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ashlynsalwaysreading's review against another edition
3.0
I’m not really sure how to feel about this. It was definitely more of a young adult fantasy read than anything else. The plot was good. I’m not completely sure if I loved the characters or not. However, I think my biggest issues was the lack of world building. I felt like I was just thrown into the world and it really took about halfway through the book to really grasp how it worked and about the magic. I did listen to the audiobook and while I liked the narrators voices for the most part, I’m not sure if I really loved some of their inflections and tones. At times they would speak so softly that I would have to turn the volume up super loud and then a second later turn it way down since it would be blasting in my ear when they talked normal. But either way, this book had potential and I can see how people would love it. But for me, I liked it, but it was disappointing at the same time.
stac_bend's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a fun, YA fantasy read. The plot and magical aspects really intrigued me and I had fun with this one!
crystalcollectsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
My favourite thing about this book is the magic system. The way the magic manifests in people differently and the things that the characters can do with it is fascinating. Mancella’s magic, while acquired and grown through heinous means, is incredible.
The villain, Mancella’s father and another that I will not name, are well written. The villains get a satisfying comeuppance.
The dynamic between Mancella and Silver is fun and develops nicely. Their romance builds naturally and believably.
The book seemingly ends, but then we are treated to an epilogue that suggests much more. I am eager for the next instalment to see where that will be going.
The narrators provided an authentic portrayal of the characters.
Many thanks to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the audiobook. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.
The villain, Mancella’s father and another that I will not name, are well written. The villains get a satisfying comeuppance.
The dynamic between Mancella and Silver is fun and develops nicely. Their romance builds naturally and believably.
The book seemingly ends, but then we are treated to an epilogue that suggests much more. I am eager for the next instalment to see where that will be going.
The narrators provided an authentic portrayal of the characters.
Many thanks to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the audiobook. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.
bookaddictjax's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
rebeccasreadingrambles's review against another edition
5.0
Aaaamazing. Obbbbsessed. I was hooked on this book from the very first chapter. The writing, the emotions, the drama, the MC - boom done. And it only got better and better. I love this magical world - so interesting, so much more can unfold, and incredibly easy to follow. Picturing the vicious and kind MC with all her animals was captivating. Silver and his crew, seeing his motivations and glimpses of his past, you can just feel for these kids. I could not stop reading, I was completely obsessed and totally shocked by each twist and where the story went. This was a non-stop heart pounding, action filled book. I LOVED the ending, and I cannot wait for more! This is going to be SUCH a fun series!
Note: I listened to the audiobook and it was fantastic!
Thanks to the publisher for a free digital review copy; my thoughts and review are my own.
Note: I listened to the audiobook and it was fantastic!
Thanks to the publisher for a free digital review copy; my thoughts and review are my own.
into_the_bookish_wild's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a great romantic fantasy. Both main characters were fully fleshed out people with their own complexities and pain, long before they ever start to develop feelings for each other. Mance is vicious and sweet, while Silver is witty and reckless. Mara was my absolute favorite character--I loved getting to see her character emerge more as the story went on. This story really focuses on the importance of inner strength and fighting back against oppression in even the smallest of ways to make a difference.
sskibicki's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
celestialbronz's review against another edition
4.0
There’s a girl who has magic that allow her to collect animal souls she killed, as long as she kills them in a fair fight. those souls reside inside her and could be summoned whenever she wants. and there's an orphan boy who hates her family and plans to manipulate her.
It's a story stacked with betrayals, secrets, and dark past. The vibes was brutal & disturbing, reminded me of Gilded duology. It made me feel helpless but also eager to see where the story’s going, a combination of good writing and amazing narrators. The characterization was so good. The romance was okay but the random “there’s only one bed” felt out of place and unnecessary IMO. But other than that, I enjoyed it.
the ending indicates there could be a sequel? I mean this is good as a standalone but I will read the sequel if there will be one. What a captivating debut
the ending indicates there could be a sequel? I mean this is good as a standalone but I will read the sequel if there will be one. What a captivating debut
annik94's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Loved it!
karis321's review against another edition
3.0
~~Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the ARC!~~
3.5/5 stars rounded down.
I think this book will be a big hit with its intended audience when it officially releases next year. I think it will be deserving of that, but I don't think I'll be sharing in that enthusiasm.
Not that I think the book is bad by any means. Mance and Silver were great main characters in their own right, and I always think it's incredible when an author manages to distinct two different character POVs so well, especially in a debut. Their banter was genuinely good at times, and I found it very sweet with the forwardness Mance displayed in certain scenes (If you know you know) despite the very obvious lack of experience she had. Plus, the betrayal elements were built up well, particularly because the contrast shown in both POVs, where Silver is drowning in guilt with all he's doing, despite being initially oblivious to what he was doing, and Mance gradually coming to trust him completely despite it all. It made for some excellent tension and angst.
The things holding me back are the worldbuilding and the humor. The worldbuilding, particularly the realm/kingdom structure, is condensed heavily in the beginning, and the knowledge barely stuck with me throughout the rest of the story. I dunno, it was just hard for me to visualize much of the world. But I did really like the magical glass trees. As for the humor - it was good except when its timed poorly in dire situations. Like, a meager battle happened because of Mance's dad's manipulations where many a-casualties freshly occurred, and Silver was making jokes in the prose and dialogue about getting to her. I found that very awkward and poorly timed, even if it was to relieve some tension, but, again, time and place.
I dunno if I'm going to read the next book. The ending left me a bit curious to what Taylor has planned next, but whether I will commit to that curiosity is the question. I think I'll be waiting until the synopsis/cover for Book #2 comes out next year, but, until then, I will be saying this was a good read for people to check out for themselves.
3.5/5 stars rounded down.
I think this book will be a big hit with its intended audience when it officially releases next year. I think it will be deserving of that, but I don't think I'll be sharing in that enthusiasm.
Not that I think the book is bad by any means. Mance and Silver were great main characters in their own right, and I always think it's incredible when an author manages to distinct two different character POVs so well, especially in a debut. Their banter was genuinely good at times, and I found it very sweet with the forwardness Mance displayed in certain scenes (If you know you know) despite the very obvious lack of experience she had. Plus, the betrayal elements were built up well, particularly because the contrast shown in both POVs, where Silver is drowning in guilt with all he's doing, despite being initially oblivious to what he was doing, and Mance gradually coming to trust him completely despite it all. It made for some excellent tension and angst.
The things holding me back are the worldbuilding and the humor. The worldbuilding, particularly the realm/kingdom structure, is condensed heavily in the beginning, and the knowledge barely stuck with me throughout the rest of the story. I dunno, it was just hard for me to visualize much of the world. But I did really like the magical glass trees. As for the humor - it was good except when its timed poorly in dire situations. Like, a meager battle happened because of Mance's dad's manipulations where many a-casualties freshly occurred, and Silver was making jokes in the prose and dialogue about getting to her. I found that very awkward and poorly timed, even if it was to relieve some tension, but, again, time and place.
I dunno if I'm going to read the next book. The ending left me a bit curious to what Taylor has planned next, but whether I will commit to that curiosity is the question. I think I'll be waiting until the synopsis/cover for Book #2 comes out next year, but, until then, I will be saying this was a good read for people to check out for themselves.