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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my thoughts in any way.
By the Orchid and the Owl is the first book in the Esholian Institute series. It is an excellent story. The main character Rayna is smart and kind. She can talk to plants and animals, of which I have major jealousy. The bad guys are evil, the love interest is hot. The world building is stellar. I very much look forward to reading more from this author.
By the Orchid and the Owl is the first book in the Esholian Institute series. It is an excellent story. The main character Rayna is smart and kind. She can talk to plants and animals, of which I have major jealousy. The bad guys are evil, the love interest is hot. The world building is stellar. I very much look forward to reading more from this author.
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:
Complicated
I am so honored to have been given an ARC of this book and can't wait to buy a physical copy. This gave me feelings of Harry potter for adults with a fairy twist. There was magic, mystery, spice, and friendship. It did start off a little slow for me, but definitely grabs your attention a few chapters in.
There is a lot of descriptive details, so make sure you read it when you're fully focused. I am someone that has a hard time actually picturing character and places when I read, but Mariah did such a great job with the details that I could picture it all.
I can’t wait for the second book and hope that everyone loves this as much as I did. It deserves to be on the best sellers list. I'm excited to see where this series goes!
There is a lot of descriptive details, so make sure you read it when you're fully focused. I am someone that has a hard time actually picturing character and places when I read, but Mariah did such a great job with the details that I could picture it all.
I can’t wait for the second book and hope that everyone loves this as much as I did. It deserves to be on the best sellers list. I'm excited to see where this series goes!
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
funny
reflective
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:
No
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault
Bugs, mental manipulation, eugenics, contamination, implication of sexual abuse
I normally don't compare books but this was like Divergent and Fourth Wing had a baby and Harry Potter was it's brother. Don't get me wrong: eventhough it reminded me of these three series it was also unique.
The magic system was well thought out and the world building was so detailed and fascinating that it was pretty easy to understand.
I liked both the FMC and MMC, the were written very believable. They were young and sometimes a little naive but not just plain immature and dumb. Both grew and learned from each other through the book and their mistakes were understandable for their knowledge and age. Their chemistry was sizzling and they made such a great couple. He was very possesive but also so so patient and cute with her.
We also got enough information about the side characters to either love or hate them. And believe me you really want to strangle some of them!
The end broke my heart but the cliffhanger was SO GOOD I'm not even mad. I can't wait to read the next book!
The magic system was well thought out and the world building was so detailed and fascinating that it was pretty easy to understand.
I liked both the FMC and MMC, the were written very believable. They were young and sometimes a little naive but not just plain immature and dumb. Both grew and learned from each other through the book and their mistakes were understandable for their knowledge and age. Their chemistry was sizzling and they made such a great couple. He was very possesive but also so so patient and cute with her.
We also got enough information about the side characters to either love or hate them. And believe me you really want to strangle some of them!
The end broke my heart but the cliffhanger was SO GOOD I'm not even mad. I can't wait to read the next book!
3.5 rounded up
This was so hyped and while I did enjoy it overall, I worry the hype had my expectations high.
What I liked: The mysterious magical school vibes of Harry Potter. The genre mash up of fantasy + dystopia felt fresh.
What I didn't like: the typical insta love between the FMC/MC and the teenage angst, but I suppose that should be expected in a book set in a school for 18-23 year olds. The wish washy magic system that seemed to change based on plot convenience. (Minor spoilers in the rest of this paragraph- you're telling me spiders are everywhere spying on people - and yet people still sometimes loudly talk about giant secrets, knowing this information? And mind manipulators can block off someone's own memories just to give them back later, but another mind manipulator couldn't easily find those blocked off memories?)
This is an interesting story that while fairly predictable, is an original story compared to most recent fantasy releases. I told myself to stop looking for plot holes and enjoyed it for what it was.
I'll be reading the sequel.
This was so hyped and while I did enjoy it overall, I worry the hype had my expectations high.
What I liked: The mysterious magical school vibes of Harry Potter. The genre mash up of fantasy + dystopia felt fresh.
What I didn't like: the typical insta love between the FMC/MC and the teenage angst, but I suppose that should be expected in a book set in a school for 18-23 year olds. The wish washy magic system that seemed to change based on plot convenience. (Minor spoilers in the rest of this paragraph- you're telling me spiders are everywhere spying on people - and yet people still sometimes loudly talk about giant secrets, knowing this information? And mind manipulators can block off someone's own memories just to give them back later, but another mind manipulator couldn't easily find those blocked off memories?)
This is an interesting story that while fairly predictable, is an original story compared to most recent fantasy releases. I told myself to stop looking for plot holes and enjoyed it for what it was.
I'll be reading the sequel.
I can’t tell how I want to rate this book. It was an enjoyable, whimsical, light read. The characters were fun and the world building was done SO well.
However, I thought the plot was juvenile. The big bad was super predictable, but to make it worse, his actions were immature and petty. I was bothered the whole time by the fact that all the educators were “Mr” or “Ms” and not “Professor.” They’re adult in a post high school education and the prefixes aged them down super hard.
However, I thought the plot was juvenile. The big bad was super predictable, but to make it worse, his actions were immature and petty. I was bothered the whole time by the fact that all the educators were “Mr” or “Ms” and not “Professor.” They’re adult in a post high school education and the prefixes aged them down super hard.
Received the e-book as an ARC for an honest review. All I can say is, wow. I am so happy my gorgeous friend Kelsey connected me with the chance to read this ARC as I INHALED THIS BOOK. Everything I loved. The world building, the magic systems, the lore, the characters, the relationships, the creatures. Everything I ate up and started /finished the book in the same day.
If you love Harry Potter world, with a dabble of Fourth Wing, whimsy like Tress of the Emerald Sea, then some awesome magical world building, like ACOTAR, sassy and loveable talking animals, a hot and spicy MMC, then this is for you.
This story tells the story of our FMC, Reyna, who, at 18 years old, joins the Esholian Institute (which every 18 year old does). There, she is branded with one of five different types of magic, and across the next five years, he needs to learn to control and master it. Every quarter, there are progress tests leading up to the ultimate in year 5, which decides your fate. I was surprised and delighted by the magic she was given, but thinking of it, it would have been my choice too, haha.
During her first day, Reyna meets new friends and your new book boyfriend, Coen, a 5th year who has elements of Rhysand, Xaden, and Four in him. This book follows her first year, her struggles with a new school, being away from home, learning about a whole new world, and the historu of her island. As well as this, there is a king tiger, some weird as heck vampire bars, fae appear throughout and pirates?! This is a roller coaster of a book, and i'm here for the ride.
The relationships are all really well developed, as well as the characters. The friendships between the humans and characters are loveable and delightful.
You will laugh, cry, swoon, and also want to throw rocks as the oily boy in this book
I'm so sad it's not a standalone as I can't wait for book 2. You must read this.
If you love Harry Potter world, with a dabble of Fourth Wing, whimsy like Tress of the Emerald Sea, then some awesome magical world building, like ACOTAR, sassy and loveable talking animals, a hot and spicy MMC, then this is for you.
This story tells the story of our FMC, Reyna, who, at 18 years old, joins the Esholian Institute (which every 18 year old does). There, she is branded with one of five different types of magic, and across the next five years, he needs to learn to control and master it. Every quarter, there are progress tests leading up to the ultimate in year 5, which decides your fate. I was surprised and delighted by the magic she was given, but thinking of it, it would have been my choice too, haha.
During her first day, Reyna meets new friends and your new book boyfriend, Coen, a 5th year who has elements of Rhysand, Xaden, and Four in him. This book follows her first year, her struggles with a new school, being away from home, learning about a whole new world, and the historu of her island. As well as this, there is a king tiger, some weird as heck vampire bars, fae appear throughout and pirates?! This is a roller coaster of a book, and i'm here for the ride.
The relationships are all really well developed, as well as the characters. The friendships between the humans and characters are loveable and delightful.
You will laugh, cry, swoon, and also want to throw rocks as the oily boy in this book
I'm so sad it's not a standalone as I can't wait for book 2. You must read this.