The Umbra King (Vincula Realm)

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The banter, threats, and progression from enemies to lovers were well done and entertaining. (more quotes and content warnings at the end of this review, in case you’re interested) The major plot points were good, although terribly rushed in the last third of the story. There was not enough build-up to make the plot twist/big reveal impactful, and instead it felt like whiplash. The ending was terribly anti-climactic, like everything was focused just to the left of where it should have been. There was too much filler fluff (drinking at bars, shopping with friends, visiting a haunted house, going bowling, riding a roller coaster--how does any of this advance the plot?!) and not enough plot or character development. I would say the same for the steamy scenes, that almost none of it encouraged relationship development or connection between Caius and Rory. For me, there wasn’t much distinction between characters in this book especially the friend groups. I honestly couldn’t tell who was who. They didn’t have distinctive personalities etc. Rory lost a lot of her spark and Caius was a tad cringey. The dialogue also felt a bit juvenile at times I loved the relationship between the king and rory, the banter was good and we got a nice “who did this to you” scene after she was hurt. Rory isn’t a push over and can hold her own, is unashamed of her actions, and isn’t whiny as hell. She also isn’t a virgin!!! WHOOHOO!!! I think my only complain is there was a lot of insta-lust even tho she HATES his guts, and that just felt a little unrealistic. I would’ve liked some more resistance. Other than that? *chefs kiss*

I really liked Rory. It's not every day you see a book with a sassy strong female FMC who is a beautiful shade of morally grey. I like that she was not a perfect little angel. She had killed people by her own moral code and this made her a great complex character, especially given how she developed and progressed through the story. She's gone through some trauma and has made some bad decisions and has to deal with the repercussions of her trauma. I also like the fact that she still managed to find a family, grow into herself, and stand up for herself. Maybe not all the time, but she wanted to do it for her, so she wouldn't feel weak Did you think your blood would deter me? I have bathed in the blood of your enemies. What makes you think I would not paint myself with yours?”

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of the book was the dramatic FMC ( Rory) hanging out with her friends and shopping dresses for having sex with the MMC( Caius) in her dream (it's called soulscape but still pls✋️). They were separated for the entire 90% of the book except in soulscape and the most annoying part was them having no important talks but just sex🤦‍♀️. This is a dark fantasy, for sure, but where's the damn story? When Aurora drops into his throne room, representing everything he despises, they begin a game of cat and mouse, and before long, their hatred turns into something else. Pike • Knight • Ghost • Cobalt Guard • Vampire • Bat • Wraith • Zombie Horse • Ent • Ghost Knight • Werewolf • Cursed Guard • Cursed Knight • Solar Shard • Lunar Shard • Dust • Penumbras Now listen, I LOVE Caius, but SAM! Samyaza had me falling harder in this book than in the first & once I realized it, I was FREE FALLING. His personality & the way he is just hilarious without wanting to be is just, AH. I don't care if he is an intimidating gigantic angel, he is a SOFTIE DEEP DOWN & I love him for it.

I feel like both Rory and Caius are broken in their own way and yet they complete each other. Their story is one of my favorites and I really am looking forward to what is to come. Also, the development of all relationships in this book was written extremely well. Seriously, the friendships, the found family, EVERYTHING!

This book started on such a high note, and then fell off of a cliff and tried to take us down with it.