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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
this was a surprisingly good read and i found myself enjoying it more than i thought i would! the six crimson cranes duology was fine — i had my issues with both novels, but i grew to love the world building and characters, and i wanted to try reading the blood of stars series next and i enjoyed it much more than scc.
the world building in this book was magical and unique. i loved the first part of the book and the different fashion challenges that maia was put through. at times i wondered how she would overcome the many challenges that she faced and i was rooting for her the entire time. my only nitpick with this part was that i had trouble visualizing all the different dresses. i feel it would have benefitted more as an animated show, but that is definitely a me problem! elizabeth lim has a gorgeous writing style that makes the world feel so magical, even making the concept of designing dresses fun to read.
it was the second and third parts of the novel that really upped my rating for this book. the way edan and maia’s relationship slowly started to bloom made my heart giddy with excitement as they went on a quest to retrieve the sun, moon and stars. edan is such a swoon worthy character it’s hard not to fall for him. i love their dynamic, all the teasing, bantering, bickering, but i also love how self sacrificing both characters are and the care they have for each other. i think their relationship felt organic and was well paced out and i felt their bond grow with each chapter.
there were a few nitpicks and choices made in the third act that veered in a different direction than i expected, but the plot twist in the end is definitely something i cannot wait to see explored more in the sequel.
4.5 stars rounded up!
the world building in this book was magical and unique. i loved the first part of the book and the different fashion challenges that maia was put through. at times i wondered how she would overcome the many challenges that she faced and i was rooting for her the entire time. my only nitpick with this part was that i had trouble visualizing all the different dresses. i feel it would have benefitted more as an animated show, but that is definitely a me problem! elizabeth lim has a gorgeous writing style that makes the world feel so magical, even making the concept of designing dresses fun to read.
it was the second and third parts of the novel that really upped my rating for this book. the way edan and maia’s relationship slowly started to bloom made my heart giddy with excitement as they went on a quest to retrieve the sun, moon and stars. edan is such a swoon worthy character it’s hard not to fall for him. i love their dynamic, all the teasing, bantering, bickering, but i also love how self sacrificing both characters are and the care they have for each other. i think their relationship felt organic and was well paced out and i felt their bond grow with each chapter.
there were a few nitpicks and choices made in the third act that veered in a different direction than i expected, but the plot twist in the end is definitely something i cannot wait to see explored more in the sequel.
4.5 stars rounded up!
adventurous
emotional
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:
Yes
Hoping the sequel will bring an even more enjoyable adventure.
No pun intended, but this was a lovely story woven from threads of familiarity.
It started out reminding me of Beauty and the Beast (Gaston/Calu, anyone?), which then moved into the Mulan/Project Runway story that the Goodreads description claimed it (accurately) to be. Throw in a little Alanna of Trebond (honestly, Tamora Pierce's testimonial on the cover definitely intrigued me), a splash of [b:The Realms of the Gods|13834|The Realms of the Gods (Immortals, #4)|Tamora Pierce|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556165774l/13834._SY75_.jpg|1112038], and, and that's how it wraps up.
Excited to start book two, and grateful it's a completed duology.
It started out reminding me of Beauty and the Beast (Gaston/Calu, anyone?), which then moved into the Mulan/Project Runway story that the Goodreads description claimed it (accurately) to be. Throw in a little Alanna of Trebond (honestly, Tamora Pierce's testimonial on the cover definitely intrigued me), a splash of [b:The Realms of the Gods|13834|The Realms of the Gods (Immortals, #4)|Tamora Pierce|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556165774l/13834._SY75_.jpg|1112038], and
Spoiler
a healthy dose of djinn-loreExcited to start book two, and grateful it's a completed duology.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
New favourite
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I didn't care enough about the story
I love a book like this with a wonderful story that you dont want to put down and you never want it to end.