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4.29 AVERAGE
4.29 AVERAGE
Damn and ugh a cliffhanger with no follow-up book ready. I very much enjoyed this one. Can't wait for the next one.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
By the Orchid and the Owl is a fantasy romance that takes us to a protected island where its citizens are branded with magic when they come of age and must graduate the island's academy to be able to be reintroduced into society. If they fail-they are exiled outside the dome to pirate-infested waters.
Wow what a way to end the year! I absolutely adored this book and am chomping at the bit for book two. First, the magic system was so unique in this world. I loved that we followed our FMC who can speak to nature/animals because it was a fresh perspective in the fantasy romance genre. I also loved the academic setting which really gave Hogwarts University vibes but with much more danger lurking around the corner-especially with regards to the politics of the world. Lastly (I mean I really could go on and on, but I'll limit myself!), the relationships were so nuanced, and I really enjoyed peeling back the layers of each one and the author didn't shy away from the topic of lost friendships and the aftermath of that which I really appreciated.
Unsurprisingly, I gave this book a five-star rating and would highly (HIGHLY!) recommend this to anyone who loves the fantasy romance genre. I think you'll really enjoy it and find its a breath of fresh air. Can't wait for book two!
Wow what a way to end the year! I absolutely adored this book and am chomping at the bit for book two. First, the magic system was so unique in this world. I loved that we followed our FMC who can speak to nature/animals because it was a fresh perspective in the fantasy romance genre. I also loved the academic setting which really gave Hogwarts University vibes but with much more danger lurking around the corner-especially with regards to the politics of the world. Lastly (I mean I really could go on and on, but I'll limit myself!), the relationships were so nuanced, and I really enjoyed peeling back the layers of each one and the author didn't shy away from the topic of lost friendships and the aftermath of that which I really appreciated.
Unsurprisingly, I gave this book a five-star rating and would highly (HIGHLY!) recommend this to anyone who loves the fantasy romance genre. I think you'll really enjoy it and find its a breath of fresh air. Can't wait for book two!
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
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
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the remainder of the series.
The FMC was so endearing, though she wasn't the most powerful character, she definitely has the mindset and space to grow into her own.
I loved the authors writing style - the chapters were short, and the descriptions were well written enabling me to truly picture the characters and scenery.
The story starts off with a good pace and this remains throughout the story. Though the turn of the events in the final quarter particularly enthralled me.
I definitely recommend.
The FMC was so endearing, though she wasn't the most powerful character, she definitely has the mindset and space to grow into her own.
I loved the authors writing style - the chapters were short, and the descriptions were well written enabling me to truly picture the characters and scenery.
The story starts off with a good pace and this remains throughout the story. Though the turn of the events in the final quarter particularly enthralled me.
I definitely recommend.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
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:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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:
N/A
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
I won this book in a giveaway, and I've been taking my time with it over the last few months. (More my resistance to reading of late than the book's fault, I promise.)
It definitely has a set up that feels familiar. Someone with special powers, getting sorted into a group, etc. I can understand if that doesn't feel fresh enough for some readers. But I really enjoyed the world and magic.
Rayna's main power is communicating with animals and nature. Which is very cool and even meditative to read about, at times. Another of the prominent powers is mind manipulation, which brings up the morality of accessing and modifying someone's memory.
I also very much enjoyed reading about Rayna's friends and their various powers. But of course, one of the main things to mention is the romance. Coen is a very interesting character, with some internal conflict. The romance gets a bit more spicy than I'm used to, but I really loved these two together.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
It definitely has a set up that feels familiar. Someone with special powers, getting sorted into a group, etc. I can understand if that doesn't feel fresh enough for some readers. But I really enjoyed the world and magic.
Rayna's main power is communicating with animals and nature. Which is very cool and even meditative to read about, at times. Another of the prominent powers is mind manipulation, which brings up the morality of accessing and modifying someone's memory.
I also very much enjoyed reading about Rayna's friends and their various powers. But of course, one of the main things to mention is the romance. Coen is a very interesting character, with some internal conflict. The romance gets a bit more spicy than I'm used to, but I really loved these two together.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
A good friend of mine recommended this book to me and I absolutely LOVED it! I’m just so upset that I can’t read the next one right now!
By the Orchid and the Owl by Mariah Montoya is such a beautiful and intriguing story — a book that beautifully captures the complexities of love, loss, and resilience. From the very first page, Montoya draws readers into a vivid world brimming with lush descriptions, magic, and powerful emotions. Her prose is both poetic and grounded, bringing each character to life with depth and authenticity. The story is driven by unforgettable characters who each have their own magic, unique struggles and triumphs, making it impossible not to root for them as they navigate their journeys.
The use of the orchid and the owl as symbols adds layers of meaning, beautifully reflecting themes of beauty, strength, wisdom, and mystery. Montoya skillfully weaves these motifs into a story that is both timeless and deeply personal, resonating with universal truths about family, heritage, and self-discovery. Each chapter unveils a new layer of the characters’ lives, leading to a climactic and satisfying conclusion that leaves a lasting impact. The cliffhanger is one that definitely leaves you wanting to know what happens next!
This book isn’t just a story— it’s a whole vibe! It leaves you wanting to know and learn more about the characters. You will develop a love and hate relationship with the characters! Rayna is such a compassionate and loving character that you’ll root for right from the start! Coen is a character that is so protective of his love ones and you will feel the same. Willa is an unexpected favorite! There’s just so many characters to love and to strongly dislike but I don’t want to spoil it!
Montoya’s writing style is elegant yet accessible, and she balances tension and tranquility with finesse, keeping readers entranced until the very last page. By the Orchid and the Owl is a must-read for anyone who loves magic, a good love story, great characters, rich, character-driven narratives that leave you feeling changed for having read them. Mariah Montoya has truly crafted a masterpiece with this one. Highly, highly recommended!
“By the Orchid and the Owl” I can not wait for the next one!!!
By the Orchid and the Owl by Mariah Montoya is such a beautiful and intriguing story — a book that beautifully captures the complexities of love, loss, and resilience. From the very first page, Montoya draws readers into a vivid world brimming with lush descriptions, magic, and powerful emotions. Her prose is both poetic and grounded, bringing each character to life with depth and authenticity. The story is driven by unforgettable characters who each have their own magic, unique struggles and triumphs, making it impossible not to root for them as they navigate their journeys.
The use of the orchid and the owl as symbols adds layers of meaning, beautifully reflecting themes of beauty, strength, wisdom, and mystery. Montoya skillfully weaves these motifs into a story that is both timeless and deeply personal, resonating with universal truths about family, heritage, and self-discovery. Each chapter unveils a new layer of the characters’ lives, leading to a climactic and satisfying conclusion that leaves a lasting impact. The cliffhanger is one that definitely leaves you wanting to know what happens next!
This book isn’t just a story— it’s a whole vibe! It leaves you wanting to know and learn more about the characters. You will develop a love and hate relationship with the characters! Rayna is such a compassionate and loving character that you’ll root for right from the start! Coen is a character that is so protective of his love ones and you will feel the same. Willa is an unexpected favorite! There’s just so many characters to love and to strongly dislike but I don’t want to spoil it!
Montoya’s writing style is elegant yet accessible, and she balances tension and tranquility with finesse, keeping readers entranced until the very last page. By the Orchid and the Owl is a must-read for anyone who loves magic, a good love story, great characters, rich, character-driven narratives that leave you feeling changed for having read them. Mariah Montoya has truly crafted a masterpiece with this one. Highly, highly recommended!
“By the Orchid and the Owl” I can not wait for the next one!!!