Flare

My Thoughts on Flare

Okay, let's dive into "Flare." This one's a bit of a rollercoaster, and definitely not for everyone. I went in knowing it was a completed original with some pretty intense tags, so I was prepared for a wild ride. Overall, it left me with mixed feelings, as there were some aspects I enjoyed, while others made me raise an eyebrow.

First Impressions

The initial chapters definitely threw me for a loop. The dynamic between the main characters starts off… intense. The male lead is very forceful, and the female lead's initial lack of consent is a definite red flag. That initial power imbalance is hard to ignore, and it significantly impacted my enjoyment early on.

What Works Well

Despite the rocky start, I did find some things to appreciate. The historical setting, specifically the late 1930s and 40s, was surprisingly well-developed. It added a layer of intrigue to the story that kept me reading, even when the central relationship was testing my patience. I also found myself getting invested in the side couple. Their relationship offered a sweet and wholesome contrast to the main pairing, which I appreciated. The author also does a good job of handling the taboo subject matter, it is clear the characters are dealing with the weight and immorality of their actions.

Areas of Concern

My biggest issue, and it's a significant one, is the initial non-consensual nature of the relationship. It’s a tough hurdle to overcome, and while the dynamic does evolve, it's hard to completely forget that initial imbalance. Some might also find the repetition of the s*x scenes a bit tedious.

Final Verdict

"Flare" is a complex and controversial novel. The historical setting and the development of the side characters are definite strengths. However, the initial non-con elements and repetitive nature of some scenes are significant drawbacks. If you're comfortable with the darker themes and power dynamics, and are looking for something with a strong historical backdrop, "Flare" might be worth a try. However, proceed with caution and be aware of the content warnings. For me, it was a mixed bag, leaving me ultimately feeling conflicted.