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atrailofpages's review
4.0
So, this book was a pretty anticipated read for me for this year and it did not disappoint!
I love Greek mythology and I love books about gladiators. I’m not entirely sure why, but it may just be because I love reading about these people that are beaten down and who build themselves back up. I think it’s truly inspiring.
And that is what I got from this book. Ash who blames herself basically for everything, and has to learn to accept that a lot of things are not her fault and to handle the consequences. Then Madoc, who I absolutely adored! He reminded me of Elias from An Ember in the Ashes so so much! Like Elias, Madoc is just so good and kind, and would do anything for those he loves and cares about.
The world was interesting, different, having these gods ruling a region per element or thing they control. Then there were Undivine and Divine people, basic play those without powers and those with powers. And then the people in their region had the same powers, if they were Divine.
Although there’s over 400 pages in this book, it felt like a very quick read for me. I really enjoyed it. I will admit that none of the characters really popped out at me, aside from Madoc, but I also didn’t hate any of them, which is good!
If you love mythology, I would recommend it. I enjoyed it personally and if you like fun quick reads, I think you’d enjoy this too
I love Greek mythology and I love books about gladiators. I’m not entirely sure why, but it may just be because I love reading about these people that are beaten down and who build themselves back up. I think it’s truly inspiring.
And that is what I got from this book. Ash who blames herself basically for everything, and has to learn to accept that a lot of things are not her fault and to handle the consequences. Then Madoc, who I absolutely adored! He reminded me of Elias from An Ember in the Ashes so so much! Like Elias, Madoc is just so good and kind, and would do anything for those he loves and cares about.
The world was interesting, different, having these gods ruling a region per element or thing they control. Then there were Undivine and Divine people, basic play those without powers and those with powers. And then the people in their region had the same powers, if they were Divine.
Although there’s over 400 pages in this book, it felt like a very quick read for me. I really enjoyed it. I will admit that none of the characters really popped out at me, aside from Madoc, but I also didn’t hate any of them, which is good!
If you love mythology, I would recommend it. I enjoyed it personally and if you like fun quick reads, I think you’d enjoy this too
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
5.0
This book has everything I love. Gladiators, gods, elemental magic, slow burn romance, betrayals, twists, and heart-rending moments. And I am addicted.
The story is packed with so many great moments and action pieces, I could go on about them all day. Authors Raasch and Simmons are definitely a force to be reckoned with!
Ash and Madoc are fantastic characters whose differences make them stronger when combined. I could not get enough of them! Every side character and villain was layered and complex. The lore and magic of the world was thrilling and powerful.
This is one of my favourite books this year and a must have for lovers of Roman epics, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and action fantasy. I cannot wait for book two!!
The story is packed with so many great moments and action pieces, I could go on about them all day. Authors Raasch and Simmons are definitely a force to be reckoned with!
Ash and Madoc are fantastic characters whose differences make them stronger when combined. I could not get enough of them! Every side character and villain was layered and complex. The lore and magic of the world was thrilling and powerful.
This is one of my favourite books this year and a must have for lovers of Roman epics, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and action fantasy. I cannot wait for book two!!
sydney_arcuri's review
3.0
3.5/5 stars.
I have mixed feelings about this one. The first half of the book was very well written and the world building was amazing. The characters felt real, and so did their feelings. The pacing during the first half of the book felt a little rushed to me but this book is filled with action, so I could deal with it. However, half way through it felt very little was going on, and if there was it moved very slowly. I felt like I lost that connection with the characters. Ash and Madoc just didn't speak to me as much later on in the book. I guess this is partly due to the fact that this book is co-written, which isn't a bad thing, it just sometimes causes different versions of the characters.
The only other issue type thing I had with this book was the romance element. To me it seemed like it was instantaneous. The build up was not as predominate as I thought it would be, figuring the main plot point involves gladiator fighting. However, if the romance aspect isn't a factor for you, then I would still recommend this.
I have mixed feelings about this one. The first half of the book was very well written and the world building was amazing. The characters felt real, and so did their feelings. The pacing during the first half of the book felt a little rushed to me but this book is filled with action, so I could deal with it. However, half way through it felt very little was going on, and if there was it moved very slowly. I felt like I lost that connection with the characters. Ash and Madoc just didn't speak to me as much later on in the book. I guess this is partly due to the fact that this book is co-written, which isn't a bad thing, it just sometimes causes different versions of the characters.
The only other issue type thing I had with this book was the romance element. To me it seemed like it was instantaneous. The build up was not as predominate as I thought it would be, figuring the main plot point involves gladiator fighting. However, if the romance aspect isn't a factor for you, then I would still recommend this.
filostray's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.75
puppiesrcute's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Starting was a bit dragged, but after I got past that I was really hooked
emerald_moon's review against another edition
3.0
Spoiler
3.5/5 - I picked this up after a friend recommended based on our mutual love for ATLA. I was immediately entranced by the novels art (yes, I know, I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover) however, I thought the beginning of the book lacked action, or at least a plot that the reader was not already aware of based off the books synopsis. That being said, I felt as though the book finally climaxed after halfway through and I will admit I did not see the plot twist involving Seneca coming, something I see a win being that I find a disappointment when I am able to predict events in a novel. I thought the authors told an interesting story that combined mythology and an ATLA-like world set during the era of gladiators, but I did feel like the story was somewhat cliche in that it stemmed from gods being power hungry. I think I would still recommend this book and will be looking to read the sequel!readingsitaaras's review against another edition
adventurous
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? N/A
4.0
So good??? Loved the plot twists and the action, like I really struggled to put the book down cause I just wanted to keep reading.
mmr1078's review against another edition
3.0
took me a hot minute to get into, but was interesting and plot twisty. Ash and Madoc are adorable and badass.
samantha_murphy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-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
3.5