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jenbsbooks's review against another edition
Ok - DNF, for now. Sometimes the timing just isn't right. I started this and it intrigued me. Enjoyed the set up and the first couple chapters, then ... I realized my mind had wandered, I had no idea who the characters were in the chapter I was listening to (admittedly, multi-tasking while listening ... or NOT really listening as it were).
It's hard in audio to "go back" and figure out what you missed, what you remember and where you drifted. I felt like it was early enough in that I decided to set the book aside, and come back sometime, starting over at the beginning.
So that's the plan.
Borrowed from my local library.
It's hard in audio to "go back" and figure out what you missed, what you remember and where you drifted. I felt like it was early enough in that I decided to set the book aside, and come back sometime, starting over at the beginning.
So that's the plan.
Borrowed from my local library.
angelaann88's review against another edition
5.0
I had the wonderful opportunity to read this as a part of Ms. Mercedes's ARC. I read the prequel last month and was already captivated by the new world that Sylvia created. This novel offers an original new world for fantasy readers to explore. There are elements like witches, possessions, and powers, but she uses all of those elements in a different way, which is exciting for a reader like me who has read my fair share of fantasy novels. Her writing style is enjoyable. She is descriptive enough to help create a clear picture of the world she has created, but the descriptions are not daunting like they sometimes can be. I appreciate the use of her figurative language, which helps build the world, the characters, and the mood of the novel. Overall, I would recommend this to any of my friends (and students).
roguemultiverse's review
3.0
I can’t remember how this ended up in my checked out books. But I guess I checked it out toward the end of June so it ended up ready for July. I listened to the audio book but it’s not an option in editions.
As far as I gathered “shades” are kind of like spirits that possess a person and in the case of a venatrix/venator work for them when called upon which was kind of interesting. The story had a pretty quick pace and stayed pretty interesting. There were some things about the main character hinted at but not resolved which I assume will be part of the next book. Although I found it a pretty entertaining book, I’m not sure I was entertained enough to want to read book 2 though and even less sure I’ll want to keep going through 3 and 4.
As far as I gathered “shades” are kind of like spirits that possess a person and in the case of a venatrix/venator work for them when called upon which was kind of interesting. The story had a pretty quick pace and stayed pretty interesting. There were some things about the main character hinted at but not resolved which I assume will be part of the next book. Although I found it a pretty entertaining book, I’m not sure I was entertained enough to want to read book 2 though and even less sure I’ll want to keep going through 3 and 4.
thehamsterreads's review against another edition
5.0
This book is fantasy at its best! The world building is excellent, the characters are relatable, and there is plenty of action to keep the story moving. I didn’t want to put this book down, even to eat! I loved the main character Ayleth and I loved the world so much. It’s different than any fantasy world that I can think of. The magic is intriguing and I can’t wait to learn more about it. The book had a conclusion to its story arc, but there is still plenty of mystery so I can’t wait to read the next book!
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
simply_sam's review against another edition
4.0
***3.5 Stars***
I'm intrigued by the world and the concept of Shades. I think the author did a good job coming up with an interesting concept and "hook" for the story. Plus, I love a creepy sentient wood and the Witchwood is just that. My only real complaint is that the pacing felt off. I know it's a short book, but everything from around the 50% mark and on felt a little rushed. Overall, though, it's an interesting start. Let's see what book 2 brings.
I'm intrigued by the world and the concept of Shades. I think the author did a good job coming up with an interesting concept and "hook" for the story. Plus, I love a creepy sentient wood and the Witchwood is just that. My only real complaint is that the pacing felt off. I know it's a short book, but everything from around the 50% mark and on felt a little rushed. Overall, though, it's an interesting start. Let's see what book 2 brings.
ebgracie77's review against another edition
4.0
Solid story with intriguing characters. Kept me hooked but I have so many questions! Interesting world building.
happyclouds's review against another edition
3.0
Rating: 3 stars
I read up to the 67% mark before giving this one up. Although the idea of shades and venators is pretty interesting, I didn't feel a pull to the characters or the exciting need to keep on reading.
I read up to the 67% mark before giving this one up. Although the idea of shades and venators is pretty interesting, I didn't feel a pull to the characters or the exciting need to keep on reading.
auora1484's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
moonlightmoths's review against another edition
4.0
Reading Daughter of Shades was like eating a sample of the best ice cream ever but then finding out there's not enough left for an ice cream cone. The story drew you in, got you tangled in its plot and then ended right when things were getting good. I know the sequel is coming out in a few months, so I'm excited to read that and finally get some answers.
So what is this story about?
Ayleth is a venatrix, someone trained to defeat shades and spirits that plague the land, but she's always longer for more. When a position of power opens up, Ayleth decides its her chance to make something more of herself. However, another venatrix is also vying for the position as well, so he Prince decides to turn it into a competition. The two must work together to solve a mystery and by the end of three months one of them will be appointed the position. Ayleth is always up for a challenge, but as she and her partner delve into the dark forest to solve the mystery, they realize they might have bitten off more then they can chew.
Personally, I loved Ayleth, she was smart but she wasn't uptight. I enjoyed that she let her shade chill with her and didn't keep it tightly reigned in like Terryn. Also this book was pitched as similar to Throne of Glass but tbh, Celaena doesn't have anything on Ayleth. She had no "famed reputation" to live up to and yet she was far more skilled then Celaena was. In regards to Terryn, I didn't have a lot of backstory to really judge him based off of. I did like the way his relationship with the Prince was portrayed. Wholesome, platonic male friendships can be hard to find in fantasy stories so I greatly enjoyed that.
Like I mentioned earlier, the plot and world building were imaginative. I enjoyed the way venatrix/shade magic worked, you could tell that Mercedes put a lot of work into making it unique. I wished I could have seen more of Terryn's shade, but I suspect we'll see more in the next book. Plot-wise, I enjoyed the pacing of the book, but it definitely reads more like a novella. So this book is a great book to read if you want fantasy, but can't commit to a giant book like Game of Thrones.
So what is this story about?
Ayleth is a venatrix, someone trained to defeat shades and spirits that plague the land, but she's always longer for more. When a position of power opens up, Ayleth decides its her chance to make something more of herself. However, another venatrix is also vying for the position as well, so he Prince decides to turn it into a competition. The two must work together to solve a mystery and by the end of three months one of them will be appointed the position. Ayleth is always up for a challenge, but as she and her partner delve into the dark forest to solve the mystery, they realize they might have bitten off more then they can chew.
Personally, I loved Ayleth, she was smart but she wasn't uptight. I enjoyed that she let her shade chill with her and didn't keep it tightly reigned in like Terryn. Also this book was pitched as similar to Throne of Glass but tbh, Celaena doesn't have anything on Ayleth. She had no "famed reputation" to live up to and yet she was far more skilled then Celaena was. In regards to Terryn, I didn't have a lot of backstory to really judge him based off of. I did like the way his relationship with the Prince was portrayed. Wholesome, platonic male friendships can be hard to find in fantasy stories so I greatly enjoyed that.
Like I mentioned earlier, the plot and world building were imaginative. I enjoyed the way venatrix/shade magic worked, you could tell that Mercedes put a lot of work into making it unique. I wished I could have seen more of Terryn's shade, but I suspect we'll see more in the next book. Plot-wise, I enjoyed the pacing of the book, but it definitely reads more like a novella. So this book is a great book to read if you want fantasy, but can't commit to a giant book like Game of Thrones.