Praise
Let me put my 5 star rating another way: it isn’t even the 10th of the month yet and I can already tell this is going to be my top read for this month. The story has high stakes and cozy vibes, and has left me with the warm and fuzzies in spades!
I really enjoy fantasy that feels a bit like a roadtrip, and Fangs Divide Us is that, and so much more as Millie and Ellis band together on their hunt for her missing brother and his missing friend. There’s action, adventure, a couple of sassy furry and feathered (and scaled!) companions, heaps of found family and the uncovering of a nationwide conspiracy. And even better than all that? Everything about Millie & Ellis’ story is so heartfelt. They’re drawn together in a way neither can explain, and find love and safe harbour within each other. There is a lot more I could (and want to) say, but anything more will give too much away. Just know that I was kicking my feet throughout! And a random addition: I loved Crowe’s reimagining of engagement rings into family stone piercings; so imaginative.
"Fangs Divide Us" by Katherine Crowe is a wonderfully woven tale with a beautiful love that transcends lifetimes and an amazing adventure that makes for an excellent read!
Every description of the towns and areas in between are artfully written! I kept finding myself wishing I could jump into this book to stay in one of the cozy inns and visit a tavern or marketplace! Everything is described perfectly so it's easy to imagine the beauty of it all.
I loved both of the main characters! Millicent and Ellis are well-rounded characters and I really enjoyed reading from both of their points of view. Millie is a centarian (vampire) who lives with the looming threat of being found out and harmed for what she is. It is believed that her people are nothing more than bloodthirsty dangers to society that need eradicated.
Ellis, a simple carpenter, enters Millie's life after an incident that disables her and results in both Ellis' best friend and also Millie's brother disappearing. The two main characters embark on a journey together to locate their loved ones and uncover the trouble that's brewing in Valeria.
The romance in this book is so cute and swoon-worthy plus Ellis is the ultimate sweetie! He treats Millie with strong compassion and immense care for her happiness and well-being. It was so precious how he loved treating her to little desserts just to see her light up with a smile. I loved each little moment along Ellis and Millie's journey that brought them closer and all of the intense longing between them!
Lastly, the character art in this book is so cool and I absolutely love the addition of it!
The writing was incredible and truly brought me into the world of Valeria. I’ve read a few soul mates books, but this one truly took the cake. Ellis and Millie were so fun to read about. With fantastic chemistry between the characters and expansive imagery, this book is fantasy romance must read. The mythical creatures portrayed in the novel were descriptive and I could vividly see them come to life on the pages. The imagination that it took to create this story impressive.
On top of all the incredible characters that author Katherine Crowe has created, the plot is incredible. I was excited, having fun with the characters, and crying along with them. I was so emotional and taken aback by the way things played out. But in the most amazing way. I was surprised and delighted by the way this book turned out.
Brilliant debut!
I loved not just the plot and characters but also the *quality* of the story: the use of English, the humour, the expression of feelings, everything!
Like all excellent books, this has serious aspects as well as funny ones.
"Upon standing, the universe decided she belonged on the floor."
The main characters (Millie & Ellis) have dreams as well as constraints enforced by others and the risk of betrayal of any trust given.
The open tolerance & innate friendliness of the ordinary folk is countered by the fanatical hatred of those greedily grasping power for themselves.
In short, despite being filled with supernatural creatures, the people and the issues in the fiction of the story are all too recognisable around us in the facts of today.
Maybe it's the masterful blend of all of the above that makes this book so enjoyable? I'd highly recommend reading it and deciding for yourself!
I’m dazzled by this book! It strikes a balance between cozy and high-stakes—a perfect blend!
The connection between Ellis and Millie is nothing short of DREAMY. It’s a joy to dive into a romantasy featuring two genuinely sweet and good-hearted characters. So many recent reads have been filled with snarky or jaded characters, so this felt refreshing and hopeful even through the emotional lows. This book is infused with warmth, humor, longing (swoony, delicious, desperate, gorgeous longing!), and immense heart.
I have to mention the ensemble. I found myself attached to so many dynamic characters and creatures, each standing out in their own way. I can only hope to see more of this found family in future stories.