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rebeccajost's review against another edition
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Kidnapping, War, Violence, Classism, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Trafficking, Sexual violence, and Pregnancy
camiclarkbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I think this might be the next big fantasy series!
Sbrana wrote an engaging high fantasy tale that was loaded with everything a reader could want—and enchanted library, fantastical beings, a love triangle, and a shocking twist. “Lore of the Wild” also adds some desperately needed diversity to the genre.
The book had some pacing problems and I got a little lost on the timeline near the last quarter of the story, but this is probably more of a reviewer problem than a reader problem.
A few times in the book I got whiplash from the story swinging back and forth from YA to New Adult. The majority of the book felt more YA—in the best possible way—but there were definitely places tailored for older audiences. They felt shoehorned in, like Sbrana had intended to write a YA book but her team recommended New Adult instead.
Despite those two complaints, I loved the “Lore of the Wilds!” The titular character of Lore was absolutely sensational! She was so realistic for a high fantasy heroine. It was extremely refreshing to read a fantasy about a twenty-something year old heroine, instead of the usual sixteen or seventeen year old. Lore handled everything Sbrana threw at her with human ingenuity and determination, which was the perfect juxtaposition to her being trapped in the land of her enemies.
Overall, “Lore of the Wild” was a wonderful fantasy story about human resilience and am so excited for the sequel—I have to know what happens after the twist!
I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content, Trafficking, Slavery, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, and Sexual assault
memreads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Update: I can't stop thinking about this story and the characters (in a good way, I'd rather be left wanting more than feeling like there's too much on the table) so I had to increase the rating.
Going into this book, I was enamored by the mysterious library and found myself excited to learn its secrets and its history. Unfortunately this seems more of a convenient setting than a major story part. I'm hopeful this will be explored in later additions to the story.
The pacing was a little off-putting to me. The beginning of the story was fast, then it felt like it stalled, then it picked up to a nice medium pace, then major events are occurring from start to finish within a few pages, and then the last beat of the book felt as though it was alternating between medium and breakneck fast pacing. It felt like it was a 500 page story crammed into 300.
I love the idea and the pieces of this story, but I feel like the characters, relationships, plot points and settings weren't given the time they needed to truly shine.
It is still an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading future installments, but will be going in with more lighthearted expectations
Going into this book, I was enamored by the mysterious library and found myself excited to learn its secrets and its history. Unfortunately this seems more of a convenient setting than a major story part. I'm hopeful this will be explored in later additions to the story.
The pacing was a little off-putting to me. The beginning of the story was fast, then it felt like it stalled, then it picked up to a nice medium pace, then major events are occurring from start to finish within a few pages, and then the last beat of the book felt as though it was alternating between medium and breakneck fast pacing. It felt like it was a 500 page story crammed into 300.
I love the idea and the pieces of this story, but I feel like the characters, relationships, plot points and settings weren't given the time they needed to truly shine.
It is still an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading future installments, but will be going in with more lighthearted expectations
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Trafficking, Xenophobia, Drug use, Rape, and Kidnapping
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