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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
I received this book in a YA mystery subscription box. It is not something I would have ever picked up for myself but I’m so glad it was included.
This book blew me away, I was captivated from the very beginning and it gripped me throughout. Nokhai is one of those rare characters you become so invested in.
Brilliant writing, brilliant pace & brilliant imagery. Can’t wait to read the second instalment.
This book blew me away, I was captivated from the very beginning and it gripped me throughout. Nokhai is one of those rare characters you become so invested in.
Brilliant writing, brilliant pace & brilliant imagery. Can’t wait to read the second instalment.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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:
No
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
DNF around ~30%. I can't really rate this, because it wasn't necessarily badly written, but I was extremely bored the entire time. Someone else might really enjoy this, but I did not.
I'm CRYING because I really wanted to love this book, but there were just so many elements that weren't working for me. Despite this, I hope you will enjoy a gif of Zhang Jiayuan, who I think would make a great Nokhai.
As someone who really enjoys world building elements, I can say this book has it. The world building is great- mainly the religion.
The character motivations make sense.
The magic is super interesting.
And the political drama felt legit.
It is a pretty hefty book though, and it's not the most fast-paced. The book discuss the need for urgency, but nothing actually creates an urgent atmosphere.
But it was difficult to get attached to any of the characters. I'm not sure if it was the ever changing POV's or that there weren't many opportunities for emotional attachments.
Lu is ridiculously prideful and naive, which made sense. But she has a good heart, and it was refreshing to have her world views challenged.
Nok is running from a rather tragic past, and his fear clouds his decision making, until he's put in a position that requires him to make a decision. Makes sense. I could care less if he was a love interest. It would seem better to me if it was platonic relationship.
Min's own fear stirs doubt, jealousy, and hatred in her heart, like our dear Anakin from Star Wars. And I think it's the most realistic depiction of a young teen acquiring abilities I've seen in a story.
It's not a tale I haven't read before, but the world building made it believable for me. Not the characters. I'd say depending on the character, it can be a character driven or plot driven story. I hope that makes sense, but I probably need to research more on that topic.
Like Lu seems more plot driven, but Min felt character driven.
3 stars. I still am very interested in the characters and the story. I will be reading the second book.
Maybe it's because I read Lord of the Rings. Not all books need to be fast paced. Though I think there are problems in this story, I still enjoyed reading it.
The character motivations make sense.
The magic is super interesting.
And the political drama felt legit.
It is a pretty hefty book though, and it's not the most fast-paced. The book discuss the need for urgency, but nothing actually creates an urgent atmosphere.
But it was difficult to get attached to any of the characters. I'm not sure if it was the ever changing POV's or that there weren't many opportunities for emotional attachments.
Lu is ridiculously prideful and naive, which made sense. But she has a good heart, and it was refreshing to have her world views challenged.
Nok is running from a rather tragic past, and his fear clouds his decision making, until he's put in a position that requires him to make a decision. Makes sense. I could care less if he was a love interest. It would seem better to me if it was platonic relationship.
Min's own fear stirs doubt, jealousy, and hatred in her heart, like our dear Anakin from Star Wars. And I think it's the most realistic depiction of a young teen acquiring abilities I've seen in a story.
It's not a tale I haven't read before, but the world building made it believable for me. Not the characters. I'd say depending on the character, it can be a character driven or plot driven story. I hope that makes sense, but I probably need to research more on that topic.
Like Lu seems more plot driven, but Min felt character driven.
3 stars. I still am very interested in the characters and the story. I will be reading the second book.
Maybe it's because I read Lord of the Rings. Not all books need to be fast paced. Though I think there are problems in this story, I still enjoyed reading it.
Lu has always known she will become her father's successor, the first female ruler in the Empire of the First Flame's long history. She has trained for this role for her entire life. But just as she is poised to take her rightful place, her father names Set, a male cousin, as heir instead disgracing Lu and trapping her in a betrothal she never wanted.
Furious and determined to claim her rightful place as heir, Lu's search for allies leads her to Nokhai--the only survivor of a clan of shapeshifters who may need Lu's help to understand his shifter abilities.
Min is timid and quiet. She always thought she'd live a quiet life in her sister Lu's shadow. But when Lu leaves to find allies for her cause, Min discovers a dangerous power of her own--one that could make Set the proper heir or give Min her own chance to claim the throne in The Girl King (2019) by Mimi Yu.
The Girl King is Yu's debut novel and the start of a series.
Yu creates a nuanced but dense world. Unfortunately the court intrigue and unique magic system only serve to highlight weak characterization for both Lu and Min who often come across as one note and unlikable despite their ambitions. Problematic racial dynamics within the world adds an uncomfortable layer to this story already populated by calculating and unexciting characters.
The Girl King is an interesting but not always ideally executed fantasy. Recommended for readers seeking a fantasy story with complex sister dynamics.
Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake, Seraphina by Rachel Hartman, Descendant of the Crane by Joan He, Furyborn by Claire Legrand, Before She Ignites by Jodi Meadows, Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes, The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross
*An advance copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review consideration*
Furious and determined to claim her rightful place as heir, Lu's search for allies leads her to Nokhai--the only survivor of a clan of shapeshifters who may need Lu's help to understand his shifter abilities.
Min is timid and quiet. She always thought she'd live a quiet life in her sister Lu's shadow. But when Lu leaves to find allies for her cause, Min discovers a dangerous power of her own--one that could make Set the proper heir or give Min her own chance to claim the throne in The Girl King (2019) by Mimi Yu.
The Girl King is Yu's debut novel and the start of a series.
Yu creates a nuanced but dense world. Unfortunately the court intrigue and unique magic system only serve to highlight weak characterization for both Lu and Min who often come across as one note and unlikable despite their ambitions. Problematic racial dynamics within the world adds an uncomfortable layer to this story already populated by calculating and unexciting characters.
The Girl King is an interesting but not always ideally executed fantasy. Recommended for readers seeking a fantasy story with complex sister dynamics.
Possible Pairings: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake, Seraphina by Rachel Hartman, Descendant of the Crane by Joan He, Furyborn by Claire Legrand, Before She Ignites by Jodi Meadows, Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes, The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross
*An advance copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review consideration*
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Violence, Death of parent, War
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual content