In the words of her schoolmaster, Kiarra is an erratic disaster. In the well-ordered and balanced society of the kingdom of Megreria, she is a failure. Every person in Megreria has an occupation in a specific House and a designated Soul Match. Not Kiarra. She has delayed her exams until the last allowable minute, but her mind refuses to focus on one House. When she meets one man from each of the … each of the five Houses, her inability to choose extends to her heart. The rules demand she choose though, one House and one man.
What happens when she feels drawn to all five Houses and all five men who have captured her attention, and possibly her heart? Will she be doomed to a life of a Commoner? Will society and the kingdom shun her? Or have the Fates already chosen her destiny?
This is a slow-burn reverse harem with a strong fantasy plot which includes intrigue, world-building, and character development.
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SPOILERS!
The characters are fairly interesting, and I really loved the concept of the 5 houses. The premise in general is pretty great, but I think the writing needs some work. And
One of my issues with the book comes from the relationship development between the group, or lack thereof.
I get that the premise of their relationship is that their souls are bound together and intricately linked, but it makes for a bit of a boring story when there’s no real build to the relationship. There’s just this group of guys instantly and unquestioningly devoted to this female. And even though they’ve all grown up in this society where it’s ALWAYS two souls bound together, none of them question that it’s five males to one female. Also, Kiarra she doesn’t even believe in soul mates due to her home life, but she just sort of rolls with it.
Also, these guys seriously have an unhealthy obsession with her hair.
I have decided to commence a reread in honor of Serena’s new series set in the same universe. I haven’t forgotten exactly but it has been amazing to revisit the complex and exceptional read that is this series.
First of all, the fine details of the world building. I would be forever in awe of the system of the houses, the rules, the culture…Jfc, Serena was def amazing for these pieces of art. Most people, or at least most of them from the upper crust of this world’s society were very restricted and confined. It reflected well the oppression in the real world.
The story writing. The multiple POVs were seamless, not confusing or distracting whatsoever. The pacing was deliciously slow, building onto the height of the read near the end. It was sweet and funny but at the same time heavy and deep.
The characters, oh sweet baby jesus the characters. I love each and every one of the heroes. I love how they varied and how they embodied the best characteristics of their respective houses. I love how mature and kind they were to each other when they learned of their predicament.
I love the humility and grace of the King and Queen. I honestly have read so much books where we get unworthy rulers.
I love Kiarra’s mom. Her strength and endurance throughout her sufferings with the husband. I love her love and acceptance for Kiarra. She def deserved to be with her Soul Match once and for all.
I love Rowan, the excellent and cool brother. So much wisdom beyond his years.
Last but most definitely not the least, Kiarra. What an amazing, well-rounded, and beautiful character. I was in awe of her, truly. Her protective streak for her brother during his most vulnerable, her strength to meeting up with such powerful authorities, her understanding and care for her mother when the latter confessed to a possibility of divorce…she was everything huhuhu
When souls are split and it takes another to complete you, what happens when your soul is split between give others? This was an amazing story, I love, love, love the characters! Ian is mine, I licked him so you can’t have him! But seriously, I was not expecting it to be as great as I now know it is! The world is perfectly constructed and explained in just the right amount t of detail, the characters have complete personalities and back stories already, the whole premise and conflict is unveiled in a way that is subtle and leaves you wanting more. I’m excited to read what book two has to offer!
amazing start to this series, already almost finished book two, its become a new favorite for sure