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3.39 AVERAGE
3.39 AVERAGE
*thank you to Kate Tilton’s Author Services, Farah Oomerbhoy, and Wise Ink Creative Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
So the story opens with our girl, Aurora, being teased by her cousin. Aside from the obvious name similarity with Sleeping Beauty, I think we’re in a Disney retelling here....Cinderella maybe?
Ha ha ha, just kidding, not Cinderella at all! I am quite pleasantly surprised. Aurora’s been captured by the evil Oblek (a name that makes me think of the slime you made as a child called oobleck) and he’s planning to turn her over to evil Queen Morgana. But she escapes with the help of the Black Wolf, a mysterious man who seems to constantly evade death. He takes her to her uncle who informs her that she is a rare breed of person, a cross between two magical species and must be protected at all costs for she is the true heir to the throne of Avalonia.
After a few run-ins with bandits and various other bad guys, Aurora is sent to the local school for mages so she can learn how to harness her powers. While at school, Aurora finds herself getting in and out of trouble. It seems like everything goes well for this girl and she doesn’t suffer any consequences for breaking school rules or just being generally unlearned in the ways of Avalonia.
Aurora meets some people who I think will be quite helpful as she quests to become stronger and overthrow her tyrannous aunt.
Ms. Oomerbhoy has a way with words! She knows how to lead the reader on with breadcrumbs just to drop a bombshell into their lap on the next page! I really enjoyed this book, I can’t wait to see what Aurora’s journey brings her as far as learning magic, learning about herself, and yes, love.
So the story opens with our girl, Aurora, being teased by her cousin. Aside from the obvious name similarity with Sleeping Beauty, I think we’re in a Disney retelling here....Cinderella maybe?
Ha ha ha, just kidding, not Cinderella at all! I am quite pleasantly surprised. Aurora’s been captured by the evil Oblek (a name that makes me think of the slime you made as a child called oobleck) and he’s planning to turn her over to evil Queen Morgana. But she escapes with the help of the Black Wolf, a mysterious man who seems to constantly evade death. He takes her to her uncle who informs her that she is a rare breed of person, a cross between two magical species and must be protected at all costs for she is the true heir to the throne of Avalonia.
After a few run-ins with bandits and various other bad guys, Aurora is sent to the local school for mages so she can learn how to harness her powers. While at school, Aurora finds herself getting in and out of trouble. It seems like everything goes well for this girl and she doesn’t suffer any consequences for breaking school rules or just being generally unlearned in the ways of Avalonia.
Aurora meets some people who I think will be quite helpful as she quests to become stronger and overthrow her tyrannous aunt.
Ms. Oomerbhoy has a way with words! She knows how to lead the reader on with breadcrumbs just to drop a bombshell into their lap on the next page! I really enjoyed this book, I can’t wait to see what Aurora’s journey brings her as far as learning magic, learning about herself, and yes, love.
I was really excited to pick this book up as I found people constantly saying that this book felt like Harry Potter – rather inspired by that world. After all, every Harry Potter fan is still suffering from the series hangover and wishing for more. But at the same time, I have to admit that I was a bit apprehensive as well. I hear Harry Potter and my expectations go sky high and I have felt let down by few other fantasy series before this because of my own expectations. So, do you want to know whether this book lived up to it or not?
The Last of the Firedrakes introduces us to the fantastical world of Avalonia. Where there are Fae, Mages and mystical beasts. But wait, I am getting ahead of myself here. This is Aurora’s story. She is your average 16 year old girl who was orphaned at a tender age and taken in by her uncle. Mistreated by her adoptive family and bullied at school, she doesn’t have the best life. Yet when she gets kidnapped and taken into a world where everything is new and different only turns things for the worse. However, as Aurora discovers more about Avalonia, she learns more about her heritage, discovers herself and also finds Rafe!
The character development in the book is tremendous. Towards the beginning Aurora did get on my nerves a bit, but then we see her grow throughout the book and by the end of it I kind of started liking her. In her defence though, she didn’t have the best life or people in her life in the beginning. And then to discover the existence of a whole different world – anyone would need time to get back on their feet, let alone to rise to every challenge thrown at them. Then there is Rafe… wouldn’t I like to know all there is to know about that one ;) The world of Avalonia is really beautiful and the author has done a great job of building it up slowly for her readers. I loved the way she has set up everything not only in this book but for the coming books as well. For someone like me, who is always looking for details, this book is ideal as the author has dished out a lot. Her descriptive narration style creates a vivid image of the world and most of the settings in the mind of the readers.
I cannot believe that this is only the author’s debut novel. Her language and narrative is striking and well structured which was another added advantage of the book. And while I did see why people where comparing it to some other epic-fantasies, Last of the Firedrakes has an identity of its own. While I wouldn’t really compare it to Harry Potter myself, I will say that this book is a promising start to the series.
The Last of the Firedrakes introduces us to the fantastical world of Avalonia. Where there are Fae, Mages and mystical beasts. But wait, I am getting ahead of myself here. This is Aurora’s story. She is your average 16 year old girl who was orphaned at a tender age and taken in by her uncle. Mistreated by her adoptive family and bullied at school, she doesn’t have the best life. Yet when she gets kidnapped and taken into a world where everything is new and different only turns things for the worse. However, as Aurora discovers more about Avalonia, she learns more about her heritage, discovers herself and also finds Rafe!
The character development in the book is tremendous. Towards the beginning Aurora did get on my nerves a bit, but then we see her grow throughout the book and by the end of it I kind of started liking her. In her defence though, she didn’t have the best life or people in her life in the beginning. And then to discover the existence of a whole different world – anyone would need time to get back on their feet, let alone to rise to every challenge thrown at them. Then there is Rafe… wouldn’t I like to know all there is to know about that one ;) The world of Avalonia is really beautiful and the author has done a great job of building it up slowly for her readers. I loved the way she has set up everything not only in this book but for the coming books as well. For someone like me, who is always looking for details, this book is ideal as the author has dished out a lot. Her descriptive narration style creates a vivid image of the world and most of the settings in the mind of the readers.
I cannot believe that this is only the author’s debut novel. Her language and narrative is striking and well structured which was another added advantage of the book. And while I did see why people where comparing it to some other epic-fantasies, Last of the Firedrakes has an identity of its own. While I wouldn’t really compare it to Harry Potter myself, I will say that this book is a promising start to the series.
I seriously enjoyed this book and was so drawn into the story and the characters. It had a great plot that kept your wanting to know more. There was a lot of fab elements in here, fantasy, magic, chosen one trope and a forbidden romance to top it all off. The magical school addition gave it real Harry Potter vibes too which I loved as well.
Aurora was an endearing character, if a little naive at times, but having come from a different world and having to adjust to a whole new one where elves, fae and magic are norm, I wouldn’t blame her.
Faced with the threat of Morgana and trying to control her powerful fae mage powers, Aurora has a lot to navigate. I also loved Snow, her Pegasus and I kinda low key want one!
Overall a really entertaining and immersive book and I can’t wait to carry onto the next one. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was absolutely amazing which really added to my experience of reading (or listening to) this. Can’t wait for number 2!
Aurora was an endearing character, if a little naive at times, but having come from a different world and having to adjust to a whole new one where elves, fae and magic are norm, I wouldn’t blame her.
Faced with the threat of Morgana and trying to control her powerful fae mage powers, Aurora has a lot to navigate. I also loved Snow, her Pegasus and I kinda low key want one!
Overall a really entertaining and immersive book and I can’t wait to carry onto the next one. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was absolutely amazing which really added to my experience of reading (or listening to) this. Can’t wait for number 2!
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I found the story entertaining, and enjoyed the budding romance between Aurora and Rafe, but the consequences of Aurora’s refusal to listen to those trying to protect her was frustrating at times.
(I was provided with an e – ARC by ‘Kate Tilton’s Book Bloggers’ in exchange for an honest review. All the opinions, thoughts and feelings expressed below are my own)
The beginning of the book was so cool and very human. I was expecting this story to take place in the human world. May be some High School Musical? And tadaaaa!!! There you are!! In the Fae world with Fae folks!
Aurora’s change from being a helpless young school girl to a powerful princess, that’s incredible! The way she built herself and the way the other characters had supported her was beautiful. Am I the only one who was overwhelmed to learn that Aurora’s having magic? I love this girl!!
RAFE, Ah! I knew there’s something wrong with this guy. There were moments where I actually guessed that this must be the person the folks talking about. But the author had woven the story in such a way where we were just curious to know it than guessing who this person is. He is that mysterious guy who’d change the princess for good. Romance was on point and I loved it!
Erien, usually the cousins aren’t good on most stories we read. Especially when your cousin owns better than you. He was a very supportive brother for Aurora throughout the story. I’d call him the ‘Partner in Crime’ kind of cousin. He and Vivienne would make a good couple I guess. Since already Vivienne has a crush on him. 😉 Vivienne was a great friend too. The understanding friend. She learnt Aurora’s situation and helped her through it.
I loved each and every character introduced. Even the villains were sassy. I know the sequel’s going to be more and more interesting!
The best part of the book was the “Fae Market”. It was so magical. Trust me I was enthralled by that scene! Oh! And the royal ball!!!! I was so broken by Aurora’s reaction.
And all those mythical creatures!!!! Starting from the pixies, Pegasus, brownies, goblins, the Manticore and the rest…. I lost track while reading. You’ll have to read it for yourself to know more. The mythologies and the fantasy elements have been used in their best throughout the story.
For me this book was an unexpected adventure! I’m so in love with this story. You are dragged into the book just like the tapestry in the library does. A fast phased read. It’s just you enjoy every bit of this book. One of the best books I’ve read this year. I cannot explain how much I love this book! I can’t wait to read the sequel! Farah Oomerbhoy is a gem!!!! Her writing is fantastic!
This book is the kind of fantasy where anyone would love to live in. Fans of J K Rowling, Sarah J Mass, C S Lewis, this book is definitely a must read for you guys! I’m sure you’re going to love it!! You’ll fall in love over and over again with this book!
The beginning of the book was so cool and very human. I was expecting this story to take place in the human world. May be some High School Musical? And tadaaaa!!! There you are!! In the Fae world with Fae folks!
Aurora’s change from being a helpless young school girl to a powerful princess, that’s incredible! The way she built herself and the way the other characters had supported her was beautiful. Am I the only one who was overwhelmed to learn that Aurora’s having magic? I love this girl!!
RAFE, Ah! I knew there’s something wrong with this guy. There were moments where I actually guessed that this must be the person the folks talking about. But the author had woven the story in such a way where we were just curious to know it than guessing who this person is. He is that mysterious guy who’d change the princess for good. Romance was on point and I loved it!
Erien, usually the cousins aren’t good on most stories we read. Especially when your cousin owns better than you. He was a very supportive brother for Aurora throughout the story. I’d call him the ‘Partner in Crime’ kind of cousin. He and Vivienne would make a good couple I guess. Since already Vivienne has a crush on him. 😉 Vivienne was a great friend too. The understanding friend. She learnt Aurora’s situation and helped her through it.
I loved each and every character introduced. Even the villains were sassy. I know the sequel’s going to be more and more interesting!
The best part of the book was the “Fae Market”. It was so magical. Trust me I was enthralled by that scene! Oh! And the royal ball!!!! I was so broken by Aurora’s reaction.
And all those mythical creatures!!!! Starting from the pixies, Pegasus, brownies, goblins, the Manticore and the rest…. I lost track while reading. You’ll have to read it for yourself to know more. The mythologies and the fantasy elements have been used in their best throughout the story.
For me this book was an unexpected adventure! I’m so in love with this story. You are dragged into the book just like the tapestry in the library does. A fast phased read. It’s just you enjoy every bit of this book. One of the best books I’ve read this year. I cannot explain how much I love this book! I can’t wait to read the sequel! Farah Oomerbhoy is a gem!!!! Her writing is fantastic!
This book is the kind of fantasy where anyone would love to live in. Fans of J K Rowling, Sarah J Mass, C S Lewis, this book is definitely a must read for you guys! I’m sure you’re going to love it!! You’ll fall in love over and over again with this book!
this review is originally posted at: the Blacksheep Project.
The Last of the Firedrakes has a well imagined setting with a good world building and a stubborn and strong heroine.
{ what i like }
the world - Avalonia.
Oomerbhoy created a world made me want to get into. She threw in several magical/mythical creatures into a setting so magical, it's so easy to get sucked in. Despite the number of things she incorporated here, nothing seemed oddly out of place. There're fae, mages, pegasus, and a few more.
There was also enough world building for me to get into Avalonia. Throughout Aurora's journey, the world is slowly being introduced. I like how it didn't overwhelmed me - how Oomerbhoy allowed me to take in every details of the story one at a time (this is a great plus for me since I'm not the biggest high fantasy fan).
Aurora - a stubborn && strong heroine.
Aurora had enough of high school drama so suddenly being sent to a world she's completely unaware of is (sort of) a good escape for her. Her life sucked - she was bullied and her guardians do not like her. When she stepped into Avalonia, while things weren't really good then, she was glad to find people on her side.
Her overwhelmingly strong magic and being the heir to the throne of Illiador made her Avalonia's hope of taking Morgana, a selfish and power hungry ruler, out of her throne. She also has this strong sense of pride. It brought her to trouble but she's young and being the rightful Queen of Illiador, she wants to show how stronger she is than what many plainly think (particularly when she had to hide her real identity from everyone).
the romance!
I like it but I don't really love it. I guess you can say I'm okay with it. I'd LOVE to see them together though - how it could even happen is beyond me now because of the things revealed in the end. Okay, let's briefly talk about Aurora and Rafe - the Black Wolf.
Rafe saved Aurora from the dungeon she was locked in when she was kidnapped from her Earth. This act, I believe became one of her reasons to like him. He saved her and she never was saved by anyone. Ever. Rafe is a nice and strong guy. He's the Black Wolf for a reason - he saves faes from being taken unjustly. He's an outlaw saving those who experience injustice (at least that's what I think). Yet he remains to be a mystery to Aurora. We all know this kinds of mysterious guy.. The moment Aurora found out the mystery behind his cause, his identity, I find myself smiling from ear to ear hoping the two of them to happen. But it looks like things won't really be easy for them.
the twist!
Oh, don't we all love twists? We all look forward to them. I didn't expect The Last of the Firedrakes to have a twist, honestly. So I didn't see this coming. The twist basically changed the game for Aurora. Now I'd love to see what happens next.
{ what i didn't like }
such convenience.
Some things felt a bit convenient. Like doors being left open, and saviors coming at the most convenient time. I don't know. I know I should be happy but at times, I feel that they weren't very reasonable. I'd shout: why in the world?. But you know, it might just be me. You guys might feel differently.
OVERALL, The Last of the Firedrakes is a good high fantasy read. It never felt overwhelming despite the number of things Oomerbhoy incorporated in it. It involves a likable heroine and a ship-worthy romance. It has its twists that somehow caught me off guard. While some things felt a bit convenient for me, they were not enough for me to dislike this. I still greatly enjoyed this and would love to read the next book!
The Last of the Firedrakes has a well imagined setting with a good world building and a stubborn and strong heroine.
{ what i like }
the world - Avalonia.
Oomerbhoy created a world made me want to get into. She threw in several magical/mythical creatures into a setting so magical, it's so easy to get sucked in. Despite the number of things she incorporated here, nothing seemed oddly out of place. There're fae, mages, pegasus, and a few more.
There was also enough world building for me to get into Avalonia. Throughout Aurora's journey, the world is slowly being introduced. I like how it didn't overwhelmed me - how Oomerbhoy allowed me to take in every details of the story one at a time (this is a great plus for me since I'm not the biggest high fantasy fan).
Aurora - a stubborn && strong heroine.
Aurora had enough of high school drama so suddenly being sent to a world she's completely unaware of is (sort of) a good escape for her. Her life sucked - she was bullied and her guardians do not like her. When she stepped into Avalonia, while things weren't really good then, she was glad to find people on her side.
Her overwhelmingly strong magic and being the heir to the throne of Illiador made her Avalonia's hope of taking Morgana, a selfish and power hungry ruler, out of her throne. She also has this strong sense of pride. It brought her to trouble but she's young and being the rightful Queen of Illiador, she wants to show how stronger she is than what many plainly think (particularly when she had to hide her real identity from everyone).
the romance!
I like it but I don't really love it. I guess you can say I'm okay with it. I'd LOVE to see them together though - how it could even happen is beyond me now because of the things revealed in the end. Okay, let's briefly talk about Aurora and Rafe - the Black Wolf.
Rafe saved Aurora from the dungeon she was locked in when she was kidnapped from her Earth. This act, I believe became one of her reasons to like him. He saved her and she never was saved by anyone. Ever. Rafe is a nice and strong guy. He's the Black Wolf for a reason - he saves faes from being taken unjustly. He's an outlaw saving those who experience injustice (at least that's what I think). Yet he remains to be a mystery to Aurora. We all know this kinds of mysterious guy.. The moment Aurora found out the mystery behind his cause, his identity, I find myself smiling from ear to ear hoping the two of them to happen. But it looks like things won't really be easy for them.
the twist!
Oh, don't we all love twists? We all look forward to them. I didn't expect The Last of the Firedrakes to have a twist, honestly. So I didn't see this coming. The twist basically changed the game for Aurora. Now I'd love to see what happens next.
{ what i didn't like }
such convenience.
Some things felt a bit convenient. Like doors being left open, and saviors coming at the most convenient time. I don't know. I know I should be happy but at times, I feel that they weren't very reasonable. I'd shout: why in the world?. But you know, it might just be me. You guys might feel differently.
OVERALL, The Last of the Firedrakes is a good high fantasy read. It never felt overwhelming despite the number of things Oomerbhoy incorporated in it. It involves a likable heroine and a ship-worthy romance. It has its twists that somehow caught me off guard. While some things felt a bit convenient for me, they were not enough for me to dislike this. I still greatly enjoyed this and would love to read the next book!
This book was exactly the type I wanted to read. It was almost reminiscent of Harry Potter in some ways but with different elements of course and most importantly, a likeable and relatable female lead. I am very much looking forward to continuing the store of Aurora and learning more about her skills, and her future.
I am somewhat new to the genre, just starting to read more YA books especially fantasy and dystopian. This book makes me want to continue in the genre.
Note: I received the book via NetGalley
I am somewhat new to the genre, just starting to read more YA books especially fantasy and dystopian. This book makes me want to continue in the genre.
Note: I received the book via NetGalley
I really liked this book as a whole. The descriptions were very clear and vivid, and it painted a nice mental picture. However, sometimes Aurora came off as very childish, which was annoying and I felt like it detracted from the book. Overall, it was a good story.
You can see the full review on my blog: http://akamissfiercereviews.tumblr.com/post/151530078031/the-last-of-the-firedrakes-review
Initial Thoughts:
I was incredibly excited when I received this novel for the BookTube Tours in exchange for my honest review! It sounded like such a fun, action packed, adventurous, romantic, coming of age story. By the end of the first few chapters I realized that my early assumptions of this novel may have been only partially correct. As it turned out, I was in for a bit of a surprise with this one.
The Good:
Our main character is a teenage girl who has the determination to set things right. She wants to learn as much as she can so that she can fix any wrongs in, what she discovers is, her kingdom. This is the classic good versus evil story, with a little twist. The plot reminded me a lot of King Arthur retellings, Cinderella, Snow White, Maleficent, and Eragon. It was a melting pot of classic literature, and I really enjoyed it!
The world building was incredible. Farah Oomerbhoy is a master detailer! There was never a time while reading that I wondered what something looked like, smelled like, sounded like, or felt like. Everything was explained in such grand and precise details that it felt like I was watching a movie.
The characters are unique and well rounded. Each person has a purpose, personality, (and at times) necessary design flaw, that makes them feel more realistic. We were introduced to a myriad of characters throughout this novel that helped our main character develop and cultivate her world view.
There were mages and faes and demons, oh my! All the different categories of humans, mages, faes, demons, kings, queens, royal families, etc., were so incredibly fun and interesting! Learning how the magic worked in this world was a blast and really well done.
The Not So Good:
The marketed age group for this novel is young adults. While the cover art (absolutely stunning, by the way), descriptions, and even other reviews, continuously led me to believe this was a young adult novel, the writing told a very different story. I personally saw this novel as more of a middle grade reading level. I often had trouble reading for long periods of time because of how juvenile the writing, dialogue, or inner monologues came across. I felt disconnected from our main character because she appeared to be so immature and constantly oblivious. And can I just say, for the record, that I felt horrible about it! While I was trying to finish this book these thoughts kept attacking me, and I felt like I had turned into some snobby, old, out-of-touch book reviewer who outgrew children’s literature. It got to the point where I could not force myself to finish this novel. I didn’t want to become annoyed with the main character, who was only trying her best at her own level. It became apparent that this novel was not for me (at page 358…guys, I really tried) and I made the executive decision to stop reading.
Conclusion:
My biggest problem with his novel was the writing, simply because it left me more aggravated with the main character and less entertained by the story itself. I do think this novel will appeal to many younger readers out there. This novel promotes important values and life lessons that are poignant for readers of any age. Just because I didn’t finish this novel, doesn’t mean others won’t enjoy it, and even fall in love with it. If middle grade reading levels are your forte, please give this one a shot!
Initial Thoughts:
I was incredibly excited when I received this novel for the BookTube Tours in exchange for my honest review! It sounded like such a fun, action packed, adventurous, romantic, coming of age story. By the end of the first few chapters I realized that my early assumptions of this novel may have been only partially correct. As it turned out, I was in for a bit of a surprise with this one.
The Good:
Our main character is a teenage girl who has the determination to set things right. She wants to learn as much as she can so that she can fix any wrongs in, what she discovers is, her kingdom. This is the classic good versus evil story, with a little twist. The plot reminded me a lot of King Arthur retellings, Cinderella, Snow White, Maleficent, and Eragon. It was a melting pot of classic literature, and I really enjoyed it!
The world building was incredible. Farah Oomerbhoy is a master detailer! There was never a time while reading that I wondered what something looked like, smelled like, sounded like, or felt like. Everything was explained in such grand and precise details that it felt like I was watching a movie.
The characters are unique and well rounded. Each person has a purpose, personality, (and at times) necessary design flaw, that makes them feel more realistic. We were introduced to a myriad of characters throughout this novel that helped our main character develop and cultivate her world view.
There were mages and faes and demons, oh my! All the different categories of humans, mages, faes, demons, kings, queens, royal families, etc., were so incredibly fun and interesting! Learning how the magic worked in this world was a blast and really well done.
The Not So Good:
The marketed age group for this novel is young adults. While the cover art (absolutely stunning, by the way), descriptions, and even other reviews, continuously led me to believe this was a young adult novel, the writing told a very different story. I personally saw this novel as more of a middle grade reading level. I often had trouble reading for long periods of time because of how juvenile the writing, dialogue, or inner monologues came across. I felt disconnected from our main character because she appeared to be so immature and constantly oblivious. And can I just say, for the record, that I felt horrible about it! While I was trying to finish this book these thoughts kept attacking me, and I felt like I had turned into some snobby, old, out-of-touch book reviewer who outgrew children’s literature. It got to the point where I could not force myself to finish this novel. I didn’t want to become annoyed with the main character, who was only trying her best at her own level. It became apparent that this novel was not for me (at page 358…guys, I really tried) and I made the executive decision to stop reading.
Conclusion:
My biggest problem with his novel was the writing, simply because it left me more aggravated with the main character and less entertained by the story itself. I do think this novel will appeal to many younger readers out there. This novel promotes important values and life lessons that are poignant for readers of any age. Just because I didn’t finish this novel, doesn’t mean others won’t enjoy it, and even fall in love with it. If middle grade reading levels are your forte, please give this one a shot!
I am amazed the MC didn't call out the terribly obvious Arthurian parallels. I mean, pretty much all of the names can be linked back to the Arthurian story, which would be fine if it was handled more creatively or was somewhat joking acknowledged.
As for that, it wasn't too terrible. The plot was pretty generic - lost princess rediscovered who has incredibly rare and powerful magic abilities. She falls for a Robin Hood type figure who's secretly nobly born. None of it is new. I wish something about it had been new or reinvented, because I otherwise liked it.
The characters were good and had decent depth to them. The MC had a nice balance between damsel in distress and being an almost warrior. So that was nice. At times she did have sudden, rapid changes that were supposed to be her maturing but were just a little bit out of the blue. The other characters, while being stereotypical, weren't annoying as they could be. At times I quite liked some of them. Some. Not all. The villains were very weak.
The world was your common fantasy world. That is all I can say about it. There was nothing unique about how it was set up, though girls were allowed to wear pants on occasion for non-warrior reasons. That doesn't usually happen in this type of world.
Aside from the generic-ness of it, the book was good. I enjoyed it. I might even check out the sequels later. It's a book to just be enjoyed as it is, not something to stand out. I liked it.
As for that, it wasn't too terrible. The plot was pretty generic - lost princess rediscovered who has incredibly rare and powerful magic abilities. She falls for a Robin Hood type figure who's secretly nobly born. None of it is new. I wish something about it had been new or reinvented, because I otherwise liked it.
The characters were good and had decent depth to them. The MC had a nice balance between damsel in distress and being an almost warrior. So that was nice. At times she did have sudden, rapid changes that were supposed to be her maturing but were just a little bit out of the blue. The other characters, while being stereotypical, weren't annoying as they could be. At times I quite liked some of them. Some. Not all. The villains were very weak.
The world was your common fantasy world. That is all I can say about it. There was nothing unique about how it was set up, though girls were allowed to wear pants on occasion for non-warrior reasons. That doesn't usually happen in this type of world.
Aside from the generic-ness of it, the book was good. I enjoyed it. I might even check out the sequels later. It's a book to just be enjoyed as it is, not something to stand out. I liked it.