Scan barcode
ayzil's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
caitsbooks's review
4.0
Check out this review (and more) over on my blog!
Quick Stats:
Overall: 3.5/5 Stars
Characters: 3/5
Setting: 3.5/5
Writing: 3.5/5
Plot and Themes: 3/5
Awesomeness Factor: 3/5
Review in a Nutshell: When She Reigns delivers on its promises of dragons, but at the cost of some of its other aspects. That said, I still enjoyed it.
“Hate cannot abide where many stand in love.”(This exact line is said a million times)
// Content Warning: Violence, Death, Torture (Mention), Panic Attacks, Anxiety, Animal Abuse, Animal Death, War Themes, Murder, Mental Illness //
“Love survives death.”
Release Date: 9/10/2019
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Page Count: 496
Premise:
When She Reigns is the third and final book in the Fallen Isles trilogy. It takes place shortly after the devastating ending of As She Ascends, and follows Mira and her friends as she tries to find a way to save her people and her home.
- Writing & Setting -
I really adore the world Jodi Meadows has created for this series. I love the culture of each island, and how with each book they get more and more developed. This book also talks more about the Algotti Empire, and I was really fascinated by that world as well, although it definitely didn’t feel as unique or fully developed as the Fallen Isles. Meanwhile, the writing itself is the same style as that of the first two books. It’s easy to read, with some good, quotable lines thrown in.
“Hope is a light against the oppressive darkness of misery, one that must be vigilantly maintained.”
- Plot & Pacing -
Before She Ignites was slow. As She Ascends picked up the speed. When She Reigns falls somewhere in the middle. I didn’t find myself as addicted to the book as I did in As She Ascends, but I wasn’t ever truly bored or wanting to put it down. The plot itself has some action, lots of politics and scheming, and even more dragons. Each book seeks to have more and more dragons and I am so here for it. This book also delves further into discussing imperialization and the horrors of it, but it’s more of an introduction to the topic, hinting at how bad it is but not going into it enough to start a real conversation.
“Without hope, we achieve nothing. Without one another, we have nothing”
(Lots of quotes about hope)
- Characters -
The characters are truly my favorite aspect of this series. Mira is such a strong protagonist. Her anxiety and counting compulsion is one of the best depictions of mental illness I’ve seen in a high fantasy novel, although I do feel like it definitely gets brushed aside a bit in this book. Her relationship with Aaru is absolutely adorable and I just really loved how healthy it was. They definitely weren’t perfect, but it was still really refreshing to see how well they communicate and trust each other. Aaru also has his own amazing character arc throughout this series and I loved to see how it ended. However, the other characters didn’t really get the opportunity to shine. I feel like all the focus was on Mira and Aaru, and they were depicted so realistically, but the others didn’t get the same treatment. They went through a lot in this book, but while Mira and Aaru’s reactions to certain events were devastating and real, when similar things would happen to other characters, you never got to see their reaction. They seemed almost fine with it.
“Fire cannot exist without something to burn.”
- Conclusion -
Pros- Two main protagonists are amazing, great setting
Cons- Side characters are underdeveloped, some of it was underwhelming
Overall- 3.5/5 stars.
When She Reigns is a good conclusion to a series I’ve enjoyed, but it wasn’t as powerful of an ending as I hoped.
Follow Me Here: Blog ||Tumblr || Bookstagram || Twitter|| Reviews
Quick Stats:
Overall: 3.5/5 Stars
Characters: 3/5
Setting: 3.5/5
Writing: 3.5/5
Plot and Themes: 3/5
Awesomeness Factor: 3/5
Review in a Nutshell: When She Reigns delivers on its promises of dragons, but at the cost of some of its other aspects. That said, I still enjoyed it.
“Hate cannot abide where many stand in love.”(This exact line is said a million times)
// Content Warning: Violence, Death, Torture (Mention), Panic Attacks, Anxiety, Animal Abuse, Animal Death, War Themes, Murder, Mental Illness //
“Love survives death.”
Release Date: 9/10/2019
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Page Count: 496
Premise:
When She Reigns is the third and final book in the Fallen Isles trilogy. It takes place shortly after the devastating ending of As She Ascends, and follows Mira and her friends as she tries to find a way to save her people and her home.
- Writing & Setting -
I really adore the world Jodi Meadows has created for this series. I love the culture of each island, and how with each book they get more and more developed. This book also talks more about the Algotti Empire, and I was really fascinated by that world as well, although it definitely didn’t feel as unique or fully developed as the Fallen Isles. Meanwhile, the writing itself is the same style as that of the first two books. It’s easy to read, with some good, quotable lines thrown in.
“Hope is a light against the oppressive darkness of misery, one that must be vigilantly maintained.”
- Plot & Pacing -
Before She Ignites was slow. As She Ascends picked up the speed. When She Reigns falls somewhere in the middle. I didn’t find myself as addicted to the book as I did in As She Ascends, but I wasn’t ever truly bored or wanting to put it down. The plot itself has some action, lots of politics and scheming, and even more dragons. Each book seeks to have more and more dragons and I am so here for it. This book also delves further into discussing imperialization and the horrors of it, but it’s more of an introduction to the topic, hinting at how bad it is but not going into it enough to start a real conversation.
“Without hope, we achieve nothing. Without one another, we have nothing”
(Lots of quotes about hope)
- Characters -
The characters are truly my favorite aspect of this series. Mira is such a strong protagonist. Her anxiety and counting compulsion is one of the best depictions of mental illness I’ve seen in a high fantasy novel, although I do feel like it definitely gets brushed aside a bit in this book. Her relationship with Aaru is absolutely adorable and I just really loved how healthy it was. They definitely weren’t perfect, but it was still really refreshing to see how well they communicate and trust each other. Aaru also has his own amazing character arc throughout this series and I loved to see how it ended. However, the other characters didn’t really get the opportunity to shine. I feel like all the focus was on Mira and Aaru, and they were depicted so realistically, but the others didn’t get the same treatment. They went through a lot in this book, but while Mira and Aaru’s reactions to certain events were devastating and real, when similar things would happen to other characters, you never got to see their reaction. They seemed almost fine with it.
“Fire cannot exist without something to burn.”
- Conclusion -
Pros- Two main protagonists are amazing, great setting
Cons- Side characters are underdeveloped, some of it was underwhelming
Overall- 3.5/5 stars.
When She Reigns is a good conclusion to a series I’ve enjoyed, but it wasn’t as powerful of an ending as I hoped.
Follow Me Here: Blog ||Tumblr || Bookstagram || Twitter|| Reviews
plotsandreviews's review
4.0
Dear Readers, Aliens and Creatures, Meh. It was meh. Not terrible, just an overall fairly satisfying ending.
Official title: When She Reigns
My title: The Final Drama
Author: Jodi Meadows
Publisher: @harpercollins
Fav character: The Celestial Dragon
Type: Book - Series
4/5
In book 3, things are beginning to make sense and fall into place. The friends have arrived on Anahera, where they must learn more about what is happening to the isles and the Mira Treaty and where must put the final parts of saving land, people and dragons together. There are still more secrets to be unveiled and questions to be answered regarding the location and safety of Mira’s and Histro’s parents, Kelsine and what remains of the Luminary Council.
They intend to find out all they can about what the Paorah of Anahera is planning, enlist the aid of the Algotti Empress and return with the bones of the firstborn child and most beloved of the gods, the celestial dragon. It’s a pity that things don’t go quite as smoothly, OBVIOUSLY, but we do see how much each of their powers have grown and the culmination of Mira’s powers as basically a channeler of energy and light.
They have not had an easy time of it but are doing their UTMOST to save their people. Poor kids. All of this is very interesting, but the execution of parts of it were strange and uncomfortable and I am still trying to figure out why… I mean, apart from my INTENSE dislike for Mira. She has too many misplaced priorities and lives a truly pathetic existence. Poor thing.
A lot happened, but it was somewhat underwhelming?
Official title: When She Reigns
My title: The Final Drama
Author: Jodi Meadows
Publisher: @harpercollins
Fav character: The Celestial Dragon
Type: Book - Series
4/5
In book 3, things are beginning to make sense and fall into place. The friends have arrived on Anahera, where they must learn more about what is happening to the isles and the Mira Treaty and where must put the final parts of saving land, people and dragons together. There are still more secrets to be unveiled and questions to be answered regarding the location and safety of Mira’s and Histro’s parents, Kelsine and what remains of the Luminary Council.
They intend to find out all they can about what the Paorah of Anahera is planning, enlist the aid of the Algotti Empress and return with the bones of the firstborn child and most beloved of the gods, the celestial dragon. It’s a pity that things don’t go quite as smoothly, OBVIOUSLY, but we do see how much each of their powers have grown and the culmination of Mira’s powers as basically a channeler of energy and light.
They have not had an easy time of it but are doing their UTMOST to save their people. Poor kids. All of this is very interesting, but the execution of parts of it were strange and uncomfortable and I am still trying to figure out why… I mean, apart from my INTENSE dislike for Mira. She has too many misplaced priorities and lives a truly pathetic existence. Poor thing.
A lot happened, but it was somewhat underwhelming?
librarianlayla's review
5.0
I have loved this series from start to finish, didn't want to put this book down, but also I didn't want this adventure to end.
There is so much representation across the whole of this series, the different islands, their belief's, their shared history. Love, loss, endurance. This series has everything I adore, deep characters with complex emotions and flaws. Adventure, persevering throughout. And best of all, dragons. Magnificent dragons.
I cannot recommend this series enough.
There is so much representation across the whole of this series, the different islands, their belief's, their shared history. Love, loss, endurance. This series has everything I adore, deep characters with complex emotions and flaws. Adventure, persevering throughout. And best of all, dragons. Magnificent dragons.
I cannot recommend this series enough.
bibliophilicjester's review against another edition
5.0
I have so many emotions which is very overwhelming for this INTJ. I'll work on a review, but this was another obvious five stars, and I'm very stingy with my 5 star ratings. This book was stunning in every way. I just love how in this series, even when everything is the absolute worst, there's still so much hope. I could talk about this series forever. And I immediately want to reread this book.
diamondxgirl's review
5.0
The Great Abandonment could have been prevented. But it was not.
– When She Reigns
We’ve seen Mira and her found family go from the worst imprisonment in history to running for their lives and now we watch as their worlds crumble before their eyes. Their gods are abandoning them as the people have abandoned their commitments to protecting their world…and their dragons.
Dang, does it hurt.
Before She Ignites. As She Ascends. When She Reigns. There are no more perfect titles for where Mira is along this journey. This is the book where Mira finds her voice. Where she finds her purpose.
Where everything falls apart.
I wish I could say that Mira easily puts everything back together again wrapped in a shiny dragon tail but this is still a finale by Jodi Meadows and you know she’s going to give you reality. Rebellion is hard. Leading people is hard. Knowing what the right thing to do is hard. So much of the story mirrors our current world politics and the discrimination many people face.
Endings make the way for beginnings…
I won’t give away the big twist in this book but let’s just say each book brings dragons more and more into the forefront. If As She Ascends was all dragons, all the time then When She Reigns is just living in dragon town. Yes, we see all of the dragons we’ve met before and yes we meet even more dragons. Dragons are the heart of this land and they remain a main source of conflict. Be prepared for all the feels and an ending that leaves you satisfied and knowing that hope and love truly do win.
loveisnotatriangle's review
5.0
WHEN SHE REIGNS is the final installment in Jodi Meadows’ FALLEN ISLES trilogy. Below are 5 my favorite things about this book, and the series overall:
1) Mira and the dragons – I looooovvvveee Mira’s connection to the dragons and how that manifests in this book. I want my own Lala!
2) Mira and Aaru – I adore their slow and sweet relationship and the way that they are always, always supportive of each other. Their relationship continues to build here in the most delicious way. No love triangle at all!
3) Mira and her friends – What an amazing support network Mira has built through this series, and I love so much the ways in which their individual strengths come out in this story as they support Mira and work together towards their goals. I also came to appreciate her sister and mother more than I thought that I would.
4) Mira and the world – Mira’s world continues to expand through this story, I really enjoyed learning even more about her lands and also the world at large, even as things become more tense and dire. I’ll have to say that I have a lot of questions about some of the people she meets in this story.
5) Mira – This girl has made such a transformation from when we met her in the first book. She has been imprisoned and beaten down, but has gotten back up again and again, and will do whatever it takes for her people and her friends and her dragons. Mira goes on a journey in this book – both physically and mentally – and she had me gripping the edge of my seat and wanting to cover my eyes at times, but I couldn’t wait to see what she would do next and how much she’d accomplish.
WHEN SHE REIGNS is a race against time as the islands that make up Mira and her friends’ homes rise, and the gods abandon their people. Everything is uncertain, even their lives. I had no idea what would happen at the end of this book, but it is a conclusion that is worth every bit of the journey to get there.
Don’t miss this stunning series!
1) Mira and the dragons – I looooovvvveee Mira’s connection to the dragons and how that manifests in this book. I want my own Lala!
2) Mira and Aaru – I adore their slow and sweet relationship and the way that they are always, always supportive of each other. Their relationship continues to build here in the most delicious way. No love triangle at all!
3) Mira and her friends – What an amazing support network Mira has built through this series, and I love so much the ways in which their individual strengths come out in this story as they support Mira and work together towards their goals. I also came to appreciate her sister and mother more than I thought that I would.
4) Mira and the world – Mira’s world continues to expand through this story, I really enjoyed learning even more about her lands and also the world at large, even as things become more tense and dire. I’ll have to say that I have a lot of questions about some of the people she meets in this story.
5) Mira – This girl has made such a transformation from when we met her in the first book. She has been imprisoned and beaten down, but has gotten back up again and again, and will do whatever it takes for her people and her friends and her dragons. Mira goes on a journey in this book – both physically and mentally – and she had me gripping the edge of my seat and wanting to cover my eyes at times, but I couldn’t wait to see what she would do next and how much she’d accomplish.
WHEN SHE REIGNS is a race against time as the islands that make up Mira and her friends’ homes rise, and the gods abandon their people. Everything is uncertain, even their lives. I had no idea what would happen at the end of this book, but it is a conclusion that is worth every bit of the journey to get there.
Don’t miss this stunning series!
lpcoolgirl's review
5.0
Loved how this series ended! I have a few lingering questions about characters (not plot points) but yeah, really enjoyed this book! Can't wait for more from Jodi Meadows!