Scan barcode
brit24's review
5.0
This was one I couldn't not buy after reading the first one. I wasn't disappointed.
brit24's review against another edition
5.0
I got this book for free, in return for an honest review. And honestly, I really enjoyed it. Definitely a young adult novel, with good writing, interesting characters, and plenty of intrigue where you aren't sure who the main character can (or should) trust.
shadowlandsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
got this free from Amazon loved it great story, unpredictable, characters where built up well. all round good read would recommend.
booksarebetter's review against another edition
5.0
Politics and Power
Catwin is a fascinating character, and I loved this story-full of depth, mystery, politics, power, and what it means to be Queen. Moira Katson is a new favorite author, and I look forward to more of her excellent books.
Catwin is a fascinating character, and I loved this story-full of depth, mystery, politics, power, and what it means to be Queen. Moira Katson is a new favorite author, and I look forward to more of her excellent books.
painfulac's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.0
I read this as a free e-book on the Kobo, and I didn't come across any noticeable spelling or grammar errors so I suspect those were fixed in post. The story overall is pretty good! For a YA fantasy political thriller there's a lot of depth in the factions present, noble houses, and characters in general (especially the Duke). The Duke is pretty clearly an abusive asshole, but Katson takes time to still show that he's very competent and has good qualities that have endeared him to his base of soldiers and commoners. King Garad is another well done character who's a great foil to Miriel's revolutionary spirit.
If you're looking for a lot of fighting, I wouldn't recommend this - it specifically focuses on the characters trying to avoid fights or remove threats before they come. Lots of espionage and counter-spying going on, and I really enjoyed how the mentor characters aren't even that trustworthy to the main.
A refreshing change after reading the overly long and unsurprising Court of Silver Flames by Maas, which is ostensibly a more mature fantasy novel.
If you're looking for a lot of fighting, I wouldn't recommend this - it specifically focuses on the characters trying to avoid fights or remove threats before they come. Lots of espionage and counter-spying going on, and I really enjoyed how the mentor characters aren't even that trustworthy to the main.
A refreshing change after reading the overly long and unsurprising Court of Silver Flames by Maas, which is ostensibly a more mature fantasy novel.
suziereadsalot's review against another edition
4.0
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only.
I loved this book. It has everything you want in a YA fantasy: intrigue, danger, plot, beautiful dresses and, of course, assassins.
I really liked the relationship between Miriel and Catwin - it was true to how 14-year-olds interact. Occasionally, the adult in the writer peeped through, especially with regards to Miriel and her endeveours to gain a husband (slighlty inaccurate description but I'm trying not to spoil anything here). These thoughts pulled me slightly out of the story but now I'm remembering that young adults repeat/think what they hear - so perhaps Catwin picked them up from Roine.
I liked Temar. I shared Catwin's feelings for him really.
Hated the Duke, of course.
I'm very suspicious of Roine. I do want to like her but something tells me that what you see isn't all you get.
I was a fan of the King and then I wasn't. Enough said.
All in all, the story sucked me in and I'm off to buy the next one. If you're a fan of YA fantasy, read this - it's got everything you're looking for.
I loved this book. It has everything you want in a YA fantasy: intrigue, danger, plot, beautiful dresses and, of course, assassins.
I really liked the relationship between Miriel and Catwin - it was true to how 14-year-olds interact. Occasionally, the adult in the writer peeped through, especially with regards to Miriel and her endeveours to gain a husband (slighlty inaccurate description but I'm trying not to spoil anything here). These thoughts pulled me slightly out of the story but now I'm remembering that young adults repeat/think what they hear - so perhaps Catwin picked them up from Roine.
I liked Temar. I shared Catwin's feelings for him really.
Hated the Duke, of course.
I'm very suspicious of Roine. I do want to like her but something tells me that what you see isn't all you get.
I was a fan of the King and then I wasn't. Enough said.
All in all, the story sucked me in and I'm off to buy the next one. If you're a fan of YA fantasy, read this - it's got everything you're looking for.
amyappy's review
4.0
I sort of abandoned this book for quite a while before I managed to return to it, but once I did, I read it all in one night (almost all in one sitting, too!). I like the relationship between the two main characters--it is complex and shifting and dynamic, like relationships are in real life. The book is subtle and well-plotted without seeming like it feels too clever for its own good and exciting without resorting to shock tactics. I am looking forward to reading the end of the trilogy, even though I fear there is no happy ending coming for everyone.
hannahbanana333's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my gosh this was a good book. Political intrigue, assassination attempts, teenage girls being awesome, love, cival war, regular war. Absolutely wonderful.
crosenfrisk's review against another edition
5.0
An enjoyable read that builds with intensity and intrigue!
In Shadowborn Katson introduces the reader to Catwin and Miriel, foils that develop together with the common goal to learn who they are up against and how to stay alive.
(cross-posted to Amazon and Barnes and Noble.)
In Shadowborn Katson introduces the reader to Catwin and Miriel, foils that develop together with the common goal to learn who they are up against and how to stay alive.
(cross-posted to Amazon and Barnes and Noble.)