It's been a week since I read this book and I'm still not completely sure how I felt about it. It's definitely a compelling read. The writing is beautIt's been a week since I read this book and I'm still not completely sure how I felt about it. It's definitely a compelling read. The writing is beautiful, the characters and their relationships intriguing and, even though it's slow-paced, I was invested in the story for the most part.
I think that my main issue was that, (view spoiler)[in the last 20% or so, the story took a direction I didn't anticipate. The competition is such an important plot point in the story, but in the end it didn't really lead anywhere. I guess what happens in the last part makes sense for the time period, but I didn't expect it and I didn't enjoy it.
I also expected the magic system to be explained, especially the whole competition thing. I found it disappointing that it was kept vague, since I wanted to know more about Luzia's magic. It's what the plot revolved around.
I liked Luzia and Santangel as characters, but I wasn't convinced of their romance. The time they spend together preparing for the competition is often off-page, so we don't see it develop. It's just suddenly there.
One thing I liked about this story is how each character got their POV, so, even though the ending felt rushed and wrapped up quickly, it seemed fitting. (hide spoiler)]
5 stars for the audiobook and the book cover....more
I finally read my first Regency m/m romance. I picked this one, because I thought that Lisa Henry's humor would help. And it did. Loftus and Morgan coI finally read my first Regency m/m romance. I picked this one, because I thought that Lisa Henry's humor would help. And it did. Loftus and Morgan come off as very shallow and overly dramatic at first, maybe even annoying, but I found their rivalry very entertaining.
As expected, the romance part didn't really work for me. There's a reason why I don't read historical mm, and this book only confirmed it. I did like when Loftus and Morgan were being sweet and supportive of each other....more
What I liked: The characters. I wouldn't put Emily and Wendell in the 'love' category, but they were interesting characters to read about. I did reallyWhat I liked: The characters. I wouldn't put Emily and Wendell in the 'love' category, but they were interesting characters to read about. I did really like the townsfolk, Emily's dog Shadow and Poe.
The setting. Everything about the village of Hrafnsvik and the little cottage felt cozy and whimsical. Great atmosphere.
What didn't entirely work for me: The pacing. While I don't mind slower paced stories, this one dragged and I was a bit bored at times.
The plot. For the most part I enjoyed it, but I didn't like the direction the story took in the last 100 pages or so. I didn't see the reasoning behind certain decisions. Everything that happened felt nonsensical and 'unrealistic', including the resolution.
The romance. There wasn't much of it here and I didn't expect it to be, but I don't get why the author (view spoiler)[thought it would be a good idea for Wendell to sleep with every girl in the village, in the same cottage he shared with Emily, and then propose to her later on, literally out of nowhere. (hide spoiler)]....more
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. In only three hours it gives a lot of information about the history of the Vikings in a very funny, yet I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. In only three hours it gives a lot of information about the history of the Vikings in a very funny, yet informative way. It's very entertaining and fast paced. The humor does get a bit over the top here and there, but that's probably because this was meant for younger audiences. Though it works perfectly for adults, too.
I also appreciate the author's recommendations for further reading. I'll definitely check them out.
Great production and excellent narration by the whole cast. The audiobook is available for listening for free with the Audible subscription. ...more
I really enjoyed this book for the first 70% or so. I found it very entertaining and the humor was right up my alley.
All the characters are so well-wI really enjoyed this book for the first 70% or so. I found it very entertaining and the humor was right up my alley.
All the characters are so well-written. They are a bunch of lovable idiots who sometimes find themselves in the most ridiculous situations. I can't even choose who my favourite was or whose relationship I loved the most.
Gwen and Arthur were often pretty insufferable and bratty, but I absolutely loved their banter, as well as the banter between Arthur and Sid. Sid is such an amazing and loyal friend, I loved his friendship with Arthur so much. Gabe, Bridget and Agnes were just as wonderful and the romance part of the story was really sweet.
The last 30% of the book (view spoiler)[caught me off guard a bit. One of the characters gets brutally attacked, off-page but there are extensive descriptions of his injuries, and there is a battle towards the end that was more violent than I would have expected. Up to that point, the story felt very lighthearted and humorous, so I definitely wasn't prepared for that. It's also not mentioned in the blurb. There were hints of who the 'bad guys' are and it wasn't hard to guess, but I still didn't expect such an outcome. I wish the author had kept it on the lighter side, because I don't think it fit with the rest of the story. (hide spoiler)]
I'd like to add that this story is not a retelling. It's just inspired by the Arthurian legend and takes place in the seemingly same world, but several generations after. It's humor and the medieval setting with a modern twist reminded me a lot of the movie A Knight's Tale and the Adventures in Aguillon series by Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey. Both are my favourites. ...more
The second book had even less of what I expected from this series. We learn more about Colton and we get to know Daphne more, so that's good1.5 stars
The second book had even less of what I expected from this series. We learn more about Colton and we get to know Daphne more, so that's good, I guess. Danny and Colton are still sweet, what little we get from them here.
However, I didn't find the storyline particularly interesting or engaging. It was a bit all over the place with a lot going on, while it felt like nothing important was happening. Combined with a lot of plot holes and questionable decisions and actions that make no sense but are convenient, this was a struggle to get through.
I think this story has a great concept and a very strong beginning. It pulled me in right away and made me very intrigued. I'm really glad I 3.5 stars
I think this story has a great concept and a very strong beginning. It pulled me in right away and made me very intrigued. I'm really glad I didn't read the blurb before starting it, because it's kind of spoilery. It would have definitely ruined my favourite part of the story.
The reasons I'm not giving it a higher rating: - after an interesting beginning, the story started dragging a bit - there were a lot of plot holes - the characters' actions often seemed naive, didn't make sense or didn't feel believable, but were convenient - I expected more atmosphere from a book set in the alternate steampunky Victorian London, but it often felt like reading a contemporary - the romance was kind of cute, but very surface level
I really enjoyed the audiobook. Great narration by Gary Furlong....more
This one was hard to rate. Overall, it's a lovely story and I enjoyed it. I liked the characters, the setting and the humor between Cai and F3.5 stars
This one was hard to rate. Overall, it's a lovely story and I enjoyed it. I liked the characters, the setting and the humor between Cai and Fen.
I just expected to be more emotionally involved in the story, and there were a few things that I believe were resolved too easily. Also, I think that the blurb is a bit misleading when it comes to Fen's character.
Loved the audiobook. The narrator was truly amazing. ...more
On a positive note, I liked the audiobook. Both narrators were really good. And I liked the author's note at the end of the book. I appreciate what heOn a positive note, I liked the audiobook. Both narrators were really good. And I liked the author's note at the end of the book. I appreciate what he was trying to do with this story.
Sadly, I didn't enjoy the story as much as I hoped. I didn't find the plot that exciting. Wilhelm and Jack were likable, but all the other characters were a bit one-dimensional. Personally, I found Wilhelm's situation disturbing and it definitely affected my reading experience.
This is definitely a very intriguing story. It's slow-paced, atmospheric and beautifully written. I was drawn into it right from the start an3.5 stars
This is definitely a very intriguing story. It's slow-paced, atmospheric and beautifully written. I was drawn into it right from the start and I was very interested to see how it would end.
However, I have to say that I never related to Addie nor any of the other characters. I can't say why. And, personally, I didn't feel any chemistry between them. I was still invested in their story, just not as emotionally as I would have liked.
I listened to the audiobook for this one and I think Julia Whelan did a wonderful job narrating it. She really brought the characters to life - I loved Addie's French accent, and her narration added to the overall atmosphere of the book. ...more
This story was so much fun. It's adventurous, funny and romantic at times. I really enjoyed the storyline and the humor was definitely my cup4.5 stars
This story was so much fun. It's adventurous, funny and romantic at times. I really enjoyed the storyline and the humor was definitely my cup of tea.
The story is told from three POVs - Edward, Jane and Grifford. All of them are so endearing, clever and hilarious that it’s hard to pick a favourite. Not to mention all the wonderful side characters.
I listened to the audio for this one and the narrator was amazing. I loved her narration throughout the whole book, but my absolute favourite was the Scottish accent she gave Gracie – another one of my favourite characters....more
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