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fantasy_fiction_and_fae's reviews
473 reviews
The Reckoning by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Ruthless Fae by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The Awakening by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
24690 by Alaska Angelini, A.A. Dark
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
24690 (Series 24690 #1) by A.A. Dark (aka Alaska Angelini)
Audiobook with Troy Duran (Narrator), Calamity Jane (Narrator)
Slave #24690 was Everly Davenport when she was kidnapped on her 10th birthday at the party her parents had for her at a theme park. They were rich, powerful, and now, dead. They were murdered and she was taken by a sick and twisted older man who wanted her for himself. He was part of an underground society called Whitlock where she now lived and would never leave. It was a huge fortress with apartments, a hospital wing, a shopping center, a movie theatre, and more. A self-sufficient home for the depraved and wicked men of high society. CEOs, Lawyers, Actors, Musicians, and many other wealthy men who had a taste for violence and the want to "own" a woman. When a slave is bought, the "master" could do whatever he wanted with her, and in all cases, they were raped, or beaten if they disobeyed their master or not. Some just liked to cause pain, others would be tortured, and killed. You have no rights, no say, you cannot say no, you just obey and you will never leave as long as you are alive. Everly's master didn't beat her often, but it did still happen if he didn't like what she said or did. Especially if one of the other masters came to their apartment and took interest in her, or looked at her too long. For the most part, though, he was kind compared to other slaves owned at Whitlock and she was one of the luckier women. Was...
This story starts on the night her master was murdered. He had drugged her so she would sleep better since he hit her and she was bruised and hurt. He wanted her to be able to sleep peacefully and not wake up from the pain on her face. She didn't hear the person who went into their apartment when he killed him, she slept through it all. Now that her master was dead, she would be put back into rotation and put up for auction to the highest bidder, if she made it there alive.
She no longer had a name, she was slave #24690 again. She had a target on her back after the head main master of Whitlock named Bram gave orders to stay away from her and a few decided to take what they wanted regardless. Bram had a secret. He has watched Everly for years and was obsessed with her. Few people knew, one of which was his best friend West who also wanted Everly but wasn't afraid to admit it. So he pushed Bram to allow him to bid on her to make her his slave. Bram agreed that West was the best option, but the closer it came to the auction, the more Bram wanted her for himself and took her from her cells to be with him. He kept denying his feelings for her and tried to make her hate him too but she knew he had feelings for her as she did for him. Just when things seemed to settle and Bram made up his mind about their future, both of their lives turned upside down.
This is an extremely dark and twisted story about kidnapped women (and men but none are really mentioned in this story) put into sex slavery, beaten, tortured, raped, and some are killed. It is not for anyone who has triggers with any abuse towards women. If you do not like dark romance, this is not for you. This isn't a romantic Fifty Shades of Grey with a little bdsm book. If that is what you are looking for, don't listen/read this book. It makes me wonder if it was a similar scenario as to what that sicko Jeffrey Epstein had with his private island and all those women who came forward to press charges against him and other men who used his "services". It is a scary thought that places like that might exist out there. Carry mace with you always ladies, you never know.
Audiobook with Troy Duran (Narrator), Calamity Jane (Narrator)
Slave #24690 was Everly Davenport when she was kidnapped on her 10th birthday at the party her parents had for her at a theme park. They were rich, powerful, and now, dead. They were murdered and she was taken by a sick and twisted older man who wanted her for himself. He was part of an underground society called Whitlock where she now lived and would never leave. It was a huge fortress with apartments, a hospital wing, a shopping center, a movie theatre, and more. A self-sufficient home for the depraved and wicked men of high society. CEOs, Lawyers, Actors, Musicians, and many other wealthy men who had a taste for violence and the want to "own" a woman. When a slave is bought, the "master" could do whatever he wanted with her, and in all cases, they were raped, or beaten if they disobeyed their master or not. Some just liked to cause pain, others would be tortured, and killed. You have no rights, no say, you cannot say no, you just obey and you will never leave as long as you are alive. Everly's master didn't beat her often, but it did still happen if he didn't like what she said or did. Especially if one of the other masters came to their apartment and took interest in her, or looked at her too long. For the most part, though, he was kind compared to other slaves owned at Whitlock and she was one of the luckier women. Was...
This story starts on the night her master was murdered. He had drugged her so she would sleep better since he hit her and she was bruised and hurt. He wanted her to be able to sleep peacefully and not wake up from the pain on her face. She didn't hear the person who went into their apartment when he killed him, she slept through it all. Now that her master was dead, she would be put back into rotation and put up for auction to the highest bidder, if she made it there alive.
She no longer had a name, she was slave #24690 again. She had a target on her back after the head main master of Whitlock named Bram gave orders to stay away from her and a few decided to take what they wanted regardless. Bram had a secret. He has watched Everly for years and was obsessed with her. Few people knew, one of which was his best friend West who also wanted Everly but wasn't afraid to admit it. So he pushed Bram to allow him to bid on her to make her his slave. Bram agreed that West was the best option, but the closer it came to the auction, the more Bram wanted her for himself and took her from her cells to be with him. He kept denying his feelings for her and tried to make her hate him too but she knew he had feelings for her as she did for him. Just when things seemed to settle and Bram made up his mind about their future, both of their lives turned upside down.
This is an extremely dark and twisted story about kidnapped women (and men but none are really mentioned in this story) put into sex slavery, beaten, tortured, raped, and some are killed. It is not for anyone who has triggers with any abuse towards women. If you do not like dark romance, this is not for you. This isn't a romantic Fifty Shades of Grey with a little bdsm book. If that is what you are looking for, don't listen/read this book. It makes me wonder if it was a similar scenario as to what that sicko Jeffrey Epstein had with his private island and all those women who came forward to press charges against him and other men who used his "services". It is a scary thought that places like that might exist out there. Carry mace with you always ladies, you never know.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Lightlark by Alex Aster
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
The Belgariad Boxed Set: Pawn of Prophecy / Queen of Sorcery / Magician's Gambit / Castle of Wizardry / Enchanters' End Game by David Eddings
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I love this series. It’s nothing like the fae and dragon books out now filled with hot shadow daddies with big wing span. Don’t get me wrong, I love a trashy spicy book, but these books don’t focus on romance.
If you like old school fantasy, this series is old (literally) you should give them a go.
If you like old school fantasy, this series is old (literally) you should give them a go.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Still processing…
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I am puzzled about how to write a review on this book. I couldn’t put it down, but it wasn’t mind blowing. Many of the characters are either extremely broken or down right awful (purposefully written as such). There were a few sexual scenes I was not expecting since I don’t usually find them in the thriller books I have read. I don’t mind that in books but it strange when not expected.
The FMC is positively broken. She has zero self esteem, no respect for her body and seems to enjoy self deprecation. She allows her family to verbally assault her and makes no effort to defend herself.
From early on I suspected the person responsible, but there are a few other options thrown in there for possible suspects. I thought I would watch the mini series based on this book but I think I’m all set.
The FMC is positively broken. She has zero self esteem, no respect for her body and seems to enjoy self deprecation. She allows her family to verbally assault her and makes no effort to defend herself.
From early on I suspected the person responsible, but there are a few other options thrown in there for possible suspects. I thought I would watch the mini series based on this book but I think I’m all set.
Born of Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
This is the 4th book of the series so I'm not going to do a breakdown of all that because the book is huge, no one has time for that. However, it would probably have been shorter if all the times Sera repeated the same lines were either shortened or removed. She was in love with Ash, we get it. Sera's inner monolog was long and unnecessary. Regardless, I love this series. With that said...
The last few chapters... Holy crap... Now I need to read the From Blood and Ash series again to compare what happened in these books to that timeline and what they see and discover since it seems only parts of the stories are revealed in the future and I forget some of the little things mentioned.
SPOILER mini rant DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE BLOOD AND ASH BOOKS OR FINISHED THIS SERIES
.
.
.
.
.
YOU WERE WARNED
Seraphena Mierel, aka Sera, aka Meyaah Liessa, spoke with Ward (one of the Fates) regarding Sotoria (Kolis' obsession) being reborn in the future just as she has been for centuries. Sera knew that as long as Kolis was still alive, he would do anything to get to her, in stasis or not. Sotoria despised Kolis and did not want to be with him and he just didn't get it. He loved her (in his own sick demented way), he was obsessed with her and would stop at nothing to have her regardless of how she felt about him. LOSER!
Sotoria's future was out of everyone's hands, so Sera asked Ward (one of the Fates) to give Sotoria a fighting chance just as Holland was her Viktor (who unbeknownst to her was a Fate). Holland watched over Sera and showed her how to fight and defend herself from any harm knowing what could happen to her in the future but could not intervene or warn her. She was fearless to the point of foolishness, but it was in her DNA to fight back as well as be very sassy to dangerous people. The apple did not fall far from the ancient tree when Poppy was born.
Ward agreed to Sera's request to train the future Sotoria to defend herself which he did very well. Just as Holland trained Sera, he will serve as her Viktor and teach her everything she needs to know to defend herself including gifting her a very rare and important dagger. If you read From Blood and Ash you know the significance of the dagger.
Sotoria was reborn and named Penellaphe Balfour, aka Poppy, aka Meyaah Liessa, and she knew Ward as Vikter Wardwell. Vikter was the head guard of the palace and was her main personal guard. He was one of the few people who knew Poppy's true face and trained her to fight and defend herself in secret as the "Chosen Maiden" was not to learn how to fight. He was the closest thing she had to a father since her parents were murdered when she was a child before she found out who her real parents were.
So WARD who is one of the Fates is Poppy's "Vikter" aka Vikter Wardwell DID NOT DIE in the Blood and Ash series as Poppy thought! Poppy was devastated when she thought that Holland was killed just as Poppy was devastated that Vikter was killed during the raid at the palace where she lived.
I AM SCREAMING right now! It's been a while since I read the Blood and Ash series and the next book is set to publish on June 10th when Poppy wakes from stasis. I wonder if she will see Ward again once she wakes up because he couldn't be killed like a normal human being and that is exactly what Poppy was led to believe all the years he trained and protected her before she left with Hawke aka Casteel (Cas). Holland went to see Sera once she was with Ash, so I am assuming that once she wakes from Stasis to rise as the predicted Queen Primal of Life and Death, Ward/Vikter will then show himself and he will explain everything to Poppy. I also think that she will be the only one who can kill Callum and I wonder if she will remember who he is to her once she transforms into her Primal state. I'm thinking yes. We shall see. I can look back at this to see if I was correct in my assumptions.
Sera and Ash (aka Nyktos) had planned to release Sotoria from the star diamond where Sera placed her to keep her safe until they could deal with Kolis and then let her choose where her soul went, but one of the fates who wants the ancients to rise again took it and gave it to her brother Callum. Then we find out who Callum is in relation to Sera and it seems that even he had no idea that Sera was from his bloodline. He wouldn't find out and had no idea if he would ever since he took off with the star where his sister Sotoria was placed. It makes me wonder if his choices would have been different if he knew he was blood-related to Sera and if Sera had told him the feelings and reactions that Sotoria got when it came to things Kolis said and did when her soul was inside Sera. Regardless, Callum plans to keep the star safe until it is time to release Sotoria so she can live again in a new life which in turn would start to wake Kolis from his stasis slumber. Kolis must have played some heavy head games with him to convince him that his sister belonged with him for Callum to consider ever giving her to him as Kolis wanted. Otherwise, why would he wish to hand over the sister he always loved to a monster like that?
All I know is I need the last Blood and Ash book STAT so I can see if I was correct in my assumptions.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The last few chapters... Holy crap... Now I need to read the From Blood and Ash series again to compare what happened in these books to that timeline and what they see and discover since it seems only parts of the stories are revealed in the future and I forget some of the little things mentioned.
SPOILER mini rant DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE BLOOD AND ASH BOOKS OR FINISHED THIS SERIES
.
.
.
.
.
YOU WERE WARNED
Seraphena Mierel, aka Sera, aka Meyaah Liessa, spoke with Ward (one of the Fates) regarding Sotoria (Kolis' obsession) being reborn in the future just as she has been for centuries. Sera knew that as long as Kolis was still alive, he would do anything to get to her, in stasis or not. Sotoria despised Kolis and did not want to be with him and he just didn't get it. He loved her (in his own sick demented way), he was obsessed with her and would stop at nothing to have her regardless of how she felt about him. LOSER!
Sotoria's future was out of everyone's hands, so Sera asked Ward (one of the Fates) to give Sotoria a fighting chance just as Holland was her Viktor (who unbeknownst to her was a Fate). Holland watched over Sera and showed her how to fight and defend herself from any harm knowing what could happen to her in the future but could not intervene or warn her. She was fearless to the point of foolishness, but it was in her DNA to fight back as well as be very sassy to dangerous people. The apple did not fall far from the ancient tree when Poppy was born.
Ward agreed to Sera's request to train the future Sotoria to defend herself which he did very well. Just as Holland trained Sera, he will serve as her Viktor and teach her everything she needs to know to defend herself including gifting her a very rare and important dagger. If you read From Blood and Ash you know the significance of the dagger.
Sotoria was reborn and named Penellaphe Balfour, aka Poppy, aka Meyaah Liessa, and she knew Ward as Vikter Wardwell. Vikter was the head guard of the palace and was her main personal guard. He was one of the few people who knew Poppy's true face and trained her to fight and defend herself in secret as the "Chosen Maiden" was not to learn how to fight. He was the closest thing she had to a father since her parents were murdered when she was a child before she found out who her real parents were.
So WARD who is one of the Fates is Poppy's "Vikter" aka Vikter Wardwell DID NOT DIE in the Blood and Ash series as Poppy thought! Poppy was devastated when she thought that Holland was killed just as Poppy was devastated that Vikter was killed during the raid at the palace where she lived.
I AM SCREAMING right now! It's been a while since I read the Blood and Ash series and the next book is set to publish on June 10th when Poppy wakes from stasis. I wonder if she will see Ward again once she wakes up because he couldn't be killed like a normal human being and that is exactly what Poppy was led to believe all the years he trained and protected her before she left with Hawke aka Casteel (Cas). Holland went to see Sera once she was with Ash, so I am assuming that once she wakes from Stasis to rise as the predicted Queen Primal of Life and Death, Ward/Vikter will then show himself and he will explain everything to Poppy. I also think that she will be the only one who can kill Callum and I wonder if she will remember who he is to her once she transforms into her Primal state. I'm thinking yes. We shall see. I can look back at this to see if I was correct in my assumptions.
Sera and Ash (aka Nyktos) had planned to release Sotoria from the star diamond where Sera placed her to keep her safe until they could deal with Kolis and then let her choose where her soul went, but one of the fates who wants the ancients to rise again took it and gave it to her brother Callum. Then we find out who Callum is in relation to Sera and it seems that even he had no idea that Sera was from his bloodline. He wouldn't find out and had no idea if he would ever since he took off with the star where his sister Sotoria was placed. It makes me wonder if his choices would have been different if he knew he was blood-related to Sera and if Sera had told him the feelings and reactions that Sotoria got when it came to things Kolis said and did when her soul was inside Sera. Regardless, Callum plans to keep the star safe until it is time to release Sotoria so she can live again in a new life which in turn would start to wake Kolis from his stasis slumber. Kolis must have played some heavy head games with him to convince him that his sister belonged with him for Callum to consider ever giving her to him as Kolis wanted. Otherwise, why would he wish to hand over the sister he always loved to a monster like that?
All I know is I need the last Blood and Ash book STAT so I can see if I was correct in my assumptions.
A Fire in the Flesh by Jennifer L. Armentrout
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0