e-Audio, 11:18:47
Narrated by: Ana Osorio
Release Date: October 31, 2023
Published by: Books on Tape
Read from: October 18-23, 2023
Stand-alone
Source: PRH Audio App (I received a copy of this audiobook from the Publisher in exchange for a just and honest review. This did nothing to influence my review.)
TW: Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Grief, Injury/Injury Detail, Adult/Minor Relationship, Alcoholism, Death, Emotional Abuse, Gore, Panic Attacks, Slavery, Gaslighting, Forced Institutionalization, Abandonment, Sexual Harassment, Arachnids
For Readers Interested In: Racial/Ethnic Diversity, Multiple POV, Fantasy, Romance, YAThe fiery tale of a powerful witch who will do anything to escape the remote island she’s being held captive on, including blackmail an infamous, charming pirate who washes up on shore, from debut author Angela Montoya.
Rosalinda is trapped on Sinner’s Isle under the watchful eye of a power-hungry headmistress. And thanks to her vicious phantoms, Rosa is the most favored at this year’s Offering, where Majestics’ powers will be on full display so the wealthy may choose one to serve them for life.
For years, she has been kept under the watchful, calculating eye of Doña Lucia. Now eighteen, Rosa will be the prized commodity at this year’s Offering, a fiesta for the wealthy to engage in drink, damsels, and debauchery. That is why she must flee—before someone forces the vicious phantoms within her to destroy everything she touches.
Handsome, swashbuckling Mariano has long sailed the high seas as the Prince of Pirates. Then the king’s fleet attacks his father’s infamous ship, leaving him marooned on Sinner’s Isle with only an enchanted chain meant to lead him to his heart’s desire. Instead, he falls into the hands of a brazen (although) bewitching headache—Rosa.
Together they must outwit each other and their enemies before the Offering ends and it’s too late to escape the perils of Sinner’s Isle.
*MY THOUGHTS*
I remember being so excited about a non-yt romantasy coming out that I actually cheered. And then when I met the author, I was even more excited to read it because she was so nice and actually hilarious. And then the cover was released and I knew even more so that I NEEDED this book. But then it showed up on my PRH app and I excitedly downloaded it, and the rest is history!
I really don’t have anything to complain about. This was honestly so much fun! I will say that the writing style was flowery and a little over the top, but it didn’t bother me at all. I DID have to slow down the audio because I was losing my train of thought in some places, but once I went to 1.85x’s I was fine. It was mostly like details about like the characters and stuff. I would have preferred if it was about the world surrounding them.
Even with all the extra details, I still didn’t see (hear) anything about the world building. I really wanted more. I read so that i can throw myself into the whole world, and I just didn’t get that. The island seemed like it was a dark, scary place, and I would have loved to have read about it more. I also thought it could have dealt with a bit more info on the magic system. I know they had these gifts and they were given to them from a goddess and the church wants control, but I guess I wanted an explanation of why? And like of all things, why the eff would you have someone that can control arachnids? Because Lordt knows I almost DNFed this book. I am terrified to of them and I ended up changing her power in my head because I couldn’t. Ew.
Action wise tho, I was hooked. Montoya literally had me rewinding constantly to make sure I had all the details because there was just so much going on. I’m also hella glad that this was a stand alone because everything and all questions were answered at the time. Because ain’t no way my nerves could have handled not knowing where her friend was, or any of the other things that happen. (I don’t wanna say it for spoilers, but it really was a crazy ending lol)
I really think you’re going to love this or hate it depending on what you go into it looking for. As someone who’s a light fantasy reader, I loved it and I really enjoyed the caste system and the magic. But someone who’s more heavily into fantasy and goes looking for that might feel different. The good thing is, nothing about this book is terrible and everyone will enjoy it. It’s just the difference in ratings.
Overall, I give this
