Hell-Bound
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 〰️
🔥 Slow Burn 🚨 High Stakes 🗡️ Action-packed
🔍 Plot Twists 💪🏽 Strong FMC 👹 High Devil MMC
Synopsis
Renata wakes with no memory of her life’s details. Names and faces linger at the edges of her mind, but everything else is a blur. Still, her fingers remember melodies on her instrument—along with skills that feel disturbingly natural, like lockpicking.
When the Gilded Triangle, a powerful society devoted to Nainaur, God of the Heavens, discovers she holds a contract with a High Devil, they make her an offer: descend into the Hells and retrieve an ancient relic of their god. In return, they promise answers.
Now caught between Heaven and Hell, past and present, Renata—now simply Ren—must confront the question at the heart of her journey: is her past worth remembering... or better left buried?
“Girl, ye’re in Hell. Temptation is the name of the game here.”
Favorites
Though it started off a bit confusing, once I realized we weren't going to get all of the answers we were looking for, I was able to be sucked right into this story! The unknown ended up being exciting alongside the main character, Ren, who also had so many questions. The plot was very unique and I liked that there were so many different things going on at once. Each problem that arose and quest that was given felt sensible and linear amongst the timeline.
I LOVED each of the characters, especially Azura. He was so poised and distinguished - he truly emanated power. I enjoyed his inner battle of vulnerability and stoicism when it came to Ren. The slow burn of their relationship was absolutely perfect and made sense for the world they were in. It was such an exciting element of their story.
“‘Now what?’
’Now go be a good girl.’”
ICKS
Not necessarily a dislike, but as previously stated, I would have liked for a bit more information right out of the gate; though when reflecting on the story as a whole, this concept was important to truly digest the high stakes of Ren’s situation. I’d also say that the writing style took a bit longer to grasp, as the use of humor and sarcasm are quite dry, adding a lot to each of the characters. Once this clicked, the book was so enthralling and quite enjoyable!
“Despite her best efforts, she would still be the villain in someone’s story.”
Final Thoughts
This book seriously had me gasping and begging for more; thank you so much to B.E. Francis and Tales and Teacups for this early release copy in exchange for an honest review! I can’t wait for book two!
