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atschakfoert's review against another edition
1.0
If I could give less than 1 star I would. I could not finish this novel.
helenid's review
4.0
First person telling of a hostage who seems to 'love' her captor. Elanna grows into an independent character with latent resentment towards her family and country.
The tale grows into a sprawling adventure of interesting characters and magic systems. Whilst this is book one, there is no cliff-hanger and the story arc closes.
The tale grows into a sprawling adventure of interesting characters and magic systems. Whilst this is book one, there is no cliff-hanger and the story arc closes.
ldushay's review against another edition
3.0
Really awesome concepts. I really enjoyed the magic and the setting and the plot. The romance felt like it was written in a really heavy-handed way. Definitely could have been better written.
colossal's review against another edition
3.0
Fairly run of the mill fantasy about Elanna Valtai, a "chosen one" from the subjugated Kingdom of Caeris raised as a hostage in the conquering Kingdom of Eren. When the King of Eren is poisoned, Elanna is framed for his murder and she is forced to flee to the country of her birth where she is a stranger.
I found this book to be long and repetitive with not enough going on to justify its length. Fortunately it is a complete story, even though it's the first of a trilogy. I did appreciate the point of view of a hostage child with divided loyalties, but I didn't feel the progression of her loyalties was particularly well done.
I found this book to be long and repetitive with not enough going on to justify its length. Fortunately it is a complete story, even though it's the first of a trilogy. I did appreciate the point of view of a hostage child with divided loyalties, but I didn't feel the progression of her loyalties was particularly well done.
wickedreads's review against another edition
3.25
So much happens, I think this should be split up into two books. It was long and dense but I did really like the characters. Wasn't super attached to the romance. The magic system was super cool though!!
kimb's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
rcpope's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, and Sexual content
longtimereader's review against another edition
2.0
The cover is good. It drew me right in, but the book didn't do what I had hoped. It leans towards slow, and it's all first person. It has lots of one sided romance. It started strong enough, but then felt more and more stifled. I wanted it to be more than I feel that it became.
My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.
My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.
mrsbofe's review against another edition
Had a hard time staying invested...will try again later.