Reviews

A great read

I’ve been putting this off for weeks, and I’m so upset I waited so long to read it.

Once I actually sat down and really got into it, the time flew by. Before so realized it, I was already over sixty percent done. It was easy to read, and beyond engaging.

I loved the world building, though it could get a bit chunky in the descriptions. These characters were flawed and full of personality. They went through so many different stages of emotions. There were times that I was frustrated with them, where I laughed with them, where I was angry at them or for them. This really dove deep into people’s mentality, and what they’re willing and capable of doing, during a pandemic.

The romance wasn’t heavy, but considering the situations they were in, it fit.

Can’t wait to read the next one.

mandynovak99's review against another edition

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5.0

Loved this book kept me hooked all the way through! If anyone’s looking for a similar vibe (the romance) then I’d suggest reading These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan.

njj22's review against another edition

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Too predictable

daphx00's review against another edition

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4.0

A bit predictable but I liked it a lot nonetheless

marajoy's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

the review on the back of the book that said this is "unputdownable" was RIGHT. i should have trusted the author since i liked her previous books, but i was judgmental and thinking "this is a reminder of why i don't read ya anymore" at the beginning. in the end, though, this reminded me EXACTLY why i used to love tearing through ya fantasy and what i've been missing. it was brilliant of kemmerer to present you with the cookie cutter ya fantasy template (main girl, evil prince, and rebel boy best friend love triangle with a rebellion against the throne) only to shock you with that plot twist. it wasn't even far fetched, but for some reason i was FLOORED and totally drawn in from there. kemmerer occasionally writes great lines, like the king chess piece falling or harristan's words to tessa, but i don't particularly enjoy her writing style. it's bearable because i think her plots and character development are fantastic, but it almost reads as ai generated because it's lack of originality. i understand it if her focus is more on communicating the story than prose, though. also, i do really appreciate how she establishes distinct tone with dual povs. in summary, i love how kemmerer plays with those basic fantasy plots and forgot how much fun her books are. this was the reminder i needed that i'm taking myself and reading too seriously.

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