Reviews

The Abandoned Realm by Brittany Hansen

booklifeisthelife's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Alright so. I enjoyed this book on a basic level and adored the characters.

But I also really didn't like them at times. Bex and Talera really got on my nerves with their childish attitudes. They aren't 16. They are both adults. Yet they were yelling at each other, throwing insults, saying super harsh words. I understand emotionally there was a lot going on but to me that's no excuse for how they behaved. I also didn't like how a lot of the characters acted like these authors (besides Huxby) dropped their story out of malice or knew what it would cause. I know their actions caused them to be ripped from their lives but they didn't know that. They had no idea. I understand them being frustrated and angry, I do, but really, their intentions weren't like that, they didn't have any idea and I didn't think it was fair for them to be treated as they were. I am happy a lot of the characters realized this as the story went on or at least put their angry aside for the greater good and that they were able to connect, especially Bex and Talera. Seeing their bond grow was nice. I liked seeing them both grow as characters. As for the romance between Bex and Owen, it was surprising for me and seemed to happen out of nowhere. I wasn't super into it but I also wasnt adverse towards it. For me it felt like a way for Bex to find courage and face fear, to say her feelings aloud. Which was nice. Added a little more to her character. I felt really bad for her because of her mom but at least she had her dad. Which brings me to something else I really disliked. Her and Grant had no moment after leaving the realm. I wanted to see them talk about it, hug, her showing relief that he was okay, see if she told him the truth or if she lied to him. But no, nothing besides showing us what she broke on his copy of her book. Yay to her being an author though! Happy about that. And that Author offered her what he did and saw her potential. I also loved what she did for Talera, bringing her mom to her. I love her for that and I'm happy Talera has her. I am curious though. How is her mom going to react to having two daughters? Of them even being basically the same person. Or are they really the same person since now they both have different experiences? They can both grow into two different people, go into two different directions. I liked that rehnir got a small redemption as his last act alive. That he chose to do good in his final moments. I would have liked to get more background on him. I also didn't like how all the death and destruction wasn't really mentioned all that in depth after it was over.

Overall I think this is a 3 star for me. I was able to enjoy this book but there was a lot I didn't enjoy. Honestly I felt like I was reading a story on wattpad. Which I read on a decent amount and there are good, decent stories on there. But this book has the same vibe. With the writing and the childish and not super in depth written characters. But either way, don't regret reading and I had a nice time.

rlh1994's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

alchaea's review

adventurous emotional 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? Yes

4.0

christianajoy's review against another edition

I was just trying to get through it.

jbeck189's review

adventurous hopeful lighthearted 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

hillary_reads's review

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.75

shhh_thisisalibrary's review against another edition

5.0

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

bibliodiaries's review

4.0

I saw this book on Instagram and bought it on a whim. It was a fun read! The start was a little slow, but once the action picks up, it doesn't stop. The fight scenes are easy to follow, which is a huge plus to me. The magic system makes sense. Honestly, I wanted more of the romance. It was sprinkled throughout, but I wanted full chocolate chips. Lol

theoppositebookshelf's review

4.0

Ok so I’m not going to write a synopsis because you can go read the blurb! I’ll try not to spoil anything either and just give you the general vibes of this book!

This is a book for people who want to feel like they felt in middle/high school after reading a fantasy book, but with relatable characters for adults. I feel like we can all relate to the characters’ feelings of self-doubt and fear. I thought Brittany did an excellent job of acknowledging these feelings and then slipping in really inspirational ways to overcome them. This book reminded me of why I fell in love with fantasy in the first place.

This book was so funny. There were many times that I laughed out loud at things that Guy said or that Talera did. I was hardcore cheesin’ throughout.

There were so many elements to this story that were so so good. I loved the action sequences and the moments of deep vulnerability. I felt like the villain’s story could’ve been delved into a little more and that the third part felt a little rushed, but overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and will continue to pick up books by Brittany!

*I received an ARC of this in return for an honest review*

queenkarlatta's review

adventurous emotional inspiring 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

5.0