Manacled
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Em
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 Stars)
This book. The complexity and depth of this story is astounding. A much more realistic take on what probably would have actually happened if Europe experienced a magical war. Very dark, gut wrenching, and yet entirely satisfying in the best ways when you make it to the end. The author makes it feel like these characters are real, and what they experienced is real. How they process their grief and stress and pain, what real irreversible havoc living through war wreaks on the body and mind, and what a glimmer of hope and safety can do to get you through it, even when it comes from the most unlikely of places. These characters are flawed, but they love each other unconditionally. And it’s beautiful.
Lib
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 Stars)
If this isn’t how Harry Potter really ends, I don’t want it. Yes, it is SO long (1900 some pages in kindle format) and VERY dark, but damn did I love it. It took the series I love and gave it an ending with so much more depth and reality to the horrors of a war against evil. Also an expertly done enemies to lovers in that you hate him and their coming together isn’t just a quick one chapter turn; they earn that slow burn. I have read other fanfics (and even some published books honestly) that were not even close to the quality of writing in this. Definitely more grammatical errors than anything published, but a remarkably low count without an editor. Will likely never read again fully due to its length, but definitely worth at least one read for anyone out there that is on the fence.
Liz
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 Stars)