Scan barcode
dame_samara's review against another edition
4.0
This book has been my guilty pleasure over the last few days, Enemies to Lovers, is something that I typically don't seek out due to the fact that it is often written as a Slow Burn romance, which I can never hold out for. OR WORSE Insta-Love, which defeats the entire purpose of Enemies to Lovers.
While on the scale of Insta-Love to Slowburn, I wouldn't call it a good middle ground, it definitely sits closer to Insta-Love. If you're a slow burn lover, I wouldn't recommend it.
My boyfriend description was:"Enemies? to Friends to Enemies to Lovers?"
I enjoyed the banter between Alec and Mara, along with the growth of their friendship. Along with getting to experience the destruction of that friendship from both of their points of view.
What was disappointing was the fact that I wanted to know more about the Magic that was a giant plot point of this book. It felt very black or white, no inbetween. But also there isn't really a given reason Mythical or Literal as to why only this one family is supposed to have magic. The solution was interesting, but the background was lacking.
While on the scale of Insta-Love to Slowburn, I wouldn't call it a good middle ground, it definitely sits closer to Insta-Love. If you're a slow burn lover, I wouldn't recommend it.
My boyfriend description was:"Enemies? to Friends to Enemies to Lovers?"
I enjoyed the banter between Alec and Mara, along with the growth of their friendship. Along with getting to experience the destruction of that friendship from both of their points of view.
What was disappointing was the fact that I wanted to know more about the Magic that was a giant plot point of this book. It felt very black or white, no inbetween. But also there isn't really a given reason Mythical or Literal as to why only this one family is supposed to have magic. The solution was interesting, but the background was lacking.
teatime_and_reading's review against another edition
5.0
Actual rating: 4.50 ⭐
The stolen kingdom is an improved and upgradeded version of the Shadows between us by Tricia Levenseller.
While Alessandra wanted to a queen for the sake of being a queen, Maralyth wanted to be a queen for the sake of the kingdom and the people. She truly wanted to make everybody's life better.
whilst TSBU was more focused on Alessandra's clothes and how her sense of fashion changed the courts'. The Stolen Kingdom was more plot centered, packed with action and had a lot of expected and unexpected twists and turns. And the latter wasn't foucesd on the romance as much as the former.
The romance here is more of a slow burn with a sense of enemies to lovers once you hit the 50% mark of the book, which was more than fine by me. But I had to knock a half star because there was no great love confessions despite them making my heart beat like I WAS IN LOVE.
Anyway, READ THIS BOOK AND GIVE IT SOME LOVE.
The stolen kingdom is an improved and upgradeded version of the Shadows between us by Tricia Levenseller.
While Alessandra wanted to a queen for the sake of being a queen, Maralyth wanted to be a queen for the sake of the kingdom and the people. She truly wanted to make everybody's life better.
whilst TSBU was more focused on Alessandra's clothes and how her sense of fashion changed the courts'. The Stolen Kingdom was more plot centered, packed with action and had a lot of expected and unexpected twists and turns. And the latter wasn't foucesd on the romance as much as the former.
The romance here is more of a slow burn with a sense of enemies to lovers once you hit the 50% mark of the book, which was more than fine by me. But I had to knock a half star because there was no great love confessions despite them making my heart beat like I WAS IN LOVE.
Anyway, READ THIS BOOK AND GIVE IT SOME LOVE.
michely66's review against another edition
5.0
For a hundred years, the once-prosperous kingdom of Perin Faye has suffered under the rule of greedy and power-hungry Thungrave kings. Maralyth Graylaern, a vinter’s daughter, has no idea her hidden magical power is proof of a secret bloodline and claim to the throne.
Thank you Netgallery for giving me the chance to read this story in exchange for an honest review! I loved this magical story—the perfect fantasy adventure I needed to read. I absolutely adored the romance between the main characters. I could not read this book fast enough!
Thank you Netgallery for giving me the chance to read this story in exchange for an honest review! I loved this magical story—the perfect fantasy adventure I needed to read. I absolutely adored the romance between the main characters. I could not read this book fast enough!
ameserole's review against another edition
5.0
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Stolen Kingdom was such a fun and magical book to dive into. In it, you will meet Mara and Alac. The adventure that these two go on might make you dizzy. Mostly because this entire book is filled with so much. Magic, betrayal, and so much freaking tension that it might kill you. Just know that I ate it all up and I still wanted more.
From the very first moment, there was something special about Mara and Alac. She was in love with the winery that her family owned. So in other words, she basically had my dream job because I love wine. All things wine. If my family owned a winery? Well, goodbye world - I'm in wine heaven now.
While she's living my best life, he is a prince and wants to do anything else but become King. Luckily for him, he's second in line so he doesn't have to worry about that. The only thing he does worry about, though, is the magic. He hates it. Or maybe he just hates his dad's stolen magic. Either way, magic is a no go for him.
After they first met, sparks were there and started to fly (a bit). It was definitely cute and I couldn't help shipping them after this. They had a special connection and I was worried that the other shoe was going to drop and kill my ship. The shoe dropped hard but my ship was still thriving in my mind.
So much betrayal and magic kept me completely and utterly engaged with this book. I couldn't put it down (unless I had to eat or sleep). Now that it's over, I'm kind of sad. I don't know what to do with my thumbs right now.. unless twiddling seems proper? The moment that this book is published, I am going to buy it and dive back into these beautiful pages. Definitely enjoyed this book and I can't wait for Jillian to write another magical adventure!
The Stolen Kingdom was such a fun and magical book to dive into. In it, you will meet Mara and Alac. The adventure that these two go on might make you dizzy. Mostly because this entire book is filled with so much. Magic, betrayal, and so much freaking tension that it might kill you. Just know that I ate it all up and I still wanted more.
From the very first moment, there was something special about Mara and Alac. She was in love with the winery that her family owned. So in other words, she basically had my dream job because I love wine. All things wine. If my family owned a winery? Well, goodbye world - I'm in wine heaven now.
While she's living my best life, he is a prince and wants to do anything else but become King. Luckily for him, he's second in line so he doesn't have to worry about that. The only thing he does worry about, though, is the magic. He hates it. Or maybe he just hates his dad's stolen magic. Either way, magic is a no go for him.
After they first met, sparks were there and started to fly (a bit). It was definitely cute and I couldn't help shipping them after this. They had a special connection and I was worried that the other shoe was going to drop and kill my ship. The shoe dropped hard but my ship was still thriving in my mind.
So much betrayal and magic kept me completely and utterly engaged with this book. I couldn't put it down (unless I had to eat or sleep). Now that it's over, I'm kind of sad. I don't know what to do with my thumbs right now.. unless twiddling seems proper? The moment that this book is published, I am going to buy it and dive back into these beautiful pages. Definitely enjoyed this book and I can't wait for Jillian to write another magical adventure!
aldarakamey's review against another edition
4.0
I am sorry that it took me this long to review this book, the book was published on March 2nd.
This is a stand alone fantasy that I recommend to those who love fantasy.
Is so beautiful written, and is perfect for you if you love fantasy, is perfect for you, is an easy read but by easy I mean that you can read it quickly and the story doesn't feel rushed.
The story is everything you think it might be but without being too predictable, is the kind of story that is hard to root for the wrong people, the characters are likable and the story is enjoyable.
This story is for you if you like fantasy stories, I think that a good part of the reason why I liked the books is because is a stand alone novel.
4.5/5.
This is a stand alone fantasy that I recommend to those who love fantasy.
Is so beautiful written, and is perfect for you if you love fantasy, is perfect for you, is an easy read but by easy I mean that you can read it quickly and the story doesn't feel rushed.
The story is everything you think it might be but without being too predictable, is the kind of story that is hard to root for the wrong people, the characters are likable and the story is enjoyable.
This story is for you if you like fantasy stories, I think that a good part of the reason why I liked the books is because is a stand alone novel.
4.5/5.
thecanadianbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book! I don't often read standalones, so it was very nice to read a book for once that wasn't a deep/long investment in world building and characters. To enjoy a story as just that, a story. A brief ride with some new fun people, to see where they went.
It was exactly the refreshment I needed after reading long series for ages!
Mara is sweet and likeable, and the romance between her and Alac is slowly built up.
She makes a nice MC, and is not annoyingly incapable or whiney like some can be. I liked seeing her discover her magical capabilities and unravel her family tree.
Alac is also interesting, and watching his personal growth was rewarding. I think both characters were given a good ending.
It was exactly the refreshment I needed after reading long series for ages!
Mara is sweet and likeable, and the romance between her and Alac is slowly built up.
She makes a nice MC, and is not annoyingly incapable or whiney like some can be. I liked seeing her discover her magical capabilities and unravel her family tree.
Alac is also interesting, and watching his personal growth was rewarding. I think both characters were given a good ending.
brittrivera's review against another edition
3.0
Give me all the standalone fantasy please! The Stolen Kingdom is built on a really interesting premise of stolen magic and its effects on those who wield it. I really liked the way it tackled dismantling power and legacy and coming into one's own. I liked that Mara was a protagonist who was willing to learn and grow throughout the book and who didn't rush into her power lightly. And I loved the description of Mara's magic, especially in comparison with Alac's. I wish the romance in the book was a little more swoon-worthy myself, but I am also okay with the outcome.
Despite liking that this book is a standalone, I wish there was a more developed backstory about the history of the world and how the magic was stolen. We heard the same story so many times and each time I kept hoping there was a reason for the repetition, that we'd learn something new, but there was never anything. I would've loved a big reveal or just a chapter set in the past so we could have seen the story for ourselves instead of being told it so many times.
*Thank you to Macmillan-Tor/Forge & NetGalley for the arc of this book.*
Despite liking that this book is a standalone, I wish there was a more developed backstory about the history of the world and how the magic was stolen. We heard the same story so many times and each time I kept hoping there was a reason for the repetition, that we'd learn something new, but there was never anything. I would've loved a big reveal or just a chapter set in the past so we could have seen the story for ourselves instead of being told it so many times.
*Thank you to Macmillan-Tor/Forge & NetGalley for the arc of this book.*
questsandcrimes's review against another edition
4.0
For 100 years the kingdom of Perin Faye has suffered under the rule of a cruel king. The once prosperous nation suffers under the weight of stolen magic and greed. Maralyth Graylaern is a vintner’s daughter, but she harbors a magical secret. Alac Thungrave is the king’s second son, the spare, but he’s always been uncomfortable with his father’s dark magic. When Maralyth is drawn into a plot to overthrow the king, a dangerous cat and mouse game ensues.
If you’ve read other reviews for The Stolen Kingdom, I’m going to echo a similar sentiment. I loved the magic system in this book. So much that I wanted more. There’s a light side and a dark side, and I wanted more of how they’d interact.
Both of our MCs, Mara and Alac, are so sweet. They have clear lines of what’s right and wrong, yet somehow it gets blurred. I loved learning about them and their motivations.
I think my favorite thing about this was the wine plot line. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book involving winemaking. It was a refreshing trade to delve into. Also...I just love wine.
If you’re looking for a YA regency story, I definitely recommend The Stolen Kingdom. It’s got loveable characters, a familiar trope with a fresh spin, dark magic, and forbidden love. All the things! It has all the things!
Thank you to Tor Teen and Netgalley for my review copy.
If you’ve read other reviews for The Stolen Kingdom, I’m going to echo a similar sentiment. I loved the magic system in this book. So much that I wanted more. There’s a light side and a dark side, and I wanted more of how they’d interact.
Both of our MCs, Mara and Alac, are so sweet. They have clear lines of what’s right and wrong, yet somehow it gets blurred. I loved learning about them and their motivations.
I think my favorite thing about this was the wine plot line. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book involving winemaking. It was a refreshing trade to delve into. Also...I just love wine.
If you’re looking for a YA regency story, I definitely recommend The Stolen Kingdom. It’s got loveable characters, a familiar trope with a fresh spin, dark magic, and forbidden love. All the things! It has all the things!
Thank you to Tor Teen and Netgalley for my review copy.
ianthereader0's review against another edition
3.0
2.5
This YA book leaves very little impact. I was hopeful, as I am always interested in a standalone fantasy, but this story doesn’t set itself apart from any of the numerous YA fantasy stories out there. There is little action, with the romantic relationship at the center of the story carrying little weight with it, as well. Perhaps it’s partially because I am not drawn to YA anymore, but this book was the definition of middle of the road, for me. Not good, not bad.
Thank you Netgalley for an early audio of this book. The Stolen Kingdom is released March 2, 2021.
This YA book leaves very little impact. I was hopeful, as I am always interested in a standalone fantasy, but this story doesn’t set itself apart from any of the numerous YA fantasy stories out there. There is little action, with the romantic relationship at the center of the story carrying little weight with it, as well. Perhaps it’s partially because I am not drawn to YA anymore, but this book was the definition of middle of the road, for me. Not good, not bad.
Thank you Netgalley for an early audio of this book. The Stolen Kingdom is released March 2, 2021.
illborrowthisone's review against another edition
4.0
"Regardless of my attempts at guarding my heart, he'd wormed his way in."
I love a good standalone fantasy and I am happy to add this to my collection. A slow quiet romance led by a young woman unafraid to be herself. Mara's average regular approach to life spoke to me. She is level headed and her appreciation for the normal every day resounded with me. I appreciated the romance I felt brewing. Neither slow nor fast, it seemed to grow naturally with space for independence. And the food!!! I found myself hungry reading about the meals Mara clearly appreciated.
A standalone fantasy can be alot to pack into one book and overall the world and magic system were built well. My one complaint would be my desire for more. The magic is beautiful and I would have loved to dive into the complexity of it, but I believe this would have been too much for this neatly packaged standalone. I truly enjoyed this story and I look forward to see what Boehme brings forth next.
Thank you so much to TorTeen and the author for this gorgeous story and sending me a free finished copy.
I love a good standalone fantasy and I am happy to add this to my collection. A slow quiet romance led by a young woman unafraid to be herself. Mara's average regular approach to life spoke to me. She is level headed and her appreciation for the normal every day resounded with me. I appreciated the romance I felt brewing. Neither slow nor fast, it seemed to grow naturally with space for independence. And the food!!! I found myself hungry reading about the meals Mara clearly appreciated.
A standalone fantasy can be alot to pack into one book and overall the world and magic system were built well. My one complaint would be my desire for more. The magic is beautiful and I would have loved to dive into the complexity of it, but I believe this would have been too much for this neatly packaged standalone. I truly enjoyed this story and I look forward to see what Boehme brings forth next.
Thank you so much to TorTeen and the author for this gorgeous story and sending me a free finished copy.