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highcrisis's review against another edition
4.0
I think this was an interesting book. More than 4 stars but less than 5. It felt like the first half (or third) of a book, rather than an entire novel?
I still don't like first person. The world building was interesting - it takes place in somewhere similar to India, and the main character is basically Japanese.
The main character is 15 though so unless there's a 3+ year timeskip in the next one there wont be any romance
I still don't like first person. The world building was interesting - it takes place in somewhere similar to India, and the main character is basically Japanese.
The main character is 15 though so unless there's a 3+ year timeskip in the next one there wont be any romance
justasking27's review against another edition
4.0
A dark, super intense fantasy novel with developed characters and a gorgeously different - for me - fantasy setting, full of magic and monsters.
skundrik87's review against another edition
2.0
Too fast and doesn’t really add anything to the genre.
bookish_teacher_reads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
3.5
hugseverycat's review against another edition
4.0
Sunbolt is a quick, fast-paced read, and definitely worth every minute.
It opens in an island market with the main character, Hitomi, already in trouble. Hitomi is fun, clever, and resourceful but is about to get in over her head as a member of a resistance movement against a powerful mage who is consolidating power for some nefarious purpose.
As noted before, this book is short, and fast-paced. It's also very focused; you won't find multiple POVs or grand plots or interweaving story threads in this one. At least not yet; it's the first book in a series. I don't think that this is a drawback though; some stories could stand a little more focus. I would have liked to see more world-building. We get extremely tantalizing glimpses of how magic works and how society is structured, but while it's enough to pique your interest, I didn't think it was enough to make me feel like I want to dive in to the setting and inhabit it. I hope the next one (which I will definitely be reading) gives us some more information about the world Hitomi lives in.
Also, the cover art is beautiful. Wow.
It opens in an island market with the main character, Hitomi, already in trouble. Hitomi is fun, clever, and resourceful but is about to get in over her head as a member of a resistance movement against a powerful mage who is consolidating power for some nefarious purpose.
As noted before, this book is short, and fast-paced. It's also very focused; you won't find multiple POVs or grand plots or interweaving story threads in this one. At least not yet; it's the first book in a series. I don't think that this is a drawback though; some stories could stand a little more focus. I would have liked to see more world-building. We get extremely tantalizing glimpses of how magic works and how society is structured, but while it's enough to pique your interest, I didn't think it was enough to make me feel like I want to dive in to the setting and inhabit it. I hope the next one (which I will definitely be reading) gives us some more information about the world Hitomi lives in.
Also, the cover art is beautiful. Wow.
giddypony's review against another edition
4.0
Fun, quick read with a richly created world. A lot of ground is covered in under 200 pages. I'm excited to read more and explore this universe.
wardenred's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My whole life has been built on falsehoods, but each was rooted in truth.
Definitely a fun read that kept me on the edge of my sit most of the time. I'm amazed at how much action, plot development, and worldbuilding the author has packed into such a short novel (or is it a long novella?). There was absolutely never a dull moment, but at the same time there were a few spaces to take a brief brak and get to know the MC and those who have surrounded her throughout the journey.
Normally, it's characters that make or break a book for me, but in this case, worldbuilding ruled. All the fantasy races here are absolutely fascinating and inventive. I feel like I would have enjoyed digging through the lore even if there were no particularly compelling characters to accompany me on the journey. I never got to test the theory, though; Hitomi remained relatable and compelling throughout, growing on me more and more with each plot twist she got to struggle against, and while the other characters didn't get much development, they were pretty memorable.
marinaluna's review against another edition
5.0
What a surprise this book was! I only stumbled across it on my quest to find short books to finish my 2021 reading challenge in time, and it was such a positive surprise! Hitomi is a fascinating character that goes through a lot in order to fight Blackflame and the whole setting is as fascinating as the characters are. I have never encountered Breathers, but I cannot wait to find out more! Definitely a series I intend to continue.
friedatweehuysen's review against another edition
5.0
Brilliant!
Such great characters I could see them and they have well written personalities.
Incredible world building, I could picture the little alleys and winding streets to the piney forests. Lovely.
Such great characters I could see them and they have well written personalities.
Incredible world building, I could picture the little alleys and winding streets to the piney forests. Lovely.