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leopardsummer8's review
4.0
When I saw that She Who Rides the Storm was compared to There Will Come a Darkness, it immediately moved to the top of my TBR and less than a day later my hold was ready from the e-book library.
I'm honestly still not sure how I feel about this book. On one hand, it was a bit of a slog to get through. Some of the chapters in the e-book version I had were 68 pages long. Parts of it were relatively fast-paced while others I had to force myself to continue reading. But then I got to the end...
I did call one of the plot twists for ironic reasons (), but the other one I was completely blindsided by and I still can't believe it.
I think the main issue I had with the book was that it was advertised as a "heist" novel, so I had very high expectations going into it. However, the heist itself was a very small percentage of the novel...like, there was never a "big heist."
The characters themselves were probably my favorite part of the book. I liked the backstories because they were very intricate and all tied together in unexpected ways. I will say that my opinions on the POVs shifted throughout the book, but Anwei's was probably my least favorite, followed by Lia. I liked Knox a lot at first, but he was steadily replaced by Mateo by the end of the book (because apparently, I have a type in favorite book characters ... sarcastic sad boys).
While She Who Rides the Storm isn't exactly the grand heist novel that I expected, it still packs a punch with crazy plot twists and really intriguing worldbuilding. YA fantasy readers looking for a gateway into adult fantasy should check out this duology.
3.75/5
I'm honestly still not sure how I feel about this book. On one hand, it was a bit of a slog to get through. Some of the chapters in the e-book version I had were 68 pages long. Parts of it were relatively fast-paced while others I had to force myself to continue reading. But then I got to the end...
I did call one of the plot twists for ironic reasons (
Spoiler
I made a highlight saying that it was nice that Mateo's dad actually cared about him and then realized there was probably a reason for thatI think the main issue I had with the book was that it was advertised as a "heist" novel, so I had very high expectations going into it. However, the heist itself was a very small percentage of the novel...like, there was never a "big heist."
The characters themselves were probably my favorite part of the book. I liked the backstories because they were very intricate and all tied together in unexpected ways. I will say that my opinions on the POVs shifted throughout the book, but Anwei's was probably my least favorite, followed by Lia. I liked Knox a lot at first, but he was steadily replaced by Mateo by the end of the book (because apparently, I have a type in favorite book characters ... sarcastic sad boys).
While She Who Rides the Storm isn't exactly the grand heist novel that I expected, it still packs a punch with crazy plot twists and really intriguing worldbuilding. YA fantasy readers looking for a gateway into adult fantasy should check out this duology.
3.75/5
thindbooks's review
3.0
*this arc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*
I enjoyed reading this book which is about four teens who all try to steal the same sword at the bottom of a tomb. First let me tell you that this book is a giant. I was a little nervous it was going to be very long and might be very slow which I was kind of right about. I didn't mind the book being very long but the book in the beginning was a little slow. It was a little hard to get into but once everything started I was more interested in it and didn't care about the length or anything like that. Even though the pacing was a little slow in the beginning, it did introduce you to the new world in a proper way where it familiarized you with the world. I enjoyed the author's writing for most parts including all of those great action scenes.
This book has four POVs. I have to say that it was very hard to figure out who was speaking because the pov would change in mid chapter and I would be so confused with what was going on. I didn't know if the final copy would have the character's name but it was very difficult to know if I was in the right character's mind. From what I could tell, the characters did have a good development in the book but I didn't feel really connected to them because of the confusion with POVS. There were also some great side characters in this book that I enjoyed so a plus to that. There is also romance in this book where 2 of them have a slow burn and the other have a fake relationship which is my favorite trope.
The ending was well done for this book and doesn't leave with a cliffhanger but I think this book is having a sequel. I only had some minor problems with this book like the characters and the pacing of the book but overall this was a great book. I will be reading the sequel if there is one but I might need to reread this book just to see if I comprehended everything perfectly. I still recommend reading this book which gave me vibes from There Will Come a Darkness and is similar to Six of Crows.
I enjoyed reading this book which is about four teens who all try to steal the same sword at the bottom of a tomb. First let me tell you that this book is a giant. I was a little nervous it was going to be very long and might be very slow which I was kind of right about. I didn't mind the book being very long but the book in the beginning was a little slow. It was a little hard to get into but once everything started I was more interested in it and didn't care about the length or anything like that. Even though the pacing was a little slow in the beginning, it did introduce you to the new world in a proper way where it familiarized you with the world. I enjoyed the author's writing for most parts including all of those great action scenes.
This book has four POVs. I have to say that it was very hard to figure out who was speaking because the pov would change in mid chapter and I would be so confused with what was going on. I didn't know if the final copy would have the character's name but it was very difficult to know if I was in the right character's mind. From what I could tell, the characters did have a good development in the book but I didn't feel really connected to them because of the confusion with POVS. There were also some great side characters in this book that I enjoyed so a plus to that. There is also romance in this book where 2 of them have a slow burn and the other have a fake relationship which is my favorite trope.
The ending was well done for this book and doesn't leave with a cliffhanger but I think this book is having a sequel. I only had some minor problems with this book like the characters and the pacing of the book but overall this was a great book. I will be reading the sequel if there is one but I might need to reread this book just to see if I comprehended everything perfectly. I still recommend reading this book which gave me vibes from There Will Come a Darkness and is similar to Six of Crows.
darrahsteffenwrites's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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
bookswithjk's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I know there is a sequel but I might skip it for now.
jaarondavis's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.5
A very fast read, even with its page count. The story is engaging and flies by as you read. The cultures are intriguing and I can't wait to read the next entry.
caitygrace9's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.25
annsbibliotherapy's review
4.0
Two people brought together in uncertainty learn to rely on each other even when the odds are stacked against them.
Wonderfully written with imaginative world building and a story that draws you in. This book is complex and, at times, makes you look at the decisions you'd make when there is no right choice.
Anwei and Knox have both lost people and are trying to find their way in the hard world they find themselves in while trying to put themselves and their lives back together.
This one is great for people that love fantasy. I'm generally not a fan of the shapeshifter storyline, but this one was done really well, and I enjoyed the book as a whole.
Wonderfully written with imaginative world building and a story that draws you in. This book is complex and, at times, makes you look at the decisions you'd make when there is no right choice.
Anwei and Knox have both lost people and are trying to find their way in the hard world they find themselves in while trying to put themselves and their lives back together.
This one is great for people that love fantasy. I'm generally not a fan of the shapeshifter storyline, but this one was done really well, and I enjoyed the book as a whole.
_booktique2_'s review
5.0
Thank you NetGalley for sending this arc for an honest review!
A book about shapeshifting monsters that use blasphemous magic that feed on the souls of their subjects? Yea. Bizarre. This is an epic fantasy read, that empowers the body of change, love, frienship and family. It was such a joy to read this book because it’s been a long time since I read a ya fantasy that brought so much joy and sadness at the same time. It was incredible learning about each individual charcater and watching them become a family in ways they never thought they could be in.
A book about shapeshifting monsters that use blasphemous magic that feed on the souls of their subjects? Yea. Bizarre. This is an epic fantasy read, that empowers the body of change, love, frienship and family. It was such a joy to read this book because it’s been a long time since I read a ya fantasy that brought so much joy and sadness at the same time. It was incredible learning about each individual charcater and watching them become a family in ways they never thought they could be in.
bookedaroundtheworld's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
✔️Multi-POV
✔️A cursed tomb
✔️A magical illness
✔️An MC on a quest for revenge
✔️An MC haunted by his sister and also hearing the voice of his god
I was expecting more of a heist story going in to this book, however the characters wanting to steal this sword is not really the main focus of this book. Anwei wants to take revenge on her brothers killer, Knox is trying to follow the whispers of his god and not be overtaken by his haunted sword, Mateo wants a cure for his illness, and Lia just wants freedom. Each character had a unique voice and purpose that wove together into a great story. The magic was interesting, however I am hoping it gets expanded on in the next book along with the world. The world and magic building were ALMOST there. I got completely sucked in to the characters and wanted each of them to reach their goals. This book moves a little slower, and slowly picks up pace until a landslide at the end. I’m looking forward to reading the next book!
✔️A cursed tomb
✔️A magical illness
✔️An MC on a quest for revenge
✔️An MC haunted by his sister and also hearing the voice of his god
I was expecting more of a heist story going in to this book, however the characters wanting to steal this sword is not really the main focus of this book. Anwei wants to take revenge on her brothers killer, Knox is trying to follow the whispers of his god and not be overtaken by his haunted sword, Mateo wants a cure for his illness, and Lia just wants freedom. Each character had a unique voice and purpose that wove together into a great story. The magic was interesting, however I am hoping it gets expanded on in the next book along with the world. The world and magic building were ALMOST there. I got completely sucked in to the characters and wanted each of them to reach their goals. This book moves a little slower, and slowly picks up pace until a landslide at the end. I’m looking forward to reading the next book!