Reviews

Incendiary by Zoraida Córdova

girlglitch's review

Go to review page

3.0

Incendiary is a new YA fantasy series starter full of action, secrets and magic. I loved the concept, the Moria's powers of enchantment and the vivid setting in a fantastical 15th century Spain - although I felt some of the worldbuilding came a little too late. The story only really comes to life after the first third of the novel. After a slow start, I was relieved when the pace picked up and the focus shifted from mopey characterisation to plot. Suddenly, Incendiary alights into a heartracing adventure, and Renata becomes a worthy heroine.

There are plenty of twists and turns - and enough clues along the way to keep it interesting. By the final third of the novel, all the pieces are starting to come together, leading to a final, adrenaline-filled climax.

Incendiary is not the strongest or most original fantasty I have ever read, but it hooked me enough that I'd look out for the sequel.

*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*

popthechampey's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

It was pretty good, it just took me what felt like too long to warm up to any of the characters in the story. Still, I liked the plot enough.

ameserole's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Wow.

Ever since I got Incendiary in my Fairyloot box, last year I might add, I have been dying to dive into it. Luckily, this year/weekend/whatever was the time for me to dive into it. Well, shit, guys - I don't even know what to say right now. From the very beginning, I was hooked. In some ways, I was getting Six of Crows vibes because of the found family of little rebels.

After that, I got to know the characters and how interesting their magic could truly be. Especially Renata because she always seemed to be used by anyone she met. Luckily, she had a few good people who actually believed in her and treated her like she was human and not a monster. As for everyone else, screw them. I need revenge ASAP people.

So, it's safe to admit that with each twist and turn, I had no idea what betrayal or secret I was going to get next. I'll admit that I had a feeling one of the secrets were going to be true. Once it was revealed, I SCREAMED people. I was on the right path for once! So, yeah, I was super proud that my head was going in that direction. Even if it did seem a bit predictable.

Other than that, this book was so easy to devour. I liked that the romance wasn't the main focus and revenge sort of was. I wasn't expecting a huge reveal towards the end of the book but now I'm super pumped for the next book. I honestly can't wait for the next adventure!

ellyrarg's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

Eh…. Did not love. I wasn’t sold on the initial love story premise, there was too much grief and second guessing and honestly, I feel like the stakes aren’t necessarily sold in. Like, could she not just jump ship and live a quiet hermit life, and onwards the story would go without her? So much of the story is happening to her, rather than her driving it.

And the bits she does drive feel… reactionary. I’m a bit over the second guessing and whinging.

Castian tho… he’s a character (I hope!) worth reading the next book for. Dez on the other hand, very meh.

mikitiale's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This book was enjoyable. The world building was nice and the magic system is cool. I hope to learn more about Moria religion/mythology in the next book.

This book hits a lot of tropes that are common in YA fantasy and I feel that they are done satisfactorily. There's a teenage girl with a rare ability, the beginnings of a love triangle between the aforementioned girl and a dark-haired boy and an equally attractive light-haired boy. We also have the beginning of an enemies-to-lovers deal which, no doubt, will be expanded upon in the next book.

lucyperry's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous medium-paced

3.0

jasmine_elizabeth's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I really enjoyed the characters in this book, the friendships, the betrayals and the revelations.
I liked the romance between Dez and Renata and would like to see more of that but I feel like she will end up with Prince Castian by the end and I can see why. Renata really grows as a character from being really withdrawn from everyone but Dez to realising that she has people who care about her that don't want her to push them away.

vanessabuergi's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

mariesbookworld's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I simply loved Incendiary so much! In the first 90 pages I made up my mind about what I thought would happen ( and mind you I would've probably bet money on that because I was so certain) but then it all went to hell. Nothing was as it seemed and certainly not as I had imagined. Some of the plot twists really had me gaping and while a few were fairly predictable it didn't take away from the story at all.

I loved Renata as a main character and got really invested in her struggles because I felt very connected to her. I also fell deeply in love with a character that wasn't even present for most of the book and only really got in on the action at the end which is incredible and so hard??? Like how do you make readers fall in love with a character who's barely there? Zoraida Córdova really works magic!
Speaking about magic; the magic system in this story was really interesting and (as far as I know) completely unique. I don't think I've ever seen a system like that and I really enjoyed it!

All in all I just really loved this book and cannot wait for the sequel!

what_karla_reads's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

5/5 stars
1/5 spice/Fade to black 

Tropes:
Magical system
Forbidden magic
Found family
Revenge quest
Single POV 
Cliffhanger 

Loved the world building and intrigue. The magic system is so interesting but I could tell it was just scratching the surface. My heart broke and then was stitched back together but it's far from healing... I'm excited to see where the story goes. That plot twist had me gasping and running to get the next book ASAP 

Trigger/Content warnings:
Death, torture, murder, violence, injury details 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings