To Bleed a Crystal Bloom

While this is a Rapunzel-style retelling, I loved the twist of the FMC being the one who traps herself in the tower — it’s such a great starting point for her journey of rediscovering who she is.

We get glimpses of what’s driving her destructive choices, along with flashes of the strength and potential she’s trying to reclaim. It’s a really interesting balance of vulnerability and growth.

The MMC mostly hovers on the fringes and makes a few of the usual mistakes, but since his arc isn’t the main focus here, it didn’t really detract from the story for me.

The only thing I struggled with a bit was the level of mystery. I found myself wishing for a little more explanation about why everyone was doing what they were doing — but show more this book clearly keeps the spotlight on the FMC’s personal journey.

Fingers crossed that book two opens things up a bit more, because there’s so much potential here! show less

This book is a beyond beautifully rewritten story of Rapunzel, but much darker. This isn't anything like Sarah's previous works written under author name S.A.Parker It's in a league of its own, And way to blow the top off that league.

From the first to the last page, you're drawn in and taken hostage. Each character has a depth that captivates and brings them to life in a way I can't explain. It is so otherworldly and rich. Our main protagonist Orlaith is sassy, smart but has a dark past and is tortured by nightmares that paralyse her nights And keep her prisoner by day. Some secrets may come to light, and others will be bathed in flames standing on the edge of a cliff, waiting to be plunged into endless darkness.

I can't wait to continue show more this journey. Sarah is taking us on as I'm lost in this world, and nothing and no one can stop the book hangover I'm having. I feel like the crystal bloom that's bleeding, and the only cure is more! So throw me that silver stem, and let's pray I don't snap... it's my lifeline. show less

I'm apparently on a hot streak for reading books that I let myself get my hopes up for and then am disappointed once I finally read them. TBACB sat between 2 and 3 stars for me, so I'm just going to leave it at 2.5. The ending set up for what could be a really interesting book two.
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Things I liked:
• Any scene with Kai or Cain involved immediately drew me back in to the story. They both held my interest more than any other character, so it's a shame that they were both such minor characters in this book. But the ending was enough that I hope to eventually start the second book.
• My favorite part also was Orlaith learning the truth and growing a backbone. It was just unfortunate that it didn't happen until the very end of the show more book.
Things I was "meh" about:
• The world building - I understand that Orlaith has this deep phobia of the world outside of her safe zone, and since we are in her mind for the story of course it makes sense that we as the readers would also be clueless as to what is happening. However, this book utilizes multiple POV throughout it, so I don't understand why another character couldn't have explained the world a bit better for our benefit. I think it would have only added to Orlaith's chapters as well if we knew exactly what she was hiding herself from and/or missing out on. But I barely understood what a Vruk was for majority of the book, and I'm still not sure that I understand exactly what Rhordyn's position is/the general set up of the Masters/Mistresses of this world.
Things I didn't like:
• Orlaith, unfortunately. She's meant to be in her 20s, but she reminds me more of a pre-teen with her behavior and thought processes. I've also been giving her side eye since the beginning of the book when she carries a mouse in a jar, forgets about it in her bag ALL DAY, and then feeds it to a monster. Is this not one of the main warning signs of a serial killer? Tormenting small animals?
• I also didn't care for Orlaith x Rhordyn, whatever it is or isn't. He rescued her as an actual child and then in some compacity had to watch her grow up. It was just a really uncomfortable situation to read about. Again, maybe this is intentional to hammer home the toxicity of it all, but I wish it wasn't hammered in for the entire book. show less

An interesting dark Rapunzel reimaging story, that will hook you from the start, you will fall in love with the worldbuilding the author created and well written. Orlaith and Rhordyn's story. It's quite intriguing, with angst and drama well balanced, remember it's a dark romance, so expect the hero to misbehave in all the ways dark romance is known for. I really enjoyed it and would be looking forward to reading more from the author in the future.


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SO. GOOD!!!!

i cant believe i have to wait so long for the next one