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leopardsummer8's review against another edition
4.0
At this point, I don't want Zahru and Kasta to end up together not because of how Kasta has treated Zahru (I'm all for a good enemies-to-lovers), but because of how Zahru has treated Kasta.
And honestly, I don't think that Zahru should end up with Jet either.
Moral of the story: Zahru's kind of a jerk now.
And honestly, I don't think that Zahru should end up with Jet either.
Moral of the story: Zahru's kind of a jerk now.
brii_brii's review
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
nite0wl29's review against another edition
4.0
★★★★ 4/5 stars
I bumped this up to 4 stars from my previous 3 stars. I’m really glad I decided to reread this series before I dove into The Sweetest Betrayal. When I first read this book, I really struggled and being a mood reader can really make a world of difference for your reading experience.
Coming down from the high of the trials in book one can make the pacing in this one feel a bit slower. But it was fun to see the dynamic between Zahru and Kasta shift from a high stakes desert race to a more regal setting where they’re forced to work together. They really are each other’s mirror. I do feel like the ending could’ve been fleshed out a little better but overall this was a fantastic sequel to The Kinder Poison.
I bumped this up to 4 stars from my previous 3 stars. I’m really glad I decided to reread this series before I dove into The Sweetest Betrayal. When I first read this book, I really struggled and being a mood reader can really make a world of difference for your reading experience.
Coming down from the high of the trials in book one can make the pacing in this one feel a bit slower. But it was fun to see the dynamic between Zahru and Kasta shift from a high stakes desert race to a more regal setting where they’re forced to work together. They really are each other’s mirror. I do feel like the ending could’ve been fleshed out a little better but overall this was a fantastic sequel to The Kinder Poison.
amy_j18's review
adventurous
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
4.0
leapearlreads's review against another edition
5.0
There better be another book! Cause you can't just end it there!
Diving back into the lavish world that Natalie Mae created with The Kinder Poison was seamless. It was like I never left Jet and Zahru, Melia, Marcus or Hen.
"Hen is like the bad influence I always needed." Yep, accurate.
While I did completely love this story as a second book in a HOPEFULLY SERIES (puhhhlleaaaseee) it fell a little flat in places where the first book was so intriguing all the way through. I think it had a case of the typical second book syndrome...where it doesn't quite live up to the first, but it's needed to get to that next part of the story. And don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed The Cruelest Mercy and had a hard time putting it down...it's just the story progression wasn't as intriguing as it was in the first book, in my opinion.
Overall, still five glittering stars because I really did enjoy this next chapter of Zahru's tale.
Thank you PenguinTeen/Razorbill via NetGalley for the e-ARC to read and honestly review.
Diving back into the lavish world that Natalie Mae created with The Kinder Poison was seamless. It was like I never left Jet and Zahru, Melia, Marcus or Hen.
"Hen is like the bad influence I always needed." Yep, accurate.
While I did completely love this story as a second book in a HOPEFULLY SERIES (puhhhlleaaaseee) it fell a little flat in places where the first book was so intriguing all the way through. I think it had a case of the typical second book syndrome...where it doesn't quite live up to the first, but it's needed to get to that next part of the story. And don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed The Cruelest Mercy and had a hard time putting it down...it's just the story progression wasn't as intriguing as it was in the first book, in my opinion.
Overall, still five glittering stars because I really did enjoy this next chapter of Zahru's tale.
Thank you PenguinTeen/Razorbill via NetGalley for the e-ARC to read and honestly review.
kanupriyagoyal's review against another edition
5.0
This was an absolutely phenomenal sequel with intriguing character development and further world building that was very well structured. I absolutely loved seeing how Zahru warred with her morality in order best help her kingdom and people. I can't wait to read the third book in this series, but will also be extremely disappointed that this amazing series is ending.
jolietjane's review against another edition
3.0
This was more boring than it should have been. 70% of this book is Zharu being like "we need to take down Kasta" and thats it. I was promised some MavenMare shit and I ABSOLUTELY GOT THAT but it was such a small part of the book. I DO RESPECT THIS AUTHORS COMMITMENT TO MAKING ME SUFFER, I just need the scenes in between my babies to actually be fun.
ark99's review against another edition
5.0
I feel like this was even better than the last book and it left me waiting very impatiently for the sequel lol
charlotte12's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
3.75