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searobin's review
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
This was okish, but if it weren't for Zofi I most likely wouldn't have finished it, which goes to show how much of a sucker I am for the stubborn and strong tomboy characters. I have no idea how we got to the end with neither of the two big questions solved . There was too much exposition, and the twists had too clear a foundation laid, but maybe the later is more forgivable given the YA audience? But we should give them more credit than that, I think. I will likely still pick up the next book, and hope there is development on many fronts!
neonmuted's review against another edition
Plot went no where and I didn’t like one of the characters POV
thelonia's review against another edition
4.0
I cannot believe that between this and Truly Devious I have gotten deeply invested in a part 1 book of a duology where the second book hasn't come out yet. Truly, I am a fool.
That said, I will 100% be reading Rise if only that I NEED THAT CLOSURE.
(Also this book is fine, y'all can relax) (Also also, I have not yet read Three Dark Crowns, (its on by TBR list) but I am not sure why, apart from the vague similarities EVERYONE is comparing the two, look forward to seeing what's up there)
That said, I will 100% be reading Rise if only that I NEED THAT CLOSURE.
(Also this book is fine, y'all can relax) (Also also, I have not yet read Three Dark Crowns, (its on by TBR list) but I am not sure why, apart from the vague similarities EVERYONE is comparing the two, look forward to seeing what's up there)
beastreader's review against another edition
4.0
What a debut. A very strong showing from author, Ellen Goodlett. Right away I was digging this story. I like that each girl had their own voice which was portrayed nicely by alternating chapters. It gave me a chance to really get to know them well. My favorite of the three girls is Zofi. She is feisty and really is staying true to herself. It is not hard to see why she would spark a romantic beginning with Vidal. He is a strong soldier.
The other two girls, Ren and Akeylah are good as well. When it comes to choosing a second and third, I would put both of the girls as second. Ren was trying too hard to fit in whereas; Akeylah was more on the reserved side.
The overall story is thrilling with the mystery. Each girl's secret just adds and builds to the storyline. The mysterious person or persons that know the girl's secrets is intriguing. I can't wait to continue this series and see what happens next. Additionally, by the end of this book the girls were growing and they are going to be a strong force.
The other two girls, Ren and Akeylah are good as well. When it comes to choosing a second and third, I would put both of the girls as second. Ren was trying too hard to fit in whereas; Akeylah was more on the reserved side.
The overall story is thrilling with the mystery. Each girl's secret just adds and builds to the storyline. The mysterious person or persons that know the girl's secrets is intriguing. I can't wait to continue this series and see what happens next. Additionally, by the end of this book the girls were growing and they are going to be a strong force.
alongreader's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this very much; it kept me guessing for a long time, the worldbuilding was well done, and the characters were great. Of course, it ended on a horrible cliff hanger, but I'm getting used to that nowadays.
I'll be eagerly looking out for the next one. I need to know what happens to the sisters!
Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way.
She strode into the room to take a seat on the edge of the pool. But as she reached it, her steps faltered.
There was a blanket draped across the rocks.
It was what she and Danton used to do. Throw themselves faux picnics down here. Spread blankets at the water's edge, lie back and study the light playing across the ceiling. Then study each other in that light.
Did Danton really think she'd fall for this? Play house with him as though nothing was wrong? Curse him. She grabbed the edge of the blanket and ripped it aside, ready to throw it in the lake.
Instead, she froze, stomach curling.
Someone had painted across the rocks beneath the blanket. Black ink. No, not ink. It smelled strange. Almost like...lamp oil? Something used for starting fires, at any rate.
Or blowing up ships.
It made sense, given the message. No words. Only four numbers, more damning than any letters.
1854.
She uncrumpled the note. Stared from the blocky numbers drawn in death ink to the letter in her hand. Back and forth. This was not Danton's style. The note, the subterfuge, the cryptic numeral. If Danton meant to expose her, he would be straightforward, threaten her to her face. He wouldn't dance with her in front of the whole court, beg her to let him explain. This felt like something different. Someone different. Which, if true, could mean only one thing.
Someone else knew about Burnt Bay.
I'll be eagerly looking out for the next one. I need to know what happens to the sisters!
Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way.
She strode into the room to take a seat on the edge of the pool. But as she reached it, her steps faltered.
There was a blanket draped across the rocks.
It was what she and Danton used to do. Throw themselves faux picnics down here. Spread blankets at the water's edge, lie back and study the light playing across the ceiling. Then study each other in that light.
Did Danton really think she'd fall for this? Play house with him as though nothing was wrong? Curse him. She grabbed the edge of the blanket and ripped it aside, ready to throw it in the lake.
Instead, she froze, stomach curling.
Someone had painted across the rocks beneath the blanket. Black ink. No, not ink. It smelled strange. Almost like...lamp oil? Something used for starting fires, at any rate.
Or blowing up ships.
It made sense, given the message. No words. Only four numbers, more damning than any letters.
1854.
She uncrumpled the note. Stared from the blocky numbers drawn in death ink to the letter in her hand. Back and forth. This was not Danton's style. The note, the subterfuge, the cryptic numeral. If Danton meant to expose her, he would be straightforward, threaten her to her face. He wouldn't dance with her in front of the whole court, beg her to let him explain. This felt like something different. Someone different. Which, if true, could mean only one thing.
Someone else knew about Burnt Bay.
lisamcc514's review against another edition
2.0
Check out my full review on my blog! https://talesofanavidreader.wordpress.com/2018/07/10/rule-ellen-goodlett/
-Beautiful cover!
-More Pretty Little Liars than Three Dark Crowns.
-The world had a ton of potential, but it came up short due to information dumping.
-Cool magic system!
-Strong, diverse female protagonists.
-Poor character development.
-Very frustrating and annoying ending.
-Ended with a cliffhanger so will there be a sequel? If there is a sequel I don’t think I’ll read it.
-Overall I was disappointed by Rule and I am so bummed about that.
Check out my full review on my blog! https://talesofanavidreader.wordpress.com/2018/07/10/rule-ellen-goodlett/
-Beautiful cover!
-More Pretty Little Liars than Three Dark Crowns.
-The world had a ton of potential, but it came up short due to information dumping.
-Cool magic system!
-Strong, diverse female protagonists.
-Poor character development.
-Very frustrating and annoying ending.
-Ended with a cliffhanger so will there be a sequel? If there is a sequel I don’t think I’ll read it.
-Overall I was disappointed by Rule and I am so bummed about that.
Check out my full review on my blog! https://talesofanavidreader.wordpress.com/2018/07/10/rule-ellen-goodlett/
christajls's review against another edition
3.0
Reviewed on Women Write About Comics
In the kingdom of Kolonya three girls, from three very different backgrounds, are summoned to the capital. Zofi, who grew up in the outer Reaches with her band of Travelers. Akeylah, a child of abuse from the Eastern Reaches and Ren, who grew up in the city serving as a lady’s maid, always dreaming of being something more. Each has a dark secret, something that no one else knows, something that they could be executed for. So when they receive their summons they assume that’s the reason.
They’re shocked to learn instead that the king is dying. And since his only son, and heir, was recently murdered he’s forced to resort to some unexpected options – three illegitimate daughters, scattered across the kingdom. While the three girls, learn the ropes, competing to see who will win the crown, someone in the palace knows all their secrets and will stop at nothing to keep the girls from the throne.
There is an interesting magic system in this book, though a little disturbing. The Blood Arts are accessed via “tithe” essentially they cut themselves to draw blood. These arts can be used for boosts, extra speed or strength for example. But there’s a darker side as well – the Vulgar Arts – when someone uses the Blood Arts against another person. It’s considered the worst crime you can commit and leave a distinctive scar. This was a unique approach to the magic but after so many scenes of people cutting themselves, it seemed a bit excessive.
At its core, Rule is a really intriguing read with three brave and unique female characters at the centre. I love fantasy novels with court intrigue so the scenes focused on palace life and politics really worked for me. And there are a fair number of twists to keep up the pacing. There was also a f/f romance in this novel, which I was initially excited to see. However, it’s between Akeylah and her stepmother. It’s not quite as weird as it could be, both girls are close in age, with her father’s marriage not much more than a political match. But the dynamic was still a little strange and it happened too quickly to feel substantial. I also found, at times, the worldbuilding was a little hard to follow, and as the stories rotated between the three girls it could get repetitive as they encountered the blackmailer in similar ways over and over again. Rule is an interesting debut, with its strengths and weaknesses. Despite those weaknesses, I’m curious to pick up book two later this year and see how the story evolves.
In the kingdom of Kolonya three girls, from three very different backgrounds, are summoned to the capital. Zofi, who grew up in the outer Reaches with her band of Travelers. Akeylah, a child of abuse from the Eastern Reaches and Ren, who grew up in the city serving as a lady’s maid, always dreaming of being something more. Each has a dark secret, something that no one else knows, something that they could be executed for. So when they receive their summons they assume that’s the reason.
They’re shocked to learn instead that the king is dying. And since his only son, and heir, was recently murdered he’s forced to resort to some unexpected options – three illegitimate daughters, scattered across the kingdom. While the three girls, learn the ropes, competing to see who will win the crown, someone in the palace knows all their secrets and will stop at nothing to keep the girls from the throne.
There is an interesting magic system in this book, though a little disturbing. The Blood Arts are accessed via “tithe” essentially they cut themselves to draw blood. These arts can be used for boosts, extra speed or strength for example. But there’s a darker side as well – the Vulgar Arts – when someone uses the Blood Arts against another person. It’s considered the worst crime you can commit and leave a distinctive scar. This was a unique approach to the magic but after so many scenes of people cutting themselves, it seemed a bit excessive.
At its core, Rule is a really intriguing read with three brave and unique female characters at the centre. I love fantasy novels with court intrigue so the scenes focused on palace life and politics really worked for me. And there are a fair number of twists to keep up the pacing. There was also a f/f romance in this novel, which I was initially excited to see. However, it’s between Akeylah and her stepmother. It’s not quite as weird as it could be, both girls are close in age, with her father’s marriage not much more than a political match. But the dynamic was still a little strange and it happened too quickly to feel substantial. I also found, at times, the worldbuilding was a little hard to follow, and as the stories rotated between the three girls it could get repetitive as they encountered the blackmailer in similar ways over and over again. Rule is an interesting debut, with its strengths and weaknesses. Despite those weaknesses, I’m curious to pick up book two later this year and see how the story evolves.
lauraisgreat97's review against another edition
3.0
Was a light read, wasnt a big fan of the relationships but thought the main characters were very strong
ninarotcajg's review against another edition
4.0
J'ai kiffé ce livre qui était vraiment un page turner. Je lisais un Wattpad en même temps d'où le délais. On suit trois héroïnes et je crois qu'on apprend à les aimer toutes les trois à leur manière, même si j'avoue aimer moins Ren que Zofi et Aykelah. J'ai aimé le fait que leur amitié ne soit pas faite d'avance, qu'on découvre leur secret petit à petit (peut-être un peu vite?) Je ne savais absolument pas qui était leur maître-chantage, même si j'avais finit par me douter que ça n'était pas Yasmin. Ça a été un peu le défaut du bouquin, sa prévisibilité, j'ai deviné beaucoup, et ait été peu surprise. Je trouve aussi que l'autrice pourrait un peut détailler leur monde, leurs coutumes.