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upturnedroots's review against another edition
4.0
The author's note referenced that Rani Laxmi Bai (Rani of Jhansi) and The Gulabi Gang were inspirations for this fantasy and that was so apparent to me! Those two references are immediately what I thought of as I've been reading on both for my own research/writing as well.
I thought this was a really fresh fantasy story I hadn't heard before and I greatly appreciated the diversity and representation of this dream/spirit world and am looking forward to Book 2 in the series! The two main characters, Gul and Cavas, are strong and well-developed!
I thought this was a really fresh fantasy story I hadn't heard before and I greatly appreciated the diversity and representation of this dream/spirit world and am looking forward to Book 2 in the series! The two main characters, Gul and Cavas, are strong and well-developed!
bak8382's review against another edition
4.0
It took me a little bit to get into this one, and it didn't help that I was reading several other books at the same time, but once I gave this my full attention I didn't want to put it down. Looking forward to the sequel.
larissalee's review against another edition
5.0
Without sharing any spoilers, I just have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story bounces between characters in a way that's clear enough to add to the story rather than providing a distraction, and the main characters behave as I'd expect someone in their situation and age to react as things happen. It did NOT follow the plot I imagined it would after reading the book description, but I think that just made it more enjoyable; I appreciate being surprised instead of knowing where the road ends before the journey begins.
The only downside? I received this book as an ARC, meaning book 2 is a LONG time away.
The only downside? I received this book as an ARC, meaning book 2 is a LONG time away.
crabber's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5
Decent read, the World was rather expansive at the beginning, but hate how tuned down it was later on. Some ideas really I could not grasp, and some things gripe me and made me unable to enjoy this book as much, but besides that, solid read. The emotional bits, at least 2 of them hit home for me.
A few things I hated were : how much power the goddess had, simply giving power left and right, I do not care if it is her daughter, it feels scummy that the goddess has such influence. I hated how easy the break in to the palace was when they’ve described how impossible it was to enter it, Gul even etching a map of it which brought her to be grounded for 2 months. Some other things bugged me as well but not as much as these 2. But again, it’s an ok read which isn’t very long
Decent read, the World was rather expansive at the beginning, but hate how tuned down it was later on. Some ideas really I could not grasp, and some things gripe me and made me unable to enjoy this book as much, but besides that, solid read. The emotional bits, at least 2 of them hit home for me.
A few things I hated were : how much power the goddess had, simply giving power left and right, I do not care if it is her daughter, it feels scummy that the goddess has such influence. I hated how easy the break in to the palace was when they’ve described how impossible it was to enter it, Gul even etching a map of it which brought her to be grounded for 2 months. Some other things bugged me as well but not as much as these 2. But again, it’s an ok read which isn’t very long
alyram4's review against another edition
4.0
Solid 4/5 stars
I'm really digging all of these mythology/folklore inspired fantasy novels lately. Especially with my reread of Percy Jackson, I'm really wanting to read more books steeped with folklore and myths. Hunted by the Sky has amazing worldbuilding, and I actually feel like I was immersed into the world. I know very little of Indian culture, myths, and customs. The little I know is what I've been told my a college friend of mine. I loved delving into a world rooted in a culture different than my own, and this book did a fantastic job in keeping me engaged.
There were times where I had to slow down and reread sections, but this is mostly due to me not being able to read and quickly decipher the language being used. There's a glossary at the end of the book, so there was a lot of jumping back and forth for me. It's especially hard to switch back and forth when reading on the phone, so you can sense how I would be a little frustrated. It's not something I particularly mind in the end though, as I've read a bunch of books using Spanish that I assume other readers would have to look up to understand. I definitely get it, and I actually think it adds an extra layer into how real the books feels.
My main issue for knocking down a star were characters. I depend a lot on connecting with the characters. I can forgive them if I really enjoy the story, and that's a bit of the case here. I never connected to anyone until the near-end of the book. Decisions are made where I personally felt they didn't make sense, and sometimes people act very naive or childish. It bothered me enough to the point where I rounded down my rating. However, I can look past it as I did start to care near the end. There was genuine character development happening, even if it wasn't as quickly as I had hoped. I'm hoping that the next book will lead me to truly care for the characters.
I'm really digging all of these mythology/folklore inspired fantasy novels lately. Especially with my reread of Percy Jackson, I'm really wanting to read more books steeped with folklore and myths. Hunted by the Sky has amazing worldbuilding, and I actually feel like I was immersed into the world. I know very little of Indian culture, myths, and customs. The little I know is what I've been told my a college friend of mine. I loved delving into a world rooted in a culture different than my own, and this book did a fantastic job in keeping me engaged.
There were times where I had to slow down and reread sections, but this is mostly due to me not being able to read and quickly decipher the language being used. There's a glossary at the end of the book, so there was a lot of jumping back and forth for me. It's especially hard to switch back and forth when reading on the phone, so you can sense how I would be a little frustrated. It's not something I particularly mind in the end though, as I've read a bunch of books using Spanish that I assume other readers would have to look up to understand. I definitely get it, and I actually think it adds an extra layer into how real the books feels.
My main issue for knocking down a star were characters. I depend a lot on connecting with the characters. I can forgive them if I really enjoy the story, and that's a bit of the case here. I never connected to anyone until the near-end of the book. Decisions are made where I personally felt they didn't make sense, and sometimes people act very naive or childish. It bothered me enough to the point where I rounded down my rating. However, I can look past it as I did start to care near the end. There was genuine character development happening, even if it wasn't as quickly as I had hoped. I'm hoping that the next book will lead me to truly care for the characters.
discoveringdee's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.25
What I liked: the world building - didn’t feel like over explanation of things, it was just enough imagery to let me be in the world & still add to the overall plot.
- I also really enjoyed the mythology aspect.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of Gul, I spent a lot of time yelling at book for her to stop being so impulsive and to at least attempt to THINK before acting bc so many of the things she did & said would have gotten anyone else killed. Like she knew she wanted revenge on the king but didn’t have a plan, other than to kill him - the most powerful leader in their country like girl be serious for a moment 😒😐 and when people would question her plan and bring forth real criticism, she’d get all haughty and in her feelings. But thankfully by the end she realized how naive she was and how lacking her plans were, hopefully we see more growth in book 2.
The romance between Gul & Cavas is mehhh at best, I appreciate the fact that it’s age appropriate (they’re both 16&17) but I don’t really believe it, not even on a crush level. If anything, I thought Gul had more of a connection with Prince Amar and I was so glad to not have a love triangle.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and look forward to book two just to see how it concludes.
misterintensity's review against another edition
4.0
Ever since her parents were killed by Major Shayla, Gul vowed to kill her and the king who ordered the murder. Girls with a star shaped birthmark are killed due to a prophecy that the king is supposed to be killed by a “star warrior.” She vows vengeance despite her weak magic. As she tries to infiltrate the castle to carry out her mission she keeps running into Cavas, a stableboy whose destiny somehow ties together with hers. This book shines when exploring the role that class, gender, and magic plays in Ambar’s stratification. While most of the chapters are narrated by Gul, Cavas narrates a few chapters. There are a number of threads which enter into the story at various points which pays off in the climax. Ambar feels like a real place however, the way magic works is confusing and a lot of explanations regarding magic gets dumped towards the end. A lot of thought has gone into character motivations and background, which makes a lot of the plot twists very effective. Fans of the Ember in the Ashes series may want to pick this one up.
kayu99's review against another edition
3.0
The premise was interesting, but I didn't find Gul to be a compelling character--at times, she was too whiny and impulsive for me to fully root for her. Certain events/character appearances seemed to happen suddenly in a way that was too convenient/didn't flow. I would have liked more backstory on the main villain; hopefully that comes in the sequel?
madgeme's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0