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erinarkin20's review against another edition
4.0
Intisar Khanani has been on my to read list since I read her book Thorn so when I received a newsletter telling me the second book of a new series she was writing was coming out soon I immediately went to my list to see where I could get book one. This leads me to telling you all about Sunbolt.
Hitomi is the main character of this story and I really liked her. She is smart and cunning and most of all, she will do whatever is necessary to protect those she cares about or who are less fortunate than her. As an orphan, she hasn’t had an easy life and being a foreigner in a land where those with magic aren’t necessarily welcome, she has had to make her own way. Now, as a member of the Shadow League, she and the group are out to stop the corruption led by dangerous Arch Mage called Blackflame.
The development of the world and atmosphere in this story is done well. There are so many different pieces to this story and magic is the thing that sits right at the center of the story. Hitomi’s parents were mages but they hid the fact that she was able to do magic (referred to as a Promise) and when she lost them, she wasn’t trained…or at least trained fully. Now she has some ability but isn’t fully able to control it for long periods of time. In conjunction with magic, Khanani has developed this world where it is normal to cross paths with vampires, breathers (someone who can steal your breath), and a number of other paranormal beings.
Outside of Hitomi, I thought the other characters in this story were well developed too and they all added something interesting to the story. Blackflame is the bad guy (although he isn’t the only bad guy) and I am curious to learn more about his link to Hitomi’s family. Ghost, the leader of the Shadow League, is an interesting character but I admit I didn’t feel like we got to learn enough about him. I want to know more and I hope that in one of the next books we get to know him better.
As the story progresses, Hitomi crosses paths with Val and here is where things start to become even more interesting. I loved seeing the partnership between these two characters develop. Their friendship isn’t one that is destined to work out due to the fact that Val is a breather and Hitomi is a Promise but regardless, for the situation they are in, they make things work and do whatever is necessary to keep each other alive. I loved the whole dynamic between them and hope we get more at some point in the future.
While this story is short in length, it doesn’t lack any of the things I look for in a great story. There is wonderful character development, an interesting story that has quite bit of action. If you are looking for a quick read that will keep you engaged and turning the pages, definitely consider checking Sunbolt out. I am glad I found it and will be waiting patiently (…of course) to get my hands on the next book!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Hitomi is the main character of this story and I really liked her. She is smart and cunning and most of all, she will do whatever is necessary to protect those she cares about or who are less fortunate than her. As an orphan, she hasn’t had an easy life and being a foreigner in a land where those with magic aren’t necessarily welcome, she has had to make her own way. Now, as a member of the Shadow League, she and the group are out to stop the corruption led by dangerous Arch Mage called Blackflame.
The development of the world and atmosphere in this story is done well. There are so many different pieces to this story and magic is the thing that sits right at the center of the story. Hitomi’s parents were mages but they hid the fact that she was able to do magic (referred to as a Promise) and when she lost them, she wasn’t trained…or at least trained fully. Now she has some ability but isn’t fully able to control it for long periods of time. In conjunction with magic, Khanani has developed this world where it is normal to cross paths with vampires, breathers (someone who can steal your breath), and a number of other paranormal beings.
Outside of Hitomi, I thought the other characters in this story were well developed too and they all added something interesting to the story. Blackflame is the bad guy (although he isn’t the only bad guy) and I am curious to learn more about his link to Hitomi’s family. Ghost, the leader of the Shadow League, is an interesting character but I admit I didn’t feel like we got to learn enough about him. I want to know more and I hope that in one of the next books we get to know him better.
As the story progresses, Hitomi crosses paths with Val and here is where things start to become even more interesting. I loved seeing the partnership between these two characters develop. Their friendship isn’t one that is destined to work out due to the fact that Val is a breather and Hitomi is a Promise but regardless, for the situation they are in, they make things work and do whatever is necessary to keep each other alive. I loved the whole dynamic between them and hope we get more at some point in the future.
While this story is short in length, it doesn’t lack any of the things I look for in a great story. There is wonderful character development, an interesting story that has quite bit of action. If you are looking for a quick read that will keep you engaged and turning the pages, definitely consider checking Sunbolt out. I am glad I found it and will be waiting patiently (…of course) to get my hands on the next book!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
joliendelandsheer's review against another edition
4.0
Originally at The Fictional Reader
I requested this book because it sounded like a solid fantasy read, and the ratings on Goodreads were already quite good. I definitely don’t regret requesting this as I really enjoyed it but I’m going to give you a warning here: THIS BOOK IS VERY SHORT.
Plot
Let me just tell you, this book is a wild ride. There are no boring moments, not a single one. Of course, because this book is so short -less than 200 pages- the action is continuous. We follow Hitomi as she tries to help the Shadow League, an secret movement opposing Blackflame -the Arch Mage who controls the sultan. From the first scene, we are thrown into the action. Hitomi is chased by soldiers of Blackflame because of her skin color and ethnicity and she has to run. I really enjoyed all the action although to be honest, I had to re-read a sentence every once in a while because I got lost for a second.
I was really into the story, completely sucked in, so when the ending came I was completely unprepared. I absolutely loved the story line of this book. It covers chases through different cities, captivity in several countries and wild escapes.
World
This aspect is the reason I gave this book 4 stars, not more. I really felt that for a fantasy novel, there was almost no world building. I know that she lived in Karolene, which I think is an island. And I was introduced to another country as the story progressed but I can’t really imagine anything else.I understand that there was not really an opportunity for this, as the novel was so short, but still. I adore fantasy and have read quite a lot, so I was expecting more world building.
Characters
On to the characters! I really enjoyed reading from Hitomi’s point of view. She was definitely brave and strong, else she would not have survived all she did. I found her to be very resourceful and loyal as well. She was quite the thief, which comes in handy when you’re captured, but not everything she did turned out to work. I know this sounds strange, but I actually enjoy that. Because let’s be honest, whose ideas are great and turn out perfect every time? One thing I found strange is that she both trusts easily, and doesn’t trust anyone. Yes, I know that sounds confusing. At first, she doesn’t really trust many people -only about 2- which is normal for an orphan I think. But during the story, she puts a lot of faith in a certain person, who I definitely wouldn’t trust with my life.
There were many other characters I liked as well, although I can’t really talk about them as it would ruin the story. Overall, I would have liked to see more of them. Because this novel was short, I felt like I didn’t get enough time with the characters. Like I didn’t get a chance to truly get to know or understand them.
Conclusion
I’d definitely recommend this story! It’s a fun and action-packed fantasy book, definitely suitable for young adults and teenagers. My only “complaint” would be that it was a bit lacking in history and world building, due to it being quite short. But I enjoyed the story line and the characters very much!
★★★★
I requested this book because it sounded like a solid fantasy read, and the ratings on Goodreads were already quite good. I definitely don’t regret requesting this as I really enjoyed it but I’m going to give you a warning here: THIS BOOK IS VERY SHORT.
Plot
Let me just tell you, this book is a wild ride. There are no boring moments, not a single one. Of course, because this book is so short -less than 200 pages- the action is continuous. We follow Hitomi as she tries to help the Shadow League, an secret movement opposing Blackflame -the Arch Mage who controls the sultan. From the first scene, we are thrown into the action. Hitomi is chased by soldiers of Blackflame because of her skin color and ethnicity and she has to run. I really enjoyed all the action although to be honest, I had to re-read a sentence every once in a while because I got lost for a second.
I was really into the story, completely sucked in, so when the ending came I was completely unprepared. I absolutely loved the story line of this book. It covers chases through different cities, captivity in several countries and wild escapes.
World
This aspect is the reason I gave this book 4 stars, not more. I really felt that for a fantasy novel, there was almost no world building. I know that she lived in Karolene, which I think is an island. And I was introduced to another country as the story progressed but I can’t really imagine anything else.I understand that there was not really an opportunity for this, as the novel was so short, but still. I adore fantasy and have read quite a lot, so I was expecting more world building.
Characters
On to the characters! I really enjoyed reading from Hitomi’s point of view. She was definitely brave and strong, else she would not have survived all she did. I found her to be very resourceful and loyal as well. She was quite the thief, which comes in handy when you’re captured, but not everything she did turned out to work. I know this sounds strange, but I actually enjoy that. Because let’s be honest, whose ideas are great and turn out perfect every time? One thing I found strange is that she both trusts easily, and doesn’t trust anyone. Yes, I know that sounds confusing. At first, she doesn’t really trust many people -only about 2- which is normal for an orphan I think. But during the story, she puts a lot of faith in a certain person, who I definitely wouldn’t trust with my life.
There were many other characters I liked as well, although I can’t really talk about them as it would ruin the story. Overall, I would have liked to see more of them. Because this novel was short, I felt like I didn’t get enough time with the characters. Like I didn’t get a chance to truly get to know or understand them.
Conclusion
I’d definitely recommend this story! It’s a fun and action-packed fantasy book, definitely suitable for young adults and teenagers. My only “complaint” would be that it was a bit lacking in history and world building, due to it being quite short. But I enjoyed the story line and the characters very much!
★★★★
nhussain's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
4.5
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
Loved reading this book, I loved continuing her story, it was such a great read!
emiann2023's review against another edition
4.0
This is an incredibly short, but fast-paced introduction into an interesting new world.
bookphenomena_micky's review against another edition
Bored, tried to pick it up again and again over six weeks and couldn't get further.
bookish_spoonie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
4.5 Stars
I am addicted! Yesterday I read the prologue novella Shadow Thief and today I sped through Sunbolt as I couldn't put either down! It is definitely a sign of a brilliant story when on finishing you instantly want the next installment.
Firstly, I highly recommend reading Shadow Thief first. It is only 94 pages but is brilliant and really sets up this story. Sunbolt is also short at 154 pages but my goodness, does it pack a punch.
How Intisar Khanani has put so much into these two short books is astounding.
Sunbolt is based on our lead female Hitomi who is an orphan around the age of 15 who has mainly had a tough life living on the streets. She has a secret, which if found out, could get her killed. She has magic! Another things that could get her killed is that she is working with the Shadow League, who are an underground movement working to undermine the leader of their land Arch Mage Blackflame.
I won't say any more as this is spoiler free, but this story is filled with adventure, danger, intrigue and so many twists and turns! It is fast paced and such an addictive read. The worldbuilding is great and the storyline is fantastic but my favourite part is the characters.
Hitomi is a brave, strong and mischievous lead female. At only fifteen, she is young for a UA protagonist but because of her life on the streets, she certainly isn't like most that age and has real strength of character. I love her because she feels so real. She may be amazing at picking locks but she cannot fight at all. And that is where Intisar Khanani had me hooked, because Hitomi is realistic and loveable and so I want to see her grow and blossom!
The side characters are also brilliant and I was so happy to read a book with just platonic relationships in the first book. Although there is definitely chemistry between a few and so I am hopeful for a future romance!
And wow can Intisar Khanani write. I knew this already, but this book completely swept me away and I wanted to absorb all the information this book gave. I feel so attached to these characters and that is down to Intisar's imagination and writing skills.
This review is getting on to be nearly as long as the book. So I will say three more words. READ. THIS. SERIES!!
Please note that I was gifted this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I am addicted! Yesterday I read the prologue novella Shadow Thief and today I sped through Sunbolt as I couldn't put either down! It is definitely a sign of a brilliant story when on finishing you instantly want the next installment.
Firstly, I highly recommend reading Shadow Thief first. It is only 94 pages but is brilliant and really sets up this story. Sunbolt is also short at 154 pages but my goodness, does it pack a punch.
How Intisar Khanani has put so much into these two short books is astounding.
Sunbolt is based on our lead female Hitomi who is an orphan around the age of 15 who has mainly had a tough life living on the streets. She has a secret, which if found out, could get her killed. She has magic! Another things that could get her killed is that she is working with the Shadow League, who are an underground movement working to undermine the leader of their land Arch Mage Blackflame.
I won't say any more as this is spoiler free, but this story is filled with adventure, danger, intrigue and so many twists and turns! It is fast paced and such an addictive read. The worldbuilding is great and the storyline is fantastic but my favourite part is the characters.
Hitomi is a brave, strong and mischievous lead female. At only fifteen, she is young for a UA protagonist but because of her life on the streets, she certainly isn't like most that age and has real strength of character. I love her because she feels so real. She may be amazing at picking locks but she cannot fight at all. And that is where Intisar Khanani had me hooked, because Hitomi is realistic and loveable and so I want to see her grow and blossom!
The side characters are also brilliant and I was so happy to read a book with just platonic relationships in the first book. Although there is definitely chemistry between a few and so I am hopeful for a future romance!
And wow can Intisar Khanani write. I knew this already, but this book completely swept me away and I wanted to absorb all the information this book gave. I feel so attached to these characters and that is down to Intisar's imagination and writing skills.
This review is getting on to be nearly as long as the book. So I will say three more words. READ. THIS. SERIES!!
Please note that I was gifted this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
aforestofbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
ahhhh another great book by one of the greats 🥺
After reading Shadow Thief, I knew Sunbolt was going to be good, but I had no idea where things were headed.
The world is so expansive and interesting, and while we got a glimpse of it in Shadow Thief, I wasn't expecting to see more of the Eleven Kingdoms so soon. I'm so curious to know if there's a map of this world. You know me and my maps 😂 I wanna see where Hitomi ends up.
Hitomi is a very loveable character you can't help rooting for. She finds her way out of every single mess, and her resourcefulness and ability to think on the spot and not take "no" for an answer makes me love her even more. I wish we got to spend more time with Kenta and the Ghost though, because after reading Shadow Thief, I really loved the dynamic we saw between the the three characters. That being said, I was not a fan of the Ghost sidelining Hitomi on all their missions, even though half the time he meant for her to follow them anyway. In a way, without the Ghost and Kenta, Hitomi was able to have so much more agency throughout this book, and I really liked seeing her problem solve and strategize.
The whole seen with Kol and Alia in the holding cells was absolutely terrifying. First of all, I was not expecting vampires to show up in this book. Secondly, this book is DARK. And intense. And disturbing. But it keeps you on the edge of your seat and makes it very difficult to put it down. I felt like I was watching a scary movie with my hands covering most of my eyes, but in book form. The torture, the murder, the violence...all of it was so engaging, but also absolutely necessary to the plot. I love how Intisar doesn't shy away from stuff like this. We saw it in her Dauntless Path and we see it here too. Both series have very similar vibes, with disappearances and evil mages, and magic that's tied with the environment, but they're also different. I just love the familiarity of it though and if you miss Dauntless Path, the re-release of this series, will definitely be one you'll enjoy.
Anyway, this book took turns I wasn't expecting. Every time I think Hitomi will escape, she doesn't, and I'm literally SO STRESSED for her. But the whole thing with Val...like dsjfskdjfskdfj. I got major Graceling vibes in the last bit of the book and it made me squeal so much. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book, and while I was thinking of waiting until the re-release, I'm going to read it now and then reread everything when the third book comes out.
I'm so glad I finally got around to reading the Sunbolt Chronicles. I'm honestly disappointed in myself for waiting this long to start them, but if you've been putting it off too, and you're feeling slumpy and want something that'll hold your attention, definitely add this book to your tbr!
After reading Shadow Thief, I knew Sunbolt was going to be good, but I had no idea where things were headed.
The world is so expansive and interesting, and while we got a glimpse of it in Shadow Thief, I wasn't expecting to see more of the Eleven Kingdoms so soon. I'm so curious to know if there's a map of this world. You know me and my maps 😂 I wanna see where Hitomi ends up.
Hitomi is a very loveable character you can't help rooting for. She finds her way out of every single mess, and her resourcefulness and ability to think on the spot and not take "no" for an answer makes me love her even more. I wish we got to spend more time with Kenta and the Ghost though, because after reading Shadow Thief, I really loved the dynamic we saw between the the three characters. That being said, I was not a fan of the Ghost sidelining Hitomi on all their missions, even though half the time he meant for her to follow them anyway. In a way, without the Ghost and Kenta, Hitomi was able to have so much more agency throughout this book, and I really liked seeing her problem solve and strategize.
The whole seen with Kol and Alia in the holding cells was absolutely terrifying. First of all, I was not expecting vampires to show up in this book. Secondly, this book is DARK. And intense. And disturbing. But it keeps you on the edge of your seat and makes it very difficult to put it down. I felt like I was watching a scary movie with my hands covering most of my eyes, but in book form. The torture, the murder, the violence...all of it was so engaging, but also absolutely necessary to the plot. I love how Intisar doesn't shy away from stuff like this. We saw it in her Dauntless Path and we see it here too. Both series have very similar vibes, with disappearances and evil mages, and magic that's tied with the environment, but they're also different. I just love the familiarity of it though and if you miss Dauntless Path, the re-release of this series, will definitely be one you'll enjoy.
Anyway, this book took turns I wasn't expecting. Every time I think Hitomi will escape, she doesn't, and I'm literally SO STRESSED for her. But the whole thing with Val...like dsjfskdjfskdfj. I got major Graceling vibes in the last bit of the book and it made me squeal so much. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book, and while I was thinking of waiting until the re-release, I'm going to read it now and then reread everything when the third book comes out.
I'm so glad I finally got around to reading the Sunbolt Chronicles. I'm honestly disappointed in myself for waiting this long to start them, but if you've been putting it off too, and you're feeling slumpy and want something that'll hold your attention, definitely add this book to your tbr!
booksandbreadcrumbs's review against another edition
4.0
I've been meaning to read this for awhile, and I'm so glad I finally did. Intisar Khanani's books deserve so much more hype and attention, and Sunbolt is no exception. More than anything, I just wanted it to be longer so I could spend more time in this world with these characters. I can't wait to read Memories of Ash.