Scan barcode
nikkibee's review against another edition
3.0
I'm very mixed on this book. Its very well written and uses some fairly original ideas when it comes to the creatures and monsters in this book. It's also very short. It feels like the first part of a book rather than the first book in a series. I got to the end and was surprised it was over already. I notice the next book in the series is double the size so maybe that book will cover the massive hole left by the plot line. There are far too many threads left unknown for me to rate this book as higher.
whit2ney's review against another edition
4.0
While the magic system took a while for me to catch onto, I thought it was really fun and interesting. Hitomi has some pretty incredible powers with surprising consequences. I was impressed by how much she could do and how clever she was. It’s a fresh take on the hero’s journey—she’s fully capable but keeps her abilities secret to draw less attention to herself. Also, the villains are pretty interesting—you’ve got something akin to a vampire, a werewolf and a soul reaper/Dementor involved in this story, but I like Khanani’s take on these types of creatures. I don’t want to reveal too much, so read it and let me know if my comparisons were on point or not.
I also liked how Hitomi was such a realist. Nothing gets past her. Following her in the story was fun because you know you’ll get a realistic view of her options and it’s crazy to watch her deal with crazy issues and she either shrugs out of it, or takes what’s been dealt to her.
Another enjoyable thing: the story is short! Khanani is able to give a really riveting story in such a short amount of time. The edition I got (via F-BOM) also comes with an additional story, which I can’t wait to read. So if you like an interesting story that gets right to the point, then you’ll love this story especially.
I’m normally pretty bad at remembering details from books, and it often does take me a while to get settled into a setting or a character. While I was immediately enchanted by Hitomi, it took me a while to figure out the magic rules in the novel. Also, some of the characters in Karolene are shapeshifters, which took me a while to pick up on. Since the novel is written in first-person present, you sort of have to pick up details as you go along. I had to reread stuff because I wasn’t fully paying attention.
Whether or not that’s my fault, it’s something that made it hard for me to give the novel 5 stars. I guess if you enjoy books that treat its readers like they are extra clever and observant, then this might not bother you at all. This novella doesn’t wait for you to catch on, so hang tight through the whole ride.
This novel is very clean. I’m not sure if it was intentional or not, but the plot is very much like a Bollywood movie: no sensual romance (not even kissing), and hardly any foul language. You can definitely give this to a teenager without any worries.
Sunbolt is also a great book to introduce to kids or to your own reading repertoire if you’re looking for more diverse reads. The character is definitely a fish out of water in Karolene and learns to blend despite looking different from the others, while repaying the locals for their kindness.
I also liked how Hitomi was such a realist. Nothing gets past her. Following her in the story was fun because you know you’ll get a realistic view of her options and it’s crazy to watch her deal with crazy issues and she either shrugs out of it, or takes what’s been dealt to her.
Another enjoyable thing: the story is short! Khanani is able to give a really riveting story in such a short amount of time. The edition I got (via F-BOM) also comes with an additional story, which I can’t wait to read. So if you like an interesting story that gets right to the point, then you’ll love this story especially.
I’m normally pretty bad at remembering details from books, and it often does take me a while to get settled into a setting or a character. While I was immediately enchanted by Hitomi, it took me a while to figure out the magic rules in the novel. Also, some of the characters in Karolene are shapeshifters, which took me a while to pick up on. Since the novel is written in first-person present, you sort of have to pick up details as you go along. I had to reread stuff because I wasn’t fully paying attention.
Whether or not that’s my fault, it’s something that made it hard for me to give the novel 5 stars. I guess if you enjoy books that treat its readers like they are extra clever and observant, then this might not bother you at all. This novella doesn’t wait for you to catch on, so hang tight through the whole ride.
This novel is very clean. I’m not sure if it was intentional or not, but the plot is very much like a Bollywood movie: no sensual romance (not even kissing), and hardly any foul language. You can definitely give this to a teenager without any worries.
Sunbolt is also a great book to introduce to kids or to your own reading repertoire if you’re looking for more diverse reads. The character is definitely a fish out of water in Karolene and learns to blend despite looking different from the others, while repaying the locals for their kindness.
skittledog's review against another edition
5.0
A really nice little novella (note it is definitely shorter than a full book - but still a good chunk of story). I liked the world, I liked the characters, I want to see more of them. The world is believable and the magic system/magic-type people are introduced organically and are convincing. Hitomi is both likeable and believable as a central character, and although her story is only getting started here, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Need to read more now.
lilacglow26's review against another edition
4.0
4/5 stars
I really enjoy reading this book.
And I cannot wait to read more from this author!!!
I really enjoy reading this book.
And I cannot wait to read more from this author!!!
septemberheartflakes's review against another edition
3.0
I couldn't sleep so I finished this book.
Plus I'm craving more of Intisar-land.
The book is short, following street burglar and illegal half-bred Hitomi. It started with a chasing scene and a secret mission to save a family. There are power hungered mages, an untold backstory of the protagonist and a secret society to bring justice.
It's a nice escape though needs some figuring out on your own at the beginning. Once you're in, you're in though. It's a short read, 140-ish pages. There is no love interest in the first book and I fond myself appreciating it.
Can't wait to read what is next for Hitomi.
Plus I'm craving more of Intisar-land.
The book is short, following street burglar and illegal half-bred Hitomi. It started with a chasing scene and a secret mission to save a family. There are power hungered mages, an untold backstory of the protagonist and a secret society to bring justice.
It's a nice escape though needs some figuring out on your own at the beginning. Once you're in, you're in though. It's a short read, 140-ish pages. There is no love interest in the first book and I fond myself appreciating it.
Can't wait to read what is next for Hitomi.
dreamingofmynextbook's review against another edition
4.0
WOW. This was REALLY good. I don't read many self-published books, but really, I didn't expect it to be so good. The characters and world building are amazing. I love that they called vampires 'fang' in the book, and that there are other creatures called Breathers (they 'eat' souls ).
My only complaint is that the book is too short. *cries*
My only complaint is that the book is too short. *cries*
panichistory's review against another edition
3.0
More like 3.5 stars. The worldbuilding wasn't done well but you can tell the author had it all clear in her head, it just didn't translate as well as it could have to paper.
marziesreads's review against another edition
5.0
*sobs* I cannot believe this book is over (soooo short!) and my only comfort is that the second book is already on my Kindle, awaiting some blessed period with fewer interruptions than this morning.
Sunbolt is just a jewel of a book. The story doesn't develop along typical lines, our young heroine is so young that she can be almost foolishly brave. She is also both good-hearted and annoyed by all the right things.
I cannot understand how more people are not talking about Inistar Khanani's work. Her writing is both refreshing and precise, and it is well-edited. There's no fat on these bones but there is still great character development and skillfully sketched world-building. I'm too sleep deprived to write reviews that do her work justice. Just read these books. They're a breath of fresh air.
Sunbolt is just a jewel of a book. The story doesn't develop along typical lines, our young heroine is so young that she can be almost foolishly brave. She is also both good-hearted and annoyed by all the right things.
I cannot understand how more people are not talking about Inistar Khanani's work. Her writing is both refreshing and precise, and it is well-edited. There's no fat on these bones but there is still great character development and skillfully sketched world-building. I'm too sleep deprived to write reviews that do her work justice. Just read these books. They're a breath of fresh air.
ayanamifaerudo's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. Just wow. I can't believe someone could pack as much high fantasy goodness into a book whose length can be categorized as novella-sized. But someone did and that someone is Intisar Khanani. Show, not tell, was at play here and the descriptions and peeks into the culture and locations that makes Sunbolt tick made me feel I was there. I would normally be frustrated for it being short and I would normally say that That's it? but Sunbolt was just awesome and I was content.
Maybe this frustration comes from wanting more, more, MORE. Memories of Ash comes out in two months, yes?
Maybe this frustration comes from wanting more, more, MORE. Memories of Ash comes out in two months, yes?