What do you think?
Rate this book
Between Ink and Shadows #1
Between Ink and Shadows
She’ll win back her freedom, even if she has to steal it.
Nimona Weston has a debt to pay. Her father’s dealings with the dark society known as the Trust cost Nim her freedom. There’s one way out of the contract on her life and that’s to bide her time and pay the tithes. But when the Trust assigns Nim to a task in the king’s own castle, her freedom is not the only thing she’ll risk.
Warrick Spenser has a secret. As king’s seneschal, he should be the last soul in Inara to risk association with dark magic, but long-hidden ties to the Trust are harder to shed than simply cutting the threads. When the Trust sends a thief to his rooms, Warrick thinks he’s finally found a way to be rid of them for good. But Nimona Weston is hiding secrets of her own.
Magical contracts, blood-debt accountants, and a deadly game. A dark and twisty fantasy that pits magic against kings.
Nimona Weston has a debt to pay. Her father’s dealings with the dark society known as the Trust cost Nim her freedom. There’s one way out of the contract on her life and that’s to bide her time and pay the tithes. But when the Trust assigns Nim to a task in the king’s own castle, her freedom is not the only thing she’ll risk.
Warrick Spenser has a secret. As king’s seneschal, he should be the last soul in Inara to risk association with dark magic, but long-hidden ties to the Trust are harder to shed than simply cutting the threads. When the Trust sends a thief to his rooms, Warrick thinks he’s finally found a way to be rid of them for good. But Nimona Weston is hiding secrets of her own.
Magical contracts, blood-debt accountants, and a deadly game. A dark and twisty fantasy that pits magic against kings.
242 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2020
2938 people are currently reading
14669 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Wright
50 books1,522 followersMelissa is the author of more than a dozen YA and fantasy novels including The Frey Saga and Between Ink and Shadows. When not writing she can generally be found talking with an author friend about a book, painting something from a book, or tucked between headphones listening to a book. It’s kind of a theme. She loves reasonable heroines in unreasonable situations, noble--if brooding--heroes, slow burn and sweet kisses, a lot of havoc, and a little magic. Stay updated on works in progress at Instagram. Contact her through the web at www.melissa-wright.com
For info on contests and new releases, sign up for the newsletter here: https://bit.ly/2VDuwn1
For info on contests and new releases, sign up for the newsletter here: https://bit.ly/2VDuwn1
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 692 reviews
December 25, 2020
the only reason im not rating this higher (even though i should) is because of the length. i so desperately wanted more of this.
while the pacing is fast, the characters have some depth, and the plot and world are decently built, im still left with a nagging feeling that so much could have been added to the story.
but overall, this has everything i want from a YA fantasy story - a strong MC, a mysterious love interest, an intriguing magic system, and easy-going writing. definitely recommendable for those looking for a quick read.
↠ 3.5 stars
while the pacing is fast, the characters have some depth, and the plot and world are decently built, im still left with a nagging feeling that so much could have been added to the story.
but overall, this has everything i want from a YA fantasy story - a strong MC, a mysterious love interest, an intriguing magic system, and easy-going writing. definitely recommendable for those looking for a quick read.
↠ 3.5 stars
July 29, 2021
i read all 230 pages and idek wtf happened. like this was so boring. i’m giving it 2 stars because the ending actually makes me want to read the sequel. i just hope it gets better
November 24, 2022
2.5 stars rounded down.
This had so much potential.
Other than the intriguing magic system, unfortunately this book fell flat. The writing was actually quite good, but you can’t make me FINALLY care about the characters the last 10%, and expect me to be interested in the rest of this story?!? The audiobook narrator was great, and it’s a quick read/listen. But I wouldn’t recommend reading this.
This had so much potential.
Other than the intriguing magic system, unfortunately this book fell flat. The writing was actually quite good, but you can’t make me FINALLY care about the characters the last 10%, and expect me to be interested in the rest of this story?!? The audiobook narrator was great, and it’s a quick read/listen. But I wouldn’t recommend reading this.
December 9, 2020
it was pretty meh, nothing really special but i liked the magic system.
December 11, 2020
Summary: The kingdom of Inara has a sharp divide of magic users who live beneath the city, and the humans who live above. Magic is outlawed, and yet humans cannot resist making deals with the magical organization the Trust. Nimona is owned by the Trust for a deal her father made, although she has no idea what he asked for and has no hopes of ever being released from her contract. She’s tasked with stealing from the king’s right hand man, and when she is caught, she decides to join forces with him to steal from the Trust in hopes that her contract will be broken.
My issues with this book:
-The magic system was complex but underexplained. Why does it work the way it does and what are the rules? No one knows
-Almost no setting descriptions made it very hard to visualize scenes and what was happening. The same goes for character descriptions.
-Very very little dialogue- most advancement of the plot and “surprise” twists were just realized internally in Nimona’s head with no outside information given to her that led to these realizations. See also mind reading
-Chemistry with “love interest” (if you can even call it that) was non-existant. They chatted half a dozen times and most of their interactions were long glances where she vacillates between literally reading his mind and having no idea what he’s thinking. Suddenly they’re in love?
-The mind/feelings reading- somehow Nimona can read the minds of Calum and Warrick, so instead of the two of them having conversations when they have a confrontation, they stare at each other and she just knows what they’re thinking at each other? Why would they not just be having a conversation? I just could not get into this style of writing because I really could not tell if she was a reliable narrator of all the things she “just knew”
-Nimona was basically just there and this was really Calum and Warrick’s story. I found her underdeveloped as a main character with no real personality or motivation besides loving her friends (as if that’s not a universal) and wanting to not be owned (also not unique)
My issues with this book:
-The magic system was complex but underexplained. Why does it work the way it does and what are the rules? No one knows
-Almost no setting descriptions made it very hard to visualize scenes and what was happening. The same goes for character descriptions.
-Very very little dialogue- most advancement of the plot and “surprise” twists were just realized internally in Nimona’s head with no outside information given to her that led to these realizations. See also mind reading
-Chemistry with “love interest” (if you can even call it that) was non-existant. They chatted half a dozen times and most of their interactions were long glances where she vacillates between literally reading his mind and having no idea what he’s thinking. Suddenly they’re in love?
-The mind/feelings reading- somehow Nimona can read the minds of Calum and Warrick, so instead of the two of them having conversations when they have a confrontation, they stare at each other and she just knows what they’re thinking at each other? Why would they not just be having a conversation? I just could not get into this style of writing because I really could not tell if she was a reliable narrator of all the things she “just knew”
-Nimona was basically just there and this was really Calum and Warrick’s story. I found her underdeveloped as a main character with no real personality or motivation besides loving her friends (as if that’s not a universal) and wanting to not be owned (also not unique)
December 13, 2020
In the end, Between Ink and Shadows was not for me. I almost DNFd but then pulled through. A few things why the book did not work out for me:
- Nimona Weston. Lady Weston. Miss Weston. Pick one. The way titles work is that people can either be Lady x or Miss x but not both (?!).
- The world was really bloodless. There were no descriptions of the world to make it come alive, or at least none that really made an impact. I am apparently not one for dark fantasy (fine) but if you compare this to, say, Prince of Thorns, the worldbuilding was almost non-existent. There was the Underworld, the manor, the city, the castle, and the seneshal's chambers aaaaand.. they are all just so bland. Give me richness, draw me in, make things feel real and interesting!
- Same goes for the main characters. It was only towards the end that things got a bit more engaging but I really did not care that much about them for 80% of the story.
- Our protagonist Nim can basically read some of the other character's minds / sense what they mentally projecting. This actually cut out a lot of dialogue..
I almost feel bad about writing this review - there are a lot of readers who enjoyed this story and I don't want to take this away from anybody. I know the impact that bad reviews can have, especially on smaller or independent authors. However, I largely write these reviews for myself so I can remember why I did or didn't like a book a few years down the line when I do not remember much else about it.
- Nimona Weston. Lady Weston. Miss Weston. Pick one. The way titles work is that people can either be Lady x or Miss x but not both (?!).
- The world was really bloodless. There were no descriptions of the world to make it come alive, or at least none that really made an impact. I am apparently not one for dark fantasy (fine) but if you compare this to, say, Prince of Thorns, the worldbuilding was almost non-existent. There was the Underworld, the manor, the city, the castle, and the seneshal's chambers aaaaand.. they are all just so bland. Give me richness, draw me in, make things feel real and interesting!
- Same goes for the main characters. It was only towards the end that things got a bit more engaging but I really did not care that much about them for 80% of the story.
- Our protagonist Nim can basically read some of the other character's minds / sense what they mentally projecting. This actually cut out a lot of dialogue..
I almost feel bad about writing this review - there are a lot of readers who enjoyed this story and I don't want to take this away from anybody. I know the impact that bad reviews can have, especially on smaller or independent authors. However, I largely write these reviews for myself so I can remember why I did or didn't like a book a few years down the line when I do not remember much else about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2022
This book was both predictable and muddled. Not a winning combination.
I feel as if there were no descriptions in this book. I don't have a clean grasp on how the magic system works. Is it blood magic or not? Is it inherent in people or do people gain magical powers through bargains? I'm not even gonna pretend I understood Nim's abilities.
The setting and the characters are barely described at all. I don't think any of the named characters got more then hair and eye colors. Aside from a lack of physical description, the characters all felt underdeveloped. Their relationships weren't believable. The romance in particular came across as half-baked. There is no sense of an equivalent time period to our world, architecture, food or even clothing. Just generic fantasyland. Nothing in this story was explained as well as it should have been. It made for a confusing read.
I feel as if there were no descriptions in this book. I don't have a clean grasp on how the magic system works. Is it blood magic or not? Is it inherent in people or do people gain magical powers through bargains? I'm not even gonna pretend I understood Nim's abilities.
The setting and the characters are barely described at all. I don't think any of the named characters got more then hair and eye colors. Aside from a lack of physical description, the characters all felt underdeveloped. Their relationships weren't believable. The romance in particular came across as half-baked. There is no sense of an equivalent time period to our world, architecture, food or even clothing. Just generic fantasyland. Nothing in this story was explained as well as it should have been. It made for a confusing read.
August 25, 2022
Between Ink and Shadows is a short and confusing book about dark magic and a young girl trying to free herself from the bond that was forced upon her.
I might have liked this book more if it were longer and not so fast-paced. Because of this, the relationship between the female mc and the love interest didn't feel very real to me.
Actual rating: ➽ 2.5 stars
I might have liked this book more if it were longer and not so fast-paced. Because of this, the relationship between the female mc and the love interest didn't feel very real to me.
Actual rating: ➽ 2.5 stars
December 21, 2020
Between Ink and Shadows is the first book in the young adult fantasy series called, Between Ink and Shadows by Melissa Wright. I loved this book! It had a dark and gritty vibe with a creepy secret society in a fantasy world. I am super pumped for the second book. I need it in my life right now! I also want to point out that this is a super beautiful book! I have the hardcover edition and not only is the cover crazy beautiful, but there is gorgeous art on the naked hardcover edition that is just stunning! Melissa Wright did such a fantastic job creating a book that looks as beautiful on the outside as it reads on the inside! I really loved between Ink and Shadows and I can’t wait to read the second book in this series.
In Between Ink and Shadows, we meet our main character Nim. We learn early on that Nim is indebted to a super scary secret society called The Trust. We also learn that she is not indebted to them by her own choosing or doing…but rather she inherited her father’s debt. This made me instantly feel for Nim. She is just trying to get by because of someone else’s choices thrust her into a life that she can’t get out of. I loved Nim. I loved her skeptical nature, and how resourceful she is. For Nim’s next task, which really doesn’t earn her any closer to freedom, it just buys her another month’s time, is to steal a personal item from the king’s seneschal, Warrick Spenser. This sets Nim off on her real adventure.
I loved Warrick and Nim from their very first meeting. I knew that Warrick was someone that has demons and secrets of his own, and I was dying to uncover them all. Melissa Wright does a fantastic job of gripping the readers attention and not letting go. Between Ink and Shadows is a fast paced read that once I picked up, I couldn’t put down! Another element of Between Ink and Shadows that fascinated me is the magic system. Here people barter and contract away for pieces of magic. It might be magic for good luck, or magic to look beautiful, but all magic comes with a price. It was an interesting concept to see something ordinary- a contract, paired up with something magical. I loved it! And of course, it illustrates all the ways that contracts and debts can go very wrong. The seedy underbelly and the violence of the Trust was truly terrifying. They do not mess around!
Everything about this story drew me in- The characters and their great banter, the bargain struck between Nim and Warrick, the dark gritty atmosphere of the world and creepy villainous nature of the Trust. It is all fantastic, and if you are a fan of dark fantasies with an alluring romance, great characters and a fast paced plot, then Between Ink and Shadows is going to be a smash hit for you! It was for me. I am desperate to get my hands on book 2 ASAP!
In Between Ink and Shadows, we meet our main character Nim. We learn early on that Nim is indebted to a super scary secret society called The Trust. We also learn that she is not indebted to them by her own choosing or doing…but rather she inherited her father’s debt. This made me instantly feel for Nim. She is just trying to get by because of someone else’s choices thrust her into a life that she can’t get out of. I loved Nim. I loved her skeptical nature, and how resourceful she is. For Nim’s next task, which really doesn’t earn her any closer to freedom, it just buys her another month’s time, is to steal a personal item from the king’s seneschal, Warrick Spenser. This sets Nim off on her real adventure.
I loved Warrick and Nim from their very first meeting. I knew that Warrick was someone that has demons and secrets of his own, and I was dying to uncover them all. Melissa Wright does a fantastic job of gripping the readers attention and not letting go. Between Ink and Shadows is a fast paced read that once I picked up, I couldn’t put down! Another element of Between Ink and Shadows that fascinated me is the magic system. Here people barter and contract away for pieces of magic. It might be magic for good luck, or magic to look beautiful, but all magic comes with a price. It was an interesting concept to see something ordinary- a contract, paired up with something magical. I loved it! And of course, it illustrates all the ways that contracts and debts can go very wrong. The seedy underbelly and the violence of the Trust was truly terrifying. They do not mess around!
Everything about this story drew me in- The characters and their great banter, the bargain struck between Nim and Warrick, the dark gritty atmosphere of the world and creepy villainous nature of the Trust. It is all fantastic, and if you are a fan of dark fantasies with an alluring romance, great characters and a fast paced plot, then Between Ink and Shadows is going to be a smash hit for you! It was for me. I am desperate to get my hands on book 2 ASAP!
February 22, 2021
I'm sorry for not enjoying this ( because plenty of people did). I did get through the whole story because it was a sunday and I had time but that was all the motivation I had.
What's this book about? I'm asking because for the love of all that is magic I have no idea.
A random country, random city (that consists of the castle, 2 houses and some...underworld city wait what where? ), random girl that's tied to someone because of some bargain because of some magic laws although magic is banned and people are hanged if associating with magic but people be doing anyway.
Then random visits to and from the castle all day alla night all day all night, and no one suspects anything ? Nim just walks in and steals constantly? But when she's cought....she's like... stared upon very hardly and is shown a torture scene and she's done? Girl...I'm disappointed. My fav female characters can do more with their pinky finger. Sorry, not sorry.
Nim had more conversations with Weasley (and even Calum for heaven's sake) but is simping after Warrick because....because he's not ... doing some things to her with his magic ?
Fog. Secrets unveiled. More fog. Nim *discovers more secrets although no one tells her anything*. Fog. Nim finds out everyones intentions *by only thinking*.
I know info dumping is not pleasent. That doesn't mean it's okay to have MINUS 1000000 info!
Thank you for reading my rent. I saw this book on booktook and actually looked fun. But, God no, nope.
What's this book about? I'm asking because for the love of all that is magic I have no idea.
A random country, random city (that consists of the castle, 2 houses and some...underworld city wait what where? ), random girl that's tied to someone because of some bargain because of some magic laws although magic is banned and people are hanged if associating with magic but people be doing anyway.
Then random visits to and from the castle all day alla night all day all night, and no one suspects anything ? Nim just walks in and steals constantly? But when she's cought....she's like... stared upon very hardly and is shown a torture scene and she's done? Girl...I'm disappointed. My fav female characters can do more with their pinky finger. Sorry, not sorry.
Nim had more conversations with Weasley (and even Calum for heaven's sake) but is simping after Warrick because....because he's not ... doing some things to her with his magic ?
Fog. Secrets unveiled. More fog. Nim *discovers more secrets although no one tells her anything*. Fog. Nim finds out everyones intentions *by only thinking*.
I know info dumping is not pleasent. That doesn't mean it's okay to have MINUS 1000000 info!
Thank you for reading my rent. I saw this book on booktook and actually looked fun. But, God no, nope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2020
**Check out my tour stop on @thereaderandthechef! Huge thanks to the author & MTMC Tours for the review copy.**
I can safely say that Between Ink and Shadows is my latest obsession. This book is such a page-turner— full of secrets, dark magic, romance, and a heroine wanting nothing more than to gain back her freedom from a magical debt she inherited. Absolutely enjoyed reading it!
What I loved the most:
- The characters are precious, especially the side characters that worked in the main character's house: her butler and the maid. Must also mention Wesley because he loves cakes and is happy when he gets fed cakes?! So adorable!
- Nim, our main character, who is fierce and persistent. Also takes good care of the people loyal to her. ♥
- And the whole concept of magical contracts that bind you in a lifetime of debt, even if they are inherited. It was infuriating to see how Nim had to suffer with the Trust and I just wanted her to succeed in her quest for freedom.
Between Ink and Shadows is a fun read and I cannot wait for book 2!
I can safely say that Between Ink and Shadows is my latest obsession. This book is such a page-turner— full of secrets, dark magic, romance, and a heroine wanting nothing more than to gain back her freedom from a magical debt she inherited. Absolutely enjoyed reading it!
What I loved the most:
- The characters are precious, especially the side characters that worked in the main character's house: her butler and the maid. Must also mention Wesley because he loves cakes and is happy when he gets fed cakes?! So adorable!
- Nim, our main character, who is fierce and persistent. Also takes good care of the people loyal to her. ♥
- And the whole concept of magical contracts that bind you in a lifetime of debt, even if they are inherited. It was infuriating to see how Nim had to suffer with the Trust and I just wanted her to succeed in her quest for freedom.
Between Ink and Shadows is a fun read and I cannot wait for book 2!
December 1, 2020
A gloriously dark universe filled with secrets and lovely prose.
March 14, 2024
So cozy and delicious... honestly really IS like dark chocolate...
Want to read
March 4, 2021Free on Kindle US 3/4/2021
February 18, 2023
Generic cover, linear romance... Interesting fantasy elements but sometimes it feels convoluted.
I can see why other readers are confused because half the book is simple "turn your brain off" reading, but the other half you actually need to pay attention. It's not clear when you need to start paying attention either, because random important details are surrounded by the inane parts.
Why is the romance center stage?
- They are immediately attracted to each other😴
- There's no tension😪
- no banter💤
- (no smut either),
so their relationship is rather dull and boring. I get nothing from it!
Not really a cliffhanger but ends with a "to be continued"
I can see why other readers are confused because half the book is simple "turn your brain off" reading, but the other half you actually need to pay attention. It's not clear when you need to start paying attention either, because random important details are surrounded by the inane parts.
Why is the romance center stage?
- They are immediately attracted to each other😴
- There's no tension😪
- no banter💤
- (no smut either),
so their relationship is rather dull and boring. I get nothing from it!
Not really a cliffhanger but ends with a "to be continued"
October 25, 2022
⤏ DNF 20%
This was the second book by this author I picked up and, unfortunately, it will be the last. Both books ended up on my dnf list because of the same reasons - plot failed to catch my attention, characters without substance, not a fan of the writing style - and that's enough of a reason to stop trying.
This was the second book by this author I picked up and, unfortunately, it will be the last. Both books ended up on my dnf list because of the same reasons - plot failed to catch my attention, characters without substance, not a fan of the writing style - and that's enough of a reason to stop trying.
March 28, 2024
DNF 10% AUDIOBOOK
January 4, 2021
”Nim,” he said, the word a vow, an oath that spoke of worship, devotion, and something Nim could not focus on.”
I wasn’t sure how to rate this book. I enjoyed it and it was a short, fast read but I found myself having to re-read pages to grasp what was happening. Any time Nem discovered a new revelation I had to stop and go back a few paragraphs to understand. I love the authors writing but I think words or details were missing and needed at certain points.
I enjoyed Nem and Warrick’s romance and even though it was a bit insta-lovey, I thought it was perfect for those two characters. Allistair and Wesley were precious gems.
The world and magic system were quite enjoyable and I felt the epilogue did an amazing job of getting us anxious for book two.
3.5/5 ✰’s
I wasn’t sure how to rate this book. I enjoyed it and it was a short, fast read but I found myself having to re-read pages to grasp what was happening. Any time Nem discovered a new revelation I had to stop and go back a few paragraphs to understand. I love the authors writing but I think words or details were missing and needed at certain points.
I enjoyed Nem and Warrick’s romance and even though it was a bit insta-lovey, I thought it was perfect for those two characters. Allistair and Wesley were precious gems.
The world and magic system were quite enjoyable and I felt the epilogue did an amazing job of getting us anxious for book two.
3.5/5 ✰’s
April 24, 2024
So…. I’m so confused… I genuinely could not tell you what happened in the last quarter of the book 🤝
January 7, 2021
It was sooooo confusing....
It was a short but really packed book. But there was no explanation of magic system. World description was barely there. And relationship between main characters? That was the most confusing part... They knew each other like few days and now they're in love? Hmm...
Anyway, I still see the potential so I'm curious about book two.
I didn't like this one very much, but I'm still going to pick up next one when it's published.
It was a short but really packed book. But there was no explanation of magic system. World description was barely there. And relationship between main characters? That was the most confusing part... They knew each other like few days and now they're in love? Hmm...
Anyway, I still see the potential so I'm curious about book two.
I didn't like this one very much, but I'm still going to pick up next one when it's published.
April 8, 2021
EXCELLENT!!! Well worth the €2 it cost on kindle! Full of tension so much TENSION and great characters really just excellent. Also the magic was mysterious and strange and that was good too! Too short!!!!
April 13, 2021
4🌟
I really liked this book! I could read it for free on my phone and don't regret it.
Very different from most fantasy books out there. Unique! Definitely recommended if you want to try something new
I really liked this book! I could read it for free on my phone and don't regret it.
Very different from most fantasy books out there. Unique! Definitely recommended if you want to try something new
added-it
March 2, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/2/2021)! 🎁
December 9, 2024
Overall this was an okay quick short book. Found that at some spots were repetitive.
I'm giving this 2.75 Stars.
I'm giving this 2.75 Stars.
March 9, 2023
Very meh. Predictable. I will not be reading book 2.
January 19, 2022
i enjoyed it way more than i thought i would!
the writing was the strongest reason for that, it was very picturesque. imagine running through a medieval castle with daggers strapped to your thighs under your dress, your fingertips tingling with the aftershock of magic, with a dark, moody and grainy filter on top; a perfect pinterest aesthetic.
it oddly felt like i was reading a sequel, with the in medias res start of the first chapter. i don’t know if my attention span is that bad or if things actually weren’t written in detail, but a lot of things remained unexplained (such as Nim’s odd relationship with magic/magical items, the ending with the contract). a lot of scenes just confused me, where characters talked about things i felt like i should know, but couldn’t recall them ever being explained.
on second hand, lots of things weren’t actually said out loud, our protagonist just… figured them out by hints, or ‘intimations’, as they were called. telephaty through magic, or something.
i wasn’t a big fan of the romance, which is kind of sad because i liked both Nim and Warrick a lot. there was nothing wrong with it, just felt a little rushed (and that might totally be just my slow burn loving ass complaining :T)
Calum was a surprisingly well written bad guy, he made the whole story so much darker, so much more eerie with his looming evilness.
„Calum cared not at all—he never even gave them a glance. His eyes were on Warrick as he shoved Nim to the stones and pressed his cane to her back.”
tell me he is not ominous and wicked to the core. that’s right, you can’t, and my mind shall never be changed.
i got this off apple books for free (a bargain, really), and i might as well buy the second book!
the writing was the strongest reason for that, it was very picturesque. imagine running through a medieval castle with daggers strapped to your thighs under your dress, your fingertips tingling with the aftershock of magic, with a dark, moody and grainy filter on top; a perfect pinterest aesthetic.
it oddly felt like i was reading a sequel, with the in medias res start of the first chapter. i don’t know if my attention span is that bad or if things actually weren’t written in detail, but a lot of things remained unexplained (such as Nim’s odd relationship with magic/magical items, the ending with the contract). a lot of scenes just confused me, where characters talked about things i felt like i should know, but couldn’t recall them ever being explained.
on second hand, lots of things weren’t actually said out loud, our protagonist just… figured them out by hints, or ‘intimations’, as they were called. telephaty through magic, or something.
i wasn’t a big fan of the romance, which is kind of sad because i liked both Nim and Warrick a lot. there was nothing wrong with it, just felt a little rushed (and that might totally be just my slow burn loving ass complaining :T)
Calum was a surprisingly well written bad guy, he made the whole story so much darker, so much more eerie with his looming evilness.
„Calum cared not at all—he never even gave them a glance. His eyes were on Warrick as he shoved Nim to the stones and pressed his cane to her back.”
tell me he is not ominous and wicked to the core. that’s right, you can’t, and my mind shall never be changed.
i got this off apple books for free (a bargain, really), and i might as well buy the second book!
May 19, 2021
3⭐️
Took me a while to get into this book. The world building and plot felt a bit shaky and the beginning/first half of this book felt very slow. That said, the concept was interesting and it was fairly well-written, if not entirely predictable.
It felt like Calum was being set-up as an evil Rhysand/Darkling, so at first I wasn’t sure if he was the love interest. So because of that the last bits of the book felt a bit abrupt. The characters were okay, I think this book needed more smut. It read like a book that has shaky plot but it’s okay because the smut is good... but without the smut.
Not sure if I’ll read book two - probably not but who knows.
Took me a while to get into this book. The world building and plot felt a bit shaky and the beginning/first half of this book felt very slow. That said, the concept was interesting and it was fairly well-written, if not entirely predictable.
It felt like Calum was being set-up as an evil Rhysand/Darkling, so at first I wasn’t sure if he was the love interest. So because of that the last bits of the book felt a bit abrupt. The characters were okay, I think this book needed more smut. It read like a book that has shaky plot but it’s okay because the smut is good... but without the smut.
Not sure if I’ll read book two - probably not but who knows.
November 16, 2022
A fantasy story of those that have a classic taste, but with a twist.
The characters are a ten, the plot is interwoven little by little as you get to know this world and how it works, and without a doubt that in the end, it leaves you wanting more.
It's not the most elaborate fantasy story you can read and that's why it's perfect for when your brain needs a break and just enjoy.
Added a slow burning romance and a very good sense of humor.
The characters are a ten, the plot is interwoven little by little as you get to know this world and how it works, and without a doubt that in the end, it leaves you wanting more.
It's not the most elaborate fantasy story you can read and that's why it's perfect for when your brain needs a break and just enjoy.
Added a slow burning romance and a very good sense of humor.
March 26, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Hear me out… this was good. But it could’ve been great.
It needed to be twice as long. With twice as much tension, story building, relationship building, and details. I’m sad it was so short. It was too fast paced for fantasy.
Still excited to read the next book but sad that this didn’t reach its potential.
Hear me out… this was good. But it could’ve been great.
It needed to be twice as long. With twice as much tension, story building, relationship building, and details. I’m sad it was so short. It was too fast paced for fantasy.
Still excited to read the next book but sad that this didn’t reach its potential.
![Profile Image for Addie [semi hiatus] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1722120143i%2F173520526._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 12, 2024
This book was honestly such a breath of fresh air. I fell for the mmc and fmc. Their relationship is so cute! Definitely recommend if you're in a reading slump!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 692 reviews