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A review by rachelbookdragon
Beyond the Ruby Veil by Mara Fitzgerald
2.0
Wow, I did not like this book. Honestly, I should have read the decryption about it being about an unlikeable main character and blood and that should have steered me away, but I didn’t and I have regrets.
The world-building was fine. 1000 years of hierarchy and magic to turn blood into water with an oppressive red veiled sky giving them omens of death. Only to find out more about the catacombs and what lies beyond. The description of the setting was very good in painting a picture to visualize.
Emanuela was an unlikeable protagonist, focused only on her needs and power and cruelty to others. If anything, her journey in this book exacerbated those traits. Ale was appealing in his kindness, but ultimately he was a side character and didn’t propel the action. Vee is a mash up of both sweet and vicious.
I found the book’s pacing to be fine. The story moved along, but I just didn’t find much compelling in it personally. It’s just not my type of fantasy book. The writing was fine, it just wasn’t a plot, world, or group of characters that drew me in, even if they were of the LGBT+ community. It’s a yay for representation, ugh for gore for me. I’m sure there is an audience for this book, I’m just the wrong reader for it and it’s sequels. I wish the author all the best with her debut!
The world-building was fine. 1000 years of hierarchy and magic to turn blood into water with an oppressive red veiled sky giving them omens of death. Only to find out more about the catacombs and what lies beyond. The description of the setting was very good in painting a picture to visualize.
Emanuela was an unlikeable protagonist, focused only on her needs and power and cruelty to others. If anything, her journey in this book exacerbated those traits. Ale was appealing in his kindness, but ultimately he was a side character and didn’t propel the action. Vee is a mash up of both sweet and vicious.
I found the book’s pacing to be fine. The story moved along, but I just didn’t find much compelling in it personally. It’s just not my type of fantasy book. The writing was fine, it just wasn’t a plot, world, or group of characters that drew me in, even if they were of the LGBT+ community. It’s a yay for representation, ugh for gore for me. I’m sure there is an audience for this book, I’m just the wrong reader for it and it’s sequels. I wish the author all the best with her debut!