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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
I received a free copy of this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had so much fun reading this! The magic system is an interesting spin on necromancy and bonded warriors and Rodgers did an excellent job creating a believable character who thinks he's doing the right thing while actively doing evil. The main character is a bit of a Mary Sue, but that's not unexpected for the genre.
Really looking forward to the next one!
I had so much fun reading this! The magic system is an interesting spin on necromancy and bonded warriors and Rodgers did an excellent job creating a believable character who thinks he's doing the right thing while actively doing evil. The main character is a bit of a Mary Sue, but that's not unexpected for the genre.
Really looking forward to the next one!
This book was an unexpected hit for me. I thought it sounded inserting on first description particularly the idea of a fantasy Three Musketeers retelling. The magic system at play, Guardians, wraiths, wielding and settling, is just different enough from other wraith magic to make it very interesting. Charlotte is a really great character that works hard to hone her skills and overcome all the adversity she faces through the novel, starting with the loss of her father at a very young age. Her connection with the Guardians, now outlawed by a power hungry Cardinal, is very much a guiding force in the novel, especially her connection to the Parson, Worth, who was her father’s partner. Luc is a really great foil for Charlotte, as he feels indebted to the Cardinal for saving him from murder charge. His childhood connection to Charlotte adds an intriguing layer to their dynamic, as does their ability to read each other’s emotions and react to them. The mystery of who is wielding the wraiths and threatening the prince, Artus, is the driving mystery, as is how to keep the guardians safe from the Cardinal. I really enjoyed the supporting characters, especially Rene and the Avalanche. Definitely will be picking up the next book in the series.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I really liked the cover. This is often how I get sucked into questionable things. This was such a slog for me. I do really like the idea of the wraiths and bone yielding magic. I love the scarecrows and how they each have a different power connected to an herb they stuff their bodies with. Every character is a little petty which I appreciate because it’s real. But they also all annoyed the hell out of me. Except Pol and Rene. Who doesn’t want a big teddy bear guardian that smells like maple syrup?? The romance is SO QUESTIONABLE, I hate it. I’m annoyed this is a series and I’ll probably read the next book just to understand more of what the hell was going on.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
8th & up
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding and magic! The plot could be slow at times (and Luc was called 'dangerous' one too many times to be fully believable), but overall, I enjoyed it! All of the parallels were a nice touch.
However, I was not aware this was part of a series and oh no now I have to wait.
Other thoughts:
The climax in general was disappointing.
ok René dying was silly sorry. Like it's cool he came back as. Guardian -- and I would be sad if he didn't -- but that whole scene felt so... Off? Preventable. It was just odd.
Charlotte's growth felt kinda sudden for my liking
THANK GOODNESS THE ROMANCE DIDN'T HAPPEN WOOOOOO!!! Sorry to all you shippers. I just thought it felt really shoved in. But I think in future books it could be better. I'd still rather they be friends. That bath scene was the most awkward thing I had read. And that kissing after being sad was so strange.
However, I was not aware this was part of a series and oh no now I have to wait.
Other thoughts:
The climax in general was disappointing.
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes