Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
medium-paced
4⭐️ audio narration
2⭐️ actual prose
This is a case where I don’t want to be too harsh as I think many will eat this book up but for me it was a struggle.
Part of it could have been the narration which IMO Hainsworth did a fine job, it’s just that it was the wrong format for me to consume the book especially because I kept falling asleep. I know that sounds really bad but it was just that her voice was so soothing and even that it lulled me to sleep.
As far as the book itself I found it really problematic. It’s 2025 and while I know in fantasy worlds you’re taking liberties and trying to lay ground work and that’s not always shiny and happy but calling indigenous people “savages”, ummm no.
The FMC is not only insufferable she is low key racist and well.. again 2025.
I’m going to leave it at that as I don’t want to let my anger at the prose get the best of me.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC or eARC from through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Macmillan Young Listeners through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
2⭐️ actual prose
This is a case where I don’t want to be too harsh as I think many will eat this book up but for me it was a struggle.
Part of it could have been the narration which IMO Hainsworth did a fine job, it’s just that it was the wrong format for me to consume the book especially because I kept falling asleep. I know that sounds really bad but it was just that her voice was so soothing and even that it lulled me to sleep.
As far as the book itself I found it really problematic. It’s 2025 and while I know in fantasy worlds you’re taking liberties and trying to lay ground work and that’s not always shiny and happy but calling indigenous people “savages”, ummm no.
The FMC is not only insufferable she is low key racist and well.. again 2025.
I’m going to leave it at that as I don’t want to let my anger at the prose get the best of me.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC or eARC from through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Macmillan Young Listeners through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism
This was a magical world, full of competition, tension, and drama. Blaze's entire life has been marked by disaster. Her birth resulted in a tragic storm that left thousands of people dead. Her magical gift disappeared that day. However, she and her twin brother are now forced to compete to be future rulers of the empire and she might need to find her magic to win.
I loved the world building and depth of the character building. The politics were woven intricately into the competition for the throne. It's not based on birthright, but rather on magical skill, which was interesting and brought a layer of tension and drama to the story. Blaze's story was emotional in a realistic manner and I found myself rooting for her to find her inner confidence and shine.
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advance copy!
I loved the world building and depth of the character building. The politics were woven intricately into the competition for the throne. It's not based on birthright, but rather on magical skill, which was interesting and brought a layer of tension and drama to the story. Blaze's story was emotional in a realistic manner and I found myself rooting for her to find her inner confidence and shine.
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advance copy!
3.75 STARS!! Thank you NetGalley and MacMillian for providing thie eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I thought this was a great debut fantasy novel and one that can easily be recommended for those just starting to dip their toes into the genre. There are a lot of great tropes represented, and the overall story/plot was matched with good pacing throughout. There were also some surprising takes on this like how common magic systems are used (like the 4 elements).
The FMC, although extremely sheltered, still had a little sass to her and figured out how to come out into her own and figure out who she was deep down. Without giving away any spoilers, there was plenty of grief, confusion, and big emotions that she had to deal with throughout this book.
Although there are many portions of the story that can be predictable, there were a couple of plot twists that I did not expect at all and I loved that. I think there were small issues here and there that I did not love (like annoying bully characters and some of their conversations), but not enough to deter me from enjoying the overall story. Will definitely continue the series.
Some Tropes I loved
- Sibling Love (rather than rivalry)
- Found family
- Love Triangle
- Games & Trials
- Unique Twist on Magic System (elemental)
- Multiple Antagonists
- Witty Banter
- Political Scheming
I thought this was a great debut fantasy novel and one that can easily be recommended for those just starting to dip their toes into the genre. There are a lot of great tropes represented, and the overall story/plot was matched with good pacing throughout. There were also some surprising takes on this like how common magic systems are used (like the 4 elements).
The FMC, although extremely sheltered, still had a little sass to her and figured out how to come out into her own and figure out who she was deep down. Without giving away any spoilers, there was plenty of grief, confusion, and big emotions that she had to deal with throughout this book.
Although there are many portions of the story that can be predictable, there were a couple of plot twists that I did not expect at all and I loved that. I think there were small issues here and there that I did not love (like annoying bully characters and some of their conversations), but not enough to deter me from enjoying the overall story. Will definitely continue the series.
Some Tropes I loved
- Sibling Love (rather than rivalry)
- Found family
- Love Triangle
- Games & Trials
- Unique Twist on Magic System (elemental)
- Multiple Antagonists
- Witty Banter
- Political Scheming
Liked the general story, good pacing, the world. Felt nostalgic from 2010s YAs. Definitely elements of other books so somewhat predictable but didn't mind this. Would have liked a bit more detail on the characters and the Eyes, also more Fox at the end. Didn't really feel much chemistry with the love interests and they seemed more added in for convenience than anything meaningful.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House UK Children’s for this eARC
I’m in two minds about this book. On the one hand, I was thoroughly entertained, literally devouring it over the course of a few days, on the other, it did feel like something I’ve read before. That is not to take anything away from the book or the author, it’s very well written and well worth anyone looking for a solid YA Romantasy to give a go, but it does have the same sort of plot points and story structure as a lot of what’s already popular.
I think if you’re into the genre and looking for an easy, enjoyable read, it’s worth giving a go, and I will definitely be looking out for book two in the series.
I’m in two minds about this book. On the one hand, I was thoroughly entertained, literally devouring it over the course of a few days, on the other, it did feel like something I’ve read before. That is not to take anything away from the book or the author, it’s very well written and well worth anyone looking for a solid YA Romantasy to give a go, but it does have the same sort of plot points and story structure as a lot of what’s already popular.
I think if you’re into the genre and looking for an easy, enjoyable read, it’s worth giving a go, and I will definitely be looking out for book two in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Slavery, Death of parent, Abandonment
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I firmly believe if the author hadn’t tried to write in a weird love triangle, this could’ve been a great YA fantasy.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-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
adventurous
fast-paced