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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
Are you kidding me right now? That was it? Really?!
There was literally no story, none. All this book is is a glorified fanfiction that did not need to become an entire book. While it may try to fool you with talk of a land in eternal darkness and a hidden queen, nothing is ever built on this. We get the bare bones of a setup and then the rest of the book is just a horrifyingly unrealistic love story. We also get no character development, only making this story that much harder to get into. Who are these characters? Why are they doing the things they’re doing? And don’t even get me started on the actual “romance”; I will probably be forever scared by some of those descriptions. *shutters*
There was no originality, leading to cookie-cutter stereotypical scenarios that I don’t expect to see in this level of writing. I was expecting to be immersed in cool new world and was largely disappointed with what I got instead. Honestly, if I hadn’t been listening to it I probably would have never gotten to the end (thank you fast forward!). There were some elements that I think could have made this book a lot better if only they had gotten more time to fully develop. However, there are just too many problems making Reign of Shadows the first book I have ever given a failing grade.
Sophie Jordan has created a beautiful world shrouded in darkness in Reign of Shadows, which I had no idea was a Rapunzel retelling until I actually started reading this book. Her experience in writing romance novels is very apparent by the way she builds romantic tension throughout, making for one very enjoyable read.
My Review : FOUR STARS
I really enjoyed this retelling. Sophie Jordan managed to make this story her own while still maintaining the tone and magical feel of the original Rapunzel story.
My favorite part of this book is the world-building. I adored the idea of a kingdom cloaked in shadows due to an eclipse looming over it, as well as the malevolent creatures that inhabited it. The forest was filled with danger and wonder and a dark beauty in the plants, trees, and flowers, and it felt so alive and immersive.
I adored Luna as a main character. She was likable and strong despite her naiveté, which I felt was essential to her character, due to her upbringing. It was also very reminiscent of the original Rapunzel character. Her physical disability added to her strength and seems to have a magical element to it, since it hinders her less than would be believable without a magical component.
Fowler is a very swoon-worthy lead character. And though his character ARC and actions are admittedly predictable, it's near impossible to do a retelling without there being some elements that are easy for readers to anticipate.
I usually don't enjoy instal-love stories, which this certainly was; however, I felt that it worked in this story, because of Luna's up-bringing. She was so isolated, it's entirely believable that she would become almost immediately infatuated with the first guy of her age that she meets. This is also another element that is crucial in keeping with the original Rapunzel story.
I did really enjoyed this book, and I'm so looking forward to reading Rise of Fire when it comes out on Tuesday!
Cover Rating: FIVE STARS
This cover is just lovely. There is a definite flower movement going on in YA fiction, which has made for some STUNNING covers. I think this was one of the first in this recent trend when it released in early 2016. It also fits the story and the world just so well, and the Rise of Fire cover is equally beautiful.
Swoon Worthiness: FOUR STARS
Though there is definitely some instal-love going on, and I typically prefer a slow-burn kind of romance, it just worked in this particular story for me. Sophie Jordan's experience as a romance writer really came through in the way she managed to build romantic tension throughout the story despite that insta-love and the fact that this is a retelling, which of course created an element of predictability in the love story.
My Review : FOUR STARS
I really enjoyed this retelling. Sophie Jordan managed to make this story her own while still maintaining the tone and magical feel of the original Rapunzel story.
My favorite part of this book is the world-building. I adored the idea of a kingdom cloaked in shadows due to an eclipse looming over it, as well as the malevolent creatures that inhabited it. The forest was filled with danger and wonder and a dark beauty in the plants, trees, and flowers, and it felt so alive and immersive.
I adored Luna as a main character. She was likable and strong despite her naiveté, which I felt was essential to her character, due to her upbringing. It was also very reminiscent of the original Rapunzel character. Her physical disability added to her strength and seems to have a magical element to it, since it hinders her less than would be believable without a magical component.
Fowler is a very swoon-worthy lead character. And though his character ARC and actions are admittedly predictable, it's near impossible to do a retelling without there being some elements that are easy for readers to anticipate.
I usually don't enjoy instal-love stories, which this certainly was; however, I felt that it worked in this story, because of Luna's up-bringing. She was so isolated, it's entirely believable that she would become almost immediately infatuated with the first guy of her age that she meets. This is also another element that is crucial in keeping with the original Rapunzel story.
I did really enjoyed this book, and I'm so looking forward to reading Rise of Fire when it comes out on Tuesday!
Cover Rating: FIVE STARS
This cover is just lovely. There is a definite flower movement going on in YA fiction, which has made for some STUNNING covers. I think this was one of the first in this recent trend when it released in early 2016. It also fits the story and the world just so well, and the Rise of Fire cover is equally beautiful.
Swoon Worthiness: FOUR STARS
Though there is definitely some instal-love going on, and I typically prefer a slow-burn kind of romance, it just worked in this particular story for me. Sophie Jordan's experience as a romance writer really came through in the way she managed to build romantic tension throughout the story despite that insta-love and the fact that this is a retelling, which of course created an element of predictability in the love story.
Nope.Just nope.
I was so excited to read this since it's a retelling.I LOVE retellings.
So,I wasn't missing this one and did you guys look at the cover?It's so pretty
It started off great for about 10 0r 20 pages and it was slow but I knew it was just the beginning so I waited.And waited.Waited.And when I finally thought,"Okay,this is it.I think something is about to happen",I was left unsatisfied.
This book had all the so called tropes of YA which I read many times,so nothing was that original.And the world building is not that good too.I like the concept of total world being enclosed by the eclipse but again read so many books with that plot.
Things I didn't like:
-> The main thing that bothered me is the portrayal of the MC's disability.Which when it was revealed was not something I was fond of.
-> Fowler did nothing but growl and be cold
->Luna was nothing but your average YA heroine,you know,the one who lusts after the boy and feels dejected when he is not returning your affection
And the thing at the end,I saw that coming too.*shakes head*
I was very excited to read this because this reminded me of Tangled and I live for those Disney movies.But sadly,this is not for me.
Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy of the book.
Seventeen years ago, an eclipse cloaked the kingdom of Relhok in perpetual darkness. In the chaos, an evil chancellor murdered the king and queen and seized their throne. Luna, Relhok’s lost princess, has been hiding in a tower ever since. Luna’s survival depends on the world believing she is dead.
But that doesn’t stop Luna from wanting more. When she meets Fowler, a mysterious archer braving the woods outside her tower, Luna is drawn to him despite the risk. When the tower is attacked, Luna and Fowler escape together. But this world of darkness is more treacherous than Luna ever realized.
With every threat stacked against them, Luna and Fowler find solace in each other. But with secrets still unspoken between them, falling in love might be their most dangerous journey yet.
Reign of Shadows has quite a different feeling than I would expect from a fantasy retelling. It starts off like Rapunzel, then there is a bit of zombie horror, and surviving to find the elusive colony free of the creatures, against a backdrop of adventure, a sprinkling of Snow White and some slow burn romance. Luna was born when a great eclipse befell the world - plunging it into a so-far 17 year darkness, leaving an eternal night broken only by an hour of haze (which I expect is around noon). In a world full of darkness, other things evolve, darker things, dangerous things such as the dwellers who are some sort of zombie-ish creatures that can attack, eat and infect people. Luna has been cooped up in her tower since the night she was taken from the palace by her two caretakers, but she longs for the Outside, despite the dangers.
When Fowler comes across the vicinity of the tower, she helps him out at a crucial moment. However, soon she has to leave, and along with him move towards the promised safe land, Allu, which is said to be free of dwellers. Luna has been hiding a secret - she is the princess and is being hunted by the current King, the high chancellor who usurped the power on the night of the eclipse. Fowler is also on the run from the capital, for his own reasons, which I kinda predicted but lets leave that under spoiler cut now, shall we? So, while he is trying not to feel (conceal, don't feel, don't let her knoooow) anything for her because of baggage in his past, she is also learning about the world and the dangers it carries, especially to her. She is pretty special, and brave despite her shortcomings, and survives in a world that would kill a regular person. He, too, recognizes this in her, but as he falls in love with her, he also starts to grow protective towards her.
Their dynamic starts with an unwilling partnership, and then mistrust from her over him leaving her in the lurch, then lots of sexual tension and finally the moment that the book ends on - a devastating abrupt cliffhanger. Honestly, I was a bit outraged at that! Thank goodness this is a series, because I am so excited for what comes next. There is the Oracle, and why Luna is so special; she definitely is tied to the eclipse. As for tone of the book, it is definitely more dystopian than fantasy, and I loved the addition of that the different creatures. I was still a bit confused how a world can thrive without the sun - a constant eclipse would mean things would cool down significantly, right? Not to mention most vegetation would die off pretty soon; them lasting for over a decade seemed to stretch it a bit, but I think this may be more of a magical eclipse than a literal one. Nevertheless, this book had me hooked, and devouring the words - the writing is exquisite, especially in Luna's POV, which is distinct because of her. Definitely recommended read.
Received a free galley from HarperTeen, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
But that doesn’t stop Luna from wanting more. When she meets Fowler, a mysterious archer braving the woods outside her tower, Luna is drawn to him despite the risk. When the tower is attacked, Luna and Fowler escape together. But this world of darkness is more treacherous than Luna ever realized.
With every threat stacked against them, Luna and Fowler find solace in each other. But with secrets still unspoken between them, falling in love might be their most dangerous journey yet.
Reign of Shadows has quite a different feeling than I would expect from a fantasy retelling. It starts off like Rapunzel, then there is a bit of zombie horror, and surviving to find the elusive colony free of the creatures, against a backdrop of adventure, a sprinkling of Snow White and some slow burn romance. Luna was born when a great eclipse befell the world - plunging it into a so-far 17 year darkness, leaving an eternal night broken only by an hour of haze (which I expect is around noon). In a world full of darkness, other things evolve, darker things, dangerous things such as the dwellers who are some sort of zombie-ish creatures that can attack, eat and infect people. Luna has been cooped up in her tower since the night she was taken from the palace by her two caretakers, but she longs for the Outside, despite the dangers.
When Fowler comes across the vicinity of the tower, she helps him out at a crucial moment. However, soon she has to leave, and along with him move towards the promised safe land, Allu, which is said to be free of dwellers. Luna has been hiding a secret - she is the princess and is being hunted by the current King, the high chancellor who usurped the power on the night of the eclipse. Fowler is also on the run from the capital, for his own reasons, which I kinda predicted but lets leave that under spoiler cut now, shall we? So, while he is trying not to feel (conceal, don't feel, don't let her knoooow) anything for her because of baggage in his past, she is also learning about the world and the dangers it carries, especially to her. She is pretty special, and brave despite her shortcomings, and survives in a world that would kill a regular person. He, too, recognizes this in her, but as he falls in love with her, he also starts to grow protective towards her.
Their dynamic starts with an unwilling partnership, and then mistrust from her over him leaving her in the lurch, then lots of sexual tension and finally the moment that the book ends on - a devastating abrupt cliffhanger. Honestly, I was a bit outraged at that! Thank goodness this is a series, because I am so excited for what comes next. There is the Oracle, and why Luna is so special; she definitely is tied to the eclipse. As for tone of the book, it is definitely more dystopian than fantasy, and I loved the addition of that the different creatures. I was still a bit confused how a world can thrive without the sun - a constant eclipse would mean things would cool down significantly, right? Not to mention most vegetation would die off pretty soon; them lasting for over a decade seemed to stretch it a bit, but I think this may be more of a magical eclipse than a literal one. Nevertheless, this book had me hooked, and devouring the words - the writing is exquisite, especially in Luna's POV, which is distinct because of her. Definitely recommended read.
Received a free galley from HarperTeen, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
2.5
Luna has spent her seventeen years in an isolated tower. Seventeen years ago her parents, the king and queen of Relhok were murdered by a chancellor who took the throne. The same night Relhok was thrust into darkness, putting the populace at the mercy of the dwellers, mystical creatures that prey on humans. And then Fowler happens near Luna’s tower. And when the tower is attacked, Luna’s guardians send her with Fowler in the hope he can keep her safe. But he doesn’t know she’s the princess. And though their lives soon become even more complicated, there is also a chemistry they soon can’t deny.
Luna and Fowler have the potential to be engaging and cute , but I don’t really get to know them. I’m not really given the chance to, though I’d love to spend more time with them. Also Luna, who was born on the eve of an eclipse, is named Luna. They often feel like archetypes. Luna is the secret princess that grew up in hiding, and knows nothing about the kingdom she may someday be ruling. Fowler is on the run from the capitol, and he has a secret. A secret we can guess right from the beginning. I would have liked his secret to be acknowledged from the start, and allow us to deal with the dramatic irony while getting deeper into Fowler as a character.
The 300 pages move quick, and I was with Jordan the entire way. But at the end I’m left wondering what exactly happened. I wish we dug in more. At one point Luna mentions they’ve been traveling for a week. But I’m not given a chance to get a sense of the world. And I don’t get the feeling of time passing, or the urgency of the stakes. Really this is still the outlines of a fantasy world. I get that Luna is not familiar with the outside world, but we could be getting that from Fowler. I get no real sense of this world: the people, the politics, the possibilities. Where did this eclipse come from? What does the oracle mentioned a couple of times have to do with anything? And then there were the dwellers. Because of course there were.
Certain parts of this novel made me think of Quest for Camelot. We had two people, one blind, alone in the woods. And maybe things could attack them, or maybe not. Instead of those weird flowers we have overgrown bats? Also the dwellers. I didn’t hate it. I love Quest for Camelot. This was an enjoyable, but predictable, read with a not always thought out world. Still, it feels familiar, and there is comfort in that familiarity.
Thank you to Edelweiss and HarperCollins for a free digital ARC of Reign of Shadows in exchange of an honest review. You can get your hands on Reign of Shadows on February 9th.
Review on Tea and Tomes
The dark isn’t so bad. It’s just the monsters that hide inside it.
Luna has spent her seventeen years in an isolated tower. Seventeen years ago her parents, the king and queen of Relhok were murdered by a chancellor who took the throne. The same night Relhok was thrust into darkness, putting the populace at the mercy of the dwellers, mystical creatures that prey on humans. And then Fowler happens near Luna’s tower. And when the tower is attacked, Luna’s guardians send her with Fowler in the hope he can keep her safe. But he doesn’t know she’s the princess. And though their lives soon become even more complicated, there is also a chemistry they soon can’t deny.
Luna and Fowler have the potential to be engaging and cute , but I don’t really get to know them. I’m not really given the chance to, though I’d love to spend more time with them. Also Luna, who was born on the eve of an eclipse, is named Luna. They often feel like archetypes. Luna is the secret princess that grew up in hiding, and knows nothing about the kingdom she may someday be ruling. Fowler is on the run from the capitol, and he has a secret. A secret we can guess right from the beginning. I would have liked his secret to be acknowledged from the start, and allow us to deal with the dramatic irony while getting deeper into Fowler as a character.
The 300 pages move quick, and I was with Jordan the entire way. But at the end I’m left wondering what exactly happened. I wish we dug in more. At one point Luna mentions they’ve been traveling for a week. But I’m not given a chance to get a sense of the world. And I don’t get the feeling of time passing, or the urgency of the stakes. Really this is still the outlines of a fantasy world. I get that Luna is not familiar with the outside world, but we could be getting that from Fowler. I get no real sense of this world: the people, the politics, the possibilities. Where did this eclipse come from? What does the oracle mentioned a couple of times have to do with anything? And then there were the dwellers. Because of course there were.
Certain parts of this novel made me think of Quest for Camelot. We had two people, one blind, alone in the woods. And maybe things could attack them, or maybe not. Instead of those weird flowers we have overgrown bats? Also the dwellers. I didn’t hate it. I love Quest for Camelot. This was an enjoyable, but predictable, read with a not always thought out world. Still, it feels familiar, and there is comfort in that familiarity.
Thank you to Edelweiss and HarperCollins for a free digital ARC of Reign of Shadows in exchange of an honest review. You can get your hands on Reign of Shadows on February 9th.
Review on Tea and Tomes
Reign of Shadows is one of those books that grabs you and doesn’t let you go until you reach the very end – I was absolutely captivated from start to finish, and that ending left me absolutely reeling. So much so that I was alarmingly pleased to discover I already have the sequel on my Kindle (thank you, HarperTeen – you are lifesavers!). I wasn’t at all sure what kind of read I was getting myself in for – I haven’t read a lot of fantasy, I’m still a newbie, but this was an incredible read, I devoured it in one sitting, and it left me open-mouthed with shock.
It seemed to be a Rapunzel re-telling, at least a little bit, with the tower where no one can find it, and the girl locked there for her own safety, but that’s kind of where the comparisons end because Luna is nothing like Rapunzel (or maybe she is? I can’t really remember except for the tower and the long hair…). I absolutely adored Luna – her want to go out and explore, despite the dangers posed to her in the Black Forest, by the dwellers (kinda like zombies? But with weird faces and antennae? And stinky. So stinky). Her blindness also amazed me, in the way she handled it. Because it was such a non-issue. Is that how it’s really like? I HAVE NO IDEA, but if it is, KUDOS. I can barely live being sighted (partially sighted since I wear glasses but you get my drift), never mind blind. And I LOVED Fowler. He’s such an anti-hero to start (obvs) – he’s trying to survive, everyone he loves has died, he doesn’t want to get too close to Luna, but I mean COME ON. They have SUCH good chemistry and I liked how Luna kinda wore him down bit by bit. *Happy dance*
I genuinely loved this book. TRUE, not a lot happens. It’s mostly trying to get to safety, but that’s OK, because it allowed Luna and Fowler time to get close, to feel each other out, to escape dwellers, and bad people, and I feel like it’s all going to come together in the sequel, which I’m going to start reading RIGHT NOW. I loved it all – even though I knew who Fowler’s father was (it was blatantly obvious) and I’m so excited to pick up right where we left off, at that jaw-dropping WTF ending. Sequel, I AM COMING FOR YOU.
It seemed to be a Rapunzel re-telling, at least a little bit, with the tower where no one can find it, and the girl locked there for her own safety, but that’s kind of where the comparisons end because Luna is nothing like Rapunzel (or maybe she is? I can’t really remember except for the tower and the long hair…). I absolutely adored Luna – her want to go out and explore, despite the dangers posed to her in the Black Forest, by the dwellers (kinda like zombies? But with weird faces and antennae? And stinky. So stinky). Her blindness also amazed me, in the way she handled it. Because it was such a non-issue. Is that how it’s really like? I HAVE NO IDEA, but if it is, KUDOS. I can barely live being sighted (partially sighted since I wear glasses but you get my drift), never mind blind. And I LOVED Fowler. He’s such an anti-hero to start (obvs) – he’s trying to survive, everyone he loves has died, he doesn’t want to get too close to Luna, but I mean COME ON. They have SUCH good chemistry and I liked how Luna kinda wore him down bit by bit. *Happy dance*
I genuinely loved this book. TRUE, not a lot happens. It’s mostly trying to get to safety, but that’s OK, because it allowed Luna and Fowler time to get close, to feel each other out, to escape dwellers, and bad people, and I feel like it’s all going to come together in the sequel, which I’m going to start reading RIGHT NOW. I loved it all – even though I knew who Fowler’s father was (it was blatantly obvious) and I’m so excited to pick up right where we left off, at that jaw-dropping WTF ending. Sequel, I AM COMING FOR YOU.
Interesting premise but not enough background info and a total bs ending.
Also - once she decides to go with the disguise, why the fuck don’t they work out a new name for her??
Also - once she decides to go with the disguise, why the fuck don’t they work out a new name for her??
Disclaimer: I received a free copy via Edelweiss for review purposes.
The kingdom of Rehlok is cloaked in darkness. In the darkness, there are monsters called Dwellers who attack and feast on humans. Luna was born on the eclipse seventeen years ago. In the chaos that followed, the Chancellor killer her mother and father - the King and Queen of Rehlok. Luna was taken to the safety of a tower in the Black Woods. Braving the woods, Luna meets Fowler, an archer, and Luna finds herself drawn. But when her tower is attacked, Luna flees with Fowler for a chance at survival.
At first, REIGN OF SHADOWS reminded me somewhat of the Disney movie Tangled. There's a lost princess in a tower and a mysterious stranger who happens upon her. From there it diverges to its own story. I enjoyed the world-building, and the perpetual darkness that cloaked the Kingdom. I enjoyed both Luna and Fowler as protagonists, but I was attracted to Fowler's narrative more. However, for me, the instant love and attraction between the two was what lessened my enjoyment of the romance. I thought Luna was an admirable character; strong, capable, selfless and caring. She was disabled.
Another problem I had was that not much happened. A lot of what occurred through the novel was travelling and finding themselves in dangerous situation. There were some plot developments, but only towards the end and even then there was not much development. It ended on a cliff-hanger, and I'm hoping the sequel has more story progression.
Overall, an enjoyable high fantasy that compelled me to read on, but not one I'd read again.
The kingdom of Rehlok is cloaked in darkness. In the darkness, there are monsters called Dwellers who attack and feast on humans. Luna was born on the eclipse seventeen years ago. In the chaos that followed, the Chancellor killer her mother and father - the King and Queen of Rehlok. Luna was taken to the safety of a tower in the Black Woods. Braving the woods, Luna meets Fowler, an archer, and Luna finds herself drawn. But when her tower is attacked, Luna flees with Fowler for a chance at survival.
At first, REIGN OF SHADOWS reminded me somewhat of the Disney movie Tangled. There's a lost princess in a tower and a mysterious stranger who happens upon her. From there it diverges to its own story. I enjoyed the world-building, and the perpetual darkness that cloaked the Kingdom. I enjoyed both Luna and Fowler as protagonists, but I was attracted to Fowler's narrative more. However, for me, the instant love and attraction between the two was what lessened my enjoyment of the romance. I thought Luna was an admirable character; strong, capable, selfless and caring. She was disabled.
Spoiler
Luna is blind, but not how it would realistically be portrayed. It's more Daredevil-esque with enhanced hearing and smell, sensing shifts in the air. I think it might be something do to with the fact that she was born on the eclipse.Another problem I had was that not much happened. A lot of what occurred through the novel was travelling and finding themselves in dangerous situation. There were some plot developments, but only towards the end and even then there was not much development. It ended on a cliff-hanger, and I'm hoping the sequel has more story progression.
Overall, an enjoyable high fantasy that compelled me to read on, but not one I'd read again.
