Secrets ∘ Alpha MMC ∘ Fae ∘ Dual POV ⤏ Tropes: ∘ Strangers to Lovers ∘ Forbidden Romance ∘ Fated Mates ∘ Hidden Identity ⤏ Trigger Warnings: infertility, cheating, sexual assault, abuse, gaslighting, children outside of the marriage...more
A Dawn of Onyx is a remarkable NA Fantasy Romance debut that is sure to delight fantasy readers.
⇢ What to expect: ∘ New Adult ∘ Fantasy Romance ∘ MorallA Dawn of Onyx is a remarkable NA Fantasy Romance debut that is sure to delight fantasy readers.
⇢ What to expect: ∘ New Adult ∘ Fantasy Romance ∘ Morally grey characters ∘ Royalty ∘ Fae, shapeshifters, dragons, witches, monsters ∘ Secrets & Betrayals ∘ Strong & determined female character ∘ Dark & mysterious king ∘ Healer x Dark King ∘ Captor/Captive ∘ Banter & Spice ...more
Another book by Harper L. Woods that left me gasping for breath. I finished it in just one day, unable to tear myself away from its pages.
Actual ratingAnother book by Harper L. Woods that left me gasping for breath. I finished it in just one day, unable to tear myself away from its pages.
Actual rating: 4.5✨ ⤏ What to expect: ∘ Adult ∘ Fantasy Romance ∘ Dual POV ∘ Court intrigue ∘ Fae, Magic & Gods ∘ Tension & Angst ∘ Mindblowing Plot-twists ∘ Morally Grey Characters ⤏ Tropes: ∘ Fated Mates ∘ "Touch her/him and you die" ∘ "I'd burn the world for you" ⤏ Trigger Warnings: mention of rape/assault, sexual assault, descriptive torture, violence & death, cliffhanger
⤏ Summary After traveling for weeks to reach Alfheimr, Caldris and Estrella find themselves imprisoned and at the mercy of their enemy. A cage they don't know how to escape from. Each day presents them with fresh obstacles that push the limits of their endurance, loyalty, and Estrella's humanity. Their plans, which were once meticulously laid out, are now completely foiled.
⤏ Plot/Writing Harper has a way of keeping you enraptured. She captures your attention and doesn't let you go. I was so caught up in everything happening, I didn't even realize it was over. If I felt the second book was a bit slow and, in some ways, predictable, here the plot just keeps thickening and I couldn't even begin to wonder where it would lead. The mysteries keep piling up on each other, the intrigue, tension and angst reaching unimaginable levels. The unspeakable terrors that our main characters must endure had me shivering with fear as I read about their experiences. I was constantly impressed by the author's way of portraying the characters and their stories. She manages to balance the plot, romance and character development in a way not many authors can and that's one of the reasons she's one of my favorite authors. Not to mention the plot twists she keeps throwing our way with any chance she gets.
⤏ Worldbuilding The worldbuilding's also not neglected. Reaching the land of the Fae, the setting changes and I would lie if I said I wasn't impressed with Tar Mesa, despite the unimaginable horrors happening between its walls. Alfheimr is such a magical land, I felt lost in the landscape every time it was described.
⤏ Characters ∘ Estrella My blood and vengeance-thirsty FMC had such a glow-up in this book! The power she exuded would've brought me to my knees, and I would've gone willingly, if she were to lay eyes on me. Estrella's still struggling to understand herself and to accept the dark parts of her soul and is holding tight onto her humanity, unwilling to let it go, even though by now we all know she's no human. She's a special one and we are uncovering some secrets about her nature that I did not see coming. A force to be reckoned with, she's grown so much from the first book!
∘ Caldris Our possessive God has done some wrong things in the past, including mistreating and lying to his mate. However, his love for Estrella can't is unquestionable. He's starting to accept the fact that she's not a damsel in distress and is worthy of being his equal, his partner in crime (literally). His loyalty is proven time and time again and my admiration for this man keeps growing with every book.
“Would you just let me protect you from how ugly this world is?”
He'd burn the world down for her and I'm here for it.
“She wanted to know if I saw myself as the hero of my story, but I didn't. I only saw myself as the villain of hers.”
⤏ Romance The two of them are one of my favorite power couples and one of the things I loved most this novel, was their relationship's development. When Estrella inadvertently catches the attention of the unhinged Queen, they know nothing good can come of it. But they remain united in the face of danger and uncertainty.
“I would burn the world if it meant saving him, sacrifice every shred of my dignity and morals if it meant he was unharmed.”
They are willing to go to any extent for each other and to sacrifice whatever it takes to protect one another.
“My star, I would plunge the world into eternal darkness if it meant one more moment with you like this. Nothing else matters.”
⤏ Conclusion This is one of the series that's just getting better with every installment. I can't wait for the fourth book! ...more
After all, vampires know better than anyone how important it is to protect their hearts. And love, understand, is sharper than any stake.
⤏ What to
After all, vampires know better than anyone how important it is to protect their hearts. And love, understand, is sharper than any stake.
⤏ What to expect: ∘ Adult Fantasy ∘ Romance ∘ Vampires & Magic ∘ Royalty ∘ Tournament to the death ∘ Morally grey MC & love interest ∘ Badass heroine ∘ Action-packed ∘ Sexual tension ∘ Plot-twists & Betrayals
⤏ Tropes: ∘ Enemies to Allies to Lovers ∘ Slowburn ∘ Found family ∘ Forced Proximity ∘ Hidden Identity...more
I feel like this was slower than the first book and it definitely took me way too long to finish it ... but I still loved it in the end! and that's whI feel like this was slower than the first book and it definitely took me way too long to finish it ... but I still loved it in the end! and that's what matters ≧◠‿◠≦
I'll come back with a review soon! I'll forever swoon over Dianna, my favorite villain I'll come back with a review soon! I'll forever swoon over Dianna, my favorite villain ...more
• Adult Dark Fantasy • inspired by Finnish Mythology — first time learning about it & I love it! • Romance • Amazing Worldbuilding (atmosphere & setting • Adult Dark Fantasy • inspired by Finnish Mythology — first time learning about it & I love it! • Romance • Amazing Worldbuilding (atmosphere & setting on point) • Gods & Goddesses • Zombie unicorn (loved him), shamans, mermaids, Deadmaidens & monsters • Enemies to Lovers • Death God x Mortal Girl • Forced Marriage • Hades and Persephone/Beauty and the Beast • Expect steamy scenes • Loveable side characters
⊹ Gabriela
>
Books:
2-romantasy-favorites
(38)
Loading...
