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slsj_'s review against another edition
5.0
This book...wow. This was totally unexpected.
First off, let me start by saying... dragons
The Last Namsara had everything I wanted. Amazing world building. Political intrigue. Character development. A cute romance. dragons and so much more.
Asha is the Iskari. When she was younger she used to tell old stories, but old stories have a way of attracting dragons. That is why they were forbidden. Because of her treachery her stories brought out the last dragon Kovu who ended up burning half of Asha's body and raizing her land. To make it up to the people for what she had done, she became the Iskari, the dragon hunter. Feared by all, fearful of none. To relieve her of her marriage alliance with the King's commandment, her father (the Dragon King) gives her a task: Find the last dragon Kovu, kill him and rid the land of old stories. Asha wants to do what she's told, but when the Old One and Elorma--the last Namsara--give her gifts in exchange for tasks through her dreams she is forced to put the dragon hunting on hold and start to remember who she truly is.
I don't have much to say expect how good I thought this was. With the dragons and the ties, and the stories in the past. This was such a well-rounded fantasy. It was so good.
First off, let me start by saying... dragons
The Last Namsara had everything I wanted. Amazing world building. Political intrigue. Character development. A cute romance. dragons and so much more.
Asha is the Iskari. When she was younger she used to tell old stories, but old stories have a way of attracting dragons. That is why they were forbidden. Because of her treachery her stories brought out the last dragon Kovu who ended up burning half of Asha's body and raizing her land. To make it up to the people for what she had done, she became the Iskari, the dragon hunter. Feared by all, fearful of none. To relieve her of her marriage alliance with the King's commandment, her father (the Dragon King) gives her a task: Find the last dragon Kovu, kill him and rid the land of old stories. Asha wants to do what she's told, but when the Old One and Elorma--the last Namsara--give her gifts in exchange for tasks through her dreams she is forced to put the dragon hunting on hold and start to remember who she truly is.
I don't have much to say expect how good I thought this was. With the dragons and the ties, and the stories in the past. This was such a well-rounded fantasy. It was so good.
edshara's review against another edition
3.0
So I kind of felt like this was a blend of An Ember in the Ashes(a watered down version) by Sabaa Tahir and the movie How to Train Your Dragon. You have slaves vs those above them, middle eastern vibes, and an evil Commandant. Dragons are hated/feared, they are fierce creatures but almost seem cuddly, and the fiercest dragon also the most elusive.
The beginning was slightly confusing because you’re literally dropped into the world. It was nice that the author didn’t bore us with encyclopedia-type world building, but I did have to do some backtracking. It was interesting to see the negative effects of a story, since stories and storytelling are usually thought of as positive. The characters were interesting enough, yet even with Asha being feared she was still treated like a second-class citizen. While the plot was interesting I felt like their were too many close calls and near misses that ended favorably.
The last few chapters were probably some of the best, with a good amount of action. However I think the book was longer than necessary and I had to convince myself to just finish it already. To a certain extent I don’t really see the need for the series to continue, but I think I might be interested in giving the second book a read. This wasn’t bad, I just think it could have been better.
The beginning was slightly confusing because you’re literally dropped into the world. It was nice that the author didn’t bore us with encyclopedia-type world building, but I did have to do some backtracking. It was interesting to see the negative effects of a story, since stories and storytelling are usually thought of as positive. The characters were interesting enough, yet even with Asha being feared she was still treated like a second-class citizen. While the plot was interesting I felt like their were too many close calls and near misses that ended favorably.
The last few chapters were probably some of the best, with a good amount of action. However I think the book was longer than necessary and I had to convince myself to just finish it already. To a certain extent I don’t really see the need for the series to continue, but I think I might be interested in giving the second book a read. This wasn’t bad, I just think it could have been better.
joana_stormblessed's review against another edition
3.0
3.5stars
I liked this book but there was something missing. Maybe it was the audiobook but I know I am going to continue with the series
I liked this book but there was something missing. Maybe it was the audiobook but I know I am going to continue with the series
samla8's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
sccrethistory's review against another edition
3.0
“Iskari let others define her because she thought she didn't have a choice. Because she thought she was alone and unloved.”
En realidad 3'5.
Me ha gustado mucho la historia y me encantan los dragones. Asha me ha parecido un personaje genial y la verdad es que en su totalidad me ha parecido un buen libro,
Pero le ha faltado algo, ese punto que hace que los libros me encanten.
Pero seguro que sigo con esta saga porque me ha causado buenas sensaciones
En realidad 3'5.
Me ha gustado mucho la historia y me encantan los dragones. Asha me ha parecido un personaje genial y la verdad es que en su totalidad me ha parecido un buen libro,
Pero le ha faltado algo, ese punto que hace que los libros me encanten.
Pero seguro que sigo con esta saga porque me ha causado buenas sensaciones
amiascah's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The Last Namsara is yet another book that I had placed on my TBR back in 2016 and I regret just getting to it now. The main character is Asha, daughter of the dragon king of Firgaard, scared survivor of a dragon attack, The Iskair, the dragon slayer and the secret teller of the Old stories. The Firgaard people used to live in harmony with the dragons and with stories but over the years not only have the dragons turned their back on the people but the stories have been forbidden for the tellers of the tales eventually got sick and died for speaking them. This book is so full of culture and history, the world building is wonderful, the way the old stories peppered the book, giving knowledge of past events and Asha's new take on her own life were woven in so seamlessly. Asha is a great FMC, she is strong and fierce, she stumbles, there's more than one part of the book that makes it seem like she's got it figured out and that she'll triumph and that'll be the end but she is foiled again, she's humble. A lot of novels these days try to portray strong female characters that don't rely on a man and they come across so haughty and man hating and I feel like its so far removed from what a real strong female would be. Asha strikes the perfect balance, she's independent and capable but she is able to work together with her brother Dax, or accept help from Torwin. I liked that she was living her life to the best of her ability and she didn't need to be the be all and end all, she doesn't orchestrate everything, Dax and Roa lead the rebellion, Torwin is the first dragon rider and trains others. Overall it is a great portrayal of a strong female lead, without overshadowing everything with spice and even though theres romance it doesn't take over the story.
stardustpelin's review against another edition
2.0
meh-
17.7% "She better stop killing those divine creatures. I hate Asha since the first page. I hate everyone who harms my precious almighty dragons. Who do you think you are? Pathetic humans…"
44.91% "Why giving Jarek too much power? If there’s a king, a crown prince, a princess then why is Jarek ruling the kingdom? I understand that this book has a very high rating but Jarek’s story doesn’t make any sense. He’s so young but a commander of the army for years? Even the king can’t stop him harassing the princess? Does this Jarek have a magical power or something? If not, I’m going to give a low rating…"
76.55% "The plot twist at page 300 was the only interesting thing in this book. Or maybe I’ve read too many adult & new adult romantasy now I can’t enjoy young adult. Or I just hate everyone who mistreats dragons 🤷🏻♀️ … I’ll be strong for the last 100 pages 🥹💪"
17.7% "She better stop killing those divine creatures. I hate Asha since the first page. I hate everyone who harms my precious almighty dragons. Who do you think you are? Pathetic humans…"
44.91% "Why giving Jarek too much power? If there’s a king, a crown prince, a princess then why is Jarek ruling the kingdom? I understand that this book has a very high rating but Jarek’s story doesn’t make any sense. He’s so young but a commander of the army for years? Even the king can’t stop him harassing the princess? Does this Jarek have a magical power or something? If not, I’m going to give a low rating…"
76.55% "The plot twist at page 300 was the only interesting thing in this book. Or maybe I’ve read too many adult & new adult romantasy now I can’t enjoy young adult. Or I just hate everyone who mistreats dragons 🤷🏻♀️ … I’ll be strong for the last 100 pages 🥹💪"
insert_cute_bookish_name_here's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ambeesbookishpages's review against another edition
4.0
The full review + more can be found at The Book Bratz
Thank you so much to Wunderkind PR for sending me THE LAST NAMSARA to read and review in preparation for THE SKY WEAVER! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am still a bundle full of emotions from this book. The story. The characters. The World. Kristen is a masterful story teller and did not disappoint in her debut novel. I don't know why I waited so long to start the series because it had everything I love in a fantasy novel: forbidden romance, tons of action, amazing characters and intricate but expertly explained world building and lets not forget DRAGONS! Thank you Wunderkind PR for reaching out about reviewing this series (the review for The Caged Queen and The Sky Weaver are coming in the next week!) and moving it up on my TBR.
When Asha was a child she told the forbidden ancient stories to the First Dragon, Kozu, and when she refused to he burned her. Eight years later Asha is the King's Iskari, a title she has earned by becoming the fiercest and most deadliest dragon slayer there is. No matter how many dragons Asha kills she will never have her freedom. After Kozu burned parts of the kingdom of Firgaard to the ground in his anger of denial of the stories, the kingdom looks upon Asha with disgust and contempt. But one person knows the secret of that night: the cruel commandant Jarek, who the King has promised Asha's hand to. But as the day come closer the King offers Asha a deal: Bring Kozu's head to him and she won't have to marry Jarek. But as Asha starts to unravel the secrets of Firgaard and the secrets of herself with the help of Torwin, one of Jarek's slave everything she has grown to know is questioned.
Kristen's world building was amazing. It was easy to understand the world she created and I loved the ways she did it. There was no info dump and she added more detail to her world as was needed. I enjoyed how the chapters alternated with the forbidden stories, I found that it added to the world and gave me more of an understand of the culture and why Asha continues to question why they are forbidden and if they truly are dangerous after all.
I loved Asha's character and her growth through out the novel. I will admit, at first I did not like Asha at all. I found her harsh, mean and in her interactions with Torwin that she believed she was above him. More then half of the book she had referred to him as "slave" even though she did know his name. BUT by the end of the story I loved her character and her growth. Asha opens herself up to love and the possibility that everything she knew has been a lie. I found Asha from the first half of the book and Asha at the books ending to be two different characters and I loved that. I am super excited to see Asha's growth through out the next two books. (Even though she isn't the main character in those, they do take place after this book so I am excited to see.)
I am a sucker for forbidden romances, so the fact that Asha falls for Jarek's slave sucked me right into the story even more. I ship it and by the end of the book I was crying for both characters. (Happy or sad tears? You have to read to find out!)
Conclusion: Dragons are air puppies. That is all I have to say.
Overall I really enjoyed The Last Namsara and I can't wait to read The Caged Queen and to witness Dax and Roa's story. Thank you again Wunderkind PR for the opportunity to read this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own!
Thank you so much to Wunderkind PR for sending me THE LAST NAMSARA to read and review in preparation for THE SKY WEAVER! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am still a bundle full of emotions from this book. The story. The characters. The World. Kristen is a masterful story teller and did not disappoint in her debut novel. I don't know why I waited so long to start the series because it had everything I love in a fantasy novel: forbidden romance, tons of action, amazing characters and intricate but expertly explained world building and lets not forget DRAGONS! Thank you Wunderkind PR for reaching out about reviewing this series (the review for The Caged Queen and The Sky Weaver are coming in the next week!) and moving it up on my TBR.
When Asha was a child she told the forbidden ancient stories to the First Dragon, Kozu, and when she refused to he burned her. Eight years later Asha is the King's Iskari, a title she has earned by becoming the fiercest and most deadliest dragon slayer there is. No matter how many dragons Asha kills she will never have her freedom. After Kozu burned parts of the kingdom of Firgaard to the ground in his anger of denial of the stories, the kingdom looks upon Asha with disgust and contempt. But one person knows the secret of that night: the cruel commandant Jarek, who the King has promised Asha's hand to. But as the day come closer the King offers Asha a deal: Bring Kozu's head to him and she won't have to marry Jarek. But as Asha starts to unravel the secrets of Firgaard and the secrets of herself with the help of Torwin, one of Jarek's slave everything she has grown to know is questioned.
Kristen's world building was amazing. It was easy to understand the world she created and I loved the ways she did it. There was no info dump and she added more detail to her world as was needed. I enjoyed how the chapters alternated with the forbidden stories, I found that it added to the world and gave me more of an understand of the culture and why Asha continues to question why they are forbidden and if they truly are dangerous after all.
I loved Asha's character and her growth through out the novel. I will admit, at first I did not like Asha at all. I found her harsh, mean and in her interactions with Torwin that she believed she was above him. More then half of the book she had referred to him as "slave" even though she did know his name. BUT by the end of the story I loved her character and her growth. Asha opens herself up to love and the possibility that everything she knew has been a lie. I found Asha from the first half of the book and Asha at the books ending to be two different characters and I loved that. I am super excited to see Asha's growth through out the next two books. (Even though she isn't the main character in those, they do take place after this book so I am excited to see.)
I am a sucker for forbidden romances, so the fact that Asha falls for Jarek's slave sucked me right into the story even more. I ship it and by the end of the book I was crying for both characters. (Happy or sad tears? You have to read to find out!)
Conclusion: Dragons are air puppies. That is all I have to say.
Overall I really enjoyed The Last Namsara and I can't wait to read The Caged Queen and to witness Dax and Roa's story. Thank you again Wunderkind PR for the opportunity to read this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own!