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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
I really liked this book! Before I get into the details of the story, it's a great example of a fantasy novel *with spice* as opposed to a *spicy* fantasy. There is definitely romance in this book, but it takes a backseat role to the actual plot.
The only reason I can't give this book 5 stars is that, occasionally, at the beginning of the book, something would happen (nothing too dramatic, but still of interest) and then the next paragraph would indicate that it was a BIG deal. I felt like those sections went through too much cutting and revising and ended up losing the development of WHY it was important.
One thing this book did really well was set itself up for a series. I feel like I'm beating a dead horse a bit with this comment (as nearly all of my reviews evaluate books for this), but there wasn't the ever-so-popular cliff hanger of ending the book right in the middle of the action. Maybe I just don't like cliff hangers, I don't know. But this book does a good job of introducing mysteries throughout (with what I think is foreshadowing for later books), wrapping up the major plot points, and ending in a "lull" that opens up our world for the next book. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
Last, and certainly least, for those who have read [b:A Court of Thorns and Roses|50659467|A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1620324329l/50659467._SY75_.jpg|21905102]: I know Ares has long purple hair with purple eyes, but I could not stop imagining him as Lucien. It still worked though as Daria sometimes gives Elain vibes.
The only reason I can't give this book 5 stars is that, occasionally, at the beginning of the book, something would happen (nothing too dramatic, but still of interest) and then the next paragraph would indicate that it was a BIG deal. I felt like those sections went through too much cutting and revising and ended up losing the development of WHY it was important.
Spoiler
My best example is when Daria first meets Maira and steps in to help her because the other deity, whose name I don't remember, was "harassing" her. The way Daria and Ares sprang into action and how Maira was grateful implies that something serious was happening, but as far as I could tell, Maira was just in an argument and Daria/Ares had already started to intervene the first time the other deity reached for Maira's arm.One thing this book did really well was set itself up for a series. I feel like I'm beating a dead horse a bit with this comment (as nearly all of my reviews evaluate books for this), but there wasn't the ever-so-popular cliff hanger of ending the book right in the middle of the action. Maybe I just don't like cliff hangers, I don't know. But this book does a good job of introducing mysteries throughout (with what I think is foreshadowing for later books), wrapping up the major plot points, and ending in a "lull" that opens up our world for the next book. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
Last, and certainly least, for those who have read [b:A Court of Thorns and Roses|50659467|A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1620324329l/50659467._SY75_.jpg|21905102]: I know Ares has long purple hair with purple eyes, but I could not stop imagining him as Lucien. It still worked though as Daria sometimes gives Elain vibes.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
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
This book took me a while to get through and not because it was bad or anything. It just felt like it kind of dragged a bit at times. The world building and lore was interesting, I loved the diversity, and the overall story was pretty unique. It felt like a slow burn for a while but then all of a sudden they were obsessed with each other, so that was a little weird and felt kind of rushed. The side romance felt like it flowed better and to be quite honest, I’m more interested in Daria’s story. Some things were left unexplained and that kind of bothered me so I’m hoping they are addressed in the next book.
Overall though, it was good and I am excited to read the next one.
Overall though, it was good and I am excited to read the next one.
I stoped at 11 %. I found the writing to be the biggest problem for me it was very choppy, very short sentences and the scenes ended very abruptly. A lot of info dump as well. The story was very promising and had very cool aspects to it but the writing killed for me. I would probably give it another try if it gets a new revision or edit .
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
This book is epic fantasy at its finest. The twists, the turns, the changing alliances. I loved the way Jessica wove together both Zara and Daria's stories. Both of their POVs where so fun to follow, especially their interactions with their father, with Ronan, with Ares, and with the guild.
In the wake of a major war, Jessica takes on a journey to see how all the aligned kingdoms have fared -- having the reader follow an assassin bound to the cruel High King and forced to do his bidding and a rising princess who feels at a loss for what her place is in her kingdom. We also follow the tales of Ronan and Ares who have their own fall outs from the war and are struggles to come to terms with decisions and alliances made over the years. I love how uniquely Jessica built their story, pulling back layer by layer the deeper you get into the political intrigue, the secrets, and the hidden identities. She did an amazing job of interweaving all ofthose elements throughout the overarching plot. The story in this book is just so well done, constantly moving and reshaping with each new piece of the puzzle. I loved that both Daria's and Zara's stories ran parallel to each other, but they were also interwoven at moments -- especially as it relates to both the commands of the High King and the Vampire King.
As for our MCs -- well, Ronan and Zara -- I cannot wait to see what is in store for these two. I know whatever it is, it is going to hurt just a little (or maybe alot). I loved their subplot between finding peace with themselves and who they are, as they found each other due to circumstance. Their story is just so satisfying to follow, especially when they finally admit their feelings. As for Daria and Ares -- well, someone has some explaining to do and some groveling to do. Oof, this one hurt just a little bit more because you had to watch the two of come together know that something would rip them just utterly apart in the the worst possible way. I loved that Jessica kept their two romance subplots so distinct and different from each other, but they were both some wrought with emotion throughout the entire course of the book. She does emotional romance so freaking well. I ate every moment of it up.
The book reads like a cross between epic fantasy, Assassin's Creed, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, given you equal parts adventure, action, and romance that will have you hooked from start to finish. Now to just impatiently wait for the next installment.
In the wake of a major war, Jessica takes on a journey to see how all the aligned kingdoms have fared -- having the reader follow an assassin bound to the cruel High King and forced to do his bidding and a rising princess who feels at a loss for what her place is in her kingdom. We also follow the tales of Ronan and Ares who have their own fall outs from the war and are struggles to come to terms with decisions and alliances made over the years. I love how uniquely Jessica built their story, pulling back layer by layer the deeper you get into the political intrigue, the secrets, and the hidden identities. She did an amazing job of interweaving all ofthose elements throughout the overarching plot. The story in this book is just so well done, constantly moving and reshaping with each new piece of the puzzle. I loved that both Daria's and Zara's stories ran parallel to each other, but they were also interwoven at moments -- especially as it relates to both the commands of the High King and the Vampire King.
As for our MCs -- well, Ronan and Zara -- I cannot wait to see what is in store for these two. I know whatever it is, it is going to hurt just a little (or maybe alot). I loved their subplot between finding peace with themselves and who they are, as they found each other due to circumstance. Their story is just so satisfying to follow, especially when they finally admit their feelings. As for Daria and Ares -- well, someone has some explaining to do and some groveling to do. Oof, this one hurt just a little bit more because you had to watch the two of come together know that something would rip them just utterly apart in the the worst possible way. I loved that Jessica kept their two romance subplots so distinct and different from each other, but they were both some wrought with emotion throughout the entire course of the book. She does emotional romance so freaking well. I ate every moment of it up.
The book reads like a cross between epic fantasy, Assassin's Creed, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, given you equal parts adventure, action, and romance that will have you hooked from start to finish. Now to just impatiently wait for the next installment.
- “‘I can tell your power is growing even through your sword fighting, so you need to be careful. Remember that no one, no citizen or soldier—including the other guilds and the High King himself—must know what you possess.’” /43
- Save me from lazy exposition, I beg you
- “‘The bastard is still bitter that Ikarria refused to swear allegiance and—‘
“‘Yes, yes.’ Zara’s grip tightened on her swords. She already knew where this was going. ‘It is because I am the adopted daughter of the male who dared defy him. That is why he made me the Rogue.’
“Hakim sighed. ‘Precisely. That is our theory at least.’” /44
- Oh, you’ve got to stop. We already established this. There’s no way they’d be rehashing this entire thing randomly
- “‘I still think rebelling against the hunting season would only work in our favor. Or stay the same at least. All this talk of the High King and I don’t see how his rule has benefited us.’” /46
- STOPPIT
- “‘In the end, the guilds were forced to satisfy the political demands of the Continent,’ Zara muttered. She cocked her head, feeling a sliver of bitterness seep into her veins. ‘We spill blood to serve. We spill blood to survive.’
“Axar exhaled through his nostrils. ‘There is little choice in the matter.’” /48
- So, I’m already annoyed, but now I’m even more bothered. She’s 27. I get the whole “fae age slower than humans” thing, but why are she and Axar acting - and being treated - like petulant teenagers?
- Is the “We spill blood to serve. We spill blood to survive” and axiom or something? I’m supposed to believe that either A, she just whipped that out of nowhere, or B, the more likely option, she’s doing more lazy exposition and is spouting Guild rhetoric. I hate both options. And I’m starting to not like this book.
- UGH THAT WHOLE CHAPTER WAS PAINFUL. /49
- “There were no records as to what had happened to its citizens or their king—the lost king of Damalis. It was said, out of his family, none had survived—except for him.” /52
- Hello, love interest
Nope. I can’t do it. There’s way too much lazy exposition and telling without showing. I do not have high hopes for that to improve as the book goes on. I should probably give it some more time, but I shan’t. LIFE’S TOO SHORT TO READ BOOKS YOU DON’T LOVE.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What a long drawn out book! I could see essence of throne of glass high fantasy in there but it always fell just a little short. The POV changes were ok but the sisters perspective really lacked. I also thought everything was half baked, gave you just enough to get by but you were still confused chapter to chapter. Not terrible but not great. Probably won’t read the next one.
adventurous
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
medium-paced
5+ stars
I got some beef with this author. You did NOT need to make me cry like that.
By far one of my favorite reads of all time. There’s no words I can type that will accurately explain why that is, just that it is.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go curl up in bed and cry some more, cause why did you have to do THAT to THEM.
I got some beef with this author. You did NOT need to make me cry like that.
By far one of my favorite reads of all time. There’s no words I can type that will accurately explain why that is, just that it is.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go curl up in bed and cry some more, cause why did you have to do THAT to THEM.
adventurous
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes