Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Length: 376 pages.

Trigger Warnings: mentions of rape and abuse, beatings, violence.

(Book #1 in A Wicked Trilogy)

“Why couldn’t he say I reminded him of Ariel or something? Then again, Ariel was kind of stupid, giving up her voice for a dude.” 

Goodreads Synopsis.

Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans.

Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun… and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart.

Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants… she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her.

But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul.

My Thoughts.

Wicked is an original story flooded with great worlbuilding. However, I believe it falls under the curse of the typical 2000s novel–those stories bursting with cliché tropes and corny dialogues. Despite this, it isn’t a bad book.

I really admire the way that Jennifer L. Armentrout manages to engage the reader. Even though this book dragged a bit for me in the first half, it was interesting. This narrative revolves around Fae, of which I have barely read any books about. Because of that, I’m not sure if she has borrowed many elements from other novels but, at least from my perspective, this was an incredibly original take on them.

Why in the world was I going to college? I could be in bed, all cuddled up and shit, dreaming about hot men with abs covered in powdered sugar.

The characters are pretty similar to those we’ve seen before. Our protagonist is strong and opinionated, which I always enjoy. Though, it can be pretty easy to fall into the annoying category, meaning that they jump into trouble and don’t think about the consequences. Thankfully, that’s not the case with Ivy. Out male protagonist and love interest is handsome, cocky, and protective. A little bit too similar to most heroes we read about, but he is also very sweet and caring, more so than others. Those qualities were what sold me Ren’s character. Despite their clashing personalities, the dialogues were wonderfully written, which made way for very entertaining scenes.

When it comes to the story, it was too predictable. I don’t usually make a big deal about that, but not one thing surprised me. No, that’s not true. Something did surprise me, and that was the whole Halfling business and what the Prince or Princess wants to do with them… WTH?!?! I mean, I’m sure that Jennifer L. Armentrout will make it work, she always surprises me one way or another, so I’ll stay open-minded about that, but I digress. Even though it’s original, has good characters and definitely hooked me, I knew what was going to happen all of the time. Nothing completely unexpected happened. However, I don’t think first books are Armentrout’s best (with some exceptions of course), so I’m very, very hopeful for the next ones.

ALSO, before I give my final thoughts I have to point out that this book was hilarious. Lots of clever remarks and fun references that made me laugh out loud at times. So, if that’s something you enjoy this book is filled with that.

When in doubt, get the f*ck out.

So, overall, it’s a good first book, not amazing, but it did it’s job: I’m intrigued and will definitely continue reading the series. I recommend it if you like reading urban fantasy, steamy romances, and action packed books.