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koistyfishy's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5 My Queen Stars ⭐️
Spicy Level 🌶️🌶️/5
I was really into this book for its Memento-like vibes with the notes, post-its, and overall theme of memory loss. Since Memento is one of my favourite movies because of how clever the plot twist was and how everything has to piece together I was excited to see how this similarity could be brought into this story...and oh boy was it brought because this book was exciting and I voraciously devoured it.
This follows Selene, a witch with a unique condition that feasts on her memories whenever she uses magic. So TOTAL PROBLEM when every little spell might make her forget what she ate for breakfast or how to ride a bike. It is Selene's dream to be accepted into the prestigious Henbane coven, and when her third attempt is denied she loses hope. However one of the admission witches gives her a task, if she can complete an epic magical quest and return with a witch familiar - they will let her join. Selene then embarks on a quest that involves saving a plane from a deadly crash, collecting a panther as a familiar, and mistakenly waking Memnon, a sorcerer who has been asleep for 2000 years and insists Selene is his long-lost wife and queen, the one responsible for his millennial slumber.
I love Selene's sense of humour and her internal dialogue. She had me giggling at her little observations of her environment, whether is was her mentioning cute things or thriving ecosystems in puddles of water. I also liked that at times she was a little vulgar. It was interesting how she didn't let her memory loss be seen as some debilitating condition that made her inferior and her optimism and persistence to succeed were definite drivers in her motivation to achieve what she wanted.
She felt like a person that I could talk to, a person I would love to have as a friend who would be there when needed. However, she is a little too stupid to live. It did bother me a lot that she didn't raise anything to the authorities. And after basically releasing a 2000-year-old sorcerer into the world, and then people start dying, then she is attacked by witches... but calmly goes to class the next morning, just felt a little weird and STUPID. She just pretends nothing happens like it's all normal. There are also numerous times she could have approached them. She should have said something when she went to the crypt, but nope! Let's act like hearing voices in the Witch world is normal... (spoiler if you haven't watched Harry Potter - EVEN IN THE WIZARDING WORLD THAT'S NOT A GOOD THING) I wanted her to research Memnon to see if she could find anything about him or the supposed Roxilana. I wanted the plot to reinforce the fact that he really has been erased from everything and anything and not just believe this taken as fact because he said it.
So it felt like she was just too stubborn in her ways and because of her insistence to prove she could do anything a normal witch could do(without memory loss), she let this be detrimental as she never asks for help. At some point, it felt like we were going in circles, in circles and circles.
The relationship between Selene and Memnon plays a very fine line between insta love and instant lust. But the underlying hate does slowly grow to "love". They have extreme sexual tension and a pull that Selene keeps fighting even though it is destined in fate. She does seem to almost trust him too quickly though and doesn't seem too bothered by his extreme obsession with her and rocking up in her room randomly (I mean stalker much?).
Memnon is a delicious monster. He is dangerous, but riotously sexually appealing and knows how to lay it on thick and lay it on so perfectly. Just imagining him will make your toes curl and your hair tick up on the back of your neck as shivers take over your whole body as you feel him whispering in your ear. He was just amazing power and confidence in sexy human form.
The side characters in this were amazing, especially Nero and Sybil. Sybil was fantastic and is so special. She is totally everything you want in a best friend. Because she was able to push Selene to be brave and didn't hold her memory loss against her. She just embraces who Selene is with all her foibles and eccentricities. Nero is just sass and attitude in a grumpy little big feline butt and I WANNA SQUISH HIS FACE (and hope he doesn't bite it off).
I'm hoping we get a little bit more action in the next book. I also didn't like that so many unknowns were not answered in this book. While I know cliffhangers and unanswered questions entice a person to read the next instalment - I feel like almost everything was left unanswered and hanging.
Trope Summary:
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ Ancient Curses
▶ Witches, Werewolves and Sorcerers
▶ Touch her and Die
▶ Sassy Animal familiars
▶ Soul Mates
▶ Love Triangle
▶ Memento Vibes
▶ Mine
▶ Burn the World for You
Overall I had a great time and can’t wait to dive into book 2 (which I may already have started because I got the ARC)
Also I am still giggling thinking about my husband’s alternative name for this cover… 🖤
Spicy Level 🌶️🌶️/5
I was really into this book for its Memento-like vibes with the notes, post-its, and overall theme of memory loss. Since Memento is one of my favourite movies because of how clever the plot twist was and how everything has to piece together I was excited to see how this similarity could be brought into this story...and oh boy was it brought because this book was exciting and I voraciously devoured it.
This follows Selene, a witch with a unique condition that feasts on her memories whenever she uses magic. So TOTAL PROBLEM when every little spell might make her forget what she ate for breakfast or how to ride a bike. It is Selene's dream to be accepted into the prestigious Henbane coven, and when her third attempt is denied she loses hope. However one of the admission witches gives her a task, if she can complete an epic magical quest and return with a witch familiar - they will let her join. Selene then embarks on a quest that involves saving a plane from a deadly crash, collecting a panther as a familiar, and mistakenly waking Memnon, a sorcerer who has been asleep for 2000 years and insists Selene is his long-lost wife and queen, the one responsible for his millennial slumber.
I love Selene's sense of humour and her internal dialogue. She had me giggling at her little observations of her environment, whether is was her mentioning cute things or thriving ecosystems in puddles of water. I also liked that at times she was a little vulgar. It was interesting how she didn't let her memory loss be seen as some debilitating condition that made her inferior and her optimism and persistence to succeed were definite drivers in her motivation to achieve what she wanted.
She felt like a person that I could talk to, a person I would love to have as a friend who would be there when needed. However, she is a little too stupid to live. It did bother me a lot that she didn't raise anything to the authorities.
So it felt like she was just too stubborn in her ways and because of her insistence to prove she could do anything a normal witch could do(without memory loss), she let this be detrimental as she never asks for help. At some point, it felt like we were going in circles, in circles and circles.
The relationship between Selene and Memnon plays a very fine line between insta love and instant lust. But the underlying hate does slowly grow to "love". They have extreme sexual tension and a pull that Selene keeps fighting even though it is destined in fate. She does seem to almost trust him too quickly though and doesn't seem too bothered by his extreme obsession with her and rocking up in her room randomly (I mean stalker much?).
Memnon is a delicious monster. He is dangerous, but riotously sexually appealing and knows how to lay it on thick and lay it on so perfectly. Just imagining him will make your toes curl and your hair tick up on the back of your neck as shivers take over your whole body as you feel him whispering in your ear. He was just amazing power and confidence in sexy human form.
The side characters in this were amazing, especially Nero and Sybil. Sybil was fantastic and is so special. She is totally everything you want in a best friend. Because she was able to push Selene to be brave and didn't hold her memory loss against her. She just embraces who Selene is with all her foibles and eccentricities. Nero is just sass and attitude in a grumpy little big feline butt and I WANNA SQUISH HIS FACE (and hope he doesn't bite it off).
I'm hoping we get a little bit more action in the next book. I also didn't like that so many unknowns were not answered in this book. While I know cliffhangers and unanswered questions entice a person to read the next instalment - I feel like almost everything was left unanswered and hanging.
Trope Summary:
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ Ancient Curses
▶ Witches, Werewolves and Sorcerers
▶ Touch her and Die
▶ Sassy Animal familiars
▶ Soul Mates
▶ Love Triangle
▶ Memento Vibes
▶ Mine
▶ Burn the World for You
Overall I had a great time and can’t wait to dive into book 2 (which I may already have started because I got the ARC)
Also I am still giggling thinking about my husband’s alternative name for this cover… 🖤
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Murder, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Violence, Emotional abuse, and Stalking
Minor: Alcohol
blackheart's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I consumed this book. I love the writing and the sass. The main character is relatable. I wish the story didn't end one a cliffhanger.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Torture, Blood, and Violence
Minor: Kidnapping
libraryofnyla's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
*full review to come
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Kidnapping, Death, Alcohol, Blood, Confinement, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and War
chloebrown13's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, and Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse and War
Minor: Alcohol and Cancer
livinthebubble's review
dark
medium-paced
2.0
When I saw this on Netgalley, I decided to request it for two reasons: a) I recognised the author probably from the 300 screenshots I have from Tiktok book recommendations, and b) the plot sounded like a fun time and I never say no to some spice.
The smut is probably one of, if not the only, reason I got some enjoyment out of reading this. Even though they never got very far *wink wink*, the tension...you should've seen me blushing. I didn't care about their romance though (if we exclude the smut). I felt like they were making some progress but then Memnon decided it was time to pull an uno reverse and delete all of that. Also, I hate when characters call each other mate as a pet name. The whole time, I read it in an Australian accent and just couldn't take it seriously.
Selene's whole character is based on her not remembering anything, which annoyed me at times since it felt convenient to not have to explain things because "she forgot". She's gullible and (this time on purpose) forgets about things Memnon has done because he's hot. A key example was when she went to the ball, where she immediately forgot her entire purpose because "OMG he looks hot". Like ok, I get it, he has tattoos, and is tall and muscular, but get a grip, you're in your 20s.
As for Memnon. I kind of hate his name but that's beside the point. He was a little nonexistent, character-wise. I've read some pretty dark romances, where male characters did abhorrent stuff, so a lot of what Memnon did was pretty basicthat sounds absolutely horrifying, as in it didn't particularly shock me. However, when he almost killed someone because he's possessive, and not in a good way...a little too extra in my opinion.
Apart from that, the ending was kind of annoying, all cliffhangers are, but this one was right in the middle of a climactic scene.
Was this worth the read? Not necessarily. But the spice was exceptional so I don't entirely regret reading this. Would I continue reading this series? I have too much other shit to read, so probably not.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The smut is probably one of, if not the only, reason I got some enjoyment out of reading this. Even though they never got very far *wink wink*, the tension...you should've seen me blushing. I didn't care about their romance though (if we exclude the smut). I felt like they were making some progress but then Memnon decided it was time to pull an uno reverse and delete all of that. Also, I hate when characters call each other mate as a pet name. The whole time, I read it in an Australian accent and just couldn't take it seriously.
Selene's whole character is based on her not remembering anything, which annoyed me at times since it felt convenient to not have to explain things because "she forgot". She's gullible and (this time on purpose) forgets about things Memnon has done because he's hot. A key example was when she went to the ball, where she immediately forgot her entire purpose because "OMG he looks hot". Like ok, I get it, he has tattoos, and is tall and muscular, but get a grip, you're in your 20s.
As for Memnon. I kind of hate his name but that's beside the point. He was a little nonexistent, character-wise. I've read some pretty dark romances, where male characters did abhorrent stuff, so a lot of what Memnon did was pretty basic
Apart from that, the ending was kind of annoying, all cliffhangers are, but this one was right in the middle of a climactic scene.
Was this worth the read? Not necessarily. But the spice was exceptional so I don't entirely regret reading this. Would I continue reading this series? I have too much other shit to read, so probably not.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Gore
jess_bythebook's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved the way I both swooned and hated Memnon in the same breath. The emotions were real for this one, I’m telling you… Betrayal, forced proximity, mistaken identity, enemies to lovers, and so much spicy tension that this possessive alpha will leave you begging for more!
Selene’s biggest dream as a young witch is to attend Henbane Coven and the only thing standing in her way is writing an essay about a magical trip of a lifetime. So when drunk Selene books tickets to South America for future Selene, she figures what’s the worst that could happen? Well, a 2,000 year old mummy who thinks she’s his traitorous wife might put a damper on things.
“I will destroy your world bit by bit until all you have left is me.”
Finally free from his entombment, Memnon the Cursed is out for revenge. He’s lost his kingdom, his people, his life, and the one person who promised to love him through everything. The same person who cursed him in the first place. But he’s determined to get it all back, no matter what he needs to do to get it. And to get her.
“Let me see your face,” he demands.
I turn to look at him. “Why?”
His eyes gaze at me intensely. “Because you are the only thing worth looking at, and my eyes have missed you.”
I absolutely loved every moment of this book! I had no idea where it was going at any point and the multiple mysteries left me reeling in excitement by the end. I could not put this down! I hope we see more of Selene’s best friend in the next book as well as some key players in the neighboring werewolf pack. I will be waiting so impatiently for the next one to come out because I want more of this explosive duo!!!
“You will know my wrath, my queen.
I’m coming for you.”
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for this advanced reader copy. I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Violence
jamiebrito's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I decided to give Laura Thalassa another chance when I requested this(I loved The Bargainer series, but bailed Pestilence). Unfortunately, while I enjoyed the writing and found it intriguing, I didn't like how Memnon treated her. I get he was betrayed by his wife, who he thinks is fmc, but I still thought if they were soulmates and he loved her as much as he said he'd be a bit nicer, especially since even if she's who he thinks she is she has memory loss(cost of using her magic). We definitely got moments of nice, but there were definitely moments of him being a dick to negate the nice. Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for an earc of this!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual content, Physical abuse, Violence, Gore, Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Medical content
Minor: Animal death
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