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booksavvyreviews's review against another edition
3.0
A unique premise if not more than a little out of place.
While the other books have no magic, this one does and seems rather random. In addition, it’s a retelling where the others aren’t. It just adds to being out of place.
Out of the series thus far, this is my least favorite. The characters were flat or maybe it’s because Nicu and Lyrik tended to steal the show because they couldn’t wait for their own book to come out. I’m not sure, but it just didn’t work for me.
While the other books have no magic, this one does and seems rather random. In addition, it’s a retelling where the others aren’t. It just adds to being out of place.
Out of the series thus far, this is my least favorite. The characters were flat or maybe it’s because Nicu and Lyrik tended to steal the show because they couldn’t wait for their own book to come out. I’m not sure, but it just didn’t work for me.
allyriadayne's review
3.0
3,5.
Basically a Pinocchio retelling with an enemies to friends to lovers to enemies again to lovers trope thrown in. The romance was pretty good, Natalia Jasper obviously knows and likes this trope, too. The plot was very thin and got resolved quickly at the 75% mark, that actually was what I liked from the past book but in this one it worked against the story. I wanted more action and ✨ magic ✨ but the author relied more heavily in the romance and the characters.
The story would have benefited from having only one pov, Aspen's (she was the one doing the actions and driving the plot) and not the other which basically only gave repetitive insight into Aire's thoughts. In another occasion would have been fine because hellooo a True Knight facing morally ambiguous decisions? grieving his dead wife while feeling Something for Aspen? but the character was so transparent that one kinda knew what was happening already. I still liked his character a lot, though, I'm a sucker for knights.
Basically a Pinocchio retelling with an enemies to friends to lovers to enemies again to lovers trope thrown in. The romance was pretty good, Natalia Jasper obviously knows and likes this trope, too. The plot was very thin and got resolved quickly at the 75% mark, that actually was what I liked from the past book but in this one it worked against the story. I wanted more action and ✨ magic ✨ but the author relied more heavily in the romance and the characters.
The story would have benefited from having only one pov, Aspen's (she was the one doing the actions and driving the plot) and not the other which basically only gave repetitive insight into Aire's thoughts. In another occasion would have been fine because hellooo a True Knight facing morally ambiguous decisions? grieving his dead wife while feeling Something for Aspen? but the character was so transparent that one kinda knew what was happening already. I still liked his character a lot, though, I'm a sucker for knights.
justchelsea's review
5.0
This book was a treat! I absolutely love fairytale retellings and I have never read a Pinocchio one. Such a clever idea! Natalia’s writing style is so unique, poetic at times, which really adds to the beauty of this magical world she has created. I love her commentary on societal differences between people, especially those with ailments of the mind. Nicu is an absolute gem, too pure for a world so cruel. I can’t wait to read his story next. While I missed Flare, I found Aspen to be just as lovable.
ladytook's review
4.0
What can I say about this book? I’ll start by saying that Jaster never really disappoints with this beautiful and magical world. I absolutely adore this series (even if I haven’t read the second one yet, I love Trick, it is definitely one of my favourites) and Lie did not disappoint. I absolutely loved the characters, they’re just incredibly complex and filled with so many layers! I also adored the romance and even if I will forever miss Briar and Poet, this book is a nice addition to the series!! I think my one problem with the book and probably the reason why it’s not a five star read, is that I thought it dragged a little in the middle and it was like the plot had been forgotten? I don’t know, it was enough to keep me going, but I feel like some parts of it could have been cut shorter and because of how slow it was, it took me a while to get through it! All and all, it was a pretty good book I can’t wait to see the next chapter in this world.
*I received an advanced reading copy from the author, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
*I received an advanced reading copy from the author, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
sionna's review
3.0
Lie takes place in the Kingdom of Autumn and as much as I liked it, it probably is my least favorite of the 4 books. For some reason it just seemed to drag, I didn't find the romance as believable, nor was I a huge fan of Aspen. That being said, if I ever re-read this series I would still read this one again.
Aspen is a puppet come to life, whose nose grows when she lies-- yes, like Pinocchio. Thinking this was a crazy retelling, I was looking forward to reading this one, but the similarities really end there. See, Aspen has perfected the art of telling truths that hide lies, or half-truths. She is manipulative, distrustful, stubborn, and a loving daughter. I think Aspen is a character I would like more on a re-read since I would know her whole past. Aire is a knight who is sensitive-- he can somewhat sense things about people, events, and gets feelings about situations. He is honorable, truthful, and a fantastic friend. The hate to love romance between a criminal and a knight is... it is interesting, but it didn't work to well for me. Perhaps because I was much more invested in the other couple -- Nicu and Lyrik, who are adorable.
I did think the main story featuring the magical acorns fell flat. It starts their journey, but then stalls out until close to the end when Aspen finally faces her fears. This made the story drag for me at times.
Still, I did enjoy this story and it made me super excited to read Dream.
Aspen is a puppet come to life, whose nose grows when she lies-- yes, like Pinocchio. Thinking this was a crazy retelling, I was looking forward to reading this one, but the similarities really end there. See, Aspen has perfected the art of telling truths that hide lies, or half-truths. She is manipulative, distrustful, stubborn, and a loving daughter. I think Aspen is a character I would like more on a re-read since I would know her whole past. Aire is a knight who is sensitive-- he can somewhat sense things about people, events, and gets feelings about situations. He is honorable, truthful, and a fantastic friend. The hate to love romance between a criminal and a knight is... it is interesting, but it didn't work to well for me. Perhaps because I was much more invested in the other couple -- Nicu and Lyrik, who are adorable.
I did think the main story featuring the magical acorns fell flat. It starts their journey, but then stalls out until close to the end when Aspen finally faces her fears. This made the story drag for me at times.
Still, I did enjoy this story and it made me super excited to read Dream.
lostinfantasy's review
4.0
Actual rating: 3.8/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I love that this story takes place in Mista (the kingdom of Autumn) and we got to revisit old favorite characters from Trick. And I love that it’s a retelling of Pinnochio but with a girl - and a romantic twist. I really enjoyed the continued theme of opposites attract in this series. I liked the new characters - Aspen; the girl made of wood who steals from the crown, and Aire; the noble knight who chases after her (even though Aire frustrated me sometimes 😅).
And I’m really happy that we got to see more of Nicu as he grows into a young man, and tries to claim his independence. He’s still so adorable.
I also like how Mista is a peaceful kingdom and you can see the results of Poet and Briar’s efforts to encourage tolerance and equality in their kingdom. I hope to see more progress there in the fourth book.
I really enjoyed the characters, the romance, the friendships, the setting... Recommended, especially if you’ve read the first book (and the second too, maybe).
I love that this story takes place in Mista (the kingdom of Autumn) and we got to revisit old favorite characters from Trick. And I love that it’s a retelling of Pinnochio but with a girl - and a romantic twist. I really enjoyed the continued theme of opposites attract in this series. I liked the new characters - Aspen; the girl made of wood who steals from the crown, and Aire; the noble knight who chases after her (even though Aire frustrated me sometimes 😅).
And I’m really happy that we got to see more of Nicu as he grows into a young man, and tries to claim his independence. He’s still so adorable.
I also like how Mista is a peaceful kingdom and you can see the results of Poet and Briar’s efforts to encourage tolerance and equality in their kingdom. I hope to see more progress there in the fourth book.
I really enjoyed the characters, the romance, the friendships, the setting... Recommended, especially if you’ve read the first book (and the second too, maybe).
krisandburn's review
3.0
After the disappointment that was Dare, the second book in the Foolish Kingdoms series, I was prepared for more of the same. Luckily, this was book was a bit better than that one, but still nowhere near as enthralling as the first book Trick.
This book is both a bit too long and yet not detailed enough to warrant its length. Neither the dialogue or the actions of the characters always makes sense. The writing sometimes appears confused and nonsensical. Yet, I did enjoy this tale, loosely based on Pinocchio. I did feel invested in our main characters Aspen and Aire and I was glad to see Nicu feature so heavily in this book.
The one character that still jumped from the page whenever he made an appearance, was Poet from the first book. His character just sparkles and makes all the other characters seem dull in comparison. It does show that this author can write a great character that will burrow into the reader’s mind and that is a very clever thing to do. Unfortunately, she does not quite manage the same with other characters, with Nicu the possible exception.
This book is self-published and maybe it suffers from not having a good editor scrutinize it. It could have been so much better. There are glimpses of beautiful writing, but too often the writing or word choices seem a little clumsy.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and the plot well enough and it is certainly a better book than Dare, but the writing overall lets it down for me. I am definitely still interested in this author. There is something there for sure. I secretly have high hopes for the next book Dream, which centres around Nicu.
This book is both a bit too long and yet not detailed enough to warrant its length. Neither the dialogue or the actions of the characters always makes sense. The writing sometimes appears confused and nonsensical. Yet, I did enjoy this tale, loosely based on Pinocchio. I did feel invested in our main characters Aspen and Aire and I was glad to see Nicu feature so heavily in this book.
The one character that still jumped from the page whenever he made an appearance, was Poet from the first book. His character just sparkles and makes all the other characters seem dull in comparison. It does show that this author can write a great character that will burrow into the reader’s mind and that is a very clever thing to do. Unfortunately, she does not quite manage the same with other characters, with Nicu the possible exception.
This book is self-published and maybe it suffers from not having a good editor scrutinize it. It could have been so much better. There are glimpses of beautiful writing, but too often the writing or word choices seem a little clumsy.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and the plot well enough and it is certainly a better book than Dare, but the writing overall lets it down for me. I am definitely still interested in this author. There is something there for sure. I secretly have high hopes for the next book Dream, which centres around Nicu.