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charlie_smiles's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
4.0
kelcaro1's review against another edition
3.0
DNF @ 257 pages, I do not think I am a fan of fantasy romances anymore. Any discussion of feeling between the two characters made me angry.
zepeng's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 stars
We love representation! I'm slowly trying to diversify my books to include more fantasy reads from various cultures and this is an excellent choice. It has a nice balance of introducing the culture to newbies, while also staying true to its roots (not sure, but no one is complaining as far as I know). The magic system is a good side plot, though I wish it can be explored further. I also like how the most mundane stuff, like hair care 101 is included in this book. It really provides a better perspective to understand other cultures.
To sum up this book, it's unproblematic. Everything is fine, think of it as hunger games with magic and there you have it. The plot is not very predictable per se but it does follow the typical YA fantasy route. Honestly, for a debut novel, I think the author has done an excellent job.
Character wise, I am particularly captivated by the soft MC at the beginning. It's not common to have the male character as the POV, especially one as soft as Malik. He is the unconventional male MC and I think most readers can identity with him. However, I feel like the characterization in the book falls a bit flat on me. I feel like the author only picks one defining trait for the characters and it is stuck throughout the book. Every action and thought process only revolves around that trait, which slowly becomes predictable and boring because it is overwritten.
The middle part is a bit too drag-y for my personal preference. There is this supposed cliffhanger that can be executed better by taking away some chapters. In essence, I think the whole flow would be better if it is more concise and packed.
Overall, a very successful debut! I'm not too sure if I will pick up the next book but chances are very high. An enjoyable read.
We love representation! I'm slowly trying to diversify my books to include more fantasy reads from various cultures and this is an excellent choice. It has a nice balance of introducing the culture to newbies, while also staying true to its roots (not sure, but no one is complaining as far as I know). The magic system is a good side plot, though I wish it can be explored further. I also like how the most mundane stuff, like hair care 101 is included in this book. It really provides a better perspective to understand other cultures.
To sum up this book, it's unproblematic. Everything is fine, think of it as hunger games with magic and there you have it. The plot is not very predictable per se but it does follow the typical YA fantasy route. Honestly, for a debut novel, I think the author has done an excellent job.
Character wise, I am particularly captivated by the soft MC at the beginning. It's not common to have the male character as the POV, especially one as soft as Malik. He is the unconventional male MC and I think most readers can identity with him. However, I feel like the characterization in the book falls a bit flat on me. I feel like the author only picks one defining trait for the characters and it is stuck throughout the book. Every action and thought process only revolves around that trait, which slowly becomes predictable and boring because it is overwritten.
The middle part is a bit too drag-y for my personal preference. There is this supposed cliffhanger that can be executed better by taking away some chapters. In essence, I think the whole flow would be better if it is more concise and packed.
Overall, a very successful debut! I'm not too sure if I will pick up the next book but chances are very high. An enjoyable read.
lindsaybethlyons's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Im excited to read book 2!
bootrat's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.0
I wish I'd DNFd this, and I definitely won't be reading the sequel. Just very meh, and failed at everything it tried to do.
alychee's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
it was so good i need the second book asap
(also the audiobook is a banger the narrators slayed especially jordan cobb ma'am the emotions ?? she portrayed karina like the queen she is i had so much fun)
(also the audiobook is a banger the narrators slayed especially jordan cobb ma'am the emotions ?? she portrayed karina like the queen she is i had so much fun)
karandipity's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
4.5
carinabr05's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
emilyclaire007's review against another edition
5.0
The world and magic and stunningly built. Roseanne A. Brown managed to weave a world with complicated beliefs, magics systems and histories, and never lets you feel overwhelmed by either not giving enough info or giving too much.
The characters were also incredibly well drawn, and you could see and understand what they were doing, even when you disagreed with them. At times you were simultaneously scared for them to succeed and to fail, and you rode the highs and lows alongside them. Both Karina and Malik have such wonderful unique voices, perspectives and personalities, and the dual narration was a real treat.
I flew through this book, with my heart in my throat the entire way, no idea what I was hoping for, for anyone. I will be picking up and reading the next one in the series the second it's available.
The characters were also incredibly well drawn, and you could see and understand what they were doing, even when you disagreed with them. At times you were simultaneously scared for them to succeed and to fail, and you rode the highs and lows alongside them. Both Karina and Malik have such wonderful unique voices, perspectives and personalities, and the dual narration was a real treat.
I flew through this book, with my heart in my throat the entire way, no idea what I was hoping for, for anyone. I will be picking up and reading the next one in the series the second it's available.