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katertot8895's review
4.0
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Can I just say, WOW. Natalia Jaster is a master world builder and wordsmith. I loved the story and I adored the characters. I'm so happy we got to see more of Nicu and how he's grown, and I loved his friendship with both Aspen and Aire. One thing I really enjoyed was how distinct Aspen and Aire's voices were. They literally could not be any more different from each other, but it worked so perfectly. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just leave with this: this was a magical love story and it tore my heart out and put it back together, and I'm excited to see what's coming next!
Can I just say, WOW. Natalia Jaster is a master world builder and wordsmith. I loved the story and I adored the characters. I'm so happy we got to see more of Nicu and how he's grown, and I loved his friendship with both Aspen and Aire. One thing I really enjoyed was how distinct Aspen and Aire's voices were. They literally could not be any more different from each other, but it worked so perfectly. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just leave with this: this was a magical love story and it tore my heart out and put it back together, and I'm excited to see what's coming next!
si0bhan's review
4.0
Trick, the first book in Natalia Jaster’s Foolish Kingdoms series, was an interesting read. I wasn’t obsessed with it in the way I had expected to be, but it was enjoyable enough to leave me wanting more. Dare, the second book in the Foolish Kingdoms series, had me addicted. It left me more than a little desperate to dive into Lie. As I’d hoped, I adored Lie. It was a fabulous third book and has left me in dire need of Dream. In fact, a drowning man is less in need of oxygen than I am of Dream after all the fun I had with Lie.
Although you do not need to read the prior books in the series to understand this one, I would certainly recommend doing so. You’ll appreciate references much more if you understand what happened in the prior books, and it will help you to understand certain elements of the story. That being said, Lie works perfectly fine as a standalone novel if you’re simply interested in a fairy-tale retelling that is wonderfully unique.
In Trick and Dare we were introduced to a fantasy world that wasn’t focused around magic. With Lie, however, magic is a vital part of the story. As a big lover of magical systems, I really enjoyed the magic that came to life in this story. Through it, we got a unique twist of the Pinocchio story.
Yes, you heard that right: this is a Pinocchio retelling. I cannot say I have read many – in fact, off the top of my head I can think of no names, but I have recollections of reading at least one such story in my past – yet Lie is certainly a tale to read. If nothing else, it has set my standard for future Pinocchio retellings pretty high, as this one leaves a mark.
It’s a story that sucks you in deep, pulling you in on so many levels. You’ll be addicted to the magic. You’ll be addicted to the romance (both the main storyline and the one that introduces us to the romance of Dream). You’ll be addicted to the emotion. You’ll be addicted to the drama. Natalia Jaster has a way with words that leaves you addicted to the story, more than willing to power through the pages at a rapid pace. You fall in love with the characters and the events, ensuring the book sticks with you a long time after reading.
I think the only thing I expected more of was the fool element of the story. It played a vital role in books one and two but seemed to take a bit of a backseat with book three. It was still there, but it did not have the same powerful role in this book. It was vital to certain elements of the story, but we were not wrapped up in it in the same way as we were in the two prior books. I loved getting to know the magic of the world, but a part of me would have liked to see a bit more of the fool aspect on a larger scale in the way of books one and two.
Nevertheless, I adored Lie. It was a great third book in the series, and I cannot begin the describe how desperately I need Dream. With all that goes down in Lie, with the things we get to see, I’ll be thinking about the characters and what is to come until I can get my hands on their story.
Bring on Dream!
Although you do not need to read the prior books in the series to understand this one, I would certainly recommend doing so. You’ll appreciate references much more if you understand what happened in the prior books, and it will help you to understand certain elements of the story. That being said, Lie works perfectly fine as a standalone novel if you’re simply interested in a fairy-tale retelling that is wonderfully unique.
In Trick and Dare we were introduced to a fantasy world that wasn’t focused around magic. With Lie, however, magic is a vital part of the story. As a big lover of magical systems, I really enjoyed the magic that came to life in this story. Through it, we got a unique twist of the Pinocchio story.
Yes, you heard that right: this is a Pinocchio retelling. I cannot say I have read many – in fact, off the top of my head I can think of no names, but I have recollections of reading at least one such story in my past – yet Lie is certainly a tale to read. If nothing else, it has set my standard for future Pinocchio retellings pretty high, as this one leaves a mark.
It’s a story that sucks you in deep, pulling you in on so many levels. You’ll be addicted to the magic. You’ll be addicted to the romance (both the main storyline and the one that introduces us to the romance of Dream). You’ll be addicted to the emotion. You’ll be addicted to the drama. Natalia Jaster has a way with words that leaves you addicted to the story, more than willing to power through the pages at a rapid pace. You fall in love with the characters and the events, ensuring the book sticks with you a long time after reading.
I think the only thing I expected more of was the fool element of the story. It played a vital role in books one and two but seemed to take a bit of a backseat with book three. It was still there, but it did not have the same powerful role in this book. It was vital to certain elements of the story, but we were not wrapped up in it in the same way as we were in the two prior books. I loved getting to know the magic of the world, but a part of me would have liked to see a bit more of the fool aspect on a larger scale in the way of books one and two.
Nevertheless, I adored Lie. It was a great third book in the series, and I cannot begin the describe how desperately I need Dream. With all that goes down in Lie, with the things we get to see, I’ll be thinking about the characters and what is to come until I can get my hands on their story.
Bring on Dream!
chrisistrangerthanu's review
3.0
This was my least favourite of this series. I tried so hard, but couldn't get past the wooden doll thing (given the acts engaged in by the character). It was just a sticking point for me.
lauri_farrell's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
Self love before True love.
lynn_give_em_hel_vetica's review
3.0
This one was good, but probably my least favorite of the series.
I appreciated that Aire was more than just a simple knight. He had a sort of second sense, almost to the point of clairvoyance, that allowed him to sense things that were about to happen. He also had an uncanny ability to know if someone was lying.
As for Aspen, I just don't know how to feel about her. The story mentioned she had woodskin, but at the same time made her feel more like a giant puppet. I just don't know if I was able to get past the puppet part. It made everything between her and Aire seem super weird. Maybe it's just me.
It was amusing to see Nicu again, considering he was just a small child in the first book. Overall, good story, well written, but my least favorite of the series.
Girls like her didn’t merit their own stories, much less earn happy endings. They neither reaped the glory, nor enticed the honest, noble knight. They weren’t meek enough, or gentle enough, to be rewarded. To be desired. To be loved. That’s what fairytales wanted the world to think. Because usually, fairytales were stupid.
I appreciated that Aire was more than just a simple knight. He had a sort of second sense, almost to the point of clairvoyance, that allowed him to sense things that were about to happen. He also had an uncanny ability to know if someone was lying.
“Ringleader? Expendable? I see you possess a mercenary entitlement to match your impropriety.” Disapproval rang in his voice. “Taking advantage of kinships only cements bitterness. In the long term, sucking on your authority like toffee turns friends into enemies.” “Wrong. It makes them loyal.” “That breed of loyalty is a lie.”
As for Aspen, I just don't know how to feel about her. The story mentioned she had woodskin, but at the same time made her feel more like a giant puppet. I just don't know if I was able to get past the puppet part. It made everything between her and Aire seem super weird. Maybe it's just me.
Once upon a time, there lived a liar. In the Kingdom of Autumn, she’d been crafted from the trees and had a nut-shaped heart. She was conceited. She was mean. And yes, she told lies. A hell of a lot.
It was amusing to see Nicu again, considering he was just a small child in the first book. Overall, good story, well written, but my least favorite of the series.
bookishlynerdy's review
5.0
*DISCLAIMER* I HAVE RECEIVED A FREE COPY VIA THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR MY HONEST OPINION*DISCLAIMER*
It was amazing. I loved it. The characterization. The arcs. The growth. The autumn-ness. It was, I dare say, her best book yet.
There were problems of course. I didn’t like that Aire was a bit of an asshole during that one scene but besides that it wasn’t very problematic. The book as a whole was a journey. Instead of taking you to the fairytale, it brought the fairytale to you and in a whole new way. The feelings of each character were so in depth and so sincere, I thought I might be able to reach out and touch their tears.
The whole series has been amazing and is completely inclusive. This one was even more so. It introduced a possibility of the next book’s main characters. And I can’t wait for their story. It promises to be a very good one. The compassion and sympathy that Briar and Poet show towards the end, when they make an appearance, was so perfectly them that I couldn’t help but think of the other time we had seen them.
The growth shown by all three main characters, cause don’t fool yourself there are three, is astounding. Natalia Jaster is definitely a master at this. Aspen starts off thinking herself less than others and overcompensating to overcome this “obstacle” that only she herself can see. Aire is constantly held back by what happened to his loved one (trying to avoid spoilers) that he can’t stand what Aspen is at the beginning of the book. But throughout the course of Lie, it becomes clear that one of them brings out the best in the other.
And the third main character. Nicu. His journey and defiance at the beginning of the book is what starts the whole thing. And Natalia Jaster does an amazing job setting up what I think is going to be an amazing fourth book. But she never forgets what has happened in books one or two. No, it’s insinuated and brought up subtly throughout the book. Which makes me think something huge is going to happen if everybody is being interconnected like this. Nicu and his somewhat, not really clear, I have to think of a cute ship name, love interest are adorable to watch.
Honestly, if you hadn’t ever heard of Natalia Jaster until now, I think you should get caught up reading all of her books. This one is amazing and her other three books are just as amazing as this one.
It was amazing. I loved it. The characterization. The arcs. The growth. The autumn-ness. It was, I dare say, her best book yet.
There were problems of course. I didn’t like that Aire was a bit of an asshole during that one scene but besides that it wasn’t very problematic. The book as a whole was a journey. Instead of taking you to the fairytale, it brought the fairytale to you and in a whole new way. The feelings of each character were so in depth and so sincere, I thought I might be able to reach out and touch their tears.
The whole series has been amazing and is completely inclusive. This one was even more so. It introduced a possibility of the next book’s main characters. And I can’t wait for their story. It promises to be a very good one. The compassion and sympathy that Briar and Poet show towards the end, when they make an appearance, was so perfectly them that I couldn’t help but think of the other time we had seen them.
The growth shown by all three main characters, cause don’t fool yourself there are three, is astounding. Natalia Jaster is definitely a master at this. Aspen starts off thinking herself less than others and overcompensating to overcome this “obstacle” that only she herself can see. Aire is constantly held back by what happened to his loved one (trying to avoid spoilers) that he can’t stand what Aspen is at the beginning of the book. But throughout the course of Lie, it becomes clear that one of them brings out the best in the other.
And the third main character. Nicu. His journey and defiance at the beginning of the book is what starts the whole thing. And Natalia Jaster does an amazing job setting up what I think is going to be an amazing fourth book. But she never forgets what has happened in books one or two. No, it’s insinuated and brought up subtly throughout the book. Which makes me think something huge is going to happen if everybody is being interconnected like this. Nicu and his somewhat, not really clear, I have to think of a cute ship name, love interest are adorable to watch.
Honestly, if you hadn’t ever heard of Natalia Jaster until now, I think you should get caught up reading all of her books. This one is amazing and her other three books are just as amazing as this one.
candacerobinsonauthor's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely love the Foolish Kingdoms series! The first two books were absolutely stunning and emotional and this one was just as good!
First, yes, there are cameos from characters from previous books! Also, one is a big side character! Then there is the perfect swoon from the two new characters! Aire is such a sweetheart yet badass, while Aspen is the right amount of cool attitude! Can I also just say I adored the setting of this one which was in the kingdom of Autumn!
I seriously am in love with Jaster's writing. She just has this beautiful way of wording things that sucks me right in! And I'm so excited to read the next book!
First, yes, there are cameos from characters from previous books! Also, one is a big side character! Then there is the perfect swoon from the two new characters! Aire is such a sweetheart yet badass, while Aspen is the right amount of cool attitude! Can I also just say I adored the setting of this one which was in the kingdom of Autumn!
I seriously am in love with Jaster's writing. She just has this beautiful way of wording things that sucks me right in! And I'm so excited to read the next book!
joharis's review
4.0
Esta serie creo yo se va a convertir en una de mis favoritas, ningún libro decepciona. La autora ha creado un mundo relativamente simple de comprender pero con diferentes culturas donde viven personajes que se sienten tan reales y las historias de sus vidas son tristes o felices. Las relaciones me hacen reír y llorar.
Aquí seguimos un retelling de una muchacha hecha de madera que miente mucho y un caballero honesto que aún sufre por la muerte de su esposa. Me encantó leer su historia, tenían momentos muy divertidos y otros muy tristes. La autora nos enseña que hay que amarse a uno mismo ya que son los actos lo que la gente recuerda. También nos enseña cómo una mentira puede arruinar todo.
Super recomendado!
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Aquí seguimos un retelling de una muchacha hecha de madera que miente mucho y un caballero honesto que aún sufre por la muerte de su esposa. Me encantó leer su historia, tenían momentos muy divertidos y otros muy tristes. La autora nos enseña que hay que amarse a uno mismo ya que son los actos lo que la gente recuerda. También nos enseña cómo una mentira puede arruinar todo.
Super recomendado!
YouTube
divinefolly's review against another edition
4.0
Don't you dare ever stop writing love stories, Natalia. Never ever. Forever ever.
I am literally the worst at writing reviews, I can only say that, once again, Natalia has written and expanded on an evocative, magical world. Her exploration of people and their flaws always tugs at my heartstrings and makes me Grinch out by making my heart grow three times its size.
I laughed. I cried. I swooned. What more could you need?
I am literally the worst at writing reviews, I can only say that, once again, Natalia has written and expanded on an evocative, magical world. Her exploration of people and their flaws always tugs at my heartstrings and makes me Grinch out by making my heart grow three times its size.
I laughed. I cried. I swooned. What more could you need?
bookedeverynight's review against another edition
5.0
ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Having loved Trick, and enjoyed Dare, I was super excited to jump into this book and I was not disappointed. Full of fairytale goodness, I adored the writing, plot and characters in this story, and was full to the brim of happiness when I finished.
My thoughts:
This book is the third book in the Foolish Kingdoms with this series quickly becoming one of my favourites. I absolutely adored Trick when it came out and often find myself rereading it in moments where I need comfort, and I enjoyed Dare last year when it came out. When I heard there was a third book in this series, I was a bit apprehensive but pleased when I got given an ARC to review. There was absolutely no need to be apprehensive.
Lie was an amazing book.
Natalia Jaster does a phenomenal job in the world of the Foolish Kingdoms. Separated into Seasons, this story is based in Autumn, where there are different and familiar characters sprinkled throughout the story. I loved it being based in Autumn and it extending the world that the characters knew and lands they don't. As the reader you discover it along with them, and the journey it takes you on is cyclical and adventurous, keeping you guessing from the very beginning to the very end.
This story follows Aspen, a timber-girl - a Pinocchio inspired character - and the honest First Knight, Aire. Told from the first-person perspectives of Fantasy and Honesty, you really get to see into the characters and see how the characters progress and change throughout the plot. I really loved Aspen's character - she's loud and abrasive but struggles with so many things like who she is and where's she's come from; and Aire's character is so complex and wonderful, struggling with a pain he can't move on from. Neither of them are perfect, they both make mistakes and say the wrong thing to each other but the chemistry between the two of them? You can feel it through the pages (or the Kindle in my case.) It's one of the best hate-love stories I've read.
I loved the reappearance of Poet, Nicu and Briar in this book, my favourites from the first book in the series. Nicu is a key character in this story as he moves the plot along and I love that despite the years it's been since Trick, the characters are the same yet different too. Poet and Briar steal every scene that they are on the page, and I really loved learning more about Nicu and Lyrik, a character I wasn't expecting to like, but now must know more about.
The writing is gorgeous and lyrical - Aire and Aspen have such different voices as you read. It truly feels like you are in a fairytale world, and are completely swept into the tale. The beginning was a bit hard for me to get into, but once the story left the city of Autumn, I was enthralled, desperately wanting to know more. What I felt Dare lacked, this book brought in force - it's enchanting and magical and enthralling.
This book tackles themes of love, loss, belonging, mental illness, family and so much more. It's a gorgeous novel that leaves you wanting more - more of the world, more of the romance, and more of the characters. I can't wait to see how the author concludes the series with the next book, Dream.
Recommended for: fantasy lovers, romance lovers, anyone who loves a hate-to-love story. This story has a lot of smut (a lot) so best to avoid if you don't like that, or if under 17.
Quotes:
"You own the soil and drink the sun."
"Nestled in blankets, Nicu whispered, "Hug the stars, Aspen." "Goodnight to you too."
"I am inconsistent in your presence."
"Poet's green eyes cartwheeled between us. "Enemies to lovers." HIs face swung toward the princess. "This looks familiar."
"If it were that simple it wouldn't be love."
"There are thousands of shades of love, each one occurring at its own pace. For some, the greatest of emotions can take years to blossom, or mere days, for there is no rule -" he smirker, "-or rhyme." He mused, "Is that not what makes every love story tried and true? Be that story foolish, dangerous, or dishonest?"
I love it when you get sent a book to review, and you honestly love it so much you want to read it again immediately. I will definitely be purchasing a copy of this book as soon as I can.
Having loved Trick, and enjoyed Dare, I was super excited to jump into this book and I was not disappointed. Full of fairytale goodness, I adored the writing, plot and characters in this story, and was full to the brim of happiness when I finished.
My thoughts:
This book is the third book in the Foolish Kingdoms with this series quickly becoming one of my favourites. I absolutely adored Trick when it came out and often find myself rereading it in moments where I need comfort, and I enjoyed Dare last year when it came out. When I heard there was a third book in this series, I was a bit apprehensive but pleased when I got given an ARC to review. There was absolutely no need to be apprehensive.
Lie was an amazing book.
Natalia Jaster does a phenomenal job in the world of the Foolish Kingdoms. Separated into Seasons, this story is based in Autumn, where there are different and familiar characters sprinkled throughout the story. I loved it being based in Autumn and it extending the world that the characters knew and lands they don't. As the reader you discover it along with them, and the journey it takes you on is cyclical and adventurous, keeping you guessing from the very beginning to the very end.
This story follows Aspen, a timber-girl - a Pinocchio inspired character - and the honest First Knight, Aire. Told from the first-person perspectives of Fantasy and Honesty, you really get to see into the characters and see how the characters progress and change throughout the plot. I really loved Aspen's character - she's loud and abrasive but struggles with so many things like who she is and where's she's come from; and Aire's character is so complex and wonderful, struggling with a pain he can't move on from. Neither of them are perfect, they both make mistakes and say the wrong thing to each other but the chemistry between the two of them? You can feel it through the pages (or the Kindle in my case.) It's one of the best hate-love stories I've read.
I loved the reappearance of Poet, Nicu and Briar in this book, my favourites from the first book in the series. Nicu is a key character in this story as he moves the plot along and I love that despite the years it's been since Trick, the characters are the same yet different too. Poet and Briar steal every scene that they are on the page, and I really loved learning more about Nicu and Lyrik, a character I wasn't expecting to like, but now must know more about.
The writing is gorgeous and lyrical - Aire and Aspen have such different voices as you read. It truly feels like you are in a fairytale world, and are completely swept into the tale. The beginning was a bit hard for me to get into, but once the story left the city of Autumn, I was enthralled, desperately wanting to know more. What I felt Dare lacked, this book brought in force - it's enchanting and magical and enthralling.
This book tackles themes of love, loss, belonging, mental illness, family and so much more. It's a gorgeous novel that leaves you wanting more - more of the world, more of the romance, and more of the characters. I can't wait to see how the author concludes the series with the next book, Dream.
Recommended for: fantasy lovers, romance lovers, anyone who loves a hate-to-love story. This story has a lot of smut (a lot) so best to avoid if you don't like that, or if under 17.
Quotes:
"You own the soil and drink the sun."
"Nestled in blankets, Nicu whispered, "Hug the stars, Aspen." "Goodnight to you too."
"I am inconsistent in your presence."
"Poet's green eyes cartwheeled between us. "Enemies to lovers." HIs face swung toward the princess. "This looks familiar."
"If it were that simple it wouldn't be love."
"There are thousands of shades of love, each one occurring at its own pace. For some, the greatest of emotions can take years to blossom, or mere days, for there is no rule -" he smirker, "-or rhyme." He mused, "Is that not what makes every love story tried and true? Be that story foolish, dangerous, or dishonest?"
I love it when you get sent a book to review, and you honestly love it so much you want to read it again immediately. I will definitely be purchasing a copy of this book as soon as I can.