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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was such an interesting read. I don’t even remember reading the description I went in for the cover. Diving into the familiarity of a magical academia, magical awakening, house sorting is always a favorite especially when it doesn’t feel like exactly the same book.
Coen’s possessiveness and loyalty to his friends was fantastic.
What’s a great FMC without some parental issues, an unknown power that’s hidden deep within, and the ability to stand up to bullies for her friends? Rayna is that girl!
My only real complaint is I would have liked a bit more depth. For instance the issues between Jenia, furgus and Rayna. I feel like we had a lot of characters that I didn’t get to know very well, like Quinn and Emelle.
Over all an intriguing start to the series that left me curious about what is coming next. The second book will be going on my TBR!
Coen’s possessiveness and loyalty to his friends was fantastic.
What’s a great FMC without some parental issues, an unknown power that’s hidden deep within, and the ability to stand up to bullies for her friends? Rayna is that girl!
My only real complaint is I would have liked a bit more depth. For instance the issues between Jenia, furgus and Rayna. I feel like we had a lot of characters that I didn’t get to know very well, like Quinn and Emelle.
Over all an intriguing start to the series that left me curious about what is coming next. The second book will be going on my TBR!
adventurous
dark
informative
inspiring
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
I received a copy for an arc reading.
Holy cow!! This arc was amazing. The writing was immersive and so addicting. It felt inspired with a mix of Harry Potter and Fate: The Winx Saga but with its own interesting twist. We follow the very exciting first year at the Institute of Rayna Drey. She has many ups and downs throughout the year, between her friends, her boyfriend Coen, tests, and a mystery of who she is. I was hooked through it all, and it was so hard to put down when I started reading it. It left on a killer cliffhanger, and I am ITCHING to read the next book. This is my first five-star book of the year, and I can see it being my favorite book of the year!!!
Holy cow!! This arc was amazing. The writing was immersive and so addicting. It felt inspired with a mix of Harry Potter and Fate: The Winx Saga but with its own interesting twist. We follow the very exciting first year at the Institute of Rayna Drey. She has many ups and downs throughout the year, between her friends, her boyfriend Coen, tests, and a mystery of who she is. I was hooked through it all, and it was so hard to put down when I started reading it. It left on a killer cliffhanger, and I am ITCHING to read the next book. This is my first five-star book of the year, and I can see it being my favorite book of the year!!!
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
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:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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:
No
Really enjoyed this book.
The set up the magic system was interesting. It gives Divergent vibes where the students get a branding of one of the five magic abilities. Honestly, it gave me such nostalgia reading that part of the book, loved it.
I liked the setting, when Rayna gets to the Esholian Institute, I loved all the animals and nature. I loved the vibrancy of the place. And I had such fun with the characters talking to animals and plants. I enjoyed the lore and history of the island, the reason they are in a ‘dome’ and how The Good Council is good. It made it all really interesting.
Rayna was a good character and I enjoyed exploring her classes, magic and friendships with her. Coen was a great character too. I enjoyed their chemistry together. And I so enjoyed his ability of manipulating minds!
The ending was fantastic, good twist and I definitely need the sequel because I need to know what happens next!
The only slight complaint I have is that Rayna immediately meets a typical ‘mean’ girl who is just mean to Rayna just because. It wasn’t necessarily believable why she disliked her from the start. Don’t get me wrong, other people hated her from the start (the ex) made sense. But this was such a small thing, it didn’t bother me for too long, plus things happened throughout the book that solidified the hatred and made it more believable.
The set up the magic system was interesting. It gives Divergent vibes where the students get a branding of one of the five magic abilities. Honestly, it gave me such nostalgia reading that part of the book, loved it.
I liked the setting, when Rayna gets to the Esholian Institute, I loved all the animals and nature. I loved the vibrancy of the place. And I had such fun with the characters talking to animals and plants. I enjoyed the lore and history of the island, the reason they are in a ‘dome’ and how The Good Council is good. It made it all really interesting.
Rayna was a good character and I enjoyed exploring her classes, magic and friendships with her. Coen was a great character too. I enjoyed their chemistry together. And I so enjoyed his ability of manipulating minds!
The ending was fantastic, good twist and I definitely need the sequel because I need to know what happens next!
The only slight complaint I have is that Rayna immediately meets a typical ‘mean’ girl who is just mean to Rayna just because. It wasn’t necessarily believable why she disliked her from the start. Don’t get me wrong, other people hated her from the start (the ex) made sense. But this was such a small thing, it didn’t bother me for too long, plus things happened throughout the book that solidified the hatred and made it more believable.
I have been provided with a review copy of By the Orchid and the Owl from the author and I am voluntarily leaving an impartial review. By the Orchid and the Owl is the first book in the brand-new The Esholian Institute Series and this was just a fantastic way to start off a new series. This book was just so good. The world building was just so good and the characters were just so compelling that you just couldn’t help but fall in love with them. I was just totally captivated by everything that was taking place and emotions just went for a ride. I need the next book immediately.
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
“By The Orchid and The Owl” is a captivating journey set on the magical island of Eshol, where the ruling council bestows magical abilities upon its citizens. The story follows eighteen-year-old Rayna Drey as she navigates the complexities of her Branding, a ceremony that infuses her blood with one of five sanctioned magics. However, a dare gone wrong reveals Rayna’s possession of a deadly and forbidden power. The only person who can help her conceal it from the Good Council is the enigmatic Coen Steeler, who shares her secret. As they delve deeper, they uncover dark truths that could shake the very foundation of their world. This thrilling tale is set to release on April 3, 2024.
Mariah Montoya’s “By The Orchid and The Owl” is a masterful blend of fantasy and intrigue that had me hooked from the first page. Montoya crafts a world so rich and vivid that I felt transported to the island of Eshol myself. Rayna’s character is beautifully developed; her struggles and triumphs resonated deeply with me. The tension between her and Coen is palpable, making their alliance all the more thrilling.
The narrative is well-paced, with twists that kept me guessing and a world-building that’s nothing short of immersive. Montoya’s writing style is fluid and evocative, perfect for fans of fantasy who love a strong, character-driven plot.
What I appreciated most was the exploration of themes like power, control, and the price of secrets. The book raises thought-provoking questions about authority and rebellion, making it not just an entertaining read but also a meaningful one.
In conclusion, “By The Orchid and The Owl” is a standout novel that promises to be a hit upon its release. It’s a story that stays with you long after the last page, and I can’t wait to see what Montoya writes next. A solid four-star read for anyone who loves their fantasy with a side of mystery and heart.
Mariah Montoya’s “By The Orchid and The Owl” is a masterful blend of fantasy and intrigue that had me hooked from the first page. Montoya crafts a world so rich and vivid that I felt transported to the island of Eshol myself. Rayna’s character is beautifully developed; her struggles and triumphs resonated deeply with me. The tension between her and Coen is palpable, making their alliance all the more thrilling.
The narrative is well-paced, with twists that kept me guessing and a world-building that’s nothing short of immersive. Montoya’s writing style is fluid and evocative, perfect for fans of fantasy who love a strong, character-driven plot.
What I appreciated most was the exploration of themes like power, control, and the price of secrets. The book raises thought-provoking questions about authority and rebellion, making it not just an entertaining read but also a meaningful one.
In conclusion, “By The Orchid and The Owl” is a standout novel that promises to be a hit upon its release. It’s a story that stays with you long after the last page, and I can’t wait to see what Montoya writes next. A solid four-star read for anyone who loves their fantasy with a side of mystery and heart.