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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
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.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Can’t wait for the second book!!
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I have a beautiful The Butterfly Bookclub special edition of this book and once again I wasn't disappointed!
I loved this! more than I thought I would, and Coen Steeler is definitely book boyfriend material.
At first I wasn't sure. it's like a mix of Harry Potter, the hunger games Broken Bonds. There's a little bit of magic, ability, tests and 'factions' which, when woven through this tale of self discovery, betrayal and revenge, it becomes this gripping and bingable read.
I loved Rayna and Coen and their little friendship group. The discoveries and events surrounding some of the groups heritage and how the villain is keeping the Island in the dark was tense in places.
I thought the writing kept me engaged, and because I liked the characters it was easy to root for them and get lost in the story. The world building was interesting and fun, with the magics and terrains.
My heart was in my mouth at the end and I will absolutely be diving into book 2!
I loved this! more than I thought I would, and Coen Steeler is definitely book boyfriend material.
At first I wasn't sure. it's like a mix of Harry Potter, the hunger games Broken Bonds. There's a little bit of magic, ability, tests and 'factions' which, when woven through this tale of self discovery, betrayal and revenge, it becomes this gripping and bingable read.
I loved Rayna and Coen and their little friendship group. The discoveries and events surrounding some of the groups heritage and how the villain is keeping the Island in the dark was tense in places.
I thought the writing kept me engaged, and because I liked the characters it was easy to root for them and get lost in the story. The world building was interesting and fun, with the magics and terrains.
My heart was in my mouth at the end and I will absolutely be diving into book 2!