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izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
2.0
2/5
I was as always excited to rad this book. I haven't read a sci-fi in a while and I was dying to get back into the genre. The book though I found hard to follow, I did enjoy the characters.
I was as always excited to rad this book. I haven't read a sci-fi in a while and I was dying to get back into the genre. The book though I found hard to follow, I did enjoy the characters.
shereads_theworld's review
5.0
This was so good, and I definitely need a second one! Liam and Arian were amazing, and Cavar and Zephyr as well.
The world building was perfect, and it gave me Aladdin vibes a little bit, so for me, it was incredible.
The world building was perfect, and it gave me Aladdin vibes a little bit, so for me, it was incredible.
maya_hall's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Death of parent, Abandonment, and War
caylieratzlaff's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars!
I LOVED Dauntless by Bonnin, so I was excited to request and receive this one. Also, the cover? Like STUNNING. The premise of this speaks to me, especially when dealing with thievery, heists, magic, and the everpresent consequences of imperialism. While it was a bit difficult to stay focused on the plot with FOUR different POVs, it all connected well toward the end of the novel. I particularly like how morally gray the characters all were, as they all grappled with moral decisions and how their decisions can have a larger impact on their actions and the ramifications of them Zephyr's betrayal arc, Liam's dark magic, Carvar's change in ideas, and Arian accepting who she was made interesting plot points, and I like how there wasn't a right or wrong answer for most of their decisions.
The lore is really interesting too, but I think there needed to be more explanation for it. There is a LOT of lore and world building in the novel, and while it leaves itself open for more books at the end, I think some of the message and the plot was lost because the world building was not fleshed out enough. I wanted to learn more about the weavers, and the clans, and the empire, and imperial and all of that, and I think it would have made the story more developed and potent in its message.
I LOVED Dauntless by Bonnin, so I was excited to request and receive this one. Also, the cover? Like STUNNING. The premise of this speaks to me, especially when dealing with thievery, heists, magic, and the everpresent consequences of imperialism. While it was a bit difficult to stay focused on the plot with FOUR different POVs, it all connected well toward the end of the novel. I particularly like how morally gray the characters all were, as they all grappled with moral decisions and how their decisions can have a larger impact on their actions and the ramifications of them Zephyr's betrayal arc, Liam's dark magic, Carvar's change in ideas, and Arian accepting who she was made interesting plot points, and I like how there wasn't a right or wrong answer for most of their decisions.
The lore is really interesting too, but I think there needed to be more explanation for it. There is a LOT of lore and world building in the novel, and while it leaves itself open for more books at the end, I think some of the message and the plot was lost because the world building was not fleshed out enough. I wanted to learn more about the weavers, and the clans, and the empire, and imperial and all of that, and I think it would have made the story more developed and potent in its message.
justinekorson's review against another edition
5.0
I was lucky enough to have received an E-Arc of this book and I was NOT disappointed by what I read. I’m going to try to not spoil things in my review but I will be mentioning a few characters that aren’t named specifically in the book’s description.
This is a story of magic, colonization, and the lengths people will go to for those that they love. The characters in this story are all driven by fear, for themselves or the ones they love, loyalty, for their city and it’s people, and responsibility, either for their desire to run from it or accept it. All of these emotions drive the characters down different paths that converge together in the best way imaginable.
The four POV’s that Elisa established in this novel were all very different and unique. I could feel each specific character’s emotions, understand their actions through their mindset, and found myself falling in love with these characters because of it.
The twins, Arian the master thief, and Liam that last mage of Arcanum, had very contrasting personalities but were still in tune with one another enough to gauge each others reactions and feelings. Their arc’s in the story were incredible to witness as they pushed past their own fear of failure in an effort to create change.
Zephyr, a Knight turned traitor, is a prime example of what someone will do for the people they love. Although she was outwardly hated by those around her, she never backed down from a fight. Without giving too much away… I’m very excited to see more of her storyline with a certain someone should we get a sequel.
Cavar, the Weaver of the Wastes, was probably my FAVORITE character but I’m also biased towards cute, sarcastic boys who like to steal artifacts and hearts. He’s smart, captivating and all around a joy to read about. I trusted/fell in love with him from the moment Arian met Cavar.
The world building in this novel was incredible. I ate up every little bit of it from the descriptions of the Leithon itself, to talk of the Wastes/Empire, and all of the discussion about magic and how it worked in the world. The way magic was used in this story almost gave me a sci-fi feeling to it and I’ve always loved when magic almost sounds like technology instead of fantasy.
There is very little in the way of romance, and while that would usually upset me (I’m a big romance reader) this did not. Any more than what we were given would have felt like a distraction from the plot and what we DID receive was perfect for any readers who like a good slow burn. With that in mind, I REALLY HOPE Y’ALL HAVE PREORDERED I WANT A SEQUEL.
Overall this book was MORE than I expected. The twins POV’s I anticipated but the addition of Zephyr and Cavar was a delightful surprise. All four of these characters, their different experiences, and thoughts worked so well together and I ended up loving the book from start to finish. I’d recommend this to anyone who loved Elisa’s world building from her first book and anyone who loves heists and fantasy.
This is a story of magic, colonization, and the lengths people will go to for those that they love. The characters in this story are all driven by fear, for themselves or the ones they love, loyalty, for their city and it’s people, and responsibility, either for their desire to run from it or accept it. All of these emotions drive the characters down different paths that converge together in the best way imaginable.
The four POV’s that Elisa established in this novel were all very different and unique. I could feel each specific character’s emotions, understand their actions through their mindset, and found myself falling in love with these characters because of it.
The twins, Arian the master thief, and Liam that last mage of Arcanum, had very contrasting personalities but were still in tune with one another enough to gauge each others reactions and feelings. Their arc’s in the story were incredible to witness as they pushed past their own fear of failure in an effort to create change.
Zephyr, a Knight turned traitor, is a prime example of what someone will do for the people they love. Although she was outwardly hated by those around her, she never backed down from a fight. Without giving too much away… I’m very excited to see more of her storyline with a certain someone should we get a sequel.
Cavar, the Weaver of the Wastes, was probably my FAVORITE character but I’m also biased towards cute, sarcastic boys who like to steal artifacts and hearts. He’s smart, captivating and all around a joy to read about. I trusted/fell in love with him from the moment Arian met Cavar.
The world building in this novel was incredible. I ate up every little bit of it from the descriptions of the Leithon itself, to talk of the Wastes/Empire, and all of the discussion about magic and how it worked in the world. The way magic was used in this story almost gave me a sci-fi feeling to it and I’ve always loved when magic almost sounds like technology instead of fantasy.
There is very little in the way of romance, and while that would usually upset me (I’m a big romance reader) this did not. Any more than what we were given would have felt like a distraction from the plot and what we DID receive was perfect for any readers who like a good slow burn. With that in mind, I REALLY HOPE Y’ALL HAVE PREORDERED I WANT A SEQUEL.
Overall this book was MORE than I expected. The twins POV’s I anticipated but the addition of Zephyr and Cavar was a delightful surprise. All four of these characters, their different experiences, and thoughts worked so well together and I ended up loving the book from start to finish. I’d recommend this to anyone who loved Elisa’s world building from her first book and anyone who loves heists and fantasy.
kristinv20's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
tanaz_masaba's review against another edition
2.0
As somebody who absolutely loved Dauntless by Elisa A. Bonnin, Stolen City was a painful letdown. While I appreciated her efforts in creating a diverse, complex world, I couldn't help but think that ultimately, the book was a massive hodgepodge of conflicting ideas. It lacked the passion and emotion that Dauntless had, and it was difficult to really immerse myself in the story.
Even the characters, whose background and stories were truly compelling, couldn't hold my interest. Maybe I read it at the wrong time, but it just isn't my cup of tea.
Even the characters, whose background and stories were truly compelling, couldn't hold my interest. Maybe I read it at the wrong time, but it just isn't my cup of tea.