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• Book 3 of 5!
Book Review
Book name: Court of Lies and Deceit
Author: Marion Blackwood
Genre: Romantasy
Quote: "How could I possibly be enough to deserve you when the gods themselves would go to war to have you?"
My rating: 4/5. ⭐️
My review: I'm not sure what changed for me. The first 2 books felt so easy to read/enjoy, whereas this one was just easy to read. Our main character started to feel repetitive, and I got easily annoyed with the love interest and really the whole group in general. It's like they have no survival instincts unless they are in battle. The constant demanding made it feel like it was a group of entitled fae, and although I agree, they are entitled to their freedom, the world just isn't set up like that, so the demanding, backstabbing, and anger just felt unreasonable. It's clear our author has a specific way of writing, often describing different incidents the exact same way or unnecessarily emphasizing another character's emotion when it was already clear how they were feeling. At the end, we are given an amazing plot twist, but it feels unreachable for this main character. I understand her power and upbringing have a big influence on her, but it's the kind of influence that scares her into being selfless and good. I just cant see her as an "anti-hero." I've also had this slight feeling throughout all these books that the author is "quote farming" rather than writing something meaningful. Maybe I'm reaching, but that's truly how I've been feeling. Despite these negatives, there were a few things I enjoyed, like how we got to learn more about the magic system and the differences between the unsealy fae and the sealy fae, I loved the found family aspect, and thoroughly enjoyed Dravens "new technique." ⚡️😉 I laughed so hard during that scene, where was this man finding the time to do that??? Despite being locked in this court this he had priorities hahaha. Also, why is this girl always making revelations while doing the deed?? Anyway, overall, the plot was entertaining, the twists were twisting, leaving much desire for the 4th book.
#BookReview #bookrecommendations #romantasybook #dragons #romancetropes
Okay, so you've seen my initial thoughts on *Court of Lies and Deceit*, but I really wanted to dive deeper into some aspects that I know fellow romantasy readers are curious about. This book, the third in the series by Marion Blackwood, definitely left me with a lot to unpack, especially after those tantalizing 'high expose queries' I've seen floating around! First off, let's talk about the characters, because honestly, they were a mixed bag for me. While the original review mentioned the main character feeling a bit repetitive and the group being annoying, I've been reflecting on *why*. It's almost like they have this inherent entitlement, which, okay, they are Fae, but it got to a point where their lack of survival instincts outside of battle became genuinely frustrating. I was hoping for more growth, more nuanced development, especially from the love interest. You know how you want to root for them, but they just keep making choices that make you want to shake them? That was my experience! However, I absolutely adored the 'found family' aspect that shimmered through despite the squabbles. It’s those moments of genuine connection that make you forgive some of the other character quirks. Now, for what many of you are probably here for: the spice level and those infamous spicy chapters! The original review hinted at 'Dravens' 'new technique'' and revelations happening 'while doing the deed,' and let me tell you, those scenes *deliver*. The book cover, with its 'golden dragon' and 'dripping gold,' sets a luxurious, dangerous tone, and the steam definitely matches that vibe. If I had to give it a personal rating, I’d say the 'spice' was a solid 4/5, aligning with the overall rating I saw on the review image. The author doesn't shy away from explicit moments, ensuring they contribute to the character dynamics and plot, rather than feeling gratuitous. For those who enjoy their romantasy with a generous side of heat, you won't be disappointed. Speaking of contributions to the plot, the quotes in this book are something else! The one from the original review, "How could I possibly be enough to deserve you when the gods themselves would go to war to have you?" perfectly encapsulates the high-stakes romance and devotion. Marion Blackwood really knows how to craft lines that stick with you, adding depth to the emotional turmoil and grand declarations. These aren't just throwaway lines; they often highlight the internal conflicts or the powerful bonds forming (or breaking) between the 'Court of Lies and Deceit characters.' Finally, let's appreciate the visual journey. The vibrant 'Court of Lies and Deceit Marion Blackwood cover' with its 'purple flowers on a dark background' is stunning and accurately reflects the mystical, slightly dark world. And the moodboard? Seeing elements like a 'dragon,' 'romantic embrace,' 'ancient ruins,' and a 'hand holding fire,' alongside the powerful phrase 'MAGIC COMES WITH A PRICE,' truly brought the story to life for me. It’s the kind of imagery that inspires amazing 'Court of Lies and Deceit fanart.' I can totally picture artists bringing those powerful Fae, the intricate magic, and those intense emotional scenes to life. It makes you realize how much thought went into crafting this fantasy world, even if some of the character choices left me scratching my head. Overall, despite my minor frustrations, the twists kept me hooked, leaving me eager for book four!