xthelibrarianx's reviews
85 reviews

Honestly-? They could’ve done a lot more with this but that’s all ima say. 4 chapters of… well bs

I absolutely adored this book—not just for the adventure, but because Mazen and Loulie stole my heart. Their dynamic kept me hooked, even when I found myself craving more depth in their emotions. The story moves fast, sometimes too fast, brushing past moments that begged to linger.

I wanted to sit with these characters, to feel the weight of their realizations and heartaches. Why has Mazen seemingly moved past his panic attacks over his father’s death? Where’s the raw, emotional reunion between Loulie and Qadir? And Aisha—does she feel the ache of loneliness, the absence of true connection? These questions simmer beneath the surface, waiting to be explored.

And please, please, let Mazen and Loulie have a real heart-to-heart in book three. The tension, the longing—it’s all there, and I need that romantic payoff!

That said, this book was still an absolute thrill. If you’re looking for a story filled with magic, intrigue, and characters that will stay with you long after the last page, this is one you won’t want to miss.

I was immediately drawn to this book for its Middle Eastern-inspired themes and Kuwaiti authorship. While I didn’t have high expectations, I was intrigued by its rarity. Here’s my take:

•Strong start with an immersive atmosphere and well-laid character foundations.

•Despite featuring adults, it had major YA vibes-something to note if that’s not your style.

•The magic system felt too vague for my liking.

•Characters were decent but not particularly memorable-Aicha stood out the most.

•Loved seeing Arabic words, but some key terms lacked translation, which could be confusing.

•Fast-paced, yet somehow still felt a bit dull.

Overall, it was a fun read but not deeply gripping.

My first B.L. Wilde book, and wow—772 exclamation marks! The writing wasn’t my style, but I pushed through. The romance-paranormal mix took time to unfold, and Alora’s cold, erratic nature made her hard to connect with. Darce was intriguing but distant, his push-pull dynamic exhausting. Their banter had charm, but the back-and-forth got tiring. The fantasy elements picked up late, leading to an interesting twist that left me curious for more.

In the shadowed kingdom of Daramveer, Princess Briar Blackbyrne has lived a life of invisibility, concealing her dark powers and evading her father’s oppressive rule. When the king decrees an arranged marriage, Briar defies tradition by entering a series of deadly trials to claim her own hand. As ancient magic resurfaces and hidden adversaries emerge, Briar must confront her deepest fears and harness her latent abilities to survive. Fans of Brave, Shadow and Bone, and The Hunger Games will be captivated by this tale of courage, magic, and self-determination.