Tag: nicole platania

ARC Book Review: The Trials of Ophelia (The Curse of Ophelia #3) by Nicole Platania

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 645 pages
Author: Nicole Platania
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: March 19th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The Angels are calling, and so her hunt begins.

After the devastation on Daminius, Ophelia threw herself into restoration to cope with her losses. Two months later, answers to an ancient curse still evade her, a queen threatens her life, and war rages in the southern mountains. Despite her scars and the loved ones lost, Ophelia knows she must move forward for her people.

When a note arrives with the clue they’ve been hoping for, Ophelia and her friends embark on a journey that will test their bonds and their faith in the Angels.

Ophelia must unravel legends while navigating a budding romance and trying to hold the Mystiques together–even if it means sacrificing herself.

The Trials of Ophelia is the third installment in the new adult romantic fantasy series, The Curse of Ophelia. With roots in Greek mythology, heartrending love stories, found family, and a unique fantastical world, this series is perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Chloe C. Peñaranda, and Sarah J Maas.

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

LOVED IT.

I am just absolutely hooked on this series. I am in love with progression of both the story and the writing. Each book has gotten better and better and the way I love these characters is INTENSE.

The pacing here is slowed down a bit, but NOT in a bad way. There’s clearly a build to the last two books and I am anxious to see where those go. This also allowed for amazing character growth across the entire cast. I loved seeing both main romantic pairings (trying not to say specifics because spoilers) lean on each other and take steps on their own. This book is engaging and still has those intense action scenes where you’re not sure who’s going to make it back out.

PLUS. There were some amazing reveals that had me questioning the entire world and I love that. This world and magic system is growing even more and I love how the it’s been laid out. And I love that this book has spice without overshadowing the story. Emotional depth and connection is my favorite and there’s that in heaps here.

Another beautiful installment. I am obsessed with many scenes throughout (and my kindle highlights will back me up). If you’re now seeing this review, go back and start this series!! Absolutely worth it.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: low-moderate
  • Romance: 2-3 open door; low-moderate explicit; light innuendo
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: depictions of alcohol/drug dependency, discussions of sexual assault (not on page), recounted child abuse, torture, PTSD

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ARC Book Review: The Shards of Ophelia (The Curse of Ophelia #2) by Nicole Platania

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 436 pages
Author: Nicole Platania
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: August 22nd, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The quest is over, but the curse has only just begun.

During her journey to the Mystique Mountains, Ophelia uncovered twisted secrets of love and war. Now, she’s left to pick up the pieces while stepping into her new role. But when a chancellor of a minor clan delivers a destructive premonition, Ophelia’s appointment is challenged, forcing her into a trial period–one that heightens the tensions already brewing in her relationships.

Amid the battles for alliances, the Angel, Damien, returns with more prophetic musings and threats. In order to defeat her political enemies, prove her worth, and solve the Angel’s message, Ophelia must fight to unravel the secrets of her opponents and heal her own wounds. But with war looming and scars of the past surfacing, can she find answers before time runs out?

The second installment in the The Curse of Ophelia series is rife with trials of growth, challenges of love, and games of politics. The Shards of Ophelia is perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, Raven Kennedy, and Carissa Broadbent.

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

SOPHOMORE SUCCESS.

Excuse me? THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING.

From the beginning I was wrapped up into this story. I enjoyed book one, and this blew it out of the water. I am officially attached to these characters, the plot and everything else in-between.

I loooove that it was dual POV. There’s a lot of complex emotions and hard choices to make. It all tore at my heart and made me ache. I love how this was written though. It felt real, with flawed characters doing their best, trying to take that next step forward and realizing what things you have to let go.

The romance picked up in ways I had been hoping for and I am HERE FOR IT. I love this found family and the new people that are being taken into the group. The other subtle relationships that may be popping up. The intensity at which I hate the antagonists. How the plot moves through fast and quiet times seamlessly. THE ANGST AT WHICH THIS ROMANCE BRINGS ME TO MY KNEES.

It’s all here, it’s all fantastic. Time to read this series.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: a little strong
  • Romance: 1-2 open – low/moderate explicit
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of life, near death experiences, torture, physical and magical altercations, battle themes

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Book Review: The Curse of Ophelia (The Curse of Ophelia #1) by Nicole Platania

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: NA Fantasy Romance
Length: 368 pages
Author: Nicole Platania
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: February 7th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The war is over.
The curse is lifted.
Malakai is gone.

It’s been two years since Ophelia has seen the boy she loves. When a treaty was signed ending the war and lifting the curse on Mystique Warriors, Malakai left to attempt the sacred ritual known as the Undertaking.

He never returned, and the Undertaking was forbidden. Ophelia’s world crumbled around her.

Since then, she has pursued a fruitless search for answers. When the deadly curse resurfaces only on her, Ophelia finds solace in the idea that when she dies, she may finally be reunited with her lost love. Then, a messenger appears, telling her that she alone may be the one to save her people.

With her closest friends by her side, Ophelia embarks on a race against death—one that will not only challenge her physically, but make her question the Mystique leaders, the Angels, and her belief in love.

Can she win the fight against fate before the curse takes her life, or will the betrayals exposed along the way kill her first?

With influence from Greek Mythology, this debut is the first in a New Adult Fantasy Romance series full of heart-wrenching love, shattering betrayals, and fighting for what you believe in. Fans of Throne of Glass, From Blood and Ash, and The Bridge Kingdom will love it.

GREAT STARTER.

I have been waiting to read this since hearing about it and I was not disappointed. I thought it was a good start to a series. Had everything I needed to want to keep going and find out what happens next.

You know in contemporaries with a meddling grandma? I don’t usually love those. But you know what I DO love? Meddling gods. And I can’t wait to see how this crew causes some chaos. I liked the world building alongside getting to meet a few of them. It was a good balance of understanding who was who and also their place in the world.

I looove warrior type FMC’s and Ophelia easily embodies that. I loved her and the whole found family crew!! I love found families. I easily fall in love with everybody and I need everyone to be happy in the end okay?! I loved getting to know all of these characters too.

The romance was very different from anything I’ve read in romantasy. It had a unique set-up that I was curious to see play out and now I just feel even more excited to see how that goes. It did take me a little bit to be interested with the reversal of storyline BUT they had me in the feels by the reunion.

Personally, I struggle with road trip type plots so for me there was a bit too much traveling. Otherwise though, I think this was a fantastic debut. Easily recommend for any fantasy romance lovers and can’t wait to see what happens next!

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: some
  • Romance: one open door; + fade to black
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved one, torture, animal attacks, physical and weapons violence, murder, near death experiences

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