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Member Reviews

Thank you to the publisher for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The cover of this book drew me in and then the synopsis hooked me!

Betrayal & Banditry is the perfect recipe for a fun, fast-paced read: throw in a bunch of betrayal, a few morally gray characters, and more plot twists than you can shake a sword at. Our heroine is stuck in a world where everyone has their own agenda, and no one is quite as trustworthy as they seem—basically, it’s a trust fall gone terribly, terribly wrong.

Jes Drew keeps things exciting with non-stop action, but also takes time to show how the characters' messy decisions impact them, which keeps it from feeling like just another action romp. The pacing can slow down a bit in the middle, but it's worth it for the twisty, suspense-filled ending. How distraught was i when i turned that last page and it ended on a cliff hanger!!

If you like stories with a bit of chaos, some double-crossing, and characters you can’t quite figure out (but want to figure out), Betrayal & Banditry has you covered.

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I would like to take this opportunity to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book before its publication date. Jes Drew’s Betrayal & Banditry is an action-packed and emotionally gripping tale that seamlessly blends adventure, intrigue, and personal growth. With its engaging characters and fast-paced plot, this book delivers a compelling story that will keep readers hooked from start to finish.

A Thrilling Tale of Adventure and Deception
Betrayal & Banditry throws readers into a world of danger and deceit, with a storyline that balances high-stakes action with moments of vulnerability and introspection. Jes Drew crafts a plot full of twists and surprises, where loyalties are tested, and nothing is as it seems. The pacing is dynamic, ensuring that the narrative never loses momentum.

Relatable, Multi-Dimensional Characters
At the heart of the story are characters that feel real and relatable, even in extraordinary circumstances. Drew’s protagonists are flawed, courageous, and constantly evolving, making their journeys deeply engaging. Their personal struggles and relationships add depth to the story, creating an emotional connection that resonates long after the final page.

Themes of Loyalty and Redemption
One of the standout aspects of the book is its exploration of loyalty, trust, and redemption. Drew delves into the complexities of human relationships, examining what it means to stand by someone even in the face of betrayal. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, enriching the story without overshadowing the action.

A Unique Blend of Genres
Jes Drew’s writing skillfully combines elements of mystery, adventure, and personal drama. The world-building is immersive, and the dialogue crackles with tension and wit. Drew’s ability to balance humor and seriousness ensures that the story appeals to a wide range of readers.

Final Thoughts
Betrayal & Banditry is a gripping and heartwarming read that will appeal to fans of adventure and character-driven stories. Jes Drew has created a world filled with danger, emotion, and hope, where characters face seemingly insurmountable odds and discover the strength within themselves.

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In this captivating fantasy romance, the author weaves a beautifully intricate world filled with magic, adventure, and an undeniable chemistry between the protagonists. From the very first page, readers are drawn into a richly imagined landscape where the stakes are high, and love transcends boundaries.

The characters are delightfully complex, each facing their own trials and transformations. Their journey is not just about romance; it’s about self-discovery and the courage to embrace one’s true self. The chemistry between them crackles with tension, making every shared moment feel electric and deeply meaningful.

The plot is expertly crafted, balancing moments of heart-pounding action with tender, intimate scenes that linger long after the book is closed. The author’s lyrical prose brings the settings to life, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and danger of this enchanting world.

Overall, this book is a delightful escape that deftly combines elements of fantasy and romance. It’s a testament to the power of love and the strength found in vulnerability. Perfect for fans of the genre, it’s a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a magical journey of the heart!

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DNF at ~20%

I’ve restarted this book maybe three times now over the past year and have never gotten past 20%. I find myself more confused the more times I reread it. I just don’t think this book was for me. The talking bear was where it really lost me…I’d try to give a brief description of this book, but I don’t actually know what I’d say. I’d say give this book a try if you like hectic/chaotic/eclectic fantasy, but this one just definitely wasn’t for me.

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This was a DNF. It wasn’t all I felt it was hyped up to be. I just couldn’t get into it and I didn’t really like the characters. I gave it 3 stars anyway because the writing was fine.

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I really enjoyed reading this book.
I read it over a few days, and couldn't wait till I got free time to read it more.

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Betrayal & Banditry is the first book in a series and definitely one that I will continuing.

As a fantasy book, I really enjoyed this books fantastical elements. The magic system in this book was well written and explained and frankly quite easy to follow.

The characters were enjoyable to read and definitely suited to this type of book. They just matched the vibe of this book perfectly.

Overall, I thought that this book was a strong start to a new fantasy series.

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I am sorry for the inconvenience but I don’t have the time to read this anymore and have lost interest in the concept. I believe that it would benefit your book more if I did not skim your book and write a rushed review. Again, I am sorry for the inconvenience.

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Unfortunately this got into my spam mail and never got to read it, I know I should have checked it but still I'd like to point it out. By the time I wanted to read it it was no longer available.

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Wow! That's all the words I have for this book.
I loved the tidbits of Robin Hood in here, it really brought a level of fun to this book that was needed with all of the war and kingdom falling to ruins threats.

The magic is interesting, and the plot was well paced. I enjoyed seeing everything unfold with the world building.
This is a great first book in the series and I look forward to reading what happens next!

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I received this book for free for an honest unbiased review from Netgalley.

I wish more books were this well written. Characters were witty and the setting fantastic.

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This was a fun, well-paced read and I raced through in just a few sittings. Very entertaining and I'll be keeping an eye out for more from Jes Drew.

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This was a fun book to read, definitely falls under the YA -PG category. Took a bit to get going a lot of story set up, but all in all an enjoyable read.

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The magic is interesting, and the plot was well paced. I enjoyed seeing everything unfold with the world building.
This is a great first book in the series and I look forward to reading what happens next!

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1/5 stars! This book was just bad. There's nothing else really to say. It felt like it had gone through zero edits and the characters were unlikeable. *shrug*

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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1/5 stars! This book was just bad. There's nothing else really to say. It felt like it had gone through zero edits and the characters were unlikeable. *shrug*

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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"Betrayal and Banditry" not only keeps you on the edge of your seat with its thrilling plot twists but also prompts introspection about the nature of trust and the lengths one will go to protect their interests. It's a testament to the author's skill that this novel leaves a lasting impact, making it a must-read for fans of intricate, character-driven tales of intrigue.

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I've to say that this book was my favourite and I enjoyed it because it has everything I wanted in a fantasy world! The story, the characters, magic powers are well written and I find myself engrossed with the plot. I couldn't stop reading for even a moment. I'm looking forward to the upcoming books!

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I tried really this before it came out and had to sit it down. I had just read a number of fantasy books and I was concerned that it was impacting my perception. I have tried to pick it up a few times since but after finally finishing it, I think the premise of this has potential but it is hard to follow. The dual pov switches in confusing ways and the plot seems to go from trope to trope. The word choices at times and decisions by the characters add to it. Also, if I thought the comedic nature of women's legs being mentioned was intentional I would have laughed but it seemed to be very serious that some of the men were scandalized by women's legs while whole groups of men paid little attention to their leader in men's clothing. It felt disjointed.

The plot has promise and the description drew me in but it just wasn't clear.

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A fun, light Robin hood vibes read.

There was some slight confusion early on as I was getting into the story and dual POVs. This is definitely a slow burn where the romance doesn't detract from the story which can happen in some romatasy.

It's a pretty fast read which sometimes I am super in the mood for. Easy to lose yourself for a few hours away from the rea world.

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