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starsandvellum's review
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I struggled a little bit with rating this one. I enjoyed reading this book and it was a nice short read. I enjoyed the unique take on world creation as well as the dynamic and personality of Jezebel, the main character.
Some parts of this book, especially the relationship between Asher and Jezebel didn’t make much sense to me. In the beginning, Jezebel states that she likes Asher but doesn’t trust him and then acts in a way that implies trust. The change in Jezebel as a character over the course of this book doesn’t make much sense to me either. She starts out being quite a shy, introverted character being preyed upon by Asher but ends up herself becoming the master manipulator. I do believe at the start, her hand was forced into reactive abuse which was such an interesting part of the story, but what comes after is incredibly narcissistic and manipulative with very little cause which lead me to not liking her as a character. Her relationship dynamic with the prince towards the later part of the book feels incredibly forced and overly formal?
I wish there was a little more world building as well, I would have liked to have known a little more about the world, but as a novella maybe I’m expecting a little too much.
All in all this was a fun read with an interesting world and an exciting concept but the character change and dynamic wasn’t the most enjoyable.
I struggled a little bit with rating this one. I enjoyed reading this book and it was a nice short read. I enjoyed the unique take on world creation as well as the dynamic and personality of Jezebel, the main character.
Some parts of this book, especially the relationship between Asher and Jezebel didn’t make much sense to me. In the beginning, Jezebel states that she likes Asher but doesn’t trust him and then acts in a way that implies trust. The change in Jezebel as a character over the course of this book doesn’t make much sense to me either. She starts out being quite a shy, introverted character being preyed upon by Asher but ends up herself becoming the master manipulator. I do believe at the start, her hand was forced into reactive abuse which was such an interesting part of the story, but what comes after is incredibly narcissistic and manipulative with very little cause which lead me to not liking her as a character. Her relationship dynamic with the prince towards the later part of the book feels incredibly forced and overly formal?
I wish there was a little more world building as well, I would have liked to have known a little more about the world, but as a novella maybe I’m expecting a little too much.
All in all this was a fun read with an interesting world and an exciting concept but the character change and dynamic wasn’t the most enjoyable.
jaymieheintz's review against another edition
5.0
As an aspiring author, I’ve been enjoying Bethany’s writing advice videos and decided to give one of her books a try. I enjoyed the world building, how fast-paced it was, the plot, and the fact that it was my first villain origin story where I could understand and feel for the villain and why they chose to do what they did. I can’t wait to read the next one! Well done, Bethany! :)
millennialbookreview's review
2.5
The Secret Gift was a book that I have mixed feelings about. The blurb promised an interesting premise, but the execution didn’t quite match my expectations. The narrative as a whole was missing something. The protagonist had a compelling arc, though not perfectly executed, but other characters lacked depth. It was a quick read, and the novel works well as a standalone, but it wasn’t a good fit for me.
My full review can be found here
My full review can be found here
bhdavis's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
danibourque's review against another edition
4.0
When you hope for the main character to get away with all their bad things
emma_12's review
3.0
This is the origin story of Jezebel who I believe goes on to become a villain in the The Stolen Kingdom series. Having never read any of Atazadeh's books before, I was worried that I would struggle to get into this, and whilst I might have lost some of the nuance, the novella was very enjoyable.
At the beginning I was concerned about the lack of development of Jezebel's friends, but this becomes clear and necessary as you continue reading. No spoilers! You really see Jezebel's growth throughout the novella as she comes into her own, and the startings of a villain. Atazadeh does a great job of making us empathise with Jezebel. I kept reading to find out what she would do next!
I would recommend to anyone that enjoys YA fantasy for a fun, quick read. I'll definitely be checking out some of the author's other work.
At the beginning I was concerned about the lack of development of Jezebel's friends, but this becomes clear and necessary as you continue reading. No spoilers! You really see Jezebel's growth throughout the novella as she comes into her own, and the startings of a villain. Atazadeh does a great job of making us empathise with Jezebel. I kept reading to find out what she would do next!
I would recommend to anyone that enjoys YA fantasy for a fun, quick read. I'll definitely be checking out some of the author's other work.
lenae899's review
4.0
Set in the Jinn world, Jezebel and her friends of little or no magic stumble upon an entrance to the human world. Jezebel has a powerful but secret gift that she's hid from them for fear that they would use her or see her differently. Of course, nothing ever happens as it should.
This is the first book I’ve read in the series, and I was pleasantly surprised with how interesting it is! Jezebel is relatable in her motivations for keeping her powers secret, even as she makes choices to protect herself. I'm not sure if it's a direct retelling or one specific fairy tale, but it definitely had some Aladdin influences that the book had its own spin on. I’m dying to know what happens next! The writing feels a little simplistic at times but that didn’t stop me from liking it. I have younger sisters who would definitely love to read this.
This is the first book I’ve read in the series, and I was pleasantly surprised with how interesting it is! Jezebel is relatable in her motivations for keeping her powers secret, even as she makes choices to protect herself. I'm not sure if it's a direct retelling or one specific fairy tale, but it definitely had some Aladdin influences that the book had its own spin on. I’m dying to know what happens next! The writing feels a little simplistic at times but that didn’t stop me from liking it. I have younger sisters who would definitely love to read this.
marcia_arguelles's review
3.0
3.5
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
I little tale about trust and friendships and how to find yourself. Villains really are not born but made. I’m interested to know what will happen next and glad this was a quick and good read.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
I little tale about trust and friendships and how to find yourself. Villains really are not born but made. I’m interested to know what will happen next and glad this was a quick and good read.
storiedadventures's review against another edition
5.0
This is the first book that I've read in this series and I absolutely need to read the rest! If you like The Lunar Chronicles writing style and feel then you will like this series! I really enjoyed it!
Bel (Jezebel) is a secret shapeshifter among the Jinni. But her gift was late in manifesting. I really feel bad for her. She’s abused by her dad, betrayed, and then responds horribly. But I can see her thought process behind it all. She just wants to be safe. And she thinks the best way to do that is through power.
I also really liked the foray into the human world from the Jinni world! They think humans eat Jinni. :P
I seriously need to read the other books! Obviously because this was a villain origin, it ended on a sad note so I just know what happens to her!
Bel (Jezebel) is a secret shapeshifter among the Jinni. But her gift was late in manifesting. I really feel bad for her. She’s abused by her dad, betrayed, and then responds horribly. But I can see her thought process behind it all. She just wants to be safe. And she thinks the best way to do that is through power.
I also really liked the foray into the human world from the Jinni world! They think humans eat Jinni. :P
I seriously need to read the other books! Obviously because this was a villain origin, it ended on a sad note so I just know what happens to her!
skylerher's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Alcohol and Gaslighting
Minor: Sexual harassment and Death