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betwixt_the_pages's review
4.0
Rating: 4.25/5 Penguins (rounded down)
Quick Reasons: entertaining, magical, fascinating; the prose is richly purple; heavy world building; realistic character arcs; a story you'll want to swim through
HUGE thanks to Sienna Archer and BookSirens for the title! My review is voluntarily written and in no way altered or impacted by this gesture.
I whisper, "They taught me to not see this."
"TRUTH-carver," Lidja says, scoffing. "This is the real truth: The words they keep from us and the ones they give us--those are the greatest weapons in all of Fides."
This was an entertaining, fascinating, magical read. The prose is richly purple and filled with world-building. The world itself leaps to life from the pages, surrounding readers with finely-crafted details. It is almost like a quilt--from afar, it is pleasing to look at. Patterns are distinguishable. But UP CLOSE?! It's a whole different vibe entirely. Intricate weaves leap before the eyes. Gorgeous detailing makes up the scenery. Stepping into this world, I was first struck by the boisterous characters, the flaws and entrappings and stories being awoken. The longer I stayed, the more this world came to glorious life before my minds-eye.
Sienna Archer wove an intricate, detailed look at topics like religion, grief, coming-of-age, finding yourself/your purpose, finding a reason to fight the status quo, blood vs found families... There is SO MUCH happening in this story, it is hard to put it all into words. Some of it is obvious--a turn of phrase that puts everything into crystal clarity. Some of it is more subtle--a feeling, a mood, a mere flick of the eye inward to something MORE. In all regards, Sienna Archer knows how to keep a reader on the edge of their seats, seeking deeper, bigger, greater things. As the first book in this series, I was NOT disappointed.
"I remember what it was like, the next morning, when I woke up and my mother was truly gone."
The ship rocks, fast and shushing. "I thought you were coming to tell me it will be all right."
"I won't lie to you, Ala. Not now, not ever." Carefully, slowly, like I'm made of fine glass, he wraps an arm around my back. His warmth seeps through my clothes. "With who we've lost, we will never be all right. We can only be different."
I definitely recommend this read to lovers of fantastical worlds, magical beasts, and stories that have the same sense of "other" as those like Peter Pan, Narnia, and LOTR. If you're a fan of reads with heavy topics, characters you'll want to punch and caress in turn, and books that will leave you wanting....this is for you. Look closer at the scars, Penguins...there just may be secrets in the bindings.
Quick Reasons: entertaining, magical, fascinating; the prose is richly purple; heavy world building; realistic character arcs; a story you'll want to swim through
HUGE thanks to Sienna Archer and BookSirens for the title! My review is voluntarily written and in no way altered or impacted by this gesture.
I whisper, "They taught me to not see this."
"TRUTH-carver," Lidja says, scoffing. "This is the real truth: The words they keep from us and the ones they give us--those are the greatest weapons in all of Fides."
This was an entertaining, fascinating, magical read. The prose is richly purple and filled with world-building. The world itself leaps to life from the pages, surrounding readers with finely-crafted details. It is almost like a quilt--from afar, it is pleasing to look at. Patterns are distinguishable. But UP CLOSE?! It's a whole different vibe entirely. Intricate weaves leap before the eyes. Gorgeous detailing makes up the scenery. Stepping into this world, I was first struck by the boisterous characters, the flaws and entrappings and stories being awoken. The longer I stayed, the more this world came to glorious life before my minds-eye.
Sienna Archer wove an intricate, detailed look at topics like religion, grief, coming-of-age, finding yourself/your purpose, finding a reason to fight the status quo, blood vs found families... There is SO MUCH happening in this story, it is hard to put it all into words. Some of it is obvious--a turn of phrase that puts everything into crystal clarity. Some of it is more subtle--a feeling, a mood, a mere flick of the eye inward to something MORE. In all regards, Sienna Archer knows how to keep a reader on the edge of their seats, seeking deeper, bigger, greater things. As the first book in this series, I was NOT disappointed.
"I remember what it was like, the next morning, when I woke up and my mother was truly gone."
The ship rocks, fast and shushing. "I thought you were coming to tell me it will be all right."
"I won't lie to you, Ala. Not now, not ever." Carefully, slowly, like I'm made of fine glass, he wraps an arm around my back. His warmth seeps through my clothes. "With who we've lost, we will never be all right. We can only be different."
I definitely recommend this read to lovers of fantastical worlds, magical beasts, and stories that have the same sense of "other" as those like Peter Pan, Narnia, and LOTR. If you're a fan of reads with heavy topics, characters you'll want to punch and caress in turn, and books that will leave you wanting....this is for you. Look closer at the scars, Penguins...there just may be secrets in the bindings.
jinxei's review
4.0
‘Bound by Scars & Secrets’ by Sienna Archer is a captivating foray into a world brimming with magic, intrigue, and complex relationships. The story of Alathea, a rule-abiding truth-carver from Elektos, unfolds with an intensity that grips your imagination and doesn't let go. Thrust into a realm she has been taught to fear, Alathea's journey is a mesmerizing blend of forbidden magic, familial bonds, and a slow-burn queer love triangle that keeps the pages turning.
Archer's world-building is wonderfully done, painting the realms of Elektos and Memoria with vivid strokes that immerse you completely. The narrative weaves through the intricacies of Alathea's life, unraveling family secrets and challenging long-held beliefs with a finesse that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The relationship dynamics, especially between Alathea and her sister, are beautifully explored, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story.
While the book is filled with action and adventure, it’s the character development that truly stands out. Alathea’s evolution from a cautious rule-follower to a powerful magic wielder is compelling, showcasing Archer's skill in character portrayal. The love triangle adds an extra layer of intrigue to the plot. The novel excels in creating a balance between fast-paced action and introspective moments.
Ending on a cliffhanger, ‘Bound by Scars & Secrets’ sets the stage for a series that promises even more excitement and magical twists. Sienna Archer has crafted a world that is both enchanting and daunting, making this book a must-read for fans of fantasy and magical adventures.
Archer's world-building is wonderfully done, painting the realms of Elektos and Memoria with vivid strokes that immerse you completely. The narrative weaves through the intricacies of Alathea's life, unraveling family secrets and challenging long-held beliefs with a finesse that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The relationship dynamics, especially between Alathea and her sister, are beautifully explored, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story.
While the book is filled with action and adventure, it’s the character development that truly stands out. Alathea’s evolution from a cautious rule-follower to a powerful magic wielder is compelling, showcasing Archer's skill in character portrayal. The love triangle adds an extra layer of intrigue to the plot. The novel excels in creating a balance between fast-paced action and introspective moments.
Ending on a cliffhanger, ‘Bound by Scars & Secrets’ sets the stage for a series that promises even more excitement and magical twists. Sienna Archer has crafted a world that is both enchanting and daunting, making this book a must-read for fans of fantasy and magical adventures.
karissajo's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
imogen_reads_books's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
3.75
nina_inkdawn's review
4.5
Wow wow and more wow...When is the second book coming out??? *____* Sienna has created this world that is so real, at times scary but at times frightening but which you absolutely cannot do without. There are 3 aspects that made me love this fantasy... and that is the slow burn, the triangle love between the three main characters, but every time Dae appeared I said to myself... I want a Dae too.
the relationship between Alathea and her sister Soli is something that makes you melt but it also made me shed a few tears. Unique. This book is full of tests to overcome and difficulties that one cannot get bored of, at all. Good thing the second book only comes out in February because I still need all of them *___*.Rate 4.5
the relationship between Alathea and her sister Soli is something that makes you melt but it also made me shed a few tears. Unique. This book is full of tests to overcome and difficulties that one cannot get bored of, at all. Good thing the second book only comes out in February because I still need all of them *___*.Rate 4.5
goatsinspace's review
adventurous
mysterious
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
3.5
Tropes:
✨Queer Love Triangle
✨LGBTQIA+ rep
✨YA Epic Fantasy
✨Slow Burn
✨Queer Throne of Glass meets the Witcher
✨Sisters story, complex family dynamics
✨Found Family
Thanks to the author and R&R for the eARC!
Caught in an oppressive society of 'truths' and watchmen, Alathea is steeped in an intense fear of the magic secreted away inside of her. She strives to protect her rebellious sister after her mothers go missing. When her sister chooses to vanish into the nearby magical kingdom, Ala's resentment toward mages comes to a head. With no other options, Ala is presented with a challenging offer by the mage and the sorceress—they will help her reunite with her sister, but she must cross into their realm and embrace a magical destiny of her own. Faced with the dilemma of trusting those she despises, Alathea grapples with her animosity and must decide whether to forge an uneasy alliance or let her resentment consume her.
This series promises a slow-burn queer love triangle and the unraveling of family secrets. At its heart, this is a story about the complex relationship between two sisters and their parental figures. I adored the exploration of complex family dynamics. The highlight for me was the 'love triangle', both of which seems to be equally compelling relationships. Both are charming and fascinating options and neither seems to blame the other for their attentions. I would love for Ala to get her cake and eat it too, though! I adored the LGBTQIA+ representation in this one!
I will note that the dialogue was sometimes clumsy, the pacing was a little challenging at times, and the world-building (while unique) was sometimes confusing. But the good FAR FAR outweighs any complaints that I had. Very enjoyable.
✨Queer Love Triangle
✨LGBTQIA+ rep
✨YA Epic Fantasy
✨Slow Burn
✨Queer Throne of Glass meets the Witcher
✨Sisters story, complex family dynamics
✨Found Family
Thanks to the author and R&R for the eARC!
Caught in an oppressive society of 'truths' and watchmen, Alathea is steeped in an intense fear of the magic secreted away inside of her. She strives to protect her rebellious sister after her mothers go missing. When her sister chooses to vanish into the nearby magical kingdom, Ala's resentment toward mages comes to a head. With no other options, Ala is presented with a challenging offer by the mage and the sorceress—they will help her reunite with her sister, but she must cross into their realm and embrace a magical destiny of her own. Faced with the dilemma of trusting those she despises, Alathea grapples with her animosity and must decide whether to forge an uneasy alliance or let her resentment consume her.
This series promises a slow-burn queer love triangle and the unraveling of family secrets. At its heart, this is a story about the complex relationship between two sisters and their parental figures. I adored the exploration of complex family dynamics. The highlight for me was the 'love triangle', both of which seems to be equally compelling relationships. Both are charming and fascinating options and neither seems to blame the other for their attentions. I would love for Ala to get her cake and eat it too, though! I adored the LGBTQIA+ representation in this one!
I will note that the dialogue was sometimes clumsy, the pacing was a little challenging at times, and the world-building (while unique) was sometimes confusing. But the good FAR FAR outweighs any complaints that I had. Very enjoyable.
briela's review
4.0
3.5/5 stars
The book was filled with action and adventure, so if you enjoy something constantly happening you’ll enjoy this book. Overall I enjoyed the storyline, and that there were not a lot of fillers between events. The only thing that made this a 3.5/5 instead of a 4/5 is that I found it difficult to connect to the characters. I wish there was more background information given on them, or a way to make them more relatable. Other than that, I enjoyed the story, and how it ended on a cliffhanger to easily lead into the next book.
The book was filled with action and adventure, so if you enjoy something constantly happening you’ll enjoy this book. Overall I enjoyed the storyline, and that there were not a lot of fillers between events. The only thing that made this a 3.5/5 instead of a 4/5 is that I found it difficult to connect to the characters. I wish there was more background information given on them, or a way to make them more relatable. Other than that, I enjoyed the story, and how it ended on a cliffhanger to easily lead into the next book.
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