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sarahp85's review
3.0
For some reasons I just couldn't get into this... the story itself isn't bad, I just didn't connect to any of the characters
joanna1905's review against another edition
3.0
This is a pretty decent read. It's hard to actually rate this book because there's nothing really wrong with it that made me dislike it but there's nothing that really hooked me in either.
I think the premise is really cool, as are the character dynamics. I think perhaps the reason I didn't LOVE this book is that I prefer character-driven books - with a good dose of world-building to keep it exciting.
This books strength is definitely in the detail of the world, and the scent lore. Particularly for a debut novel, but I think the relationships could have been explored and developed a bit more.
All in all, while I have mixed feelings about this book I think the ending was really well done and I am intrigued to see what happens next in book two.
I think the premise is really cool, as are the character dynamics. I think perhaps the reason I didn't LOVE this book is that I prefer character-driven books - with a good dose of world-building to keep it exciting.
This books strength is definitely in the detail of the world, and the scent lore. Particularly for a debut novel, but I think the relationships could have been explored and developed a bit more.
All in all, while I have mixed feelings about this book I think the ending was really well done and I am intrigued to see what happens next in book two.
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
3.0
I put this book down about half an hour ago and I still don't know what to do with the rating and what to write down in this review. Could it be that I've simply read this book at the wrong moment? Could it be that my current mood is the issue here? Could it be that if I re-read this book in another a few months or years my opinion would change? I don't know.
The book has a lot of ingredients I really like: It has a rich world built on the solid foundation of mythology and political systems. It doesn't waste pages and pages on introductions but throws us right into the story to slowly figure out who's who and what's going on. The characters are layered and intelligent, which leads to a plot that follows a logical course and comes full circle on loads of individual elements. The finale is spectaculair and action packed and everything beautifully comes together.
And yet...I don't feel it. I simply don't feel it. There is no connection between me and the characters. I wasn't impressed by the wonderful world crafted. I never felt invested or excited. I didn't care what would happen to the characters and those few moments they showed some emotion I just didn't feel anything. And that's a truly weird experience. Because feeling something, falling in love and being invested, that's the core of reading for me.
So, even though the individual elements of the story were good, it just didn't do anything for me. It could very well be that it's not the book, but me.
The book has a lot of ingredients I really like: It has a rich world built on the solid foundation of mythology and political systems. It doesn't waste pages and pages on introductions but throws us right into the story to slowly figure out who's who and what's going on. The characters are layered and intelligent, which leads to a plot that follows a logical course and comes full circle on loads of individual elements. The finale is spectaculair and action packed and everything beautifully comes together.
And yet...I don't feel it. I simply don't feel it. There is no connection between me and the characters. I wasn't impressed by the wonderful world crafted. I never felt invested or excited. I didn't care what would happen to the characters and those few moments they showed some emotion I just didn't feel anything. And that's a truly weird experience. Because feeling something, falling in love and being invested, that's the core of reading for me.
So, even though the individual elements of the story were good, it just didn't do anything for me. It could very well be that it's not the book, but me.
mairi_curly's review
adventurous
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? It's complicated
3.5
thepaige_turner's review
4.0
Good. Really good. A good fantasy adventure and great start to a series (with a cliffhanger ending ugh).
Check out my full review (and giveaway!) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQcYXW7neQ0
Check out my full review (and giveaway!) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQcYXW7neQ0
vikaroni's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
girlglitch's review
4.0
If you're not a fantasy fan, The Darkest Bloom may not be the book for you. The world-building is so detailed, and the mythology so complex, that the first few chapters are almost entirely overwhelming. It's probably the only book I've ever wished had more exposition.
But once I found my bearings, the world of Shadowscent swept me away. There are lots of original elements to this fantasy, and plenty of twists and turns to the familiar ingredients-quest storyline. Rakel and Ash make great protagonists, each bringing a distinctive voice to the dual narrative, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop.
I can't wait to see where that cliffhanger ending takes us in the sequel!
But once I found my bearings, the world of Shadowscent swept me away. There are lots of original elements to this fantasy, and plenty of twists and turns to the familiar ingredients-quest storyline. Rakel and Ash make great protagonists, each bringing a distinctive voice to the dual narrative, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop.
I can't wait to see where that cliffhanger ending takes us in the sequel!
the_only_bunny's review against another edition
4.0
When i started this book it almost felt like the author's mind was in different places but few chapters into the story, i was slowly beginning to understand the structure and the environment. The cliffhanger was shit, ngl, so idek if i wud pick the second book up. The book is not bad, its just that i had a reading slump and maybe that's why I couldn't completely concentrate but i did force myself and i enjoyed learning about the mixtures of scents.