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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
4.5 stars.
This one did take me a little longer to get into than Of Fire and Stars, but once it got going I enjoyed it a lot. I really liked how it fleshed out the worldbuilding of OFAS, and I look forward to seeing Audrey Coulthurst explore that world further in her future books.
This one did take me a little longer to get into than Of Fire and Stars, but once it got going I enjoyed it a lot. I really liked how it fleshed out the worldbuilding of OFAS, and I look forward to seeing Audrey Coulthurst explore that world further in her future books.
I knew I loved this author’s writing style, so I went into this thinking I’d definitely give it higher than the average rating! I enjoyed the story, and the action, yes the world building was a bit shaky but there was romance, betrayal, bisexuals, what more could you want? I liked how despite the awful things that happened to Asra, she still didn’t want to hurt anyone else. I feel like sometimes fantasies slip into the “badass” trope too easily, which might just mean pummelling everyone to a pulp at the first opportunity they get power. But Asra had immense power, people made her hurt and angry, and she still didn’t go atomic. I appreciated that! I liked how the ending linked into Of Fire and Stars, which I should reread!!
I think this book's summary did not do it any favors in making it seem like a focus on a messy and broken wlw relationship and how that might recover, rather than a tale about that on the side with a big focus on finding new romance, bisexual awakening included.
That said, I found the protagonists actions often did not line up with what was being told to us about her. Her choices were often baffling and felt contrived, and while the general gist of the finale and the child acquisition is my jam in theory, I found the execution ... lacking? I love complex, cruel, ruthless women but somehow the portrayal felt more cartoonishly evil than anything. I hope this book finds its readers - I think stories like this one are sorely lacking and high fantasy needs some diversity. It just wasn't really for me, I think.
That said, I found the protagonists actions often did not line up with what was being told to us about her. Her choices were often baffling and felt contrived, and while the general gist of the finale and the child acquisition is my jam in theory, I found the execution ... lacking? I love complex, cruel, ruthless women but somehow the portrayal felt more cartoonishly evil than anything. I hope this book finds its readers - I think stories like this one are sorely lacking and high fantasy needs some diversity. It just wasn't really for me, I think.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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
This was an interesting prequel. I’ll be interested to see how it ties into book two for Of Fire And Stars! I’m wondering if the MC from this lives until Denna and Mare reach Zumorda!
adventurous
dark
hopeful
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
Weird pacing, main character feels like they are being dragged along on thier own adventure. Shes blah very blah
I loved, loved, loved this book. I had NO clue it was part of a series, so I'm excited to check out the other installments. It was just so beautiful: the characters, the magic, the romance, the kingdom - it's the perfect kind of YA, in my opinion. It reminded me a lot of Inamorata by Megan Chance (which I also loved). Definitely a quick read, and it doesn't take too long to get the lay of the land or the magic that exists.
3.5 stars! Better review to come post Reading Rush.
The Sassy Book Club live-show discussion of this book will be happening on my channel on Friday, July 26th at 7pm PST! Come hang out with Kassie and I as we discuss our thoughts on this queer as YA fantasy!
The Sassy Book Club live-show discussion of this book will be happening on my channel on Friday, July 26th at 7pm PST! Come hang out with Kassie and I as we discuss our thoughts on this queer as YA fantasy!
Inkmistress is a prequel to Of Fire and Stars, however it takes place centuries before that book. This book is about a girl whose blood allows her to rewrite history or the future.
This book is worth a read, especially if you are looking into the Of Fire and Stars series. In terms of order, it really doesn't matter if you read this first or second. Personally, reading this book after the first book helped keep me motivated, because I won't to know how they were connected.
All in all, its worth the read, especially with the second but is due later this year, and I imagine that this book and that sequel will be more closely connected.
Stuff I enjoyed:
- Further world building and history to back Of Fire and Stars
- Better understanding of the magic system
Things I was less thrilled about:
- Overly shelter character suddenly being thrown into the "real" world and stumbling along
-
This book is worth a read, especially if you are looking into the Of Fire and Stars series. In terms of order, it really doesn't matter if you read this first or second. Personally, reading this book after the first book helped keep me motivated, because I won't to know how they were connected.
All in all, its worth the read, especially with the second but is due later this year, and I imagine that this book and that sequel will be more closely connected.
Stuff I enjoyed:
- Further world building and history to back Of Fire and Stars
- Better understanding of the magic system
Things I was less thrilled about:
- Overly shelter character suddenly being thrown into the "real" world and stumbling along
-
Spoiler
The connection to Of Fire and Stars. From my reading, there is one sentence that really connects the 2 books, and it makes it so that one character would not know love until centuries later. That is harsh, especially since it seemed that character might have found someone.Spoiler
Bisexual main character and lots of queer background characters. I think I liked this plot more than of fire and stars/of ice and shadows. I really liked the vibe of the story and Asra's voice and pov. Learning more about the magic and how it works was very nice, + good world building.