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Lady of Darkness #1
Lady of Darkness
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Owned by a ruthless Assassin Lord, Scarlett Monrhoe and her two sisters have been trained since they were children to torture and take life. They are the most feared trio on the continent, but they are also wild and unpredictable. A tragic night has Scarlett finding herself locked away in a noble's household, trapped and forgotten, until she's ready to fall into line.
Until the day she is presented with a job. If she completes the assignment, her payment will be something she has coveted for ten years. Revenge against the Fae Fire Prince who brutally killed her mother ten years ago. Is she willing to sacrifice her ideals for retribution?
But when children begin disappearing from her home, all her plans are put on hold as she races to save the most innocent. With the help of old friends, a jilted lover, and a mysterious newcomer who claims the magic of the Fae is possible in the mortal lands, Scarlett delves into the darkest corners of the world. Forgotten secrets will come to light, and she will discover the darkness extends far beyond her own kingdom.
- Author Signature
- Front Dust Jacket Artwork with Foiled Details by @teaspoon_dot_art
- Reversible Dust Jacket Artwork with Foiled Details by @janedark_7
- Connecting Stenciled Edges Artwork by @teaspoon_dot_art
- Hard Case Artwork with Foiled Details by Ariel Waters @thebookishbox_artists
- Endpaper Artwork by @carraert
- Slip Case Outside Artwork by Ariel Waters @thebookishbox_artists
- Slip Case Inside Artwork by @teaspoon_dot_art
Owned by a ruthless Assassin Lord, Scarlett Monrhoe and her two sisters have been trained since they were children to torture and take life. They are the most feared trio on the continent, but they are also wild and unpredictable. A tragic night has Scarlett finding herself locked away in a noble's household, trapped and forgotten, until she's ready to fall into line.
Until the day she is presented with a job. If she completes the assignment, her payment will be something she has coveted for ten years. Revenge against the Fae Fire Prince who brutally killed her mother ten years ago. Is she willing to sacrifice her ideals for retribution?
But when children begin disappearing from her home, all her plans are put on hold as she races to save the most innocent. With the help of old friends, a jilted lover, and a mysterious newcomer who claims the magic of the Fae is possible in the mortal lands, Scarlett delves into the darkest corners of the world. Forgotten secrets will come to light, and she will discover the darkness extends far beyond her own kingdom.
510 pages, Hardcover
First published September 29, 2021
11200 people are currently reading
149211 people want to read
About the author
Melissa K. Roehrich
16 books6,386 followersMelissa is a dark fantasy romance author who loves coffee, dragons, and constantly rearranging her bookshelves. She spends her time writing, reading, and homeschooling her three boys in the Middle-of-Nowhere, North Dakota, where she lives with her boys, husband, dogs, multiple barn cats, and chickens on a small farmstead. She is constantly trying to convince her husband they need to add goats and ducks to the mix, and one day, she'll succeed.
She's not here much, so if you're looking to connect, check out the following:
*Facebook Reader Group: Melissa's Dragon Cave
*Discord: https://discord.gg/GTY757MCXF
*Instagram: @melissa_k_roehrich
*TikTok: @authormelissakroehrich
She's not here much, so if you're looking to connect, check out the following:
*Facebook Reader Group: Melissa's Dragon Cave
*Discord: https://discord.gg/GTY757MCXF
*Instagram: @melissa_k_roehrich
*TikTok: @authormelissakroehrich
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,690 reviews
October 18, 2024
After reading Melissa’s legacy series and it becoming one of my new favorites I had to jump into this one as they’re in the same universe!
To be completely honest this book has been on my TBR forever and I’ve been so skeptical because of all the mixed reviews. The biggest critique I see of this book is that it’s ripping off very popular series like throne of glass and ACOTAR and personally I think that’s a reach. This book definitely has very popular romantasy tropes and you can tell it pulls inspiration from some other series but for me it stopped there. Was it predictable and not the most unique? Yes, as is the case with so many fantasy romance books nowadays however it did a lot of things right that had me enjoying it regardless.
Is our FMC an assassin? Yes. Is there fated mates? Yes. Is there Fae? Yes. Is there hidden identity? Yes. If you are sick of these tropes and feel like they are overdone then this is definitely not the series for you and THATS OKAY! But personally I really and enjoy Melissa’s writing. I especially love how she writes complex, character driven stories so im so excited to see where this series goes!
The world building was phenomenal and like the legacy’s series, the magic system has me so intrigued! It definitely was a bit of a slower start though.
Like I said Melissa is a mastermind when it comes to complex characters. For me there’s a fine line between loving a character that frustrates the hell out of me and hating a character that frustrates the hell out of me and makes me want to rip my hair out. I can’t speak for the rest of the series but as for book 1, our FMC seems like she’s going to be one of those frustrating characters I end up loving. She has a lot of demons and trauma and Melissa truly captures mental illness so perfectly in the way she has her characters act in response to their trauma. Being able to relate to Scarlett I think makes me not as infuriated with her when she lashes out or goes silent/struggles to communicate. But I can see her being a character that some would find insufferable so fair warning there…
I already love our MMC Sorin, at first I didn’t really feel their chemistry but by the end of the big it hit and it hit me HARD. They are MESSSSSYYYYYY.
I love our side characters and I can’t wait to get more of them in book 2! Except for Callan…. He’s giving tamlin energy.
I genuinely have so many questions at this point. I did have good time and was able to ignore how predictable the plot was because of my investment in the characters, THIS IS VERY CHARACTER DRIVEN! However I feel like book two will go one of two ways for me… either I’ll end up getting so emotionally invested in the characters and their journey that nothing else will matter and I’ll be hooked…. OR I’ll find the overall plot lacking and the characters not being enough to make up for it. Regardless I immediately dove into book 2.
All that being said I do understand why the reviews are such a mixed bag, this definitely won’t be for everyone and absolutely has its flaws but personally I still liked it!
To be completely honest this book has been on my TBR forever and I’ve been so skeptical because of all the mixed reviews. The biggest critique I see of this book is that it’s ripping off very popular series like throne of glass and ACOTAR and personally I think that’s a reach. This book definitely has very popular romantasy tropes and you can tell it pulls inspiration from some other series but for me it stopped there. Was it predictable and not the most unique? Yes, as is the case with so many fantasy romance books nowadays however it did a lot of things right that had me enjoying it regardless.
Is our FMC an assassin? Yes. Is there fated mates? Yes. Is there Fae? Yes. Is there hidden identity? Yes. If you are sick of these tropes and feel like they are overdone then this is definitely not the series for you and THATS OKAY! But personally I really and enjoy Melissa’s writing. I especially love how she writes complex, character driven stories so im so excited to see where this series goes!
The world building was phenomenal and like the legacy’s series, the magic system has me so intrigued! It definitely was a bit of a slower start though.
Like I said Melissa is a mastermind when it comes to complex characters. For me there’s a fine line between loving a character that frustrates the hell out of me and hating a character that frustrates the hell out of me and makes me want to rip my hair out. I can’t speak for the rest of the series but as for book 1, our FMC seems like she’s going to be one of those frustrating characters I end up loving. She has a lot of demons and trauma and Melissa truly captures mental illness so perfectly in the way she has her characters act in response to their trauma. Being able to relate to Scarlett I think makes me not as infuriated with her when she lashes out or goes silent/struggles to communicate. But I can see her being a character that some would find insufferable so fair warning there…
I already love our MMC Sorin, at first I didn’t really feel their chemistry but by the end of the big it hit and it hit me HARD. They are MESSSSSYYYYYY.
I love our side characters and I can’t wait to get more of them in book 2! Except for Callan…. He’s giving tamlin energy.
I genuinely have so many questions at this point. I did have good time and was able to ignore how predictable the plot was because of my investment in the characters, THIS IS VERY CHARACTER DRIVEN! However I feel like book two will go one of two ways for me… either I’ll end up getting so emotionally invested in the characters and their journey that nothing else will matter and I’ll be hooked…. OR I’ll find the overall plot lacking and the characters not being enough to make up for it. Regardless I immediately dove into book 2.
All that being said I do understand why the reviews are such a mixed bag, this definitely won’t be for everyone and absolutely has its flaws but personally I still liked it!
February 18, 2023
5⭐
1.5🌶
Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Narration, Single - 5⭐
TW: Rape, Violence
▪︎
Quick Synop:
A woman who is a lady by day and assassin by night. Scarlet is under everyone's control but her own. She is tasked with a mission, the reward are the answers she's been wanting her whole life. Before she can complete her task, the children of the city start going missing. With the help of the new captain of the guard 😏, they must work together to find them.
▪︎
I'm sorry......did this book just become my new obsession? The answer is yes.
Let me say, if an author can make me cry......well done. I want to feel every emotion when I read. This book absolutely did that. It was dark in a way that I very much love. It felt very real and raw.
▪︎
Listen. Scarlet is one of those characters that is pretty hard to like. I would even compare her to Nesta in some ways. She is very broken and guarded and angry, but once you understand why she is the way she is....you will be able to connect to her. I certainly did.
So although I think the plot is great in this book, I would still consider this character driven. And it is slowwwwww. You need to be in the right mood for this to enjoy it. For me, it was exactly what I needed and I could not put it down., and I was so mad when it ended on a cliffy because I need more!
▪︎
I thought, though slow, it moved forward in a very natural way. The pacing really gives room for us to feel deeply for the characters which I loved.
▪︎
The romance. Almighty on high. This was soooooooo good. They compliment each other beautifully. He is everything I love an MMC to be. I would say its a medium burn romance, that was done exceptionally well. They have a push and pull relationship. They have a hard time trusting each other, but keep coming back for more. Ugh. I love them.
▪︎
Do i recommend this?
Ummmm YES. Please read this. I cannot wait to get to book 2!!
1.5🌶
Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Narration, Single - 5⭐
TW: Rape, Violence
▪︎
Quick Synop:
A woman who is a lady by day and assassin by night. Scarlet is under everyone's control but her own. She is tasked with a mission, the reward are the answers she's been wanting her whole life. Before she can complete her task, the children of the city start going missing. With the help of the new captain of the guard 😏, they must work together to find them.
▪︎
I'm sorry......did this book just become my new obsession? The answer is yes.
Let me say, if an author can make me cry......well done. I want to feel every emotion when I read. This book absolutely did that. It was dark in a way that I very much love. It felt very real and raw.
▪︎
Listen. Scarlet is one of those characters that is pretty hard to like. I would even compare her to Nesta in some ways. She is very broken and guarded and angry, but once you understand why she is the way she is....you will be able to connect to her. I certainly did.
So although I think the plot is great in this book, I would still consider this character driven. And it is slowwwwww. You need to be in the right mood for this to enjoy it. For me, it was exactly what I needed and I could not put it down., and I was so mad when it ended on a cliffy because I need more!
▪︎
I thought, though slow, it moved forward in a very natural way. The pacing really gives room for us to feel deeply for the characters which I loved.
▪︎
The romance. Almighty on high. This was soooooooo good. They compliment each other beautifully. He is everything I love an MMC to be. I would say its a medium burn romance, that was done exceptionally well. They have a push and pull relationship. They have a hard time trusting each other, but keep coming back for more. Ugh. I love them.
▪︎
Do i recommend this?
Ummmm YES. Please read this. I cannot wait to get to book 2!!
February 3, 2025
I just know I’m going to obsess over this series
September 21, 2024
[EDIT: bumping up to 5 stars because I still think about this regularly and miss it dearly]
Oh it hurts
Oh it hurts
February 28, 2023
This was…so bad.
This feels like ACOTAR and FBAA hooked up and created a monstrosity of literature.
I’m flabbergasted by the amount of good reviews. The story was weak, the writing was bad and the chemistry between characters even worse. Scarlett is the least likable main character I’ve ever read. For someone who is Death’s Maiden she sure as shit can’t defend herself. Being raised by the Assassin Lord didn’t do her much good.
Also the author loves making the character croon things at each other with sarcastic sweetness in their voices. The story did not flow well at all. Too much was trying to happen in this.
It was just not good. Plain and simple. I would not recommend.
This feels like ACOTAR and FBAA hooked up and created a monstrosity of literature.
I’m flabbergasted by the amount of good reviews. The story was weak, the writing was bad and the chemistry between characters even worse. Scarlett is the least likable main character I’ve ever read. For someone who is Death’s Maiden she sure as shit can’t defend herself. Being raised by the Assassin Lord didn’t do her much good.
Also the author loves making the character croon things at each other with sarcastic sweetness in their voices. The story did not flow well at all. Too much was trying to happen in this.
It was just not good. Plain and simple. I would not recommend.
October 27, 2025
✯ 𝟑.𝟐𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Prior to starting the book, the blurb sounded quite promising and safe to say, this book did not disappoint. I adored this book for the most part, but it was also slightly flawed and underwhelming at times.
The writing was phenomenal and the world building was fantastic. This adult fantasy contains all the supernatural elements, vampires, witches, faes and shifters. The entire book is packed with action. The plot is super strong. There are so many secrets to be exposed, mysteries to solve, and suspense to keep you on edge. The plot twist in the end was really difficult to work out, but I still guessed it, and surprisingly, my guessing the twist didn't lessen my enjoyment.
The book has a strong fmc. She's the definition of feminine rage. It's been super long since I've last read about a female character who's THIS strong. She's the death maiden and an assassin, one that everyone fears. It was truly refreshing to finally come across a powerful fmc who lives upto the said label.
Coming to the major issues now, firstly, the pacing was off balance. Some parts of this book dragged, whereas in some parts, lots of information was dumped out of nowhere and it was simply alot to process. Why couldn't the author execute these info one at a time? The paperback is 605 pages long, so I'm pretty sure she wasn't short of pages. Another issue was, there were many repetitive scenes. I mean, I already know what happened, so why bring up those scenes all over again and again?
Regardless of the issues, I still had fun reading this book. The plot twist in the end was crazy and difficult to guess. Even though I worked out the twist, I am still stunned. I need time to recover from that twist. Would recommend.
Prior to starting the book, the blurb sounded quite promising and safe to say, this book did not disappoint. I adored this book for the most part, but it was also slightly flawed and underwhelming at times.
The writing was phenomenal and the world building was fantastic. This adult fantasy contains all the supernatural elements, vampires, witches, faes and shifters. The entire book is packed with action. The plot is super strong. There are so many secrets to be exposed, mysteries to solve, and suspense to keep you on edge. The plot twist in the end was really difficult to work out, but I still guessed it, and surprisingly, my guessing the twist didn't lessen my enjoyment.
The book has a strong fmc. She's the definition of feminine rage. It's been super long since I've last read about a female character who's THIS strong. She's the death maiden and an assassin, one that everyone fears. It was truly refreshing to finally come across a powerful fmc who lives upto the said label.
Coming to the major issues now, firstly, the pacing was off balance. Some parts of this book dragged, whereas in some parts, lots of information was dumped out of nowhere and it was simply alot to process. Why couldn't the author execute these info one at a time? The paperback is 605 pages long, so I'm pretty sure she wasn't short of pages. Another issue was, there were many repetitive scenes. I mean, I already know what happened, so why bring up those scenes all over again and again?
Regardless of the issues, I still had fun reading this book. The plot twist in the end was crazy and difficult to guess. Even though I worked out the twist, I am still stunned. I need time to recover from that twist. Would recommend.
March 23, 2023
1⭑ Scarlett is undeniably the worst main character I have ever read. She is the reason I DNF’d at 63%. I would not recommend this, unless you want to make a drinking game out of every time Scarlett says “I am darkness”.
December 28, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
Sigh. Look, I didn’t dislike this but I also wouldn’t go as far to say I liked it - it was incredibly average and boring. I truly wanted to love this so much but nothing about this captivated me. The plot is okay but nothing different, which is fine - I’m happy to read similar plots if they pull me in, but this was a struggle to get through a lot of the time.
I also really couldn’t connect to the writing style at all. Something about it just felt disjointed. For example, revelations would happen and we’d just hop past them, like okay? The world building was also lacking for me as well so I struggled to visualise a lot. I always know a book is good if I unlock new locations in my mind. This didn’t do that. (I’m sure someone will know what I mean lols.)
The characters had no depth to connect too therefore I also found the romance so lacklustre. There wasn’t much build up or chemistry to work with and it was more a case of being told they had a thing and everyone kept telling them ‘it’s so obvious when you’re around each other’ - well please let me (the reader) in on this cus you aren’t showing me that!! I hate being told and not being made to feel.
I’m sorry but Scarlett is such an annoying FMC. I cannot connect to her for the life of me. I love complex characters and I usually don’t mind if they act in certain ways that can be frustrating, because of their experiences… this was not a case of that. She was insufferable half the time. I was like girl please stop. She lowkey just pissed me off. I do ofc have empathy for what she endured but I just feel like the writing didn’t connect to me enough for me to fully feel the impact of her story.
The rest of the characters are fine. Again, they are likeable enough but I just didn’t care for them that much.
Full disclaimer I did skim read the last 20% cause I actually didn’t want to DNF but I was sooooooo done.
The ending I guessed in the first 10% lols. I also think I am tired of this type of cliffhanger ending - and again it’s also down to the fact the book wasn’t doing it for me. So to be bored and then have a predictable ending - meh 🥲
I was fighting to not DNF early on to be honest, but the book isn’t terrible so idk I felt like I had to trudge through. Initially I thought I was the problem, but I’m like, no queen - you’re never the problem.
Anyway I fear I’ve said everything I didn’t like but I don’t know if I have a list of likes - yikes. Honestly though this isn’t a bad book!! Like I want to be really clear I didn’t hate this or think it was trash or anything like that - I just was so bored and disconnected. I loathe to be bored in every aspect of my life - I cannot be a bored girly, it’s not for me.
I understand why people enjoy this one but I also wouldn’t recommend to a friend unless they hadn’t read a lot of fantasy. I have book 2 and I fear I’ll never read it. Hard times for me. Anyway I do definitely think I’m in the minority here - well I know I am cus so many of my friends loved this and the GR is really high! So yeah, I suck 🥲 I’m also kinda sad cus I had high hopes that this series would consume me, but I just feel nothing for this. I also read a lot of this on the plane which helped, but trying to read this on holiday was not the vibe.
Abbie if you see my review and read it all - I’m sorry LOL. I tried - please still love me 💔
___________
pre-read: finally diving into this series, I need a new fantasy obsession & hopefully this is it 🤍
Sigh. Look, I didn’t dislike this but I also wouldn’t go as far to say I liked it - it was incredibly average and boring. I truly wanted to love this so much but nothing about this captivated me. The plot is okay but nothing different, which is fine - I’m happy to read similar plots if they pull me in, but this was a struggle to get through a lot of the time.
I also really couldn’t connect to the writing style at all. Something about it just felt disjointed. For example, revelations would happen and we’d just hop past them, like okay? The world building was also lacking for me as well so I struggled to visualise a lot. I always know a book is good if I unlock new locations in my mind. This didn’t do that. (I’m sure someone will know what I mean lols.)
The characters had no depth to connect too therefore I also found the romance so lacklustre. There wasn’t much build up or chemistry to work with and it was more a case of being told they had a thing and everyone kept telling them ‘it’s so obvious when you’re around each other’ - well please let me (the reader) in on this cus you aren’t showing me that!! I hate being told and not being made to feel.
I’m sorry but Scarlett is such an annoying FMC. I cannot connect to her for the life of me. I love complex characters and I usually don’t mind if they act in certain ways that can be frustrating, because of their experiences… this was not a case of that. She was insufferable half the time. I was like girl please stop. She lowkey just pissed me off. I do ofc have empathy for what she endured but I just feel like the writing didn’t connect to me enough for me to fully feel the impact of her story.
The rest of the characters are fine. Again, they are likeable enough but I just didn’t care for them that much.
Full disclaimer I did skim read the last 20% cause I actually didn’t want to DNF but I was sooooooo done.
The ending I guessed in the first 10% lols. I also think I am tired of this type of cliffhanger ending - and again it’s also down to the fact the book wasn’t doing it for me. So to be bored and then have a predictable ending - meh 🥲
I was fighting to not DNF early on to be honest, but the book isn’t terrible so idk I felt like I had to trudge through. Initially I thought I was the problem, but I’m like, no queen - you’re never the problem.
Anyway I fear I’ve said everything I didn’t like but I don’t know if I have a list of likes - yikes. Honestly though this isn’t a bad book!! Like I want to be really clear I didn’t hate this or think it was trash or anything like that - I just was so bored and disconnected. I loathe to be bored in every aspect of my life - I cannot be a bored girly, it’s not for me.
I understand why people enjoy this one but I also wouldn’t recommend to a friend unless they hadn’t read a lot of fantasy. I have book 2 and I fear I’ll never read it. Hard times for me. Anyway I do definitely think I’m in the minority here - well I know I am cus so many of my friends loved this and the GR is really high! So yeah, I suck 🥲 I’m also kinda sad cus I had high hopes that this series would consume me, but I just feel nothing for this. I also read a lot of this on the plane which helped, but trying to read this on holiday was not the vibe.
Abbie if you see my review and read it all - I’m sorry LOL. I tried - please still love me 💔
___________
pre-read: finally diving into this series, I need a new fantasy obsession & hopefully this is it 🤍
November 4, 2024
conflicting feelings here and more to come in my upcoming romantasy vlog
but... i think i liked it? definitely the closest to SJM level fanro that i've read, especially via KU. but i wish character emotions had been a little more nuanced. like sure, Celaena is annoying as fuck but she's been thru some shit and i found her reactions to things interesting. Scarlett on the other hand was just angry all the time.
and like, she has the right to be mad. girl was assaulted multiple times. but lashing out at people trying to help her was kind of exhausting to read.
i enjoyed the story, i like the direction that things are heading for sure. but i think this got a little laggy in the middle and again, wanted a lil more nuance of emotion. overall, not bad.
but... i think i liked it? definitely the closest to SJM level fanro that i've read, especially via KU. but i wish character emotions had been a little more nuanced. like sure, Celaena is annoying as fuck but she's been thru some shit and i found her reactions to things interesting. Scarlett on the other hand was just angry all the time.
and like, she has the right to be mad. girl was assaulted multiple times. but lashing out at people trying to help her was kind of exhausting to read.
i enjoyed the story, i like the direction that things are heading for sure. but i think this got a little laggy in the middle and again, wanted a lil more nuance of emotion. overall, not bad.
June 19, 2022
At first, I thought this may be a five star read. I consumed the first ten chapters like wild fire.
Then, I realized that Scarlett was in a love square, where everyone man she encounters is in love with her. The men in her life are constantly saving her from herself.
Phrases about ‘finding stars’ appeared so often I began to CRINGE. I also noticed many parallels between FBAA, TOG, and ACOTAR. While I love all of those books, this book almost read like a fan fic.
It became repetitive, and I found myself scanning through the pages without any real interest.
It had a good basis. I was interested to learn more, but this story fell short for me.
Then, I realized that Scarlett was in a love square, where everyone man she encounters is in love with her. The men in her life are constantly saving her from herself.
Phrases about ‘finding stars’ appeared so often I began to CRINGE. I also noticed many parallels between FBAA, TOG, and ACOTAR. While I love all of those books, this book almost read like a fan fic.
It became repetitive, and I found myself scanning through the pages without any real interest.
It had a good basis. I was interested to learn more, but this story fell short for me.
November 13, 2025
i would like to spend 100% of my reading time in the chaosverse… im obsessed with the melissa k. roehrich worlds & i CANT WAIT TO GET SCARLETT’s STORY
September 30, 2023
There wasn’t an original thought in this book unfortunately. I’m growing more concerned with booktok authors lately and their blatant character/plot copying from successful authors. There have been more and more lately using things that worked well in other viral books and just copy pasting them into their own for a selling point. You can use tropes that are in other books, hell you can even have some character similarities but something has to be unique about your story for me to want to read it.
After reading a good portion of this and getting major ick from the annoying as f*ck FMC that’s basically a wishdotcom Aelin, I decided to look at reviews for it to make sure I wasn’t crazy, and then stumbled down the rabbit hole that are the book 2 reviews. Some are calling it flat out plagiarism… glad I’m stopping here. I will not support an author riding off the success of others.
DNF and will never continue anything the author puts out.
After reading a good portion of this and getting major ick from the annoying as f*ck FMC that’s basically a wishdotcom Aelin, I decided to look at reviews for it to make sure I wasn’t crazy, and then stumbled down the rabbit hole that are the book 2 reviews. Some are calling it flat out plagiarism… glad I’m stopping here. I will not support an author riding off the success of others.
DNF and will never continue anything the author puts out.
January 20, 2023
Ok so im roughly halfway through and what I really dislike about her is how impulsive she is. She has slapped Sorin countless times just because he won't tell her the name of a lady she thinks is suppperrrr important. And sure it is. But that doesn't warrant you slapping someone and stomping your foot in anger or shouting at them every time they refuse to answer. Like, why can't she do something more witty or clever or unexpected that somehow jolts the answer out of him? Obviously her way of interrogation is not working, so she should change it up a bit. I would regard her as more smart if she did so. But she just seems like a robot programmed to do the exact same thing each time, which is frustrating.
Secondly, I'm feeling whiplash from her. She is kissing Callan and having sex with him passionately two pages ago, and then the next page she is snogging Sorin vigorously. I thought she had some sort of feelings left for Callan, and the fact that she turns from that so quickly, or is romantically involved with two males at the same time doesn't sit well with me. Monogamy is engrained in me, sorry....?
Thirdly, she is like such a special snowflake because she's beautiful, she fights like a badass Sarah J maas mc, and she has all these bois lining up to snog her. Not just Callan or Sorin, but also Cassius and Mikail! Wow........ o.O Unbelievable and honestly frustrating because love squares I prefer to leave those in the past....
Fourthly, I think something needs to change with the "Dark vs Light" dichotomy that is so prevalent in YA novels. Like people are finer shades of gray too...you know...example excerpt below:
She leaned forward and brushed a kiss to his lips, barely touching them with her own. “I gave much of myself to Callan,” she whispered, “but he doesn’t understand that sometimes the darkness is more comforting than the light. When I play, it comes from the part of me that grew in the darkness. Callan is all light. There is no room for my darkness.”
I'm officially done with this book. DNF. Another episode of her seducing Callan whilst Sorin is on the other side of the door. And I'm out.
So disappointing. Started out 4 stars, I even had the second book marked. Then my distaste for her just grew and grew. And right after Callan accuses Sorin of murdering children, her blades go swinging at Sorin YET AGAIN. Without PAUSING TO THINK ABOUT HIS CLAIM OR TRUSTING SORIN FOR A SECOND. and WHY DOES EVERay MALE LOVE THIS PSYCHO? tHERE'S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TORTURED, DARK HEROINE, AND THIS NUTCASE WHO NEVER PROCESSES INFORMATION BEFORE ZOOMING INTO ANOTHER BREAKDOWN FOR NO REASON.
Some additional thoughts below regarding the following quote:
"Will you be the woman I’ve been training? The sacrificing lover? Death’s Maiden let out of her cage?”
“I shall be whomever I need to be to get information from him,” Scarlett answered darkly. “Not that it’s any of your business.”
“Considering you all are commandeering my apartment to sneak the Crowned Prince into it, it most certainly is my business,” Sorin retorted. Scarlett pursed her lips, crossing her arms. He had a point. Then he asked, his tone a touch softer, “Have I not yet earned your trust?”
“It is not that I do not trust you, Sorin,” Scarlett said after a beat of silence. “It is that I have done some atrocious things, so much worse than allowing a prince to fall in love with me. And I fear… I fear how you will look at me when you hear that story.”
Somehow it doesn't feel that way to me. Somehow, it feels like Scarlett fell in love with the prince as well, and that her outburst and shaking afterward was because of her emotional pain after reliving all the love she had for him after visiting him. So why is she writing it off as just "using" him? As putting on some "mask" that he falls in love with?
Secondly, I'm feeling whiplash from her. She is kissing Callan and having sex with him passionately two pages ago, and then the next page she is snogging Sorin vigorously. I thought she had some sort of feelings left for Callan, and the fact that she turns from that so quickly, or is romantically involved with two males at the same time doesn't sit well with me. Monogamy is engrained in me, sorry....?
Thirdly, she is like such a special snowflake because she's beautiful, she fights like a badass Sarah J maas mc, and she has all these bois lining up to snog her. Not just Callan or Sorin, but also Cassius and Mikail! Wow........ o.O Unbelievable and honestly frustrating because love squares I prefer to leave those in the past....
Fourthly, I think something needs to change with the "Dark vs Light" dichotomy that is so prevalent in YA novels. Like people are finer shades of gray too...you know...example excerpt below:
She leaned forward and brushed a kiss to his lips, barely touching them with her own. “I gave much of myself to Callan,” she whispered, “but he doesn’t understand that sometimes the darkness is more comforting than the light. When I play, it comes from the part of me that grew in the darkness. Callan is all light. There is no room for my darkness.”
I'm officially done with this book. DNF. Another episode of her seducing Callan whilst Sorin is on the other side of the door. And I'm out.
So disappointing. Started out 4 stars, I even had the second book marked. Then my distaste for her just grew and grew. And right after Callan accuses Sorin of murdering children, her blades go swinging at Sorin YET AGAIN. Without PAUSING TO THINK ABOUT HIS CLAIM OR TRUSTING SORIN FOR A SECOND. and WHY DOES EVERay MALE LOVE THIS PSYCHO? tHERE'S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TORTURED, DARK HEROINE, AND THIS NUTCASE WHO NEVER PROCESSES INFORMATION BEFORE ZOOMING INTO ANOTHER BREAKDOWN FOR NO REASON.
Some additional thoughts below regarding the following quote:
"Will you be the woman I’ve been training? The sacrificing lover? Death’s Maiden let out of her cage?”
“I shall be whomever I need to be to get information from him,” Scarlett answered darkly. “Not that it’s any of your business.”
“Considering you all are commandeering my apartment to sneak the Crowned Prince into it, it most certainly is my business,” Sorin retorted. Scarlett pursed her lips, crossing her arms. He had a point. Then he asked, his tone a touch softer, “Have I not yet earned your trust?”
“It is not that I do not trust you, Sorin,” Scarlett said after a beat of silence. “It is that I have done some atrocious things, so much worse than allowing a prince to fall in love with me. And I fear… I fear how you will look at me when you hear that story.”
Somehow it doesn't feel that way to me. Somehow, it feels like Scarlett fell in love with the prince as well, and that her outburst and shaking afterward was because of her emotional pain after reliving all the love she had for him after visiting him. So why is she writing it off as just "using" him? As putting on some "mask" that he falls in love with?
April 4, 2024
I would have liked this better if everybody hated Scarlett instead of treating her like a coddled child the whole time.
Scarlett basically demands that Ryker train her and then punches him until he agrees. Then they bargain with each other so that they each give a truth at the end of each sparring session because they need to get to know each other??? I don't really know. I would have liked it better if they just trained and didn't talk but whatever. So Ryker gives her a bunch of details about his life (too many details sometimes I was like bro what are you doing shut up) and she lies about her favorite color 😂
Usually I'm okay with main characters being bitchy and not giving men anything but Scarlett had this habit of becoming enraged when Ryker refused to give her all the details that she begged for immediately. It started really pissing me off. If you're going to be secretive and vindictive, then you should afford that same grace to those around you instead of acting like an entitled brat.
And good lord, did everybody worship the ground this girl walked on. Even the guy that we were supposed to hate was absolutely obsessed with her. There were four other people within the manor that Scarlett was "trapped" in (how can I feel bad for someone that complains about being booked in a luxury hotel and can go anywhere she wants whenever she wants) and every last one of them acted like a single tear from her baby blues was the end of the world. And hey maybe that's the abandoned child in me crying out but I thought that Scarlett should go cry by herself for one night. Sue me.
Scarlett basically demands that Ryker train her and then punches him until he agrees. Then they bargain with each other so that they each give a truth at the end of each sparring session because they need to get to know each other??? I don't really know. I would have liked it better if they just trained and didn't talk but whatever. So Ryker gives her a bunch of details about his life (too many details sometimes I was like bro what are you doing shut up) and she lies about her favorite color 😂
Usually I'm okay with main characters being bitchy and not giving men anything but Scarlett had this habit of becoming enraged when Ryker refused to give her all the details that she begged for immediately. It started really pissing me off. If you're going to be secretive and vindictive, then you should afford that same grace to those around you instead of acting like an entitled brat.
And good lord, did everybody worship the ground this girl walked on. Even the guy that we were supposed to hate was absolutely obsessed with her. There were four other people within the manor that Scarlett was "trapped" in (how can I feel bad for someone that complains about being booked in a luxury hotel and can go anywhere she wants whenever she wants) and every last one of them acted like a single tear from her baby blues was the end of the world. And hey maybe that's the abandoned child in me crying out but I thought that Scarlett should go cry by herself for one night. Sue me.
January 26, 2025
This was a decent book. I liked it. I think I would have liked it even more if I hadn’t already read “Queen of Roses” by Briar Boleyn that had a lot of identical plot points. This book was published first and I highly doubt either author ripped off the other, but the bottom line is, I simply liked Queen of Roses more and I couldn’t help but compare the two.
I also felt a few major details were not explained well enough which had a negative impact on my overall opinion of the book. All the details she shared about her mother and her past were pretty fuzzy and I would have liked to have been given more clear reasoning for why she took her tonic daily, how her mother died, why her mother left, etc. I also needed a better explanation for why the assassin Lord and the King would be interested in her but not tell her what they knew about her, etc. It seemed like too many people were circling her and biding their time, but for what? Why wait and what was their plan in the long run?
She also has a relationship with a former lover that I felt was kind of just dropped on us. She is clearly interested in our MMC but she is still wrapped up in the idea of the other guy (even though she adamantly states they have no future together). This did bother me a bit since the rest of the book implies that her and the MMC are essentially “mates,” but what bothered me more was that I didn’t get any real glimpses or detailing of her relationship with the other guy to understand why she was so drawn to him. If the FMC shared some memories or flashbacks or gave the reader some reasoning for why he was hard for her to let go of, the entire plot would have been a lot more solid.
She has experienced some trauma and there is a point in the book where she starts spiraling and repeating the same thoughts over and over. I understood why the author did this, but I think she milked it a little too much. I was sick of reading those words by the end of the book. I saw the end coming and I’m sure it will all be explained in book two, but as a rule, I don’t love lies and betrayal, so he better have a really good reason for keeping those details from her. The whole formula of this book was pretty obvious to me. Nothing really made it stand out as unique in my opinion. I would probably read the second book if I stumble onto it, but I also won’t go out of my way or be upset if I never find out what’s next for these characters. 🤷🏼♀️
I also felt a few major details were not explained well enough which had a negative impact on my overall opinion of the book. All the details she shared about her mother and her past were pretty fuzzy and I would have liked to have been given more clear reasoning for why she took her tonic daily, how her mother died, why her mother left, etc. I also needed a better explanation for why the assassin Lord and the King would be interested in her but not tell her what they knew about her, etc. It seemed like too many people were circling her and biding their time, but for what? Why wait and what was their plan in the long run?
She also has a relationship with a former lover that I felt was kind of just dropped on us. She is clearly interested in our MMC but she is still wrapped up in the idea of the other guy (even though she adamantly states they have no future together). This did bother me a bit since the rest of the book implies that her and the MMC are essentially “mates,” but what bothered me more was that I didn’t get any real glimpses or detailing of her relationship with the other guy to understand why she was so drawn to him. If the FMC shared some memories or flashbacks or gave the reader some reasoning for why he was hard for her to let go of, the entire plot would have been a lot more solid.
She has experienced some trauma and there is a point in the book where she starts spiraling and repeating the same thoughts over and over. I understood why the author did this, but I think she milked it a little too much. I was sick of reading those words by the end of the book. I saw the end coming and I’m sure it will all be explained in book two, but as a rule, I don’t love lies and betrayal, so he better have a really good reason for keeping those details from her. The whole formula of this book was pretty obvious to me. Nothing really made it stand out as unique in my opinion. I would probably read the second book if I stumble onto it, but I also won’t go out of my way or be upset if I never find out what’s next for these characters. 🤷🏼♀️
March 10, 2022
I absolutely love this book! It had a lot of from blood to ash vibes but I loved that book and this was awesome too! Very well written. Can’t wait to pick up the second book.
August 12, 2024
The first half of this book was not good (like, I almost chose to DNF). I started this book in April and just finished it in June. However, the last half of this book was really, really good. And now...damn it all to hell...I think I have to keep reading this series (tbd).
I still hate all of the purring and seductive tones that legit every character seems to speak in, but it got really good and action-packed once we hit the ~50/60%. I did not like the FMC, Scarlett, for most of the book. However, once her full story and the horrors of her past trauma is explained, I started to feel for her a bit more and understand her. That said, all other characters are really well done, and Scarlett is the only one who behaves inconsistently for 500 pages. She's supposed to be this badass assassin who has been infamous since she was a teenager (Ok, Throne of Glass copycat), but her emotions are insanely volatile. She overreacts to everything and changes her emotions way too abruptly. Half the time I didn't even know what she was mad about, and then suddenly she would be purring seductively again. I understand she went through a ton of trauma and is a victim of really horrible acts, so I recognize that how she copes with that trauma might explain a lot of her behaviors. However, I think it was less of her trauma and more of the author writing her inconsistently as a character. It was like the author could not decide how she wanted Scarlett to act, and she would change Scarlett's attitude and reactions way too quickly. Scarlett would believe literally everything anyone told her and fly off the deep-end immediately. It was a bit exhausting, especially because the readers knew the full truth about who she and Sorin are for most of the book. These 2 did not communicate until legit the very end of the book. I especially got annoyed with Scarlett in the first 40% of the book when she was demanding all of these answers from Sorin and was legit slapping him across the face because he wouldn't answer her questions (unclear why she NEEDED to know who the woman was that he was speaking to), but she was offering literally no answers about herself to him. Reading those chapters were painful. I was stalled at the 31% mark for about 2 months (and I'm a fast reader). But, again, the book got SO much better after the midway point. Scarlett is still a little bit of a caricature in how she acts, and she's pretty stupid for someone who is supposed to be so cunning and smart, but the rest of the characters and the storyline are so well crafted. The world-building is just OK so far.
I've seen some people say that this is on par with how good ACOTAR is, but I would not agree with that. It's good, but not great so far. Scarlett is just too inconsistent and a bit unlikable. She's very cocky for someone who does not seem to have a lot to show for it. It is unclear to me how all of these powerful supernatural immortals seem to be consistently overpowered by 1 human man or why they couldn't just communicate about what was going on, but OK. There are also a few elements of this book that are complete copycats of Throne of Glass.
Please check triggers before starting this because there are heavy ones (murder of parents, violence, kidnapping, rape of FMC, death of children/orphans, torture, imprisonment, etc.)
I still hate all of the purring and seductive tones that legit every character seems to speak in, but it got really good and action-packed once we hit the ~50/60%. I did not like the FMC, Scarlett, for most of the book. However, once her full story and the horrors of her past trauma is explained, I started to feel for her a bit more and understand her. That said, all other characters are really well done, and Scarlett is the only one who behaves inconsistently for 500 pages. She's supposed to be this badass assassin who has been infamous since she was a teenager (Ok, Throne of Glass copycat), but her emotions are insanely volatile. She overreacts to everything and changes her emotions way too abruptly. Half the time I didn't even know what she was mad about, and then suddenly she would be purring seductively again. I understand she went through a ton of trauma and is a victim of really horrible acts, so I recognize that how she copes with that trauma might explain a lot of her behaviors. However, I think it was less of her trauma and more of the author writing her inconsistently as a character. It was like the author could not decide how she wanted Scarlett to act, and she would change Scarlett's attitude and reactions way too quickly. Scarlett would believe literally everything anyone told her and fly off the deep-end immediately. It was a bit exhausting, especially because the readers knew the full truth about who she and Sorin are for most of the book. These 2 did not communicate until legit the very end of the book. I especially got annoyed with Scarlett in the first 40% of the book when she was demanding all of these answers from Sorin and was legit slapping him across the face because he wouldn't answer her questions (unclear why she NEEDED to know who the woman was that he was speaking to), but she was offering literally no answers about herself to him. Reading those chapters were painful. I was stalled at the 31% mark for about 2 months (and I'm a fast reader). But, again, the book got SO much better after the midway point. Scarlett is still a little bit of a caricature in how she acts, and she's pretty stupid for someone who is supposed to be so cunning and smart, but the rest of the characters and the storyline are so well crafted. The world-building is just OK so far.
I've seen some people say that this is on par with how good ACOTAR is, but I would not agree with that. It's good, but not great so far. Scarlett is just too inconsistent and a bit unlikable. She's very cocky for someone who does not seem to have a lot to show for it. It is unclear to me how all of these powerful supernatural immortals seem to be consistently overpowered by 1 human man or why they couldn't just communicate about what was going on, but OK. There are also a few elements of this book that are complete copycats of Throne of Glass.
Please check triggers before starting this because there are heavy ones (murder of parents, violence, kidnapping, rape of FMC, death of children/orphans, torture, imprisonment, etc.)
January 17, 2022
This book was definitely something. I think it started out strong. We meet the MC Scarlett, she has an interesting mysterious past, and she is a strong character (Assassin, talks back, etc.). All things I love in a fantasy/romance novel. I'm a sucker for Mentor/mentee flirting and relationships... and then the book takes a turn for the worst and falls not flat but off a cliff...
All of a sudden this strong character falls apart. She is whining and demanding secrets from people that they can't give, yet will not tell any of her secrets or explain herself. She is hooking up with other characters and wonders why the H doesn't want to tell her everything.
She is supposed to be strong and take no shit, yet lets the Assassin leader beat her...? Her loved ones are threatened and instead of being strong, building a plan and getting herself out, she walks herself to a cage and cries about it. Her friends are the one who do all the rescuing and saving.
Then at the end idk she has a literal psychotic break because Sorin has not had the chance to tell her every single thing about his past. If she trusts him so much she won't kill him, give the man the damn chance to explains things in time without the dramatics.
I feel like if this could have been written the way I wanted it: When Sorin can't tell her the lady's name, why don't you ask why? Why don't you give a little on your end. Then when he lets some secrets out that are daunting, ok be mad, but don't become catatonic and unable to deal. Scream, vent, and put him in the dog house but don't cry about being betrayed. He literally was figuring things out as he went, its not like he knew from the beginning.
I honestly skimmed the last 40% because this book was too long and the last part was too much. I hope if Melissa R. is writing book 2, she give Scarlett a backbone because this chick is not an assassin, shes a 15 year old teenager who cries about everything, mopes around, and someone people still like her...
March 15, 2023
4.5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
“Much of what made me what I am today was forged in darkness, and it is a darkness I do not entirely wish to leave.”
“You would stay in the dark?”
“I would stay where I can see the stars,” she replied.
This is the start of a very promising series and such books remind me why I love fantasy romance so much.
Lady of Darkness won me over instantly and I took my sweet time devouring every page of it. It's a perfect read for readers who are looking for a story that is reminiscent of Throne of Glass and From Blood and Ash.
What to expect?
— New Adult Fantasy Romance
— Enemies-to-Friends-to-Lovers
— Slowburn Romance
— Found Family
— Trainer x Trainee
— FMC is a 19-year-old ruthless assassin
— Mortal and Fae Kingdoms and Courts
— Fae, Witches, Shifters, and more
— Secret identity and powers
Scarlett Monrhoe is one of the Wraiths of Death— a trio of ruthless female assassins. They were Death's Maiden, Death Incarnate, and Scarlett is Death's Shadow, their deadliest assassin.
Scarlett has known nothing but loneliness and misery, especially since her mother was killed at the hands of the Fae Fire Prince. Everything she had done is in the name of retribution for her mother's death.
Scarlett eventually puts all her plans aside to investigate the disappearance of children, mostly orphans and street children, from her home, also known as the Black Syndicate.
And unbeknownst to her, there could be a dangerous power that lies dormant within her blood.
With the help of her found family, love-struck prince, ans the maddening captain, all secrets and truths will reveal themselves in time for her. They will either break her or unleash her.
“Because sometimes we just need someone to sit with us in the darkness in the middle of the mess”
I'm intrigued by the world-building, the magic system, and the court politics which I'm excited to see more of in the next book!
What I adore about Scarlett is her vulnerable side. Under that deadly assassin you can almost see that tender heart of girl who fate had not treated kindly.
And the romance took it's time to develop but I wish certain things were resolved earlier.
I'm looking forward to more action and magic because I liked what I have seen so far.
In terms of spice since I get readers have priorities, I would say it's at 1.5/5 for now. There was a fade to black scene but also explicit making out sessions.
I would say that the miscommunication trope and the going back and forth with "I hate you" "I know" annoyed me so I hope we'll get less of that in the next time.
This was definitely a solid read for anyone in a slump or craving a good fantasy romance book.
Trigger Warnings: mention of off-page sexual assault, violence, death, grief, torture, chronic illness, PTSD,
“Much of what made me what I am today was forged in darkness, and it is a darkness I do not entirely wish to leave.”
“You would stay in the dark?”
“I would stay where I can see the stars,” she replied.
This is the start of a very promising series and such books remind me why I love fantasy romance so much.
Lady of Darkness won me over instantly and I took my sweet time devouring every page of it. It's a perfect read for readers who are looking for a story that is reminiscent of Throne of Glass and From Blood and Ash.
What to expect?
— New Adult Fantasy Romance
— Enemies-to-Friends-to-Lovers
— Slowburn Romance
— Found Family
— Trainer x Trainee
— FMC is a 19-year-old ruthless assassin
— Mortal and Fae Kingdoms and Courts
— Fae, Witches, Shifters, and more
— Secret identity and powers
Scarlett Monrhoe is one of the Wraiths of Death— a trio of ruthless female assassins. They were Death's Maiden, Death Incarnate, and Scarlett is Death's Shadow, their deadliest assassin.
Scarlett has known nothing but loneliness and misery, especially since her mother was killed at the hands of the Fae Fire Prince. Everything she had done is in the name of retribution for her mother's death.
Scarlett eventually puts all her plans aside to investigate the disappearance of children, mostly orphans and street children, from her home, also known as the Black Syndicate.
And unbeknownst to her, there could be a dangerous power that lies dormant within her blood.
With the help of her found family, love-struck prince, ans the maddening captain, all secrets and truths will reveal themselves in time for her. They will either break her or unleash her.
“Because sometimes we just need someone to sit with us in the darkness in the middle of the mess”
I'm intrigued by the world-building, the magic system, and the court politics which I'm excited to see more of in the next book!
What I adore about Scarlett is her vulnerable side. Under that deadly assassin you can almost see that tender heart of girl who fate had not treated kindly.
And the romance took it's time to develop but I wish certain things were resolved earlier.
I'm looking forward to more action and magic because I liked what I have seen so far.
In terms of spice since I get readers have priorities, I would say it's at 1.5/5 for now. There was a fade to black scene but also explicit making out sessions.
I would say that the miscommunication trope and the going back and forth with "I hate you" "I know" annoyed me so I hope we'll get less of that in the next time.
This was definitely a solid read for anyone in a slump or craving a good fantasy romance book.
Trigger Warnings: mention of off-page sexual assault, violence, death, grief, torture, chronic illness, PTSD,
August 20, 2023
basically the exact plot of throne of glass, but terrible
January 14, 2026
4.5 stars! This book had everything I need in an epic romantasy. Enemies to lovers, fae, detailed world-building, and strong characters is just the start.
Scarlett and her two sisters were raised to be ruthless assassins, but after tragedy, Scarlett has been biding her time for vengeance. And when the opportunity comes, she seizes it. Though her revenge plots are stalled when she rushes to solve a series of mysterious disappearances. Plus growing tensions in the kingdom and the possibility of magic will unravel Scarlett's secrets.
Found family in a fantasy book can be so hard to get right, but the author did an excellent job creating well-rounded characters. I was thoroughly invested in all of the main characters as well as their motivations and backstories. Even the villains too. I also loved how each character had a unique dynamic with every other character. And the side characters had distinct personalities as well.
Scarlett was a fantastic FMC. I adore these headstrong, confident, and short-tempered fantasy book FMCs. I loved her banter with the MMC as well. It didn't feel forced or too enemies-to-lovers "trope-y." And the dialogue, especially the romantic dialogue, felt natural.
The middle part was definitely on the slower side. It also felt like, at times, this was a prologue book to where the main story will lead in the sequels. Many of the reveals were predictable to the genre, but I honestly didn't care that they were. Though I enjoyed the gradual world-building instead of info-dumping the history, magic systems, religion, etc., all at once. And I can't wait to see more of the continent in the next books!
Scarlett and her two sisters were raised to be ruthless assassins, but after tragedy, Scarlett has been biding her time for vengeance. And when the opportunity comes, she seizes it. Though her revenge plots are stalled when she rushes to solve a series of mysterious disappearances. Plus growing tensions in the kingdom and the possibility of magic will unravel Scarlett's secrets.
Found family in a fantasy book can be so hard to get right, but the author did an excellent job creating well-rounded characters. I was thoroughly invested in all of the main characters as well as their motivations and backstories. Even the villains too. I also loved how each character had a unique dynamic with every other character. And the side characters had distinct personalities as well.
Scarlett was a fantastic FMC. I adore these headstrong, confident, and short-tempered fantasy book FMCs. I loved her banter with the MMC as well. It didn't feel forced or too enemies-to-lovers "trope-y." And the dialogue, especially the romantic dialogue, felt natural.
The middle part was definitely on the slower side. It also felt like, at times, this was a prologue book to where the main story will lead in the sequels. Many of the reveals were predictable to the genre, but I honestly didn't care that they were. Though I enjoyed the gradual world-building instead of info-dumping the history, magic systems, religion, etc., all at once. And I can't wait to see more of the continent in the next books!
February 27, 2023
The writing is horrible, can’t even do it.
March 27, 2025
I ATE THIS UP. i can absolutley understand why people compare this to TOG and while we had similar elements/tropes this still felt very much like it's own story. i have super high hopes for the rest of this series and i am super excited to see where this goes! i couldn't quite bump it to five stars because i found it incredibly predictable which took away any effect the multiple plot twists should have had on me, although, this could possibly be put down to the amount of fantasy/romantasy books i have read that include a lot of the same plot reveals?? REGARDLESS, this was enjoyable and i loved it.
January 28, 2022
Honestly. Not a huge fan of Scarlet. She's not particularly likable, but not in the fun way that people don't like a villain or a raging bitch, in the way that people don't like sniveling adolescent boys.
April 7, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
- post read -
was scarlett always that annoying??
- preread -
ANOTHER REREAD. somebody take my kindle. bye ✋😭
- post read -
was scarlett always that annoying??
- preread -
ANOTHER REREAD. somebody take my kindle. bye ✋😭
December 3, 2024
This really exceeded my expectations! I had heard this book wasn’t written nearly as well as The Legacy series so I went in with lower expectations, but this story is SO compelling!
Now, do I wish Scarlett wasn’t so stubborn? Of course, but she made for a great FMC, and I really enjoyed her POV’s.
Sorin, I was not sure of until around 45-ish% in, but now I am SAT for this man. I can’t wait to dive into book 2, and get more info on him and where he’s from.
I also am loving getting background on Eliza, still peeved at Nuri, and am confused about Callan, but intrigued.
This was a great read, and I completely suggest it if you’ve read the Legacy series but haven’t read this one! 4 stars ⭐️
Now, do I wish Scarlett wasn’t so stubborn? Of course, but she made for a great FMC, and I really enjoyed her POV’s.
Sorin, I was not sure of until around 45-ish% in, but now I am SAT for this man. I can’t wait to dive into book 2, and get more info on him and where he’s from.
I also am loving getting background on Eliza, still peeved at Nuri, and am confused about Callan, but intrigued.
This was a great read, and I completely suggest it if you’ve read the Legacy series but haven’t read this one! 4 stars ⭐️
March 31, 2023
3.5⭐️ sounds about right for me
Let me start by saying even though I’ve given this 3.5⭐️ the story was still enjoyable and the series has so much potential. Im just hoping it’s up from here. I will be continuing to book 2
Let’s start with the positives, I liked the world building, the stories of the different realms and how they all ended up sequestered, the fae queens and the different magical lands etc it was all very intriguing.
I liked Sorin and how level headed he was, I loved Nuri, she seemed like a baddie I wish we got more of her. Cassius was cool and Callan was sweet even though I felt bad for him. Character wise it was solid apart from 1…
I liked the idea of a strong assassin FMC with untold magic but unfortunately Scarlett was not a likeable character, she spent majority of the book crying out for Cassius, she also repeatedly said the lines “make it stop” & “don’t call me that” every other page.
Nuri was right about her being coddled by all the men in her life, everyone of them falling head over heels in love with her.
Then her being so dramatic about Sorin keeping things from her when she to kept a lot hidden from him majority of the book.
And for someone that claims to love her sisters and want to keep them safe, she sure does try to kill Nuri a lot.
There’s so much wrong with her character I could write examples for dayss. I just wish she was smarter, stronger and didn’t rely so heavily on the men around her.
I’m praying for character growth throughout the series because if book 2 is filled with “It hurts, make it stop Cassius/Sorin/Callan” I might not continue the series
It definitely felt like the beginning of a series rather than a whole book in itself and for the length of the book I really wish there was more going on because it ended up being really repetitive and dragged in the middle.
The first half of the book did feel like you were dropped in the middle of the story and you have so many questions and it feels like the characters all know something you don’t which I didn’t mind, I like mysteries and you do eventually get some answers so just stick it out.
Let me start by saying even though I’ve given this 3.5⭐️ the story was still enjoyable and the series has so much potential. Im just hoping it’s up from here. I will be continuing to book 2
Let’s start with the positives, I liked the world building, the stories of the different realms and how they all ended up sequestered, the fae queens and the different magical lands etc it was all very intriguing.
I liked Sorin and how level headed he was, I loved Nuri, she seemed like a baddie I wish we got more of her. Cassius was cool and Callan was sweet even though I felt bad for him. Character wise it was solid apart from 1…
I liked the idea of a strong assassin FMC with untold magic but unfortunately Scarlett was not a likeable character, she spent majority of the book crying out for Cassius, she also repeatedly said the lines “make it stop” & “don’t call me that” every other page.
Nuri was right about her being coddled by all the men in her life, everyone of them falling head over heels in love with her.
Then her being so dramatic about Sorin keeping things from her when she to kept a lot hidden from him majority of the book.
And for someone that claims to love her sisters and want to keep them safe, she sure does try to kill Nuri a lot.
There’s so much wrong with her character I could write examples for dayss. I just wish she was smarter, stronger and didn’t rely so heavily on the men around her.
I’m praying for character growth throughout the series because if book 2 is filled with “It hurts, make it stop Cassius/Sorin/Callan” I might not continue the series
It definitely felt like the beginning of a series rather than a whole book in itself and for the length of the book I really wish there was more going on because it ended up being really repetitive and dragged in the middle.
The first half of the book did feel like you were dropped in the middle of the story and you have so many questions and it feels like the characters all know something you don’t which I didn’t mind, I like mysteries and you do eventually get some answers so just stick it out.
August 16, 2024
I AM FREE!! This gave me a major headache. It's like a badly written Throne of Glass x FBAA crossover fanfiction. It was A MESS. Some secrets that I thought would've been cool if they were kept a little longer, were revealed within like 5 CHAPTERS. Almost everything was predictable af. There was no suspense, no tension. I was promised an enemies-to-lovers type shit but the hero was whipped from pretty much the first chapter.
The heroine is a tryhard Aelin wannabe. Except she sucks, and she's MEAN. To everyone. For no reason. I genuinely have no clue why anyone likes her. And trust me, EVERYBODY likes her. Everyone in this book pretty much bent over backward trying to save her. But the lack of depth from the writing and the world building made the whole thing laughable bc I genuinely had no idea why these people were so willing to risk their lives for her.
Idk about you but I personally wouldn't like someone who goes around slapping people she barely knows just because they keep secrets from her. Pls all she does is get mad, especially at the hero bc he keeps secrets from her, and she sees it as this GREAT BETRAYAL but they barely know each other!! He doesn't owe her shit. She even said it at one point when the hero got mad at her (for something I already forgot lol) that they've only known each other for like a month so he had no grounds to be upset. Practice what you preach girl holy hell. She also kept going back and forth between "i hate you" and "i wanna fuck you" with the hero I was rolling my eyes so hard.
There were also a lot of inconsistencies. The hero was described as this powerful fae with great fighting & survival skills and also GREAT hearing. But the heroine managed to follow him undetected ??? and then the dumbass hero proceeded to think to himself "how did that happen?" YOU TELL ME???? I thought you had good instincts and SUPER hearing ability ??! So I thought maybe the heroine was just that good at sneaking around. But then she constantly had to get help from people & barely did any badass fighting or whatever. She just went around and mope and cry and snap at people for trying to help her.
ANYWAYS. +1 star for the Juliette scene. The only character I liked.
The heroine is a tryhard Aelin wannabe. Except she sucks, and she's MEAN. To everyone. For no reason. I genuinely have no clue why anyone likes her. And trust me, EVERYBODY likes her. Everyone in this book pretty much bent over backward trying to save her. But the lack of depth from the writing and the world building made the whole thing laughable bc I genuinely had no idea why these people were so willing to risk their lives for her.
Idk about you but I personally wouldn't like someone who goes around slapping people she barely knows just because they keep secrets from her. Pls all she does is get mad, especially at the hero bc he keeps secrets from her, and she sees it as this GREAT BETRAYAL but they barely know each other!! He doesn't owe her shit. She even said it at one point when the hero got mad at her (for something I already forgot lol) that they've only known each other for like a month so he had no grounds to be upset. Practice what you preach girl holy hell. She also kept going back and forth between "i hate you" and "i wanna fuck you" with the hero I was rolling my eyes so hard.
There were also a lot of inconsistencies. The hero was described as this powerful fae with great fighting & survival skills and also GREAT hearing. But the heroine managed to follow him undetected ??? and then the dumbass hero proceeded to think to himself "how did that happen?" YOU TELL ME???? I thought you had good instincts and SUPER hearing ability ??! So I thought maybe the heroine was just that good at sneaking around. But then she constantly had to get help from people & barely did any badass fighting or whatever. She just went around and mope and cry and snap at people for trying to help her.
ANYWAYS. +1 star for the Juliette scene. The only character I liked.
May 24, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this because on one hand, was it entertaining? Yes definitely. On the other hand, were their times where the character motives were so questionable and the story lost some believability? Also yes.
The big character dynamic is interesting. I like how things were revealed. There was so much suspense. Scarlett’s trauma manifesting was so deep and visceral and her pain was felt through the page, but as one of the best assassins ever how did Mikale just bamboozle everyone? Why did the assassin lord just not care to protect his most important asset when he knew who she was the entire time? The plot holes were so confusing. And the magic was a little too convenient at times.
The big character dynamic is interesting. I like how things were revealed. There was so much suspense. Scarlett’s trauma manifesting was so deep and visceral and her pain was felt through the page, but as one of the best assassins ever how did Mikale just bamboozle everyone? Why did the assassin lord just not care to protect his most important asset when he knew who she was the entire time? The plot holes were so confusing. And the magic was a little too convenient at times.
December 18, 2023
3.87!
Okay maybe comparing it to tog and having my expectations high wasn't really the best part because don't get me wrong this is one solid debut but it had some problems.
The writing? Amazing, delicious, immersive.
The plot? Confusing, somewhat developed, long.
The romance? WEIRD, Hot?? But also swoony.
The action? Minimal, robbed.
Okay yes considering the main character was an assassin I had hoped we got some more action!!
The concept was really great and luckily didn't fall short to the problems that most book fall into which is almost writing a book which is completely similar to an sjm book.
The romance between Scarlett and sorin was very weird because I don't see romances like this inost fantasies but it was hate to love where she hate fucks sorin but also callan the prince who she has no feelings for. I wasn't a fan of it to begin with but I grew into it after it developed and one solid relationship was formed.
The characters can be better their arcs are in shape. They just need execution which is understandable because there are like 5 books. I just hope she handles the romance well. I felt like it was very hard for me to like scarlet but also I loved how on depth her character was and the reason she was the way she was. I just need that for the other characters as well.
The problems that I had with this book was the plot and the length which co related because this book consists of 604 pages which i felt like was ALOT the plot didn't move exactly in sync with the length and the slow pacing didn't help. Some parts were dragged and some were info dumped. I also wanted some plot twists because it would've been so good the reveals were wowing which leads me to my final problem. There was nothing groundbreaking.
Buttttt some stuff are planned and in place just waiting to be executed book after book which may make this series a five star series because the writing is good and the overall plot, story and characters have immense potential because we know most of the problems are gonna go by book 2.
I would recommend it though it was a good experience.
~~~
I heard this is like throne of glass but adult and i love throne of glass so THIS BETTER LIVE UPTO IT..
Okay maybe comparing it to tog and having my expectations high wasn't really the best part because don't get me wrong this is one solid debut but it had some problems.
The writing? Amazing, delicious, immersive.
The plot? Confusing, somewhat developed, long.
The romance? WEIRD, Hot?? But also swoony.
The action? Minimal, robbed.
Okay yes considering the main character was an assassin I had hoped we got some more action!!
The concept was really great and luckily didn't fall short to the problems that most book fall into which is almost writing a book which is completely similar to an sjm book.
The romance between Scarlett and sorin was very weird because I don't see romances like this inost fantasies but it was hate to love where she hate fucks sorin but also callan the prince who she has no feelings for. I wasn't a fan of it to begin with but I grew into it after it developed and one solid relationship was formed.
The characters can be better their arcs are in shape. They just need execution which is understandable because there are like 5 books. I just hope she handles the romance well. I felt like it was very hard for me to like scarlet but also I loved how on depth her character was and the reason she was the way she was. I just need that for the other characters as well.
The problems that I had with this book was the plot and the length which co related because this book consists of 604 pages which i felt like was ALOT the plot didn't move exactly in sync with the length and the slow pacing didn't help. Some parts were dragged and some were info dumped. I also wanted some plot twists because it would've been so good the reveals were wowing which leads me to my final problem. There was nothing groundbreaking.
Buttttt some stuff are planned and in place just waiting to be executed book after book which may make this series a five star series because the writing is good and the overall plot, story and characters have immense potential because we know most of the problems are gonna go by book 2.
I would recommend it though it was a good experience.
~~~
I heard this is like throne of glass but adult and i love throne of glass so THIS BETTER LIVE UPTO IT..
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