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hckilgour's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
2.5
So my biggest issue with this book is that there was no clear goal the characters seemed to be working towards throughout the book.
I did like the Irish mythology and thought it was well done. I especially thought it was cool they Brú na bóinne was a fairly large aspect of the book since I visited the site earlier this year.
I’m also glad I listened to the audio book otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to pronounce anything.
I did like the Irish mythology and thought it was well done. I especially thought it was cool they Brú na bóinne was a fairly large aspect of the book since I visited the site earlier this year.
I’m also glad I listened to the audio book otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to pronounce anything.
annsbibliotherapy's review against another edition
3.0
As someone that loves anything even remotely Celtic-related I was so excited about this book, I love the tales and the mythology, all of it just makes me happy.
While I could tell our author also has a love for Celtic mythology and shows a masterful talent in world-building, there was just something missing in this one for me.
If you asked me what was missing I don't know if I could pinpoint any one thing, it just seemed kind of disjointed. That being said I did find parts of the book very enjoyable and that's what kept me reading.
I would happily read something by this author again, she has a real talent, a strong voice, and the ability to make you wonder about magic in a world filled with normal.
Thank you to NetGalley and Zando Projects for providing an advance copy of this ebook, I have voluntarily read and reviewed it and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
While I could tell our author also has a love for Celtic mythology and shows a masterful talent in world-building, there was just something missing in this one for me.
If you asked me what was missing I don't know if I could pinpoint any one thing, it just seemed kind of disjointed. That being said I did find parts of the book very enjoyable and that's what kept me reading.
I would happily read something by this author again, she has a real talent, a strong voice, and the ability to make you wonder about magic in a world filled with normal.
Thank you to NetGalley and Zando Projects for providing an advance copy of this ebook, I have voluntarily read and reviewed it and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
kayu99's review against another edition
3.0
I received a digital ARC from the publisher (Zando Projects) through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is an adventure and does not skimp on action. The opening is strong and sets the tone for the rest of the book. I enjoyed the incorporation of elements of Irish folklore and liked the history and worldbuilding present throughout.
Unfortunately, the characters are a disappointment. Although Neve, the main character, clearly has some growth to undergo throughout the story, this maturity happens almost all at once. Prior to this, she is an annoying character to read due to her consistent disregard for anything besides what she thinks is best. Neve is the only dynamic character; the others are flat and seem more like ideas of themselves as opposed to complex characters with their own backstories and motivations. The under-developed characterization leads to unrealistic, simplified dialogue which is clearly serving only to have something happen more quickly. The writing improves toward the end of the book and the pacing isn't bad, but the lack of life in these characters made this a slow read. I would recommend this to anyone interested in Irish folklore.
This book is an adventure and does not skimp on action. The opening is strong and sets the tone for the rest of the book. I enjoyed the incorporation of elements of Irish folklore and liked the history and worldbuilding present throughout.
Unfortunately, the characters are a disappointment. Although Neve, the main character, clearly has some growth to undergo throughout the story, this maturity happens almost all at once. Prior to this, she is an annoying character to read due to her consistent disregard for anything besides what she thinks is best. Neve is the only dynamic character; the others are flat and seem more like ideas of themselves as opposed to complex characters with their own backstories and motivations. The under-developed characterization leads to unrealistic, simplified dialogue which is clearly serving only to have something happen more quickly. The writing improves toward the end of the book and the pacing isn't bad, but the lack of life in these characters made this a slow read. I would recommend this to anyone interested in Irish folklore.
jlove731's review against another edition
3.0
Gorgeous lore and Celtic references, Queen Among the Dead is a fresh fantasy story with twists, turns and relationships you cannot refuse to root behind.
I adore the relationship between Neve, Ronan and Sakir. Our MC, Neve is strong from the start and I like how she consistently retains her fierceness. She does not ever seem to waiver in what she wants and appreciate that in a strong lead.
I will say, the timeline is a little jumpy at the beginning. There is very little background, just quick drama and then a jump, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing it just didn’t seem like a “prologue”. There were some missing pieces or things I felt could have been explained better.
It was a really good story line and I think with a little less lore-building (or better introductions of it) it could have went from good to amazing. The plot is there and I really feel for the characters as we go through the story. There are also some great twists and turns. It was just tough to constantly flip back to the beginning to see which lore was which.
Overall, if you love old Ireland lore and high fantasy-esque stories… definitely give this one a try!
Find the full review at Jotted by Jena
I adore the relationship between Neve, Ronan and Sakir. Our MC, Neve is strong from the start and I like how she consistently retains her fierceness. She does not ever seem to waiver in what she wants and appreciate that in a strong lead.
I will say, the timeline is a little jumpy at the beginning. There is very little background, just quick drama and then a jump, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing it just didn’t seem like a “prologue”. There were some missing pieces or things I felt could have been explained better.
It was a really good story line and I think with a little less lore-building (or better introductions of it) it could have went from good to amazing. The plot is there and I really feel for the characters as we go through the story. There are also some great twists and turns. It was just tough to constantly flip back to the beginning to see which lore was which.
Overall, if you love old Ireland lore and high fantasy-esque stories… definitely give this one a try!
Find the full review at Jotted by Jena
winingaboutbooks's review against another edition
3.0
* Received and ARC via NetGalley *
I am a lover of Celtic / Old-Age set stories, so I was very excited to give this a read. I ended up giving it 3 Stars; while I think the core story and characters are interesting and have a lot of potential, I felt this book suffered from structural, plot, and pacing issues.
• Terminology: While some definitions are given prior to Chapter 1, only some of the foreign terms are covered. With the large amount of use of said terminology throughout the book, it created a huge gap in clarity for the reader. I also would have found a pronunciation guide immensely helpful.
• World-Building: There is a LOT of world-building to be had in this book. While some of it comes across, a lot of it is given in summary explanation, rather than action or character dialogue. The rules of the magic, who has control of it, etc could be explained clearer. It also didn't make sense to me how early in the book Neve asks Ronan to help her control her magic, which doesn't happen, but then by the latter half of the book she somehow knows how to use it and seemingly control it. There was no transition period for her which would have coincided really well with her "ascension".
• Structure / Pacing: By 2/3 of the way through the book, there's still not a clearly defined goal for the main characters, so it feels somewhat slow. The latter 1/3 then feels very rushed, and the climactic events all take page within the last 50 pages.
• Character Emotions / Development: There were a lot of emotional 180's in this book. Neve's father spends the majority of the book deriding her and undermining her, and then flips with the barest of explanations. I also could not buy the fact that
Positives: I love the three main characters: Neve, Ronan, and Sarik. While not perfectly drawn, there were captivating and I would love to see more of them. The triangle set up between them is great. I also love the female empowerment examined not only through Neve, but through the female warriors / Foadlach as well. It was arguably my favorite element of the book.
Overall I think with some restructuring and editing, this story has a LOT of potential to be a great book and series.
I am a lover of Celtic / Old-Age set stories, so I was very excited to give this a read. I ended up giving it 3 Stars; while I think the core story and characters are interesting and have a lot of potential, I felt this book suffered from structural, plot, and pacing issues.
• Terminology: While some definitions are given prior to Chapter 1, only some of the foreign terms are covered. With the large amount of use of said terminology throughout the book, it created a huge gap in clarity for the reader. I also would have found a pronunciation guide immensely helpful.
• World-Building: There is a LOT of world-building to be had in this book. While some of it comes across, a lot of it is given in summary explanation, rather than action or character dialogue. The rules of the magic, who has control of it, etc could be explained clearer. It also didn't make sense to me how early in the book Neve asks Ronan to help her control her magic, which doesn't happen, but then by the latter half of the book she somehow knows how to use it and seemingly control it. There was no transition period for her which would have coincided really well with her "ascension".
• Structure / Pacing: By 2/3 of the way through the book, there's still not a clearly defined goal for the main characters, so it feels somewhat slow. The latter 1/3 then feels very rushed, and the climactic events all take page within the last 50 pages.
• Character Emotions / Development: There were a lot of emotional 180's in this book. Neve's father spends the majority of the book deriding her and undermining her, and then flips with the barest of explanations. I also could not buy the fact that
Spoiler
, when Ronan seemingly died at the end, she had NO reaction and simply continued on to confront the Scathach. After their whole journey together it seemed like such a wasted moment that could have been really emotionally impactful.Positives: I love the three main characters: Neve, Ronan, and Sarik. While not perfectly drawn, there were captivating and I would love to see more of them. The triangle set up between them is great. I also love the female empowerment examined not only through Neve, but through the female warriors / Foadlach as well. It was arguably my favorite element of the book.
Overall I think with some restructuring and editing, this story has a LOT of potential to be a great book and series.
chaitai00's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jaymeee's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
thelexy's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
mollybeemimbletuck's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5