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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
Honestly I just love these characters so much that I almost don't care what story you put them in. The development shown in this story is remarkable, and I can't help but love seeing them all grow, even if it does change some relationships I love. Seeing Elisa grow to trust herself as a queen, and as a human, and as a godstone bearer is really the focus of these books, and I love that. Her strength as a leader is hard won and I felt rewarded with every victory she made. Mara really develops as a character, and I found that I enjoyed her very human blend of humor and stark seriousness. Elisa's choice to distance herself from Ximenea was tough to watch, but by the time it happened, I was ready for it and even cheered it on as a sign of Elisa learning to prioritize people she can trust over people she loves (when a distinction must be made).
Really my only complaint is that I found the quest in the story to be almost a second thought. Much of the character development could have been done without it, and it felt like it was thrown in so we could check off the obligatory "search for divine destiny" box in our plot bingo cards. It didn't bother me so much as it felt unnecessary and at times sort of forced.
Overall, I love Queen Elisa as a character, and as a princess figure who breaks from the skinny white girl prototype so much that I would've liked the book no matter what. Thankfully, her character was not watered down, and her development seemed realistic, with its share of setbacks and personal oddities, so I didn't have to worry. Now I just can't wait to see what comes next!
Really my only complaint is that I found the quest in the story to be almost a second thought. Much of the character development could have been done without it, and it felt like it was thrown in so we could check off the obligatory "search for divine destiny" box in our plot bingo cards. It didn't bother me so much as it felt unnecessary and at times sort of forced.
Overall, I love Queen Elisa as a character, and as a princess figure who breaks from the skinny white girl prototype so much that I would've liked the book no matter what. Thankfully, her character was not watered down, and her development seemed realistic, with its share of setbacks and personal oddities, so I didn't have to worry. Now I just can't wait to see what comes next!
I loved this book far more than the first. I’m so glad I kept reading the series. I couldn’t tear myself away from reading. It was fantastic! I’m so glad Elisa has found a steady love interest, it makes it worth it!
This book was a lot slower to start than its predecessor. It didn't really catch me again until about halfway though--but when it caught me it caught me hard. I'd loosely describe the first half as "Elisa deserves a break but doesn't get one" and the second as "but at least she's figuring stuff out and re-learning how to kick ass so there's that".
The adventure is still nail-biting, the characters still warmer than the average fantasy cast (yes, I am bitter about how commonly novels are grimdark-tending these days) and the story is gripping enough. The romance felt a bit heavy-handed for much of the book--how Elisa feels is stated often, and mused about often--but that didn't make it less compelling overall. What charmed me the most, though, was how it tied into Elisa's other interactions--namely with her friend/maid Mara. For those who have read it/don't care about spoilers:
I'm already halfway through the third book so obviously I'm loving this series--but if you're reading this one and get a little bored, my advice is to keep going; the second half is much, much more entertaining and will make it worth your while.
The adventure is still nail-biting, the characters still warmer than the average fantasy cast (yes, I am bitter about how commonly novels are grimdark-tending these days) and the story is gripping enough. The romance felt a bit heavy-handed for much of the book--how Elisa feels is stated often, and mused about often--but that didn't make it less compelling overall. What charmed me the most, though, was how it tied into Elisa's other interactions--namely with her friend/maid Mara. For those who have read it/don't care about spoilers:
Spoiler
I loved when Elisa and Mara "decide to live" by taking Lady's Shroud aka fantasy birth control. It was so nicely done; the fact that they were taking birth control was the source of some giddiness for them, but it wasn't portrayed as something shameful. It was something they decided to do for themselves and it warmed me to see such a common "real world" phenomenon translated into fantasy.I'm already halfway through the third book so obviously I'm loving this series--but if you're reading this one and get a little bored, my advice is to keep going; the second half is much, much more entertaining and will make it worth your while.
adventurous
medium-paced
i don't know man, these are just not resonating with me. Perhaps, I am too old to enjoy it, but I just found myself annoyed while reading. I enjoyed this more than the first, but have no desire to pick up the third. The characters were far more tolerable in this one, but again still not really interested. Such a cool concept is present in these books with a "chosen one" every 100 years, and the power associated with the god stone, but i just cannot stand the constant praying by the main character. I did enjoy the war tactics present in this. The book ended kind of in a cliff hanger, but again I reiterate I have no desire to get the third. think this is one of those things that is just not for me, because I have heard so many good things from others. I will say, I am obsessed with the newer covers so I may need the third to just have the full set haha.
After reading the first book in this series, I wasn't sure if I was going to continue with the series, but I am so glad I did! This book is a page-turner from the beginning. This book is so eventful and exciting and I grew to love the characters so much in this book. In the first book, I didn't care for Elisa all that much, but in this book I could relate to her and I could see how strong she was becoming. Overall, I loved this book and I can not wait to get my hands on the third one!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
MUCH MUCH BETTER THAN THE FIRST ONE!!! God how I lover her assertive and without her head in her ass. Also, hector I hate your name, but you are amazing 🫶🏽🤪💗
