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annepanman's review
3.0
I liked this book more than the first one. It wasn’t a book I absolutely loved but I did think it was a decent book.
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
Pros:
Tella and Dante’s romance is much better than Julian and Scarlett’s and it’s obvious with this book. Tella and Dante have so much chemistry. I love their banter and the way they work well together. Their relationship might have been ruined by the huge secret that Dante kept but they still obviously love each other so much. In fact, I think their romance carried this book. On the other hand, Scarlett and Julian’s romance is heavily affected by theses lies that continue to tear apart their relationship. If only this wasn’t a never-ending cycle of hurt and betrayal. I can’t say I hate it it since I kind of felt in the first book that their romance might not last. Not to mention certain things seem to point in that direction. Another thing that was good about this book is that it makes Tella more interesting and less annoying. Don’t get me wrong, she’s still annoying at times, but I don’t hate her anymore. She’s much more bearable now that I’ve gotten to see from her point of view. I think this leads into the way the two sisters are. Tella is headstrong, passionate, and clever while Scarlett is brave, caring, and calculating. They balance each other out and their bond is beautiful. Now we have to talk about Jacks. At first, I hated Jacks. But, I knew that Jacks is the main male character of the sequel series ‘Once Upon a Broken Heart.’ I also knew that a lot of people loved him. Because of that, I questioned his intentions and if there’s something else to him. In the end, he didn’t truly show that he’s got some good to him until the end of the book when ‘won.’ Like Tella, I expected him to flaunt his victory. I didn’t expect him to help and be kind to Tella. But the end of the book helped me to recall all the little bits of the book where he showed hints of being good. He was always there to comfort her when Dante pushed her aside or hurt her. It’s obviously has feelings for Tella but he doesn’t show it much. It makes think though, if he likes her because she made his heart beat or because be actually likes her. It makes me think there’s a whole lot more to him that we’ll find out in the future. I actually really loved him in the last part of the book. In fact, Tella and Jacks’ banter at the end when he carries her back to the palace was so adorable, funny, and had a lot of chemistry. While I don’t ship Tella with Jacks, it also makes me see how there’s more to Jacks. I also felt like it was important to get Jacks back on the throne at the end of the book. He might be evil, but I feel like we’re not getting much better if it’s not him on the throne. Still, I need to see more character development with him before I decide what to do about him. Another thing I liked about this book but it’s more about the series as a whole is this overarching theme of family comes first. There’s many instances that show that no matter what, both Scarlett and Tella will put their each other or their mother before their own well-being and in other cases love. Love can often be misleading and it can often be blind too. The bond that a loving family shares is more trustworthy than love that you’ve just acquired. It’s obvious with the way Scarlett chose Tella over Julian and it’s obvious with the way that Tella would save her mother than submit to her feelings for Dante. While I don’t completely agree with this theme since there’s many times in reality that family can be horrible and toxic, this them is meant to emphasize the bond Tella and Scarlett have and it’s nice to see that considering I don’t see many sisterly relationships that are strong and live in books.
Cons:
I still find bits of Tella annoying like with the fact that she still brings emotional stress to her sister and sometimes without good reason. her theory that she will never find love. I thought she was dumb for thinking that. Just because a card told you that, doesn’t mean that you have to believe that. Dante made excellent points when he said she can’t find love if she doesn’t even try to open her heart to the idea of it. She’s been blocking her own shot at happiness this entire time which is something both sisters have. Which leads me to Scarlett. She started writing to the count again… while also giving Julian another chance… which makes her a cheater. I hate cheaters. Julian is still the same as he was in the first book. He hasn’t changed at all. He keeps lying and it’s not good. He isn’t great in this book and I honestly don’t ship them very much after this but that doesn’t mean that Scarlett should cheat. I have issues with her after she starting writing to the count again. It makes it seem like she’s not changed at all from the beginning of the series. Thankfully she says she doesn’t want to marry him but I don’t fully trust her. Another person I can’t trust is of course Legend who we now know is Dante. Despite them being the same person, it’s almost like they’re different characters because of the way the act. Dante has been a good friend while Legend is still mysterious and closed off. Not to mention he plays tricks and I’m starting to get tired of them. Especially at the end. Speaking of him, it’s still somewhat incest if Julian and Dante are truly brothers and Scarlett and Tella both end up with a brother. Another thing I didn’t like was that Tella is supposedly Jacks’ one true love because she made his heart beat with a kiss and she wasn’t affected. I don’t think that’s the case because why else would she have still experienced coming close to death. Also, I would hate it if they are fated. Not only because I don’t ship but I hate this cliché where we’re going to have to deal with Jacks’ broken heart in the next series. He’s the second male lead here. Gets his heart broken and then we’ll find out who he really ends up with. It made me lose excitement for Finale and Once Upon a Broken Heart. I also didn’t like Paloma. I for one, have never liked her. Finding out she gave Tella up that easily makes me dislike her even though I think she had her reasons. I won’t be liking her unless she has a good explanation. Otherwise, she was not worth this mess at all. The final thing I’d like to say that was not my cup of tea was how predictable the book was. In the book’s defense, I was spoiled about Dante being Legend before I read this book but it’s so obvious that Dante is Legend. He just has every quality that matches Legend. It’s obvious that Jacks has more to him than meet the eye. It’s obvious that Legend would be the “heir.” It was obvious that Tella would switch spots with her mother to save both her and Dante. It was just really predictable and that usually isn’t a con for me but this was too much.
The ending got me intrigued for the next book. I don’t know if I’m very happy about it though. With the reveal that Dante is the “Elantine’s actual heir,” you get mad at him. He keeps playing games and you never know when he’s going to stop. I don’t want him to be king and I don’t think he’s truly related to Elantine I don’t think he has evil intentions but I don’t know what he’s playing at. Maybe he made a deal with the empress that he would help her. Also, with this new world that includes the return of fates , one has to wonder which ones we’ll run into, which ones are good, and which ones are evil.
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
Pros:
Tella and Dante’s romance is much better than Julian and Scarlett’s and it’s obvious with this book. Tella and Dante have so much chemistry. I love their banter and the way they work well together. Their relationship might have been ruined by the huge secret that Dante kept but they still obviously love each other so much. In fact, I think their romance carried this book. On the other hand, Scarlett and Julian’s romance is heavily affected by theses lies that continue to tear apart their relationship. If only this wasn’t a never-ending cycle of hurt and betrayal. I can’t say I hate it it since I kind of felt in the first book that their romance might not last. Not to mention certain things seem to point in that direction. Another thing that was good about this book is that it makes Tella more interesting and less annoying. Don’t get me wrong, she’s still annoying at times, but I don’t hate her anymore. She’s much more bearable now that I’ve gotten to see from her point of view. I think this leads into the way the two sisters are. Tella is headstrong, passionate, and clever while Scarlett is brave, caring, and calculating. They balance each other out and their bond is beautiful. Now we have to talk about Jacks. At first, I hated Jacks. But, I knew that Jacks is the main male character of the sequel series ‘Once Upon a Broken Heart.’ I also knew that a lot of people loved him. Because of that, I questioned his intentions and if there’s something else to him. In the end, he didn’t truly show that he’s got some good to him until the end of the book when ‘won.’ Like Tella, I expected him to flaunt his victory. I didn’t expect him to help and be kind to Tella. But the end of the book helped me to recall all the little bits of the book where he showed hints of being good. He was always there to comfort her when Dante pushed her aside or hurt her. It’s obviously has feelings for Tella but he doesn’t show it much. It makes think though, if he likes her because she made his heart beat or because be actually likes her. It makes me think there’s a whole lot more to him that we’ll find out in the future. I actually really loved him in the last part of the book. In fact, Tella and Jacks’ banter at the end when he carries her back to the palace was so adorable, funny, and had a lot of chemistry. While I don’t ship Tella with Jacks, it also makes me see how there’s more to Jacks. I also felt like it was important to get Jacks back on the throne at the end of the book. He might be evil, but I feel like we’re not getting much better if it’s not him on the throne. Still, I need to see more character development with him before I decide what to do about him. Another thing I liked about this book but it’s more about the series as a whole is this overarching theme of family comes first. There’s many instances that show that no matter what, both Scarlett and Tella will put their each other or their mother before their own well-being and in other cases love. Love can often be misleading and it can often be blind too. The bond that a loving family shares is more trustworthy than love that you’ve just acquired. It’s obvious with the way Scarlett chose Tella over Julian and it’s obvious with the way that Tella would save her mother than submit to her feelings for Dante. While I don’t completely agree with this theme since there’s many times in reality that family can be horrible and toxic, this them is meant to emphasize the bond Tella and Scarlett have and it’s nice to see that considering I don’t see many sisterly relationships that are strong and live in books.
Cons:
I still find bits of Tella annoying like with the fact that she still brings emotional stress to her sister and sometimes without good reason. her theory that she will never find love. I thought she was dumb for thinking that. Just because a card told you that, doesn’t mean that you have to believe that. Dante made excellent points when he said she can’t find love if she doesn’t even try to open her heart to the idea of it. She’s been blocking her own shot at happiness this entire time which is something both sisters have. Which leads me to Scarlett. She started writing to the count again… while also giving Julian another chance… which makes her a cheater. I hate cheaters. Julian is still the same as he was in the first book. He hasn’t changed at all. He keeps lying and it’s not good. He isn’t great in this book and I honestly don’t ship them very much after this but that doesn’t mean that Scarlett should cheat. I have issues with her after she starting writing to the count again. It makes it seem like she’s not changed at all from the beginning of the series. Thankfully she says she doesn’t want to marry him but I don’t fully trust her. Another person I can’t trust is of course Legend who we now know is Dante. Despite them being the same person, it’s almost like they’re different characters because of the way the act. Dante has been a good friend while Legend is still mysterious and closed off. Not to mention he plays tricks and I’m starting to get tired of them. Especially at the end. Speaking of him, it’s still somewhat incest if Julian and Dante are truly brothers and Scarlett and Tella both end up with a brother. Another thing I didn’t like was that Tella is supposedly Jacks’ one true love because she made his heart beat with a kiss and she wasn’t affected. I don’t think that’s the case because why else would she have still experienced coming close to death. Also, I would hate it if they are fated. Not only because I don’t ship but I hate this cliché where we’re going to have to deal with Jacks’ broken heart in the next series. He’s the second male lead here. Gets his heart broken and then we’ll find out who he really ends up with. It made me lose excitement for Finale and Once Upon a Broken Heart. I also didn’t like Paloma. I for one, have never liked her. Finding out she gave Tella up that easily makes me dislike her even though I think she had her reasons. I won’t be liking her unless she has a good explanation. Otherwise, she was not worth this mess at all. The final thing I’d like to say that was not my cup of tea was how predictable the book was. In the book’s defense, I was spoiled about Dante being Legend before I read this book but it’s so obvious that Dante is Legend. He just has every quality that matches Legend. It’s obvious that Jacks has more to him than meet the eye. It’s obvious that Legend would be the “heir.” It was obvious that Tella would switch spots with her mother to save both her and Dante. It was just really predictable and that usually isn’t a con for me but this was too much.
The ending got me intrigued for the next book. I don’t know if I’m very happy about it though. With the reveal that Dante is the “Elantine’s actual heir,” you get mad at him. He keeps playing games and you never know when he’s going to stop. I don’t want him to be king and I don’t think he’s truly related to Elantine I don’t think he has evil intentions but I don’t know what he’s playing at. Maybe he made a deal with the empress that he would help her. Also, with this new world that includes the return of fates , one has to wonder which ones we’ll run into, which ones are good, and which ones are evil.
carolineelisabeth's review
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
4.5
viqwxcs's review
2.0
status: finished
rating: 2.5 ⭐
I've been holding off on this book for quite some time since it would be following Tella and no offense to Tella, but she wasn't and still isn't my favorite sister. This whole book was honestly a disappointment compared to Caraval. It didn't contain Caraval's magic and sometimes the writing seemed mediocre. It didn't help that the "plot twist",, was obvious. Though Scarlett wasn't in the book a lot, her character seemed watered down when she appeared.
Hoping Finale will exceed my expectations and be way better than this.
rating: 2.5 ⭐
I've been holding off on this book for quite some time since it would be following Tella and no offense to Tella, but she wasn't and still isn't my favorite sister. This whole book was honestly a disappointment compared to Caraval. It didn't contain Caraval's magic and sometimes the writing seemed mediocre. It didn't help that the "plot twist",
Spoiler
the plot twist being that Dante was LegendHoping Finale will exceed my expectations and be way better than this.
lenja_sf's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
polothewolf's review
5.0
I devoured this book much like I did with Caraval in just three days. The twists and turns were enough to keep me hooked and I could not put it down!!!
The flirting and banter between Dante and Tella was perfect every time they were together. I was rooting for them the entire novel!!!
I love the fact that we, the reader, learn things at the same pace as Tella. Even thought I guessed who Legend was long before it was actually revealed I still found myself doubting what I thought, which is the magic of this series isn’t it? They want you to get caught up in it and to question everything, but remember it’s just a game.
The fact that this book blurred the lines of the game and reality was one of my favourite parts. Not knowing if everything was a part of Legends game or if it was really happening is one of the main reasons I loved this book.
Jacks was a character I hated in the best way. He was so cruel and callous and just seemed so evil that I found myself LOVING the way he was written. And at the end, when he become kinda sweet and caring for her?? I think I began to like him too, even if I know I really shouldn’t.
The ending was both expected and not. Tella sacrificing herself I was half expecting. I was not expecting Legend to release all the Fates to save her and then to just leave her like that. The betrayal I felt there cut so deep I felt like I was the one being abandoned.
And the very end, with Legend claiming to be the Heir? Well it was just a reminder that not matter what, Legend is always playing a game, often more than one.
I cannot wait to see what Finale has in store for me but I know one thing for certain, if it has the same tension, twists and turns as the previous two then I’m going to be swept up in the madness once more.
The flirting and banter between Dante and Tella was perfect every time they were together. I was rooting for them the entire novel!!!
I love the fact that we, the reader, learn things at the same pace as Tella. Even thought I guessed who Legend was long before it was actually revealed I still found myself doubting what I thought, which is the magic of this series isn’t it? They want you to get caught up in it and to question everything, but remember it’s just a game.
The fact that this book blurred the lines of the game and reality was one of my favourite parts. Not knowing if everything was a part of Legends game or if it was really happening is one of the main reasons I loved this book.
Jacks was a character I hated in the best way. He was so cruel and callous and just seemed so evil that I found myself LOVING the way he was written. And at the end, when he become kinda sweet and caring for her?? I think I began to like him too, even if I know I really shouldn’t.
The ending was both expected and not. Tella sacrificing herself I was half expecting. I was not expecting Legend to release all the Fates to save her and then to just leave her like that. The betrayal I felt there cut so deep I felt like I was the one being abandoned.
And the very end, with Legend claiming to be the Heir? Well it was just a reminder that not matter what, Legend is always playing a game, often more than one.
I cannot wait to see what Finale has in store for me but I know one thing for certain, if it has the same tension, twists and turns as the previous two then I’m going to be swept up in the madness once more.
leahjasmin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
randallanna5's review
4.0
Such a fast read. This world is so fun to get swept into and the characters are so engaging.
klove3130's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0