Reviews

Started really slow but then started to pick up at about the halfway mark. A lot of political intrigue, so if that’s your jam then go for it. I didn’t read the Cursebreaker series first and I think my enjoyment of this book and understanding of the world would have been a lot better if I had. I’ll definitely read the rest of the series - super interested to see how Callyn’s love interest plays out in the coming books!

I listened to the audiobook and the performances were excellent.

vtlism's review

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adventurous tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Good adventure tale, hard to put down. Loved: disabled, queer, and strong female characters, and the tense plot. Dislike: weird Washington DC doctor time/space travel random thing that connected to nothing else, it took me out of it. I'll definitely read the follow up if there is one.

failureofstars's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-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? It's complicated

5.0

alyssaindira's review

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4.0

**NO MAJOR SPOILERS WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS REVIEW**

“I would offer you mercy.”

So..wheres the second book? Im kidding, mostly. This author is literally a magesmith to be able to make it seem like I am not even reading. I was instantly sucked into their world, their struggles, their hopes, their fears. The world was more of less the same, the writing easy to get lost in, not too overwhelming. I love how the author makes sure to describe what it like, both inside and outside the castle so to speak. The main criticism I have is that, I know this is technically another series, but I do not think people would appreciate it as much if they had not read Cursebreaker first. There is so much undertone and reading between the lines to be had if you had read that series first. Some of the dynamics, the relationships, the history, it would al be lost if thiswas your first foray into emberfall.

It is so easy how the author can make you like one character one series then the same character the next. From what I remember from the original trilog, rhen was...not the best, and grey was the hero. And now...its the opposite. But it is so easy to slip into this narrative, this perspective, to just..accept that Rhen is now the hero, as he was in the first book. And I was okay with it, mostly. But poor Grey...why must one character be destroyed for another to rise ?

As for the new character, tycho has my heart, yes please. He is a sweetie pie and he s loyal to the core and that is one of fatal flaws. Homeboi deserves some peace and rest, for goodness sake. He is just trying his best and is so nice but conflicted. I am glad that he was able to grow a bit of a back bone and now he might be where he truly belongs, with who he belongs.

ALso, Jax has my heart. I wanted to beat his father senseless for harming a hair on his head. Jax is the sweetest boy who is just scared and shy and he needs someone to show him how much potential he has. he is a diamond in the rough. He is perfect. I am gla he was able to find some happiness.

As for Callyn, to be honest I didnt like her, I couldnt really connect with her and her chemistry with her love interest felt flimsy at best. She is contradictory. She says jax is her bestie but the moment someone else gives her worth she throws him in the dump??? Like bruh. And she just...accepts it? like where is that fire and spirit you were mentioned to have. I feel like this is where the author could have used a bit mor foundation and details for some of the characters external actions.

Some actions did feel a bit rushed, or some advice was a bit rushed., without foundation. But at th same time, the author makes the story so good in its slow scenes and quiet moments that it is overlooked. Honestly I would of read this book in two days if it had been 800 pages!

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this character driven story and I want the sequel. This is all my opiion, if you want your own, read the book.

kimhancock11's review

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2.0

This book has so many people that loved it. For some in expressible reason I couldn’t get into it. Maybe it wasn’t the right timing? Maybe I just wasn’t feeling the political drama part of it.
I have been reading more straight forward romances lately so maybe I just didn’t like that I didn’t know who to root for.

callistabanks's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

As someone who did not read the Cursebreaker books before reading this one. I actually really enjoyed it. It didn’t feel like I was missing anything by not reading the first series and it was still a thoroughly enjoyable book.
I loved all the characters and following their stories. The ending sets up nicely for some sequels and I definitely think I’ll give them a go.

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