The last part of the series: The King's Curse (in German Der Königsfluch, in French La malédiction du roi) I heard it as an English audio book. It was originally published 2014.

Margaret was born a Plantagenet, daughter to Isabel Neville, one of the richest heiresses of her time, and George, brother to two kings. She herself was the bedmate of late queen Anne. She was born a princess. But in the Tudor regime, her name is a curse rather than a blessing – her brother was killed for nothing more than his name. To save herself, she marries a poor man and goes to Ludlow Castle in order to raise the new king, Arthur Tudor, and meet his famously beautiful wife, Katherine... But their luck will not hold long. Thrown into poverty by the death of Arthur and then of her husband, Margaret has to send away her children and live in prison... but under Henry VIII, everything will be better! But will it, will it really?

This is a fascinating series. Lady Margaret herself does not have a very interesting personality, but she is at the centre of events. She witnesses Katherine in her first and than her second marriage, how Henry looses his mind and interest in her and sets her aside. She even meets Queen Jane and later on hears about Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard.

Margaret is very, very, very much afraid. She wants the power and the place that are hers by right (at least she thinks so) but is too afraid of power to really claim them. She is fiercely loyal and proud of her family, but she never speaks out. It's clear why: Her father died of treason, her cousins were murdered in the tower, her brother was executed for his name, her mother was said to be poisoned by Elizabeth Woodville, her uncle was killed on battlefield. I'd be afraid of power as well. But I wonder. She had some kind of authority over the king – more than anyone else, in the end, since she helped raising him. I wonder if she could have made a difference if she advised him when he first came to power and then later on. He saw her as a second mother – and he loved Elizabeth of York very, very much. Maybe... but that's beside the point. Margaret is very good at thinking and no good at acting, it seems. But she is really great at lying.

Spoiler:

Once she finally starts to plot, she is very convincing when she declares she never said, thought or dreamed something against the king.

The king.

First of all, I was rather surprised at the death of Henry VII. He actually loved Elizabeth in the end – when she was dead... yeah. He kind of failed showing that when she was alive. But what was more surprising was how the people reacted. I would have thought they'd pretend to be sad. Well, I understand why they celebrated the occasion.

But who would have thought that his son, Henry VIII, would be so much worse? It's an interesting view. Henry VIII is usually shown as a Casanova, but this is the first time I saw him drawn as a tyrant. But it makes sense, and his development is really well done. How he's first a child on the throne and then, because he always gets his will, grasps for power and misuses it.

I'm very sorry for Katherine of Aragon. I liked her. But her fate really sucked. First she lost the love of her life, then she came to love his brother – whom she married due to a deathbed promise – and then she has one miscarriage after another? That's so sad. What's even worse is how Henry treats her and her dead children. “Sir Loyal Heart”. Sure.

Mary is an interesting princess as well. I'm sorry for her as well. How she clutched her body and had eating issues because of her parents. After seeing what Anne Boleyn did with her father – and to her mother and England – I understand why she had something against protestants. Even though she went to lengths...

As for Margaret's children: They are very diverse. We don't really hear anything about Ursula, but we hear a lot about Margaret's boys. I am so, so sorry for Reginald. That poor child! Seriously. How could Margaret be so cruel? I understand why she sent him away, I really do. But the rest? She needed to be convinced to take him in! How cruel and hart hearted is that?

My second favourite is Montague. He's constant, and even though he is as power-centred as his mother, he is more funny. In a drier way, of course.

Arthur is, well, not really described. But Margaret's youngest boy really is an ass.

Spoiler:

I'm sorry, but it's the truth. And I can not comprehend how Margaret could excuse him to his brother after he betrayed them. I understand why she loves him as she does – he was the only boy with her in sanctuary. But Ursula was there as well. He's the youngest and was born after her husband died. But that actually shouldn't make a difference. I understand why she clings to him. What I do not understand is that she favours him above anyone else, and hurts the children of hers who have stayed true to her, the family, and the course. She makes him into someone perfect who can make any mistake he wishes. And through that, she hurts Montague, who fights for her and works for her.

So far, so good.

Another thing that I found interesting is the role of religion. Sure, we all here at home or in school that religion had a different role in history. We all know the inquisition and the religious wars. Even today, people kill for their believes. But what I didn't know is the role the church had in every-day life: the shelter for the poor, the sick and travellers, how everyone was always in contact with them – and not just for praying or some religious festivals and the people who go from door to door. It was quite fascinating for me. I never could have imagined that one institution other than the government could make so much contact with the day-to-day lives of a people!

In brief:

As always, I give stars for style, ideas, content and the role of religion – very, very, very well done. The story has also deserved a star for characters this time, because the relationships of Margaret, Katherine, Henry and Margaret's children are very well done – even if I don't like Margaret as a mother.  

Prequel:

The White Princess

The Prequel (before the pentalogy) by Jennifer L. Armentrout: Daimon (not translated). I read it as an English e-book. Originally published 2011.

Alex should be used to the mortal world by now, to the life she and her mother have to live. But she’s not. Everything reminds her of her past: The Covenant. And a boy she met there, Aiden. Even though he's so forbidden... But then, a catastrophe happens and Alex has to run for her life… and fight her worst enemies. But how can she survive, when she missed all those years of training? And when her hunters can control the elements themselves?

Short, but nicely done.

 It's interesting to really meet Rachelle without her being a daimon or a ghost. She's really a good person. A good mother, like a best friend to Alex. And she does understand why Alex can’t adapt, she tries not to pressure her too hard.

I like Alex’s problems in the mortal realm as well. How she struggles not to go all ninja without any obvious reason for it. I think everyone who has been taught self-defence for real does feel like that from time to time – and they were… let’s say they were impolite, shall we?
I like how this boy of hers can't cope with it. It fits, it makes sense…

Even though, seriously, what's wrong with what she did? Okay, she might have overreacted. Because they didn't do anything YET. But they were clearly going to molest her and they probably threatened her boyfriend before. He was afraid of them! That had to have a reason. Sure, she should have been a little more calm about it. But his reaction was way over the top as well. But it fits to his character, so...

Plus, it's well described how she uses boys to fit in and forget Aiden (which so doesn't work and the moral rightness of this is... questionable). But this is exactly what many girls (and boys) do. And she didn’t go through with it, she didn’t sleep with him, so…

As for her flight: It's so well done how she tries to save these two humans even though they were so... well, let's say impolite, shall we? It fits to her personality, and shows what a good person she is at heart. She’s a protector, that’s for sure. She’s just a little… well, more unconventional than others.

What's also well done is how Alex reacts to her mother's death – the guilt, the isolation, and how she regains her will to fight. And how she runs through the world with a spade as a weapon. Well, if it works...

In brief:

I give it stars for ideas, content, style and characters.

1. part of the series:

Half-Blood

World

You wanna read about daimons, kick-ass protagonists and Greek gods? Then this is your new favourite series: The Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. First part of the pentalogy: Half-Blood (in German Dämonentochter Verbotener Kuss). I read it in English where it contained 281 pages. Girls, 16 to death. 2011

Alex is pissed. And she wants revenge. After her mother was sucked dry by a daimon, Alex is forced back to the Covenant - either to be trained to become a Sentinel and hunt daimons, or to end up a drug addict who has to do whatever her masters tell her – because she wouldn’t have a will of her own. A position which suits her stepfather… The only reason Alex doesn’t end up like that is Aiden St. Delphi, kick-ass, a fighter, her crush, and forbidden with a capital F. And he keeps secrets from her. Big secrets. When then the Apollyon is assigned to her stepfather and refuses to leave Alex alone, she knows something's definitely off...

This book gets to you on the first page and doesn't let you go - even when you're finished. So, good thing J. L. Armentrout is finished with all parts already.

I like Alex very much. She's stronger, more stubborn and more reckless than good for her, but she knows what's right and what's wrong. Even though her impulsiveness nearly gets her killed – and isn't good for her environment – she is actually... I just wanted to write “sensible”. But that would be a lie.

She's not stupid, she actually very intelligent, but she doesn’t usually use her head for the thinking and she’s not very impressed by rules or hierarchy. In a position like hers, where she’ll end up as a mindless slave when something goes wrong… well, this isn’t exactly the best combination.

But she’s tough as hell. Really.

It's by the way really, really well done how she struggles with coping with the situation with her mother. How she feels guilty and tries to avenge her – and in the end, redeem her. Her solution, in the end, was the right one. But it's good she thought about it so much, how she tortured herself with it. Because some part in her is still her mother. And how can you kill someone you love? I guess that this is the toughest decision you can make. In a situation where a loved one has irreversibly lost him/herself up to a point where they’d be horrified by what they have become – up to the point where they’d kill themselves – are you capable of doing it for them? Would it make you a monster to do it?  

To continue: Aiden and Seth are very interesting. I don't know what to make of them, but it's funny how jealous they are... hi hi. Okay, that was mean. Let me rephrase that: It's fun to read about it. In real life I'd probably pity them.

They are absolutely different, Seth is a lot more concerned with the here and now, with his own pleasures and having fun. He’s sometimes as reckless and impulsive as Alex and he likes the idea of being in charge. But he’s also fun and has a good heart.

By the way, why do you call a character who's so important in the Greek based world after an Egyptian god? I like Seth (both the character and the god - at least in The Red Pyramid etc.) and I can imagine he'll develop a lot. He can't stay that power-hungry forever. Not when it concerns Alex.

Aiden on the other hand is the responsible, takes rules seriously and has a lot on his shoulders. Like Alex, who isn’t exactly easy to take charge off. But he’s also loyal, caring and… well, a good person as well.

The side characters rock as well, I like Caleb and Olivia.

And, even though that sounds a little weird, Lea as well. A little. A tiny bit.

Apart from the characters, the story is not only tense but very interesting, with original ideas etc. I hope that there’ll be more  about the mythological background in the next parts. There's so much potential in this world! And in the connection between Seth and Alex.

But there's one thing that doesn't make sense: The time.
When she's with her mother, Daniel and Eric, she gets a tag every hour – and later on, her neck and both her arms are covered with them: Meaning, she was there for DAYS – that doesn't make sense. Aiden and Seth had to find her before. The timely management doesn't fit.

Well… I guess I'll finish reviewing now and start reading the second part of the series. I'm excited.

In brief:

So.. stars for ideas, characters, style and the morality-issues!

Prequel:

(before the series)

Daimon

Sequel:

Pure

World

And the second part of the series: Pure (in German Dämonentochter Verlockende Angst). I read it in English where it contained 380 pages. Originally published in 2012.

Alex is so screwed. Not only has she broken the Breed Order by falling for Aiden, she's the second Apollyon: Meaning, if she isn't killed by the gods, Seth's going to suck dry her powers and her will the moment she turns eighteen. Yay. But these are not her only problems: the Council wants to know what happened with her mother… and its head wants to place her on the Elixir.

Really well done!

Spoiler: 

Caleb's death is soooo sad... 

but you grow to know - and like - Seth through this more. First when he takes care of her after Aiden and than after Caleb.

Seth's really funny, reckless (, arrogant) and can be very caring (Team Tyler's Van :D ). And how he took care of her in the Catskills is nicely done as well. He's a much better person than Alex thinks. Sure, he has his problems: He’s powerhungry, easily manipulated and too arrogant for his own good.

But he has a good heart. And he really manages to make her laugh, to bring her through hard times. He’s a lot like her, in a way. And it's sweet how he puts her above himself, in the scene with the master or after she gets out of other reasons a “bitch fest” of the adults. And the thing in the swimming pool (poor dress!) as well as after this potion... he can be really caring. But I was kinda sorry for him in the latter scene: That poor boy, he really tried so hard to resist her! And she so hit below the waistline. And then, Seth gets himself finally under control again and is already pushing her away – and then Aiden comes in and hits him. But interesting that Seth let Aiden hit him without frying him...

But it's actually funny Aiden blames Seth for a longer term. I mean, Aiden of all persons should understand how good Alex is in these things. Of course, I know it's his jealousy. But he should forgive him in the end, shouldn't he? Well, he doesn't. What a shame.

Really, poor poor Seth.

As for Aiden: I love him, he's so cute (even though he reminds me of Edward in a few scenes)! He's caring and would do everything for her – he does. Like the zoo-thing and the necklace.

And even though I hate him a little for breaking up with her, it's really the best for Alex – in this situation. Not like with Edward and Bella... But that's another topic.

Alex' knee-jerk thinking is well done... and Aiden's right: It's her biggest fault and greatest strength.

Apart from this, the society is very fascinating. How everyone either thinks of Seth as a rock star or as a potential psychopath, how the council is split… the rules, how brutal they can be, the fundamentalists against the more modern and liberal people.

It’s a society full of powers, politics and beliefs, that are used for the own benefit. It’s like real life, in a way – it’s fascinating.

The ideas were well done, as always… and the story was tense as hell.

And I wonder about Leo’s timing. Well.

In brief:

So stars for characters, ideas, content and style.

Prequel:

Half-Blood

Sequel:

Deity

Next part: Deity (in German Dämonentochter Verführerische Nähe). I read it in English where it contained 330 pages. Originally published 2012.

Alex is preparing for something she doesn't want - and which Seth is trying to reach as quickly as possible: Her Awakening. But not only Seth thinks marking Alex is a good idea: her stepfather does everything in his power to help change the world: Through two Apollyons. While other Pure's and Half's try to kill Alex, Lucian is on her and Seth's side - or so it seems. But Alex doesn't want to trust her stepfather, not to mention loose herself. What a good thing she has divine help.

First of all: Apollo rocks!

Second: Seth doesn't.

Third: I'm officially team Aiden (even though I still like Seth. A little. Very little).

But seriously? What Seth did was so not cool! That's nearly rape! Okay, she liked it in the end, but that wasn't her choice nor her hormons: She was terrified and he sucked her powers dry against her explicit wishes. And he marked her! Poor girl!

And then, he went and taunted her and Aiden with it. Seriously?!

Aiden is so gorgeous, by the way. I love how he attacks Seth in a knee-jerk reflex, I love how he takes care of Alex in any possible way – and I adore their relationship in general. It’s great he finally came around.

The necklace thing was so, so cute! Really!

I totally get why he did that. He reminds a little of Edward from Twilight – but he’s more honest, brutal and let’s Alex make her own decisions instead of forcing something on her. Sure, he broke up with her. Which still sucks. But Edward broke up with her because he thought her incapable of making the right decision for herself. And he just left her to fend for herself, even though he knew about the werewolves her family was friends with. It’s disrespectful and stupid. Aiden’s situation was a whole lot different: It’s not that he doesn’t trust Alex, it’s that he doesn’t trust himself. He knows that he’d protect Alex to the death – which would ultimately lead to a grave for both of them. And he did stay around to be there for her and to protect her. And now he finally came around. That's really, really good, I'd wondered when this would happen.

I like the way the prophecy fulfilled itself – and what was actually behind the Breeding Order. And, like I said, Apollo rocks – even though he was obvious. But t explains a lot about a certain someone's timing...

The humour is wonderful, the ideas originally, the content and the style are great as always. And the cliffhanger at the end is so, so mean. Seriously, I had to wait like, a week until I was home and could read on.

Do you have any idea how long a week can be when you’re in the middle of a JLA-series?! That’s pure torture!

In brief:

I give it stars for humour, ideas, content, style and characters.

Prequel:

Pure

Extra:

Elixir

Sequel:

Apollyon

This is an extra novel for the month between the 3rd and 4th part of the Covenant series, written in Aiden's PoV. Elixir (not translated yet). I read it in English where it contained 75 pages. Originally published 2012.

Alex is not herself any more. She wants what Seth wants: In this case, making him the Godkiller. Aiden fights to get her back, because the gods would do anything to keep Seth from what he wants – even Apollo. And suddenly, Aiden sees himself forced to realise his and her every fear.

Despite the rather morbid topic, this is very romantic. And well done.

I'm kinda sorry for Aiden that he has to make these decisions. This is such a shit situation for him! I'm so so sorry for him! But it’s very well realised, how Alex' character changes so drastically. And how she says in the end that she believes in love. Really, these books (as well as several other books like that) made me a real romantic. Not the cheesy-sappy-purple-clouds-and-rainbows-romantic. I’d probably laugh at what most girls find “romantic”, I wouldn’t expect Valentine’s Day gifts or the stuff Asher does for Remy in Touched – but I’d probably get weak knees when someone shows me the level of trust Alex shows Aiden – or the devotion he has to her.

At least I like to say that about myself. Whether it's true or not is another topic.

But what really surprised me was how much Alex’s strength – or lack there-of – actually means to the people around her. She’s so inspiring and someone everyone looks to, unthinkingly. Not for advice (because Alex is really a knee-jerk-reflex-kinda-girl) but for major kick-assery. And now that they see her like this… shit, it’s so very well done!

But I’m kinda disappointed that we don’t read the scene where Aiden punches Apollo.

Really! That sounds soooo funny!

In the end, the book is nicely done. Despite this: 

Spoiler:

Since Alex basically told her uncle she's sleeping with Aiden, why is he so damn surprised she could be pregnant in Sentinel? Not only surprised, but shocked, as if he couldn't believe Aiden and Alex would actually sleep with each other. He even says something like that out loud.

In brief:

So: Stars for style, ideas and characters.

Prequel:

Deity

Sequel:

Apollyon

And next: Apollyon! (In German Dämonentochter Verwunsche Liebe (By the way, these German titles suck. They seriously do)). I read it in English where it contained 343 pages. Originally published 2013.

Alex is not happy. Because Alex isn't with the First, her love, her purpose of existence, her Seth. She's in a warded cell and this Aiden simply can't leave her alone! But she will flee and will got to her Seth and - well, what then? He wouldn't really do what Aiden says, will he? The two of them could rule the mortal world and live happily ever after - and kick the gods' butts, of course. Alex loves Seth. So why does Aiden keep fighting for her? Just because of a necklace she doesn't take of? Ridiculous!

In this book, Alex is broken on basically all ways a living thing can be broken without dying. That sucks  and I’m so so sorry for her - but it's damn well realised. Really, that girl is strong as hell. She’s a one-woman army and whenever you need a character that inspires you to go your own way, to be as strong as you have to be and to go through hell, Alex is the one you want. She’s one of the toughest characters I ever read about.

I love the scene where she fights with Aiden, by the way. It's so beautiful. Okay, out of the context, if you don't know the scene, that sounds rather violence-loving. So... read the scene, then you understand what I mean.

Another thing that makes this book so damn well done is the mixture of tenseness and humour. This is an immense built-up of really, really bad scenes, in which people die and the atmosphere literally forces the breath out of your lungs. You feel as if you were there, in a living nightmare.

And then Alex’s humour absolutely ruins this.  You laugh and suddenly you can bear the scenes again, it’s still tense but you’re reminded of all the good stuff. Of hope and… well, nice things. But you still can’t lay down the book.

That’s immensely difficult to accomplish – and managed perfectly.

I am so very impressed. This takes a hell of a writing skill.

But I must admit that the god would hold the puppet strings of the First was so obvious.

However, it's so sad what happened to Lea in the end.

But the scenes in the World of the Dead are very, very well done. I'm sorry for Aiden in all of this. The whole test at the beginning is really hard – and then, knowing what could happen to Alex any time?

I love the relationship between the two of them, how they are open and honest, teased by the others and make each other stronger. Alex seems to help him cross the lines of his own making, and he helps her to be the strongest and most sensible person she can be.

Apropos sensible: I love how her growing up is shown. It’s so so nicely done.

Last but not least: Apollo rules. And he needs a bell.

In brief:

Stars for style, humour, characters, ideas and content.

Prequel:

Deity

Extra:

Elixir

Sequel:

Sentinel

The final of the pentalogy: Sentinel (in German Verzaubertes Schicksal). I read it in English where it contained 295 pages. Originally published 2013.

Her body nearly broken, her courage shattered, her very being damaged - not the best precondition for fighting the First - oh, not to mention a crazy god with an army of daimons, Halfs, Pures and humans. And when Alex starts having hallucinations, nearly kills the love of her life, and the First comes knocking at the door, she's certain she has a real problem... What a good thing, she has helpful gods at her sight - and a blood-thirsty titan.

The gods rock. Really, I'm a big fan of Artemis, Athena, Hades, Persephone and Apollo (Ares not so much. I know, big surprise). And you really should get them a bell. Especially Apollo. He rocks. Wait, I think I already said this... but he does! And no, that's so not supposed to by an allusion to him being the music.

 As for Perbes: He's creepy.

But still very well done, as are the developments of the characters. My absolute favourite is Seth. There was always good in him, but to see it crystallised is a) realistic and b) kind of tragic. He's done terrible things, but before you know it, you're really sorry for him. Additionally, I always kind of liked him – until he did this thing in Deity. It's ironic that Ares' way of breaking Alex didn't break her, not really – but his control over Seth. However, this goodness in him which was only buried by Seth's arrogance lets the ending make sense.

Unfortunately, I can not say that for the changes in Alex. Don't get me wrong. In the first half of the book, it's damn realistic - actually so realistic it's creepy, because what she's experiencing is a common post-traumatic reaction. Okay, except for the hallucination. But the numbness? The coldness? Her problems to deal with what happened, that she's frozen in stress reactions and not as confident in herself and in her future? That's absolutely normal! And very well described. What isn't realistic is that these phenomena just go away after Apollo's treatment. As in "poof"! After such an experience a one-time-freaking-out doesn't make you let go, no matter how strong you are and what you promise. It helps, as does the talking part, but it's not enough. Especially if you have in mind what she's already been through - and hasn't really dealt with. The few lingering effects Alex has in this book aren't enough.

But it's cute how Aiden helps her. Really. It's totally sweet. And how he really freaks because he's so happy she might be pregnant. I was like oh-my-God! when I read this scene.

 I like as well how Alex friends try to help her, as Apollo and Artemis. Even though that one scene with Artemis is kind of creepy. With Alex commentaries it's funny again, but at first...

The ending is so sweet, so realistic – and so not foreseeable. At least not if you don't read Elixir. Then you have a chance to guess. But on the other hand, it's obvious again – because of Persephone's role and everything.

But, what I don't like, is that everyone is watching Alex and Aiden because they are a couple; but the not very discreet Deakon and Luke are ignored. Yeah, right. 

In brief:

So, I give this book stars for style, the ideas and a star for the ending. Plus a star for the development of Seth and Alex' in the first half; minus a star for Alex in the second half. So, in the end, that makes three stars.

Prequel:

Apollyon

The first part of the Dark Artifices trilogy: Lady Midnight (Lady Midnight) Originally published 2016, I read it in English where it contained 650 pages. For girls (boys) 14 to death.

Emma Carstairs never forgot the murder of her parents and she never believed that Sebastian Morgenstern really was the cause for this – and she’s proved right when other bodies turn up. But the crime scene isn’t the only confusing thing in her life right now. Her parabatai Julian is suddenly distant, and the Blackthorns are blown into pieces when Mark comes back – and might not want to stay.

I adored this book.

I’ve fallen for Emma from page one, and for the Blackthorn family before they even showed up.

Emma is kickass, she’s loyal and easy to love, even though she’s sometimes hard and not very understanding.

Her new bestie Christina is strong as well, but calmer. She has her own demons in her past, I’m excited as to how this plays out. Perfect Diego is really… he’s fun. Or rather, the reactions of the others to him is fun, I don’t really know what to make of the guy. He seems too nice and too perfect, he seems cold and stiff in a way… well, we’ll find out.

But his brother is an ass.

Now to the characters I love most and find most fascinating.

Julian.

Julian is the personification of a good and loyal, kind-hearted, responsible brother. I am so, so sorry for him! All he had to do… take care of Arthur, raise his siblings, calm Helen, understand Ty, help Livvy with her twin, care for Dru with her issues, and be a father to Tavvy… and be there for Emma, in a way. Plus he had to do Arthur’s job. And he’s in love with a girl he thinks he can never have. Now this Mark business? His brother comes back but needs his love and help even more than anyone else. He threatens to hurt the people Julian loves most… and then his siblings seemingly look at Julian like he’s there captor and at Mark as if he’s there real brother. At least Jules seems to think it’s like this… which I totally get. I’m glad it’s not true, though.

This is a shit situation for him.

Especially due to Emma – I can’t believe she didn’t help him more than that! But I get that he didn’t want her help.

And I totally get why she acted like she did, in the end, but… God, poor poor Jules! How can she do this to him?! I hate the ending. I seriously hate the ending. But I’m excited for Prince of Shadows…

Mark himself is fascinating, I’m so sorry for everything he went through. I like his relationship with Kieran, even though Kieran’s punishment was more than crap. Seriously.

Apropos the punishment:

The scene was way too long and too dramatic. It should have been cut.

Now, back to the Blackthorns.

Ty is fascinating. He’s different than the average person, he’s a genius – with all the problems that come with this. The way he is drawn – the way all the characters are drawn – it’s so realistic. Almost as if they could step any moment out of the books. I like that. And I like how you immediately fall for them.

I’m sorry for Livvy, Dru and Tavvy, though.

Livvy just wants to be her twin’s parabatai, and she wants to protect him from his own dreams.

Dru has to fight with the pressure the Nephilim society makes on her – and, in brief, not growing up with a mother. I think she’d be far better off if she still had her mother. Because as wonderful as Livvy is, she’s primarily fixed on Ty. And Dru needs a woman she can look up to and who is a bit more… well, soft, more like Dru than Emma is.

As for Tavvy… he’s so sweet, so kind. And I’m so sorry about what he had go through.

The ideas are original, the story tense and the content well done. You almost don’t notice that this book has an insane amount of pages.

In brief:

Stars for content, ideas, style, characters and the Blackthorns – and how you immediately fall for them.

Prequel Series (before)

The Mortal Instruments

City of Bones

To the world

The prequel to the series, which you should read before starting with the rest. Bitter Sweet Love (in German Bittersüße Tränen). I read it in English where it contained 105 pages. Originally published 2013.

Jasmine is furious. After three years in which she thought that the love of her life was dead, he shows up and expects her to marry him and give birth to his children? For real? The most twisted part of this: She still loves him, despite everything he's done. She gives Dez seven days to convince her he's still worth it. Seven days in which he promises to fulfil her every dream: Showing her the world outside the Wardens, teaching her to drive a car, taking her shopping, and several other nicknacks that put her out of the prison the female Wardens are stuck in. But above all, Jasmine wants to kill a demon.

I read this part after the first part of the Dark Elements because I wasn't entirely sure it didn't spoiler. It doesn't – and it actually makes sense to read it first, to get to know the world from the female Warden's point of view. It's so sad. They are caged and Jasmine and Danika want to be free, but can't. To what means they go to achieve that freedom! And it's cute how Jasmine reacts to the human world.

As for Danika: Since she's Jasmine's younger sister, you get to know her better. And I really do like her. She’s determined and doesn’t really care a lot about rules she didn’t make herself. She’s also kindhearted and loyal to her sister.

Jasmine herself is like her, in a way – but more temperate, less… fiery. Less steely. But she has an inner strength you have to reckon with – and which Dez sometimes seems to underestimate. But she’s still afraid to get hurt, which hurts Dez… God, feelings can be so complicated.

Apart from that, Dez is cool. It's good to get to know him, especially before part 2, it explains a few scenes. Why he suddenly gets important and acts against the others’ wishes. Why he’d make an alliance.

I like all the hints in the direction of the actual Dark Element Series, that plays four years later, I think. About Layla. And Roth. He really did watch her. The relationship between Layla and the rest is even more pitiful and twisted and sick from an outsider's point of view. Especially her reaction to Zayne – how she looks up to him like to her personal sun: Giving her light and life but always distant – and even though he is fascinating, touching him would hurt.

But the best of them all is and always will be Herbert.

In brief:

I give the book a star for the world, about which we find out a whole lot more, as well as the characters, the ideas – skinny dipping, for god's sake! -, content and style.

Sequel:

White Hot Kiss