DNF at 35%

I really wanted to love this book! It started out very interesting, but then became so incredibly boring. The characters had no depth, they weren’t interesting. The plot began to make no sense and was just strange.

This one is not for me, sadly.

Thanks to author Beth Overmyer, Flame Tree Press, and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Brittle was a promising idea that fell flat.

Mostly in the main character, Verve. Verve is dull, uninspired, and fairly useless. She makes awful decisions over and over again, never seeming to learn from her mistakes. She is not cunning, fun, or relatable. Things happen to her and she’s dragged around.

The two main male characters are underdeveloped. They have no redeeming qualities or complex storylines.

The magic system is way too overpowered. It keeps Verve in the dark, and because the story is told only from her perspective, it keeps the reader in the dark as well. There are no moments of foreshadowing to keep a reader hooked. I’m not even sure what that would look like since the book ended, and I still really don’t know who the antagonist was supposed to be or what any antagonist’s motivations might be.

The pacing was way too slow in the beginning. It didn’t feel like the plot developed much in the first 50%.

This book felt underdeveloped, and it ended in a strange way with seemingly no setup for a sequel, despite being the first book of a series. Other reviewers have called it an ACOTAR ripoff, but it’s not even that good.

Another faerie-flavored fantasy series that cobbles together all of the known elements of the genre in an unappealing package.

Verve is so dim and gutless that it was a painful drag from start to finish. She has no sense of agency. Every event is a thing that happens to her; nothing that she truly decides for herself.

When I wasn’t bored, I was annoyed. There seems to be no consistency with any characters. Verve has a temper. Why didn’t I see it except in times when the plot called for it? Fenn is one of the most powerful beings in the realm yet struggles in battle when the plot requires. Marriage is important enough to change a fae’s magical status but not official enough to have names as a requisite.

Why don’t we know more about the war in the human realm? What time period am I supposed to be imagining? Why are characters falling in love with Verve despite her being one of the dullest minds I’d ever encountered? What makes her special beyond her conveniently fitting into an ancient prophecy?

The dialogue is contrived. The pacing is too fast in some places and too slow in others. The prose is basic with just enough to follow the plot and no sense of the different realms we’re thrown into.

I’m over stories about an unremarkable sister who acts like she’s the OG feminist (at least in comparison to the vague historical setting) with one neglectful parent and another beloved but absent parent, and is caught between handsome men who are either friend or foe.

Overmyer shows knowledge of the tropes yet does nothing new or fresh to make this anything other than a clichéd parody. Very appealing cover art though.

I was excited to read this book after reading the synopsis for it on NetGalley. It was a quick read, and I was able to finish it in a day. The ending wraps up in a bit of a cliffhanger, so I am assuming this will be a duet or trilogy.

I liked the main character Verity “Verve” and how she asked questions that I thought were relevant to her situations. She was thoughtful in how she tried to get out of her situation when she was taken to Faerie. The overall plot felt very predictable to me, and I found myself gettin frustrated with the continued use of certain descriptions.

I received a free copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review

This is an acquired taste, especially given the use of fae. This story of gaslighting into a fantasy world with friendly faces fake and true ultimately comes up too short. Not only does it feel rather abrupt just as it unfolds but everything goes by too quickly and one never gets to smell the roses of the world or enjoy what is unfolding between the characters, although Dacre is a pissant and the story thankfully gets points for actually acknowledging he is a pissant rather than going the cliched route Fenn isn’t that interesting either and the truth of what happened to Verve’s father and the subsequent events are never really explored or given a satisfactory conclusion.

When I first read the synopsis for Beth Overmyer’s Brittle, I was intrigued by the premise. When I finally got around to it, I was looking to read something fun and romantic with plenty of fantasy—fae specific—themes. Unfortunately, Brittle didn’t work for me. The beginning was very fast paced, but I almost wished the story had slowed down a little so I could get a better feel for the characters before the turning point kick-started the adventure. And, after almost a hundred pages, I wasn’t enjoying the story as much as I should have, and I realized I just wasn’t the right reader for the story. That being said, I encourage readers to check out other reviews and make up their own minds about whether or not they want to read Brittle.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC!

I DNF’d this at 5% The author used very ableist language to refer to the main character. A simple google search will tell you that using the term ‘inv*lid’ is deeply ableist and it was completely unnecessary and should have been taken out during the editing process. I don’t knoe if the author continues to use ableist language but i’m not going to continue reading just to find that out.

TWs/CWs - Ableism; Blood; Force feeding; Murder; War (mentioned)

*my list of trigger warnings only includes what I read in the first 5% so please check other reviews of peiple who have finished it for a full list of trigger warnings*

Brittle by Beth Overmyer
⭐⭐.5/5
🌶️/4

Verity "Verve" Springer has taken on the role of protector since her father went away. When he appears in the middle of the night speaking nonsense, Verve doesn't know what to believe. When she goes to confront him, she finds him dead.... The only thing is, no one else sees him. Verve sets out to follow her dad's last request, not knowing her life is about to change. The mythical fae really do exist, and Verve is caught up in a plot that could change the world forever.

The premise of this book is incredible. The fae and their world are done in a way I haven't read before. The cover is enticing. I wanted this to be the next Throne of Glass. But that's about where the good stuff ends. The main character is absolutely insufferable. She is constantly angry, stubborn, and makes bad choices. I could understand that in the beginning and then see some good character growth, but that never happens. She continues to just have a horrible attitude and temper. The other characters aren't any more likeable either. I don't think there was a single character I liked, except maybe Helena. On top of that, the romance just fell so flat. I didn't feel the sexual tension, the buildup, the witty banter. Nothing. It was disappointing. I was worried going into this book based on previous reviews and while I didn't hate it, I didn't really like it either. I read it because I received an ARC, but I wouldn't have picked this up otherwise. I'm really disappointed because it has such a great premise. If the next book has better reviews, I might pick it up, otherwise this is going in the one and done pile

It's a well written book, no question, and it has its way at some parts of the book, but it didn't really excited me very much. It was hard for me to keep reading, but then, on the other hand, I'm not in the targeted group for that book.
The general idea of that book is good.
The cover is beautiful tho.

2.5 ⭐️
I didn't connect much with Brittle unfortunately and it took me some time to get through the book. There were some interesting elements in the book though. The fae vs human dynamic was interesting and it kind of reminded me of The Host in the beginning. I also really enjoyed the idea of a 'middling' I.e. a middle sibling and there ability to resist glamours. There definitely is a lot more in that world that could be explored in further books. I wasn't much of fan of the romance and how it was done, though I did like that it kept me on my toes with regards to who the true love interest was. Thanks to NetGalley for the gifted eArc.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for allowing me access to the digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

Brittle is a easy fae fantasy read that starts with the feeling of Little Women and swiftly moves to being ACOTAR. I LOVED the opening while we were still in the mortal world. It gave me fond memories of reading Little Women and Little House on the Prairie as a child. Then when the fae-fantasy portion of the story, ACOTAR kicked in, which was honestly a bit of a disappointment for me.

I really love the author’s writing. Her descriptions, her plot pacing, her character creations - it is clear that the author is incredibly talented at writing.
That said, it severely disappointed me that I could not shake the feeling that I was reading what essentially felt like ACOTAR fan fiction. There were too many details and plot points that mirrored ACOTAR that at around 50% it honestly became a bit too much for me so I ended up DNFing.

I know that with Fae fantasy being as popular as it is today, it can be hard to find ways to be inventive with the story, but this was disappointing. Absolutely gorgeous writing. Just too similar to ACOTAR for my personal tastes.

I wasn’t pulled in, and I didn’t find myself concerned for Verve’s plight. The writing felt like it was trying to be old-style and didn’t quite know what it wanted to be. Stopped after chapter 2. Gorgeous cover.

Thank you to NetGalley and Flame Tree Press for the ARC.

You know the feeling when you read the premise of a book and you think, “Now THIS has to be good”? That feeling where you’re reading the first couple of pages, buzzing with excitement, and looking forward to what the book has to offer? Brittle gave me those feelings, but sadly let me down monumentally.

I need to start off by saying the writing isn’t particularly bad. In fact, it was easy to read and I could keep track of everything happening fairly easily. I was disappointed by the lack of descriptions in some cases while there was an overuse in others. For example, why did I need to know how every door and floor in the house looked along with the outside of it, but I could NOT tell you what a single character looks like? Helena? Ainsley? Sure they’re side characters, but they’re still important to note!

The plot had great potential. In fact, it had so much potential I started wondering… have I read this before? About 50% through the book it hit me. I HAD read something very very VERY similar to this before… A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas. The premise of this book is like if you read the very bare bones of ACOTAR trying to get a taste for it. Which understandably, is incredibly disappointing.

It follows the same format to the point where the Middling Festival is a thinly veiled version of Calanmai. It’s quite literally a festival they hold that isn’t safe for humans due to how dangerous the music can be so the fae can regenerate their power. Sound familiar?

The romance happened so fast I quite literally blinked one chapter and people were married. MARRIED! Where did this come from?! It felt entirely unrealistic and I am still reeling from trying to understand why people are in love? Like you’re telling me some guy pretended to be Verve’s maid for a week and BAM! He’s soooo in love he has to kidnap her forever? They don’t even give another reason for it!

The push and pull was very much Tamlin and Rhysand coded. Rhysand is a bad guy, but wait he’s not! He’s actually the savior she’s been looking for despite being afraid of him for 70% of the book! This isn’t to say that this can’t happen in other fantasy books. I am well aware Sarah J Maas does not own book tropes. That being said, it felt eerily similar. At the very least the author could have changed Verve’s living situation from being the sister who provides for everyone but no one actually likes.

Let’s circle back around to the characters, namely Verve. She’s just so difficult to like. She says things like, “I wrote a short story on pick locking so I can pick a lock to escape this house!” That’s not an actual quote, but you get the idea. First off that’s very much not how that works? Second, it’s just annoying. She pushes everyone away who tries to help her at ANY chance she gets. Even when a new servant comes to help her, she’s just entirely ignorant and acts like it’s the worst thing in the world.

For someone who constantly talks about escaping, her only plan is ever just run. That’s it! That’s the plan she’s spent weeks trying to figure out over and over and over again. Some originality PLEASE girl.

There was so much potential absolutely wasted in Helena it upset me. You have a character who isn’t influenced by fae glamor and the only thing she does this entire book is constantly get pushed aside. The fae are like ‘yup she can see us! guess we’ll make her sick’ and then every reference of her she’s just sick in bed. All that potential wasted!

Don’t even get me started on the whole prophecy part. I don’t even want to talk about it.

Unfortunately, I felt like this poor was a poor rehashing of A Court of Thorns and Roses. I wish there was more originality and I will not be reading any further books in this series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Flame Tree Press for an ARC of this book.

Brittle is a "Little Women" inspired fantasy book about Verve who is pulled into a fae conflict that has overflowed into the world we know.

On a snowy night Verve encounters her father who has suddenly returned from war. He warns her of creatures that can change how they look to appear as anyone, that are seeking out a mythical blade. The next time she sees her father, he is dead, and Verve is the only one who knows it. Now these mythical creatures are looking for her, thinking her father has shared with her the hiding place of the blade they seek. Torn away from her family and autonomy, Verve must find a way to escape a fae conflict and protect what she loves.

This book was kinda a… disappointment. I have never read/watched Little Women, but the MC is said to be inspired by Jo. I don’t know her, but I enjoyed how bratty and temperamental Verve was. However, her constant pining for her family was flat for me. There was not enough time spent with them for me to care about them, and I didn’t really care what happened to them.

The romance in this book was bittersweet. There are two love interests, one obviously meant to be the one you root for, but the toxic relationship was a lot more engaging than the white knight interest. People have compared this book to ACOTAR, and it’s not unfounded. There’s the controlling summer boy and the misunderstood and super strong “bad boy”. Neither can really compare to Tamlin or Rhysand, but I think that’s because of pacing.

Pacing is the biggest issue with this book. It drags in some moments, and is rushed in others. The second half should have taken up a lot more of the book. Then suddenly the book was over. I wouldn’t even call it a cliff-hanger, it just felt like the author was “That’s enough for now, bbl”

I will not be back, sadly. This is a 3 star just because the bad guy was interesting, but the second half was so disappointing that I know I won’t continue this series. Thank you NetGalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book started out well but lost me really fast. I suspected the ACOTAR similarities, but oh boy, were there many plot points picked from that. I am not impressed and unfortunately I had to make myself keep reading it to give it a fair chance, but meh.
Im not saying that there werent good things, but we have a Tamlin.. and a kidnapping, and another fae that steps in and saves the day, and of course they bond.
And Verve is highly annoying, oh my god!

I really liked the book including the world building, plot, and setting. However, I would have liked more character development. Overall, a fun read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Flame Tree Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Upon her father's mysterious death, Verve is unceremoniously whisked away by Fae, who may or may not have had something to do with his death. Can she trust any of them? (I still don't know).

Personally, the book was very hard to follow. and negatively affected my reading experience. I don't know if it's because I was reading an uncorrected proof or not, but the plot was all over the place and the characters' motives were hard to follow (other than Verve's). The number of times the book frustrated me far outweighs the times I enjoyed reading it. There were so many interesting concepts and plot lines that were seemingly, and if this is the writing style, then I will definitely not continue.

**minor SPOILERS**

In Part 1 Verve is kidnapped by Fae Lord Dacre who traps her in his estate for her own good, but is it really? Part 1 moved very quickly pace-wise, but at a snail's pace plot-wise. I liked the gothic story-telling: a woman trapped in a strange estate that makes no sense. There was so much potential for things that could have been learned but despite the mysterious magic, grounds, creatures, servants, rooms, libraries, parties, escapes AND prisoners... we learn next to nothing for half the book (there are only two parts, evenly split...). Dacre's intentions make no sense, and when they finally maybe do, they make a 180° again. I think it's in Part 2 that we're given a flippant explanation that "Fae fall in love easily," or is it quickly? Either way, Dacre loves her and wants to keep her forever in nefarious ways that repeat history (and this interesting bit of information is never touched upon again). Too many things were left for interpretation rather than strengthening the world-building.

In Part 2 Verve is finally off the estate and travels with the infamous Fenn. He's been referred to as the Rogue Prince, but that is never expanded on. And apparently, he's involved in a plot to defeat the King for unknown reasons other than he must? His motives and feelings toward Verve appear to be sincere as he teaches her how to use magic now that she is Half-Fae and swears to help her protect her family. However, he does eventually fall in love with her, and it's implied that he's been well in love with her before the story even started? It was also implied in Part 1 that Verve has been watched for quite some time by the Fae, but why? And how does Verve's father play into it, if at all? That plot line is completely forgotten despite seeming so important. Additionally, the plot line regarding humanity vs Fae seemed to have been forgotten other than the vague "Fae could destroy us all," which came from Fenn, a Fae- or half-Fae also?? It's, once again, implied. Way too many things are implied and forgotten.

Throughout the story, a prophecy is mentioned that both Dacre and Fenn seem to think is about Verve. What I did like, regarding the prophecy, is that the Fae have attempted to fulfill the prophecy multiple times using multiple humans. I wish Overmyer would have explored the prophecy more and how the Fae kingdom and politics play around it.

In the end, we finally meet the King and it is extremely underwhelming. He might as well not have appeared at all.

My biggest frustration is that too many things are left unsaid, and if it's for the sake of continuing the story as a series, then it was done poorly. As a reader, I was given nothing concrete to hold on to and my interest is lost.

Truthfully, I almost DNF’d at 12%, solely because I couldn’t get past the proper English. After reading other reviews, I decided to give it a shot. Overall, I enjoyed the book! After the 30% mark the story really picks up.

Verve is a struggling writer who returned home to help care for her family while her dad is off at war. When her dad mysteriously appears, leaves her a cryptic note, and then mysteriously disappears, she begins to worry. Being the only one that saw him return, her family thinks she’s losing it. To get her out of the house, her mom tells her to go into town with her sister and the new neighbor. But not everyone is who they say they are.

The world building was done well, it wasn’t over explained or all explained at once like some fantasy books, but unfolded as the story progressed. I also enjoyed the magic system in the book.

**Spoilers**
It had a strong ACOTAR feel. Mortal girl is kidnapped, turned fae with the help of the original love interest, who turns out to be a bad guy. Meanwhile, the original bad guy is the good guy and they fall in love. Obviously the storyline itself is different, but the overall timeline is super similar. Regardless, I still enjoyed it after I got past the 30% mark. It’s set up for a second book, but could end here if needed.

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This book was mediocre at best. I had such high hopes for this book, but that's what probably ruined it for me.

The concepts within Brittle are promising and I did overall enjoy reading Overmyer's book. I just felt a little lost sometimes with the plot and didn't always love the more formal grammar used throughout. My general thoughts:

What I liked -
I liked Fenn's character and I also really enjoyed the growth of our FMC, Verve, I love the power given where it wasn't expected and the magic system taught to both Verve and the reader. For me, Brittle was a light read and a good palate cleanser between heavier books.

What I didn't like as much -
I'm not a fan of Insta-love, but I am a fan of the guy falling first, so this was a 50/50 for me. I understand the author's intent with the use of more formal grammar, but the formal "one" was used too often in my opinion. It was hard for my brain to interpret phrases such as, "As one mesmerized,..." or "As one in a dream" rather than not using the extremely formal tone. Although this was an easy read, the plot felt loose and had too many holes. The King is mentioned quite a bit, we only meet him once, and just like that, his story is over with no real explanation as to why the King may have been disliked or what he wanted with immense power. That felt like a very large hole, that was supposed to be important to the main plot line. Lastly, I can't say the ending has me sitting on the edge, waiting for the second book to come out. It was a pretty good twist, but it moved far too fast and it isn't as compelling as I think Overmyer was hoping it would be.

Overall, it was a pretty easy read and I would recommend it if you're looking for something simple in your TBR!