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3.38 AVERAGE
3.38 AVERAGE
2.5 - 3, but probably 3. I struggle with aspects of this book, while really enjoying others. First off, it is not a particularly original story. In general, it utilizes many YA tropes, from the at-war fantasy kingdoms, to a person who doesn't realize their own (fairly special snowflake power) to an incredibly generic love interest (the worst part in my opinion) and a heroine whom, in lots of cases, was told to be better than she actually was. Also, she is a beautiful, blonde haired, blue eyed girl who doesn't think she is beautiful - can we STOP with this please? One of my most disliked YA tropes. However, while generally this would have driven be crazy, Summerill is an enjoyable writer for me for the first part, and I was really enjoying the beginning of the book, despite a few things that were kind of annoying.
Honestly, it started to fall apart more when the love interest was introduced into the plot in a large way. I wasn't a big fan of some of the earlier tropes used in the book, and I feel like the use of better world building to really explain the situation but I have definitely read worse recently (Of Fire and Stars, I'm looking at you). Regardless, as soon as the love interested entered the story, it was like interesting plot related points became secondary to his jawline, muscles, and scent (which I suppose Britta is supposed to be a tracker so scents should be important, but the way this was discussed was awkward, and really too much for me. Besides, I did not find the love interest anymore desirable than a piece of cardboard (also where he appears to have gotten his personality from) so that didn't help. . The fact that so much of the story devolved into the romance really hurt my enjoyment of the second half because it took far too much focus away from the more interesting story, and it was really angsty.
The ending was also pretty trope heavy, and however, I enjoyed the book enough, and I think Summerill's writing was good enough that I'm looking forward to book 2. I have a few hopes, particularly that we get more plot and less romance, and a little more fleshing out of the world and some of the characters (Lirra anyone?) and I will be picking it up.
I thought it was a pretty enjoyable read, with the exception of a few of the problems I had, and if you're looking for a light new YA fantasy story which doesn't exit the norms, I think this is that. If you are rebelling against the tropes, this is not for you.
Honestly, it started to fall apart more when the love interest was introduced into the plot in a large way. I wasn't a big fan of some of the earlier tropes used in the book
Spoiler
particularly the part where Britta was isolated/hated by her entire village.Spoiler
I understand the magical connection thing, and personally because it's gone a part of me hopes this is over, but I don't think it is. I wanted her to end up with LeifThe ending was also pretty trope heavy, and
Spoiler
the villain was fairly obviousI thought it was a pretty enjoyable read, with the exception of a few of the problems I had, and if you're looking for a light new YA fantasy story which doesn't exit the norms, I think this is that. If you are rebelling against the tropes, this is not for you.
DNF'ed. I didn't care about a single person, and the plot was too weak to hold up in the stead of boring, soulless characters. This was a big old nope.
This book is more like 2 stars.That extra star is just for the COVER
First,let me tell you a interesting conversation I had with my brain around 30-40% of the book.
BRAIN: Are you loving this?
ME: Uhh,I like it just a little bit.I won't say I am loving it though.
BRAIN: Then,why are you still reading this? You can read something else.Look at your TBR shelf.It's a MESS.
ME: *shrugging* Because it's predictable.
BRAIN: *stutters* What?!What?
ME: Yes,Mr.B.Like,I think about this certain thing and it appears on the page.It's Magic.I LOVE guessing what happens.
BRAIN: You are deranged
ME: Why,Mr.B,thank you.
BRAIN: *murmurs something unintelligent*
*FYI,this is how I convinced myself to carry on with the book.DO NOT JUDGE.
When I heard the series name Clash of Kingdoms,I thought this would be more of my kind of read.My expectations were a little high.I guess it was my fault.
WHAT IS THIS BOOK ABOUT?
The story is about Britta,a girl who tries to find the person responsible for her father's murder.She is caught hunting and taken to the King.There she gets a deal in turn for her life: to catch her father's alleged killer,Cohen McKay.
There are two kingdoms-Malam and Shaerdan.And there is animosity between them.There is a risk of the two kingdoms going to war.(I don't want to give away too much regarding the plot)
THE THINGS I LOVED:
* The writing is good.I mean you don't feel bored through the book so I guess that's a good thing?
*The names of the Kingdoms: Malam and Shaerdan.
* The character Leif.
*Britta's fathers words:
"Bravery is a choice that is yours to make.Don't let fear steal your will"
WHY THIS DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
*My first and foremost concern is the predictability of the story.I felt there wasn't anything new added to it.
The last half of the book,my reaction was:
*The Characters:
Honestly,Britt bugged me.The first 20% of the book,I liked her.
And Cohen,I didn't connect with him.*I don't like you,buddy*
Spoiler
Basically,this felt like a love story with a little action thrown in it.And THAT ending,man.
Spoiler
Really,what is with the King dude?*Thanks for the publisher for providing an ARC
this book is bad like... really bad
all ya cliches and tropes can be found in it
all of them
0% them are well developed
the romance almost killed me
the writing lacked tension... and well, everything else?
it was just.... bad
all ya cliches and tropes can be found in it
all of them
0% them are well developed
the romance almost killed me
the writing lacked tension... and well, everything else?
it was just.... bad
I loved the world and the characters. The way Summerill crafts the emotional plot throughout the book feels really close to heart. The writing is a little awkward, but it's still a good book and worth a read.
The ending made up for some of the middle. Great story, the main character irritated me a bit. Lots of action and adventures, and some cool twists. Enjoyable.
This was pretty good. I don't think it was anything special that I will remember forever but I enjoyed it. The characters were interesting. Our main character was put in a very tough decision should she betray her friend or not. She decided to do so because she thought he killed her dad. But then she escaped with him because she believed him innocent. They had an interesting relationship. We spent most of the book on the run with them. Then we met Enat who turned out to be her grandma there was interesting drama with that. We found out our main character was a spiriter. She can heal animals and humans. I really liked the characters like Cohen. There were some parts of the story I didn't really care about like the people that were after them. Or the king. But the magic was interesting. I also liked learning the history of different relationships. I was so sad when Enat died. Anyway the story was good but not the best. I'll probably read the next one.
My Review: This is the second time I have read this title and I have to tell you that the only thing I remembered about it was Enat that was it. I didn't remember anything or anyone else at all. I really really wished what happened to her hadn't and I would love a prequel story about her. I am just saying that she is totally awesome and I love her!
So this one I thought it felt a lot lighter this time around than what I remember from the first time that I read it. It didn't feel so thick or heavy at all. Although death was around the corner for the main characters I really felt like it just didn't seem as bad as it could have been. I don't know it felt like killing light I guess you could say or peril light. I don't know.
I did like how the story unfolded it was very quick. I read this one at 74.6 pages an hour and got it done in just over 5 hours. So I would say that was pretty fast. It never stagnated and I liked that the two characters already had a relationship so you didn't have to worry about that insta love that this one would have had to have if they didn't already know each other. So I think that the author dodged a giant bullet with that one.
The ending was also very nice that although there was one thing left undone even if this book wouldn't have had a sequel it wouldn't have really needed it and it stands alone on its own. Although I think if that would have been the case a good epilogue would have been needed to round out the one thing that wasn't finished.
All in all, I think this would be a great title for someone who is just getting started with fantasy books and young adult. Because its light, quick, and really gives you a very simple world view for the world building as well as the magic that they use.
Note: SO after reading this one I was talking to a friend that had already read book two. And I am like ok so I think this, this, and this happens and she was like YES YES that is EXACTLY what happens. So now I am reading this second book with already knowing what happens because I guessed it and now I am all. Crying up I am so sad right now.
Go Into This One Knowing: Great Beginner Fantasy, Slight Open Ending, No Insta Love, Very Quick Pace.
I really liked the beginning of the book. The only reason I gave it three stars is the ending is confusing. I had to reread it multiple times.
3.5, was going to be 4⭐️ but it genuinely to me feels like the author pulled that last random plot twist out of her ass I’m so sorry like ??? anyways I’ve already got the next book so maybe I’ll change my opinion once I’ve read more idk
Edit 1/10/24: Ive changed my mind - 2⭐️
Edit 1/10/24: Ive changed my mind - 2⭐️