Skip to main content

Member Reviews

This is my first Amanda Aggie book, and it absolutely swept me away! I have to run and read This Wicked Bond because I NEED more of Asmo in my life!!!

We have Valeria- an Elf who was brought up to believe everything that had to do with demons was bad. She ends up washed up on an Island after her betrothed left her for dead after their shipwrecked. There is Asmo- a Morningstar and prince of this island who finds Valeria. Asmo and Valeria obviously develop a "thing" for one another; however, Valeria is hiding something very big from Asmo and must tell him before a war breaks out. This was such a great quick and cozy fantasy and ends in a beautifully crafted cliff-hanger. I cannot wait to read more by Amanda Aggie!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you so much to the author for the alc. Unfortunately I am not connecting with this book 5 chapters in. The main characters seem juvenile. I also didn't realize this was a continuation from a previous series so none of this is making sense.

Was this review helpful?

First thank you to netgalley for an ALC in exchange for an honest review. Second I really enjoyed the narration for this audiobook. The narrator was good and I enjoyed how she told the story. In regards to the actual story it was fine. Nothing really happens for the first 3/4 of the book and honestly the world and the magic system was confusing. Also it’s so weird to me when fantasy stories use “modern” words. At one point one of the characters talks about condoms which feels out of place in a magical world and I was completely taken out of it when the characters at a ball were “twerking”. I enjoyed the characters I just wish the whole world and story was more fleshed out.

Was this review helpful?

This was my first book by this author and even though a lot of other reviewers said they felt lost because they didn’t read the previous series set in the same world, I didn’t feel that way. I’m intrigued by the other characters and would like to see how their stories unfold, but it didn’t affect this book at all.

I do wish there was more world building and more happening outside of our main characters’ relationship, but there isn’t much. This is basically just a romance novel in a fantasy world, but with modern language. Some of the references through me off, like to twerking and Hogwarts.

That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the story though! I had a lot of fun listening to this book and finished it within a few days. I’m curious enough about the other characters to read their story before the next book in this series comes out.

There is spice in this book, but I’d say it’s pretty low. We get one descriptive scene pretty far into the book. I assume book 2 will have more.

Both narrators did a fantastic job and I think they really brought the characters to life.

Thanks to Tantor Audio, NetGalley, and author Amanda Aggie for approving my request to read!

Was this review helpful?

I really liked this book! I’m not normally a demons kinda girl but since reading ACOTAR and reading along with my new book club members I’ve been branching out more. With this book I wasn’t disappointed. I enjoyed the burning traction between the main characters and how their relationship blossomed. I also enjoyed the acceptance from the other family members and the comedic parts of the book as well. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I do wish the ending wasn’t so abrupt and that there was maybe an epilogue. But, I guess that ensures that I will move onto book 2, because I wanna know what happens next.

Was this review helpful?

Dnf @45%

I enjoyed the beginning, but I'm always feeling I'm missing something and it turns out I maybe should have read a different story by the author first, as the MC of the Fated Vow is introduced there. So I'll probably come back one day to this book, although...

After reading Zodiac Academy I have an issue with reading another book set in Solaria where there are princesses :(

Was this review helpful?

I had a good time with this book. It wasn't a very high stakes fantasy, even though there seemed to be a lot going on. I never felt a sense of urgency or danger really. The characters were fun and had good personalities and interactions with each other. Lots of comedic moments. There were a handful of very modern references that sort of took me out of the story, but I wouldn't say it ruined it for me. Just threw me off. I enjoyed the narration a lot. I would probably continue the series.

Was this review helpful?

A deliciously chaotic, demon-infused, pointy-eared romp through betrayal, forbidden flirtation, and finding truth where you least expect it. If you're a fan of snarky heroines, seductive danger, and plot twists wrapped in silk and sin, this one’s your next book hangover.

Was this review helpful?

This was my first (audio)book by this author and I have slightly mixed feelings. We’re given a lot of information right at the start about the world and the back stories of Asmo (a demon Prince) and Valeria (an Elven heiress), which made me feel like I might be missing something. I later realised that there is a previous series in this world and, although I didn’t struggle to follow the plot, I did feel like I’d potentially missed out on a lot of interesting developments that happened prior to this book, which would have provided more context to the world and characters.

Valeria was ship wrecked and used the opportunity to run away from her betrothed. She settles in what she believes to be an abandoned castle; however, when Asmo returns home, she quickly realises her mistake and they come into conflict.

The plot of this book was fairly slow moving and it took me a while to get into. It’s definitely one that relies on you connecting with the characters. For me, I liked the characters but I didn’t love them (for example, Asmo talks about himself as a dark, menacing character, but he mostly comes across as a complete softy, which isn’t a problem but meant I didn’t buy into him being a threatening demon lord). Griffin definitely added some levity, and I enjoyed the gargoyles. There was a good twist at the end and I would be interested in reading/listening to the next book, but I won’t be rushing to pick it up.

I would recommend the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrators (its dual narration).

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC of this book.

Was this review helpful?

I read this book previously and really enjoyed it, so I was excited to experience the audiobook version—and it didn’t disappoint! The story was just as charming and fun the second time around. It's a cute, fast-paced read with solid world-building and plenty of witty banter (which is honestly one of the best reasons to pick it up). If you're looking for something light, fun, and engaging, this one is a great choice.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 Stars

One big broody MMC plus one sweet selfless FMC equals one heck of a story. We had banter and teasing, a found family (ish? I cannot explain further without spoilers), and gargoyles trying to do things gargoyles just maybe aren't meant to do. There was a snippet of spice (enough to make you wanting more for SURE) and said broody MMC would ~eliminate~ anyone who stands between them... literally.

However, the one part that really kind of put me off was the in depth description and explaining of 'twerking' to our FMC. It just felt a little unnecessary and not in theme with the book.. in my opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley & Tantor Audio for the advanced copy - I can't wait to see where we go next in this journey.

Was this review helpful?

⭐️ 4/5 🌶 2/5 🎧 3/5

Book 1 in Of Death and Starlight Trilogy
(A Triology in an Interconnected World)

Apparently, Demons have emotions, unlike the rumours we've all heard. The Harbinger of Death has been given his second chance at living in peace back at Grimm's Keep only for him to learn that his home has been squatted on by a homeless Elf girl.

Valeria got quite a rude shock when Death rocked up at the abandoned manor that she now called home. So naturally, she stabs him and runs.

This book hit the ground running, taking me on twists and turns of adventure, loss, sacrifice, lust, and love. Amanda Aggie always knows how to hit me in the 'feels' and leave me gasping for air.

Amanda's book all belong one world, and each story follows their own set of characters. They can be read in any order unless they belong in mini-sets.

🎧 જ⁀➴ The audiobook was good, and I liked it enough to listen to it again and recommend it. However, I felt that the narrators were very static and less emotive in their delivery. This book has quite a bit of sarcasm/blunt humour, but it just didn't translate in the narration. The editing was good.

🌌 Enemies to Lovers
🌌 Fated Mates
🌌 Death Demon MMC
🌌 Runaway Elf FMC
🌌 Grumpy / Sunshine
🌌 Spicy Smut
🌌 Slow Burn Romance
🌌 Found Family
🌌 Shadow Magic
🌌 One Keep
🌌 Monsters & Creatures
🌌 Bargains
🌌 HEA.....or something like it
🌌 Protective MMC
🌌 Cliffhanger

Was this review helpful?

An entertaining fantasy novel. From the synopsis I was expecting this to be from the fmc’s pov, and it’s mostly from the mmc’s POV. You get a bad guy that’s actually a cinnamon roll, star crossed love and just enough conflict to make a decent book. I’m curious to see where this leads.

Was this review helpful?

3/3.5 stars
This was such an easy listen. Asmodius isn’t exactly your typical Prince of Death and leans into this more cosy fantasy story.
There isn’t a lot that happens in this book but I hope (assume) this is because it is just book 1, a full cast of characters are introduced and sometimes I felt like there’s a previous book with some of the characters as there was a level of familiarity for some of the royals.
My own preferences mean I’m not a huge fan of instalove and taking into account this book takes place over the span of about a week and half that time one of the main characters isn’t conscious declarations of love are fast.
I’ll keep an eye out for book two!

I received this book as an ARC and provide an honest review

Was this review helpful?

his was fine - a cozy fantasy with some spice. Literally nothing happens, but that kinda works. My gripe is how quickly these two decide to just be obsessed with each other. The narration, however, was great. Probably the main reason I didn’t DNF.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC audiobook.

Was this review helpful?

This is a cute romance with stabbing and demons with fae ruckus. Magic war and a crazy king.
Fated mates and meddling friends.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve seen this book around and so when I saw the Advanced Listener Copy was available to request I jumped on it!
This was absolutely SO FUN! The narration was fantastic (dual pov + dual narration)
This is a romance first storyline, set in a world with elves and demons and gods. For most of it though it actually gave me a cosy feeling. It truly showed the two characters getting to know each other and find an attraction. I really enjoyed it and would definitely pick up the next one! (Especially after that ending!)

Was this review helpful?

This was my first book from Amanda Aggie and I will definitely be coming back for more! The story was just the right balance of romance to other story to keep me interested in both. Also, I really liked not only the main characters but the side characters as well.

Was this review helpful?

An elven lord’s daughter and sole heir finds herself stranded on the shores of enemy territory after her ship wrecks. But she’s in no rush to return home—she’s grown tired of being kept under lock and key “for her safety” and being forced into marriage with an elven suitor she can’t stand. As she begins building a new life in the ruins of an old estate, she encounters a handsome demon—the very same one she’s heard countless terrifying tales about.

Some modern-day references (like "twerking") briefly pulled me out of the fantasy setting, but overall, I really enjoyed the story. The narrators did a great job bringing the characters to life. I was particularly intrigued by the mentions of Asmos and his past with the queen—it left me wanting more of their backstory. While this is the first book in a series, I’m hoping the author has explored their history in one of her other books set in the same universe.

I absolutely loved the male main character—misunderstood, feared, and labeled a monster, but really just a big cinnamon roll. He’s the ultimate “touch anyone I love and die” type, and I’m here for it. The story had fun banter, a wonderful found family dynamic, and even the side characters were memorable—especially Asmo’s nephew, Griffin, who completely stole my heart.

This was a unique and refreshing take on the fated mates trope, and I’m really looking forward to reading the next in the series.

Was this review helpful?

This was ok, it was an easy read.
Unfortunately nothing really happened I feel like it was lacking a story of I’m honest.
It plodded along and wasn’t terrible the mmc Azmodias was the best character tbh
And the gargoyles they was excellent!
I wish this just had a bit more oomph!!

The front cover of this book would probably make me not read it I feel that this could have had such a better cover.

Thank you netgalley for the arc

Was this review helpful?