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baileysbunchesofbooks's review
adventurous
emotional
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? No
4.5
Really good underrated fantasy! Deserves more hype for sure. A strong FMC who stands up for her self against both friend, lover and foe!
jdemarest's review
Wasn’t super engaging at the beginning but might try again sometime
klecheve's review
I couldn't get into it - too much vague and repetition without actual world building or character development
thebookishbesties's review
5.0
LOVED.
I’m even more ecstatic to hear that it’s a duology. Duets have become my new favorite thing.
This was just the fantasy I needed when I picked it up.
Elemental magic, brooding elementals, a nefarious King, & a mysterious fifth elemental. Throw them all together and in you’re in for a good ride.
I’m even more ecstatic to hear that it’s a duology. Duets have become my new favorite thing.
This was just the fantasy I needed when I picked it up.
Elemental magic, brooding elementals, a nefarious King, & a mysterious fifth elemental. Throw them all together and in you’re in for a good ride.
kaedee10's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
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? Yes
3.75
courtneystrong's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
4.0
This was a lovely debut novel! I’m a sucker for elemental magic and this book did it so well. There were plot twists that I absolutely didn’t see coming - including a love triangle (or almost square?) that surprised me! I wasn’t sure I loved the multi POV at first but it grew on me and I was glad to be able to see things outside of just Isla’s perspective by the end. I’m ready to dive right into book 2, especially after that cliffhanger!
phoebesf_95's review
Not enough character depth not sure why she was so happy with just dropping a mental note to her brother - who she’d just been kidnapped from after trekking across the country to save - to read books in a cave with a stranger
goatsinspace's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-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? Yes
5.0
The story follows Isla, a young woman whose life is forever changed when her family is attacked and she meets an ancient elemental who needs her assistance.
Lacey's storytelling prowess shines through in the richly developed characters and intricate plot. Isla is a compelling character who is grappling with loss, blooming love, and discovering her inner strength. The relationships between Isla and these elementals (and a mysterious 'dark god') add a layer of intrigue, as she finds herself drawn into a conflict that spans generations. Watching her stand toe-to-toe with immortals is fascinating and I love how complex their bonds are with her. The world-building in "Long Live" is superb and each setting is vividly depicted, immersing readers in a world teeming with elemental and blood magic.
I absolutely adore the dark gods' cat-and-mouse relationship with all of the elementals and Isla in particular. He is a compelling character and I loved every single thing that we learned about him. I am SO excited to see how things progress with him now that more has been revealed.
But what truly sets this novel apart is its emotional depth and resonance. I cried, which is automatically a five-star rating because I was clearly emotionally invested. Lacey deftly explores these characters and their struggles, crafting a narrative that is as poignant as it is entertaining. V.B. Lacey has created a mesmerizing debut novel that promises an unforgettable reading experience. I'm SO excited to see what comes next.
Lacey's storytelling prowess shines through in the richly developed characters and intricate plot. Isla is a compelling character who is grappling with loss, blooming love, and discovering her inner strength. The relationships between Isla and these elementals (and a mysterious 'dark god') add a layer of intrigue, as she finds herself drawn into a conflict that spans generations. Watching her stand toe-to-toe with immortals is fascinating and I love how complex their bonds are with her. The world-building in "Long Live" is superb and each setting is vividly depicted, immersing readers in a world teeming with elemental and blood magic.
I absolutely adore the dark gods' cat-and-mouse relationship with all of the elementals and Isla in particular. He is a compelling character and I loved every single thing that we learned about him. I am SO excited to see how things progress with him now that more has been revealed.
But what truly sets this novel apart is its emotional depth and resonance. I cried, which is automatically a five-star rating because I was clearly emotionally invested. Lacey deftly explores these characters and their struggles, crafting a narrative that is as poignant as it is entertaining. V.B. Lacey has created a mesmerizing debut novel that promises an unforgettable reading experience. I'm SO excited to see what comes next.