Book Review: Fluttering Cruelty

 

Centuries ago, unnatural rips in the land, the Rives, opened all over Samerta Island, brimming with horrible monsters. Amongst them was one species intelligent and human enough to seek more than carnage: Vrani, bird-like creatures who emerged with a proposition. In exchange for protection against the other rivespawn, each of them would be provided with a human bride to prolong their species.

A transaction. An exchange. A fate worse than death.

Saorise is well aware of their grotesque appearance, unnatural power, and infamous cruelty. Yet she will stop at nothing to be chosen. Wedding a Vrani is the only chance she has to find her sister. When Rifen picks her out of the line, she is that much closer to getting what she wants.

Strangely, though, Saoirse’s new husband subverts her expectations. Rifen is more than a mindless beast intent on one thing only. Breaking free of him should be easy, but then…why does she feel so guilty about it?

Torn between the promise to her sister and the promise of something more, Saoirse will have to decide which to trust: her instincts, or her heart.

Fluttering Cruelty is a fantasy romance loosely inspired by Beauty and the Beast and infused with bits of Celtic mythology. It is a first book of a duology, but can be read as a standalone. This book contains sexual and generally mature topics including abuse, suicidal ideations, and death.

My Review

In the beginning, I was not vibing with the story. So, I put it down and took a little break. when I came back, it was a different vibe. I was more engaged with the storyline and characters. Although, I will admit that Saoirse got on my nerves. I understand being upset that she was a pawn and being forced to be Rifen's wife. However, just because Rifen is not human did not mean that he was not kind. 

In fact, Saoirse was surprised when Rifen would not turn monster and be mean to her due to her outbursts. Even when Eire was trying to explain to Saoirse that Rifen was gentle. The dynamics between Saoirse and Rifen do change as the story progresses and Saoirse comes to realize just how great Rifen is. This is also when the heat gets turned up. I look forward to reading the conclusion to this duology.