Juliana Philippa's Reviews > Lover Enshrined

“Jesus fucking Christ!” Wrath bit out. “Can we get a break around here?”
(Normally I have a romantic quote here, but this one fits the book so well!)

Overall Rating: 3.75 stars
Romance Book Rating: 3.5 stars
I don't think I've ever split a rating like this, but I really had to here. Anyone who has read this series knows that there are a lot of POVs going on throughout each book and in both this one and the last one, they almost overwhelmed and overshadowed the romance aspect. In Book 6, Lover Enshrined, it truly feels like the same weight was given to Phury and Cormia's relationship as was given to other threads in the book.

Given that these characters are strangers at the beginning, it therefore made it really hard for me to connect with their supposed "love" and really believe in it. Especially since Phury has been so, SO into Bella for so long (whether it was real "love" or actually platonic love, as Bella insists).

I was wary going into the story, because all of the Chosen seem so placid and milktoast, but I quickly grew to love Cormia and it was a pleasure watching her discover the world and herself away from the Other Side.

Phury, on the other hand, who has been an angel throughout this series and one of the nicest and sweetest characters and Brothers, was at times quite unlikable in this, his own book. Now, there is a big focus on his addiction and we see it get worse and worse, so that no doubt contributed to my frustration with him, but there were also many things beyond that—his "love" for Bella, not giving Cormia any attention or guidance and not putting himself in her shoes after he drags her to a world she knows nothing about, his unwillingness to meet head-on his duties as Primale (whether to renounce or accept them, either way, but at least do something), and more. These things are also all tied up in his addiction and his self-hatred, so there is definitely of overlap, but it was just surprising to be confronted with a hero whom I have heretofore adored, but in his own book somewhat disappointed me.

Didn't mind several of the POVs here, especially the boy trio—John Matthew (whom I have always adored!), Qhuinn, and Blaylock. Lot of stuff going on there in this book for all of them, and really great build-up to their own books.