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alex_wordweaver's review against another edition
2.0
Given this by a friend who said, "I had to read this with my own eyes. Now you must too." And I did. I sure did.
Was honestly expecting her to actually wed and bed a physical manifestation of the land for the majority of the book, not reenact the Great Rite of the Dagda and Morrigan at Samhain in miniature. Hell, was honestly expecting a Morrigan analogue--there was one of Cernunnos mentioned that appeared to be amalgamation of him and Herne--to make an appearance at some points with how the MC's narrative exposition kept going on about the rights of sovereignty/who's fit to rule.
The MC, Elanna, wasn't...too great either. Does she portray the aftermath getting out of a long-term abusive relationship somewhat well? Sure? Show some unlearning of internalized hatred of her own people? Yeah, that's the biggest crux of her arc as a character. Does she do it well/in a way that makes her likeable to the reader? ...Not really; she's pretty much a paranoid, horny-on-main ass throughout except to...maybe two people?
On a related note to both of the above sections, I honestly was waiting the entire book for her to get with either Sophy, Rhia, or a Goddess/Physical Embodiment of the Land. And yes, I realize with that last one that technically *she* is that physical embodiment as far as in-universe, but there's always a few spaces between the Avatar and the Deity Themself that allows for some interesting (and potentially sexual) relationships to form.
Queer feelings from the book: Overall, Elanna is brainlessly bi but can't see it because she doesn't stop to *think* about *anything* for long, Jahan is a disaster bi who shuns conventional ideals of marriage, Victoire, Sophy, and Rhia are semi-useful lesbians and the most likable of the characters in the entire book, and Finn is a himbo who isn't around long enough to fulfill any potential anyone might've seen in him. Much like the parts of the book in which characters actually get their shit together for a moment and the plot gets rolling and imagery gets exciting and interesting, which all happen in the last quarter. Mostly the last three-five chapters and the epilogue.
Rating: There was something missing for me a lot of the time. I don't know if it's because I'm Too Old(TM) for the age-range this book is supposed to be for and it's just now showing, but I can't help thinking that Elanna should be smarter, or if not smarter, act in a manner more fitting to her setting/status. Less self-centered, at least. By nineteen, most people have grown out of that stage of mental development. But I guess her internal growth was kind of stunted at age five for plot reasons, so there's that. There was potential here in this book, but sadly, more so, there was Disappointment(TM).
Was honestly expecting her to actually wed and bed a physical manifestation of the land for the majority of the book, not reenact the Great Rite of the Dagda and Morrigan at Samhain in miniature. Hell, was honestly expecting a Morrigan analogue--there was one of Cernunnos mentioned that appeared to be amalgamation of him and Herne--to make an appearance at some points with how the MC's narrative exposition kept going on about the rights of sovereignty/who's fit to rule.
The MC, Elanna, wasn't...too great either. Does she portray the aftermath getting out of a long-term abusive relationship somewhat well? Sure? Show some unlearning of internalized hatred of her own people? Yeah, that's the biggest crux of her arc as a character. Does she do it well/in a way that makes her likeable to the reader? ...Not really; she's pretty much a paranoid, horny-on-main ass throughout except to...maybe two people?
On a related note to both of the above sections, I honestly was waiting the entire book for her to get with either Sophy, Rhia, or a Goddess/Physical Embodiment of the Land. And yes, I realize with that last one that technically *she* is that physical embodiment as far as in-universe, but there's always a few spaces between the Avatar and the Deity Themself that allows for some interesting (and potentially sexual) relationships to form.
Queer feelings from the book: Overall, Elanna is brainlessly bi but can't see it because she doesn't stop to *think* about *anything* for long, Jahan is a disaster bi who shuns conventional ideals of marriage, Victoire, Sophy, and Rhia are semi-useful lesbians and the most likable of the characters in the entire book, and Finn is a himbo who isn't around long enough to fulfill any potential anyone might've seen in him. Much like the parts of the book in which characters actually get their shit together for a moment and the plot gets rolling and imagery gets exciting and interesting, which all happen in the last quarter. Mostly the last three-five chapters and the epilogue.
Rating: There was something missing for me a lot of the time. I don't know if it's because I'm Too Old(TM) for the age-range this book is supposed to be for and it's just now showing, but I can't help thinking that Elanna should be smarter, or if not smarter, act in a manner more fitting to her setting/status. Less self-centered, at least. By nineteen, most people have grown out of that stage of mental development. But I guess her internal growth was kind of stunted at age five for plot reasons, so there's that. There was potential here in this book, but sadly, more so, there was Disappointment(TM).
moknita's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
scriptrix's review against another edition
3.0
This book was decently written, and I wanted to be able to like it... my main problem was I just found myself bored by the plot and worldbuilding. None of it felt original. It felt extremely Generic Fantasy Book (TM). I would love to see the author grow into their style a bit more and be able to infuse the worldbuilding and characterization with a bit more personality and uniqueness. Maybe that happens in the later books - I hope so!
reviewsfromabookworm's review against another edition
3.0
I'd say a 2.5. I read over half and stopped as I couldn't get in to the story. I wasn't connecting to any of the characters. I also struggled with the world building and magic system here too. Plus you can see the romance coming a mile off and it already screams insta love. Overall, this book just isn't for me.
katleap's review against another edition
4.0
4.3 stars
I received an e-ARC copy of The Waking Land from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Elanna Valtai is a hostage in the court of the Ereni. Taken as a child to stop her father from leading a revolution for new king, Elanna regards her father as a traitor and the king as surrogate parent. The court is poisonous and all Elanna wants to do is travel to the empire and become a botanist. When the king is murdered Elanna is framed and ends up fleeing for her life straight back to the land of her birth. With her awakening powers and revolution rising up around Elanna must decide which country she stands with.
I ended up really liking this book. The beginning was the slowest part for me because Elanna drove me nuts. She has abandonment issues, trusts all the wrong people, suppresses her powers and constantly longs to run back to what she knows. I got annoyed. Thankfully as the the story progresses so does Elanna. She comes to the realization that duty has a price and magic cannot be suppressed and maybe, maybe being what she was born to be isn't all that bad.
I enjoyed the cast of supporting characters, particularity Victoire and Rhia. I want to spend more time with Sophy. Finn is complicated in the best way torn between duty and responsibility and what he wants.
I think my favorite thing about this book was the history and the magic. I really liked how the earth magic was explained and experienced. I also loved how the history of the land is complicated and not the same depending on the country and full of bitterness. I loved the rich magical history that has practically been destroyed and only pieces and guesswork remain. I so look forward to more of that being reveled.
I enjoyed this book and I look forward to the next one.
I received an e-ARC copy of The Waking Land from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Elanna Valtai is a hostage in the court of the Ereni. Taken as a child to stop her father from leading a revolution for new king, Elanna regards her father as a traitor and the king as surrogate parent. The court is poisonous and all Elanna wants to do is travel to the empire and become a botanist. When the king is murdered Elanna is framed and ends up fleeing for her life straight back to the land of her birth. With her awakening powers and revolution rising up around Elanna must decide which country she stands with.
I ended up really liking this book. The beginning was the slowest part for me because Elanna drove me nuts. She has abandonment issues, trusts all the wrong people, suppresses her powers and constantly longs to run back to what she knows. I got annoyed. Thankfully as the the story progresses so does Elanna. She comes to the realization that duty has a price and magic cannot be suppressed and maybe, maybe being what she was born to be isn't all that bad.
I enjoyed the cast of supporting characters, particularity Victoire and Rhia. I want to spend more time with Sophy. Finn is complicated in the best way torn between duty and responsibility and what he wants.
I think my favorite thing about this book was the history and the magic. I really liked how the earth magic was explained and experienced. I also loved how the history of the land is complicated and not the same depending on the country and full of bitterness. I loved the rich magical history that has practically been destroyed and only pieces and guesswork remain. I so look forward to more of that being reveled.
I enjoyed this book and I look forward to the next one.
smokeyboneshadows's review against another edition
4.0
This books is an engaging, adventurous one-off fantasy, featuring the basics of regicide, rebellion, and outlawed magic. Witty characters, magic, a bit of classic adventure epic, and more than a bit of romance made this a delightfully enjoyable read!
stephisbranded's review against another edition
2.0
I liked the idea, but the world building was a little flat. I would be curious to read more in the series if this author wrote more just to see if the story building improved.
strangecandy's review against another edition
5.0
What a gorgeous book! I'm in love! Everything about this book was engaging and unique and kept me spellbound all the way through the story.
The story is about a girl, the Lady Elanna Valtai, who has been held hostage for 12 or so years to ensure her fathers loyalty to the crown. She was taken when she was five years old and has few memories of her parents and has been raised and educated with the royal children of the family. Therefore she has an incorrect education in the real history of her parents and countries history. She has been studying botany for some time as she has a gift for growing things. Lloyce, the kings heir to the throne hates Elanna, and when the king suddenly becomes ill by a poisoned mushroom that she was studying she becomes framed for his murder. Elanna loved the king like a father and would never had anything to do with his murder.
She also know that she has a bond with the secret circles of stones found throughout the country, when she puts a drop of her blood on the stone once a year she hears and sees things that most others cannot. Once she is safely brought back to her homeland she feels an immediate bond with the land itself and finds out that her magic (that was outlawed in her previous home) makes her the Caveadear, the waker of the lands. A position that has been vacant for nearly 200 years. As she grows to learn more about her family and people she becomes torn on her family that raised her and the one she was born to lead.
I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.
The story is about a girl, the Lady Elanna Valtai, who has been held hostage for 12 or so years to ensure her fathers loyalty to the crown. She was taken when she was five years old and has few memories of her parents and has been raised and educated with the royal children of the family. Therefore she has an incorrect education in the real history of her parents and countries history. She has been studying botany for some time as she has a gift for growing things. Lloyce, the kings heir to the throne hates Elanna, and when the king suddenly becomes ill by a poisoned mushroom that she was studying she becomes framed for his murder. Elanna loved the king like a father and would never had anything to do with his murder.
She also know that she has a bond with the secret circles of stones found throughout the country, when she puts a drop of her blood on the stone once a year she hears and sees things that most others cannot. Once she is safely brought back to her homeland she feels an immediate bond with the land itself and finds out that her magic (that was outlawed in her previous home) makes her the Caveadear, the waker of the lands. A position that has been vacant for nearly 200 years. As she grows to learn more about her family and people she becomes torn on her family that raised her and the one she was born to lead.
I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.
hardbackednooks's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The first half/third of this book is incredibly slow, and then the entire actual story happens in the last half/third. More thoughts later.
strangethedreamer's review against another edition
1.0
All of the worst YA fantasy tropes are on display here: insta-love, Mary Sue main character who is unbearably annoying (she changes her mind or contradicts herself at least 5 times a page, for all 300+ pages, and is an all round shit to everyone she meets), halfhearted world building, boring one-dimensional villains, too many side characters, and a plot that’s flimsier than a wet tissue. If this wasn’t the fourth disappointing book I had picked up in the span of two days, I might have generously added another star. But tough break for this novel, I guess, for coming last in a line of mediocre wastes of paper, masquerading as books. Ugh. Waste of my time.