Tag: lisette marshall

Book Review: Court of Blood and Bindings (Fae Isles #1) by Lisette Marshall

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 436 pages
Author: Lisette Marshall
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: June 22nd, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

They call him the Silent Death, because he kills without sound and leaves none capable of speaking in his wake…

When the empire’s deadliest fae murderer catches her wielding forbidden magic, twenty-year-old Emelin believes her hour has come. Instead, her inhumanly beautiful captor spares her life, but carries her off on his velvet wings – into the one place from which no human ever returns.

The heart of the Fae Isles. The treacherous Crimson Court, where the Mother of faekind has ruled unchallenged over fae and humans for decades.

The Silent Death is supposed to be the Mother’s loyal servant, her invincible warrior, her ruthless, soulless killer. But in the shadows he is playing a game of his own, and he needs Emelin’s magic to win it.

If she agrees to work with him, she could free all of humanity. But can she trust a fae male with so much blood on his hands? Worse, when his smouldering dark eyes and dangerous secrets reveal glimpses of the heart behind his murderer’s mask… can she trust herself?

Court of Blood and Bindings is the first book of the Fae Isles series, an enemies to lovers fantasy romance featuring a strong-willed heroine and a broody, morally grey hero. This adult fae romance is perfect for readers of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout and Raven Kennedy.

Note: Court of Blood and Bindings contains a generous dose of smouldering glances, angry yearning, and midnight meetings of the illicit type, as well as other mature themes.

GIMME MORE.

Here I am, once again swept away by kindle unlimited fantasy books. I am definitely wanting to get my hands on book two soon and see what happens next. I loved a lot of the set up that I know is going to give away to an amazing storyline.

I hoped for a bit more build up between Creon and Emelin. Once I caught up to how fast they were moving I really enjoyed the relationship. I am very much committed to them now and like the push and pull they gave. There’s some good chemistry and enemies to lovers here. Add in some hidden secrets and untold stories and I now want it all.

The plot is filled with learning and action. I adored the sentient mountain and love quirky additions like that. I can’t wait to explore more of the world and magic because I feel like I was given enough info to continue, but definitely need more to be satisfied.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: 2-3 open door; med-high explicit
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: physical and magical altercations, torture, loss of loved ones, kidnapping

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

Book Review: Lord of Gold and Glory (Fae Isles #2) by Lisette Marshall

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 580 pages
Author: Lisette Marshall
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: October 18th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Emelin has escaped the Crimson Court and saved Creon from the Mother’s chains. But her newfound allies bring dangers of their own. Thrown into a world of old feuds and thorny grudges, she needs all her ingenuity to keep the Silent Death safe from his friends-turned-enemies.

And the political games of the Alliance are the easy part …

Haunted by shadows of his past and magic he never wanted to wield, Creon is slowly losing control of his powers. The only solution may be found outside the buried halls of the Alliance’s stronghold – back within reach of the Mother and her armies hunting for him.

Soon Emelin can no longer hide from the war looming over the archipelago. And when her quest for Creon’s safety reveals glimpses of her own mysterious origins, she has no choice but to claim her place on the battlefield … or lose the male she loves forever.

MISSIN’ A LITTLE SOMETHING.

I wish I loved this as much as the first, but I fear second book syndrome got me this round.

I really enjoy Emelin and Creon’s relationship. They generally communicate well and respect each other and take care of one another. What I didn’t love, is 9 times out of 10 when they were alone, they banged. I just need the steam to make sense for plot and story and not thrown in there without thought. There’s plenty of good moments between them overall at least.

There’s a good sense of general plot development. I liked seeing the side characters more and getting a better understanding of team dynamics. I thought the world building progressed well and I do think this magic system is a really cool concept. Amidst all of the learning and growth there I wish there were a bit more battle-ish scenes. I got all of the politicking, now lets amp it up.

The writing style carries me over enough that I do want to continue the series. There were some good reveals (and I have my eyes on a few particular one for the next book) that I’m excited to see how they shape Emelin’s world.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: multiple open; high explicit
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, war themes, murder, torture, weapons and magical violence

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph