What a terrific fantasy romance. Top-shelf world-building, fantastic characters, and although I knew how and why it would work out, this author kept me interested. And the last line is perfect. I am most impressed by how each point of view, while wrong or inscrutable from the outside, made perfect sense from within. An excellent novel. I will be reading the rest in the series. ( )

My current read has been making me anxious lately, and I needed a little pick-me-up. So what did I do? I went and picked a book that starts with a torture scene! ( )

An enjoyable read but not without its problems. The author makes their own rules and lore which can irk people (like fae being 'allergic' to iron but own cars and live around/in other modern conveniences that definitely have iron in them without any side effects) and doesn't bother to describe the different species of the characters or how that affects them being outside of the Sidhe. Like a lot of other reviewers said, there were some inconsistencies or plot devices that were unnecessary or didn't make sense. This could have been set in another setting than a "magickal" university, especially since it hardly mentions classes and doesn't explain how magical beings are viewed by normal humans or if they can even see all this. Don't expect another Hogwarts.
However, despite its issues, I really liked all the characters and the love story between Roarke and Smith seemed more realistic than most romance novels. ( )

Probably not quite four stars but I did enjoy this. The first couple of chapters I was very confused. This is a book where there's never really explanation of the world or what powers people have. Rather it just lets you figure it out as you go. Once I got through the beginning I began to really enjoy this story.

I thought the relationship between Finn and Roark was really good. Even though we don't see their whole backstory together, you can tell they have a strong connection. I liked how complex their dynamic was. Finn has a very bad past with Roark's mom but Roark still has a strong connection to his mother. This made for a very interesting relationship progression and it made Finn's assumptions about Roark's action more understandable rather than it just being annoying miscommunication. There was some relationship stuff that was more tied into the plot that felt a little undeveloped, but mostly I liked it.

As far as the plot went, I found it mostly interesting but a bit underdeveloped and weirdly paced in parts. Because this book never really has specific exposition where the world is fully explained, there were parts that I still didn't feel like I completely understood by the end but this didn't really impact my overall enjoyment. I do feel like I missed some things at the end because some things really confused me Roark doesn't want to become a Knight in the Unseelie court because it will burn him and his memories away until there's nothing left AND he steals Finn's memories of Finn being offered that position after being tortured by Roark's mom so Finn doesn't become the Knight. However, at the end Finn DID become the Knight and there was no discussion of what the effect of that would be. I feel like I must have missed something because this was super confusing to me. Also, the memory spell breaks when Roark and Finn fall in love but they never sit down and have a conversation about why Roark took the memories and I wanted that conversation but again, once I began to understand what was happening, I enjoyed it.

The next book is about Sebastian, one of Finn's friends. I'm definitely intrigued by this world and I may read the next book but it's probably not going to be a priority but I did like this first book and it is a good introduction to the series and this world. ( )

3* for the world-building. I found it lacking. How do the Fae look like? Do they have pointy ears. I know from TV shows and other books that's how they should look like, but here? Other than the creatures who attacked Finn, there was only one guy mentioned who has hooves for feet. But that's it. What about the others?
Also, do humans know that this magical world exist? Finn's parents do. But how did they discover Finn has powers, how did they know to call it the ley line, how did they learn about the academy for magical beings? And for the love of god, whyyy do magical creatures need a frigging masters degree? What the hell are they using it for???? (They learning magical stuff, not human stuff.)

3.5* for relationship development. They started out despising each other, which was only a charade of course. So it was a slow burn before they fell into each other's arms. All that, was awesome. But after that, I thought, for all Roark was protesting at the beginning, he accepted and gave in too easily. Same with the ending of the story. He fought so hard and gave up so much to protect Finn. And then he just gave up and accepted things. it was too easily wrapped up.

3* for the writing, which probably should be more, because there is nothing particularly wrong with it. But from the very beginning I didn't like the style. I was pulled into the story however, so I didn't even consider stopping.

4 stars for Roark. Because I'm a sucker for his type. He's silently suffering, but outward he's as cool as a cucumber, acts annoyed and exasperated, But he's so humble and protective. A true hero, with a romantic heart.

I was also fascinated with Roark's relationship with his mother. The Queen and the prince. They are alike in many ways, but so different in others. They almost killed each other one time, but there is still love and affection there, though they sure as hell not showing it.

As for the story as a whole: Sometimes I rolled my eyes so hard, because a few developments were cliché, or just a little dumb, which could be thanks to Finn. Other times I was thrilled for the action. Some things were wrapped up pretty quickly others were not at all, but since it's a series, I can overlook that.

Overall 3.5 stars for the first half, 2,5 for the other half. This really could have been so much better.
Steam level: 2. (it's almost fade to black, but not quite)

Even though I'm disappointed, I'm gonna continue with the series. I'm not sure why the next book is about Sebastian, who is a secondary character here. And why not Sláine, the brother who chose the dark path (kinda). Granted he got less then 5 minutes in this book, but it would make more sense. Anyway. But book 3. OMG. THE WILD HUNT. I KNEW IT!!!. I f*** love the wild hunt. :D ( )