Reviews - Secrets of Isoria

71 reviews for:

Secrets of Isoria

Cristina Macari

3.68 AVERAGE

my_corner_of_the_library's review

4.5

adventurous dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

anikam07's review

4.0

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective 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

rach_reads109's review against another edition

3.5

adventurous mysterious 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

hayfieldhero's review

4.0

adventurous emotional 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

The further I read, the better it got.

I loved the hints and how it all pieces together at the end. I also enjoyed trying to guess as I went. I was right with a lot, but I still didn’t see the twist coming. I knew something was off about that character and that he (Not Alec) had something to do with the war, but I didn’t think he’d do that to Orion. She distracts us from worrying over him pretty well.

The writing style is extremely descriptive and scenery focused at times. The books is often more focused on the scenery than the plot or characters. That’s the only thing I can critique. But since I can’t visualize (meaning I have aphantasia), long, detailed descriptions of everything generally aren’t for me. Someone who can see in their mind would love this book and imagining the world of Isoria.

Wonderful character development and interesting character dynamics. I think figuring Alec out was my favorite. He seems mean or standoffish but is really a softie when you get to know him. Not even all that happens towards the end changes that for me.

And the enemies to lovers trope in this book was so fun to follow along with. They’re in denial, and it’s just so obvious from a reader’s perspective. I was like omg just shut up and kiss already. The dialogue between them was wonderful. If you like banter and sarcasm, this book delivers on that!

One of my favs: “If your needs involve hurting yourself, then you’re correct. I don’t care about what you think you need.”

Also the garden scene. *swoon*

I was so frustrated with Alec at the end even though I understood why he was doing it. Still rooting for them as a couple though.

Seriously can’t wait for book two!

chronicallybrenna's review against another edition

3.0

First I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy to review.
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I rated this book 3 stars. When reading my review take into account that I am 19 and I feel that the ideal audience for this book is kids 12-16. I think the premise of this book is fantastic- the secret hidden world full of sorcerers, the spy ring, the secrets the betrayal, her discovering it at 16 and having lots of power. But I think that too much stuff happened in this book. This book was so full of action and things were constantly happening that it was sometimes hard to keep up with and I wish things were more fleshed out and descriptive. Things just happened to fast I couldn’t keep up and there was no feeling of suspense. Orion was just thrust into a world of magic with lies and deceit everywhere and I wish those suspenseful moments would have been more played out. I wish more time was spent on the school and the spy aspect and also for Orion to actually learn and control her powers. Like I said too much happens and there wasn’t enough time to give everything the detail it deserved. I liked the main character and The side characters such as Banden and Julian but we barely know anything about them. There is never time in this book for Orion to also be with people and discover them- instead she’s just going from one action scene to another. The climax of this book fell flat for me because I just didn’t get enough time with the characters to connect with them or be surprised by the twist. I need to know more about Orion’s relationship with her mom, more about Banden, more about the friends and just everyone in general.

I know that paragraph seemed negative but I promise you this book has a super good premise and that is what kept me reading. I loved the magic and the idea behind Isoria in general. I think having 16 year old Orion discovering this world that has been hidden from her for her whole life was a great way to start this book. This way we get to discover things as Orion does. I like how Orion was especially gifted in air magic as I haven’t seen much of that in other books featuring elemental magic. I think the idea of Alec is fantastic and a great counter to Orion- I just wish we got to see more interaction with them at the beginning of the book and more actual scenes of them together.

For a debut book I think it’s a really good start to a series that has the potential to be great. I hope book 2 brings more insight to the world and relationships between characters and also grows on this idea of the Obsidian King as in this book he felt like more of a distant villain.

kaliishacole's review

4.0

Thank you to Cristina Macari for sending me a copy of your book!

This story is filled with twists and turns, confusing emotions, and betrayals. The relationships in this story have so many layers. Alec and Orion’s chemistry could not have anymore balance. Reading Secrets of Isoria is an unforgettable experience. I love the use of elemental magic and the descriptions were easily understandable. The conflict happening between the kingdom and the rebel group under Obsidian could have been further explored, but it seems like this will lead to a sequel and I’m sure my wish will be granted. Definitely check this out!