A few months ago I reviewed From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout. That book was a five star read for me and I knew I had to read more of this author’s work. She’s written A LOT so I really had no idea where to start. As I was looking through her many books in the Kindle store, I came across Wicked. It was on sale for like $2.00 and from the cover alone, I assumed it was about mermaids; which I would have been totally happy with. I bought the book without reading the synopsis and started reading. I quickly discovered that it is NOT about mermaids but that’s fine because it’s still a really, really good book. Let’s get into the synopsis so you can know what this book is actually about and then I’ll share my spoiler free thoughts.

Synopsis:

Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans.

Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun… and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart.

Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants… she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her.

But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul.

My Thoughts:

Wicked is book one of a trilogy and a few side novellas. It’s a New Adult fantasy, just like From Blood and Ash. While I love both of these books, I didn’t love Wicked quite as much as From Blood and Ash. Don’t get me wrong, I rated it four stars so it’s an excellent book but it’s simply an older release. Writers get better with time so I fully expected Armentrout’s newer work to be better than her older stuff. These two books do have some similarities, though. This could be a good or bad thing depending on what you like. Let’s discuss! 

I was absolutely in love with the characters in From Blood and Ash and the same is true for this book… but that’s probably because the characters are very similar. After reading two of Armentrout’s books, it’s clear to me that she has a certain formula when it comes to writing her characters and stories in general. Ivy is similar to Poppy and Ren is similar to Hawke. I’m totally fine with this because I love how all of these characters are written. They’re different enough to where I don’t feel like I’m reading about the same people. Armentrout just REALLY likes her vulnerable but tough ladies and troubled but sweet men. Everybody is also ridiculously good looking, lol. Again, I’m totally fine with this but I’m also the type of person that reads every V.C. Andrews’ book despite them being the same story over and over again. 

As for the story line, I don’t feel that this book has the most unique one in the fantasy world but I did really like it. Since reading The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, I’ve loved the whole secret society that protects the world kind of plot. I also loved that this story was set in New Orleans. Armentrout did a great job of describing the city and all the delicious food; I desperately need some beignets now. I feel that the pacing was good for the most part but I think the first half could have been sped up or condensed just a bit. I was interested but not that invested until around the 60% point. That’s when I REALLY got into the story and quickly finished it. 

Final Thoughts: 

Jennifer L. Armentrout is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her books aren’t perfect but they’re the kind of fantasy stories that I adore. I love her take on different supernatural creatures and her story ideas in general. I’m excited to read the next book in the trilogy, Torn. Let me know if this sounds like a series you’d like! Thanks for reading and have a great day!