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ketutar's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting.
Some weaknesses, but all in all a good book. I'm looking forward to the continuation of the story.
Some weaknesses, but all in all a good book. I'm looking forward to the continuation of the story.
lecronin16's review
3.0
Thank you NetGalley and Orange Sky Audio for the audible version of this book!
I really enjoyed the premise and the set up for this story. I think it's such a unique idea and many of the different aspects of the world/magic system was interesting.
Unfortunately, our MC Talia felt a little flat and we didn't get a whole lot of character development throughout the story. Additionally, the final 20% of the book felt very rushed as both romantic and plot lines developed much faster than the beginning 80% was paced. Overall, I would have appreciated another 100 pages for the storyline to continue growing at the pace that was initially set.
I really enjoyed the premise and the set up for this story. I think it's such a unique idea and many of the different aspects of the world/magic system was interesting.
Unfortunately, our MC Talia felt a little flat and we didn't get a whole lot of character development throughout the story. Additionally, the final 20% of the book felt very rushed as both romantic and plot lines developed much faster than the beginning 80% was paced. Overall, I would have appreciated another 100 pages for the storyline to continue growing at the pace that was initially set.
danny_the_menace's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.25
thoughts_ofabookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
beyondevak's review
4.0
Quick Summary: What a crazy, fantastic ride!
My Review: Savage City by L. Penelope was unusually thrilling, fantastically bizarre, and totally what I needed. As I read this story, I couldn't help thinking about Dead Again, My Name is Memory and the Vega Jane series. Totally weird, right? I think it was largely because of the reincarnation - time travel - sci-fantasy angle mixed with the strange location tapestry. All I know is that this story started at a peculiar and totally unexpected place and came alive from there.
+++ (Positives):
- I loved the cover 100%. I was drawn to it for many reasons. The contrast between light and dark, the visual stance and appearance of the protagonist, and the title itself - they were all mesmerizing.
- The descriptions of the clothing were done so well. (Although some readers may find the subject of garments baffling, I find that it adds something to the characters. It gives me an idea of who they are and what their preferences may be. Also, it allows me to see how they might view other characters.)
- The past to present references allowed me to appreciate each character. I particularly liked how the author communicated differences with the father figure of the protagonist.
- I was clearly able to see the group dynamics at play. This was done well, in my opinion. I could easily see that a lack of morality existed. I also got to witness the prejudice that was very evident.
- I really liked the chemistry between the male and female leads. Even before anything was acted upon, I kept thinking of forbidden love. (Cheesy, right.)
My Final Say: I intentionally chose not to mention any negatives with this story; that's not always the case. In this instance, however, I felt that the author did a tremendous job with setting up her series. It was refreshingly different, but in a way, it was also incredibly familiar. It was haunting. The feeling that I got from listening to this book is the same feeling that I got after watching Dead Again and after I listened to My Name is Memory, as well as the Vega Jane books. (And they are some of my favorites!) I think this series may be heading in the direction of favorites. We shall see. Bring on book 2.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: YA/A
An audio copy of this title was made available via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The words I have expressed are my own. I was not influenced in any way by the author or publisher.
My Review: Savage City by L. Penelope was unusually thrilling, fantastically bizarre, and totally what I needed. As I read this story, I couldn't help thinking about Dead Again, My Name is Memory and the Vega Jane series. Totally weird, right? I think it was largely because of the reincarnation - time travel - sci-fantasy angle mixed with the strange location tapestry. All I know is that this story started at a peculiar and totally unexpected place and came alive from there.
+++ (Positives):
- I loved the cover 100%. I was drawn to it for many reasons. The contrast between light and dark, the visual stance and appearance of the protagonist, and the title itself - they were all mesmerizing.
- The descriptions of the clothing were done so well. (Although some readers may find the subject of garments baffling, I find that it adds something to the characters. It gives me an idea of who they are and what their preferences may be. Also, it allows me to see how they might view other characters.)
- The past to present references allowed me to appreciate each character. I particularly liked how the author communicated differences with the father figure of the protagonist.
- I was clearly able to see the group dynamics at play. This was done well, in my opinion. I could easily see that a lack of morality existed. I also got to witness the prejudice that was very evident.
- I really liked the chemistry between the male and female leads. Even before anything was acted upon, I kept thinking of forbidden love. (Cheesy, right.)
My Final Say: I intentionally chose not to mention any negatives with this story; that's not always the case. In this instance, however, I felt that the author did a tremendous job with setting up her series. It was refreshingly different, but in a way, it was also incredibly familiar. It was haunting. The feeling that I got from listening to this book is the same feeling that I got after watching Dead Again and after I listened to My Name is Memory, as well as the Vega Jane books. (And they are some of my favorites!) I think this series may be heading in the direction of favorites. We shall see. Bring on book 2.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: YA/A
An audio copy of this title was made available via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The words I have expressed are my own. I was not influenced in any way by the author or publisher.
thestaceyflowers's review against another edition
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.0
claudiacantread's review against another edition
4.0
3.5
An easy to get into and fast paced fantasy novel with an interesting concept right off the bat. While the romance isn’t the most interesting it never gets in the way or detracts from the story itself.
Talia is surprised when she dies to find herself waking back up. But she wakes up in an entirely new world where they believe her to be the Princess. She has to find her way through a world with political intrigue and super powers, all while wondering how she got there and where she even is.
The story is pretty short, the audiobook being a little less than 10 hours for a fantasy novel. But Penelope manages to fit a lot of lore and worldbuilding into a small package without it ever feeling too weighed down. The concept of being thrust into this world allows for Talia to have a lot of leeway in discovering new things and can take us along for the ride. I always love the idea of being dropped into a fantasy world so I gave this one a lot of points for providing that.
The characters are pretty fine but I didn’t feel anything too special about them. Talia felt like an absolute perfect person which honestly made her harder to relate to. She could have been a little bit more well rounded. Reyin too, didn’t feel like he had too much depth. This obviously left a lot to be desired for their romance together. It wasn’t bad but I wasn’t cheering for it either.
I actually really would have liked more with her ‘father’. I thought that was a really interesting relationship that could have been explored more.
Oh and there’s dragons!
So a pretty fun book and overall enjoyable read. I would check out the next in the series when it comes out.
Thanks to Netgalley and OrangeSky Audio for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The narration was done by Caroline Sorunke and Nathan Lang. She did fine but I wasn’t a huge fan of his narration.
An easy to get into and fast paced fantasy novel with an interesting concept right off the bat. While the romance isn’t the most interesting it never gets in the way or detracts from the story itself.
Talia is surprised when she dies to find herself waking back up. But she wakes up in an entirely new world where they believe her to be the Princess. She has to find her way through a world with political intrigue and super powers, all while wondering how she got there and where she even is.
The story is pretty short, the audiobook being a little less than 10 hours for a fantasy novel. But Penelope manages to fit a lot of lore and worldbuilding into a small package without it ever feeling too weighed down. The concept of being thrust into this world allows for Talia to have a lot of leeway in discovering new things and can take us along for the ride. I always love the idea of being dropped into a fantasy world so I gave this one a lot of points for providing that.
The characters are pretty fine but I didn’t feel anything too special about them. Talia felt like an absolute perfect person which honestly made her harder to relate to. She could have been a little bit more well rounded. Reyin too, didn’t feel like he had too much depth. This obviously left a lot to be desired for their romance together. It wasn’t bad but I wasn’t cheering for it either.
I actually really would have liked more with her ‘father’. I thought that was a really interesting relationship that could have been explored more.
Oh and there’s dragons!
So a pretty fun book and overall enjoyable read. I would check out the next in the series when it comes out.
Thanks to Netgalley and OrangeSky Audio for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The narration was done by Caroline Sorunke and Nathan Lang. She did fine but I wasn’t a huge fan of his narration.
antagonist's review against another edition
4.0
Talia dies but instead of entering the afterlife, she ends up in a terrifying city with kings, dragons and war. She is mistaken for the princesses and is brought to the dragon king that looks just like her real father. Ryin is a warrior that doesn't want to fall with Talia, especially since she is the daughter of the enemy. But the more time he spends with her the more he realizes he isn't who she thought she was.
As soon as I saw the cover of this book I knew I needed to read it. This was an easy read that felt like a young adult book while not being one. There were some slow moments, but overall I found it interesting and unique. I enjoyed the magic system and thought the universe-building was well done. This book had castle vibes but took place in the city which was fun.
I liked the concept between the Nimali and the Fai and enjoyed the characters even though at times they felt one-dimensional. The romance felt odd at first because a lot of Talia's feelings were driven by old relationships we don't see. But as soon as it started to pick up I totally wanted them to be together. I didn't expect smut so I was very happy that this got steamy.
My favourite part of this book was the Antagonist. He was clearly a psychopath but also complex with a pretty big soft spot. I enjoyed all his scenes and was honestly taken aback by his heart at the end. Talia's relationship with him was complicated and I appreciated his uncertainty when it came to it. He allowed horrible things to happen but I also understood how he ended up the way he did.
I think this was a great read and I am excited to see how the rest of this series unfolds. If you haven't added this book to your tbr yet, what are you doing? Despite its flaws, it was enjoyable and I totally recommend this if you love young adult romance but want it more adult.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As soon as I saw the cover of this book I knew I needed to read it. This was an easy read that felt like a young adult book while not being one. There were some slow moments, but overall I found it interesting and unique. I enjoyed the magic system and thought the universe-building was well done. This book had castle vibes but took place in the city which was fun.
I liked the concept between the Nimali and the Fai and enjoyed the characters even though at times they felt one-dimensional. The romance felt odd at first because a lot of Talia's feelings were driven by old relationships we don't see. But as soon as it started to pick up I totally wanted them to be together. I didn't expect smut so I was very happy that this got steamy.
My favourite part of this book was the Antagonist. He was clearly a psychopath but also complex with a pretty big soft spot. I enjoyed all his scenes and was honestly taken aback by his heart at the end. Talia's relationship with him was complicated and I appreciated his uncertainty when it came to it. He allowed horrible things to happen but I also understood how he ended up the way he did.
I think this was a great read and I am excited to see how the rest of this series unfolds. If you haven't added this book to your tbr yet, what are you doing? Despite its flaws, it was enjoyable and I totally recommend this if you love young adult romance but want it more adult.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
sarahinwanderland's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 rounded up to four for goodreads.
The concepts and ideas were so fascinating, the read was fast paced and engaging. The writing, at times felt a little flat.
The concepts and ideas were so fascinating, the read was fast paced and engaging. The writing, at times felt a little flat.