Scan barcode
eleanorlam83's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
shannonxo's review against another edition
5.0
I held off on reading this one for a while, and I regret that immensely. This was a fantastic political fantasy read! Filled with magic and romance and political machinations, it kept me guessing right through to the end.
As far as debuts go, this was top notch. A very well thought out world and plot, especially in terms of the political aspect. From an empire, to independent city-states, to cities of rebellion and garrisons shielding magic, Caruso covered the whole spectrum of government rule and diplomacy. And the best part of it all? It wasn't confusing. Normally, these kind of tales you really need to pay attention with it. With the strange fantasy names and rapid-fire pace of introduction, it wasn't difficult to follow. It was very...grounded? I don't know how to explain it, but it was just so well done! That, and the plot itself was equal parts intriguing, believable and fresh. It didn't feel cliché or overdone at any point, which kept me flying through it.
The writing itself was wonderful. Easy to read and follow with several beautiful little literary surprises sprinkled throughout. Some phrases Caruso used were just fantastic, and I wish I'd written them down or saved them. The pacing was good as well. At no point was I bored or wanting to skip any parts.
The world building was fantastic as well. Each city visited was unique and easily pictured in my mind. The history that is fed to the reader throughout (although not a lot) was also interesting. The particulars of the magic aspect may have been my favourite part. I loved the different levels to it! Some people are warlocks, with crazy destructive powers, while others are artificers, people who use wires, beads and runes to weave spells. The premise of falcon and falconer in regards to the different mage marked was so cool. I really enjoyed the dynamics that came with that relationship, positive and negative. I also really liked that even people without the mage mark were learning about the magics as well, like alchemy and artifice.
As for the characters, I loved each one. Amalia (love that name) was a main character I could get behind and very much root for. Her life and dealing with problems were understandable and relatable. I liked that she was one of those well read in artifice magic. Zaira was a firecracker, holy. I had to laugh at a lot of her little quips because they were so good and so very much her. The love interest was great too. Very organic relationship with plenty of roadblocks along the way. All I will say is there haven't been too many couples where I was thinking "And KISS" every time they got together. Caruso made me wait, but it was worth it.
My only complaint was it was a little too long. But other than that, I really enjoyed this. I can't wait for the second.
4.5/5
As far as debuts go, this was top notch. A very well thought out world and plot, especially in terms of the political aspect. From an empire, to independent city-states, to cities of rebellion and garrisons shielding magic, Caruso covered the whole spectrum of government rule and diplomacy. And the best part of it all? It wasn't confusing. Normally, these kind of tales you really need to pay attention with it. With the strange fantasy names and rapid-fire pace of introduction, it wasn't difficult to follow. It was very...grounded? I don't know how to explain it, but it was just so well done! That, and the plot itself was equal parts intriguing, believable and fresh. It didn't feel cliché or overdone at any point, which kept me flying through it.
The writing itself was wonderful. Easy to read and follow with several beautiful little literary surprises sprinkled throughout. Some phrases Caruso used were just fantastic, and I wish I'd written them down or saved them. The pacing was good as well. At no point was I bored or wanting to skip any parts.
The world building was fantastic as well. Each city visited was unique and easily pictured in my mind. The history that is fed to the reader throughout (although not a lot) was also interesting. The particulars of the magic aspect may have been my favourite part. I loved the different levels to it! Some people are warlocks, with crazy destructive powers, while others are artificers, people who use wires, beads and runes to weave spells. The premise of falcon and falconer in regards to the different mage marked was so cool. I really enjoyed the dynamics that came with that relationship, positive and negative. I also really liked that even people without the mage mark were learning about the magics as well, like alchemy and artifice.
As for the characters, I loved each one. Amalia (love that name) was a main character I could get behind and very much root for. Her life and dealing with problems were understandable and relatable. I liked that she was one of those well read in artifice magic. Zaira was a firecracker, holy. I had to laugh at a lot of her little quips because they were so good and so very much her. The love interest was great too. Very organic relationship with plenty of roadblocks along the way. All I will say is there haven't been too many couples where I was thinking "And KISS" every time they got together. Caruso made me wait, but it was worth it.
My only complaint was it was a little too long. But other than that, I really enjoyed this. I can't wait for the second.
4.5/5
amy_bee's review against another edition
2.0
This book does a lot of telling instead of showing. Characters feel half-baked, and the protagonist is extremely annoying. I sped through the last hundred-or-so-pages because I just desperately wanted to finish and move on to something else. I guess I can see why someone else would enjoy it, but to me there are so many other YA fantasies that have so much more substance, I don't know why you would waste your time with this.
zelieanner's review against another edition
4.25
Excellent. Lots of fun, a quick read, nice set up for sequels, characters that you care about who are also idiots sometimes.
joy6ish's review against another edition
4.0
Its been a while since i enjoyed an actual strong female protagonist who isnt an idiotic headstrong oh-so-special girl. I loved Amalia. She had a good head on her shoulders. She tried her best even though she's a tad naive. I didn't like zaria as much obviously.
I was rather interested in the world they lived in.
The side characters were okay not very memorable.
All in all a good book.
Not the kind that would make me stay up late reading but enough to keep me invested.
More Amalias **please**
I was rather interested in the world they lived in.
The side characters were okay not very memorable.
All in all a good book.
Not the kind that would make me stay up late reading but enough to keep me invested.
More Amalias **please**
megbellinger's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
emibutton's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-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? No
3.5
Enjoyable political intrigue, but the characters could have been developed better.
gatese18's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
eroof514's review against another edition
3.0
I recieved a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. I did enjoy the book, but I think it suffered from the first book syndrome. The concept of this book was great and I loved how the person who tethered the mages power was the only one who could release it. While the concept was good I felt that this book was a little slow to take off. I know authors get better with each book they write and I am looking forward to see how this author improves on the series. I loved Amalia and Zaira and I thought the forbidden love angle was cute. This book is full of world building and political intrigue which may make up for its slower start. If you are a fantasy lover or a YA lover this book is for you. I can't wait to see where the characters go next and want to see more by this author.