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brittrivera's review against another edition
5.0
I want to write a coherent review of this book, but I know I can't because I just loved it so much!! It has everything I require in a story: magic, world building, a Messy Female MC Who Really Just Needs A Hug, a fun group of friends(ish), If Bad Why Hot Villain.
Then there were those moments when I thought, "Is this a Reylo??" especially knowing what I do about the author from following her on social media and they were just so fun and so well used and I enjoyed the parallels.
"People consume each other when they're afraid, don't they? But I know this is real."
"She knew all the colors that made up a person’s soul—star-white hope, mud-green envy, pomegranate love. But when she focused on the prince, she could only see a faint, muted gray."
"I will take his trinket. I will soften when I should be sharp edges and steel."
Then there were those moments when I thought, "Is this a Reylo??" especially knowing what I do about the author from following her on social media and they were just so fun and so well used and I enjoyed the parallels.
"People consume each other when they're afraid, don't they? But I know this is real."
"She knew all the colors that made up a person’s soul—star-white hope, mud-green envy, pomegranate love. But when she focused on the prince, she could only see a faint, muted gray."
"I will take his trinket. I will soften when I should be sharp edges and steel."
kaybethbookish's review against another edition
4.0
It's refreshing when a series has characters already in an established relationship, which Dev and Renata are. It's even more refreshing when those characters have a HEALTHY established relationship. Though it's clear Dev is protective of Renata, he doesn't do it in a toxic way, nor does she act defenceless when he is around. They support each other, and they encourage each other. It was a nice change to the regular YA relationships I've seen. All of the relationships in this book were written well, even the ones that blur the line between love and hate.
Even though magic was present, it didn't dominate the book, most of the story more focused on the politics and worldbuilding of the land. I really liked the unique use of magic in this series, particularly how certain metals enhance the abilities of the user.
I had a few minor issues with the story, mostly that it was quite a slow burn after the first few chapters flew by. Even after the big adrenaline rush towards the start of the book, I felt the rest of the book never quite reached that same level of excitement. I did struggle to stay interested and had to put it down a few times. I was left intrigued by the ending, however, and will definitely check out the next in the series!
Even though magic was present, it didn't dominate the book, most of the story more focused on the politics and worldbuilding of the land. I really liked the unique use of magic in this series, particularly how certain metals enhance the abilities of the user.
I had a few minor issues with the story, mostly that it was quite a slow burn after the first few chapters flew by. Even after the big adrenaline rush towards the start of the book, I felt the rest of the book never quite reached that same level of excitement. I did struggle to stay interested and had to put it down a few times. I was left intrigued by the ending, however, and will definitely check out the next in the series!
luckies_universe's review against another edition
5.0
I don't have enough words to praise this book! If you're looking for adventure, mystery, political intrigue and magic, you've come to the right place.
The writing is on the older side of YA, which I appreciated because although I've accepted that I am no longer at the age that Young Adult novels are targeted toward, I still like to read a YA book that's more suited to my adult reading level every now and then, you know? And I'm aware that New Adult exists but often times it's just spice with bare minimum plot and that's unfortunately not my personal cup of tea.
There were plot twists littered throughout (that I didn't see coming). I was making faces the entire time--face palming, gasping in shock, fighting the urge to punch some of the characters in the face! There's a little bit of romance in the beginning of the story, and it's cute and all, but most of the book is plot-focused, which I enjoyed. The ending does, however, hint at future relationship conflict, so I'm kind of excited about that.
The main character, Renata, is brave and intelligent, and as the novel progresses she shows great ability for self-reflection, which is something you don't often see in books, especially YA. Usually, the main character is bullied or excluded, and then by the end of the book the mean characters realise that they misjudged the MC, or they meet a tragic end. However, in Incendiary, both the MC and the meaner characters seem to accept that the reason their relationships are so strained is due to both sides making valid mistakes.
This was a well-rounded, enjoyable fantasy novel and I am so excited to read the sequel!
The writing is on the older side of YA, which I appreciated because although I've accepted that I am no longer at the age that Young Adult novels are targeted toward, I still like to read a YA book that's more suited to my adult reading level every now and then, you know? And I'm aware that New Adult exists but often times it's just spice with bare minimum plot and that's unfortunately not my personal cup of tea.
There were plot twists littered throughout (that I didn't see coming). I was making faces the entire time--face palming, gasping in shock, fighting the urge to punch some of the characters in the face! There's a little bit of romance in the beginning of the story, and it's cute and all, but most of the book is plot-focused, which I enjoyed. The ending does, however, hint at future relationship conflict, so I'm kind of excited about that.
The main character, Renata, is brave and intelligent, and as the novel progresses she shows great ability for self-reflection, which is something you don't often see in books, especially YA. Usually, the main character is bullied or excluded, and then by the end of the book the mean characters realise that they misjudged the MC, or they meet a tragic end. However, in Incendiary, both the MC and the meaner characters seem to accept that the reason their relationships are so strained is due to both sides making valid mistakes.
This was a well-rounded, enjoyable fantasy novel and I am so excited to read the sequel!
areaderamongthestars's review against another edition
4.0
I had a LOT of expectations for this book, mostly because I was super intrigued by Renata's power. And I must say that the worldbulding (the fact that it was inspired by Inquisition Spain was just A+++) and the magical system were definitely my favorite part.
The rest... meh. Renata was quite an interesting main character (I'm sure that she will really blossom later in the trilogy, as I see good premises) and the writing style is *chef kiss*, but everything connected to the plot was not as original as I wanted it to be, just average: I've read so many books with similar vibes to this one that plot twists are too predictable to be interesting, and I can't anymore with love triangles (really, I'm super annoyed every time I find them).
So yes, probably you would like Incendiary if you don't read as much medieval fantasy as I do, and don't easily fall in love with the bad boy (that is in fact the good boy) that is 99% going to be killed in book 3.
The rest... meh. Renata was quite an interesting main character (I'm sure that she will really blossom later in the trilogy, as I see good premises) and the writing style is *chef kiss*, but everything connected to the plot was not as original as I wanted it to be, just average: I've read so many books with similar vibes to this one that plot twists are too predictable to be interesting, and I can't anymore with love triangles (really, I'm super annoyed every time I find them).
So yes, probably you would like Incendiary if you don't read as much medieval fantasy as I do, and don't easily fall in love with the bad boy (that is in fact the good boy) that is 99% going to be killed in book 3.
bririley's review
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
katrinrosf's review against another edition
4.0
*** 3.75 stars ***
I loved the ending! Got me really excited to read the sequel.
I loved the ending! Got me really excited to read the sequel.
simoneandherbooks's review
4.0
Earlier last week, I did a promotion for Incendiary by Zoraida Cordova. I was so excited about this book that I decided to read it right there and then even though the book comes out in April 2020. While I absolutely loved this book, I struggled with sharing my thoughts way too soon. However, looking at Goodreads, I can see a few folks have already read the book and since it was offered as a giveaway ARC at YallFest, some folks have already written their reviews. So, what's stopping me?
But you know me, I need to break down this book and share with you not only the plot but the whole universe. Here's what goes down in Incendiary.
In this world, there used to be a powerful group of people with abilities to mess with your mind. There are people who can create visions in your head, persuade you to do something you didn't want to do, read your lies, and steal your memories. However, these people were close to extinction by an opposing group who found these magics to be a source of evil. They were slaughtered to near extinction pushing those with magics into the dark as a new King works to get rid of all the magics in the world.
Renata Convida is a young person who has the very rare ability to steal people's memories. As the ward of one of the Royal Justices, she used her power to create Hollows; humans who have been removed of all their memories creating a hollow shell. Their deaths are eminent after being hollowed out. Renata has hollowed over 100 people before she escaped the Justice and went to live with people like her. However, the others don't really trust her as her power to remove memories can happen with a single graze of her finger. Renata is willing to prove herself worthy to be with the other magics.
When their leader's son and Renata's lover, Dez, is taken prisoner by the king and sentenced to death by public execution, Renata's friends aren't worried. They know Dez will easily escape death. But what Dez and the rest don't know is Renata's accidentally took Dez's memories on how to escape. After watching him die brutally at the hands of the prince, Renata vowed revenge in the only way she knew how; returning to the Justice she ran away from. While the justice believes Renata's return to be a good sign, Renata's working on the inside to find out about the King's plans to destroy all magic people. As she looks for these weapons within the castle walls, Ren finds a much bigger truth hidden inside the palace.
When thinking about this, it reminds me a lot of Fireborne (which I read earlier this year). Both stories are about a group of people marginalized because of their abilities or because someone else came into power. This isn't me criticizing this trope because it's a big one and it happens often, but I love that more stories like this are popping up in the universe.
When I first read the description of this book, someone mentioned that its beginnings remind you a lot of Game of Thrones. I'm here to confirm that yes, it has this Game of Thrones quality in the beginning but that's about where it ends. Come for the Game of Thrones, but stay for the departure from Game of Thrones. I'll admit I wasn't surprised at all by the twists, but that doesn't mean they were bad. In fact, the twists made me want to read more and find out why they're happening. Zoraida Cordova really knows how to write an intriguing novel filled with suspense and intrigue. I was definitely drawn in when the truths started coming up.
Ren is also an extremely complex character. She doesn't remember parts of her childhood and has worked as a weapon for the King for most of her life. Every time she comes up with a plan, she runs into it without a second thought only to be captured. Her so-called friends are weary of her despite being on the same side. She has immense power, but hates what she has done with it (or forced to do with it). Honestly, she's a wreck of a human and you'll root for her like a mom rooting for her kid. She's not perfect, but you also don't care as long as she finds someone to trust and care for.
The writing style is also breezy. It's not convoluted or overwrought with a lot of fancy language. There is a lot of world building in this story, but luckily you won't have to remember a host of character names or remember a lot of thematic pieces. It's high fantasy, but definitely a lot easier to read than most high fantasy.
I absolutely loved this story. Filled with people of color and marginalized voices, it was definitely a departure from the other fantasy stories I've been reading lately and I'm here for that breath of fresh air. I will say there are lull moments while Ren scopes out the castle looking for clues on how the King is removing magic from folks like her, but aside from that this story is so solid.
I received a copy of this book from Glasstown Entertainment for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
But you know me, I need to break down this book and share with you not only the plot but the whole universe. Here's what goes down in Incendiary.
In this world, there used to be a powerful group of people with abilities to mess with your mind. There are people who can create visions in your head, persuade you to do something you didn't want to do, read your lies, and steal your memories. However, these people were close to extinction by an opposing group who found these magics to be a source of evil. They were slaughtered to near extinction pushing those with magics into the dark as a new King works to get rid of all the magics in the world.
Renata Convida is a young person who has the very rare ability to steal people's memories. As the ward of one of the Royal Justices, she used her power to create Hollows; humans who have been removed of all their memories creating a hollow shell. Their deaths are eminent after being hollowed out. Renata has hollowed over 100 people before she escaped the Justice and went to live with people like her. However, the others don't really trust her as her power to remove memories can happen with a single graze of her finger. Renata is willing to prove herself worthy to be with the other magics.
When their leader's son and Renata's lover, Dez, is taken prisoner by the king and sentenced to death by public execution, Renata's friends aren't worried. They know Dez will easily escape death. But what Dez and the rest don't know is Renata's accidentally took Dez's memories on how to escape. After watching him die brutally at the hands of the prince, Renata vowed revenge in the only way she knew how; returning to the Justice she ran away from. While the justice believes Renata's return to be a good sign, Renata's working on the inside to find out about the King's plans to destroy all magic people. As she looks for these weapons within the castle walls, Ren finds a much bigger truth hidden inside the palace.
When thinking about this, it reminds me a lot of Fireborne (which I read earlier this year). Both stories are about a group of people marginalized because of their abilities or because someone else came into power. This isn't me criticizing this trope because it's a big one and it happens often, but I love that more stories like this are popping up in the universe.
When I first read the description of this book, someone mentioned that its beginnings remind you a lot of Game of Thrones. I'm here to confirm that yes, it has this Game of Thrones quality in the beginning but that's about where it ends. Come for the Game of Thrones, but stay for the departure from Game of Thrones. I'll admit I wasn't surprised at all by the twists, but that doesn't mean they were bad. In fact, the twists made me want to read more and find out why they're happening. Zoraida Cordova really knows how to write an intriguing novel filled with suspense and intrigue. I was definitely drawn in when the truths started coming up.
Ren is also an extremely complex character. She doesn't remember parts of her childhood and has worked as a weapon for the King for most of her life. Every time she comes up with a plan, she runs into it without a second thought only to be captured. Her so-called friends are weary of her despite being on the same side. She has immense power, but hates what she has done with it (or forced to do with it). Honestly, she's a wreck of a human and you'll root for her like a mom rooting for her kid. She's not perfect, but you also don't care as long as she finds someone to trust and care for.
The writing style is also breezy. It's not convoluted or overwrought with a lot of fancy language. There is a lot of world building in this story, but luckily you won't have to remember a host of character names or remember a lot of thematic pieces. It's high fantasy, but definitely a lot easier to read than most high fantasy.
I absolutely loved this story. Filled with people of color and marginalized voices, it was definitely a departure from the other fantasy stories I've been reading lately and I'm here for that breath of fresh air. I will say there are lull moments while Ren scopes out the castle looking for clues on how the King is removing magic from folks like her, but aside from that this story is so solid.
I received a copy of this book from Glasstown Entertainment for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
julziemoon's review against another edition
5.0
This book was amazing. The story was original and i loved the main character. There wasn’t a single boring moment in the book. Everything had a meaning. Cannot wait to read the sequel!!