D

Rereading this book felt very nostalgic for me, because it was the first romance novel with this type of cover I ever read, and my third overall. It's been about fifteen years! Time sure moves forward.

I did as in my first read, when I started reading from the middle. Back then I opened a page, read some, backed up a bit, finished it and went to the beginning to get the back story. Now I vaguely remember the premise and began straight from part two. Not going to go back.

It was a different experience than it was fifteen (or is it more? ) Years ago but I still enjoyed it.

“Your people are safe, as are mine. Yes, I'm satisfied.”

I listened to...about 60% and then skipped to the last chapter. It's a perfectly nice book but I didn't enjoy it.

I enjoyed the endgame u-turns and twists.

Oh, this was fantastic! I paid attention to some of the signs but I certainly didn't catch them all. I'm ready for more of this gritty, fascinating world.

Wtf happened to the demon?

It sure threw a couple of curveballs my way.

Is this one generation away from Sandstorm? Meaning, is Shahjahan Ikham's son? Is Ikram one of Emre's people and why wasn't it mentioned if he stayed? [I reread Sandstorm and this one got answered. He didn't come with Emre, left the desert on his own.] Did Emre stay to become a part of Altan's harem? Ehhh, so many questions.

Delightful shenanigans all around.

This is how we win.


This book reads like poetry.

My first graphic novel. Although I enjoyed it, I'm glad I didn't become engrossed in one earlier. At a different point, it could have been a new addiction, hook, line, and sinker.

Yes, okay? Yesssss.

I like tropes. In moderation. I love subverted tropes a hell of a lot. With unholy glee. Or, you know, a normal amount.

I like social media format included in the story, if not being the story. And that is only one feature that recommends this book.

And then there is the snark.

And the princes.

And the women. All the women!

Did I mention trope subversion?

There was more than one wolf in the room.

That ending was perfect! Chef's kiss.

A book about stories, and about the power of words.

It didn't hit the spots it's clearly meant to (for me specifically) but it's certainly not a miss. One day I'll read book 2 as well.

No likeable characters whatsoever.

But I liked the twist. Kudos for that.

It didn't really have me until the first plot twist. It was a nice romance, with some spite thrown in, but after the plot slapped me in the face with oh, you thought you knew where this was going, you poor thing, I couldn't stop reading. That's rare with me and published books these days, so it should be acknowledged.

The second plot twist I expected and was happy to see realized exactly so, that was VERY satisfying. I suppose that was rather the point.

Apparently I don't have a dnf shelf. I won't bother to add one but I'll say where I dnf-ed this: the end of chapter one.
While I've read worse misogyny and abuse, it, combined with my already present irritation with the narrative, became a deal breaker. Sorry, Witcher novels, it was not meant to be.

I'm underwhelmed. Even though the ending was good, on the whole I could live without it.

It's quickly becoming one of my favourite fics ever, and one of the most often reread. And since I discovered the podfic on friday (or since I finally got to downloading it) it's one to re-listen to as well.

I'd like a little bit more world building so I'd get to know how natural/non-forced bonds are created.

Today's revelation: they were totally bonded already during the mission.

Иван Ланджев
Рене Карабаш

4 stars? 5 stars? All it's missing is Irina's storyline ending from her POV, or an epilogue behind closed doors, or something. But I AM missing it.

Loved the characters, loved the story. I'd read it again.



“But I had not known that I was strong enough to do any of those things until they were over and I had done them. I had to do the work first, not knowing.” “But the world I wanted wasn't the world I lived in, and if I would do nothing until I could repair every terrible thing at once, I would do nothing forever.” “He would only shrug and look at me expectantly again, waiting for high magic: magic that came only when you made some larger version of yourself with words and promises, and then stepped inside and somehow grew to fill it.”“My lady, I did not think you could answer it, when I took you from your home without your leave, and set value only on your gift. But I am answered truly. You have given fair return for insult thrice over and set your worth: higher than my life and all my kingdom and all who live therein, and though you send my people to the fire, I can claim no debt to repay. It is justly done.”

Тази вечер е тетрадка с тесни и широки редове,
На тесните - да поговорим,
В широките - да помълчим.

I love the time travelling trope and I love steter so a time travelling steter tugging on my heart strings just right? Reread material right there.

A second time reading this, in English as recommended, and I don't like it any better than I did last time, some 10-15 years ago.

So, although I enjoyed myself, I doubt third time will be the charm.

‘Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?'‘That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the Cat.‘I don't much care where -‘ said Alice.‘Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat.'- so long as I get SOMEWHERE,' Alice added as an explanation.‘Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the Cat, ‘if you only walk long enough.'

По-добре късно отколкото никога. След няколко месеца (години?) Бавен прогрес най-накрая успях да завърша Кръвта на елфите. Сериалът успя да подейства като катализатор и да ме накара да се напъна да я довърша.

Изненадващо, или пък не, доста ми хареса.



- Вече имаш подарък от Йенефер - изхриптя вещерът. - Сега ще получиш и от мен. - Магията е Хаос, изкуство и наука. Тя е проклятие, благословия и прогрес. Всичко зависи от това кой, как и с каква цел използва магията. А магията е навсякъде. Навсякъде около нас.