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katereads2much's review against another edition
4.0
I am all for a Pride & Prejudice style romance (you know, hate each other totally don't hate each other fall in love but can it really work out kind of thing) it's like my fave so you know I was down for this plot. The magic was interesting and the plot, while it felt a little like a video game plot at times, was compelling. The romance was good times even if I occasionally wanted to smack some people.
I definitely recommend this but it comes with a couple of "warnings".
1) One of the main characters is nearly unbearable for the first few chapters. I just wanted to punch him in the face but it was rewarding to see him grow and become likeable.
2) I kept expecting this to be Game of Thrones-like setting. "Primitive" technology but with magic. Every time a car or a train or medical technology popped up in the world alongside leather outfits and family houses and magic I got really, really confused for like 15 seconds.
This book was provided to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
mrella's review against another edition
2.0
Characters aside, what’s with the backdrop here?
I am almost at 50% and a have a small mountain of questions.
How and when did the war between the two primary countries start? Both royal families seemed to be on good terms, even more so, they were friends, so - why? Why not peaceful talks and negotiations.
What is it with the never ending hostage taking? It seems it’s the only form of conducting negotiations in this universe.
Then there is the initial conflict set up. You want to take a hostage or two while they are in a car traveling at high speed, you don’t blow up a car in front of them. And if you do, don’t blame your potential hostage’s death on an accident, blame it on your own stupidity. This is a futuristic world, I am sure they know what a highway pile up is and the casualties count that comes with it.
Now the characters. I completely understand Rowan’s hostility and resentment towards Astrin. No one addressed the issues Rowan started having after the death of his parents. No medical help whatsoever, no shrink in sight, no one to talk to about it. The only help Rowan received was three lousy months with his relative, who, while a medic, was in no way qualified for such a job and even that came way too late.
Astrin’s parents and Rowan’s parents were friends. So many possibilities for hostage taking, right? But no, Astrin’s folks chose a dangerous one, and then cried about it, all snot and tears, saying how sorry they were. Then Rowan’s own family accepted it as “no one’s fault, an accident” to top it off. Really? Crass much?
Throw in persistent nightmares, Rowan witnessing his parents’ faces melting in the flames of the burning car. So - yeah, Rowan has every right to be angry at the House of Gabriel and jealous of Astrin.
Overall- not a lick of sense in this book, not one.
One wants a disguise, one cuts and dyes his hair and uses contacts. One goes on a dangerous mission, one comes up with a plan.
The boys are always sick or injured or dying. I am not sure they will live past 20. Pity fest all the way.
I am almost at 50% and a have a small mountain of questions.
How and when did the war between the two primary countries start? Both royal families seemed to be on good terms, even more so, they were friends, so - why? Why not peaceful talks and negotiations.
What is it with the never ending hostage taking? It seems it’s the only form of conducting negotiations in this universe.
Then there is the initial conflict set up. You want to take a hostage or two while they are in a car traveling at high speed, you don’t blow up a car in front of them. And if you do, don’t blame your potential hostage’s death on an accident, blame it on your own stupidity. This is a futuristic world, I am sure they know what a highway pile up is and the casualties count that comes with it.
Now the characters. I completely understand Rowan’s hostility and resentment towards Astrin. No one addressed the issues Rowan started having after the death of his parents. No medical help whatsoever, no shrink in sight, no one to talk to about it. The only help Rowan received was three lousy months with his relative, who, while a medic, was in no way qualified for such a job and even that came way too late.
Astrin’s parents and Rowan’s parents were friends. So many possibilities for hostage taking, right? But no, Astrin’s folks chose a dangerous one, and then cried about it, all snot and tears, saying how sorry they were. Then Rowan’s own family accepted it as “no one’s fault, an accident” to top it off. Really? Crass much?
Throw in persistent nightmares, Rowan witnessing his parents’ faces melting in the flames of the burning car. So - yeah, Rowan has every right to be angry at the House of Gabriel and jealous of Astrin.
Overall- not a lick of sense in this book, not one.
One wants a disguise, one cuts and dyes his hair and uses contacts. One goes on a dangerous mission, one comes up with a plan.
The boys are always sick or injured or dying. I am not sure they will live past 20. Pity fest all the way.
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