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cassbenji's review
3.0
Nothing really happened sort of. I feel like it set the story up well but it was the entire book?
libraryofabibliotaph's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
First, promising, instalment of a high fantasy trilogy. You can expect rich worldbuilding, compelling characters, fully developed languages and a complex storyline, … exactly my cup of tea. All of this is accompanied by lots of extra information, art and lore on the authors website. It has mystery, it has action, it also has the potential to turn into a new epic fantasy arc. In the beginning it might even be a little bit too complex to follow, but you’ll soon get used to it. Once you know who the characters are and how they interact with each other, you’ll be fine. At the same time, there’s a lot happening in this book yet there’s also not, the main plotline isn’t always clear. It’s mostly about setting the ground rules and dynamics for the rest of the story. But the ending made me very curious about the next two books in this series.
literary_steph's review
3.0
“When they last met, she'd been too young to wield her unnaturalness against them, but her second coming would not be the same. Closing his eyes, Zaethan tried to forget hers.”
Our main characters are Luscia and Zaethan and these two are like cats and dogs. Like these two go at it, and not in a hate to love way. Setting aside their differences, they work together to find the killer of the cross-caste children and uncover an even darker threat along the way.
House of Bastiion's world building is incredibly intricate and I initially thought I wouldn't be able to absorb all the info: from the large cast of characters, alliances, and languages, but I found it quite enjoyable. I could tell the author put a lot of heart and soul in crafting this world. The plot is twisty, the characters' interactions with one another are quite entertaining and complicated, and I enjoyed the murder mystery aspect of the story, including this mysterious 'Figure' that makes an appearance throughout the story.
I would recommend this dark high fantasy series if you enjoy complex world building and magic systems, political intrigue, mystery, and characters who don't mind getting their hands dirty.
Thank you author K.L. Kolarich for providing me an advance copy to read and review. To enhance your reading experience, visit her website for access to a map, bloodlines, glossary and apothem catalog for an immersive reading experience.
Our main characters are Luscia and Zaethan and these two are like cats and dogs. Like these two go at it, and not in a hate to love way. Setting aside their differences, they work together to find the killer of the cross-caste children and uncover an even darker threat along the way.
House of Bastiion's world building is incredibly intricate and I initially thought I wouldn't be able to absorb all the info: from the large cast of characters, alliances, and languages, but I found it quite enjoyable. I could tell the author put a lot of heart and soul in crafting this world. The plot is twisty, the characters' interactions with one another are quite entertaining and complicated, and I enjoyed the murder mystery aspect of the story, including this mysterious 'Figure' that makes an appearance throughout the story.
I would recommend this dark high fantasy series if you enjoy complex world building and magic systems, political intrigue, mystery, and characters who don't mind getting their hands dirty.
Thank you author K.L. Kolarich for providing me an advance copy to read and review. To enhance your reading experience, visit her website for access to a map, bloodlines, glossary and apothem catalog for an immersive reading experience.
lady_perfictionist's review
4.0
This audiobook was unlike any others I have listened to! The production was so good! It had an orchestra for the transitions and even had a whole song piece with music when the MC sang in the book! It was a experience from start to finish. The one downside is the narrator's voice during non-speaking parts...it was very robotic and monotone but perfect when he read for characters.
The book itself was super interesting. I received this from the author and Book of Media Matches for a review tour. I did not know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised! The political intrigue, the murder mystery and the abilities of these warriors really drew me in. The one reason I did not give it a five start was the biases and stereotyping that the one MC just couldn't get past was a bit much for me. I really wanted him to move past what he was told and learn to know and trust the other MC which eventually he does but his mind is so set it was distracting.
I really enjoyed the book and look forward to listening to the second one when it comes out on audiobook!
The book itself was super interesting. I received this from the author and Book of Media Matches for a review tour. I did not know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised! The political intrigue, the murder mystery and the abilities of these warriors really drew me in. The one reason I did not give it a five start was the biases and stereotyping that the one MC just couldn't get past was a bit much for me. I really wanted him to move past what he was told and learn to know and trust the other MC which eventually he does but his mind is so set it was distracting.
I really enjoyed the book and look forward to listening to the second one when it comes out on audiobook!
psyckers's review
4.0
An interesting read with plenty of intrigue and mystery around the politics and main characters of House of Bastiion as well as the many competing houses. At time the plot gets a bit to knotted with itself and the intrigue that is being portrayed, but if you persevere, it becomes clearer. This is particularly the case as the motives of main characters become more transparent as the story unfolds.
This is a rewarding read, though for an introductory book in a saga series, could be simpler in focus and let some of the intrigue spill over to the next book.
This is a rewarding read, though for an introductory book in a saga series, could be simpler in focus and let some of the intrigue spill over to the next book.
ameserole's review
4.0
House of Bastiion has been on my radar for almost a year. Almost a freaking year. I had planned to jump into this last month, but time got away from me. So, it brings me great please and happiness to read it this month.
On a snowy day, there's nothing better than some hot chocolate and a good fantasy book. The characters were so much fun to get to know too. It's a little interesting that romance is a main page genre for this because I didn't really think it was. Yeah, we get some hints here and there, but it mainly felt like background noise.
Now the mystery and everything else was definitely front and center. I've always been intrigued by court life in different kingdom's/worlds. So, it's safe to assume that this one didn't disappoint one freaking bit. From the very beginning, I didn't know who to trust and I still don't. Sort of.
I also thought it was a lot of fun to see two people team up. In a way, Zaethan and Lusican, seemed like complete opposites. So, when they get pushing against one another I could easily see the tension brewing. From enemies to potential besties, I think. I don't know if there will be something more, but I wouldn't be mad at that direction either.
In the end, I definitely enjoyed the heck out of this book. I'm super excited to jump into the sequel in March too. Or whenever I actually get to it.
On a snowy day, there's nothing better than some hot chocolate and a good fantasy book. The characters were so much fun to get to know too. It's a little interesting that romance is a main page genre for this because I didn't really think it was. Yeah, we get some hints here and there, but it mainly felt like background noise.
Now the mystery and everything else was definitely front and center. I've always been intrigued by court life in different kingdom's/worlds. So, it's safe to assume that this one didn't disappoint one freaking bit. From the very beginning, I didn't know who to trust and I still don't. Sort of.
I also thought it was a lot of fun to see two people team up. In a way, Zaethan and Lusican, seemed like complete opposites. So, when they get pushing against one another I could easily see the tension brewing. From enemies to potential besties, I think. I don't know if there will be something more, but I wouldn't be mad at that direction either.
In the end, I definitely enjoyed the heck out of this book. I'm super excited to jump into the sequel in March too. Or whenever I actually get to it.
lilbirdh's review
5.0
I absolutely just loved this dark fantasy book! A great story with interesting characters, I look forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
illborrowthisone's review
4.0
If you are looking for world-building, look no further! Kolarich has crafted a world diverse in backgrounds and languages. There is a companion guide to help you along your journey as you dive into this incredible creation. While I did find this to be well done, it did distract me initially in my read. The first few chapters does feel a little like an information dump and while it was a little overwhelming I'm glad I kept pushing through. What I ultimately found was a book full of political maneuverings, court machinations and deep seeded prejudices. Will these characters be able to look beyond their differences and solve the problems facing their country? I really don't know and now I'm nervous and want book two immediately!!
Thank you so much KL Kolarich and BOMM tours for the free eARC.
Thank you so much KL Kolarich and BOMM tours for the free eARC.
sofia72's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.0
mcintmac's review
4.0
Damn, this is the best 4-star book I’ve ever read. So good, that it’s tempting to forgive its small sins and rate this book 5 stars. Even more tempting when I consider that what I dislike is mere personal preference and not poor writing at all.
First, what I like:
First, what I like: