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3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
Reign of Shadows was a bit of a disappointment for me, because I'm used to LOVING Sophie Jordan's books and this one didn't quite work for me. It wasn't really bad, but I had just expected a bit more. Mostly, I was a bit bored while reading it, cause I feel like not a lot happens and found myself wondering where this story was even going? I mean, obviously if she's the hidden princess we need to get some action at some point, yes? Well, it didn't quite happen for me.
I did very much like the twist at the start of the novel, which I won't give away, because that part was awesome and I hadn't figured it out in the slightest. I did kinda wonder at all the skills that Luna has, seeing as she's been living in the tower with overprotective guardians her whole life.
The romance was just doing nothing for me, and that's one of the things that really bugged me, cause I LOVE Sophie Jordan's historical romances and I know that she can give me all the swoons, but with this it just sorta fell flat.
Towards the end things started to get set in motion, and there's a cute furry sidekick getting mixed into the story, but there was just too much build-up for me.
My rating: 2,5 stars
I did very much like the twist at the start of the novel, which I won't give away, because that part was awesome and I hadn't figured it out in the slightest. I did kinda wonder at all the skills that Luna has, seeing as she's been living in the tower with overprotective guardians her whole life.
The romance was just doing nothing for me, and that's one of the things that really bugged me, cause I LOVE Sophie Jordan's historical romances and I know that she can give me all the swoons, but with this it just sorta fell flat.
Towards the end things started to get set in motion, and there's a cute furry sidekick getting mixed into the story, but there was just too much build-up for me.
My rating: 2,5 stars
My fantasy expectations fell flat, I wanted magic, different creatures or world building but did not get that in this short novel.
It was basically a zombie novel in medieval/fairy tale world but with a heavy lack of the magic I was expecting.
The best aspects, aside from the fantasy ones, were the characters, and the romance between the two leads was okay.
I recommend this as a fun quick read but not as a fantasy novel.
It was basically a zombie novel in medieval/fairy tale world but with a heavy lack of the magic I was expecting.
The best aspects, aside from the fantasy ones, were the characters, and the romance between the two leads was okay.
I recommend this as a fun quick read but not as a fantasy novel.
FIRST THOUGHTS: 3.75 stars. I found the world fascinating, particularly because I feel like there's potential for it to open up further. I really liked Luna, who was strong and brave and good in spite of everything life dealt her. And though it took a while, I wound up liking Fowler a lot; he was capable and true and loyal. Even though there was plenty for me to like about it, it didn't quite click 100%. The pacing was odd in some bits too. But overall, pretty enjoyable. Certainly looking forward to what's next.
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this far more than I thought I was going to in the beginning, which is why I rounded up on my rating. This is not the best book I’ve ever read, but I thoroughly enjoyed my reading experience, and isn’t that really what matters in the end.
This is a Rapunzel re-telling. Ever since I was young I have been a huge Rapunzel fan. So when I jumped into this story I was already prepared to love it.
There were a few stumbles with the writing that I thought should’ve been caught in editing. The author uses the phrase ‘blood-swollen insects’ or ‘blood-engorged insects’ several times within the first 50 pages or so. We are also reminded over and over again by Luna that we are NOT in a typical fairy tale, which was unnecessary.
However, I really enjoyed the story and characters, for the most part. Parts of it reminded me of Ann Aguirre’s Razorland trilogy, with the terrifying ‘dwellers’ taking the place of the ‘freaks’ from Agguire’s story. And while there were several nods to the source material, I felt like enough was different that this story stood on its own.
I have the second book and can’t wait to jump in and see what happens after that crazy ending!
I enjoyed this far more than I thought I was going to in the beginning, which is why I rounded up on my rating. This is not the best book I’ve ever read, but I thoroughly enjoyed my reading experience, and isn’t that really what matters in the end.
This is a Rapunzel re-telling. Ever since I was young I have been a huge Rapunzel fan. So when I jumped into this story I was already prepared to love it.
There were a few stumbles with the writing that I thought should’ve been caught in editing. The author uses the phrase ‘blood-swollen insects’ or ‘blood-engorged insects’ several times within the first 50 pages or so. We are also reminded over and over again by Luna that we are NOT in a typical fairy tale, which was unnecessary.
However, I really enjoyed the story and characters, for the most part. Parts of it reminded me of Ann Aguirre’s Razorland trilogy, with the terrifying ‘dwellers’ taking the place of the ‘freaks’ from Agguire’s story. And while there were several nods to the source material, I felt like enough was different that this story stood on its own.
I have the second book and can’t wait to jump in and see what happens after that crazy ending!
The opening chapter to this book is graphic. I took off a whole star from my rating for it. After that first chapter, this book takes off on a wild ride! I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, and how they handled themselves in the world. The writing was wonderful, and I totally need the second book, like right now!
The Kingdom of Relhok has known complete darkness for seventeen years ago. Strange creatures rove the dark and pose a threat to everyone living. Luna, the lost princess, has lived her whole life in the darkness. But it's also protected the dangerous secret that she keeps hidden. When she saves Fowler from certain death, the two form a tenuous pact and are determined to find something better than the perpetual darkness.
Overall, this was an okay story. The world building was very interesting, but I don't understand how the world is still alive in complete darkness for 17 years. How do these people have plants? What do they eat/how do they grow? Also how did an eclipse cause such a long period of darkness?? I have many questions.
The relationship between Luna and Fowler was very insta-lovey which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I couldn't bring myself to like Fowler at all. He was such a little know it all asshole. Luna saves him but yet he tells her what to do all the time. Mmmm I don't think so buddy.
The mythology of the supposed paradise of the world was a bit weak as well. I did really love Luna's character. She had some pretty amazing senses for a blind girl. She also refused to back down even when she was scared. I will admit that the ending has me curious too.
Overall, this was an okay story. The world building was very interesting, but I don't understand how the world is still alive in complete darkness for 17 years. How do these people have plants? What do they eat/how do they grow? Also how did an eclipse cause such a long period of darkness?? I have many questions.
The relationship between Luna and Fowler was very insta-lovey which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I couldn't bring myself to like Fowler at all. He was such a little know it all asshole. Luna saves him but yet he tells her what to do all the time. Mmmm I don't think so buddy.
The mythology of the supposed paradise of the world was a bit weak as well. I did really love Luna's character. She had some pretty amazing senses for a blind girl. She also refused to back down even when she was scared. I will admit that the ending has me curious too.
Definitely just finished this in less than four hours!! This book is really quick and easy to get into, you feel like you're pulled into the action very early on, which I loved. The characters are endearing, Luna is brave and good, despite the harshness of her world, and despite Fowler's protestations to the contrary, he is a fierce and loyal character. I wish this book was longer!! I feel like we were just getting into the meat of the conflict when it ended, but I guess it's good that this is the first book in the series. I can't wait to see what happens next for these characters, especially with both of their parentages being what they are.
I thought the world was creepy in a palpable way, and I love the way that Jordan brought it to life. Definitely a place that I would not want to go, but I loved reading about it. I will for sure be continuing on with this series, whenever that may be!
I thought the world was creepy in a palpable way, and I love the way that Jordan brought it to life. Definitely a place that I would not want to go, but I loved reading about it. I will for sure be continuing on with this series, whenever that may be!
3.5 stars total. I feel bad for giving this book three stars. The writing was really very good, and the world was well done. I just couldn't get interested in the storyline or the characters.
I felt the characters weren't the most well developed and while I was excited to see a blind protagonist, I just didn't like her.
Hopefully the story will become more engaging as the series progresses and the main characters interact with the main kingdom. Until then, I'm just not excited about it.
I felt the characters weren't the most well developed and while I was excited to see a blind protagonist, I just didn't like her.
Hopefully the story will become more engaging as the series progresses and the main characters interact with the main kingdom. Until then, I'm just not excited about it.
I loved, loved, loved this book and really just wanted it to go on forever and never stop! I enjoyed EVERYTHING about it including the blurb that leads to a twist that you really are not expecting.
All of the characters were amazing but my favorite was definitely Luna. She is such a strong female character. Always willing to go off on her own and not afraid of anything. She would go to battle for strangers and has a wee bit of a deviant side to where she tends to get herself into some trouble.
The story line itself was unique and different. It reminded me a bit of Rapunzel but had plenty of aspects that made it very unique to itself. You do not find out until the bitter end that both characters have some major skeletons in their closet, but I can tell you that I was a little shocked!
I am awaiting the next book in the series, not sure when or what it may be but, crossing my fingers that it is sooner rather than later!!!
All of the characters were amazing but my favorite was definitely Luna. She is such a strong female character. Always willing to go off on her own and not afraid of anything. She would go to battle for strangers and has a wee bit of a deviant side to where she tends to get herself into some trouble.
The story line itself was unique and different. It reminded me a bit of Rapunzel but had plenty of aspects that made it very unique to itself. You do not find out until the bitter end that both characters have some major skeletons in their closet, but I can tell you that I was a little shocked!
I am awaiting the next book in the series, not sure when or what it may be but, crossing my fingers that it is sooner rather than later!!!