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quadratic_queen's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
moniquewrites's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I received an e-arc from Page Street in advance of the release of Calling of Light. I also listened to part of the book on audio.
This was one of the best fantasy reads I’ve had in a long time! There are so many things to love like the descriptions of the cities (Vos Gillies was my favourite), the depth of the worldbuilding and how Lee does not shy away from naming the persecution and prejudice the Shamanborn have faced. The prose is decadent and every sentence is beautifully crafted.
I loved the friendship and connection between Sirscha and Saengo the most, but I also was so interested in all the other characters. The banter with Theyen and thefight scene that was like a dance with Prince Meilek was chef’s kiss .
Another thing that I appreciated is that there is no romance in this book. Given Sirscha’s position and the fight for survival that she’s always endured, I appreciated that there was no romance subplot or clear love interest yet (although I kept looking for it and willlove Prince Meilek forever regardless ). It was more heartfelt to see Sirscha just make friends, honestly.
I know I’m going to reread this one again and can’t wait for the rest of the series.
Content warning: spiders (descriptive)
This was one of the best fantasy reads I’ve had in a long time! There are so many things to love like the descriptions of the cities (Vos Gillies was my favourite), the depth of the worldbuilding and how Lee does not shy away from naming the persecution and prejudice the Shamanborn have faced. The prose is decadent and every sentence is beautifully crafted.
I loved the friendship and connection between Sirscha and Saengo the most, but I also was so interested in all the other characters. The banter with Theyen and the
Another thing that I appreciated is that there is no romance in this book. Given Sirscha’s position and the fight for survival that she’s always endured, I appreciated that there was no romance subplot or clear love interest yet (although I kept looking for it and will
I know I’m going to reread this one again and can’t wait for the rest of the series.
Content warning: spiders (descriptive)
energeticreader's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
nyeran's review against another edition
0.5
"The earth is black with last night's rain--a perfect morning for shadows."
♠ 6 pagine di glossario con 70 termini. 70. Siamo forse a scuola? No, infatti non li ho letti tutti, in primis perché comunque me ne sarei ricordati meno della metà, in secundis perché non mi frega nulla di sapere che nella Queen's Company si frequenta un accademia per quattro anni e che ogni anno ha un nome e un colore specifico. Come non mi interessa sapere che esistono almeno dieci tipi diversi di sciamani (un po' troppi, eh, un po' troppi) ognuno con un abilità specifica e con un colore d'occhi specifico perché sono fatti in serie con lo stampino, evidentemente. C'è troppo di tutto in questa lore, troppi dei, troppa gente, troppi nomi - spesso e volentieri troppo uguali – troppe informazioni inutili, nel glossario mi dici che la spia reale ha il compito di spiare e di portare messaggi segreti da e per la regina. Lo so già, è una spia, è quello che fanno le spie, perché me lo stai dicendo? Chi è che non sa cosa fa una spia?
Ora qualcuno potrebbe pensare che io stia esagerando ma no . Ci sono tre tipi di viverne, tre regni, tre razze, cinque dee, Hatchlet/Wean/Wyrling/Wyvern sono i nomi delle classi della Queen's company – buona fortuna nel ricordartelo – ventuno abilità sciamaniche diverse – perché c'è il Breathspinner che toglie il fiato e può imitare la voce di chiunque e poi c'è Brumys che può creare la nebbia. Entrambi sono sciamani del vento ma non si capisce perché fanno solo cose diverse. Tra l'altro buona fortuna a ritrovarli dovessi mai tornare indietro per rileggerli perché non sono scritti in ordine alfabetico e devi sfogliarti tutte le pagine.
♠ Impegnata com'ero a cercare di districarmi – fallendo – tra tutti questi nomi non sono riuscita a seguire la trama. C'è la protagonista a cui muore la migliore amica, che tu devi usare la fede quando ti dice che è la migliore amica perché non ti verrà mai mostrato nemmeno uno sputo del loro rapporto prima di quest'evento quindi puoi solo accettare che sia così ma della loro amicizia te ne frega proprio zero. Ci sono circa tre eventi che devono succedere/succedono ma non sembrano essere collegati l'uno all'altro e tu saltelli da uno all'altro senza però portarne avanti o capirne completamente nemmeno mezzo.
♠ La protagonista – non ricordo nemmeno il nome, figuriamoci – vuole diventare la spia della regina ma non sa tenere chiusa la bocca, parla sempre, risponde sempre a tono a chiunque, anche a gente che può farla ammazzare (e non lo fanno perché dai). Poi scopre di avere un potere rarissimo ( e te pare) che a quanto pare nessuno da millenni ha mai avuto ( e te pare) e lo mastera immediatamente. Con uno schiocco di dita proprio. Lei, ovviamente, è anche bravissima nel combattimento, tanto da battere senza problemi soldati con delle armi mentre lei è disarmata.
Il villain è una regina che non si vede mai. Però sappiamo che è cattivissima, anche qui salto della fede che nemmeno Ezio.
♠ 6 pagine di glossario con 70 termini. 70. Siamo forse a scuola? No, infatti non li ho letti tutti, in primis perché comunque me ne sarei ricordati meno della metà, in secundis perché non mi frega nulla di sapere che nella Queen's Company si frequenta un accademia per quattro anni e che ogni anno ha un nome e un colore specifico. Come non mi interessa sapere che esistono almeno dieci tipi diversi di sciamani (un po' troppi, eh, un po' troppi) ognuno con un abilità specifica e con un colore d'occhi specifico perché sono fatti in serie con lo stampino, evidentemente. C'è troppo di tutto in questa lore, troppi dei, troppa gente, troppi nomi - spesso e volentieri troppo uguali – troppe informazioni inutili, nel glossario mi dici che la spia reale ha il compito di spiare e di portare messaggi segreti da e per la regina. Lo so già, è una spia, è quello che fanno le spie, perché me lo stai dicendo? Chi è che non sa cosa fa una spia?
Ora qualcuno potrebbe pensare che io stia esagerando ma no . Ci sono tre tipi di viverne, tre regni, tre razze, cinque dee, Hatchlet/Wean/Wyrling/Wyvern sono i nomi delle classi della Queen's company – buona fortuna nel ricordartelo – ventuno abilità sciamaniche diverse – perché c'è il Breathspinner che toglie il fiato e può imitare la voce di chiunque e poi c'è Brumys che può creare la nebbia. Entrambi sono sciamani del vento ma non si capisce perché fanno solo cose diverse. Tra l'altro buona fortuna a ritrovarli dovessi mai tornare indietro per rileggerli perché non sono scritti in ordine alfabetico e devi sfogliarti tutte le pagine.
♠ Impegnata com'ero a cercare di districarmi – fallendo – tra tutti questi nomi non sono riuscita a seguire la trama. C'è la protagonista a cui muore la migliore amica, che tu devi usare la fede quando ti dice che è la migliore amica perché non ti verrà mai mostrato nemmeno uno sputo del loro rapporto prima di quest'evento quindi puoi solo accettare che sia così ma della loro amicizia te ne frega proprio zero. Ci sono circa tre eventi che devono succedere/succedono ma non sembrano essere collegati l'uno all'altro e tu saltelli da uno all'altro senza però portarne avanti o capirne completamente nemmeno mezzo.
♠ La protagonista – non ricordo nemmeno il nome, figuriamoci – vuole diventare la spia della regina ma non sa tenere chiusa la bocca, parla sempre, risponde sempre a tono a chiunque, anche a gente che può farla ammazzare (e non lo fanno perché dai). Poi scopre di avere un potere rarissimo ( e te pare) che a quanto pare nessuno da millenni ha mai avuto ( e te pare) e lo mastera immediatamente. Con uno schiocco di dita proprio. Lei, ovviamente, è anche bravissima nel combattimento, tanto da battere senza problemi soldati con delle armi mentre lei è disarmata.
Il villain è una regina che non si vede mai. Però sappiamo che è cattivissima, anche qui salto della fede che nemmeno Ezio.
ponts's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
4.0
This was an exciting book filled with action, interesting and morally grey characters, and unique world building. This makes for a great summer read, as much of it plays out like a fantasy action/adventure.
Sirscha is a ferocious character who is impulsive at times, but mostly has her heart in the right place. I understood her actions and while I didn't always agree with them, I nevertheless found her interesting. There are so many great side characters I would have loved to see more time with.
The world building and settings were unique and inventive. They weren't typical of most fantasy books and while this isn't a horror novel, it definitely carried a creepy vibe. Almost every chapter was filled with an intense action moment, especially at the end. Things did not go as I believed they might, and Lee opens the door for many thrilling moments. Definitely worth a read!
Sirscha is a ferocious character who is impulsive at times, but mostly has her heart in the right place. I understood her actions and while I didn't always agree with them, I nevertheless found her interesting. There are so many great side characters I would have loved to see more time with.
The world building and settings were unique and inventive. They weren't typical of most fantasy books and while this isn't a horror novel, it definitely carried a creepy vibe. Almost every chapter was filled with an intense action moment, especially at the end. Things did not go as I believed they might, and Lee opens the door for many thrilling moments. Definitely worth a read!
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
I thought this was an intriguing start to this series! It's clearly very much introducing us to this world (a lot of exposition, which I don't always mind when getting to know a new world lol), and I love when the main character is basically re-discovering themselves like Sirscha did in this book. She has to contend with the new reality of who she is and what she's capable of, and more importantly, what that means for the world / society as she knows it! I will definitely be continuing the series <3
I thought this was an intriguing start to this series! It's clearly very much introducing us to this world (a lot of exposition, which I don't always mind when getting to know a new world lol), and I love when the main character is basically re-discovering themselves like Sirscha did in this book. She has to contend with the new reality of who she is and what she's capable of, and more importantly, what that means for the world / society as she knows it! I will definitely be continuing the series <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Body horror, Child abuse, Slavery, Medical content, Bullying, and Physical abuse
ainsleysouthern's review against another edition
5.0
5 ⭐️s
I LOVE this book!
And while my brain cannot remember specific details about this book, I remember being completely obsessed and not wanting to put it down at any point!!
I can’t wait for book 2 to come out in paper back, and a reread is necessary soon.
I LOVE this book!
And while my brain cannot remember specific details about this book, I remember being completely obsessed and not wanting to put it down at any point!!
I can’t wait for book 2 to come out in paper back, and a reread is necessary soon.
sophiawolf's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I devoured this book, because it was so much fun. I loved Sirscha's character and also her interactions with others that bring out all the different sides of her. The magic system and politics in this novel were also intriguing.
Sirscha is a fun protagonist and seeing her overcome both external and internal struggles was interesting to read and her growth was well done. The relationships she had with each character were also unique, though she is only really close with Saengo for the majority of the novel. While this wasn't the most exciting part of the novel, I would say, I hope that there are more complexities and layers revealed in the sequel. The other important side characters couldn't really shine much, but since it's the first book in this series, I didn't mind a lot, especially since the focus was so much on Sirscha and Saengo which was also quite important.
The world building was explained and shown gradually throughout the book and not all at once which made it more interesting to learn about and not too overwhelming. It made sense plot-wise as Sirscha was just discovering more information on the Shamans and Shadowblessed gradually with new experiences. In general, I thought the different abilities were great, since there were so many, but it didn't feel random as they were organised into groups (like the different callings of shamans). The Dead Wood was such a unique place in the novel as well. I liked both the idea and execution very much.
The plot also mostly moved at the right space, so it wasn't boring which constantly led me to continue reading the novel, although the beginning was sort of slow. The glossary was very helpful, especially in the beginning.
What I want more of though is just more depth to the important side characters and more of an exploration of Sirscha's powers in the sequel which I will definitely be reading.
Sirscha is a fun protagonist and seeing her overcome both external and internal struggles was interesting to read and her growth was well done. The relationships she had with each character were also unique, though she is only really close with Saengo for the majority of the novel. While this wasn't the most exciting part of the novel, I would say, I hope that there are more complexities and layers revealed in the sequel. The other important side characters couldn't really shine much, but since it's the first book in this series, I didn't mind a lot, especially since the focus was so much on Sirscha and Saengo which was also quite important.
The world building was explained and shown gradually throughout the book and not all at once which made it more interesting to learn about and not too overwhelming. It made sense plot-wise as Sirscha was just discovering more information on the Shamans and Shadowblessed gradually with new experiences. In general, I thought the different abilities were great, since there were so many, but it didn't feel random as they were organised into groups (like the different callings of shamans). The Dead Wood was such a unique place in the novel as well. I liked both the idea and execution very much.
The plot also mostly moved at the right space, so it wasn't boring which constantly led me to continue reading the novel, although the beginning was sort of slow. The glossary was very helpful, especially in the beginning.
What I want more of though is just more depth to the important side characters and more of an exploration of Sirscha's powers in the sequel which I will definitely be reading.