Rhapsodic (The Bargainer Series #1)

Author: Laura Thalassa
Pages: 422
Overall: 4/5
Setting: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Plot and Themes: 3.5/5
Cheers Factor: 3.5/5
Pairing: Pompette Clementine Berry Hard Sparkling Water

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“Most of all, I hate him because he is easier to hate than myself.”

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Take a Shot: Callypso is a siren living amongst normal humans. She has a wonderful beaded bracelet that runs almost halfway up her arm and it might look beautiful, but it means she owes a favor to The Bargainer for each bead. However, she hasn’t seen him in seven years and he hasn’t ever attempted to call in one of his debts. Then he shows up in the middle of the night because something is terribly wrong in the Otherworld, the realm he rules in, and he needs Callie’s help.


“I’m the one that can’t smother these feelings that have been festering inside me for years.”

Setting
I loved the combination of the real world with the Otherworld being the fae world. It reminds me of The Cruel Prince by Holly Black and from what I’ve heard Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas. I also love a good prep school, old english vibe and that’s definitely what I get from the Peel Academy. The combination of the real world with fae and supernatural is amazing.

Characters
I gotta admit I really like the characters. At first, I genuinely didn’t like any of the characters so be prepared, but once you read more about them you become greatly invested in them. I do struggle with the aggression that Temperance “Temper” is done in the way she is. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, I don’t like being treated like an idiot by an author and the way it’s pushed that Temper is a strong sassy black woman felt aggressive. Subtlety is a very nuanced art that sometimes authors struggle with. I wish that was the case with Temper because I promise as a reader I still would have gotten it. 


Plots and Themes
The whole ominous scary character within a different realm that’s wanting to gather an evil army idea isn’t a new one; I’m not denying it. However, it really works in this book. The semi vampire children are also very interesting and I like the idea of there being a two dimensioned world. I’m intrigued to see where the story goes because it wasn’t amazing, although it suited my fancy, but it was intriguing enough to make it to book two. I also get Tamlin vibes from our main villain so we shall see what happens with that in book two. 

Overall
I like the understanding of underage relationships and respect behind that. I like the resistance and reticence of the Bargainer to have a relationship with Callie before she’s of age despite being supernaturally “of age”. I also really loved the flashbacks at the beginning of each chapter. It was a unique a useful storytelling tool.
Reasons to Raise a Glass: Sexy fae kings, new adult content, tall dark and broody, RESPECTFUL. MEN. 
Too Strong: The potential for an argument that the bargainer is a groomer, argument for cliche plot


“Ten points to slytherin for the creepy answer.”


Warning spoilers if you click read more. Proceed at your own risk.

“‘Somnia’, he replies, his breath tickling the shell of my ear. ‘The land of sleep and small death. The capitol of my kingdom.”

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    Slight note that connects to the quote above. I had recently found a song just before I started reading this book and it’s called Somnia and actually is perfect for the scene where Des brings Callie to the Otherworld for the first time. I really liked it so here's the full title and artist so you can find the song too.
Somnia by Peter Gregson
    I read this book across two or three days and had to literally reread at the ending and the part where the Bargainer explains why he had to leave and stay gone. I don’t know if I wasn’t paying enough attention (partly true), or it wasn’t memorable enough (also partly true). Although I loved this book, that's my only real gripe. I loved the cliche storyline, the annoying convenience of their relationship. Eli’s easy surrender. I just genuinely really liked all of it. I don’t say that often, but I also liked it enough to feel comfortable reading more, but also not compelled to read the net book.
    That’s a rare occurrence for me. With most series I’m chomping at the bit to read the next book, but with this one I’m still finding myself slightly reticent. It’s so weird to feel this way because again I’m normally not. However, this series just doesn’t feel the same as others. I will still read the other books because what else would I do, but it’s interesting to feel neutral on reading the next title or not. I will still read it, but it’s not on the top of my to-do list.



“To declare your love until the end of night is the most sacred and undying of vows.”