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lindih's review against another edition
4.0
What even happened??? I had zero expectations for this book. NONE. I went into this book thinking, “ugh, I need to get through my TBR, so let’s just read this and get it done,” and I honestly didn’t think I’d like it. Yes, the concept seemed intriguing, but my hopes were not high, solely because I wanted nothing more than to whittle down my TBR.
Ericen and Thia need to get together in the next book. I need this to happen or else I’ll riot. Screw Caylus; he may be nice and sweet and also has scars on his constantly shaking hands from a tortured past like Thia, but I’m convinced there’s more under the surface, especially with how he suddenly gained confidence and composure by the end. Honestly, Caylus, what’s that all about? Ericen is so great. He’s dark, mysterious, quick with sarcasm/retorts and sincerity, Thia’s enemy, and MAN does he look great fighting shirtless. I mean, come on, that alone beats nerdy Caylus.
Ericen’s hiding something, though. I understand that he has to follow his mother’s orders (because she’s the Illucian queen aka the Valix) and that all the other guards and Vykryn don’t like or respect him despite being the prince, but there’s something more that hasn’t been revealed yet. He literally told Thia in the beginning that she has no idea what’s really going on, and after everything that happens later in the book, I’m convinced we still don’t have a clear answer as to what he was indicating. There’s got to be more. There has to be!
Thia definitely overcame a lot in this book. After the prologue, she finds herself depressed, and how she overcomes it by finding a purpose and facing her fears was just wonderfully achieved. Her friendship with Kiva was nice, although Kiva’s side relationship with Auma felt awkward. Her budding relationship with Caylus felt appropriate I guess for her emotional mindset at the time, especially as she opened up to him about the crows, her country, and herself (but I think all that may backfire in book two). Her sister, Caliza, needs a hug, though; she’s shouldering way too much, even for a queen. Res is such an adorable little baby storm crow, and if any harm comes to him later on, I will riot; he’s too cute for words! Thia’s verbal sparring with Ericen, though, I believe had a greater impact on her well-being than I think she realizes. He drew out her anger and spark, making her feel again out of her depression. Wow, is it obvious how much I love Ericen? Who cares, though, because he’s honestly so thoughtful and caring; he just happens to be morally divided between duty/threats from his mother, Razel, and his growing attachment to Thia and wanting to leave his horrible life in Illucia behind. Ugggh he’s so adorably tortured.
Ericen and Thia need to get together in the next book. I need this to happen or else I’ll riot. Screw Caylus; he may be nice and sweet and also has scars on his constantly shaking hands from a tortured past like Thia, but I’m convinced there’s more under the surface, especially with how he suddenly gained confidence and composure by the end. Honestly, Caylus, what’s that all about? Ericen is so great. He’s dark, mysterious, quick with sarcasm/retorts and sincerity, Thia’s enemy, and MAN does he look great fighting shirtless. I mean, come on, that alone beats nerdy Caylus.
Ericen’s hiding something, though. I understand that he has to follow his mother’s orders (because she’s the Illucian queen aka the Valix) and that all the other guards and Vykryn don’t like or respect him despite being the prince, but there’s something more that hasn’t been revealed yet. He literally told Thia in the beginning that she has no idea what’s really going on, and after everything that happens later in the book, I’m convinced we still don’t have a clear answer as to what he was indicating. There’s got to be more. There has to be!
Thia definitely overcame a lot in this book. After the prologue, she finds herself depressed, and how she overcomes it by finding a purpose and facing her fears was just wonderfully achieved. Her friendship with Kiva was nice, although Kiva’s side relationship with Auma felt awkward. Her budding relationship with Caylus felt appropriate I guess for her emotional mindset at the time, especially as she opened up to him about the crows, her country, and herself (but I think all that may backfire in book two). Her sister, Caliza, needs a hug, though; she’s shouldering way too much, even for a queen. Res is such an adorable little baby storm crow, and if any harm comes to him later on, I will riot; he’s too cute for words! Thia’s verbal sparring with Ericen, though, I believe had a greater impact on her well-being than I think she realizes. He drew out her anger and spark, making her feel again out of her depression. Wow, is it obvious how much I love Ericen? Who cares, though, because he’s honestly so thoughtful and caring; he just happens to be morally divided between duty/threats from his mother, Razel, and his growing attachment to Thia and wanting to leave his horrible life in Illucia behind. Ugggh he’s so adorably tortured.
khaleesirose's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
lasagna12's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I really enjoyed the first half of this book. The rest felt rushed and boring. The characters were mostly bland. I would've enjoyed more developed characters and plot.
lvjysunday's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
simmi8's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
4.5/5
OMG I love this book so much! My only complaint is that I felt like it was slow at some moment ls but I can’t wait to read the second book and finish this crazy fun tale.
OMG I love this book so much! My only complaint is that I felt like it was slow at some moment ls but I can’t wait to read the second book and finish this crazy fun tale.