Review:
I was disappointed when I saw this book would be from Kelly’s and Jamie’s POVs instead of Seiran’s because I like to stick with the same POV throughout a series, but, once I started reading, I sunk right into the new POVs easily and forgot that I had even been concerned about it in the first place. Both their POVs were just as well-written as Seiran’s, and each character had a unique voice. Also, sometimes suddenly switching POVs after numerous books that were previously told entirely from one first person perspective can make either the new POV characters or the old ones feel off, but both felt natural here.
It also turned out that I liked each of their POVs and the chance to get to know the characters better. For example, I hadn’t known that Jamie had an eating disorder (body dysmorphic disorder and previously bulimia but handling that better now) or that Kelly had asthma.
And those two things were just more to love about the book—disability rep and more mental illness rep. Eating disorders are so often only associated with women, which is a harmful stereotype because then men with eating disorders don’t get the help they need, so it was nice to see the topic being tackled with a male character. It’s also just nice that these books show how lots of people have their struggles and that it’s ok to need help. And just like with Seiran’s mental illnesses, the author seemed to do a great job showing his disorder through his actions and how it skewed his thoughts. Also just like the previous books, even though there were struggles, there was tons of love and care and support and understanding.
I feel like the plot in this book was a little weak though. All the books are more character-focused than plot-focused and thus a little slow-paced for a while until things suddenly start to pick up near the end when the mysterious bad guy shows up, but I can deal with that. The problem with this one was characters making some decisions that didn’t really make sense (e.g. running off to take on the bad guy all by themselves, knowing they were no match and would probably get killed) and a somewhat frustrating romance. I don’t really mind when characters don’t communicate because have you seen how some people act in real life? But in this case, Jamie could’ve at least explained why he was rejecting Kelly, explained that he was only flirting with Cat to get information, etc. And it got kind of angsty in a way that seemed like the angst was mostly included for the sake of plot and keeping the characters apart. I know Jamie had some mental struggles, but I still didn’t understand his constant lash-outs at Kelly.
But overall this was another sweet, enjoyable book that I flew through in about a day. It may have been a little iffy on the plot and romance, but it still kept me reading, it still had great disability and mental illness rep, and you won’t find a more loving, understanding, supportive group of characters, which makes it a great read when you need something to make you say awww and smile.
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1 and 2 in Lissa Kasey's Dominion Series. Fans of character-focused m/m urban fantasy with witches and vampires. Anyone who likes books with struggles and/or mental illness but also lots of positivity and support, plus a bit of fluffiness, to balance it out.
More Books in the Series:
Book Review: Inheritance (Dominion Book 1) by Lissa Kasey
Book Review: Reclamation (Dominion Book 2) by Lissa Kasey
Book Review: Conviction (Dominion Book 3) by Lissa Kasey
Well look at me comig back to visit just a couple of weeks later! 🙂 I feel like I’m actually catching up somewhat although I’ve still got a ways to go before I’m totally back on top of my blogging.
Glad you enjoyed this one and I love it when multiple POVs can be introduced and still feel natural although I’m sorry that some of the character decisions felt off. That can be frustrating in sequels when you feel like you’ve gotten to know someone better. It still sounds like you really enjoyed this one though!
Yay for catching up!
Thanks! It’s definitely risky adding extra POVs later in a series, but sometimes it works 🙂 I did enjoy this one, despite some of the decisions!
I really enjoy it when authors change up the POVs for each book, but I know what you mean, when you really love a character and the author steps away from them, it can be disappointing!
I’m the opposite, I don’t usually like those series with a different POV in each book!
totally in love with this cover! I’m very much into witches right now and… even vampires! And mental illness is always a dear topic!
It’s so gorgeous, I know! Witches I can see, but wow, *you* into vampires??? What’s happening to the world???
haha stop it! I’ve always been! just took a loooong break from them 🙂
😛
glad you were able to just sink back into the series despite the POV change and still enjoy it 😀 sorry the plot in this one felt a little weak tho ):
Thanks! Still a win if I can enjoy a book despite an issue or two 🙂
Wow, I love that book cover! it looks so cool. I don’t know if it’s just me, but whenever there are multiple POVs in a book, every reader always have favorites. Do you?
It’s such a gorgeous cover! I usually do end up favoring one or two POVs, though there is the rare book where I end up liking them all. Honestly I don’t remember how I felt in this book cuz I read it a long time ago lol.
Despite the weak plot, there’s much to enjoy here it seems, especially if the different POVs and the character choices work so well.
Yes, there was a lot of good stuff here!
I love that even though you had your doubts about the book before going in because of the POV switch, it turned out to be so good and easy for you to sink into. I do agree that the stereotype of eating disorders being only for females is very harmful and dangerous. I am glad to see us getting some of that rep included here as well as the disability rep. A bit of a shame of the plot not being as good, but it actually sounds like this one is more character driven than anything else. I love the cover too!
I was so glad it turned out good! It was great to see eating disorder rep for guys. But yes, all these books are quite character driven, and they all have gorgeous covers!