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darrahsteffenwrites's review
4.0
I loved the eastern setting as well as the look at covens and matriarchal culture.
The story was fun to follow and I loved the romance aspects of it. I ship it so hard.
The story was fun to follow and I loved the romance aspects of it. I ship it so hard.
grexcarolinii's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I had so much fun with this one. Easily one of the best books I've read so far this year, and stands a good chance of being in my top reads for 2022.
The set-up is already good fun. Our main character Fang has travelled to the country of Anda in order to find herself a consort, as she is due to become the Matron of her clan.
Along the way however, she discovers a male witch, and in doing so, learns more about the country of Anda.
This book was evidently inspired by both Korea and Thai cultures - and so stood out as a result. The only real downside is that I wanted to see more of the world, especially Fang's homecountry of Miang. Luckily there are sequels that I will certainly get my hands on.
The set-up is already good fun. Our main character Fang has travelled to the country of Anda in order to find herself a consort, as she is due to become the Matron of her clan.
Along the way however, she discovers a male witch, and in doing so, learns more about the country of Anda.
This book was evidently inspired by both Korea and Thai cultures - and so stood out as a result. The only real downside is that I wanted to see more of the world, especially Fang's homecountry of Miang. Luckily there are sequels that I will certainly get my hands on.
johannajournaled's review against another edition
3.5
IG: @JohsJournal
A YA fantasy romance with Thai and Korean influences about witches, the novel follows main character Fang, a Miangese witch, future matron of her coven, and the first of the new generation of witches to fulfill a long-ago made pact by the witches of the East to bring peace to the region. Hosted by the Sun coven of the mountain kingdom of Anda, Fang must choose a consort among the young eligible lords of the ruby clan.
Fun and fast-paced, I was immediately sucked into this story. I was so caught up in the series of events that finds Fang entangled in secrets, politics, and a dangerous weapon, making her question her Andan allies — that I almost forgot this novel was a fantasy romance. Fang’s chance encounter with a would-be rarity, a young male shadow witch, changes everything and leads Fang down a rabbit hole.
This is the first time I’ve seen a Thai main character in a fantasy novel, and I enjoyed the Thai and Korean references (e.g. clothing, food, appearance of war elephants). Anda seems to be inspired by the Japanese occupation of Korea (confirmed in the Author’s Note — which is a must read), and while I’m not a history expert, I appreciated how all of these aspects were infused into the world and story.
The discoveries of the going-ons in Anda were left too open-ended for me, and I was left with more questions. However, this novel is ultimately a romance, and who Fang chooses as her escort was predictable.
I thought this was solid for an indie YA fantasy novel. As someone who isn’t a fan of insta-love, I appreciated the build-up to the romance and how we see Fang struggle with who and what she wants. If you’re a YA fantasy fan, I’d give this one a go!
Other reasons to read this:
• Non-Europeancentric
A YA fantasy romance with Thai and Korean influences about witches, the novel follows main character Fang, a Miangese witch, future matron of her coven, and the first of the new generation of witches to fulfill a long-ago made pact by the witches of the East to bring peace to the region. Hosted by the Sun coven of the mountain kingdom of Anda, Fang must choose a consort among the young eligible lords of the ruby clan.
Fun and fast-paced, I was immediately sucked into this story. I was so caught up in the series of events that finds Fang entangled in secrets, politics, and a dangerous weapon, making her question her Andan allies — that I almost forgot this novel was a fantasy romance. Fang’s chance encounter with a would-be rarity, a young male shadow witch, changes everything and leads Fang down a rabbit hole.
This is the first time I’ve seen a Thai main character in a fantasy novel, and I enjoyed the Thai and Korean references (e.g. clothing, food, appearance of war elephants). Anda seems to be inspired by the Japanese occupation of Korea (confirmed in the Author’s Note — which is a must read), and while I’m not a history expert, I appreciated how all of these aspects were infused into the world and story.
The discoveries of the going-ons in Anda were left too open-ended for me, and I was left with more questions. However, this novel is ultimately a romance, and who Fang chooses as her escort was predictable.
I thought this was solid for an indie YA fantasy novel. As someone who isn’t a fan of insta-love, I appreciated the build-up to the romance and how we see Fang struggle with who and what she wants. If you’re a YA fantasy fan, I’d give this one a go!
Other reasons to read this:
• Non-Europeancentric
herbookish_obsession's review against another edition
4.0
When spark meets shadow, events are set in motion that will change Fang’s life forever.
Spark to Shadow was everything I needed in my first YA/NA fantasy read! I devoured this story and was so sad when it ended. From the beginning, I loved the way the author brought the story to life and found myself falling in love with the characters. I love the character and world-building and the many twists that leave the reader guessing as the story progresses.
This was a compelling read full of courtly intrigue that is in a gender reversed world. Impressive atmospheric imagery, along with details of rich culture, made for a truly memorable reading experience. A very creative own voices book, with really dynamic representation, along with some mildly romantic elements that make it more appropriate for the older YA audiences.
I really enjoyed this one and hope there’s a sequel in the works because I’d love to delve deeper into this fantastical world Kim has created!
Thank you to TBRandBeyond Tours for having me as a participant once again. I really enjoy working with your team and look forward to future opportunities!
Continue reading... https://herbookishobsession.wordpress.com/2021/06/01/blog-tour-review-spark-to-shadow-by-atima-kim/
Spark to Shadow was everything I needed in my first YA/NA fantasy read! I devoured this story and was so sad when it ended. From the beginning, I loved the way the author brought the story to life and found myself falling in love with the characters. I love the character and world-building and the many twists that leave the reader guessing as the story progresses.
This was a compelling read full of courtly intrigue that is in a gender reversed world. Impressive atmospheric imagery, along with details of rich culture, made for a truly memorable reading experience. A very creative own voices book, with really dynamic representation, along with some mildly romantic elements that make it more appropriate for the older YA audiences.
I really enjoyed this one and hope there’s a sequel in the works because I’d love to delve deeper into this fantastical world Kim has created!
Thank you to TBRandBeyond Tours for having me as a participant once again. I really enjoy working with your team and look forward to future opportunities!
Continue reading... https://herbookishobsession.wordpress.com/2021/06/01/blog-tour-review-spark-to-shadow-by-atima-kim/
idreaminbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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
5.0
popthebutterfly's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Spark to Shadow
Author: Atima Kim
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Thai own voice
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: ya readers, fantasy, Thai culture and own voice, sex positive z gender reversed
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: February 1, 2021
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 468
Recommended Age: 16+ (sexual content, consent, purity culture, xenophobia, sex positive, and gender norms)
Synopsis: 1Long ago, the covens of the east made a pact to bring peace to the continent. To unite the clans and create a new era of witches, starting with the next generation of matrons. Fang is the first witch of her generation to reach her debut, as the next matron of her coven she has the unique honor of being the first one to fulfill the pact. For the first time in centuries, a Miangese witch will take a foreign consort. Luckily, Fang already has someone in mind. Taken in by the Sun coven in the mountain kingdom of Anda, Fang is more than happy to entertain the alluring young lords of the ruby clan as they compete to win her affections, not knowing her choice has already been made. Or so she thought. Until a chance encounter brings to light the existence of something Fang previously thought to be quite rare, a male witch. The meeting of this young shadow witch— a boy who Fang now owes a debt— starts a chain of events that will make Fang question everything she thought she knew about her Andan allies. In an effort to help him escape his oppressors, Fang and the shadow witch discover a dark presence that is slowly poisoning the innocent citizens of mortal Anda, and a dangerous weapon that could threaten the very peace of the pact that Fang is bound to uphold. As she, her friends, and her new shadow witch companion work to fight against these looming forces, Fang's feelings towards her own choices slowly start to shift. She must decide what is more important to her, who she wants by her side, and most of all- what she's willing to give up in order to be the leader her people need.
Review: I really liked this book! It's own voice, it's gender reversed, and it's so good! The book had me hooked at the beginning and the world building kept me there. The characters were also highly developed and I loved the overall story!
My only concern is that some of the pacing lags a bit in the middle but overall I loved it.
Verdict: highly recommend!
Book: Spark to Shadow
Author: Atima Kim
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Thai own voice
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: ya readers, fantasy, Thai culture and own voice, sex positive z gender reversed
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: February 1, 2021
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 468
Recommended Age: 16+ (sexual content, consent, purity culture, xenophobia, sex positive, and gender norms)
Synopsis: 1Long ago, the covens of the east made a pact to bring peace to the continent. To unite the clans and create a new era of witches, starting with the next generation of matrons. Fang is the first witch of her generation to reach her debut, as the next matron of her coven she has the unique honor of being the first one to fulfill the pact. For the first time in centuries, a Miangese witch will take a foreign consort. Luckily, Fang already has someone in mind. Taken in by the Sun coven in the mountain kingdom of Anda, Fang is more than happy to entertain the alluring young lords of the ruby clan as they compete to win her affections, not knowing her choice has already been made. Or so she thought. Until a chance encounter brings to light the existence of something Fang previously thought to be quite rare, a male witch. The meeting of this young shadow witch— a boy who Fang now owes a debt— starts a chain of events that will make Fang question everything she thought she knew about her Andan allies. In an effort to help him escape his oppressors, Fang and the shadow witch discover a dark presence that is slowly poisoning the innocent citizens of mortal Anda, and a dangerous weapon that could threaten the very peace of the pact that Fang is bound to uphold. As she, her friends, and her new shadow witch companion work to fight against these looming forces, Fang's feelings towards her own choices slowly start to shift. She must decide what is more important to her, who she wants by her side, and most of all- what she's willing to give up in order to be the leader her people need.
Review: I really liked this book! It's own voice, it's gender reversed, and it's so good! The book had me hooked at the beginning and the world building kept me there. The characters were also highly developed and I loved the overall story!
My only concern is that some of the pacing lags a bit in the middle but overall I loved it.
Verdict: highly recommend!
offictionandfantasy's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
theartofgoldsorrow's review
3.0
The world building in this book was rly intricate and I enjoyed it so much. It was inspired by Thai culture, and its inspired by so many real life events; it’s amazing. I loved it almost as much as I enjoyed the main character’s “take no shit” personality. Also, she’s name Fang. I’m obsessed. She was strong and she knew what she wanted, and even when tested she stuck to her morals and remained brave.
The romance had me melting. I love the strong girl with soft boy pairing, and Fang and Sanha compliment each other so well, it’s beautiful.
The romance had me melting. I love the strong girl with soft boy pairing, and Fang and Sanha compliment each other so well, it’s beautiful.
diletto_amanda's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
4.5 beautifully Thai, bachelorette style, dragon riding stars!
Read my full review HERE. :)
Here is a summary:
Spark to Shadow is a book that I wish I had as I was growing up, but I sure am glad it is a book that exists today that I can enjoy. It has all the fun that I need in a YA or New Adult book, and all the inclusivity and positivity that is often missing from far too many books. I absolutely cannot wait for the second book!!
*I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily*
Read my full review HERE. :)
Here is a summary:
Spark to Shadow is a book that I wish I had as I was growing up, but I sure am glad it is a book that exists today that I can enjoy. It has all the fun that I need in a YA or New Adult book, and all the inclusivity and positivity that is often missing from far too many books. I absolutely cannot wait for the second book!!
*I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily*