Scan barcode
_tomeraider's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
amac_reads's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a fascinating dark fantasy (but set really far into the future?) with several twists and turns. There were many elements that were left unexplained, including the magic of the world, the creatures/their origins, etc. that made it difficult to piece some things together, but hopefully these will be explained in the sequels. The characters were fine overall but none were super engaging or relatable. However, the story and the creatures were absolutely interesting.
There was a fae creature and the author decided to use "fae" and "faer" as their pronouns without explaining that's what he was doing. While I appreciate what the author was trying to do, in fantasy worlds being fae is a race not a gender, so sticking with the "z" pronouns would have made more sense. This was something that broke my focus on the story which was a little frustrating.
Overall this is a long but solid read, and I look forward to the author creating more engaging characters and writing more world lore in the next works.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There was a fae creature and the author decided to use "fae" and "faer" as their pronouns without explaining that's what he was doing. While I appreciate what the author was trying to do, in fantasy worlds being fae is a race not a gender, so sticking with the "z" pronouns would have made more sense. This was something that broke my focus on the story which was a little frustrating.
Overall this is a long but solid read, and I look forward to the author creating more engaging characters and writing more world lore in the next works.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
ranjanireviewsreads's review
3.0
RATING - 3/5
I received a free ARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Let me start off by saying I wasn't expecting much from this. It's important I say this because sometimes I am incredibly surprised by what I read and other times... not so much. This was the other time.
The Jealousy of Jalice follows two women, Jalice and Annilasia. They are not likeable, and I never felt that they were meant to be liked. Often it is impressed upon the reader to really form a bond with the characters but it was not the case here. Personally, characters are very important to me. They need to be fleshed out, three-dimensional people instead of a screen for the author to project weak traits onto.
Unfortunately, these characters weren't important enough for me.
One huge plus point is the worldbuilding. The author has evidently thought out this world to the smallest pebble. It is a living, breathing thing just waiting to be explored. It is incredibly diverse - both in culture and sexualities. And I want to applaud the lack of romance in Book One. A welcome change.
A thing I was not fond of was the writing. While it is fairly simple - for a book set in what we would call 'medieval times' - it was much too descriptive at times, and in the wrong ways. While the wordbuilding is amazing, I still could not explain to a stranger what this books is about. There were no info-dumps (thank god) but I also had to find out about the world as the characters interacted with it. If this is up your alley, give it a shot. But it didn't do it for me.
An average rating from me: while it was certainly enjoyable and set in a great world, the downsides are too big for me to ignore.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Let me start off by saying I wasn't expecting much from this. It's important I say this because sometimes I am incredibly surprised by what I read and other times... not so much. This was the other time.
The Jealousy of Jalice follows two women, Jalice and Annilasia. They are not likeable, and I never felt that they were meant to be liked. Often it is impressed upon the reader to really form a bond with the characters but it was not the case here. Personally, characters are very important to me. They need to be fleshed out, three-dimensional people instead of a screen for the author to project weak traits onto.
Unfortunately, these characters weren't important enough for me.
One huge plus point is the worldbuilding. The author has evidently thought out this world to the smallest pebble. It is a living, breathing thing just waiting to be explored. It is incredibly diverse - both in culture and sexualities. And I want to applaud the lack of romance in Book One. A welcome change.
A thing I was not fond of was the writing. While it is fairly simple - for a book set in what we would call 'medieval times' - it was much too descriptive at times, and in the wrong ways. While the wordbuilding is amazing, I still could not explain to a stranger what this books is about. There were no info-dumps (thank god) but I also had to find out about the world as the characters interacted with it. If this is up your alley, give it a shot. But it didn't do it for me.
An average rating from me: while it was certainly enjoyable and set in a great world, the downsides are too big for me to ignore.
gregg's review against another edition
2.0
Thanks to netvalley for this arc. I thought there was some interesting ideas in this story but at some point I lost interest and it became a slog to finish. I am sure there are people that will this book though. The characters were not unlikable and the writing overall was decent.
kelsicayrene's review against another edition
4.0
So I thoroughly enjoyed this book. So often in fantasy books, the world is modeled after medieval Europe. There is nothing wrong with that but it's nice to pick up a fantasy book and find something different. This book was dark and atmospheric which I ALWAYS love. The world building and magic system was fantastic. I could praise those things all day.
I will say that you're kind of dropped into this world without a lot explanation, which I personally enjoy, but if you are someone who doesn't enjoy having to figure some things out along the way this isn't the book for you.
The characters are definitely flawed which in my opinion most of the time is a good thing but I definitely didn't get too attached to them which was kind of sad but I have hope that will change as the series continues.
Overall, I think if you're a fantasy fan looking for something different that you should definitely give this book a shot. You won't be sorry.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I will say that you're kind of dropped into this world without a lot explanation, which I personally enjoy, but if you are someone who doesn't enjoy having to figure some things out along the way this isn't the book for you.
The characters are definitely flawed which in my opinion most of the time is a good thing but I definitely didn't get too attached to them which was kind of sad but I have hope that will change as the series continues.
Overall, I think if you're a fantasy fan looking for something different that you should definitely give this book a shot. You won't be sorry.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
alexkhlopenko's review against another edition
4.0
An enjoyable adventure, with surgically precise characterization and plot. It offers a lot more critical takes on the real worlds and different societal dynamics, perceptions, and structures. Definitely more depth than you would expect from a debut fantasy novel.
For a debut, it puts a lot of trust into the reader, since the style and pacing can be off-putting to a lot of people who are used to swallowing chewed and digested explanations for everything.
Wouldn't be surprised by the future success in spfbo and soon joining the ranks of Devin Madson, Rob Hayes, and Ben Galley.
For a debut, it puts a lot of trust into the reader, since the style and pacing can be off-putting to a lot of people who are used to swallowing chewed and digested explanations for everything.
Wouldn't be surprised by the future success in spfbo and soon joining the ranks of Devin Madson, Rob Hayes, and Ben Galley.
emarsten's review against another edition
5.0
This book was just brilliant!! I loved the writing and how it drew me into the scenes. It was atmospheric and very refreshing. The story read really fast. The characters weren't necessarily likeable, and it worked out great.
I was hooked from start to finish. I highly recommend this book.
I was hooked from start to finish. I highly recommend this book.
thecatreads's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
readlovelisten's review against another edition
4.0
I received this book from NetGalley and publisher in exchange of an honest review. This was such an enthralling futuristic magical fantasy story that was very creative and takes us on a journey that leaves you wanting to read more. This was such an enjoyable and fast read. I wonder how the next book will be. I definitely recommend this book.
inkslinger's review against another edition
4.0
ARC provided by Jesse Nolan Bailey via Storytellers On Tour. All opinions are mine and freely given.
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | BookBub
05-28: 'The Jealousy of Jalice' by Jesse Nolan Bailey is a somewhat complex fantasy story about a plot hatched by Annilasia.. an enslaved assassin.. and Delilee.. the royal decoy for the Chieftess of the Unified Tribes.. to spirit the Chieftess away in an attempt to right the wrongs plaguing their people.
Citizens of the Ikaul and Vekuuv tribes and their lands are compromised. Their Chief, The Sachem is at fault. The Realms have been split apart, throwing them all out of alignment. Magic wielders utilize a form of it called aether, but it leaves behind remnants that corrupt and mass genocides have been committed in an effort to stamp out something called The Delirium.
Bailey wastes no time jumping right into a tense situation. The opening pages see Annilasia sneaking and bluffing her way into The Fortress to meet with Delilee so the pair can begin to carry out their plan. The decoy, intending to stay behind and attempt to keep anyone from discovering the Chieftess has been kidnapped, walks a very fine line indeed. It's apparent from early on that things are so dire for their people, the two are willing to do anything to affect a change.
Delilee is probably the most likable character, as her motivations seem rooted in goodness. She hopes to spare not only their people the suffering they already endure, but also to save the Chieftess.. even if she doesn't realize she needs to be saved.
Annilasia is a bit harder. She has been spared nothing. Enslaved and taught the ways of the tillishu, elite assassins that move like shadows who carry out orders for The Sachem, though she and Delilee were childhood friends with the Chieftess, they've lived through very different experiences. She's brutally efficient, decisive, and not prone to letting her emotions rule her decision making.
I'm going to be honest. I absolutely detested Jalice. I'm pretty sure I was supposed to, but it also never changed for me. I'm relatively sure that was supposed to happen though. I didn't like her whining, pampered behavior and I certainly didn't like who she was as a person. In fact, by the end, I was decidedly rooting for the antagonists and everything else was pretty much upside down anyway.
I can definitely say the plot feels very robust. There are no squandered words and the journey is long. Every moment there is something happening.. a battle, an unexpected ripple in the plan, a soul crushing memory, or a life or death struggle. It's perpetual motion. The story is a machine bearing down on you from behind at all times.
Through dreams and trancelike flashback memories, it's told along a non-linear path by a shifting narrative which moves primarily between the three women and occasionally Hydrim, The Sachem.
There's plenty of gore and violence to keep the fight scenes interesting and lead to some truly gruesome discoveries as we follow their progress. And Bailey definitely isn't afraid to make some hard decisions for his characters.
Certainly, for me.. there didn't need to be quite so much hope, but it was a well told tale that moved at a steady pace and never got dull. I sincerely enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the series.
PURCHASE LINKS: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE
-----------
05-27: Quite the whirlwind adventure! Review to come tomorrow!
05-26: Started this today for a blog tour on 5/28.. this author does not waste time.. whoo!