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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
Wow, what an amazing book. From the very first chapter, I was hooked and already had many questions.
Maybe it wasn't the most complex book, but still, the world building and character development made it so addictive.
Our FMC I adored for stubbornness and determination. Even if she didn't have an easy start in her life, she is incredibly loyal.
This book brought in me so many emotions.
The banter between the characters made me laugh on so many occasions, but also I raged thanks to not so nice ones.
Betrayal, assassinations , and elements of magic - everything in one book.
I still have so many questions, and that's why even without thinking, it's time to jump into book 2 from the series.
Maybe it wasn't the most complex book, but still, the world building and character development made it so addictive.
Our FMC I adored for stubbornness and determination. Even if she didn't have an easy start in her life, she is incredibly loyal.
This book brought in me so many emotions.
The banter between the characters made me laugh on so many occasions, but also I raged thanks to not so nice ones.
Betrayal, assassinations , and elements of magic - everything in one book.
I still have so many questions, and that's why even without thinking, it's time to jump into book 2 from the series.
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
This is a nostalgic read for me — I read it so so many times as a teenager thinking Yelena was the coolest. Easier to see faults as an adult and understand some of the power dynamics and fallout of a totalitarian regime taking power. Very very intriguing, especially when you know what’s coming and realize the author is dropping hints that the Commander is trans — and being able to understand as an adult that that isn’t some weird fantasy world made-up thing, but a real situation that real people live in. The fantasy is giving that trans person the highest authority in this new government and that’s awesome. It becomes this weird exploration of totalitarianism and how it hurts people at the same time as how those within it are fiercely faithful to the institution even as it hurts those closest to them like Valek looking for Yelena’s loyalty despite literally making her a food taster and poisoning her daily to keep her in that position.
Twas good. Near the end there was some action, but then it turned into a love story.
I'm not sure if I'll continue on with the series. We shall see.
I'm not sure if I'll continue on with the series. We shall see.
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I really enjoyed this book. An interesting premise with a splash on magic. The romance took me by surprise. This was well written and easy to understand. Yelena was a strong female with inner strength and a kick ass fight for survival I really liked the relationships she formed. Great book I will be reading the next one
dark
tense
medium-paced
I was not a fan of the writing style as it felt very
I said this
He said this
I replied
But the plot itself was interesting but not enough to continue the series
I said this
He said this
I replied
But the plot itself was interesting but not enough to continue the series
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
An unexpected four stars!
I'd heard of this one and know that it is a bit of a classic in the romantic fantasy world - which isn't usually to my taste - but I picked it up at the library on a whim of curiosity, not expecting much. I'd recently tried the also beloved The Cruel Prince and been sorely disappointed, so fair to say the bar was low.
But I actually quite enjoyed it! It's nothing spectacular, and the writing could be better, but I had a good time. I found Yelena to be an interesting character, and I did enjoy the build of the romance, along with the plot, which while predictable, was entertaining.
The vibe reminds me a little of Trudi Canavan's The Black Magician trilogy, though admittedly not as good. But I really enjoyed the whole "poison taster" situation and Yelena's creativity and intelligence.
So I think as long as you don't raise your expectations too high, this is a fun one. I definitely think I'll be continuing on - hopefully my local library has the rest of the series!
I'd heard of this one and know that it is a bit of a classic in the romantic fantasy world - which isn't usually to my taste - but I picked it up at the library on a whim of curiosity, not expecting much. I'd recently tried the also beloved The Cruel Prince and been sorely disappointed, so fair to say the bar was low.
But I actually quite enjoyed it! It's nothing spectacular, and the writing could be better, but I had a good time. I found Yelena to be an interesting character, and I did enjoy the build of the romance, along with the plot, which while predictable, was entertaining.
The vibe reminds me a little of Trudi Canavan's The Black Magician trilogy, though admittedly not as good. But I really enjoyed the whole "poison taster" situation and Yelena's creativity and intelligence.
So I think as long as you don't raise your expectations too high, this is a fun one. I definitely think I'll be continuing on - hopefully my local library has the rest of the series!
I have now read this book three times. The first was in 2009, the second in 2010 and the third in 2012. It really is a fantastic book. Not only are the characters wonderful and engaging, but the plot moves along at a good pace, and the start! The start of the book shows Yelena in the prison where she has been for almost a year for murdering someone. It immediately gets you interested in Yelena as a character and intrigued to know more about her situation. And Maria then cleverly reveals the backstory in bits and pieces in the form of flashbacks.
Each time I read this book I marvel at how good it is. Yes, the writing is quite different. It's not too wordy like some fantasy novels. But there's nothing wrong with that. It's easy to read. I read it in a day on the third time. Less than a day. Just a few hours, really.
Valek makes a good love interest. Because of course you realise that this is what he is. But the characters realise slowly how much they mean to each other, how much they care, and it is only by the end that the two get to reveal this to each other.
Janco and Ari are wonderful, too. The characters are given some depth, even the supporting ones, though you don't really seem to get much of an insight into why the bad guys are doing what they are doing, other than for power.
There are faults, of course, but they are minimal and don't detract from the story. If you are worried about being disappointed by the sequels (and many people are disappointed, to judge from the poor reviews for Magic Study and Fire Study), then stick to this one and imagine your own ending. Personally, I think the follow-ups, while not as good, are good enough, and continue with the fast-paced narrative that Maria is now known for.
Each time I read this book I marvel at how good it is. Yes, the writing is quite different. It's not too wordy like some fantasy novels. But there's nothing wrong with that. It's easy to read. I read it in a day on the third time. Less than a day. Just a few hours, really.
Valek makes a good love interest. Because of course you realise that this is what he is. But the characters realise slowly how much they mean to each other, how much they care, and it is only by the end that the two get to reveal this to each other.
Janco and Ari are wonderful, too. The characters are given some depth, even the supporting ones, though you don't really seem to get much of an insight into why the bad guys are doing what they are doing, other than for power.
There are faults, of course, but they are minimal and don't detract from the story. If you are worried about being disappointed by the sequels (and many people are disappointed, to judge from the poor reviews for Magic Study and Fire Study), then stick to this one and imagine your own ending. Personally, I think the follow-ups, while not as good, are good enough, and continue with the fast-paced narrative that Maria is now known for.
Re-read to find I enjoyed it more than I remembered! I do find that Maria Snyder often tells similar stories (at least when the romance is involved)