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dreamerfreak's review
4.0
Whatever vague ideas I had about this book going in, I was never expecting the unique world-building, genuine characters, wonderful relationship development, and perfect hints of suspense that I got. Cubed was fantastic. The world of Kielan and its psychic residents fascinated me from the start, and Lyons shapes a society built on a strict hierarchy of families and bondings that could seem confusing or overdone, but instead just works in the story. There are obviously problems in the society and that's part of the story, as well.
Riann Brook, one of the lowest members of society, is unexpectedly rescued from her circumstances when she is recognized as being bond-sister and bond-mate in a current Trio--thus making them one of the most powerful and rare Quatrels. While the relationship between Riann and Lio could have felt rushed, instead their immediate intense emotions seem natural with the bond they share, and the fact that that is true for the entirety of their family is so well described. The bonds that form between them are natural as a consequence of what they are to each other, and I never doubted it for a second.
The question of Riann's origins adds a hint of mystery, and Riann's passion for helping others to get the same opportunities she now has also deepens the story beyond a simple romance. As I neared the end of the book I was firmly satisfied and excited to see what would happen in the last bit.
And then things fell apart a bit. The last couple chapters of the book seem disconnected from the characters I had grown to love--Riann, Lio, Balin, Talek--and contained a lot of information, additional plot, and time passing in a very short amount of space. It felt condensed and not fully plotted out. I understand to a certain extent why it was there, but I needed more time, more text. (Cubes, cool! But how does that freakin' work?) I think it could have been extended a great deal and made a much more compelling ending. Instead, it was just disappointing and rushed.
Even with the disappointing end, I still loved the first 80% of the book, and honestly, it felt wrapped up and complete right about there. So I'm essentially ignoring that last bit and rating the book as if it simply ended a little early. This is still well worth a try, I firmly believe.
[I received this book for free through First Reads and was not required to write a positive or any other type of review. All opinions stated herein are solely my own.]
Riann Brook, one of the lowest members of society, is unexpectedly rescued from her circumstances when she is recognized as being bond-sister and bond-mate in a current Trio--thus making them one of the most powerful and rare Quatrels. While the relationship between Riann and Lio could have felt rushed, instead their immediate intense emotions seem natural with the bond they share, and the fact that that is true for the entirety of their family is so well described. The bonds that form between them are natural as a consequence of what they are to each other, and I never doubted it for a second.
The question of Riann's origins adds a hint of mystery, and Riann's passion for helping others to get the same opportunities she now has also deepens the story beyond a simple romance. As I neared the end of the book I was firmly satisfied and excited to see what would happen in the last bit.
And then things fell apart a bit. The last couple chapters of the book seem disconnected from the characters I had grown to love--Riann, Lio, Balin, Talek--and contained a lot of information, additional plot, and time passing in a very short amount of space. It felt condensed and not fully plotted out. I understand to a certain extent why it was there, but I needed more time, more text. (Cubes, cool! But how does that freakin' work?) I think it could have been extended a great deal and made a much more compelling ending. Instead, it was just disappointing and rushed.
Spoiler
(And I'll admit to a great deal of peevishness against the way the Council of Worlds ambassadors appeared. I mean, Kielan knows about them and is trading with them currently? So why the heck the dramatical entrance that breaks their own frikkin' rules and seems rude and completely unnecessary? Sheesh. Anywho.)Even with the disappointing end, I still loved the first 80% of the book, and honestly, it felt wrapped up and complete right about there. So I'm essentially ignoring that last bit and rating the book as if it simply ended a little early. This is still well worth a try, I firmly believe.
[I received this book for free through First Reads and was not required to write a positive or any other type of review. All opinions stated herein are solely my own.]