1 star reviews for books I loved

A Soul to Keep - Opal Reyne

7 book series currently

Available on Kindle Unlimited with a subscription

"All Reia ever wanted was freedom.

Reia is shunned by her entire village. When the next offering is due and the monstrous Duskwalker is seen heading their way, her village offers her an impossible choice – be thrown into the prison cells or allow herself to be sacrificed to a faceless monster.

All Orpheus ever wanted was a companion.

Each decade, in exchange for a protection ward from the Demons that terrorise the world, Orpheus takes a human offering to the Veil – the place he lives and the home of Demons. The brief companionship does little to ease his loneliness, and their lives were always, unfortunately, cut short.

But will Orpheus be able to convince Reia to stay before she’s lost to him forever?"

•••

The Prison Healer - Lynette Noni

Completed Trilogy

"Seventeen-year-old Kiva Meridan has spent the last ten years fighting for survival in the notorious death prison, Zalindov, working as the prison healer.

When the Rebel Queen is captured, Kiva is charged with keeping the terminally ill woman alive long enough for her to undergo the Trial by Ordeal: a series of elemental challenges against the torments of air, fire, water, and earth, assigned to only the most dangerous of criminals.

Then a coded message from Kiva’s family arrives, containing a single order: “Don’t let her die. We are coming.”

But no one has ever survived."

•••

Heartless Hunter - Kristen Ciccarelli

Unfinished series

"On the night Rune’s life changed forever, blood ran in the streets. Now, in the aftermath of a devastating revolution, witches have been diminished from powerful rulers to outcasts ruthlessly hunted due to their waning magic, and Rune must hide what she is.

Spending her days pretending to be nothing more than a vapid young socialite, Rune spends her nights as the Crimson Moth, a witch vigilante who rescues her kind from being purged. When a rescue goes wrong, she decides to throw the witch hunters off her scent and gain the intel she desperately needs by courting the handsome Gideon Sharpe - a notorious and unforgiving witch hunter loyal to the revolution - who she can't help but find herself falling for."

•••

Have you read any of these or do you plan to?

If so, what did you rate them?

#fantasybooks #romatasy #bookstagram

2024/5/21 Edited to

... Read moreIn the realm of literature, a disparity often exists between the reviews a book receives and the impact it has on individual readers. Some beloved titles, like 'A Soul to Keep' by Opal Reyne, captivate fans with their unique blend of romance and fantasy, exploring themes of sacrifice and companionship against a backdrop of danger. Despite receiving negative feedback, these stories resonate deeply with certain audiences, showcasing the subjective nature of reading experiences. Similarly, Lynette Noni's 'The Prison Healer' unfolds within a gripping prison setting, where resilience and loyalty are put to the test. Readers become invested in Kiva’s plight, eager to see her overcome insurmountable odds, even when some critiques argue about pacing or character development. This highlights how personal connection to characters can overshadow critical reviews. Furthermore, 'Heartless Hunter' by Kristen Ciccarelli blends romance with the thrilling world of witch hunts and rebellion. Rune's dual life as a socialite and vigilante offers a compelling narrative that some readers find enchanting, despite mixed reviews pointing out flaws in chemistry between characters. Reviews can often reflect personal expectations, but true literary enjoyment might stem from narrative depth and emotional engagement. This dissonance between reader experiences and review ratings invites discussions among book enthusiasts, encouraging a deeper examination of what constitutes a good read. Genre preferences, emotional impacts, and narrative voices play vital roles in shaping our literary journeys, making it essential to explore beyond the numeric ratings and engage with the stories that resonate on a personal level. Whether you agree or disagree with the criticism, each book has the potential to inspire and connect in unexpected ways.

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