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3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
theannotatingbabe's review
4.0
HUGE HUGE Thank you to @bookofmatchesmedia and @authordaniela.a.mera for sending me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was completely sucked into the world and the culture of The Gilded Survivor from page one. Though there were a few parts that were a bit slow, I constantly stayed in a “what happens next” frame of mind so they didn’t bother me too much. The magic system was a bit new and was unique but easy to follow. I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately so the enemies to lovers and forced proximity was excellent. A few grammar errors that brought me out of the story, but please keep in mind I had an advance uncorrected copy of the book.
I was completely sucked into the world and the culture of The Gilded Survivor from page one. Though there were a few parts that were a bit slow, I constantly stayed in a “what happens next” frame of mind so they didn’t bother me too much. The magic system was a bit new and was unique but easy to follow. I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately so the enemies to lovers and forced proximity was excellent. A few grammar errors that brought me out of the story, but please keep in mind I had an advance uncorrected copy of the book.
shereads_theworld's review
2.0
I just couldn't get into this one. There was no connection with the characters, and it felt like there should have been a little more world building. The FMC cried a lot, and it felt like every page she was actively weeping
briiiiib's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
samgroat's review
4.0
Thank you Daniela for providing me with an advanced reader copy of your book! The opinions I share below are given voluntarily.
3.75 ⭐️
The Gilded Survivor is an Urban Fantasy, set in a Spanish speaking location. There is consistent use of Spanish dialogue, which about 70% of the time is not an issue as you are able to understand what is being said either through context clues or the FMC rephrasing the quote in english. There is also a Spanish glossary at the end of the book. While the Spanish language does provide a level of depth and culture to the characters and their society I did find it took me out of the story a little at times, not being familiar with things. However that is such a minor, personal issue!
The "magic" system is rather unique here - you are given enough information to have a general understanding but I feel you are still left with questions by the end to keep you searching for answers.
Our MMC is the perfect blend of grumpy mystery and protective when he has to be. His backstory probably intrigues me the most and I can't wait to learn more about him through the next book.
The side characters of this story are really compelling - the author has done a really good job of giving them fascinating story arcs or personality traits that give a reprieve to the FMC carrying the story.
Our FMC... I'll admit I was quite frustrated with her throughout this book. I imagine it was a narrative choice but there were times where she would act out like a child and I found that super disengaging because I wanted to shake her and say "DONT DO THAT". However I enjoy a character that makes me speak out loud to my book and she definetly did that!
This whole novel is a build up, precursor to the main event I imagined would take place but by the end you are thrown a curve ball and the plot twists away from what I was expecting - I love an ending that can surprise me and this definitely did that.
I will enjoy picking up book 2 in July.
3.75 ⭐️
The Gilded Survivor is an Urban Fantasy, set in a Spanish speaking location. There is consistent use of Spanish dialogue, which about 70% of the time is not an issue as you are able to understand what is being said either through context clues or the FMC rephrasing the quote in english. There is also a Spanish glossary at the end of the book. While the Spanish language does provide a level of depth and culture to the characters and their society I did find it took me out of the story a little at times, not being familiar with things. However that is such a minor, personal issue!
The "magic" system is rather unique here - you are given enough information to have a general understanding but I feel you are still left with questions by the end to keep you searching for answers.
Our MMC is the perfect blend of grumpy mystery and protective when he has to be. His backstory probably intrigues me the most and I can't wait to learn more about him through the next book.
The side characters of this story are really compelling - the author has done a really good job of giving them fascinating story arcs or personality traits that give a reprieve to the FMC carrying the story.
Our FMC... I'll admit I was quite frustrated with her throughout this book. I imagine it was a narrative choice but there were times where she would act out like a child and I found that super disengaging because I wanted to shake her and say "DONT DO THAT". However I enjoy a character that makes me speak out loud to my book and she definetly did that!
This whole novel is a build up, precursor to the main event I imagined would take place but by the end you are thrown a curve ball and the plot twists away from what I was expecting - I love an ending that can surprise me and this definitely did that.
I will enjoy picking up book 2 in July.
swarley's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
abbypaige3's review against another edition
5.0
This book is just amazing, the detail to detail and how different this book is to regular romantic fantasy books is astonishing. The authors words make almost the pages come alive and that I could visualize every scene that I read. I would highly recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
pixie_'s review against another edition
4.0
3.5/5 ⭐️
(Rounded up because I loved the ending, this would've easily been 4 stars if the tournament had more detail)
Thank you to the author for this ARC! I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was super excited to read this book.. the hunger games and the prison healer.. what's not to love?! I really liked the premise of the story but it did start off slow. I think some parts could have been left out and it wouldn't have affected the plot, whereas I felt there wasn't enough detail in other places.
I do think it needed more of an explanation on the background of the Blood Tournament.. why is it really necessary? What counts as winning? How many winners are there? What happens afterwards? I'm still not entirely sure, but I'm hoping this will all be clarified as the series progresses.
I thought the class system was very interesting - the portrayal of relationships between Carmen, Magda and the others at the theatre compared to the Elites.. such an important symbol of money and power corruption. I also loved the development of the relationship between Carmen and Antonio; slow-burn for sure, but their subtle changes in how they speak to each other had me hooked.
I don't speak Spanish - half of it I could just about gather what was said, but I did translate quite a few lines (especially in later conversations between Carmen and Antonio). I do appreciate the authenticity of it but it did affect the pace for me having to look up words/phrases.
I did guess the twist and there is a cliffhanger, but it's not bad one! I neeeeed to know the deal with the ritual stone and the arch at the end.. it can't be a coincidence!! Very excited for book 2!
(Rounded up because I loved the ending, this would've easily been 4 stars if the tournament had more detail)
Thank you to the author for this ARC! I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was super excited to read this book.. the hunger games and the prison healer.. what's not to love?! I really liked the premise of the story but it did start off slow. I think some parts could have been left out and it wouldn't have affected the plot, whereas I felt there wasn't enough detail in other places.
I do think it needed more of an explanation on the background of the Blood Tournament.. why is it really necessary? What counts as winning? How many winners are there? What happens afterwards? I'm still not entirely sure, but I'm hoping this will all be clarified as the series progresses.
I thought the class system was very interesting - the portrayal of relationships between Carmen, Magda and the others at the theatre compared to the Elites.. such an important symbol of money and power corruption. I also loved the development of the relationship between Carmen and Antonio; slow-burn for sure, but their subtle changes in how they speak to each other had me hooked.
I don't speak Spanish - half of it I could just about gather what was said, but I did translate quite a few lines (especially in later conversations between Carmen and Antonio). I do appreciate the authenticity of it but it did affect the pace for me having to look up words/phrases.
I did guess the twist and there is a cliffhanger, but it's not bad one! I neeeeed to know the deal with the ritual stone and the arch at the end.. it can't be a coincidence!! Very excited for book 2!
mbrookeg92's review
2.0
San Volcan!
This is a very slow burn, which is not my jam. BUT the latter portion gained so much intrigue that I can not wait to devour the next book!
This is a very slow burn, which is not my jam. BUT the latter portion gained so much intrigue that I can not wait to devour the next book!