Jennie's Reads

“Monsters can hide in such humble, deceivable forms.”

⭐️ 5
🌶 1.5
👻 Alpha FMC
👻 Slowburn
👻 Shadow Daddy
👻 Dual POV
👻 “Touch her and ☠️”
👻 Enemies to Lovers

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One of the easiest 5 ⭐️ I’ve given this year! As a debut novel that literally had a secret launch- I’m awestruck and amazed. Vesselless gives Shadow Daddy a literal meaning, and I am Here 👏🏼 For 👏🏼 It 👏🏼! I was transported into the world of the Zarr, Zem, and Zo’s and I did not want to leave. Plus, Nizzara gives a new meaning to Alpha stabby FMC and I’m in love!

Blurb

She’s heiress to the throne. The throne her family stole from him.

Nizzara has always been able to perceive spirits better than the average caster. She enters a deadly tournament to win the freedom to choose her own suitor. As she competes, she’s determined to win without succumbing to the addictive magic she channels or taking a life in the duel ring.

When she finds herself outmatched, Nizzara must tap into the dangerous spirit power she fears or lose her life in the tournament.

Dagen, the last King of Zarr, was killed by Nizzara’s father ten years ago. Now a half-ghost—able to phase between his human and spirit form—Dagen is stuck in another realm, hunting wretched souls. When his keeper offers him a chance to reclaim his freedom in exchange for Nizzara’s pure soul, Dagen takes the deal.

There’s only one catch: she must freely give it to him by the tournament’s end or his own soul is forfeit.

What I Enjoyed

Beautiful Writing: Cortney has a way with words, and this is easily one of the more eloquent and enrapturing writings I’ve read this year. The style stays consistent- the character dialogue flows well and is beautiful. The entire book- is beautiful.

Nizzara’s Character Arc: Nizzara is a pure soul through and through, and she does not falter from her beliefs. You’d think at some point you’d get annoyed at how steadfast and stubborn she is- but the way Cortney depicts her and as you experience the world through Nizzara & Dagan’s eyes, you feel for Nizzara, you understand Nizzara, and you end up just falling for Nizzara.

Dagan’s Character Arc: Big scary death walker falling for the princess? Cliche? Maybe. But did we gobble it up? You freakin’ bet we did. Dagan’s gradual return back to human feeling, and feeling it for our girl… the way he sacrifices for the betterment of his Kingdom… protecting Nizzara at all costs… the *morally grey* motives… I’m excited for the next book, and hearing more proclamations come from his mouth.

World Building & Political Intrigue: The characters beyond Nizzara and Dagan are so complex, as are their relationships. The relationship between Nizzara and her father, the king, truly broke my heart over and over again. The warring kingdoms that are filled with back stabbing and betrayal; plus some twists I didn’t see coming? Ooomph. I was totally immersed in the Kings Duel, and the world of Vesselless, I just couldn’t get out.

Unique Magic System: I love the mixing and melding of using spirits for their powers and through their bond a power you innately have comes to surface. I also, the fact that not everyone has this power or has the ability to bond with a spirit? Yes, all things that are not equal please! I also really like that your powers can be enhanced even more with gems, but once again, not everyone has the option to gain such advantages.

What I Didn’t Like

Nothing. Nothing at all.
Note though, watch your triggers – if Alcoholism / Physical Ab*se is a trigger, proceed with caution.

Notable Quotes

“I scream, and it echoes off black walls, dying in an empty castle still painted with fresh blood.”

“…it’s as if I’m being sewn together piece by piece with a needle of ice and a thread of misery.”

“Sometimes I wonder if anyone else understands what it’s like to feel both unconditional love and such deep hatred for the same person.”

“Knowledge is an addiction, and books are my drug of choice.”

“So much sass for such a cruel little beast.”

“What idiot would not go to war for her? I’ve seen her loyalty, seen her friendships. She would bring down the three kingdoms for Yisabell or Preysee, or even Liha, at the drop of a hat. That is the kind of loyalty I’d burn worlds for.”

“Two cataclysmic forces battle inside me. He took a life. To protect mine. Part of me hates Dagen for it. Part of me comes alive for him.”

Theme Song

Over All Thoughts

I just LOVED Vesselless- the writing is absolutely exquisite, and highly recommend you pick this one up if you’re a dark romantasy/plot heavy/world building/slowburn/enemies to lovers kinda reader. I would write about all the things I loved in this book, but that would give out too many spoilers- just read it. I promise you it’s a beautiful one.

I hiiiiiighly recommend pre-ordering the signed hardback or paperback from Cortney (she’s also got some other fun goodies in different tiers – I mean, who doesn’t love stickers?!), but if Amazon’s more your thing, the Vesselless is available in e-book format and on Kindle Unlimited as well.

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