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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
I do love Grace Draven's writing, her prose is lovely.
This one didn't hit home so much, though. The story was sweet, the characters have depth, I loved the magic system... But meh. Hard to explain what was really wrong but the pace was a little too slow, the romance a little too tepid for most of the book, and Silhara did act like an ass initially. The backhanded compliments were just on this side of bitchy, to be honest :D
No feelings were spared that day.
The background to this story felt really dry, like the land around Neith - I kept picturing yellowed grass, heat haze, crows cawing (and, despite the title pointing to their significant role, they are actually not really important to the story). The sloooow pace certainly did not help shift this impression.
However, there were some great scenes (the visit to the lich's Keep, the visit to the market and the encounter with Martise's ex lover, and of course the HEA they deserve, to name a few), rich dialogues (with swoon-worthy lines), and splendid descriptions - which seem to be Grace Draven's trademark.
This one didn't hit home so much, though. The story was sweet, the characters have depth, I loved the magic system... But meh. Hard to explain what was really wrong but the pace was a little too slow, the romance a little too tepid for most of the book, and Silhara did act like an ass initially. The backhanded compliments were just on this side of bitchy, to be honest :D
"Tell me something, Martise." A leaf slapped him in the eye, and he ripped it off its twig with an irritated snap.
"How is it that a woman, blessed with a voice that could make a man come, sings badly enough to frighten the dead?"
No feelings were spared that day.
The background to this story felt really dry, like the land around Neith - I kept picturing yellowed grass, heat haze, crows cawing (and, despite the title pointing to their significant role, they are actually not really important to the story). The sloooow pace certainly did not help shift this impression.
However, there were some great scenes (the visit to the lich's Keep, the visit to the market and the encounter with Martise's ex lover, and of course the HEA they deserve, to name a few), rich dialogues (with swoon-worthy lines), and splendid descriptions - which seem to be Grace Draven's trademark.
"And will you love me for a day? A year? A lifetime?" She knew the answer but wanted to hear him say it in that beautiful, shattered voice.
"Beyond that," he whispered, eyes shining with the tempest of emotion he'd held in check until now. "Beyond the reign of false gods and meddlesome priests. Beyond al Zafira when her bright stars fade."
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
A fun and enjoyable fantasy with flowery writing, interesting characters and a beautiful ruined estate setting. However, I came for the romance, epicness and cool magic, and left starving.
Sadly, the events I was most interested in were glossed over in a couple of sentences (Martise's first days in Neith and her training, their return from the lich’s Keep, etc), while the events I didn't care about got entire chapters (the Kurman tribe).
The romance fell flat for me, mainly because of the mentioned above. I wish Martise and Silhara had more small, subtle romantic moments leading to the big thing.
The world-building was also lacking. The soul-stone thingy was never explained, and it's unknown why Silhara is titled Master of Crows and not Master of Oranges, because he didn't have any mastery over the crows whatsoever.
While I'm satisfied with the ending, it felt rushed, the main action happened in like 5 seconds and that was it.
But overall, the book kept me entertained, and I’ll definitely check out the author’s other works.
Sadly, the events I was most interested in were glossed over in a couple of sentences (Martise's first days in Neith and her training, their return from the lich’s Keep, etc), while the events I didn't care about got entire chapters (the Kurman tribe).
The romance fell flat for me, mainly because of the mentioned above. I wish Martise and Silhara had more small, subtle romantic moments leading to the big thing.
The world-building was also lacking. The soul-stone thingy was never explained, and it's unknown why Silhara is titled Master of Crows and not Master of Oranges, because he didn't have any mastery over the crows whatsoever.
While I'm satisfied with the ending, it felt rushed, the main action happened in like 5 seconds and that was it.
But overall, the book kept me entertained, and I’ll definitely check out the author’s other works.
I found this story so satisfyingly romantic. The MCs aren't really attractive, or perfect in any way. They both have had a difficult past and yet when they meet, instead of seeing their similarities, they thoroughly dislike each other. Martise is a spy under duress from her master who holds a piece of her soul captive to ensure her obedience. Her master hates Silhara and seeks information that will help him bring about Silhara's ignominious end. Silhara, the Master of Crows, has many secrets, the worst of which is the fact that Corruption, the evil God, is bent on using him to take over the world. It's all fantasy using pseudo medieval European and Arabic settings and peoples. Magic and those (The Conclave) who wield it, are the leaders of the pseudo European part of the land. There are secrets aplenty and each character, no matter how small a role they play, is lovingly defined by the author.
The romance between Martise and Silhara is slow and difficult, yet magical. The story had more layers than I expected, and although somewhat predictable, it was often surprisingly not.
You truly see the transformation in Silhara's eyes of Martise from a mousy plain woman to a desirable siren. The banter between them often witty and never boring. The ending was perfect!
Definitely and author I would read again!
The romance between Martise and Silhara is slow and difficult, yet magical. The story had more layers than I expected, and although somewhat predictable, it was often surprisingly not.
You truly see the transformation in Silhara's eyes of Martise from a mousy plain woman to a desirable siren. The banter between them often witty and never boring. The ending was perfect!
Definitely and author I would read again!
Mah heart!
4.5⭐️ This was 3rd Draven book after Radiance and Entreat Me and I think this one and Radiance hold the top spot for different reasons. Maybe the spiciest? That one probs goes to Entreat Me tho. This is the only one of the 3 that had a fully developed plot I was invested in and side characters that were a treat to read. FMC had a quiet strength but bolder than Radiance FMC. I loved the broody tortured MMC and his backstory, just made everything come together. Can’t wait for the short story trio after this because I need just a smidge more of these characters
4.5⭐️ This was 3rd Draven book after Radiance and Entreat Me and I think this one and Radiance hold the top spot for different reasons. Maybe the spiciest? That one probs goes to Entreat Me tho. This is the only one of the 3 that had a fully developed plot I was invested in and side characters that were a treat to read. FMC had a quiet strength but bolder than Radiance FMC. I loved the broody tortured MMC and his backstory, just made everything come together. Can’t wait for the short story trio after this because I need just a smidge more of these characters
I good book, but it didn't necessarily grab my attention. Maybe because it's on the shorter side, but I couldn't really connect to the characters. I specifically had my problems with Silhara as a leading man because he came off like a jerk most of the time. That doesn't always bother me in books, but here it kind of did.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix