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pomochi's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars
Although the world building wasn't very strong, I really enjoyed this book. It was full of action, mystery, and amazing characters!
Although the world building wasn't very strong, I really enjoyed this book. It was full of action, mystery, and amazing characters!
steph01924's review against another edition
4.0
This took me by surprise; I definitely enjoyed it way more than I expected to! Interesting story, great characters, a slow-burning and thoughtful romance, and a plot that made sense and moved itself along nicely.
As I am with most books that aren't standalones, I'm glad I waited to read this and it's companion after they were both released! I also like the fact that it's a duology (well, it was really one book that the author had to split up, because heaven knows all publishers think that teenagers can't read a book longer than 350 pages) and not a trilogy, as is the new standard.
I saw some reviewers made the comparison to Ananna (the only name I really didn't care for in this book...it's so awkward to say in your head; it sounds like you're trying to say 'Banana' or you a stutterer.) being like a grown-up Jacky Faber from the Bloody Jack series, and it felt so apt!
As I am with most books that aren't standalones, I'm glad I waited to read this and it's companion after they were both released! I also like the fact that it's a duology (well, it was really one book that the author had to split up, because heaven knows all publishers think that teenagers can't read a book longer than 350 pages) and not a trilogy, as is the new standard.
I saw some reviewers made the comparison to Ananna (the only name I really didn't care for in this book...it's so awkward to say in your head; it sounds like you're trying to say 'Banana' or you a stutterer.) being like a grown-up Jacky Faber from the Bloody Jack series, and it felt so apt!
halcyone's review against another edition
4.0
This review was posted at The Cozy Armchair.
The minute I read the summary for The Assassin’s Curse I knew I had to get my hands on it.This book has pirates, magic, and, of course, assassins, and it all adds up to one fantastic debut novel! This is honestly one of my top reads for the year, that’s just how much I enjoyed reading it.
Here are the facts: Ananna is the daughter of a successful pirate lord who wants to marry her to another pirate clan in order to cement an alliance. But Ananna doesn’t want that life for herself so she runs away, ruining all the plans her parents had made and inciting the fury of the other clan. That’s what brings Naji, the assassin that uses blood magic, after her. He intends to kill her, as per orders, but things don’t quite go as planned. Without revealing too many details, let’s just say that they end up forced together and must travel to find a solution to Naji's curse.
I love, love, love the accidental-bond trope, but I haven’t come across it very often in YA, so it was great to see it in this book. Unfortunately, it’s more of a plot device than actually a part of the plot. The ramifications of this cursed bond are talked about a lot but we rarely got to see it in action and we didn’t get proper “rules” for how it works (the rule we did get seemed to shift?). But that didn’t really detract from my enjoyment of the book.
Ananna’s POV is funny and honest; she’s a really headstrong, slightly naive, and definitely admirable pirate. This is one protagonist you want to root for because she’s badass and can stand up for herself, and through her narrative you can trace how this adventure she’s on changes her, probably for the better. She matures emotionally, but she’s never once a total damsel in distress. She’s quick to get a handle on difficult situations, and she spends a good chunk of the book caring for Naji as his brand of magic takes a toll on him.
Naji, on the other hand, is the polar opposite of Ananna, personality-wise. He is mysterious, stoic assassin that is harsh and borderline cruel at first. But throughout the story, his vulnerable side is slowly revealed in bits and pieces. He has a scar that disfigures his face and it becomes clear that he is self-conscious about it, so for once we have a male protagonist that isn’t completely confident in himself. Naji battles with insecurities a lot, and Ananna is there to continuously push him.
On that note, the romance in this book is practically nonexistent. It’s very subtle and, as far as we can tell, one-sided, which is also pretty rare in YA. But don’t let that make you dismiss The Assassin’s Curse! It’s so much more than the romance or the possibility of it.
It’s set in an super interesting world, where pirates can use water magic to ease their way and there are floating islands and mist creatures. Yes, it is lacking a bit in the overall worldbuilding; details are sparse so the setting is a collection of impressions, but I have a feeling this might be remedied in the second book. Regardless, The Assassin’s Curse tackles so many concepts and somehow manages to make them all work together cohesively, without coming off as a mishmash of tired ideas.
It’s also a page-turner! The pacing never lags, although plot development is interspersed with the odd info-dump here and there, but these are things I noted in passing as I flew through the book. I didn’t want to put it down! The only absolutely major complaint? The ending. It was incredibly abrupt, leaving me to momentarily think the book was missing some pages! It’s not quite a cliffhanger - you’re left at the start of a plot twist, where new obstacles have been introduced. While Ananna muses about what’s to come, the final thoughts aren’t conclusive.
But it’s okay, because everything about The Assassin’s Curse was a pleasant surprise, from the characters, to the romance, to every single plot point. It is a spectacular fantasy adventure that deserves tons of recognition from the reading community. The minute I finished I was already pining for the sequel, and I hate that I read this as an ARC because I have to wait even longer than usual
Just take my word for it and get yourself a copy of The Assassin’s Curse!
The minute I read the summary for The Assassin’s Curse I knew I had to get my hands on it.This book has pirates, magic, and, of course, assassins, and it all adds up to one fantastic debut novel! This is honestly one of my top reads for the year, that’s just how much I enjoyed reading it.
Here are the facts: Ananna is the daughter of a successful pirate lord who wants to marry her to another pirate clan in order to cement an alliance. But Ananna doesn’t want that life for herself so she runs away, ruining all the plans her parents had made and inciting the fury of the other clan. That’s what brings Naji, the assassin that uses blood magic, after her. He intends to kill her, as per orders, but things don’t quite go as planned. Without revealing too many details, let’s just say that they end up forced together and must travel to find a solution to Naji's curse.
I love, love, love the accidental-bond trope, but I haven’t come across it very often in YA, so it was great to see it in this book. Unfortunately, it’s more of a plot device than actually a part of the plot. The ramifications of this cursed bond are talked about a lot but we rarely got to see it in action and we didn’t get proper “rules” for how it works (the rule we did get seemed to shift?). But that didn’t really detract from my enjoyment of the book.
Ananna’s POV is funny and honest; she’s a really headstrong, slightly naive, and definitely admirable pirate. This is one protagonist you want to root for because she’s badass and can stand up for herself, and through her narrative you can trace how this adventure she’s on changes her, probably for the better. She matures emotionally, but she’s never once a total damsel in distress. She’s quick to get a handle on difficult situations, and she spends a good chunk of the book caring for Naji as his brand of magic takes a toll on him.
Naji, on the other hand, is the polar opposite of Ananna, personality-wise. He is mysterious, stoic assassin that is harsh and borderline cruel at first. But throughout the story, his vulnerable side is slowly revealed in bits and pieces. He has a scar that disfigures his face and it becomes clear that he is self-conscious about it, so for once we have a male protagonist that isn’t completely confident in himself. Naji battles with insecurities a lot, and Ananna is there to continuously push him.
On that note, the romance in this book is practically nonexistent. It’s very subtle and, as far as we can tell, one-sided, which is also pretty rare in YA. But don’t let that make you dismiss The Assassin’s Curse! It’s so much more than the romance or the possibility of it.
It’s set in an super interesting world, where pirates can use water magic to ease their way and there are floating islands and mist creatures. Yes, it is lacking a bit in the overall worldbuilding; details are sparse so the setting is a collection of impressions, but I have a feeling this might be remedied in the second book. Regardless, The Assassin’s Curse tackles so many concepts and somehow manages to make them all work together cohesively, without coming off as a mishmash of tired ideas.
It’s also a page-turner! The pacing never lags, although plot development is interspersed with the odd info-dump here and there, but these are things I noted in passing as I flew through the book. I didn’t want to put it down! The only absolutely major complaint? The ending. It was incredibly abrupt, leaving me to momentarily think the book was missing some pages! It’s not quite a cliffhanger - you’re left at the start of a plot twist, where new obstacles have been introduced. While Ananna muses about what’s to come, the final thoughts aren’t conclusive.
But it’s okay, because everything about The Assassin’s Curse was a pleasant surprise, from the characters, to the romance, to every single plot point. It is a spectacular fantasy adventure that deserves tons of recognition from the reading community. The minute I finished I was already pining for the sequel, and I hate that I read this as an ARC because I have to wait even longer than usual
Just take my word for it and get yourself a copy of The Assassin’s Curse!
eatingwords's review against another edition
4.0
What a fun read!
This was adventure galore! Magic, sword-fighting, pirates, assassins, wizards, strange islands, etc. There was non-stop action and adventure all around; it was a lot of fun reading this book.
Ananna was great. She wasn't perfect, but she knew what she wanted and that was first and foremost: no marriage that would prevent her from owning her own pirate ship with her own crew. So she does what every girl with common sense would do: run away. And get herself into more trouble than she would have liked. But how she tried to save herself out of different situations was great; she didn't give up, she wanted her own life, not one dictated to her by some husband.
Naji was the brooding assassin, he didn't say much and it seemed that he was just kind to Ananna because of the curse that was binding them. I haven't quite figured him out yet, so I'm excited to see what'll become of him in the next book.
The writing wasn't very poetic, it was more like a stream of consciousness and I wasn't too fond of it at first, but as the story continued it just fit Ananna as a character and as a pirate as well.
Overall the story kept me on my toes, I wanted to know if they would be able to cure this curse of Naji's and what would become of them. It was definitely a lot of fun and I will read the continuation of this book possibly very soon.
This was adventure galore! Magic, sword-fighting, pirates, assassins, wizards, strange islands, etc. There was non-stop action and adventure all around; it was a lot of fun reading this book.
Ananna was great. She wasn't perfect, but she knew what she wanted and that was first and foremost: no marriage that would prevent her from owning her own pirate ship with her own crew. So she does what every girl with common sense would do: run away. And get herself into more trouble than she would have liked. But how she tried to save herself out of different situations was great; she didn't give up, she wanted her own life, not one dictated to her by some husband.
Naji was the brooding assassin, he didn't say much and it seemed that he was just kind to Ananna because of the curse that was binding them. I haven't quite figured him out yet, so I'm excited to see what'll become of him in the next book.
The writing wasn't very poetic, it was more like a stream of consciousness and I wasn't too fond of it at first, but as the story continued it just fit Ananna as a character and as a pirate as well.
Overall the story kept me on my toes, I wanted to know if they would be able to cure this curse of Naji's and what would become of them. It was definitely a lot of fun and I will read the continuation of this book possibly very soon.
sandeeisreading's review against another edition
Okkkkaaayyy... Eeeemmmm.. I tried to get past the first few chapters, but this book was just not speaking to me at all... It's sad... So sad, because I kind of like the female protagonist.
I just couldn't pinpoint why, i couldn't find it interesting.
Might or might not get back on this one. it didn't interest me enough to continue reading.
I just couldn't pinpoint why, i couldn't find it interesting.
Might or might not get back on this one. it didn't interest me enough to continue reading.
marbsreads's review against another edition
4.0
full of action pack moments. really fun read. love the characters. I wish the world was more well explain. Cant wait for the adventure to continue.
jessmgrant's review against another edition
2.0
Maybe Ill pick this book up again, but I really cant get into it
theowlerybooks's review against another edition
3.0
This book was ok, it The story line and plot was really good but the way it was written didn't hit home with me.The story has a tin of potential and if it were written by a different author i think it would be much much better
patchworkbunny's review against another edition
4.0
Ananna of the Tanarau, daughter of pirates, is about to be married off to the beautiful Tarrin of the Hariri. She has never trusted beautiful people and when she spies a loosely tied up camel in the market, she grabs her chance and escapes on its back. She takes no heed of Tarrin’s threats to send an assassin after her, after all, assassins were only threats that her father gave her when she was misbehaving. She remembers tales of blood magic and men that move in the shadows. No one would send an assassin after her, a worthless pirate girl, would they? But when Ananna comes face to face with the assassin in question she inadvertently saves his life, activating a curse; he must protect her or face great pain.
The Assassin’s Curse lives up to its elegant cover; an Arabian Nights styled fantasy adventure spanning desert and ocean. I was sucked in to Cassandra Rose Clarke's world immediately and didn’t want to leave. Ananna may have grown up amongst pirates but she is still young and a little naïve. But she manages not to go all mushy over boys and she’s got such great attitude despite being in a difficult situation. Who wants to be tied to an assassin after all?
Ananna’s mannerisms sneak into the narrative, with double negatives and speech that echoes that of an uneducated, Victorian maid. This does give the impression that she is speaking directing to the reader, telling a tale just as Scheherazade might do but I’m not entirely convinced it is consistent with the more evocative writing in places. Still, I’m sure most younger readers won’t even notice this and it doesn’t detract from this wonderful tale of adventure and magic.
There is a tendency for young adult novels to veer toward romance, but this isn’t that girl meets boy story at all. Girl runs away from boy, gets stuck with another boy she doesn’t really like. Ananna would much rather be captain of her own pirate ship. She’s a plain girl and she doesn’t expect boys to fall for her, and Naji, the assassin, is no exception. I absolutely loved that this was a classic fantasy adventure tailored to a teen protagonist.
The pace is a little off nearing the end. Just when it should be reaching its nail biting climax, it slows off and the two characters plod around doing mundane things for a few chapters. Elements were undoubtedly important to the ongoing story but, dare I say it, I got a bit bored, and this odd section is the only thing stopping me giving this book five stars. Otherwise I loved it.
The Assassin’s Curse lives up to its elegant cover; an Arabian Nights styled fantasy adventure spanning desert and ocean. I was sucked in to Cassandra Rose Clarke's world immediately and didn’t want to leave. Ananna may have grown up amongst pirates but she is still young and a little naïve. But she manages not to go all mushy over boys and she’s got such great attitude despite being in a difficult situation. Who wants to be tied to an assassin after all?
Ananna’s mannerisms sneak into the narrative, with double negatives and speech that echoes that of an uneducated, Victorian maid. This does give the impression that she is speaking directing to the reader, telling a tale just as Scheherazade might do but I’m not entirely convinced it is consistent with the more evocative writing in places. Still, I’m sure most younger readers won’t even notice this and it doesn’t detract from this wonderful tale of adventure and magic.
There is a tendency for young adult novels to veer toward romance, but this isn’t that girl meets boy story at all. Girl runs away from boy, gets stuck with another boy she doesn’t really like. Ananna would much rather be captain of her own pirate ship. She’s a plain girl and she doesn’t expect boys to fall for her, and Naji, the assassin, is no exception. I absolutely loved that this was a classic fantasy adventure tailored to a teen protagonist.
The pace is a little off nearing the end. Just when it should be reaching its nail biting climax, it slows off and the two characters plod around doing mundane things for a few chapters. Elements were undoubtedly important to the ongoing story but, dare I say it, I got a bit bored, and this odd section is the only thing stopping me giving this book five stars. Otherwise I loved it.