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radiergummi15's review against another edition
3.0
After the first 100 pages though, the story got a lot more interesting for me. I really liked the worldbuilding and the task the main group had to fulfill. I also enjoyed the dynamic between Rags and
Spoiler
Shining TalonSpoiler
SomhairleSo in general, I do think this book has its weaknesses and no matter what you are into, you will probably dislike at least some parts of the story. I still recommend it though if the premise sounds interesting to you and I'd definitely be down for a sequel.
theeuphoriczat's review against another edition
3.0
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We follow Rags, a notoriius thief who was caught by the Queensguard and, more specifically, a powerful magician. He is forced to seek out and steal a powerful and ancient fae relic for the magician. The magician (whose name I currently can't remember) spells a mirror in Rags to monitor him.
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In trying to find this relic, many have died, and Rags will not be one of them. He is quite smart, I have to give him that. When he finds the relic, he happens to awaken a fae prince (Shining Talon). A prince that recalls how the magician decimated the royal family and his plans to control the kingdom.
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They both go on a journey to not just save themselves but the kingdom. We are introduced to a number of amazing characters who happen to each have one of the six fae relics.
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Overall, I really enjoyed this book. You will love this book if you
- love queer romance
-love fae fantasy packed with action and intrigue
- want a book with heists and friendships
- want a book filled with fantastic multiple POV
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Thanks to @pridebooktours for making a copy of this book available to me.
vaporization's review against another edition
4.0
ecstaticrhubarb's review against another edition
2.0
It lost me once we jumped to some of the other character stories.
starrysea98's review against another edition
gperna01's review against another edition
3.0
arielwip's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
dorisxu's review against another edition
4.0
serru's review against another edition
2.0
thebooklovingpanda's review against another edition
4.0
"What does it mean?" the fae asked... "'Pissing balls of f***ing fire'? Is it your name?"
This got off to a walloping start with a shockingly violent prologue (think 'Game of Thrones' level) opening up for a Chapter One full of sass, gallows humour and a protagonist (Rags the thief) who simply leaps off the page.
Rags was my favourite character, especially when we learn a little more about his past. There were some unexpectedly heartwarming and wholesome moments too, especially near the end. The other characters were interesting too all with distinct narratives leading up to when their lives irrevocably merge together. I really liked (the human) Prince Somhairle in particular! I wish we'd gotten a POV from the fae prince himself...perhaps in the sequel? (Please.) I'd love to read him recollecting his first encounter with Rags. Absolutely iconic scene and one of my favourite human/fae meetings I've read.
I'd say that the blurb's comparison to 'Six of Crows' is fair. You've got definite found family dynamics, grudging alliances, sarcastic humour and an epic heist sequence full of booby traps and close calls. Very Indiana Jones.
I really liked the high fantasy world, especially the names of the royal and noble houses. I'm intrigued - is there a specific reason why there are only (human) queens reigning, or is this whole society a matrilineal one? There's a whole variety of POV characters (gay, trans and disability rep), with a couple of characters of colour, though I'm pretty sure the vast majority of characters here are white. The fae I'm not sure about though!
The first 50% was super bingeable, flagged a bit in the middle as the POVs increased and the plot grew more complex, but it soon picked up again. I did sometimes get a little confused when the different POV chapters split focus during conflict scenes, as well as by the ever-growing cast, but overall it didn't really bother me.
There's less romance than I was expecting but I still shipped the main couple so much! Their budding relationship is sweet and earnest in a world full of nastiness, and peppered with cute and funny moments. I also really liked the platonic love in this. I don't want to spoil anything, so suffice to say that I had Eragon nostalgia and absolutely adored that aspect of this story.
Overall this was a fun, refreshing high fantasy romp and I'm really hoping for a sequel!
Thank you to TBR and Beyond Tours, HarperTeen and NetGalley for an eARC for an honest review.