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I can't technically review this because I was sponsored to read this but you can watch any of my videos for my THOUGHTS (it's really good shhh i didn't say that here nope)
I don’t know what to think about this book. In some ways, it’s bog-standard YA. In other ways, it’s different than the standard YA.
For one thing, representation is there in this book. Plenty of characters of color, different orientations, etc. Unfortunately, a lot of it is just lip-service. Passing mentions are made that the two protagonists have had same-sex relationships in the past, but the primary romances in the book are opposite-sex, as are all the sex scenes (which are fairly graphic for YA and not a little silly). It’s as if the author was ticking off boxes. Bisexual. Check. Dark skin. Check. Gay couple. Check. Etc.
Few of the characters were special or well-fleshed out. They weren’t badly written. Just unoriginal and boring. This may be because the author focused heavily on action and very little on character development and dialogue. Several characters were little more than place-holders. Only a few were engaging and made me want to learn more about them.
The action sequences were solid. Highly cinematic. I could almost hear the gears turning in the author’s mind as she considered how the scenes might play onscreen. But again, there was simply too much of that and not enough world-building or character development.
The world-building is also pretty lame. A thousand years separates the two protagonists and yet both live in pseudo-medieval European-type settings. With guns for some weird reason. One would think that things might have changed over an entire millennia, but if they did, the author did a poor job conveying that.
Conversely, the author did a good job describing smaller environments. Bars, houses, natural settings, etc. were all brought to life with enough detail to paint a picture, but not so much that it was long-winded and boring.
To sum up, this isn’t the worst example of YA fantasy I’ve ever read. The plot was interesting enough that I’ll likely read the sequel. But there are better books out there.
If you can get it from the library, it’s not a terrible read. But I would not recommend this book for purchase. It’s just too mediocre.
For one thing, representation is there in this book. Plenty of characters of color, different orientations, etc. Unfortunately, a lot of it is just lip-service. Passing mentions are made that the two protagonists have had same-sex relationships in the past, but the primary romances in the book are opposite-sex, as are all the sex scenes (which are fairly graphic for YA and not a little silly). It’s as if the author was ticking off boxes. Bisexual. Check. Dark skin. Check. Gay couple. Check. Etc.
Few of the characters were special or well-fleshed out. They weren’t badly written. Just unoriginal and boring. This may be because the author focused heavily on action and very little on character development and dialogue. Several characters were little more than place-holders. Only a few were engaging and made me want to learn more about them.
The action sequences were solid. Highly cinematic. I could almost hear the gears turning in the author’s mind as she considered how the scenes might play onscreen. But again, there was simply too much of that and not enough world-building or character development.
The world-building is also pretty lame. A thousand years separates the two protagonists and yet both live in pseudo-medieval European-type settings. With guns for some weird reason. One would think that things might have changed over an entire millennia, but if they did, the author did a poor job conveying that.
Conversely, the author did a good job describing smaller environments. Bars, houses, natural settings, etc. were all brought to life with enough detail to paint a picture, but not so much that it was long-winded and boring.
To sum up, this isn’t the worst example of YA fantasy I’ve ever read. The plot was interesting enough that I’ll likely read the sequel. But there are better books out there.
If you can get it from the library, it’s not a terrible read. But I would not recommend this book for purchase. It’s just too mediocre.
Hay libros de fantasía y LIBROS de fantasía. Yo personalmente soy alguien bastante complicada con este género, nunca estoy conforme. Es muy rara la historia, libro o autores que logren volarme la cabeza.
Bueno, Furyborn me resultó una historia más. Siento que la premisa es más elaborada que la historia en sí. Tiene sus subidas y bajadas, sus plot twist "inesperados" pero, en general, siento que fue bastante plana...
La conexión entre las dos reinas, desde el inicio, te descoloca. Resulta bastante confusa y, una vez la entendiste, no te resulta muy sorprendente.
Supe que en inglés el libro 1 y 2 están juntos, en español los dividieron. No sé si por fines solo monetarios o para beneficiar a la historia, tendré que leer el siguiente y decidir (? Pero falta rato para eso.
No lo odié, no es que no lo haya disfrutado, pero lo sentí uno más del montón. No tiene nada que lo caracterice y pueda considerarlo un clásico a futuro. Y por ese motivo, pienso esperar un poco más para leer el siguiente.
Bueno, Furyborn me resultó una historia más. Siento que la premisa es más elaborada que la historia en sí. Tiene sus subidas y bajadas, sus plot twist "inesperados" pero, en general, siento que fue bastante plana...
La conexión entre las dos reinas, desde el inicio, te descoloca. Resulta bastante confusa y, una vez la entendiste, no te resulta muy sorprendente.
Supe que en inglés el libro 1 y 2 están juntos, en español los dividieron. No sé si por fines solo monetarios o para beneficiar a la historia, tendré que leer el siguiente y decidir (? Pero falta rato para eso.
No lo odié, no es que no lo haya disfrutado, pero lo sentí uno más del montón. No tiene nada que lo caracterice y pueda considerarlo un clásico a futuro. Y por ese motivo, pienso esperar un poco más para leer el siguiente.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
*Thank you so much to Raincoast Books for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!*
Furyborn was just the book I needed to commence my summer vacation! It was deep, action-packed and so full of love. Seriously, the book started off with action and there was hardly a lull for the rest of the ride!
The character cast of Furyborn made my heart happy. There were so many strong bonds and loving relationships between family and friends which is just what I love to see.
Rielle is the daughter of the Commander of the Royal Guard and she possesses the ability to control all seven of the elements, more than anyone has ever been able to control. She is kind, yet troubled by the horror of her mother’s death. Her fierce and determined side comes out strong during her trials to determine if the is the Sun Queen or the Blood Queen. Her heart is pure, but I definitely wouldn’t mess with her – she serves justice where it is deserved. I adored the relationship between Rielle and her two best friends, Audric and Ludivine. Having grown up together, their bond is nothing but love and support – even when the circumstances encourage otherwise.
Eliana is a bounty hunter who lives centuries later, where Rielle and a world of magic are only a memory or a tale, depending on each person’s perspective. She loves her family fiercely and embarks on a mission with the rebels of the empire to save her mother after her disappearance. Eliana comes across as tough and cold, but it is clear that there is so much more to her character and I’m very eager to continue watching her development throughout the trilogy. Despite the cold exterior, nothing matters more to her than her loved ones. She is extremely devoted to her younger brother, Remy, whose intelligence despite his age brings many things to their adventure.
Both storylines were so intriguing that I couldn’t decide whether I was disappointed or excited each time a chapter ended and the point of view switched. The plot also took a turn that I wasn’t expecting at all! There were a few story developments that I saw coming, but for every one of those there was about 3 more that completely surprised me! I’m so invested in this story and I wish it wasn’t over!
*Thank you so much to Raincoast Books for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!*
Furyborn was just the book I needed to commence my summer vacation! It was deep, action-packed and so full of love. Seriously, the book started off with action and there was hardly a lull for the rest of the ride!
The character cast of Furyborn made my heart happy. There were so many strong bonds and loving relationships between family and friends which is just what I love to see.
Rielle is the daughter of the Commander of the Royal Guard and she possesses the ability to control all seven of the elements, more than anyone has ever been able to control. She is kind, yet troubled by the horror of her mother’s death. Her fierce and determined side comes out strong during her trials to determine if the is the Sun Queen or the Blood Queen. Her heart is pure, but I definitely wouldn’t mess with her – she serves justice where it is deserved. I adored the relationship between Rielle and her two best friends, Audric and Ludivine. Having grown up together, their bond is nothing but love and support – even when the circumstances encourage otherwise.
Eliana is a bounty hunter who lives centuries later, where Rielle and a world of magic are only a memory or a tale, depending on each person’s perspective. She loves her family fiercely and embarks on a mission with the rebels of the empire to save her mother after her disappearance. Eliana comes across as tough and cold, but it is clear that there is so much more to her character and I’m very eager to continue watching her development throughout the trilogy. Despite the cold exterior, nothing matters more to her than her loved ones. She is extremely devoted to her younger brother, Remy, whose intelligence despite his age brings many things to their adventure.
Both storylines were so intriguing that I couldn’t decide whether I was disappointed or excited each time a chapter ended and the point of view switched. The plot also took a turn that I wasn’t expecting at all! There were a few story developments that I saw coming, but for every one of those there was about 3 more that completely surprised me! I’m so invested in this story and I wish it wasn’t over!
I read this for the second time this year, hoping it would entice me to finish the series....but I just don't think these sort if sprawling fantasies are my thing any more.
4.0-4.5 stars
This book really took me by surprise. When I first started reading it, I nearly DNFed it, but I kept going a little more and about 20% of the way through, I really got into it. The cool thing about the story is how you're following two different female POVs in two totally different time periods...almost as if you're reading a journal entry of someone who lived 1000 years ago during history class. It's definitely a refreshing idea and I think the author mostly succeeds. The world also feels very much like Star Wars...with the past POV set during the prequels and the present POV set during the original trilogy...but it's obviously not science fiction. It's more def more high fantasy than not.
There are plenty of twists and turns and yes, there is a point where the two storylines intersect in some really interesting ways. Plus, there's a storyline that's very Hunger Gamesish/Tri-wizard Tournament-ish.
There is romance and all of it is pretty messy (featuring a pretttyyy graphic love scene for YA...to the point I felt like I may have been reading New Adult LOL). I doubt there is going to be a happy ending for any ship though. Plus, there's too much going on with everyone basically being at war.
Can't wait for book 2!
This book really took me by surprise. When I first started reading it, I nearly DNFed it, but I kept going a little more and about 20% of the way through, I really got into it. The cool thing about the story is how you're following two different female POVs in two totally different time periods...almost as if you're reading a journal entry of someone who lived 1000 years ago during history class. It's definitely a refreshing idea and I think the author mostly succeeds. The world also feels very much like Star Wars...with the past POV set during the prequels and the present POV set during the original trilogy...but it's obviously not science fiction. It's more def more high fantasy than not.
There are plenty of twists and turns and yes, there is a point where the two storylines intersect in some really interesting ways. Plus, there's a storyline that's very Hunger Gamesish/Tri-wizard Tournament-ish.
There is romance and all of it is pretty messy (featuring a pretttyyy graphic love scene for YA...to the point I felt like I may have been reading New Adult LOL). I doubt there is going to be a happy ending for any ship though. Plus, there's too much going on with everyone basically being at war.
Can't wait for book 2!
I feel like this doesn’t deserve such a low rating it was really good and easy to follow although nothing really happens hopefully it’s setting up for the next two books ?? Also Rielle’s daddy issues r way out of control lmao sis falls in love w/ like anyone who shows her affection lol it’s actually kind of sad