Reviews with content warning for Body horror - Vraja Corbilor

Nice fantasy story, more character focused then on the world building. The story kept me wanting to read more and finish the story, but the end was a bit short for me.

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craftysnailtail's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes

4.0

This was a light and quick read. I enjoyed the world building and the general plot, but it's difficult to not compare this book to others like it. Encyclopaedia of Fairies comes to mind first, but that's so superior that I hesitate to compare, even with all the similarities.

This book was too rushed, and I say that as someone who enjoys quick, concise stories. It really would've benefited from just 25-50 pages more developing their relationship. Them falling in love was extremely sudden and immediately went from infatuation to I-will-literally-die-for-you. I'm also very confused why the author decided to make it a relationship with a minor. It takes no effort to make the female lead 18 rather than 17.

Beyond those two main complaints, I still had fun with this book. It's one you can finish in a single day and it held my attention while being slightly cozy. It's no masterpiece, but I'd still recommend it if you're looking for something light-hearted and a bit adventurous in a fae world.

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breedawnwriter's review against another edition

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fast-paced

4.25

My friend bullied me into buying this, and I have zero regrets.

I found the writing style a bit hard to get into, but once I was in, I was IN.

Rook is a wonderful book boyfriend, and Isobel is just the best.

That’s all I got right now. Probably gonna update with a real review later.

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bzliz's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Isobel is a master Crafter of portraits at just 17 years old when a regular fae patron informs her the autumn prince will be commissioning her work. Rook returns to steal her away after he realizes she painted human emotion into his portrait which leaves him vulnerable to his fellow fae. On the journey, they fall in love, which is forbidden by ancient laws and Isobel faces an impossible choice: drink from the Green Well and become fae herself or condemn them both to death for their forbidden love.

There are definitely better faerie books out there but it was certainly enjoyable, if a little simple. The most interesting part to me was Whimsey- a town full of master Crafters who create for the fae despite the danger. The concept of a location that kind of serves as a buffer between the fae and the realm of mortals was intriguing. Revealing large portions of the fae courts to be decomposing was also interesting, though the courtly politics were muddled. Rogerson’s biggest achievement was capturing just how horrifying it is to become immortal, which so many other authors try to convey as the ultimate prize for most FMCs.

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