Crimson

Favorite of the year!

Revisado: 04-18-18

WOW. How did I not read this book before?! So I went to Netgalley to try and start reducing my mess of a tbr pile and found the second book of this series on there. I figured since it's a series I should start with book 1 and I LOVE Allen so much!!

This story follows (mostly) Allen's journey as he tries to become an acceptable consort to High King Sarrica, who has promptly kicked him out of court on his arrival. His reasoning: he wants a consort who is a soldier, someone who can rule with him as an equal, not just a pretty face he can't trust. Allen on the other hand, isn't sure why he's been so rudely dismissed and later ignored and humiliated. Instead of letting this get to him too much, Allen puts himself to use, intent on proving Sarrica that he isn't weak. He tries to settle communication affairs with staff, gets to know his surroundings, and finding out about a secret mission in need of a silver tongue (multilingual speaker), Allen appoints himself to the task. A task that ends up being much tougher for everyone involved than Allen expected.

I actually listened to the audiobook and while the narration wasn't amazing, it was pretty well done, keeping me engaged with the story from beginning to end.

I instantly fell in love with Allen's character. I loved how he was so tenacious when it came to being Sarrica's consort. I mean, he'd spent his life (and last 2 years) training to become his partner. He knew 14 languages (FOURTEEN PPL, TWO IS HARD FOR ME ALREADY) like a native, knew how to mingle with the council, and was charismatic enough to make (almost) everyone fall for him. And even with all his talents, he's not prideful or a jerk. He always listens to people and tries to find the best solution to things. And he keeps proving he's not a fragile little prince. Like SARRICA YOUR FOOL.

And speaking of Sarrica. I like how it's almost like experiencing two different characters. We see him from Allen's lense at the start. I swear I was about to knock him out then. And we actually got into his head and realized that Sarrica is stressed out with kingly responsibilities, is still in mourning, and is just an awkward guy who can't seem to express what he wants well. I think this last one made me especially feel for him because I've been in that situation before many times. Plus, his bantering with Lesto and Ren? (the one con about audiobooks is that I have no idea how to spell character names).

Oh, and did I mention that being gay is like being straight in this book?! Like nobody bats an eye at that. And by being gay I mean m/m and f/f relationships since we do get a glimpse at both. There was one thing I was a bit confused about and that's Mpreg. It's mentioned that Sarrica's late husband sired their kids and another character mentions being able to carry children, but I'm not sure if only certain people can or if everyone can.

In terms of the story, it wasn't anything Amazing but coupled with the worldbuilding, I have to say this is one of the few books that I instantly wanted to know more. I wanted to know more about the different cultures mentioned, hear the languages, and just SEE everything. I'm sure it would be beautiful! I also can't say much about the plot but do expect some killing as this does take place in a world where war is a thing.

In terms of the romance, I did enjoy it though if I had to be picky, I did feel like the change in behaviour was a bit abrupt. It's something that Allen mentions at one point but having been inside of Sarrica's head, it also sort of makes sense. We see his change from grumpy ol' fool to smitten high king. And that ending was a bonus for all that tension throughout the story, lol!

I really REALLY want to see more of these two and I'm crossing my fingers that the second book, which focuses on Lesto will bring them back.

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esto le resultó útil a 6 personas

Not as good as THKGT but it has its own appeal!

Revisado: 04-18-18

Wow. I'm not even sure how to start this! This has been on my Netgalley TBR for about 2 years now (I KNOW IM TERRIBLE). It wasn't until recently where I decided to read it. I checked out The High King's Golden Tongue and LOVED that book. When I read the summary for this one, I realized we probably wouldn't be getting much of Allen and Sarrica, since this book focused on Lesto's romance. But I wasn't put off since Lesto was a character I really wanted to learn more about.

In comparison, this book wasn't as good as The High King's Golden Tongue but it did have it's own appeal. In this story it's been awhile since the events of THKGT (about a year I'd say) and we follow Lesto as he wakes up tied up and far away from home. Quickly realizing he's been kidnapped, he tries to find a way to escape except he's completely drugged and ready to be sick. Luckily for him, his kidnappers stop along the way to get the carriage fixed, where he's reunited with the pirate who punched him and who he had a one night stand with. Shemal ends up helping Lesto escape and the two try to get back to Harkenesten but end up mixed in with some political troubles.

I think the reason I didn't like this book as much as THKGT is because of the romance. While I liked Lesto and Shemal together, it just felt too random and instalove. I remember the whole being punched thing since I only just finished THKGT but then being told the two slept together and that Lesto had been pining for Shemal feels too convenient (though even if he had, we didn't see him A LOT or into his head in book 1 so maybe it's all good??). I felt like them pining for each other and then jumping to creating a future together was a bit fast.

Something else I found a bit off putting was how violent Lesto was in this book. We knew he had a temper in THKGT but it always came off as bantering. In this book I had to pause with how he acted with Sarrica, especially since we're now in his head and it felt like there was intent behind that anger sometimes. He was also rather violent as a commander but that I didn't mind as much. Though I do find it kind of funny how these guys who sound like they're #1s keep getting into such trouble.

It was definitely a more fiery and passionate type of couple this time around, which was nice, but also I just found it hard to connect to either character. I also felt like the story here was a tad less developed and things seemed to clear up rather quickly by the end of it.

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esto le resultó útil a 6 personas

a decent read with a messed up end

Revisado: 10-14-17

I finally got around to reading this book! I've seriously had this on my shelves for over a year now, possibly. I picked it up at ACEN this one year in hopes of getting into light novels and since I'd heard really good things about the series, figured it would be a good one to start It didn't actually happen this way. For some reason it took me buying the audiobook to finally get through this story and fyi, the audiobook is AMAZING. It's like watching an anime but without the visuals. It's done by Keith Silverstein, Eric Kimerer, Cristina Vee. And all of them did a SUPERB job at making this book come to life I really liked the whole vampire concept in the series, especially things like eating your own flesh to regain your powers, the fact that you can still live without a heart, and the whole mind remembering trick, and the changing appearances based on powers. I thought it was neat that there is another being out there keeping a balance between humans and the supernatural, though as a character Oshino was...strange. Not a bad thing but also I was rather weary of him Now, while I did enjoy the book as a whole, there are quite a few things I was really nitpicky about. I guess the bigger one is how insignificant Araragi is to all of this. He ends up saving Kissshot because he's expecting to die and when he doesn't, he just does what she tells him to. Then during his fights he pretty much gets help from everyone else, especially the second one where Ms. Class President practically gave him the answer. And his final battle, well, Ms. CP also reveals something he'd overlooked. In a way she's a more interesting character and he's supposed to be the main one. I do love Kissshot though. We didn't really get much time with her, what with her being out of commission, but I just ended up charmed by her personality Also, the story felt too tame for my tastes. Everything just worked out for Araragi from beginning to end and that took away from any suspense I may have felt or worry even. I just knew he'd make it And the last thing I just could have done without, or even have less of, was the whole sexual harassment. Is it sexual harassment? I mean, Ms. CP was onboard for quite a bit of it. But the whole HOUR of Araragi contemplating her panties right at the beginning...it's a good thing I started with the audiobook. Then at the end with the boobs...like kid, you are one deprived soul But yeah, overall it was pretty decent. The ending has a rather sad and even messed up feel to it. I am going to check out the rest of the series, which, derp, apparently Bakemonogatari is the first part of this series but this one is technically the "first book"

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Bit of a detour but still so good

Revisado: 07-30-17

The story picks up where book one left off but instead of seeing Lia being amazing in combat, we see her exploring her relationships with other characters while at the Abbey. I wasn't too happy with the new girl but I like her involvement and hope to see more from her, especially with her new gift. I'm also excited to see how this "end of the world" concept will end. And like always, the narrator has done an awesome job. Even when new characters are introduced, all the voices are unique

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Great Story and Fitting Narration!

Revisado: 07-26-17

I've read the Kingsfountain series and thought I'd check this one out and I feel like this one fits my tastes better. Lia was a fun character to follow and I really like her characterization. Everything that's ever introduced always comes up, no words are wasted. The final battle was a tad anticlimactic but considering there's more books I imagine there might be more information regarding that incident later. Narration isn't amazing but it a good, all the characters sounding consistant and unique

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Average all around

Revisado: 05-04-17

It took me awhile to finally get into this book. I originally only had the ebook but then bought the audiobook in hopes of getting through it. It did help and I started to enjoy it. In terms of characters, I was really sad that the only two females were both annoying to me. The pacing feels alright but as we see at the end, the adventures are far from over. The narration was alright, nothing good but nothing bad. Wish the voices had been more unique and consistent but at least it helped me through the book.

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Good read but predictable, audio amazingly done!

Revisado: 02-02-17

I heard of this book from friends and when I saw the audiobook on here I figured I'd start it! Reminds me a lot of Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, as it follows a wife's murder. Rachel was an interesting character, enough that I almost want to give this a 5/5 on her insight alone, however, I didn't because the story wasn't interesting enough. The ending was kind of anticlimactic. Recommended it though!

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