Review: Always by Cie Gives
"Always" is the second book in the Mi Lup Micut series, but how does it hold up to its predecessor, and is it any good? Let's find out.
Please note: This review was initially posted on Hazel Allen Writes, and has been updated slightly to fit the BookStack publication better.
Also this review may contain spoilers so please aware of that, and if you haven’t read the first book yet, check out this review and interview with Cie Gives.
In the follow-up to Cie Gives’ As You Prefer, we continue watching self-practicing necromancer Garrett Gibson as he struggles to move past his history with Alexandru. However, cutting a Sanguim out from your life is especially difficult. Though Garrett manages to balance his life by juggling taking care of his younger brother, and getting into a new relationship. Can he truly move forward without his ex?
A complicated question for a complicated story. And like the first book, it is all character driven. So before we dive into my thoughts, there’s a few things I’d like to mention. If you haven’t read the first book, go check out the review for that one. It also contains a special interview with the Author, too!
Now, like always, I split the book review into four sections: Characters, Plot, Writing, and World Building. Each of these will be scored individually, and then I’ll give my final rating afterwards. And I think that covers it, let’s get started!
In every story, character driven or not, it’s vital to have a good sense of development for each key player. And just like the first book, Cie has excelled in this area. Like before, it’s clear Cie has perhaps an intimate understanding of each of their characters. No single character truly lacks what they bring to the table.
Some of the most intriguing moments in the story are often character-driven conflicts. Like how Garrett struggles with his relationship with Alexandru. Trying to get over someone you feel truly attached to is difficult, especially if the other’s nature is to make it all the more a struggle.
And investing yourself into this character-driven story, and the cast of crew Cie has provided is quite the treat. Struggling alongside Garrett as he tries to understand the people in his life, and slowly learning what each character’s intentions are. You really do end up longing for more.
I honestly can’t praise how Cie has handled this aspect of the series enough, so here is my rating: 5/5
A key element of every novel– what would a story be without a compelling plot. Luckily, Cie’s ability to create an amazing plot really pulls through here. Each chapter and story beat is juicy and propels you further into the heart of their characters and world.
And some aspects of this book’s plot left me quite surprised, too. I won’t spoil anything here, but let me emphasize: if you do decide to read this series, you really are in for a treat. Though, like the first book, there are moments where the story gets a bit NSFW.
But that’s to be expected from a book series featuring a necromancer and an ancient, but hot vampire, right? Or, in this case, it should be expected. Though most of the story’s NSFW moments come from where you’d least be expecting.
My rating for this section? I give it a 5/5.
Did you know BookStack is currently hosting a giveaway, and that you could possibly win up to $50 in bookstore gift card credit? If not, then head over to the giveaway post to learn more about this free-to-enter event. But hurry, it all ends on June 12th.
The way an author writes their book can really make or break the story. How do they write each character? How do they set the overarching conflicts that ultimately creates character growth? Is their writing style clear and compelling?
I know in this review it’s really been a chance for me to gush about Cie’s work. Obviously, I can’t deny I share some bias because I adore this genre of book. When I first read the first book in the Mi Lup Micut series, I wasn’t entirely sure how I felt. But with this addition, I can’t deny my bias for queer vampire romance thrillers.
Aside from that, I do want to insist on the greatness of Cie’s writing. Reading through the story, it is quite clear what Cie’s style is, and they write it wonderfully. It is distinct, imaginative, and every moment is written with clear intent and purpose.
However, a small minor nitpick, but this doesn’t take away from the score: No one’s writing is 100 percent perfect. Sometimes, small typos make their way into the final product. I noticed a couple, but I won’t point those out here. Still, Cie is a talented writer, and it shows.
So, what exactly is my rating for the writing in this book? You might’ve guessed it, but a very opaque 5/5.
An important aspect of a sequel is how it expands upon the world built in the previous book. As a reader, it should feel grounded within those rules previously set, and expands in a captivating way. In my opinion– as is this entire review– Cie did this beautifully.
Settings felt dynamic and purposeful, and took away from the overall theme and story. Each location presented aided the development of the characters as they grew to understand each other. And in this character-driven story, that world felt simply full of life and being.
There isn’t much left to say here in this section, so not to keep you hanging, my rating here is also 5/5.
No book is ever truly perfect, but every book is perfect for someone. Which appears to be the case here for me, giving it a solid 5/5 all the way through. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the sequel to As You Prefer, and I think you would too if you decide to jump into the series.
And as always, thank you for taking the time to read through my review. Your support means the world to me, and I’m happy that I get to share my love of reading and writing with you all.
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Thank you once again, and until next time, everyone! Hazel, out.