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allielm's review against another edition
4.0
I loooove this series! I can’t wait for the last book!!
dariadanley's review against another edition
1.0
This book was a huge waste of time. The only thing that was interesting about it was the culture and religious system. It was filled with insta-love and typical YA tropes. I could have picked up any other YA book and gotten the exact same story. I would not recommend at all.
chrys_marin's review against another edition
3.0
Kali is an orphan who was raised in a temple among other orphan women. In exchange for food and shelter, the women in the temple can be "claimed" when they become of age by their benefactors, i.e., they are taken away to become wives, courtesans or servants. As destiny would have it, Kali is claimed by the rajah, the king, to become his 100th and final rani, or queen. But before she can become the rani, Kali will have to fight all the courtesans that covet her position, even if this might mean her death.
I found this book a very entertaining read--it has all the components people like in a good young adult novel: romance, a very handsome male lead, a very strong female character, and a fascinating and different world from the one we know. I think most readers of young adult fantasy will enjoy this book.
I found this book a very entertaining read--it has all the components people like in a good young adult novel: romance, a very handsome male lead, a very strong female character, and a fascinating and different world from the one we know. I think most readers of young adult fantasy will enjoy this book.
mallikadesai's review against another edition
5.0
This book is a must read for historical/mythological readers. It revolves around ancient Sumerian culture and feminine empowerment. (You may want to research that before you start reading to gain a better understanding, but you will still be able to follow the book without doing so.)
kthomas16's review
5.0
Loved it!
Really compelling story, loved it! Kalinda is such a relatable character, you really feel for her. I️ listened to it to and the reader really draws you in to the story
Really compelling story, loved it! Kalinda is such a relatable character, you really feel for her. I️ listened to it to and the reader really draws you in to the story
tashaseegmiller's review
5.0
I had a feeling this debut would be fast-paced, but I was not prepared for the beauty of the writing while maintaining that pace. Emily King is able to create characters who are both powerful and vulnerable, enhancing the character depth and desire for readers to follow their stories. The magic system unfolds in a way that allows an air of mystery until it needs to manifest in the plot. It was a beautiful story and I cannot wait to read additional stories craft by King.
somehowcoping's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
tishywishy's review against another edition
2.0
Was a bit hesitant to read this, really thought it would be filled with misogynistic hogwash but I gave it a chance and came away with a much better impression. The story still has a lot of holes, really lacks growth - does she have to see the man and fall in love same time + suddenly she can defeat persons stronger then her *sigh* - AND it is a series, which to be honest, could have been a single book. Won't be continuing with this story.
crimsoncor's review against another edition
4.0
Could have gone 3 or 4 on this one. Ended up being a fun read, so decided on 4. . We'll have to see where the series goes to see if it is really worth with rating.
Oh wait. The author really thought naming her water mages Aquifiers was a good idea. snort. Should almost take the star back off for that
Spoiler
wasn't thrilled when she fridges the queer love interest. Felt better when she also nuked the straight dude, but apparently he gets to have a miraculous recovery. Ugh. The whole, falling in love with the first man she sees trope is pretty lame and I was really hoping for some sort of subversion of that. Maybe we'll get more in later books? The poison the rajah with the body lotion on the wedding night and then crawl into the rain to survive was a nice touch.Oh wait. The author really thought naming her water mages Aquifiers was a good idea. snort. Should almost take the star back off for that
astraia_sun's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 Stars
This book probably could have been stronger in every way if the romance had been cut out. The world building was very interesting to me, as were several of the characters. The plot had me hooked. But I felt the romance weakened a lot of the characters' motivations and most of the plot would have been the same if the two main characters weren't so bone headed stupid as to keep putting themselves into positions where they could be romantic when they knew that they'd probably be killed for doing so.
This book probably could have been stronger in every way if the romance had been cut out. The world building was very interesting to me, as were several of the characters. The plot had me hooked. But I felt the romance weakened a lot of the characters' motivations and most of the plot would have been the same if the two main characters weren't so bone headed stupid as to keep putting themselves into positions where they could be romantic when they knew that they'd probably be killed for doing so.