Genre: Adult Romantasy
Release Date: May 28th, 2024
Pages: 544
Publisher: Sourcebooks Bloom
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Publisher’s Synopsis:
“No one told witch Selene Bowers having a soul mate would be so difficult. Nor did they warn her that he might be a vengeful, ancient sorcerer who would frame her for murder, force her to remember a past life he swears she lived, and then coerce her into an unbreakable marriage pact. But that’s exactly what happens the night of the Samhain Ball, when Selene finds herself in a jail cell.
After waking from enchanted sleep, Memnon swore to discover why Selene betrayed him long ago. But when his soul mate’s memories return, the truth reveals something else entirely. Horrified by his own actions and desperate to make amends, Memnon offers Selene the unthinkable: a magic bond that will give her full control over his will. And Selene is desperate enough to accept it.
But other enemies still haunt Henbane Coven, Selene’s magical academy, and they’ve taken a keen interest in her. If she wants to stop them, she’ll need Memnon’s help. But partnering with the sorcerer is a tricky business, especially when he’s dead set on winning her heart. And that can’t happen…because the bond controlling him will break the moment she falls in love with him.”
My Review:
Oh, man, y’all… I hate to say, I really really do, but this wasn’t the five star experience I was expecting.
First of all, Laura Thalassa is one of my favorite romantasy authors. I’ve read nearly everything she has written, and will continue to do so.
The first book in this series was so freaking good. I fell in love with the characters and the story world.
But this second book was very underwhelming for me.
The one thing I did love was the direction that Memnon and Selene’s relationship went. I thought that the development that happens in this book was so great and I was eating it up.
But the plot progression was severely lacking in my opinion. The pacing was quite slow for the first 75% probably. I just needed more from it in this way.
I needed higher stakes, more suspense and building tension, and just more action in general. It wasn’t going anywhere and I wasn’t feeling compelled to keep turning the pages.
And I must say, that is definitely not something I’m used to from this author, as one of the reasons I love her books so much is that she does such a great job of equally balancing plot and romance.
I did enjoy how we got to learn so much more about past events, those chapters were some of my favorites.
I’m also not sure how much I care nor am I feeling the seriousness of the cliffhanger at the end? But I will withhold judgment on that until I see where it leads in the next book.
I expected to absolutely love this, and I ended up thinking it was just okay.
Regardless, as of right now, I still think this series is worth the read and hopefully will continue to be so. And I still definitely think this series deserves way more hype and attention!
Disclaimers:
Huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me an early copy of this amazing story! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Have you read this book? Planning to add it to your TBR?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
I love a good book discussion. 🙂
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