The Coven by Harper L. Woods Series: Coven of Bones #1
Published by Independent (3.16.2023)
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy, Romantasy
Format: Audiobook, 298 pages
Length: 8 hours, 52 minutes
Narrator: Ellis Evans, Emilia Bauer
Source: Library
Raised to be my father’s weapon against the Coven that took away his sister and his birthright, I would do anything to protect my younger brother from suffering the same fate. My duty forces me to the secret town of Crystal Hollow and the prestigious Hollow’s Grove University—where the best and brightest of my kind learn to practice their magic free from human judgment.
There are no whispered words here. No condemnation for the blood that flows through my veins. The only animosity I face comes from the beautiful and infuriating Headmaster, Alaric Grayson Thorne, a man who despises me just as much as I loathe him and everything he stands for.
But that doesn’t mean secrets don’t threaten to tear the school in two. No one talks about the bloody massacre that forced it to close decades prior, only the opportunity it can afford to those fortunate enough to attend.
Because for the first time in fifty years, the Coven will open its wards to the Thirteen: thirteen promising students destined to change the world.
If the ghosts of Hollow’s Groves’ victims don’t kill them first...
My thoughts
I had really high hopes for this book. (Also, that cover is STUNNING!!) While it didn’t quite live up to my expectations, I did still enjoy it for the most part.
The world was interesting – I liked the dark academia setting and the structure of the society. However, I didn’t care a whole lot for the romance. (And I say romance loosely; it’s not romantic at all, it’s purely sexual.) I’m usually a hardcore fan of morally grey MMCs, but this one was just a douche. It’s insta-lusty (which I will always prefer over insta-love any day), and that’s fine, but honestly some of the sexual content made me cringe. To preface: I’m not really a huge smut fan, but recently I’ve been getting into spicier romantasy. I do enjoy it if it’s written well. But words like “cock” and “cunt” are like nails on a chalkboard to me and I can’t stand them when I’m reading/listening to smut scenes. So the sex scenes were a little much for me.
Overall, this story was forgettable for me. A few weeks after reading I was already struggling to remember things. I do like how it ended, though! That cliffhanger made me interested to see where the second book goes.
Overall assessment
Plot: 3/5
Premise: 3.5/5
Writing style: 3.5/5
Originality: 3.5/5
Characters: 3/5
World-building: 3.5/5
Pace: 4/5
Feels: 2/5
Cover: 5/5
Overall rating: 3/5
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent Series: Crowns of Nyaxia #1
Published by Independent (8.30.2022)
Genres: Adult, Romantasy, High Fantasy
Format: eBook, 532 pages
Source: Kindle Unlimited
The adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, Oraya carved her place in a world designed to kill her. Her only chance to become something more than prey is entering the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself.
But winning won’t be easy amongst the most vicious warriors from all three vampire houses. To survive, Oraya is forced to make an alliance with a mysterious rival.
Everything about Raihn is dangerous. He is a ruthless vampire, an efficient killer, an enemy to her father’s crown… and her greatest competition. Yet, what terrifies Oraya most of all is that she finds herself oddly drawn to him.
But there’s no room for compassion in the Kejari. War for the House of Night brews, shattering everything that Oraya thought she knew about her home. And Raihn may understand her more than anyone – but their blossoming attraction could be her downfall, in a kingdom where nothing is more deadly than love.
My thoughts
And love, understand, is sharper than any stake.
The reviews for this book are INSANE! My expectations were sky high going in because it’s so wildly popular. While I didn’t dislike it, I ended up being a bit let down.
It took nearly half the book just for me to be invested. I was considering DNFing in the beginning because I couldn’t get into it. I didn’t start to enjoy it until the scene where Oraya threw Raihn through the window. XD
And even after that, I wouldn’t say I was hooked. I did enjoy it for the most part, but it didn’t wow me. I did surprisingly enjoy the sexy scenes, though! Whew! I didn’t care a whole lot for for the main characters but I LOVED Mische!! I would read a spin off about Mische, the “poor innocent little sunshine sprite,” lmao.
I felt a little underwhelmed by the end honestly. The big “twist” was not very surprising, however it was very cliche, sorry not sorry. I was not a fan.
Overall assessment
Plot: 3.5/5
Premise: 4/5
Writing style: 3.5/5
Originality: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
World-building: 3/5
Pace: 3/5
Feels: 2/5
Cover: 4/5
Overall rating: 3/5
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