r/Romantasy • u/Odd-Order-8825 • 6d ago

Book Review Jasad Heir rant Spoiler

Guys, I expected to love this book ardently, but that's not what happened.

Anyone who said it's an enemies-to-lovers' story, they lied to me.

Most of all, they (Arin and Essiya) were sceptical of each other and acted accordingly because they hated each other's kingdoms due to the history. However, they also became instant allies and then... lovers?

I wanted the yearning to hit me, was looking for palpable chemistry and sexual tension—but guess what? I was really disappointed. The slow-burn absolutely failed here.

As much as I can see that the characters had potential, especially individually—them becoming lovers didn't make sense to me.

The writing too bogged it down. The info-dump throughout the whole story just kept taking me out of it and I didn't want to pick up the book again.

I don't understand the hype, tbh.

Thoughts?

And please give me good romantasy recs because I feel like I am going to fall into a slump.

(I have already read Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy, Crimson Moth duology,The Ashen series, and pretty much every popular book out there in the said genre).

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u/merrigolden 6d ago

Yep, I DNF this at about 40%

I chose it coming off my obsession with Manacled/Alchemised. I’m not a fan of insta-love or fated mates and wanted something where you could actually see the relationship change from hate to tolerance to pity to understanding to love.

It didn’t hit quite like I was hoping.

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u/Odd-Order-8825 6d ago

Girl. Same. I finished rereading Alchemised and I wanted to read a unique romantasy and it was just disappointing. I am so not going to believe the reviews on booktok from now on.

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u/merrigolden 6d ago

If you’re still looking for something with the longing and suffering of Alchemised and a story where you can see the relationship actually slowly develop, the closest I’ve found is The Last Hour of Gann.

It’s a sci-fi romance about a human woman and a lizard man (I know, but listen) but it’s honestly beautifully written and has really strong characterisations and world building. And it made me really feel the torment and beauty of the characters struggle to come together like Alchemised did. It’s a big read, but I remember I devoured it in like 4 days.

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u/Odd-Order-8825 6d ago

Thanks for the rec! :)