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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
This series is a bit odd. It is fantasy with elements of the mysticism and Christianity all rolled into one. It makes for an odd combo but it does work an it is interesting. The first book was really slow but this one started with drama and intrigue. I liked it a lot more. It ends on a cliffhanger, so I really want to finish the series.
Also, the romance element was really good.
Also, the romance element was really good.
i loved this book! there was a few things that i didnt like to much but besides that i give it a 4 out of 5 stars.
Yikes.
Typically, middle books are either my favorite in a trilogy or the worst. So. Yup.
In book 1, I picked out three love interests. By the end, two are dead, and Elisa doesn't realize she likes the third dude.
Typically, middle books are either my favorite in a trilogy or the worst. So. Yup.
In book 1, I picked out three love interests. By the end, two are dead, and Elisa doesn't realize she likes the third dude.
I am lucky in that I got to begin reading this book right after finishing The Girl of Fire and Thorns, because when that books was over, I knew I wanted more. What I got with The Crown of Embers was definitely more, so much more, until I was swelling and glimmering with the delight this story gives me. And when I had read the last word and closed the book, I sat still for a moment and said to myself: This is the part where I start screaming.
You know how sequels can be kinda scary, because if the first book was amazing, you worry that the second one might not measure up? Oh my god. I should have known that Rae Carson would blow my fears right out of the water. That screaming I was doing? It was tempered with grinning, because I loved this effing book, people!
Elisa encounters one disaster after another, and each one tests her further. Her grip of power over her kingdom is weakening, and it seems like the world is crumbling beneath her sometimes. She is surrounded by people who hold her up, people who want to tear her down, people who adore her, people who are out to kill her, and people she can’t seem to face for one reason or another. But that GIRL, she SURVIVES! And the Godstone helps her through. Never have I admired a deity the way I do the God in Elisa’s world. The power that thrums through her Godstone, guiding her, helping her, and healing her.
In The Girl of Fire and Thorns, Elisa grew into herself as a person. In The Crown of Embers, Elisa grows into a woman and into a real queen. I truly admire the amount of introspection and personal growth that surrounds the main character in this series. It feels so especially refreshing, so satisfying, so right. Rae Carson is an artful storyteller, and the way each and every piece and person is weaved through Elisa’s journey is incredible. I was a captive audience right up until the very end.
I think this is the first time I’ve rated a sequel higher than its predecessor. But, damn, this book was amazing. I can’t believe I have to wait so long for — *gulp* — The Bitter Kingdom. (How ominous does that sound? I’m squirming!)
[NOTE: I read this book as an ARC, borrowed from my sister, who receives many, many awesome things in her mailbox.]
You know how sequels can be kinda scary, because if the first book was amazing, you worry that the second one might not measure up? Oh my god. I should have known that Rae Carson would blow my fears right out of the water. That screaming I was doing? It was tempered with grinning, because I loved this effing book, people!
Elisa encounters one disaster after another, and each one tests her further. Her grip of power over her kingdom is weakening, and it seems like the world is crumbling beneath her sometimes. She is surrounded by people who hold her up, people who want to tear her down, people who adore her, people who are out to kill her, and people she can’t seem to face for one reason or another. But that GIRL, she SURVIVES! And the Godstone helps her through. Never have I admired a deity the way I do the God in Elisa’s world. The power that thrums through her Godstone, guiding her, helping her, and healing her.
In The Girl of Fire and Thorns, Elisa grew into herself as a person. In The Crown of Embers, Elisa grows into a woman and into a real queen. I truly admire the amount of introspection and personal growth that surrounds the main character in this series. It feels so especially refreshing, so satisfying, so right. Rae Carson is an artful storyteller, and the way each and every piece and person is weaved through Elisa’s journey is incredible. I was a captive audience right up until the very end.
I think this is the first time I’ve rated a sequel higher than its predecessor. But, damn, this book was amazing. I can’t believe I have to wait so long for — *gulp* — The Bitter Kingdom. (How ominous does that sound? I’m squirming!)
[NOTE: I read this book as an ARC, borrowed from my sister, who receives many, many awesome things in her mailbox.]
She does not know what awaits her at the enemy's gate
Elisa is a hero.
She led her people to victory over a terrifying, sorcerous army. Her place as the country's ruler should be secure. But it isn't.
Her enemies come at her like ghosts in a dream, from foreign realms and even from within her own court. And her destiny as the chosen one has not yet been fulfilled.
To conquer the power she bears, once and for all, Elisa must follow a trail of long forgotten--and forbidden--clues, from the deep, hidden catacombs of her own city to the treacherous seas. With her go a one-eyed spy, a traitor and the man whom--despite everything--she is falling in love with.
If she's lucky, she will return from this journey. But there will be a cost.
That ending though!!! AHHHHHH!!!! So many tears and, just WHY??
Quick recap: (if you haven't read [b:The Girl of Fire and Thorns|10429092|The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns, #1)|Rae Carson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1323448113s/10429092.jpg|13282366], DO SO!! Also, don't read this next bit--small spoilers) Joya d'Arena is kind of falling apart and Elisa is working hard to pull Brisadulce together after the attack by the Inviernos/animagi. Her kingdom has little money and the people are rioting. Her ruling is constantly being challenged/under mined by those around her and she's also struggling to figure out where she is in her journey as a bearer. On top of that, people are constantly trying to kill her. So yeah, it's difficult to say the least...
I liked that this time, we met some new characters and got to see some of the land(s) that Elisa calls home. Some of the settings are really fun while they are all intriguing and interesting.
I also loved the sarcasm/sass in these books! It is seriously awesome.
Possibilities race through my head. Should I look for a weapon? Dodge and come up behind his guard? Trip him? Insult his mother?Even while trying to learn how to defend herself, Elisa still has time to come up with witty comebacks.
"A quarterstaff is not very subtle," I say. "Or handy. If a kidnapper comes at me, what am I supposed to do? Say 'Excuse me, my lord, while I pull my enormous quarterstaff out of my bodice?'"
The character development this time around was awesome! I loved Elisa's development/change in the first one. But that was more physical than anything. This time around, she grows from the princess who was raised to be the Bearer of the Godstone (who was really kind of naive to be honest) into a queen who might still be learning things, but can hold her own as long as she trusts herself. Plus, she doesn't have to do it alone. She's got help from Ximena, Mara, Father Nicandro along with others both old and new. And of course Hector.
Speaking of Hector...WHY!!!!!!???? Why would you do this to us? GAH!! Ok, so this might not really be that much of a spoiler if you've read the series, or really, know anything at all about this series. But really, that ending!? WHY! But moving from the utterly horrible to the utterly frustrating...I seriously think Elisa and Hector belong together and I spent so much of the book rooting for them to get it through their heads that they belong together. I actually yelled YES the first time
Spoiler
they kissed. I was very excited about this, you have no ideaAnd then there's Ximena. To be honest, I've been wary of her since the beginning. Well, not the complete beginning, but definitely from the point where she stabbed a guy in the forest because he reached for Elisa. Everything Ximena has done has been to further Elisa's destiny as bearer and she hasn't really cared if Elisa liked it or not. I was kind of happy when Elisa sent her away. Although not too happy considering the situation, plus Ximena was the closest thing Elisa ever had to a mother. But still, I'm glad she's gone.
All in all, loved this book! So glad I've got The Bitter Kingdom on hand already so I don't have to wait for it. Can't wait to see Elisa kick some serious Invierno butt!
This one is a million times better than the first one. No silly comic ending and a lot more suspense. I happily give this one five stars.
Okay Wow. This book was amazing, even better than the first! I love Hector and Elisa it is beyond repair oh my gosh! I hated Ximena in this book but loved Mara, she was hilarious and amazing.
I was internally crying at the end and justtt uggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
(i dont know what else to say without spoilers so just read this book!!)
I was internally crying at the end and justtt uggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
(i dont know what else to say without spoilers so just read this book!!)
I literally just finished this book a minute ago. And now I'm just sitting here at my computer desk, in shock.
10 minutes later: Still trying to figure out a way to compile my whirling thoughts into some sort of semi-coherent review.
12 minutes later: Failing miserably
14: minutes later: ASdhjgkakldfskfsfssaf
14.28923734 minutes later: I need to go eat lunch.
*bolts upright*
Kay guys, food beckons. So this review is going to be a quickie one.
Rae Carson.
Holy cow, Rae Carson.
She did it. All my thoughts and feelings that were already starting to form and coalesce into distinguishable opinions on this series? All my preconceived judgment? I had seriously decided in my mind after I finished The Girl of Fire and Thorns that I would continue this series, but that I still probably wouldn't like it very much in the end.
Yeah, Rae Carson blew all of those things right out of the water, straight up into the sky.
Because while The Girl of Fire and Thorns may have been "meh" (at least for me), The Crown of Embers is, "AHDAKHLDAADKLADJHAASDASHKDL!" In a good way. I promise.
Things happen. Assassinations are attempted. Histories are expanded upon. Old characters come back. New character are introduced.
And there's just more . The Girl of Fire and Thorns really just gave us a tiny glimpse of how full and rich Elisa's world could really be.
And Elisa as a Queen is so much more likable than Elisa as a Princess, in all honesty. That girl rules. No pun intended. Her character development was incredible.
Oh and the political maneuvers? Seeing how hard it is to navigate the political maze an all—I loved it. Surprisingly. Spoiler Alodia's letter...I literally had to put the book down because oh my goodness, that was so good and unexpected but it made PERFECT SENSE. Ah.
Spoiler But am I the only one was just slightly, teensy-tiny bit, irritated with the Zafra quest? I just feel like there were other ways to get Elisa to the point where she realizes that she can rule a nation, independent of all other political or divine powers. Because if she's just going to reject the ultimate Godstone hub of power in the end...then what was the point?
Extremely excited to see how this trilogy goes, and cursing my library because there are 100 holds on The Bitter Kingdom. Ah, such is life.
3.75 Stars.
10 minutes later: Still trying to figure out a way to compile my whirling thoughts into some sort of semi-coherent review.
12 minutes later: Failing miserably
14: minutes later: ASdhjgkakldfskfsfssaf
14.28923734 minutes later: I need to go eat lunch.
*bolts upright*
Kay guys, food beckons. So this review is going to be a quickie one.
Rae Carson.
Holy cow, Rae Carson.
She did it. All my thoughts and feelings that were already starting to form and coalesce into distinguishable opinions on this series? All my preconceived judgment? I had seriously decided in my mind after I finished The Girl of Fire and Thorns that I would continue this series, but that I still probably wouldn't like it very much in the end.
Yeah, Rae Carson blew all of those things right out of the water, straight up into the sky.
Because while The Girl of Fire and Thorns may have been "meh" (at least for me), The Crown of Embers is, "AHDAKHLDAADKLADJHAASDASHKDL!" In a good way. I promise.
Things happen. Assassinations are attempted. Histories are expanded upon. Old characters come back. New character are introduced.
And there's just more . The Girl of Fire and Thorns really just gave us a tiny glimpse of how full and rich Elisa's world could really be.
And Elisa as a Queen is so much more likable than Elisa as a Princess, in all honesty. That girl rules. No pun intended. Her character development was incredible.
Oh and the political maneuvers? Seeing how hard it is to navigate the political maze an all—I loved it. Surprisingly. Spoiler Alodia's letter...I literally had to put the book down because oh my goodness, that was so good and unexpected but it made PERFECT SENSE. Ah.
Spoiler But am I the only one was just slightly, teensy-tiny bit, irritated with the Zafra quest? I just feel like there were other ways to get Elisa to the point where she realizes that she can rule a nation, independent of all other political or divine powers. Because if she's just going to reject the ultimate Godstone hub of power in the end...then what was the point?
Extremely excited to see how this trilogy goes, and cursing my library because there are 100 holds on The Bitter Kingdom. Ah, such is life.
3.75 Stars.
In the sequel to Girl of Fire and Thorns, Elisa learns that being queen comes with a price. Despite the fact that Elisa started the Malficio and almost singlehandedly destroyed the Invierne army invasion in Girl of Fire and Thorns, she is constantly questioned and undermined as queen. Her sovereignty feels less and less secure every day. Even worse, Elisa is young, female, an outsider and not married. It seems that everyone has an opinion about what she should do and how she should rule, and many just want to control her (or see her gone).
Top five reasons that it's not easy being queen.
1.) Elisa sacrifices her personal safety. As a queen and godstone bearer she is even more vulnerable. Multiple attempts are made on her life, and her personal guard is in a constant state of vigilance and stress.
2.) Elisa sacrifices her personal desires for the public good. She is being pressured to make an advantageous marriage match, in which love is not at all a factor. She is constantly watched, and cannot interact with her subjects, walk down the hallway or pray alone without the threat of attack.
3.) Elisa's decisions affect the welfare of her people (lots of pressure!). As queen, Elisa is fully responsible for the health of her nation, and every decision she makes comes with consequences, often in the form of the safety of others. She quickly realizes the heavy burden of sacrificing one for the good of all.
4.) Elisa has to work with people she doesn't like or trust. Being a sovereign means being a diplomat and constantly playing the game of politics. She has to work with traitors, and sometimes even the enemy, and must always stay one step ahead of the people she doesn't trust. If she lets her guard down or guesses wrong, it could mean death to her or another innocent person.
5.) Elisa learns that it is lonely at the top. Everyone wants Elisa for something. They flatter her because of what they can offer her. But what Elisa really wants to surround herself with people (or a good man) who care for her. She's constantly having to question people's motives. And the man part at least feels like an impossible dream.
But being queen isn't all bad. Elisa gets to take another exciting journey through her country that again teaches her how capable she is. This time, instead of heading into the desert to face camels and sand, she goes towards the coast and encounters ships and islands and the sea. Elisa also discovers that she does have people she can trust around her. I continue to love all the secondary characters in this series. Some have been with Elisa all along and some are new faces, but in this book she'll learn that traitors can be allies, and allies don't always have her best intentions in mind. She also discovers that there are people in her life that she can put her faith in, and that she should not disregard wise council.
Where I would describe the love story in Girl of Fire and Thorns as new and sweet, in Crown of Embers the tension is kicked up and the romance smolders. It sneaks up on Elisa throughout this book, but it also felt more mature and lasting. Elisa learns a lot about love and herself, especially the give and take required for a relationship. Although an equal relationship is complicated by the fact that Elisa is queen and sole sovereign, the moments that I thought had the highest swoon factor in this book, were when she and he were working together. They were wiser and stronger (and hotter) as a team. Although Elisa is a formidable force on her own, life is better and we are often more balanced when we have someone to share it with. I hope she gets a chance to experience that for herself.
As Elisa struggles to maintain her rule and continue to follow God's path for her life as a queen and godstone bearer, she must learn the difference between having power and being a good leader. She also learns about trust, love and forgiveness; when to hold on tight, and when it's time to let someone go. The end of Crown of Embers made me both very happy and very worried, but most of all I am excited to see what Elisa accomplishes in The Bitter Kingdom. She remains my favorite part of this series, and I continue to be amazed by her growth and strength. Thankfully there are only a few months to go until the final book releases.
Cliffhanger Scale: Medium
Love Triangle Factor: None
See this and other reviews on my blog Love is not a triangle
Top five reasons that it's not easy being queen.
1.) Elisa sacrifices her personal safety. As a queen and godstone bearer she is even more vulnerable. Multiple attempts are made on her life, and her personal guard is in a constant state of vigilance and stress.
2.) Elisa sacrifices her personal desires for the public good. She is being pressured to make an advantageous marriage match, in which love is not at all a factor. She is constantly watched, and cannot interact with her subjects, walk down the hallway or pray alone without the threat of attack.
3.) Elisa's decisions affect the welfare of her people (lots of pressure!). As queen, Elisa is fully responsible for the health of her nation, and every decision she makes comes with consequences, often in the form of the safety of others. She quickly realizes the heavy burden of sacrificing one for the good of all.
4.) Elisa has to work with people she doesn't like or trust. Being a sovereign means being a diplomat and constantly playing the game of politics. She has to work with traitors, and sometimes even the enemy, and must always stay one step ahead of the people she doesn't trust. If she lets her guard down or guesses wrong, it could mean death to her or another innocent person.
5.) Elisa learns that it is lonely at the top. Everyone wants Elisa for something. They flatter her because of what they can offer her. But what Elisa really wants to surround herself with people (or a good man) who care for her. She's constantly having to question people's motives. And the man part at least feels like an impossible dream.
But being queen isn't all bad. Elisa gets to take another exciting journey through her country that again teaches her how capable she is. This time, instead of heading into the desert to face camels and sand, she goes towards the coast and encounters ships and islands and the sea. Elisa also discovers that she does have people she can trust around her. I continue to love all the secondary characters in this series. Some have been with Elisa all along and some are new faces, but in this book she'll learn that traitors can be allies, and allies don't always have her best intentions in mind. She also discovers that there are people in her life that she can put her faith in, and that she should not disregard wise council.
Where I would describe the love story in Girl of Fire and Thorns as new and sweet, in Crown of Embers the tension is kicked up and the romance smolders. It sneaks up on Elisa throughout this book, but it also felt more mature and lasting. Elisa learns a lot about love and herself, especially the give and take required for a relationship. Although an equal relationship is complicated by the fact that Elisa is queen and sole sovereign, the moments that I thought had the highest swoon factor in this book, were when she and he were working together. They were wiser and stronger (and hotter) as a team. Although Elisa is a formidable force on her own, life is better and we are often more balanced when we have someone to share it with. I hope she gets a chance to experience that for herself.
As Elisa struggles to maintain her rule and continue to follow God's path for her life as a queen and godstone bearer, she must learn the difference between having power and being a good leader. She also learns about trust, love and forgiveness; when to hold on tight, and when it's time to let someone go. The end of Crown of Embers made me both very happy and very worried, but most of all I am excited to see what Elisa accomplishes in The Bitter Kingdom. She remains my favorite part of this series, and I continue to be amazed by her growth and strength. Thankfully there are only a few months to go until the final book releases.
Cliffhanger Scale: Medium
Love Triangle Factor: None
See this and other reviews on my blog Love is not a triangle