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maria_silv_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Three different plots in same storyline made it slightly difficult to follow and some of the characters did make me question their intentions (not for being intriguing but due to their immaturity). However the middle-endish of the book was a pageturner of a section. Not the best fantasy that I have read but not the worst.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Animal death
lauravogt's review against another edition
5.0
4.5☆
Fun, with a unique magic system. Some great twists. Low spice & violence, so could be a good read from tweens through adults. Recommended.
Fun, with a unique magic system. Some great twists. Low spice & violence, so could be a good read from tweens through adults. Recommended.
rosereadsstories's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
mellamaron's review against another edition
DNF at 72 pages.
I won this arc in a giveaway and was very excited to read it because I thoroughly enjoy dark ya fantasy but… this one I just didn’t vibe with.
It just feels SO basic? The FMC is pained that she has to kill animals for power - which is the most interesting thing in this book so far. The MMC is a generic thief who infiltrates the palace and pretends to be a servant. 🤷♀️ His “banter” with his friends is very 13yo kid. Which honestly is fine but NOT upper YA at all. And when the two finally meet… there is legitimately nothing witty in their conversation. It was SO plain. 😢
And her father is just a villainous coward who is forcing his daughter to kill animals. 🤷♀️ I don’t see any evidence of him having any deeper feelings. She’s likely going to throw him off his pedestal and yay, how inventive….? Mara, the sister, is pretty interesting but she’s the only one who is imo.
Like I said, the magic system is the most interesting thing in this book. The realms are legit named the Coast realm, the Swap realm, the Forest realm… etc. So far, I haven’t really gotten much world building that made me care. It, again, feels basic.
Also, I did skip to the end and read a few chapters there - it’s exactly what I would have predicted from the first five pages of the book with one small detail in the epilogue that is likely going to be the “conflict” next book. I just can’t bring myself to care at all about this after 70+ pages. 🤷♀️ So I’m out.
I won this arc in a giveaway and was very excited to read it because I thoroughly enjoy dark ya fantasy but… this one I just didn’t vibe with.
It just feels SO basic? The FMC is pained that she has to kill animals for power - which is the most interesting thing in this book so far. The MMC is a generic thief who infiltrates the palace and pretends to be a servant. 🤷♀️ His “banter” with his friends is very 13yo kid. Which honestly is fine but NOT upper YA at all. And when the two finally meet… there is legitimately nothing witty in their conversation. It was SO plain. 😢
And her father is just a villainous coward who is forcing his daughter to kill animals. 🤷♀️ I don’t see any evidence of him having any deeper feelings. She’s likely going to throw him off his pedestal and yay, how inventive….? Mara, the sister, is pretty interesting but she’s the only one who is imo.
Like I said, the magic system is the most interesting thing in this book. The realms are legit named the Coast realm, the Swap realm, the Forest realm… etc. So far, I haven’t really gotten much world building that made me care. It, again, feels basic.
Also, I did skip to the end and read a few chapters there - it’s exactly what I would have predicted from the first five pages of the book with one small detail in the epilogue that is likely going to be the “conflict” next book. I just can’t bring myself to care at all about this after 70+ pages. 🤷♀️ So I’m out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
banter_or_bust's review against another edition
4.0
The Beasts We Bury
By D. L. Taylor
Narrated by Brenda Scott Wlazlo and Jake Chronister
4 ⭐️
I’m impressed with this book. It’s a dark YA fantasy with one of the most easy to hate rulers/fathers I’ve read in some time. The magic portfolio is interesting overall with the FMC’s magic being even more so. Mancella is an achievement of a character. Her staunch difference between who she is and who she’s expected to be, her ability to push back against her oppressive father, and her humility that allows her to give chances when she has over ever been used makes her so interesting to read. Silver feels more simple to me and compliments Mancella so well. The epilogue: So smart and has my mind trying to anticipate what could happen next long after I’ve finished reading.
The overall pacing was so good. Every detail felt very intentional with very little, if any, wasted words. The audiobook narrators were excellent. I always appreciate having separate narrators for each POV - thank you for that! The narrators add to the story and don’t detract from it. Pacing of the narration was also good. I really enjoyed this read/listen.
Thank you NetGalley, D.L. Taylor, and Macmillan audio for this audiobook ARC.
morgan_b22's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars! I really enjoyed the world building and getting to know Mancella’s character. The magic system in this book was very unique and easy to follow. I did feel like the character development for Silver was a bit lacking, and I found the relationship between the pair a bit strange. I never felt like it was fully developed. I also felt like there were parts where the plot was a bit lacking. The characters made some odd decisions. This YA romantasy may have been a bit juvenile for me, but magic and mystery made it worth it to me. The audio version was very well done. The narrators were wonderful! Overall, this YA fantasy is worth the read (or listen). Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
Loved reading this book, loved the world and characters, and I can't wait for book 2!
angelaann88's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
bookrecsbyjess's review against another edition
I didn’t really care about the characters or plot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
itsybitsybookhoarder's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. I had a hard time putting it down. It was an epic YA fantasy that took you to a new world with dark magic and a sweet romance. I enjoyed the characters so much, especially Mance and Silver. The story was well written, and I loved the twists and turns. The beasts and the raw power of Mance and hidden magic of others made this so fascinating. I admit that I was shocked at the end, and I am looking forward to more from this author. I recommend this novel, even if you aren't YA. It is worth your time, and you won't regret it. It is an amazing book.
Thank you Net Galley ARC and MacMillian
Thank you Net Galley ARC and MacMillian