I was taken in at first but then the relationship between Violeta and Rowan progressed so quickly, it felt too unbelievable. Violeta's powers were also unbelievable, too easy to access and too many facts concealed by her that were supposed to be major plot points. The descriptions and setting were well written, lyrical and enchanting. I simply have trouble with insta love and first kisses blossoming into full on full body relationships. Time jumps soured Violeta's relationship with Rowan as well. To get rid of the corruption on the estate, the group had to perform a ritual on the full moon and so time often jumped from moon to moon. I found the Lord Under to be a more compelling male figure than Rowan, though he definitely reminds me of Rhysand from ACOTAR. He appeared too conveniently and pretty much solved the entire problem by helping Violeta. It seemed like the entire story was leading up to the very end moments; hundreds of pages all leading up to the end scenes. The repetitiousness of the entire novel could have honestly been condensed into a long and dense prologue, leading into what I’m sure will be a more compelling sequel.
I wanted more description of the house, more flashbacks of Violeta’s childhood. I wanted more scenes between her and her brother, Arien. Also more explanations and scenes with the woman who raised the two of them, and perhaps her motives for taking them in in the first place. Since this is part of a series, those explanations and moments may come, but I’m not sure I’ll stick around to read them.
I was very much compelled by many of the descriptions and the atmosphere, but the characters didn’t hold their weight, especially Violeta. The relationships also felt flimsy, not enough evidence on the page to support their depth for me to grow to love them together and apart.
I wanted more description of the house, more flashbacks of Violeta’s childhood. I wanted more scenes between her and her brother, Arien. Also more explanations and scenes with the woman who raised the two of them, and perhaps her motives for taking them in in the first place. Since this is part of a series, those explanations and moments may come, but I’m not sure I’ll stick around to read them.
I was very much compelled by many of the descriptions and the atmosphere, but the characters didn’t hold their weight, especially Violeta. The relationships also felt flimsy, not enough evidence on the page to support their depth for me to grow to love them together and apart.