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thelilbulldozer's review against another edition
3.0
*a spoiler-free rant review*
I have problems with this book. I wanted to love this book and be blown away, but I wasn't. The characters are shells, the plot is flimsy, and the fight scenes are absolutely horrendous! When Zora needs to learn how to ride a horse, the author just skips over it and jumps to the next competition and it doesn't work! For a fantasy story, you need to SHOW these things and NOT just TELL, but that's pretty much all the author does.
The end of this book was completely lackluster because the villain of the story, doesn't become the villain until 90% into the story and this is only because of something Zora says (and I honestly don't know if that was why, because it's never explained.)
I found myself rereading fight scenes, or just action scenes in general, many times because how they were written was just bad and confusing, and as someone who lives and breathes action, it... it just doesn't work. The characters weren't good and the relationship was even worse!
The author is trying to make a convincing hater to lovers, but this book is 238 pages, and she has to have the characters meet, create a reason why they would hate each other, have them become friends, and then lovers. AND SHE DOESN'T DO THAT! By then end, Zora and Griffin are kissing and I don't even know! THERE IS NOTHING BETWEEN THEM! AT ALL. THEIR RELATIONSHIP DOESN'T WORK.
I got annoyed at Zora because she would just ignore red flags. She cheated, not only to get into the games but also DURING the games. AND FOR THE FINAL GAME she almost killed someone with her cheating! She was so wishy-washy when it came to friends, she never trusted anyone, which I can understand when someone tried to assassinate you (but that assassin can't even be called an assassin because they couldn't fight worth anything!) but then people incriminate themselves to Zora and she's just like: "Yeah, they must think I'm jealous. Which I'm not! Pshhh!!"
The middle prince (whose name I have completely forgotten but started with an L) what was his point? Especially at the end. And Kiran, what. WHAT. WHY. Kiran is just a bad character all around. Not because of his traits, but because he wasn't developed at all, and nothing he says makes sense.
The dialogue in this story felt so out of place, and the words they would say were so confusing with the context of what they were doing in that scene.
I don't even know how to review this book because I have so many problems with it. Overall, it was MEH, nothing fancy, nothing to special, just a short fantasy book and a quick read! I don't think I'll try any other books by this author because of her writing in this book, and the fact that the fight scenes... THE FIGHT SCENES ARE HORRIBLE!!! AND I WILL NOT LET IT GO!
But I do want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an e-arc of this book. Even with all its flaws, it was still entertaining.
I have problems with this book. I wanted to love this book and be blown away, but I wasn't. The characters are shells, the plot is flimsy, and the fight scenes are absolutely horrendous! When Zora needs to learn how to ride a horse, the author just skips over it and jumps to the next competition and it doesn't work! For a fantasy story, you need to SHOW these things and NOT just TELL, but that's pretty much all the author does.
The end of this book was completely lackluster because the villain of the story, doesn't become the villain until 90% into the story and this is only because of something Zora says (and I honestly don't know if that was why, because it's never explained.)
I found myself rereading fight scenes, or just action scenes in general, many times because how they were written was just bad and confusing, and as someone who lives and breathes action, it... it just doesn't work. The characters weren't good and the relationship was even worse!
The author is trying to make a convincing hater to lovers, but this book is 238 pages, and she has to have the characters meet, create a reason why they would hate each other, have them become friends, and then lovers. AND SHE DOESN'T DO THAT! By then end, Zora and Griffin are kissing and I don't even know! THERE IS NOTHING BETWEEN THEM! AT ALL. THEIR RELATIONSHIP DOESN'T WORK.
I got annoyed at Zora because she would just ignore red flags. She cheated, not only to get into the games but also DURING the games. AND FOR THE FINAL GAME she almost killed someone with her cheating! She was so wishy-washy when it came to friends, she never trusted anyone, which I can understand when someone tried to assassinate you (but that assassin can't even be called an assassin because they couldn't fight worth anything!) but then people incriminate themselves to Zora and she's just like: "Yeah, they must think I'm jealous. Which I'm not! Pshhh!!"
The middle prince (whose name I have completely forgotten but started with an L) what was his point? Especially at the end. And Kiran, what. WHAT. WHY. Kiran is just a bad character all around. Not because of his traits, but because he wasn't developed at all, and nothing he says makes sense.
The dialogue in this story felt so out of place, and the words they would say were so confusing with the context of what they were doing in that scene.
I don't even know how to review this book because I have so many problems with it. Overall, it was MEH, nothing fancy, nothing to special, just a short fantasy book and a quick read! I don't think I'll try any other books by this author because of her writing in this book, and the fact that the fight scenes... THE FIGHT SCENES ARE HORRIBLE!!! AND I WILL NOT LET IT GO!
But I do want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an e-arc of this book. Even with all its flaws, it was still entertaining.
sweetreads111's review against another edition
1.0
”Some might say she’d snapped. Nope. She had awoken. And seen the light.”
writing:
this book would be better if there was a single sentence that was more than 10 words.
there’s a lot of info dumping. this normally wouldn’t have been a big deal if i was 8 years old. but since im not, its like treading through mud.
not to mention, the overall writing was stilted and sort of clumpy, if you catch my drift.
it’s hard to read, and even harder to skim.
characters:
the fmc, zora really has no interesting features.
-she’s 17.
-she teaches little kids.
-she defeated 4 shadow wolves.
-she can read.
-her dad is the vally representative.
-she has never ridden or has ever been near a horse before.
none of that sounds very special. in fact, she sounds very privileged in terms of fantasy world building.
the book even says it itself:
”Zora was a decent fighter, but not the best, fastest, or strongest. Still, she had her mind.”
that means literally nothing in this cliched genre of ya fantasy.
let’s not mention that two seconds into meeting larzen (a prince and someone who she needs to hide her crime from) finds out that she cheated her way in.
“‘Interesting.’ He raised his eyebrows. ‘And you wouldn’t have anything to do with this mysterious, sudden, illness?’”
you have to be painfully bad at lying or they have to be really smart for someone to find out about your secret frame one after meeting you.
on the other hand you have griffin:
zora: *walks into the library bc she can*
griffin: *leaning against a door* i take it you can read?
zora: well…why else would i be here?
griffin: blah blah, follow me. blah blah. *locks her in a research room*
zora: i hate you!!
YOU HAVE TO BE STUPID TO ASK THAT QUESTION.
then the next time in the library to zora and a random dude weirdly chilling and chatting about poetry and books…
and then there’s kiran dancing with zora. WHICH BROTHER IS SHE SUPPOSED TO FALL IN LOVE WITH?!
bottom line: this is a poor man’s copy of throne of glass.
if only i could share all my hilarious annotations
champagne_reads's review against another edition
4.0
I was gifted ARC of this book on Netgalley.
Publication date: October 15th, 2020
Publisher: Sparkly Wave
Page count: 256
.
'She knew that part of her was being petty and revengeful like a villain. But villains got away with a lot of stuff.'
.
Characters: 9/10
Atmosphere/World Building: 10/10
Writing style: 10/10
Plot: 9/10
Relationships: 8/10
Enjoyment: 10/10
Overall: 5⭐ (9.33)
.
'Color rose to Zora’s cheek and then what had been a silly joke brought him some satisfaction and a smile. Perhaps just realizing that he affected her that way. She still glared at him, but there was something else there, too. And she was enchanting.'
.
In The Cup and The Prince we follow Zora, who cheated her way into the competition. Why? Because she wanted to prove her ex, who cheated on her, that she can be a hero. When she gets there she has to face a lot of problems. One prince wants her out of competition, the other wants her as his pawn and someone wants to kill her.
.
'Zora had always wanted to be a hero. Honorable, selfless, brave. She used to think that with enough hope and belief, everything was possible.'
.
Our main protagonists are Zora and Griffin. Zora is really an awesome character. She is so fierce and kinda morally grey. On the other hand, Griffin is a prince. I found his personality very weird (he had his reasons tho).To be honest, I don't even know how to describe it. Larzen was very interesting character, but we didn't get enough of him. My 'problem' with characters is that we don't get to explore their personality enough. I really hope we get to see more of them in the sequel!
.
“Beautiful are the birds in the field, the sky in the morning, the flowers we step on. Beauty is unreachable. And yet superficial. And yet I— I feel there’s more beauty. Beauty inside. And that’s what I mean to find. If only you let me try.”
.
I really loved the world the author build! The parts about The Dark Valley were so interesting to read about. Can't wait to get to learn more about it!
.
"Focus too much on the enemy, and you’ll lose sight of your own path.”
.
I loved the writing style! It was so atmospheric and beautiful. The descriptions were amazing. I really want to read more of Day Leiato's books now!
.
"Some books talked about it being used by teen girls wondering if they were loved. Griffin had always thought that was more than stupid. You should know if someone loved you, right?"
.
Even though there are common tropes, plot still had something unique about it. I was hooked from chapter one. If you are looking for fast paced, adventurous book with amazing plot twists, this is definitely a book for you! And that ending...
.
"Even smart people sometimes fall into traps. Of course you can say: I know it’s a trap and I won’t get caught, but maybe the best solution is to stay away from the trap. It catches you unaware, Zora."
.
Honestly, I felt like relationships were a bit undeveloped and rushed. I was expecting romance to go in completely different way, but it didn't and I liked it. One of my favorite things was relationship between Zora and her students. Protagonist usually aren't teachers, so this felt so unique.
.
“Things are not as simple. It’s about creating confusion. There are other pieces on the board. You can’t judge the game based on a pawn’s movement.”
.
Overall, this has been one amazing book. I really enjoyed most of it and I am very excited to continue with the series!
Edit:Lowered to 4 stars
Publication date: October 15th, 2020
Publisher: Sparkly Wave
Page count: 256
.
'She knew that part of her was being petty and revengeful like a villain. But villains got away with a lot of stuff.'
.
Characters: 9/10
Atmosphere/World Building: 10/10
Writing style: 10/10
Plot: 9/10
Relationships: 8/10
Enjoyment: 10/10
Overall: 5⭐ (9.33)
.
'Color rose to Zora’s cheek and then what had been a silly joke brought him some satisfaction and a smile. Perhaps just realizing that he affected her that way. She still glared at him, but there was something else there, too. And she was enchanting.'
.
In The Cup and The Prince we follow Zora, who cheated her way into the competition. Why? Because she wanted to prove her ex, who cheated on her, that she can be a hero. When she gets there she has to face a lot of problems. One prince wants her out of competition, the other wants her as his pawn and someone wants to kill her.
.
'Zora had always wanted to be a hero. Honorable, selfless, brave. She used to think that with enough hope and belief, everything was possible.'
.
Our main protagonists are Zora and Griffin. Zora is really an awesome character. She is so fierce and kinda morally grey. On the other hand, Griffin is a prince. I found his personality very weird (he had his reasons tho).To be honest, I don't even know how to describe it. Larzen was very interesting character, but we didn't get enough of him. My 'problem' with characters is that we don't get to explore their personality enough. I really hope we get to see more of them in the sequel!
.
“Beautiful are the birds in the field, the sky in the morning, the flowers we step on. Beauty is unreachable. And yet superficial. And yet I— I feel there’s more beauty. Beauty inside. And that’s what I mean to find. If only you let me try.”
.
I really loved the world the author build! The parts about The Dark Valley were so interesting to read about. Can't wait to get to learn more about it!
.
"Focus too much on the enemy, and you’ll lose sight of your own path.”
.
I loved the writing style! It was so atmospheric and beautiful. The descriptions were amazing. I really want to read more of Day Leiato's books now!
.
"Some books talked about it being used by teen girls wondering if they were loved. Griffin had always thought that was more than stupid. You should know if someone loved you, right?"
.
Even though there are common tropes, plot still had something unique about it. I was hooked from chapter one. If you are looking for fast paced, adventurous book with amazing plot twists, this is definitely a book for you! And that ending...
.
"Even smart people sometimes fall into traps. Of course you can say: I know it’s a trap and I won’t get caught, but maybe the best solution is to stay away from the trap. It catches you unaware, Zora."
.
Honestly, I felt like relationships were a bit undeveloped and rushed. I was expecting romance to go in completely different way, but it didn't and I liked it. One of my favorite things was relationship between Zora and her students. Protagonist usually aren't teachers, so this felt so unique.
.
“Things are not as simple. It’s about creating confusion. There are other pieces on the board. You can’t judge the game based on a pawn’s movement.”
.
Overall, this has been one amazing book. I really enjoyed most of it and I am very excited to continue with the series!
Edit:Lowered to 4 stars
bookishlifetime's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars and only because of the last 15%
It all felt so rushed and I think it could have developed better in this book
It all felt so rushed and I think it could have developed better in this book
nite0wl29's review against another edition
5.0
Holy crap this was good!!! I wound up binging this book in a day and to say I enjoyed it would be an understatement. The premises is so unique and intriguing you can’t help not wanting to put it down.
And Zora, goodness, I ADORED her character and the struggles she goes through as a woman in a society that holds such poor regards to women makes her one of the most relatable heroines I’ve read so far. Now that I have a massive book hangover after that cliffhanger ending, I’m eagerly awaiting the next book!!
And Zora, goodness, I ADORED her character and the struggles she goes through as a woman in a society that holds such poor regards to women makes her one of the most relatable heroines I’ve read so far. Now that I have a massive book hangover after that cliffhanger ending, I’m eagerly awaiting the next book!!
haileydonna's review against another edition
3.0
The Cup and the Prince was a fun introduction to a YA fantasy series.
Zora has spent her entire life in the isolated Dark Valley, where every day is a fight for survival against the shadow creatures. Fierce, determined and completely done with the manipulations of men, Zora sneaks into a potentially competition for the Blood Cup held in the Kingdom of Gravel. Drawn into a whole new world of political manoeuvring and dark magic, Zora must overcome all the obstacles set in her path so that she may earn victory not only for herself but for everyone in the Dark Valley.
I haven't read any YA fantasy in quite some time, so this was a fun book for me. I enjoyed the world building and all the seeds that were planted for the continuation of the story in the rest of the series. Some of the side characters felt a bit flat, but Zora and Griffin were both well written and very enjoyable.
I will say that the book could have benefited from a bit more copy editing and the writing could have been more polished. However, to the author's credit, she is writing/publishing her books without the aid of a large publishing company and all that entails, so I tip my hat to her accomplishment.
There was quite a bit left unresolved at the end of the book, but I imagine those plot threads will play a larger role in later books. I'm eager to know more about the history of the Dark Valley, the creation of the shadow creatures, and the nature of Griffin's dark secret.
This book was a solid start to an entertaining YA series and made an enjoyable summer read. Many thanks to the author, Day Leitao, for providing a copy of this book for review.
Zora has spent her entire life in the isolated Dark Valley, where every day is a fight for survival against the shadow creatures. Fierce, determined and completely done with the manipulations of men, Zora sneaks into a potentially competition for the Blood Cup held in the Kingdom of Gravel. Drawn into a whole new world of political manoeuvring and dark magic, Zora must overcome all the obstacles set in her path so that she may earn victory not only for herself but for everyone in the Dark Valley.
I haven't read any YA fantasy in quite some time, so this was a fun book for me. I enjoyed the world building and all the seeds that were planted for the continuation of the story in the rest of the series. Some of the side characters felt a bit flat, but Zora and Griffin were both well written and very enjoyable.
I will say that the book could have benefited from a bit more copy editing and the writing could have been more polished. However, to the author's credit, she is writing/publishing her books without the aid of a large publishing company and all that entails, so I tip my hat to her accomplishment.
There was quite a bit left unresolved at the end of the book, but I imagine those plot threads will play a larger role in later books. I'm eager to know more about the history of the Dark Valley, the creation of the shadow creatures, and the nature of Griffin's dark secret.
This book was a solid start to an entertaining YA series and made an enjoyable summer read. Many thanks to the author, Day Leitao, for providing a copy of this book for review.
v_fill's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
bhartinikita's review against another edition
4.0
The first installment of the series , this story revolves around Zoya, a kickass character, who cheats her way into the Royal Games at the palace because her boyfriend demeans her femininity.
In a male dominated kingdom, Zora isn't appreciated much as a champion until she shows her true worth to her competitors. And this leads to forging new friendships and animosities.
An extremely quick read, this was at times entertaining, but also at times quite predictable. I liked the character Zoya, but there wasn't much characterization for the other characters in the book, specially the Prince who is one of the other main characters, which was a bit off putting.
Quite a few things were happening in the book that didn't have much explanation, and it eventually ended in a cliffhanger.
In a male dominated kingdom, Zora isn't appreciated much as a champion until she shows her true worth to her competitors. And this leads to forging new friendships and animosities.
An extremely quick read, this was at times entertaining, but also at times quite predictable. I liked the character Zoya, but there wasn't much characterization for the other characters in the book, specially the Prince who is one of the other main characters, which was a bit off putting.
Quite a few things were happening in the book that didn't have much explanation, and it eventually ended in a cliffhanger.
aelynreads's review against another edition
2.0
I was quite disappointed by this book. The premise is interesting, but the delivery felt unfinished and awkward. Although there is a bit of mystery in the plot, it's intrigue was completely ruined by the obvious way in which it was presented. The whole story lacked depth as there is very little world building and the characters are under-developed. None of the characters stood out at all - I can barely say anything about them; they just didn't have any personality. One of my main issues is that there is no closure at the end of the story. I appreciate that the author wanted to end on a cliffhanger, but the book feels incomplete and unsatisfying.
If you're looking for something similar to this book with a fierce female fighter, a prince, magic, mystery and betrayal, I would recommend the Steel and Fire series by Jordan Rivet instead.
If you're looking for something similar to this book with a fierce female fighter, a prince, magic, mystery and betrayal, I would recommend the Steel and Fire series by Jordan Rivet instead.
intheend's review against another edition
3.0
I love how Zora won the boulder challenge, she was brave and creative. Griffin was played by everyone it seemed like. The ending is a cliffhanger and I’m wondering what’s going to happen next.