Scan barcode
kmc3050's review against another edition
2.0
2.5. Better than the first one, but there’s a lot going on without anything going on.
gia279's review
adventurous
medium-paced
4.0
That was nice! I enjoyed the magic and the worldbuilding a lot. The ending tied up a little too neatly for my tastes but still, it was nice.
mont's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
dreamliner_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
mxdegroot's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
Arguably, the Alcazar was even than the Cerulean. It's such a beautiful story about finding one's place, letting go, embracing. Every single character is powerful in their own way and own right and has fallen into their place by the end of the story. This book made me cry by the end because it was wrapped up so beautifully and I was devestated to finish the series. I was not done with this universe yet.
The plot twists were a little predictable, but in the way that you figure it out about ten pages before it happens and are on the edge on your seat until it's finally revealed to be true. This duology has you in a chokehold from the moment you pick it up, and what kind of books could be better?
The only problem that I have with this book and this duology is that one of the topics is about the main character, Sera, finding herself in her heterosexuality and her having to 'come out of the closet' for this. It makes sense for the story, looking at the fact that she was raised in a society consisting of only women, most of who were lesbians, but it doesn't sit completely right with me.
The plot twists were a little predictable, but in the way that you figure it out about ten pages before it happens and are on the edge on your seat until it's finally revealed to be true. This duology has you in a chokehold from the moment you pick it up, and what kind of books could be better?
The only problem that I have with this book and this duology is
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping, Physical abuse, and Slavery
crystaloona's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
3.75
mojordan's review against another edition
3.0
I think the author did a good job of keeping a mystery going throughout this duology. There was enough revealed that it didn't drag on, but still plenty that I couldn't piece together. I loved the idea of having people doing horrible things but maybe for a not so bad reason. The battle of loving them and hating them is always a fun experience for me. They were not fully forgiven or excused but just made more real. I thought the author did well with the characters. I feel the series was more plot driven but the characters were still presented well enough to really connect with them.
I have to say, one of my biggest critiques of this series is a bit silly but it drove me crazy. The "mantra" of Sera introducing herself was so obnoxious and didn't feel fitting to me at all. "I am Sera Lighthaven. I am Cerulean and my blood is magic." The first time was annoying, the 47th time was agonizing. I didn't mind Sera as a character but I was happy to see Leela become a bigger part of the story. She was more likable and fun to follow.
I did still find the romance in the series a bit clunky. It felt forced, like it was an element that had to be included but never felt right or natural - at least between Sera and Leo. Agnes and Vada were better written.
*minor spoiler ahead*
Another thing I hated was Ambrosine's death. It was sudden and anti-climatic, in my opinion. I did read this book very quickly, though, so that may have played a factor.
I did enjoy the book and series overall. I liked the concept and thought there were some beautiful aspects to the story.
I have to say, one of my biggest critiques of this series is a bit silly but it drove me crazy. The "mantra" of Sera introducing herself was so obnoxious and didn't feel fitting to me at all. "I am Sera Lighthaven. I am Cerulean and my blood is magic." The first time was annoying, the 47th time was agonizing. I didn't mind Sera as a character but I was happy to see Leela become a bigger part of the story. She was more likable and fun to follow.
I did still find the romance in the series a bit clunky. It felt forced, like it was an element that had to be included but never felt right or natural - at least between Sera and Leo. Agnes and Vada were better written.
*minor spoiler ahead*
Another thing I hated was Ambrosine's death. It was sudden and anti-climatic, in my opinion. I did read this book very quickly, though, so that may have played a factor.
I did enjoy the book and series overall. I liked the concept and thought there were some beautiful aspects to the story.