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Of Magic and Contempt #1
Beneath Contempt
Dean, Ryan, Oz, Nick and Justin — The Apex. Five of the most sought after shifter-familiars in the country. They’re already an unconventional pack of their own. A lion, two wolves and two dragons; witches everywhere would have given their right arm to bond them.
Held within the confines of the famed Adolphus Academy, where witches went to learn beast taming magic, their only hope of freedom was to challenge a witch strong enough to defeat their beasts.
Trapped until they are bonded, their future and sanity may just rest in the hands of a newly arrived first year student.
As the strongest witch they’d seen in generations, Melody had been bound by her Aunt Georgia in their once prestigious coven, forced to bond and break every shifter they could find. Along with them, she was subjected to cruelty and neglect.
Confined in abject misery, enslaved by a madwoman, Melody was unable to even imagine an end to their torture.
Yet fate and her aunt had other plans. At twenty-five, she was just coming into her majority, and Melody would be sent to Adolphus Academy, where she had to find and bond the members of The Apex. If she failed to do so, she would die. If she succeeded — they did.
How could Melody free these men, without enslaving them to another?
**Warning, this is a dark reverse harem story with elements that may cause some readers distress, including but not limited to descriptions of physical abuse, neglect and death. Please consider carefully before purchasing. Not intended for readers under the age of 18.**
Held within the confines of the famed Adolphus Academy, where witches went to learn beast taming magic, their only hope of freedom was to challenge a witch strong enough to defeat their beasts.
Trapped until they are bonded, their future and sanity may just rest in the hands of a newly arrived first year student.
As the strongest witch they’d seen in generations, Melody had been bound by her Aunt Georgia in their once prestigious coven, forced to bond and break every shifter they could find. Along with them, she was subjected to cruelty and neglect.
Confined in abject misery, enslaved by a madwoman, Melody was unable to even imagine an end to their torture.
Yet fate and her aunt had other plans. At twenty-five, she was just coming into her majority, and Melody would be sent to Adolphus Academy, where she had to find and bond the members of The Apex. If she failed to do so, she would die. If she succeeded — they did.
How could Melody free these men, without enslaving them to another?
**Warning, this is a dark reverse harem story with elements that may cause some readers distress, including but not limited to descriptions of physical abuse, neglect and death. Please consider carefully before purchasing. Not intended for readers under the age of 18.**
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2020
498 people are currently reading
1136 people want to read
About the author
Jade Thorn
34 books329 followersHi!
I'm "Jade" (pen name only). I'm a stay at home mother to three gorgeous young children. I've been writing stories since I was a little girl, but I have never had the confidence to share them. Finally a friend talked me into publishing something, so, "Siren" was born.
I ask you to be kind in your reviews. I know that you may not like what I write, but it doesn't mean that you have to be nasty about it. I don't understand people who feel the need to do that. My books cost less than a cup of coffee. If you didn't like the coffee, would you abuse the person who served you?
I like to "meet" my followers and get to know them. You can find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jade.thorn.944/
I look forward to sharing my journey with you.
Jade
xoxo
I'm "Jade" (pen name only). I'm a stay at home mother to three gorgeous young children. I've been writing stories since I was a little girl, but I have never had the confidence to share them. Finally a friend talked me into publishing something, so, "Siren" was born.
I ask you to be kind in your reviews. I know that you may not like what I write, but it doesn't mean that you have to be nasty about it. I don't understand people who feel the need to do that. My books cost less than a cup of coffee. If you didn't like the coffee, would you abuse the person who served you?
I like to "meet" my followers and get to know them. You can find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jade.thorn.944/
I look forward to sharing my journey with you.
Jade
xoxo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
March 2, 2023
Reread:1/2/23
4 Stars
Loved this book!!! The entire concept was very intriguing. Can't wait to read more of Jade Thorns work
4 Stars
Loved this book!!! The entire concept was very intriguing. Can't wait to read more of Jade Thorns work
September 12, 2022
I couldn’t connect with any characters or distinguish who was who, everyone was so one dimensional and cliche… I wanted to love this book, in fact, I was pretty convinced that it was going to be a 4 or 5 stars with this amazing premise and well… Nope. The pacing was so slow, and it was BORING! I want to know more about Melody and this world but I can’t put myself through this again, overall this book was decent and interesting but it needs serious editing.
March 19, 2021
'I have been alone in the darkness for so long. Thank you for shining your light and finding me.'
Dark, heartbreaking and full of feeling, this book grabbed me from the very first chapter and kept me hooked until the very end. I read it in one sitting and jumped straight into the sequel because I simply had to know what happens next.
As the strongest witch they’d seen in generations, Melody had been bound by her Aunt Georgia in their once prestigious coven Bestia. Bound from the small age of 4, after the murder of her mother, with hundreds of geasan, one upon the other, to ensure her obedience and cut off any possible way of escape.
Confined in abject misery, tortured and enslaved by a madwoman, Melody was forced to bond and break every shifter they could find then be a silent witness to their seemingly endless torture.
'The only thing she had learned from her coven was how to duck, hide, and lie very well. She'd learned to endure pain, to clean something to within an inch of its existence, and never to grow attached to anything. She had learned to survive starvation, to exist in the shadows and to fear everything to do with her coven. But most of all, she'd learned to hate bonding shifters. She couldn't call them familiars, for they weren't hers. Not in any way that would protect them.'
Her suffering, pain and sorrow brought tears to my eyes in the very first chapter. Because they are absolutely heart-breaking!
'As the powerhouse of the coven, Melody wouldn't be permitted to die for a very long time. There were times, however, when she almost broke. When she almost wished she could.'
And the aunt wants more! When Melody reaches the age of 25 she's sent to the renowned Adolphus Academy and tasked with finding and bonding the members of The Apex -the most powerful Alpha shifters there: two dragons, two alpha wolves and an alpha lion.
If she failed to do so, she would die. If she succeeded — they did.
For Melody, this academy was a new opportunity, a chance to get out of her aunt's clutches. And yet, there was a chance it would be only a different kind of hell.
Her colleagues seem to hate her and even when she tries to make herself practically invisible by avoiding everyone at all times, the members of the Apex seem determined to get to her.
Dean, Ryan, Oz, Nick and Justin — The Apex - are five of the most sought after shifter-familiars in the country. They’re already an unconventional pack of their own: a lion, two wolves and two dragons. Witches everywhere would have given their right arm to bond them but Melody tries her damnedest to avoid them.
Held within the confines of the famed Adolphus Academy, where witches went to learn beast taming magic, the Apex's only hope of freedom was to challenge a witch strong enough to defeat their beasts. Is it a wonder then that they do their damnedest to get Melody to accept them, as soon as they get her scent?
Trapped until they are bonded, their future and sanity rest in the hands of this newly arrived first year student who seems to be the only witch who doesn't want them. But freedom is something the Apex don't want to give up on, especially when dangled in front of their noses. And Melody ends up bonded with one of them despite her misgivings.
Melody knew she was supposed to be keeping her distance from her new shifter emotionally but, 'for better or for worse, this time it wouldn't work. Dean was already winding himself around her heart and she no longer had the strength to resist.'
And she desperately starts looking for a way to keep everyone safe from 'the clusterfuck that was her life'. Because her shifter had finally given her a reason to fight and to keep fighting. She had to keep him and the others safe!
If she will succeed and how she'll do it, or if the rest of the Apex will be able to convince her to bond them too, I'll leave that for you to find out. But be ready for one hell of a ride.
Beautifully written and nicely paced, this dark academy read features a little older characters and a lot of dark themes. No smutt, despite being an RH, but a hell lot of feeling! From longing and sorrow to pain and despair, from gentle affection to unconditional love - we get to experience all of it within the pages of this book here. I absolutely loved the feeling. The gentleness, sweetness and care big bad predators offer unconditionally to the witch that holds their heart.... - my word! So beautifully rendered!! I absolutely LOVED that!
The world and setting could have done with a bit more fleshing out, and yet, this didn't take away from the charm of the tale. which is so gripping and addictive and full of all the feels that you can't help but be entranced.
The emotional make-up of all main characters, as well as some of the side ones is fabulous. I can honestly say I love both Melody and her shifters just as much. And as far as side characters go, Mrs Hardinger is one lady I'd love to have as my best friend!
'The woman swears like a trooper, tells it how it is, and frankly, is one of the funniest people I've ever met.' She is absolutely fabulous!
All in all, because I already held you too much, Beneath Contempt is an unforgettable tale that will appeal to all dark fantasy fans out there. It has a solid and absolutely intriguing edge of the seat plot, great characters, as well as all the feels! It's a very slow burn romance with no insta love and no smutty hot scenes, but jampacked with exquisitely rendered emotion and feeling! I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it to any and all readers out there in search for a gripping and addictive read.
But make sure you have book two close at hand, because you'll definitely want to know what
happens next. :D
Happy reading everyone
and
'listen to your heart'.
Dark, heartbreaking and full of feeling, this book grabbed me from the very first chapter and kept me hooked until the very end. I read it in one sitting and jumped straight into the sequel because I simply had to know what happens next.
As the strongest witch they’d seen in generations, Melody had been bound by her Aunt Georgia in their once prestigious coven Bestia. Bound from the small age of 4, after the murder of her mother, with hundreds of geasan, one upon the other, to ensure her obedience and cut off any possible way of escape.
Confined in abject misery, tortured and enslaved by a madwoman, Melody was forced to bond and break every shifter they could find then be a silent witness to their seemingly endless torture.
'The only thing she had learned from her coven was how to duck, hide, and lie very well. She'd learned to endure pain, to clean something to within an inch of its existence, and never to grow attached to anything. She had learned to survive starvation, to exist in the shadows and to fear everything to do with her coven. But most of all, she'd learned to hate bonding shifters. She couldn't call them familiars, for they weren't hers. Not in any way that would protect them.'
Her suffering, pain and sorrow brought tears to my eyes in the very first chapter. Because they are absolutely heart-breaking!
'As the powerhouse of the coven, Melody wouldn't be permitted to die for a very long time. There were times, however, when she almost broke. When she almost wished she could.'
And the aunt wants more! When Melody reaches the age of 25 she's sent to the renowned Adolphus Academy and tasked with finding and bonding the members of The Apex -the most powerful Alpha shifters there: two dragons, two alpha wolves and an alpha lion.
If she failed to do so, she would die. If she succeeded — they did.
For Melody, this academy was a new opportunity, a chance to get out of her aunt's clutches. And yet, there was a chance it would be only a different kind of hell.
Her colleagues seem to hate her and even when she tries to make herself practically invisible by avoiding everyone at all times, the members of the Apex seem determined to get to her.
Dean, Ryan, Oz, Nick and Justin — The Apex - are five of the most sought after shifter-familiars in the country. They’re already an unconventional pack of their own: a lion, two wolves and two dragons. Witches everywhere would have given their right arm to bond them but Melody tries her damnedest to avoid them.
Held within the confines of the famed Adolphus Academy, where witches went to learn beast taming magic, the Apex's only hope of freedom was to challenge a witch strong enough to defeat their beasts. Is it a wonder then that they do their damnedest to get Melody to accept them, as soon as they get her scent?
Trapped until they are bonded, their future and sanity rest in the hands of this newly arrived first year student who seems to be the only witch who doesn't want them. But freedom is something the Apex don't want to give up on, especially when dangled in front of their noses. And Melody ends up bonded with one of them despite her misgivings.
Melody knew she was supposed to be keeping her distance from her new shifter emotionally but, 'for better or for worse, this time it wouldn't work. Dean was already winding himself around her heart and she no longer had the strength to resist.'
And she desperately starts looking for a way to keep everyone safe from 'the clusterfuck that was her life'. Because her shifter had finally given her a reason to fight and to keep fighting. She had to keep him and the others safe!
If she will succeed and how she'll do it, or if the rest of the Apex will be able to convince her to bond them too, I'll leave that for you to find out. But be ready for one hell of a ride.
Beautifully written and nicely paced, this dark academy read features a little older characters and a lot of dark themes. No smutt, despite being an RH, but a hell lot of feeling! From longing and sorrow to pain and despair, from gentle affection to unconditional love - we get to experience all of it within the pages of this book here. I absolutely loved the feeling. The gentleness, sweetness and care big bad predators offer unconditionally to the witch that holds their heart.... - my word! So beautifully rendered!! I absolutely LOVED that!
The world and setting could have done with a bit more fleshing out, and yet, this didn't take away from the charm of the tale. which is so gripping and addictive and full of all the feels that you can't help but be entranced.
The emotional make-up of all main characters, as well as some of the side ones is fabulous. I can honestly say I love both Melody and her shifters just as much. And as far as side characters go, Mrs Hardinger is one lady I'd love to have as my best friend!
'The woman swears like a trooper, tells it how it is, and frankly, is one of the funniest people I've ever met.' She is absolutely fabulous!
All in all, because I already held you too much, Beneath Contempt is an unforgettable tale that will appeal to all dark fantasy fans out there. It has a solid and absolutely intriguing edge of the seat plot, great characters, as well as all the feels! It's a very slow burn romance with no insta love and no smutty hot scenes, but jampacked with exquisitely rendered emotion and feeling! I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it to any and all readers out there in search for a gripping and addictive read.
But make sure you have book two close at hand, because you'll definitely want to know what
happens next. :D
Happy reading everyone
and
'listen to your heart'.
April 19, 2021
This book is boring, drags a lot, the characters are whiny af, typical rh where all the girls are bad and bullies the heroine and all the guys wants her.....literally i mean i think like this book is the leader...the top of typical highschool/college books cuz legit ALL and i mean ALL the guys want her and ALL literally ALL the girls bully her. 10 girls jumped on her cuz the “popular” guys want her. But there is something about this book that was interesting until it was not, i mean there is no plot actually but i couldnt really dnf cuz i wanted to know what happens next...and nothing does so there is the disappointment. This story is about Melody who is a really powerful witch but her aunt abused her from when she was 4 and uses her for capturing shifter so their coven can be the most powerful. Melody really cant go against her aunt cuz her aunt used magic on her where she cant defend herself or betray the coven. Her aunt wants to be powerful using Melody which is why she send her to a magic university to mate with the most powerful shifters, 2 dragons, 2 wolves and a lion and bring them to the coven so they can use them but Melody tries to do the opposite of it cuz she doesnt want to hurt the guys so, she runs away from the guys but they finally learn the truth of her life and her aunt’s motive and tries to help her. I liked how Dean chased Melody while she was trying to run from him but thats it, its a 400 pages of dragging the plot and boring dialogue. The author didnt handle the abuse and PTSD nicely cuz Melody from age 4-25 never left her house and was abused badly but then she suddenly she is sent outside and she is okay...like it was unrealistic and weird, Cuz she literally never left her home, when she goes to the university everyone wants her and she is just okay. There are like 2 parts of the book, 20% of her coven abusing her, 80% of her running from her mates...the end.
August 16, 2020
Sometimes a book can have a terrible plot (or no plot!) and you can still be engaged because the characters are great. And sometimes, the characters are flat but the plot is intriguing.
Beneath Contempt falls into the latter category. I wanted to know how Melody would get out from under her Aunt's geasan and reform clan Bestia. I messaged my friend, who recommended it to me, and gave her theories about how Melody could get around the geasan placed on her. That's what I wanted to see, because the characters bored me.
Melody is bland. I get that she's been tortured since she was four, but she was a complete non-entity. Even when she had her power play in the locker room over Shawna and her cronies, I felt like it was out of character. It would be like if Sang told someone to fuck off. Melody is a meek little mouse who is still doing what she's told (although this time by hot guys instead of her aunt) and is a snooze to read about. I can't believe she's twenty-five. I'd have guessed sixteen at most.
The guys aren't much better. None of them have personalities. They're basically there. I couldn't even muster up the energy to choose a favourite because they all read the same.
The world-building is minimal. I don't know how the magic works, or how the dragons are thousands of years old, yet confined to an academy, forced to take the same classes over and over. All I know is that witches see shifters as inferior and mate with them anyway. Okay? (Except Melody, of course. She's the only one in the world with empathy.)
Nothing got resolved. The last quarter of the book felt like events being summarized. I know it was mostly Melody studying and attending classes, but something could have been played out. I felt like I was reading the Cliffnotes version of the story instead of the actual story.
Only rated this three stars because I liked the plot and I want to see how Melody takes her aunt down (and hopefully throws every last bitch out of the Bestia Coven. I don't know how Melody's mom allowed such vile women in, because I doubt every single one of them suddenly went to shit when Georgia took control).
Beneath Contempt falls into the latter category. I wanted to know how Melody would get out from under her Aunt's geasan and reform clan Bestia. I messaged my friend, who recommended it to me, and gave her theories about how Melody could get around the geasan placed on her. That's what I wanted to see, because the characters bored me.
Melody is bland. I get that she's been tortured since she was four, but she was a complete non-entity. Even when she had her power play in the locker room over Shawna and her cronies, I felt like it was out of character. It would be like if Sang told someone to fuck off. Melody is a meek little mouse who is still doing what she's told (although this time by hot guys instead of her aunt) and is a snooze to read about. I can't believe she's twenty-five. I'd have guessed sixteen at most.
The guys aren't much better. None of them have personalities. They're basically there. I couldn't even muster up the energy to choose a favourite because they all read the same.
The world-building is minimal. I don't know how the magic works, or how the dragons are thousands of years old, yet confined to an academy, forced to take the same classes over and over. All I know is that witches see shifters as inferior and mate with them anyway. Okay? (Except Melody, of course. She's the only one in the world with empathy.)
Nothing got resolved. The last quarter of the book felt like events being summarized. I know it was mostly Melody studying and attending classes, but something could have been played out. I felt like I was reading the Cliffnotes version of the story instead of the actual story.
Only rated this three stars because I liked the plot and I want to see how Melody takes her aunt down (and hopefully throws every last bitch out of the Bestia Coven. I don't know how Melody's mom allowed such vile women in, because I doubt every single one of them suddenly went to shit when Georgia took control).
September 3, 2020
This was quite interesting, I haven't read a good RH in a while and I wasn't expecting this one to be any different, I am happy to be wrong. The premise is great, our witch is very powerful but she can't do much with that power because shes had numerous geas put on her since birth which she can't break so she is bound and controlled. When she is sent to the Academy to get shifters that would be enslaved she found ways to avoid them so she doesn't subject them to slavery. I liked her resourcefulness.
I also liked the POVs from the guys that will be in her harem. Can't wait to read the next book.
I also liked the POVs from the guys that will be in her harem. Can't wait to read the next book.
April 19, 2021
Things I didn’t like:
• Told in 3rd person (but that’s just a preference)
• Characters lacking in any emotion or personality whatsoever.
• No distinction between anyone, nor does it explain what anyone looks like. In the beginning of the book, we’re giving names and descriptions of these twin shifters, who I assume are going to be apart of the harem. Turns out, they were literally never mentioned again, and yet they were the most memorable.
At one point someone had said “Justin is the cranky one.” First off, I couldn’t even remember who Justin was, and secondly, there was zero times Justin ever acted cranky. So, that was random.
• Almost too descriptive sometimes. Like I feel she would have spent an entire chapter describing a lamp, instead of describing these men, or even the heroine.
Things I liked:
• The plot itself is amazing! Gives me Harry Potter vibes.
That’s is all. I will not be continuing the series.
• Told in 3rd person (but that’s just a preference)
• Characters lacking in any emotion or personality whatsoever.
• No distinction between anyone, nor does it explain what anyone looks like. In the beginning of the book, we’re giving names and descriptions of these twin shifters, who I assume are going to be apart of the harem. Turns out, they were literally never mentioned again, and yet they were the most memorable.
At one point someone had said “Justin is the cranky one.” First off, I couldn’t even remember who Justin was, and secondly, there was zero times Justin ever acted cranky. So, that was random.
• Almost too descriptive sometimes. Like I feel she would have spent an entire chapter describing a lamp, instead of describing these men, or even the heroine.
Things I liked:
• The plot itself is amazing! Gives me Harry Potter vibes.
That’s is all. I will not be continuing the series.
February 19, 2021
I'm going to DNF this one for a couple of reasons. First, it switches between 3rd and 1st person too much and too randomly. 2ndly this really lacks any semblance of world-building. There are just no descriptions, you really have no idea what any of the characters look like. I liked the idea of the plot but the execution is just not working for me.
January 21, 2021
Glimmers of genius
Melody is a remarkably powerful young witch. Her power attracts equally powerful shifters to flock around her. Her coven life is less than ideal and that puts all of her allies in danger.
So, right out of the gate I'm immediately invested in the plot and the characters. The concept is gold, I love everything about it. At 11% im bawling my eyes out at the injustice and hating the "bad guy" more than I can recall hating any book bad guy in a VERY long time. The author does an amazing job pulling me in and getting me invested in what's going on.
Unfortunately, that's where the good news ends. It actually makes me mad because everything I have to complain about is easily fixable with a good editor. There are plot holes big enough to fit the empire state building in, there are redundant statements and repetition of sentences and paragraphs everywhere, and there is nearly zero character building.
The plot holes are crazy. Without a lot of spoilers I can't go into detail but there are facts that are stated that contradict things that occure in the story. Events happen that have unexplained reasoning and are counter to what we have been told. *spoiler* For example, it is stated that ALL shifters go to a warded academy at the age of 18, that they CANNOT LEAVE even if they are centuries old dragons, untill they are bound to a witch. So, where the ever loving ef did CRAIG come from???? WTF? Not only Craig but the other shifters in the basement. Also, if the dragons are so desperate to leave, why train to be more powerful so noone can beat them? I mean Shawna is horrible but surely over the last how ever many hundreds of years there's been some other option. I could go on about plot hole examples for hours...
The repetition of statements is out of control. Within the first 10% there is a word for word copy pasted paragraph with in a chapter or so of the other. There are sentences and assertions that are repeated over and over again throughout the whole book.
The worst part might be the lack of interaction and character development though. The first thing I noticed was that I think we get the hair color of one guy near the begining and the ZERO OTHER PHYICAL DESCRIPTION OF ANYONE AT ALL for the rest of the book. I have NO idea what anyone looks like. I think near the beginning one of the dragons has blond hair and then at 80% i found out Melody has shoulder length brown hair. The shifters eyes sometimes change to look animalistic gold, silver, or with a vertical pupil but I have no idea of the builds, eye color, or hair color of any of the people and no physical description of the shifted forms of the animals other than the lion. Spoiler -he looks like a lion... (ok that's not really a spoiler, I was being sarcastic.) The personalities were also a little flat. We didn't get very much time getting to know the guys. Dean got the most "screen time" but even with him there wasn't very much character building. I would have really really liked to have seem more, or ANY, from any of the guys.
In conclusion the concept was amazing and there were glimmers of brilliance. The best parts of this book eclipsed most of the books I've read in the last year (so better than the last 200+ books I've read). The writing really pulled at my emotions which I love but because the content editing was so bad it turned what could easily have been a 5 star book that I raved about to all my friends and highly recommended into a deeply flawed 3 star.
Its so so so sad because with a few minor content fixes this could have been a true gem.
Melody is a remarkably powerful young witch. Her power attracts equally powerful shifters to flock around her. Her coven life is less than ideal and that puts all of her allies in danger.
So, right out of the gate I'm immediately invested in the plot and the characters. The concept is gold, I love everything about it. At 11% im bawling my eyes out at the injustice and hating the "bad guy" more than I can recall hating any book bad guy in a VERY long time. The author does an amazing job pulling me in and getting me invested in what's going on.
Unfortunately, that's where the good news ends. It actually makes me mad because everything I have to complain about is easily fixable with a good editor. There are plot holes big enough to fit the empire state building in, there are redundant statements and repetition of sentences and paragraphs everywhere, and there is nearly zero character building.
The plot holes are crazy. Without a lot of spoilers I can't go into detail but there are facts that are stated that contradict things that occure in the story. Events happen that have unexplained reasoning and are counter to what we have been told. *spoiler* For example, it is stated that ALL shifters go to a warded academy at the age of 18, that they CANNOT LEAVE even if they are centuries old dragons, untill they are bound to a witch. So, where the ever loving ef did CRAIG come from???? WTF? Not only Craig but the other shifters in the basement. Also, if the dragons are so desperate to leave, why train to be more powerful so noone can beat them? I mean Shawna is horrible but surely over the last how ever many hundreds of years there's been some other option. I could go on about plot hole examples for hours...
The repetition of statements is out of control. Within the first 10% there is a word for word copy pasted paragraph with in a chapter or so of the other. There are sentences and assertions that are repeated over and over again throughout the whole book.
The worst part might be the lack of interaction and character development though. The first thing I noticed was that I think we get the hair color of one guy near the begining and the ZERO OTHER PHYICAL DESCRIPTION OF ANYONE AT ALL for the rest of the book. I have NO idea what anyone looks like. I think near the beginning one of the dragons has blond hair and then at 80% i found out Melody has shoulder length brown hair. The shifters eyes sometimes change to look animalistic gold, silver, or with a vertical pupil but I have no idea of the builds, eye color, or hair color of any of the people and no physical description of the shifted forms of the animals other than the lion. Spoiler -he looks like a lion... (ok that's not really a spoiler, I was being sarcastic.) The personalities were also a little flat. We didn't get very much time getting to know the guys. Dean got the most "screen time" but even with him there wasn't very much character building. I would have really really liked to have seem more, or ANY, from any of the guys.
In conclusion the concept was amazing and there were glimmers of brilliance. The best parts of this book eclipsed most of the books I've read in the last year (so better than the last 200+ books I've read). The writing really pulled at my emotions which I love but because the content editing was so bad it turned what could easily have been a 5 star book that I raved about to all my friends and highly recommended into a deeply flawed 3 star.
Its so so so sad because with a few minor content fixes this could have been a true gem.
January 24, 2021
I just read a whole lot of.....nothing. I have never seen a book so long but filled with absolutely nothing. There is a plot: bad guy hurts good guy. But that’s it. The characters, all of them, are boring. Bland. I don’t know what any of them look like, what they like, they have no personality. We are TOLD that they spend time together but we don’t get to EXPERIENCE them building their relationship up. Each character is just a name, completely interchangeable. World building? Forget it. There’s nothing. You have a vague sense of the relationship between shifter and witch and that’s it.
This had so much potential if only the writer had put more effort into engaging the reader into this world. We need descriptions of the universe that’s created, of the people in it, of their interactions. This had none of that. Just the same repeat of “if I say this I get hurt. Must end this blah blah blaaaaahhhhh”.
This had so much potential if only the writer had put more effort into engaging the reader into this world. We need descriptions of the universe that’s created, of the people in it, of their interactions. This had none of that. Just the same repeat of “if I say this I get hurt. Must end this blah blah blaaaaahhhhh”.
July 9, 2020
This book SHOCKED me with how good it was! Like it was a bit outside of my reading comfort zone, but I love the author so I gave it a shot... And I was completely blown away. I loved this book so much and I need more of this world and these characters in my life!
July 11, 2020
The world building, fantasy storytelling and the beautiful charachter development made me finish this book in one sitting!! I couldn't put it down!
Highly highly highly recommend, this is my first book of jade thorn's but I'm now ready to go devour all her others!
Highly highly highly recommend, this is my first book of jade thorn's but I'm now ready to go devour all her others!
July 2, 2020
This was an excellent book with fabulous world building and deeply engaging and believable characters. I loved the FMC from the beginning and only admired her more as the story progressed. The men are interesting and lovable for their protective natures as well as their power and prowess. This is a slow burn for sure but the action and intrigue mote than make up for it. I’m only sad I’ll have to wait so long for the second and third books. I’m ready to see Melody and her men achieve some triumphs and get some payback as well as deepening their relationships.
February 24, 2021
The concept for this book was interesting, but the actual book was just okay.
I made it to 73% and just couldn't read any more.
Beneath Contempt is about a witch, Melody, who is extremely powerful. Her mother dies when she is young, and, right as she is dying, she passes her magic to her daughter rather than her sister. Georgia, Melody's aunt, takes her frustration of not inheriting the matriarchal magic out on Melody and essentially tortures her from age 4 to 25 when Melody is sent off to an academy to study shifter magic and whatever else they teach (I can't remember tbh). Melody's aunt sends her there to bond with the powerful Apex shifters - a lion, two wolves, and two dragons. The Apex have been at the academy from anywhere between a millennium to a decade (the dragons being there the longest and the lion being there the shortest amount of time) because no witch has been strong enough to beat them in a challenge, so they are bound to the school until they are bonded with a witch. However, before sending her to the school, her aunt puts a bunch of gaesan on Melody. The new stronger gaes, in addition to the ones she's been forcing on her since she was four, make it impossible for Melody to warn anyone or do anything to stop her aunts plans.
So, while they idea is interesting... the book got pretty boring, pretty quick. It is extremely repetitive... we are constantly being reminded of the gaesan. There is a lot of inner monologues, but very little of interaction between different characters. In fact, there's almost no character development for anyone other than Melody. I couldn't tell the difference between the different shifters of the Apex pack - they could all be the same person.
I also can't stand books that aren't written in first person.. I don't know why, but it bothers me so I guess you should be forewarned that this is not written in first person.
Another thing that bugged me was that this book supposedly takes place in the United States... Melody's coven lives in Virginia I believe; however, the spelling and the way the characters speak/think are very clearly not American. Maybe I'm nitpicking, but it bothered me.
Idunno... I couldn't get into it. I tried to make it through the first book before I decided whether or not to continue with the series, but I just couldn't.
Would I recommend? probably not. Definitely will not be continuing with the series and likely will not read anything else by this author. It bums me out because again, the concept sounded interesting, but it got lost somewhere along the way.
I made it to 73% and just couldn't read any more.
Beneath Contempt is about a witch, Melody, who is extremely powerful. Her mother dies when she is young, and, right as she is dying, she passes her magic to her daughter rather than her sister. Georgia, Melody's aunt, takes her frustration of not inheriting the matriarchal magic out on Melody and essentially tortures her from age 4 to 25 when Melody is sent off to an academy to study shifter magic and whatever else they teach (I can't remember tbh). Melody's aunt sends her there to bond with the powerful Apex shifters - a lion, two wolves, and two dragons. The Apex have been at the academy from anywhere between a millennium to a decade (the dragons being there the longest and the lion being there the shortest amount of time) because no witch has been strong enough to beat them in a challenge, so they are bound to the school until they are bonded with a witch. However, before sending her to the school, her aunt puts a bunch of gaesan on Melody. The new stronger gaes, in addition to the ones she's been forcing on her since she was four, make it impossible for Melody to warn anyone or do anything to stop her aunts plans.
So, while they idea is interesting... the book got pretty boring, pretty quick. It is extremely repetitive... we are constantly being reminded of the gaesan. There is a lot of inner monologues, but very little of interaction between different characters. In fact, there's almost no character development for anyone other than Melody. I couldn't tell the difference between the different shifters of the Apex pack - they could all be the same person.
I also can't stand books that aren't written in first person.. I don't know why, but it bothers me so I guess you should be forewarned that this is not written in first person.
Another thing that bugged me was that this book supposedly takes place in the United States... Melody's coven lives in Virginia I believe; however, the spelling and the way the characters speak/think are very clearly not American. Maybe I'm nitpicking, but it bothered me.
Idunno... I couldn't get into it. I tried to make it through the first book before I decided whether or not to continue with the series, but I just couldn't.
Would I recommend? probably not. Definitely will not be continuing with the series and likely will not read anything else by this author. It bums me out because again, the concept sounded interesting, but it got lost somewhere along the way.
July 12, 2020
Interesting
Melody's story is an interesting and heartbreaking one. You really want to cry for her and yet cheer her on and hope she's comes out of this victorious. By the authors note we know she is going to endure more in the next book that we are going to wish she didn't have to and I can't wait to read it. I hope the Aunt gets her karma ten fold.
Melody's story is an interesting and heartbreaking one. You really want to cry for her and yet cheer her on and hope she's comes out of this victorious. By the authors note we know she is going to endure more in the next book that we are going to wish she didn't have to and I can't wait to read it. I hope the Aunt gets her karma ten fold.
July 1, 2020
What a book! I was hooked by the first page and loved how strong of a character Melody is. The story unfolds and unexpected events occur that make you binge read this book. Highly recommend and can't wait for the second book to be released!
October 27, 2020
This is a hard one for me to rate. There are things about this book I loved and things that left me really disappointed.
LIKES:
-The world was intriguing and immersive. I liked the magic aspect and the world of covens.
-The FMC. She was the bright spot in this book. Melody kept me engaged in her problems and I was really rooting for her.
-There seem to be mates, but it's not insta-love! Woo!
DISLIKES:
-I was 86% of the way through the book when I found out the FMC had brown hair, and this might be my biggest problem with this whole story. I know Nick and Dean have blonde hair and one other might have dark hair...? But the description of the characters' physical traits are almost nonexistent. I had a terrible time trying to picture them in my mind.
-Along the same lines with the physical characteristics, I can't tell you a thing about the personalities of Melody's harem. I don't know them at all. I know they're all alpha/dominant and want to protect Melody because her magic is strong enough that they can leave. Literally, nothing else.
-I feel like this was a book of missed opportunities. Time would jump ahead for days or even weeks and skim over interactions between Melody and the guys. At one point, Melody got a day off and I thought, "Finally! I'm going to see some character and relationship development between everyone!" But then it skipped ahead two weeks and I was left so disappointed.
-Essentially, at the end of the book, I really liked Melody, but I can care less about any of the guys. They could be killed off one at a time and I'd be like, "That sucks," then move on.
Melody is a well-fleshed out character, but everyone is else limp at best. So, I don't think I'll be continuing the series, unfortunately.
LIKES:
-The world was intriguing and immersive. I liked the magic aspect and the world of covens.
-The FMC. She was the bright spot in this book. Melody kept me engaged in her problems and I was really rooting for her.
-There seem to be mates, but it's not insta-love! Woo!
DISLIKES:
-I was 86% of the way through the book when I found out the FMC had brown hair, and this might be my biggest problem with this whole story. I know Nick and Dean have blonde hair and one other might have dark hair...? But the description of the characters' physical traits are almost nonexistent. I had a terrible time trying to picture them in my mind.
-Along the same lines with the physical characteristics, I can't tell you a thing about the personalities of Melody's harem. I don't know them at all. I know they're all alpha/dominant and want to protect Melody because her magic is strong enough that they can leave. Literally, nothing else.
-I feel like this was a book of missed opportunities. Time would jump ahead for days or even weeks and skim over interactions between Melody and the guys. At one point, Melody got a day off and I thought, "Finally! I'm going to see some character and relationship development between everyone!" But then it skipped ahead two weeks and I was left so disappointed.
-Essentially, at the end of the book, I really liked Melody, but I can care less about any of the guys. They could be killed off one at a time and I'd be like, "That sucks," then move on.
Melody is a well-fleshed out character, but everyone is else limp at best. So, I don't think I'll be continuing the series, unfortunately.
July 23, 2020
I wish I could give more than five stars, I so loved Melody and her story. I know this is just the beginning of the series but man it sure packed a punch.
I felt for Melody from the start. That girl has been through so much, with lots of pain and torment in her life. She is strong and does what she can, however she can.
The guys, I really do enjoy their unit. They are a family of choice, and work well together. Dean, Ryan, Oz, Nick and Justin will do anything to protect Melody and she would do the same for them.
The magic and shifters in this book just had me glued to my kindle. I could not put it down, I had to find out what happens next. Melody has a lot in store for her with lots of challenges, on doing what she is supposed to do and what she feels is right. There is a lot about magic and shifters that has kept everything even more interesting. With bonds and how you make them, break them, it was all so interesting.
But overall this was such a great read, one that I could not put down and really need to find out what happens next.
I felt for Melody from the start. That girl has been through so much, with lots of pain and torment in her life. She is strong and does what she can, however she can.
The guys, I really do enjoy their unit. They are a family of choice, and work well together. Dean, Ryan, Oz, Nick and Justin will do anything to protect Melody and she would do the same for them.
The magic and shifters in this book just had me glued to my kindle. I could not put it down, I had to find out what happens next. Melody has a lot in store for her with lots of challenges, on doing what she is supposed to do and what she feels is right. There is a lot about magic and shifters that has kept everything even more interesting. With bonds and how you make them, break them, it was all so interesting.
But overall this was such a great read, one that I could not put down and really need to find out what happens next.
September 6, 2020
This was good, but I can’t help but think that it could have been much better.
While I’m not one that enjoys overly descriptive writing, I think this one could have benefited from a little more description. For instance, after reading this whole book, I still can’t picture what any one of the characters look like. We aren’t really given too much in description or context clues to figure it out. If I can’t picture the characters, then I can’t fully immerse myself in their story. It drove me nuts.
Also, there are a lot of characters that feel kind of thrown in. Trent and Asher, to be precise. These guys kind of come in from left field and are suddenly part of the story. Trent is the one that really threw me, and I’m still scratching my head about him. Is he supposed to be a love interest? Is Asher? It all felt rather disjointed.
Lastly, I can’t even with Quinn and Carla. Dislike how both their roles played out in this book.
Ultimately, like I said, this is was an interesting book with a good concept, but it could have been much better.
While I’m not one that enjoys overly descriptive writing, I think this one could have benefited from a little more description. For instance, after reading this whole book, I still can’t picture what any one of the characters look like. We aren’t really given too much in description or context clues to figure it out. If I can’t picture the characters, then I can’t fully immerse myself in their story. It drove me nuts.
Also, there are a lot of characters that feel kind of thrown in. Trent and Asher, to be precise. These guys kind of come in from left field and are suddenly part of the story. Trent is the one that really threw me, and I’m still scratching my head about him. Is he supposed to be a love interest? Is Asher? It all felt rather disjointed.
Lastly, I can’t even with Quinn and Carla. Dislike how both their roles played out in this book.
Ultimately, like I said, this is was an interesting book with a good concept, but it could have been much better.
April 12, 2022
So, honestly, I’m burnt out on Academy books, but this one was free and sounded a little different, and the FMC was 25, so a little older. I’m so glad I gave it a chance! It sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down. It’s starts out really dark, and there are lots of possible triggers in the first few chapter. Melody has been tortured since she was 4 years old and her mother died. Then one day she is sent to the Academy to basically capture the 5 unattainable shifters to bring back to her coven. This is a slow, slow burn, There is some attraction, but nothing is really acted on. I’m sure of at least 5 guys that will be in her harem, but there are 1-2 others I’m not sure what will happen with. I really liked that as much as she was able she gets help and doesn’t try to just do things on her own. She is super powerful, but she doesn’t just automatically know stuff. She is working hard and the guys are helping her. There is bullying, but not from the harem, and a lot of it happens in the background. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Want to read
March 11, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/14/2021)! 🎁
June 17, 2021
This book had so much potential. The idea is interesting with a new take on the reverse harem academy subgenres and new witch/shifter lore. At least new to me. I’ve never read about this kind of link between shifters and witches.
Unfortunately for me that’s the only really good thing about this book. All the male characters blend together because we know absolutely nothing about them. I know what their animal form is and how long they’ve been at the academy. I couldn’t tell you what any of the characters look like. I couldn’t tell you what any of the animal forms look like except for Dean who turns into a lion and is described as looking like your typical lion.
I don’t know what the setting looks like. So essentially, in my head, I have blank-faced characters interacting in a blank space.
Sadly the characters don’t even have unique personalities to set them apart.
Also, the story is supposed to take place in America but uses British English terminology and spelling which isn’t really a big deal just a particular pet peeve for me personally.
**sigh** I really, really wanted to like this book and the desire to like it kept me reading all the way through.
Nothing was resolved through the story and while it didn’t end on a cliff hanger it wasn’t a finished story either. But I’m not invested enough in the story or the characters to read the rest of the series.
Unfortunately for me that’s the only really good thing about this book. All the male characters blend together because we know absolutely nothing about them. I know what their animal form is and how long they’ve been at the academy. I couldn’t tell you what any of the characters look like. I couldn’t tell you what any of the animal forms look like except for Dean who turns into a lion and is described as looking like your typical lion.
I don’t know what the setting looks like. So essentially, in my head, I have blank-faced characters interacting in a blank space.
Sadly the characters don’t even have unique personalities to set them apart.
Also, the story is supposed to take place in America but uses British English terminology and spelling which isn’t really a big deal just a particular pet peeve for me personally.
**sigh** I really, really wanted to like this book and the desire to like it kept me reading all the way through.
Nothing was resolved through the story and while it didn’t end on a cliff hanger it wasn’t a finished story either. But I’m not invested enough in the story or the characters to read the rest of the series.
June 17, 2021
Free Kindle Read.
This was interesting. It's an academy romance, where the students are older. The characters were a little flat for me, but the premise was interesting enough to keep me engaged. It's a slow-burn RH, so even though there is no sex, you see where the plot is going with all the love interests neatly laid out for you. There's a lot of abuse described, so it's a darker book, but the main character isn't a doormat. It's not a cliffhanger ending, but the overarching plot is far from over.
This was interesting. It's an academy romance, where the students are older. The characters were a little flat for me, but the premise was interesting enough to keep me engaged. It's a slow-burn RH, so even though there is no sex, you see where the plot is going with all the love interests neatly laid out for you. There's a lot of abuse described, so it's a darker book, but the main character isn't a doormat. It's not a cliffhanger ending, but the overarching plot is far from over.
August 26, 2023
a good read.
A different spin on the academic troupe, while melody & the guys are older, the pettiness of their peers still occurs.
I enjoyed the built universe & the combination of witches & magic & shifters. Im eager for book two & to find out what happens.
Well worth a read
A different spin on the academic troupe, while melody & the guys are older, the pettiness of their peers still occurs.
I enjoyed the built universe & the combination of witches & magic & shifters. Im eager for book two & to find out what happens.
Well worth a read
December 27, 2020
3 1/2 half stars. Half a star taken for that fucked up ending. Serious, it was like the last 10 chapters was so rushed it made me question how abrupt the ending was.
May 1, 2024
DNF- Finished 100% of book one & two, & 76% of book three
**Review shared for series**
TLDR; If you can get past the lack of editing the plot is worth it... but only for the first book. Then the plot becomes a repetition of Melody's bonds being broken and her refusing to bond the familiars she feels are "hers".. The relationships become stunted with absolutely no chemistry, the plot holes start to become more frequent, and antagonists become more and more immature in a way that makes the story unbelievable and completely juvenile.
Buckle in.. The reason this review is so long is because this had the potential to be my new favorite series. And I mean #1! I absolutely loved the idea of this series. The execution was lacking HEAVILY.
Characters:
Melody was the perfect traumatized fmc that was slowly growing into her strength.. except when she wasn't? There were so many instances where she became just as cruel and petty as her bullies. Then all of a sudden she would be a mouse again. Her development wasn't that, it was like it was two personalities and you never knew which one you would get in that chapter. Also.. she went from "knowing they are hers" when it came to her familiars/mates, to refusing to bond with them (even though it would offer strength and protection they needed on both sides) because she wanted to feel free.. She became increasingly selfish and annoying as time went on. I actually agreed when Shawna was yelling at Melody about her wanting to be free when the Dragons had spent HUNDREDS of years being imprisoned at the school...
There were similar issues with the men in the harem.
Nick - Dragon 1 - In the beginning I thought he was going to be a quiet leader that helped keep the shifters in line thanks to being a thousand years old.. but it just doesn't feel like he knows or does enough especially considering his age.
Justin -Dragon two - Supposedly this man is also a dragon that is a thousand years old. But he acts like a teenage boy. He refuses to give Melody a choice or time in the decision to bond him, "pretends" to date some girl to save Melody but doesn't tell her so all she sees is him being with another woman. And he is constantly throwing tantrums when he doesn't get his way... but again he is a thousand years old? *insert rolling eye emoji*
Dean - Lion - In the beginning I didn't like him. He made a game out of challenging Melody without even knowing her.. just assuming she would want him and not taking the hint when she literally avoided him for WEEKS? But.. I will say he definitely became my favorite later on. That being said, it was also clear he was Melody's favorite and I don't like that in the harem stories personally.
Ryan and Oz - The two wolves - I am lumping these two together because half of the time they felt like the same character. They both fall into the background a lot. Making it feel like the author bit off more than she could chew.
Trent - Fox/Kitsune - I don't want to be THAT person, but his submissiveness and weakness in the harem just didn't make sense. Which is too bad because I thought he was the best one for Melody (Kitsune alter-ego aside). Also the fact that he had more of a relationship with Nick than Melody just wasn't it for me.
Asher - Younger wolf - Ugh. This man was legit irredeemable, also it made no sense that Melody was his mate after he said "if it's the case of her dying, or me, I choose her." No "mate" would ever say that. Not to mention the fact that he didn't care about Melody as a person, only a witch that could force him to shift. He took away her choice multiple times even after almost causing her death.
Alexander and Nikolai - potential witch mate and his bear familiar (who only bonded him in hopes he would be with Melody when Alex became her mate) - I didn't really end up getting far enough to know them well. But I will say that I was impressed with the devotion and choice that Alexander kept giving Melody. I think the whole bonding thing between the two was a little weird and forced? They literally came out of nowhere and Melody already had her hands full.
Quinn - shifter (I think he is a wolf) - The story would have been better if he ended up with Melody. They had more chemistry then ANY of her mates/familiars. Melody even admitted that she had wished she could bond him so I was really hoping that was the beginning of something great.
Carla - Melody's witch friend - I never liked her. The fact that she flirted with Quinn and offered to be his second choice when it was obvious that he liked Melody was so weird. I wasn't upset about how she acted later on because she was cursed. But that whole plotline never made sense. Y'all are at an academy for witches and no one realized she was cursed? Okay.. And Melody and the guys knew it was a possibility but waited sooooo long to help her when she was one of the people hurting Melody and it had a simple solution... When the mean Provost said "the foolish girl accepted a charm from someone who from all accounts was unfriendly beforehand. She deserved what she got." I totally agreed.
The bitch squad - aka Melody's bullies (specifically Shawna) - typical academy plot, a group of girls wanted the guys that run the school but then this random girl comes (Melody) and gets them all and the girls are pissed. The only difference was that the shit they were doing was super petty most of the time. Most professors just let it all slide which made NO sense, Melody and her guys hardly ever fought back. Literally all of it was so freaking ridiculous. Also the scene where Jaynie runs into the room and drops to her knees so that Justin cums in her mouth? wtf was that scene. And he just kept finishing? She was nuts and this is another example of Justin sucking.
Provost Aer - Her death made no sense. She is supposedly incredibly strong and runs an entire paranormal academy and yet she dies in .2 seconds at the first battle they face? When she knew she was stepping into it? Made 0 sense.
Misc. - random side characters - The way so many of the characters acted was just so immature and annoying. For example a grown ass man that is on the council saying things like "she needs to get out of bed, the lazy bitch!" or "I said now, you fucking bitch, sit up, get up, right now." and then 20 minutes later he is crying at her feet.. Or entire student body would (for example) listen to Justin's speech and be on their side and then the next day everyone avoided or attacked them all again? These are supposedly adults and it just felt like there was no free thinking at the college and everyone was unbelievably (literally) immature. It REALLY took away from the story and made the writing come off juvenile. There were so many other things going on that if you took that out it would have still been interesting and 10000% times better.
The new Provost - literally the most annoying character to date. How did she even get the position when a councilor kept seeing her overstepping her position. Calling a student "slut" and constantly screaming at everyone? Literally made no sense that she (and some of the professors) could act that way. Again, it also REALLY took away from the writing to have so many adults acting like pre-teens.
So many plot holes -
Melody makes up her own spells which Nick makes it seem like a big deal but she only ever says the one spell out loud and it is never mentioned again.
She said she could bond all the apex but then says it's too much.
When people saw her back when Dean ripped her shirt, but no one commented or reacted at all the scars she had.
Asher hanging out/getting close to Shawna and then it is never mentioned again.
Professor Ludwig gave "bad/weird" vibes but then we never see or hear about what that could have been and she literally disappears from the plot.
After she almost dies when the bond is broken between her and Asher someone mentions bringing outside help to break the curses on Melody.. but no one offered that before, knowing that she was being tortured and putting the apex in danger.
Melody forced Justin's shift but didn't bond him? I assumed it was because he didn't challenge her but he also had so it didn't make sense.
The whole explanation in chapter 29 of book two was a plot hole. Dean and Melody redid the bond RIGHT AFTER it was broken. It was Asher that had to wait days in between.
In the third book she starts to be intimate with Trent and says "Men had touched her there before" but earlier in the series she mentions not even having the chance to even touch herself because she was around the shifters and her "innocence" is mentioned often, like the fact she hadn't kissed anyone before the academy?
The Provost forbids Melody from seeing her familiar for 48 hours as punishment, which is never mentioned and never happens.
When Melody loses all her familiar bonds thanks to the goddess wanting to give her "more options.." but right after Melody is talking about feeling what Nick and Justin are feeling through the bond? The bond with Nick was broken and she had never even bonded Justin.
There are other plot holes or things that didn't make sense but those were just the ones I highlighted.
Also.. I am not trying to be rude but when authors use obscure words like "anathema" but then fails at simple grammar it just comes off as trying too hard. It seems unlikely that someone with the knowledge of such obscure language would struggle so much with simple word use and sentence structure.
**Review shared for series**
TLDR; If you can get past the lack of editing the plot is worth it... but only for the first book. Then the plot becomes a repetition of Melody's bonds being broken and her refusing to bond the familiars she feels are "hers".. The relationships become stunted with absolutely no chemistry, the plot holes start to become more frequent, and antagonists become more and more immature in a way that makes the story unbelievable and completely juvenile.
Buckle in.. The reason this review is so long is because this had the potential to be my new favorite series. And I mean #1! I absolutely loved the idea of this series. The execution was lacking HEAVILY.
Characters:
Melody was the perfect traumatized fmc that was slowly growing into her strength.. except when she wasn't? There were so many instances where she became just as cruel and petty as her bullies. Then all of a sudden she would be a mouse again. Her development wasn't that, it was like it was two personalities and you never knew which one you would get in that chapter. Also.. she went from "knowing they are hers" when it came to her familiars/mates, to refusing to bond with them (even though it would offer strength and protection they needed on both sides) because she wanted to feel free.. She became increasingly selfish and annoying as time went on. I actually agreed when Shawna was yelling at Melody about her wanting to be free when the Dragons had spent HUNDREDS of years being imprisoned at the school...
There were similar issues with the men in the harem.
Nick - Dragon 1 - In the beginning I thought he was going to be a quiet leader that helped keep the shifters in line thanks to being a thousand years old.. but it just doesn't feel like he knows or does enough especially considering his age.
Justin -Dragon two - Supposedly this man is also a dragon that is a thousand years old. But he acts like a teenage boy. He refuses to give Melody a choice or time in the decision to bond him, "pretends" to date some girl to save Melody but doesn't tell her so all she sees is him being with another woman. And he is constantly throwing tantrums when he doesn't get his way... but again he is a thousand years old? *insert rolling eye emoji*
Dean - Lion - In the beginning I didn't like him. He made a game out of challenging Melody without even knowing her.. just assuming she would want him and not taking the hint when she literally avoided him for WEEKS? But.. I will say he definitely became my favorite later on. That being said, it was also clear he was Melody's favorite and I don't like that in the harem stories personally.
Ryan and Oz - The two wolves - I am lumping these two together because half of the time they felt like the same character. They both fall into the background a lot. Making it feel like the author bit off more than she could chew.
Trent - Fox/Kitsune - I don't want to be THAT person, but his submissiveness and weakness in the harem just didn't make sense. Which is too bad because I thought he was the best one for Melody (Kitsune alter-ego aside). Also the fact that he had more of a relationship with Nick than Melody just wasn't it for me.
Asher - Younger wolf - Ugh. This man was legit irredeemable, also it made no sense that Melody was his mate after he said "if it's the case of her dying, or me, I choose her." No "mate" would ever say that. Not to mention the fact that he didn't care about Melody as a person, only a witch that could force him to shift. He took away her choice multiple times even after almost causing her death.
Alexander and Nikolai - potential witch mate and his bear familiar (who only bonded him in hopes he would be with Melody when Alex became her mate) - I didn't really end up getting far enough to know them well. But I will say that I was impressed with the devotion and choice that Alexander kept giving Melody. I think the whole bonding thing between the two was a little weird and forced? They literally came out of nowhere and Melody already had her hands full.
Quinn - shifter (I think he is a wolf) - The story would have been better if he ended up with Melody. They had more chemistry then ANY of her mates/familiars. Melody even admitted that she had wished she could bond him so I was really hoping that was the beginning of something great.
Carla - Melody's witch friend - I never liked her. The fact that she flirted with Quinn and offered to be his second choice when it was obvious that he liked Melody was so weird. I wasn't upset about how she acted later on because she was cursed. But that whole plotline never made sense. Y'all are at an academy for witches and no one realized she was cursed? Okay.. And Melody and the guys knew it was a possibility but waited sooooo long to help her when she was one of the people hurting Melody and it had a simple solution... When the mean Provost said "the foolish girl accepted a charm from someone who from all accounts was unfriendly beforehand. She deserved what she got." I totally agreed.
The bitch squad - aka Melody's bullies (specifically Shawna) - typical academy plot, a group of girls wanted the guys that run the school but then this random girl comes (Melody) and gets them all and the girls are pissed. The only difference was that the shit they were doing was super petty most of the time. Most professors just let it all slide which made NO sense, Melody and her guys hardly ever fought back. Literally all of it was so freaking ridiculous. Also the scene where Jaynie runs into the room and drops to her knees so that Justin cums in her mouth? wtf was that scene. And he just kept finishing? She was nuts and this is another example of Justin sucking.
Provost Aer - Her death made no sense. She is supposedly incredibly strong and runs an entire paranormal academy and yet she dies in .2 seconds at the first battle they face? When she knew she was stepping into it? Made 0 sense.
Misc. - random side characters - The way so many of the characters acted was just so immature and annoying. For example a grown ass man that is on the council saying things like "she needs to get out of bed, the lazy bitch!" or "I said now, you fucking bitch, sit up, get up, right now." and then 20 minutes later he is crying at her feet.. Or entire student body would (for example) listen to Justin's speech and be on their side and then the next day everyone avoided or attacked them all again? These are supposedly adults and it just felt like there was no free thinking at the college and everyone was unbelievably (literally) immature. It REALLY took away from the story and made the writing come off juvenile. There were so many other things going on that if you took that out it would have still been interesting and 10000% times better.
The new Provost - literally the most annoying character to date. How did she even get the position when a councilor kept seeing her overstepping her position. Calling a student "slut" and constantly screaming at everyone? Literally made no sense that she (and some of the professors) could act that way. Again, it also REALLY took away from the writing to have so many adults acting like pre-teens.
So many plot holes -
Melody makes up her own spells which Nick makes it seem like a big deal but she only ever says the one spell out loud and it is never mentioned again.
She said she could bond all the apex but then says it's too much.
When people saw her back when Dean ripped her shirt, but no one commented or reacted at all the scars she had.
Asher hanging out/getting close to Shawna and then it is never mentioned again.
Professor Ludwig gave "bad/weird" vibes but then we never see or hear about what that could have been and she literally disappears from the plot.
After she almost dies when the bond is broken between her and Asher someone mentions bringing outside help to break the curses on Melody.. but no one offered that before, knowing that she was being tortured and putting the apex in danger.
Melody forced Justin's shift but didn't bond him? I assumed it was because he didn't challenge her but he also had so it didn't make sense.
The whole explanation in chapter 29 of book two was a plot hole. Dean and Melody redid the bond RIGHT AFTER it was broken. It was Asher that had to wait days in between.
In the third book she starts to be intimate with Trent and says "Men had touched her there before" but earlier in the series she mentions not even having the chance to even touch herself because she was around the shifters and her "innocence" is mentioned often, like the fact she hadn't kissed anyone before the academy?
The Provost forbids Melody from seeing her familiar for 48 hours as punishment, which is never mentioned and never happens.
When Melody loses all her familiar bonds thanks to the goddess wanting to give her "more options.." but right after Melody is talking about feeling what Nick and Justin are feeling through the bond? The bond with Nick was broken and she had never even bonded Justin.
There are other plot holes or things that didn't make sense but those were just the ones I highlighted.
Also.. I am not trying to be rude but when authors use obscure words like "anathema" but then fails at simple grammar it just comes off as trying too hard. It seems unlikely that someone with the knowledge of such obscure language would struggle so much with simple word use and sentence structure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2020
Jade Thorn has done an exceptional job of immersing me in her world. From the beginning I really felt for Melody and this emotional connection continued to grow with as her tragic plight unfolded. The characters are vivid, with some of the vilest villains I have ever read as well as lovable heroes and heartthrobs. Even the secondary characters came to life in my mind.
It would have been nice to see more romantic tension building between Melody and her harem, but this is only the first book in the series, so I have hopes for the future instalments. That aside, there was still plenty of other tension and conflict mounting as the story progressed.
Beneath Contempt is an intriguing tale of magic and self-sacrifice. I highly recommend this book to all readers of paranormal romance and urban fantasy.
(Free copy provided in exchange for honest review)
It would have been nice to see more romantic tension building between Melody and her harem, but this is only the first book in the series, so I have hopes for the future instalments. That aside, there was still plenty of other tension and conflict mounting as the story progressed.
Beneath Contempt is an intriguing tale of magic and self-sacrifice. I highly recommend this book to all readers of paranormal romance and urban fantasy.
(Free copy provided in exchange for honest review)
July 18, 2020
This was a great start to a new series! I didn’t know much about it going in, but I was hooked from the first chapter despite it being very slow burn. The world building and character development were amazing. The story reminded me of a supernatural Ella Enchanted retelling.
Melody has had a dark and twisted upbringing after her mother’s passing. Her aunt and coven use her and her powers as they please, but Melody still has a kind heart towards the shifters, the people she considers family. I enjoyed watching herself develop and interact in a world outside of her coven.
I really liked Quinn- he was caring and took the whole rejection really well and they stayed friends afterwards. I thought The Apex were a close knit family and I loved their antics and relationship with one another. Dean, a lion shifter, Oz and Ryan, the alpha wolves, and Justin and Nick, the dragon shifters, each had different personalities and knowledge to help, care for, and protect Melody. I also really loved Trent’s devotion to her as well and that he wasn’t scared of The Apex.
I feel like the Provost has other intentions for helping Melody, but I’m sure it’ll be uncovered soon if that’s the case. My favorite character is probably Mrs. Hardinger because she doesn’t sugar coat or beat around the bush, she just speaks her mind even if it’s blunt and inappropriate.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Melody has had a dark and twisted upbringing after her mother’s passing. Her aunt and coven use her and her powers as they please, but Melody still has a kind heart towards the shifters, the people she considers family. I enjoyed watching herself develop and interact in a world outside of her coven.
I really liked Quinn- he was caring and took the whole rejection really well and they stayed friends afterwards. I thought The Apex were a close knit family and I loved their antics and relationship with one another. Dean, a lion shifter, Oz and Ryan, the alpha wolves, and Justin and Nick, the dragon shifters, each had different personalities and knowledge to help, care for, and protect Melody. I also really loved Trent’s devotion to her as well and that he wasn’t scared of The Apex.
I feel like the Provost has other intentions for helping Melody, but I’m sure it’ll be uncovered soon if that’s the case. My favorite character is probably Mrs. Hardinger because she doesn’t sugar coat or beat around the bush, she just speaks her mind even if it’s blunt and inappropriate.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
July 20, 2020
Going in blind with this one I didn’t know if I would enjoy it. But OhMy I think this is my favorite thing Jade has ever released. I mean the characters stick with you. I’m still dreaming about this book. It definitely take a ranking in my top 3 of 2020
July 13, 2020
A must read!
This was such a great read. I was captivated from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. Melody has handled abuse since she was small from those that were supposed to defend her. Getting a glimpse of that abuse to her and
the shifters helped me understand and empathize with her. Once at college we see how things are supposed to be. That’s when the impact of how horrible her treatment was. Jade Thorn did an amazing job in making me feel for her.
What really got to me were the Apex. When they are first introduced they seemed like jerks. As I got into the book I saw how they cared for Melody because it wasn’t about her physical aspect that they cared about. It was more of who she was, her power and humbleness. They didn’t want any harm to come to her.
I can’t wait for the next book.
This was such a great read. I was captivated from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. Melody has handled abuse since she was small from those that were supposed to defend her. Getting a glimpse of that abuse to her and
the shifters helped me understand and empathize with her. Once at college we see how things are supposed to be. That’s when the impact of how horrible her treatment was. Jade Thorn did an amazing job in making me feel for her.
What really got to me were the Apex. When they are first introduced they seemed like jerks. As I got into the book I saw how they cared for Melody because it wasn’t about her physical aspect that they cared about. It was more of who she was, her power and humbleness. They didn’t want any harm to come to her.
I can’t wait for the next book.
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