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Catastrophe Incoming #3
The Survivor Stands
“I was worried about dragons, and here we are. No dragons. Just dickheads.”
Wren doesn’t tend to talk about herself, or what made her leave the safety of home to jump into adventures. But when she and her friends find themselves in a village under attack, the details ring too close to Wren’s painful memories.
Bandits taking everything they can, with fire and ice magic creating havoc and terror among the common folk. Wren stood against them once, and failed to stop them. Now she has the chance to face them again.
Despite being the only one who knows how the bandits operate, can she really be a hero in the present when she’s seeking vengeance for her past?
Wren doesn’t tend to talk about herself, or what made her leave the safety of home to jump into adventures. But when she and her friends find themselves in a village under attack, the details ring too close to Wren’s painful memories.
Bandits taking everything they can, with fire and ice magic creating havoc and terror among the common folk. Wren stood against them once, and failed to stop them. Now she has the chance to face them again.
Despite being the only one who knows how the bandits operate, can she really be a hero in the present when she’s seeking vengeance for her past?
153 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 2024
About the author
Aimee Donnellan
17 books125 followersAimee Donnellan is an author of fantasy adventures and romances centering queer women. She loves to write about bisexuals even more chaotic and disastrous than herself.
She lives in Wellington, New Zealand with her fiancè — who helps her write and worldbuild — and dreams of dog ownership when not playing video games or Dungeons and Dragons.
She lives in Wellington, New Zealand with her fiancè — who helps her write and worldbuild — and dreams of dog ownership when not playing video games or Dungeons and Dragons.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 25, 2024
thank you so much to the author for gifting me an early copy in exchange for an honest review!!!
at this point i am so INVESTED in this story i cannot wait to keep reading 😎😍 but now we FINALLY have Wren's POV, something i was waiting for since book 1 because she is such an interesting character and couldn't wait to know her story. and i really liked this one better than the 2nd one: we have more action, more drama, more FLIRTING AND BANTER (cannot wait for the polynamory relationship to develop at last). i truly adored how reluctant to be a hero Wren was, something i don't think i have read recently 😱
this series just keep getting better, go read it now if you haven't!!!
at this point i am so INVESTED in this story i cannot wait to keep reading 😎😍 but now we FINALLY have Wren's POV, something i was waiting for since book 1 because she is such an interesting character and couldn't wait to know her story. and i really liked this one better than the 2nd one: we have more action, more drama, more FLIRTING AND BANTER (cannot wait for the polynamory relationship to develop at last). i truly adored how reluctant to be a hero Wren was, something i don't think i have read recently 😱
this series just keep getting better, go read it now if you haven't!!!
February 23, 2024
This next novella in Catastrophe Incoming shows this series is getting better with each book.
Oh how I loved this book. Wren was already a favorite character of mine in the previous books and I am so happy she gets the full opportunity to shine in this one. Seeing more of her thoughts, her wants and all that she feels was so much fun making me wish this was twice as long. Wren is a character that struggles with her self worth and this is one of her biggest struggles in this book. But with this it's so great to see Lark have full support in her and Reverie as a new friend being there for her too. Together they made for an amazing support team that made me feel all happy inside.
Wren also grew as a character so much in this story. I love good character growth and she really showed that. There was a lot of mental struggle for her at the start, and there still is at the end. But she also grows a lot and slowly gets a bit more comfortable with being loved and complimented. This was amazing to be a part of and made me love her even more.
The story this time takes place in a village they come across while trying to find Nightingale. The setting of a small town was really fun as a setting and gave great atmosphere to the story. It was also a lot of fun to read the interactions with the local villagers. They really were a supportive community and those kind of places always warm my heart. Wren, Lark and Reverie doing everything they can to help them makes this story full of kindness between people (except for Ferdinand, he's always a menace).
I also want to mention that I absolutely love this cover and the way Wren is brought to life in the illustration.
Concluding I feel that this is the best book in the series so far and I cannot wait where the story continues onward to.
Rating: 4.75 stars
I received an eARC and this was my honest review.
Oh how I loved this book. Wren was already a favorite character of mine in the previous books and I am so happy she gets the full opportunity to shine in this one. Seeing more of her thoughts, her wants and all that she feels was so much fun making me wish this was twice as long. Wren is a character that struggles with her self worth and this is one of her biggest struggles in this book. But with this it's so great to see Lark have full support in her and Reverie as a new friend being there for her too. Together they made for an amazing support team that made me feel all happy inside.
Wren also grew as a character so much in this story. I love good character growth and she really showed that. There was a lot of mental struggle for her at the start, and there still is at the end. But she also grows a lot and slowly gets a bit more comfortable with being loved and complimented. This was amazing to be a part of and made me love her even more.
The story this time takes place in a village they come across while trying to find Nightingale. The setting of a small town was really fun as a setting and gave great atmosphere to the story. It was also a lot of fun to read the interactions with the local villagers. They really were a supportive community and those kind of places always warm my heart. Wren, Lark and Reverie doing everything they can to help them makes this story full of kindness between people (except for Ferdinand, he's always a menace).
I also want to mention that I absolutely love this cover and the way Wren is brought to life in the illustration.
Concluding I feel that this is the best book in the series so far and I cannot wait where the story continues onward to.
Rating: 4.75 stars
I received an eARC and this was my honest review.
February 11, 2024
Thank you to Aimee for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
From the beginning, Wren has been my favourite so I've been beyond excited to get into her POV, and I wasn't disappointed. It was so lovely to be in her head, to see the way she works and thinks, especially when it comes to her hero status and everything she's achieved. I feel like this book really took us deep into her soul which was a very beautiful thing to see, and while it hurts my heart a little that she doesn't feel worthy as a hero or saviour, it was interesting to see the reasons behind that and everything she's been through.
I really loved the setting of this book, the town of Hanos felt very homely and I immediately wanted to protect it alongside the trio. All the characters we met, including best boy Norak and his badass mother, tugged on my heart, and I really wanted them to succeed against the bandits and save their town. The way everyone banded together, children and teenagers alike, was really touching and just showed how much little towns mean to some people. I also loved the parallel of this to Wren's past. I think this book really showed the more raw sides of battle and war, and was somewhat bittersweet at times, which only made it so much more realistic.
One thing Aimee always excels at is characters, and I was so glad to be back with this trio. They genuinely mean so much to me and seeing them back, fighting for a cause they care about, bantering and flirting to no ends, really warmed my heart. The way they trust and care for each other unconditionally is something that is so clear to see on page, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for them. Without spoiling, I also loved the depth behind the villains in this book, and what it meant for Wren.
The plotline of this book, similar to the previous, was another side-quest away from the main plot. While I would love to be back with the hunt for Nightingale, I do think these books are crucial to learning more about the characters and truly understanding them before the main events happen. As a part of a series, this book really gives us that needed backstory and information on Wren, just as TCA did for Reverie. With that said, I'm hoping the Labyrinth puts us back on the path of Nightingale. Whether it does or not, it sounds like it's gonna be a lot of fun and I cannot wait to see what Aimee comes up with!
From the beginning, Wren has been my favourite so I've been beyond excited to get into her POV, and I wasn't disappointed. It was so lovely to be in her head, to see the way she works and thinks, especially when it comes to her hero status and everything she's achieved. I feel like this book really took us deep into her soul which was a very beautiful thing to see, and while it hurts my heart a little that she doesn't feel worthy as a hero or saviour, it was interesting to see the reasons behind that and everything she's been through.
I really loved the setting of this book, the town of Hanos felt very homely and I immediately wanted to protect it alongside the trio. All the characters we met, including best boy Norak and his badass mother, tugged on my heart, and I really wanted them to succeed against the bandits and save their town. The way everyone banded together, children and teenagers alike, was really touching and just showed how much little towns mean to some people. I also loved the parallel of this to Wren's past. I think this book really showed the more raw sides of battle and war, and was somewhat bittersweet at times, which only made it so much more realistic.
One thing Aimee always excels at is characters, and I was so glad to be back with this trio. They genuinely mean so much to me and seeing them back, fighting for a cause they care about, bantering and flirting to no ends, really warmed my heart. The way they trust and care for each other unconditionally is something that is so clear to see on page, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for them. Without spoiling, I also loved the depth behind the villains in this book, and what it meant for Wren.
The plotline of this book, similar to the previous, was another side-quest away from the main plot. While I would love to be back with the hunt for Nightingale, I do think these books are crucial to learning more about the characters and truly understanding them before the main events happen. As a part of a series, this book really gives us that needed backstory and information on Wren, just as TCA did for Reverie. With that said, I'm hoping the Labyrinth puts us back on the path of Nightingale. Whether it does or not, it sounds like it's gonna be a lot of fun and I cannot wait to see what Aimee comes up with!
February 11, 2024
Once again, Aimee delivers a great book that enchants you and makes you dream of more.
The Survivor Stands is the third book in the Catastrophe Incoming series. This time, we follow the story through Wren's POV, a torn character that dreams of revenge against a group of bandits. Although not my fave character—this spot is, and will forever be dedicated to Lark—Wren is interesting to read. She approaches the world in a more logical way than Lark or Reverie because of her past, and her voice is therefore very distinct from theirs.
Like for The Collection Awakens, The Survivor Stands is very much its own thing. This feels like a side quest in a bigger, more dangerous quest. For a lack of a better word, you could say the book feels "disconnected" from the others because the story is, like i said, its own thing. However, this is what shows us how the characters act and think. These "disconnected" stories (disconnected is really not the world I should use, because all stories are connected by the characters looking for Nightingale, but I really don't know what other term to use) help us get attached to the characters. And they're fun.
The dynamic between Wren, Lark, and Reverie is even better than in The Collection Awakens. It's fun and flirty and refreshing, and I can't wait to read more of them. Ferdinand still is the little sh*it he is, and I want more of him. He's just that hilarious.
I cannot wait to read more of this series and to see the characters interact with Nightingale again, especially Lark. I probably shouldn't, but I love their dynamic and history so much!! I've heard a few things about The Labyrinth Beckons, and I'm impatiently waiting for it.
Thank you Aimee for the ARC!
The Survivor Stands is the third book in the Catastrophe Incoming series. This time, we follow the story through Wren's POV, a torn character that dreams of revenge against a group of bandits. Although not my fave character—this spot is, and will forever be dedicated to Lark—Wren is interesting to read. She approaches the world in a more logical way than Lark or Reverie because of her past, and her voice is therefore very distinct from theirs.
Like for The Collection Awakens, The Survivor Stands is very much its own thing. This feels like a side quest in a bigger, more dangerous quest. For a lack of a better word, you could say the book feels "disconnected" from the others because the story is, like i said, its own thing. However, this is what shows us how the characters act and think. These "disconnected" stories (disconnected is really not the world I should use, because all stories are connected by the characters looking for Nightingale, but I really don't know what other term to use) help us get attached to the characters. And they're fun.
The dynamic between Wren, Lark, and Reverie is even better than in The Collection Awakens. It's fun and flirty and refreshing, and I can't wait to read more of them. Ferdinand still is the little sh*it he is, and I want more of him. He's just that hilarious.
I cannot wait to read more of this series and to see the characters interact with Nightingale again, especially Lark. I probably shouldn't, but I love their dynamic and history so much!! I've heard a few things about The Labyrinth Beckons, and I'm impatiently waiting for it.
Thank you Aimee for the ARC!
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September 19, 2024Lark from Catastrophe Incoming is demisexual!
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
June 20, 2024
These novellas has been perfect for drawing me out of reading slumps. I picked up the first novella because of review that said they were perfect for a whovian and I agree. The witty banter and dynamics between Lark, Wren and now Reverie are both funny and sweet. And the sidetrack problems they run into on the whims of a magical teleporting device take them where they need to be not necessarily where they want to go. I loved the story from Wren's perspective allowing us to really understand her motivations and self image, she is so sweet she needs everything. All in all can't wait for the next novella, The Labyrinth Beckons!
February 10, 2024
Once again Aimee Donnellan delivers a fast-paced, entertaining adventure stuffed with sparkling characters and personal stakes.
Here the gentle warrior Wren takes centre stage to save a town from bandits. I was so excited to get inside Wren's head; she has been my favourite character in the series since she first appeared on page. I am weak for a fighter who is a little baffled by magic. Wren exudes strength (both physical and emotional), so it was a treat to begin to understand her internal struggles. There is fear and envy and guilt inside Wren that you wouldn't know simply by witnessing her compassionate and determined actions. Donnellan excels at identifying complicated emotions and explaining them so simply and naturally that I can only marvel at how I'd never thought about them that way before.
Lark with their draconic eye and Reverie with her evil goose also feature prominently, often flirting, and always providing support to Wren in their own ways. Their dynamic continues to develop in intriguing directions, and there are some lovely conversations exploring their complementary strengths and weaknesses. I love them all.
I always mention Donnellan's writing because I really am in love with it! There is a mastery of flow, of varying syntax, and using simple constructions to convey complex ideas. Donnellan often presents contradictions in such a way as to convince me that yes, these two things absolutely can exist simultaneously - in fact, sometimes they must. I think this is especially true in Wren's voice, because while she doesn't try to intellectualise quite as Lark does, she doesn't brush things away like Reverie sometimes might; conflict bothers Wren deeply. I relate to that!
So it would be remiss of me not to mention how perfect and satisfying the resolution (well, for-now resolution) of Wren's conflict is! Thematically I think this book was kind of ambitious, and Donnellan knocked it out of the park!
Although Nightingale does not make an on-page appearance in this one, her story continues to progress, and we are left with our protagonists about to embark on the next leg of their adventure in her pursuit. We are also given some new magical worldbuilding to chew on that I for one am impatient to learn more about.
All in all, in this era of instant gratification I'm having great fun following a series as it comes out, and with little enough time between each installment that I haven't forgotten the previous book. I excitedly look forward to the next one!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Here the gentle warrior Wren takes centre stage to save a town from bandits. I was so excited to get inside Wren's head; she has been my favourite character in the series since she first appeared on page. I am weak for a fighter who is a little baffled by magic. Wren exudes strength (both physical and emotional), so it was a treat to begin to understand her internal struggles. There is fear and envy and guilt inside Wren that you wouldn't know simply by witnessing her compassionate and determined actions. Donnellan excels at identifying complicated emotions and explaining them so simply and naturally that I can only marvel at how I'd never thought about them that way before.
Lark with their draconic eye and Reverie with her evil goose also feature prominently, often flirting, and always providing support to Wren in their own ways. Their dynamic continues to develop in intriguing directions, and there are some lovely conversations exploring their complementary strengths and weaknesses. I love them all.
I always mention Donnellan's writing because I really am in love with it! There is a mastery of flow, of varying syntax, and using simple constructions to convey complex ideas. Donnellan often presents contradictions in such a way as to convince me that yes, these two things absolutely can exist simultaneously - in fact, sometimes they must. I think this is especially true in Wren's voice, because while she doesn't try to intellectualise quite as Lark does, she doesn't brush things away like Reverie sometimes might; conflict bothers Wren deeply. I relate to that!
So it would be remiss of me not to mention how perfect and satisfying the resolution (well, for-now resolution) of Wren's conflict is! Thematically I think this book was kind of ambitious, and Donnellan knocked it out of the park!
Although Nightingale does not make an on-page appearance in this one, her story continues to progress, and we are left with our protagonists about to embark on the next leg of their adventure in her pursuit. We are also given some new magical worldbuilding to chew on that I for one am impatient to learn more about.
All in all, in this era of instant gratification I'm having great fun following a series as it comes out, and with little enough time between each installment that I haven't forgotten the previous book. I excitedly look forward to the next one!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
February 11, 2024
I've had the chance to receive ARCs for the first two books of this series, and the honour to receive an ARC of The Survivor Stands as well. I love this series and these characters with all my heart, and I am so happy and proud of Aimee for doing this, because, once again, she delivers a great book that enchants you and makes you dream of more.
The Survivor Stands is the third book in the Catastrophe Incoming series. This time, we follow the story through Wren's POV, a torn character that dreams of revenge against a group of bandits. Although not my fave character—this spot is, and will forever be dedicated to Lark—Wren is interesting to read. She approaches the world more logically than Lark or Reverie because of her past, and her voice is therefore very distinct from theirs.
As for The Collection Awakens, The Survivor Stands is very much its own thing. This feels like a side quest in a bigger, more dangerous quest. For lack of a better world, you could say the book feels "disconnected" from the others because the story is, like I said, its own thing. However, this is what shows us how the characters act and think. These "disconnected" stories (disconnected is really not the word I should use, because all stories are connected by the characters looking for Nightingale, but I really don't know what other term to use) help us get attached to the characters. And they're fun.
The dynamic between Wren, Lark, and Reverie is even better than in The Collection Awakens. It's fun, flirty, and refreshing, and I can't wait to read more of them. Ferdinand still is the little sh*it he is, and I want more of him. He's just that hilarious.
I cannot wait to read more of this series and to see the characters interact with Nightingale again, especially Lark. I probably shouldn't, but I love their dynamic and history so much!! I've heard a few things about The Labyrinth Beckons, and I'm impatiently waiting for it.
The Survivor Stands is the third book in the Catastrophe Incoming series. This time, we follow the story through Wren's POV, a torn character that dreams of revenge against a group of bandits. Although not my fave character—this spot is, and will forever be dedicated to Lark—Wren is interesting to read. She approaches the world more logically than Lark or Reverie because of her past, and her voice is therefore very distinct from theirs.
As for The Collection Awakens, The Survivor Stands is very much its own thing. This feels like a side quest in a bigger, more dangerous quest. For lack of a better world, you could say the book feels "disconnected" from the others because the story is, like I said, its own thing. However, this is what shows us how the characters act and think. These "disconnected" stories (disconnected is really not the word I should use, because all stories are connected by the characters looking for Nightingale, but I really don't know what other term to use) help us get attached to the characters. And they're fun.
The dynamic between Wren, Lark, and Reverie is even better than in The Collection Awakens. It's fun, flirty, and refreshing, and I can't wait to read more of them. Ferdinand still is the little sh*it he is, and I want more of him. He's just that hilarious.
I cannot wait to read more of this series and to see the characters interact with Nightingale again, especially Lark. I probably shouldn't, but I love their dynamic and history so much!! I've heard a few things about The Labyrinth Beckons, and I'm impatiently waiting for it.
April 4, 2024
“I think everyone knows what their way is. Deep down. It’s in your gut, your heart. You know what’s you and what isn’t.”
I was lucky enough to beta read this next instalment in my favourite fantasy novella series! And it's WREN'S POV!!!! Our trans flower-crown-wearing sword-wielding badass lesbian did not disappoint! Her perspective on this rag-tag group of queer disasters was insightful and... I wanna say haunting? I loved getting to learn more about her past, her beliefs, and of course the emotional wounds she's picked up along the way that perhaps some friends/flirts can help her heal!!!
She is staring pure evil in the face, and it is a goose, and she has no idea how to beat him.
As always, Aimee Donnellan delivers a fast-paced, humour-filled adventure that leaves you cackling, tears in your eyes, frantically checking the release schedule for the next book. I can't recommend this series and author enough - for the laughs, the swoons, the action and adventure, and for the way she makes all the queers (the badasses, the nerds, the flirts, the disasters, the hopelessly in love, the former drama kids) the centre of their shared story. I find myself seen in new ways in each book and I can't wait to see what the Catastrophe Incoming series will bring us next!
I was lucky enough to beta read this next instalment in my favourite fantasy novella series! And it's WREN'S POV!!!! Our trans flower-crown-wearing sword-wielding badass lesbian did not disappoint! Her perspective on this rag-tag group of queer disasters was insightful and... I wanna say haunting? I loved getting to learn more about her past, her beliefs, and of course the emotional wounds she's picked up along the way that perhaps some friends/flirts can help her heal!!!
She is staring pure evil in the face, and it is a goose, and she has no idea how to beat him.
As always, Aimee Donnellan delivers a fast-paced, humour-filled adventure that leaves you cackling, tears in your eyes, frantically checking the release schedule for the next book. I can't recommend this series and author enough - for the laughs, the swoons, the action and adventure, and for the way she makes all the queers (the badasses, the nerds, the flirts, the disasters, the hopelessly in love, the former drama kids) the centre of their shared story. I find myself seen in new ways in each book and I can't wait to see what the Catastrophe Incoming series will bring us next!
February 28, 2024
I will never not be in awe of this author's work.
This story is short but not a single line is wasted so you feel every moment. Just over a hundred pages and you feel every minute in the twenty four or so hours you spend with these characters.
Here we are following Wren in a reliving of the most harrowing experince, the raiding of her home. And the author does not hold back in letting you feel with her all of the turmoil of being back in a situation like that and feeling the burden of being the person to stop it all while not being too sure of herself.
The character work really shines and I really appreciate getting to sit with Wren as a character in this setting since thus far we've been dealing with a lot of magical threats that she is more along for the ride with. It is nice to see her not only in her element, but also so throughly entangled in every aspect of the conflict (literally past, present, and future)
I can't wait to see her growth over the course of the series, and I am SOOO excited to see what this next book is gonna be.
Truly could not recommend this series enough.
This story is short but not a single line is wasted so you feel every moment. Just over a hundred pages and you feel every minute in the twenty four or so hours you spend with these characters.
Here we are following Wren in a reliving of the most harrowing experince, the raiding of her home. And the author does not hold back in letting you feel with her all of the turmoil of being back in a situation like that and feeling the burden of being the person to stop it all while not being too sure of herself.
The character work really shines and I really appreciate getting to sit with Wren as a character in this setting since thus far we've been dealing with a lot of magical threats that she is more along for the ride with. It is nice to see her not only in her element, but also so throughly entangled in every aspect of the conflict (literally past, present, and future)
I can't wait to see her growth over the course of the series, and I am SOOO excited to see what this next book is gonna be.
Truly could not recommend this series enough.
March 3, 2024
I have read the first two books in the series and reviewed them. If you are reading this and havent even read those first two books.... why are we still friends if you don't read what I recommend?!?!?!
No just kidding but I would recommend you trying this whole series because it's so good.
I love everything about this book. First of all it's so incredibly funny. I promise you will laugh the whole time because the jokes and banter in this book is truly amazing . It seriously makes me feel better when I'm reading the story.
Also we finanlly have Wren POV!!!! Can we take a minute for that? Because it was much needed. I love Wren. Wren has been one of my favourite characters (after Ferdinand the goose of course) and I'm so glad we get to learn more about her.
Everything aside Aimee is an incredible writer. These three books have all been amazing and I really hope she will keep me as a beta/arc reader because I love her and her books so much.
So thank you for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
No just kidding but I would recommend you trying this whole series because it's so good.
I love everything about this book. First of all it's so incredibly funny. I promise you will laugh the whole time because the jokes and banter in this book is truly amazing . It seriously makes me feel better when I'm reading the story.
Also we finanlly have Wren POV!!!! Can we take a minute for that? Because it was much needed. I love Wren. Wren has been one of my favourite characters (after Ferdinand the goose of course) and I'm so glad we get to learn more about her.
Everything aside Aimee is an incredible writer. These three books have all been amazing and I really hope she will keep me as a beta/arc reader because I love her and her books so much.
So thank you for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
March 17, 2024
Thank you to the author for providing me a free ARC copy in exchange for a honest review.
We have now reached the 3rd entry of the "Catastrophe Incoming" series and the quality continues to increase, making for a very enjoyable read. This time round we are from the POV of Wren, a skilled warrior who would not call themselves a hero, but many who know them would use that exact word to describe them.
Something i think this series does really well is making effective use of them being novellas, with each story being novellas being its own self contained story that contributes to the overarching story as a whole. I also love we are getting a change of POVs, allowing for us to really get into the minds of each of the main cast.
It was great getting to learn more about Wrens backstory and give them a more of the spotlight this time round, really fleshing out their character. There is still plenty of scenes with Lark and (my personal favourite) Reverie. I am well and truly invested in this series, cannot wait to see where the story goes next!!
We have now reached the 3rd entry of the "Catastrophe Incoming" series and the quality continues to increase, making for a very enjoyable read. This time round we are from the POV of Wren, a skilled warrior who would not call themselves a hero, but many who know them would use that exact word to describe them.
Something i think this series does really well is making effective use of them being novellas, with each story being novellas being its own self contained story that contributes to the overarching story as a whole. I also love we are getting a change of POVs, allowing for us to really get into the minds of each of the main cast.
It was great getting to learn more about Wrens backstory and give them a more of the spotlight this time round, really fleshing out their character. There is still plenty of scenes with Lark and (my personal favourite) Reverie. I am well and truly invested in this series, cannot wait to see where the story goes next!!
January 10, 2026
4.5 stars
I wasn't too sure of it in the beginning, but I'm actually loving the fact that every novella is from a different main character's pov for it allows us to really get to know them even in a relatively short time and shows us how they each perceive the other, which was quite fascinating. I mean, Wren was pretty much just obediently following Lark around in the first book without too much comment, but, boy, does she have comments; she just hasn't yet voiced the majority. Also, the thematic shift from one novella to another is really amazing and leaves me wondering what the next one will bring. The plot was entertaining, especially the evil goose, who might just be the best character ever created, and it was nice learning a little bit more of the world. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed by the lack of Nightingale these last two books, so the fact that she reappears in the next one made me even more excited for it than I already was.
An incredible series.
I wasn't too sure of it in the beginning, but I'm actually loving the fact that every novella is from a different main character's pov for it allows us to really get to know them even in a relatively short time and shows us how they each perceive the other, which was quite fascinating. I mean, Wren was pretty much just obediently following Lark around in the first book without too much comment, but, boy, does she have comments; she just hasn't yet voiced the majority. Also, the thematic shift from one novella to another is really amazing and leaves me wondering what the next one will bring. The plot was entertaining, especially the evil goose, who might just be the best character ever created, and it was nice learning a little bit more of the world. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed by the lack of Nightingale these last two books, so the fact that she reappears in the next one made me even more excited for it than I already was.
An incredible series.
February 23, 2024
This next step of the adventure is more fast paced than the previous one, while still being a short break from the breathtaking rhythm of the first book. Here we spend more time with Wren and get to know her inner thoughts. She'd a delight, truly! I really related to her need to do the right thing, while still hating being praised for it because she feels it's normal. I'm really intrigued by whatever the author is setting up between Wren, Lark and Reverie, and I know sparks are going to fly. I just hope Wren trusts that she deserves them both!
This book series will be perfect for you if you like TTRPGs or games like Skyrim, and will take you on delightful side quests to give the characters development while still letting the main quest brew in the background. I expect book 4 to be fire!
This book series will be perfect for you if you like TTRPGs or games like Skyrim, and will take you on delightful side quests to give the characters development while still letting the main quest brew in the background. I expect book 4 to be fire!
February 4, 2024
Oooooooh my god. Wren was my favorite character going into this book, and now on the other side...yes, yep, that's my girlfriend and I love her so much. The internal struggles? The twists? The interpersonal relationships? Donnellan gets better and better with each installment in this series and I'm absolutely obsessed with it. The addition of Reverie into the Wren/Lark partnership created an unmatched dynamic, and based on where they're going next...GAH. I can't wait!!!
February 1, 2025
I was looking forward to Wren's POV, and this book did not miss. I love her character, and her conflict with her desire for vengeance while also wondering if killing him would be worth it. Off to the next book!
May 29, 2025
4.5 stars
July 18, 2026
I tried again and it ended up being a DNF. Agaian.
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