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that_kid_with_the_sword's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Death of parent, Chronic illness, Confinement, and Murder
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
kiiouex's review
3.0
I found this book sweet, but kind of weak.
I liked it overall - I think both the characters were set up well, and I was rooting for them, and I appreciated the 'villain's story too. But the way this book was plotted - the first half, the characters aren't in the same place. The next 50 pages, they're together but don't realise it. And that left only the last 50 pages for real romance and the story! I understand that they were 'talking' but their communication seemed so vague it was essentially just sharing vibes which, sure, but I wish this had been structured differently.
This sounds very negative. I did like it, and it picked up a ton at the end, there's a lot to like! I just personally don't like pining-based or miscommunication-based romance, and this is that.
I liked it overall - I think both the characters were set up well, and I was rooting for them, and I appreciated the 'villain's story too. But the way this book was plotted - the first half, the characters aren't in the same place. The next 50 pages, they're together but don't realise it. And that left only the last 50 pages for real romance and the story! I understand that they were 'talking' but their communication seemed so vague it was essentially just sharing vibes which, sure, but I wish this had been structured differently.
This sounds very negative. I did like it, and it picked up a ton at the end, there's a lot to like! I just personally don't like pining-based or miscommunication-based romance, and this is that.
see_sadie_read's review against another edition
3.0
2.5
This isn't horrible, but it's too long by half and heavily dependent on two people not having a conversation that the continued avoidance of feels manipulated and unnatural. Further, there's very little character development and almost no actual characters beyond the two main ones. I also have questions about these all important dragon souls. It's an interesting idea, but not nearly well enough explained. All in all, it's a sweet story, but it's a poorly executed book.
This isn't horrible, but it's too long by half and heavily dependent on two people not having a conversation that the continued avoidance of feels manipulated and unnatural. Further, there's very little character development and almost no actual characters beyond the two main ones. I also have questions about these all important dragon souls. It's an interesting idea, but not nearly well enough explained. All in all, it's a sweet story, but it's a poorly executed book.
farenmaddox's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
edebell's review
5.0
This lovely book has a careful, mysterious build to an absolutely captivating and sensual ending. The story's blend of quiet fantasy and asexual romance is highly psychological, and explores issues of personal identity and change. I also really enjoyed (and learned from!) its ownvoices ace and trans perspectives. Its gorgeous ending opens a door to myriad of story possibilities, so I'm excited to see where the author takes it!
vj1990's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 Stars rounded up
This reading experience was a bit unusual for me in that it started out really strong. I really liked the setup with Orsie and Nevmis and I was on the lookout for an awesome dragon fight as the resolution. Perhaps because I had built up some expectation of what I wanted to happen, the actual ending of the book seemed a little tepid in comparison. I also really struggled to connect with Orsie and Ark; both seemed like very flat, one-dimensional characters. I didn't know what made them tick or who they really were. Towards the middle, I honestly just started skimming. It was too repetitive and nothing really happened for so many pages. In the end, I kind of felt this disappointment because there were so many loose ends. Even if this book is a part of a series, the details I am talking about didn't seem like they were purposefully not explained; they came off more as something the author forgot to fully resolve.
Even with all of these flaws, I think the author did a few things really well. I loved the world-building. The author seemed to put a lot of thought into the lore of the series, but I just wish it was contextualized a little better. It was like I knew all the names of places but not the stories behind them, so it was hard to connect with the world of the book. It felt like it was constantly just out of reach. Also, I liked the touches about dragon intimacy. I fully support the idea that dragons would not be the same as humans in many ways, and the author did a pretty decent job getting that message across. Overall, I feel like the book had a lot of potential, but I couldn't quite connect with the world or the characters.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This reading experience was a bit unusual for me in that it started out really strong. I really liked the setup with Orsie and Nevmis and I was on the lookout for an awesome dragon fight as the resolution. Perhaps because I had built up some expectation of what I wanted to happen, the actual ending of the book seemed a little tepid in comparison. I also really struggled to connect with Orsie and Ark; both seemed like very flat, one-dimensional characters. I didn't know what made them tick or who they really were. Towards the middle,
Spoiler
when Orsie was trying to find his anaskettSpoiler
What happens to Geren and the rest of the soldiers? The forgetting spell thing seems like such a boring and easy solution, if that was what it was. Same thing with the greedy villagers; it's like they were a tool to show how horrible people are, but then they just disappeared without explanation.Even with all of these flaws, I think the author did a few things really well. I loved the world-building. The author seemed to put a lot of thought into the lore of the series, but I just wish it was contextualized a little better. It was like I knew all the names of places but not the stories behind them, so it was hard to connect with the world of the book. It felt like it was constantly just out of reach. Also, I liked the touches about dragon intimacy. I fully support the idea that dragons would not be the same as humans in many ways, and the author did a pretty decent job getting that message across. Overall, I feel like the book had a lot of potential, but I couldn't quite connect with the world or the characters.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
see_sadie_read's review
3.0
2.5
This isn't horrible, but it's too long by half and heavily dependent on two people not having a conversation that the continued avoidance of feels manipulated and unnatural. Further, there's very little character development and almost no actual characters beyond the two main ones. I also have questions about these all important dragon souls. It's an interesting idea, but not nearly well enough explained. All in all, it's a sweet story, but it's a poorly executed book.
This isn't horrible, but it's too long by half and heavily dependent on two people not having a conversation that the continued avoidance of feels manipulated and unnatural. Further, there's very little character development and almost no actual characters beyond the two main ones. I also have questions about these all important dragon souls. It's an interesting idea, but not nearly well enough explained. All in all, it's a sweet story, but it's a poorly executed book.
else's review
5.0
This book was a birthday present and I love it!!
What a wonderful take on dragons!
I want to become a dragon too! Although i'm not monogamous enough for these dragons ;)
During the story the mysteries surrounding the dragons and their magic are revealed.
Trust me, you want to read about these dragons ;)
It references 'common' dragon legends but the pieces come together differently than expected.
When I was reading I could feel the love that has gone into the worldbuilding and the story.
What a wonderful take on dragons!
During the story the mysteries surrounding the dragons and their magic are revealed.
Trust me, you want to read about these dragons ;)
It references 'common' dragon legends but the pieces come together differently than expected.
When I was reading I could feel the love that has gone into the worldbuilding and the story.
tanouska's review
5.0
Inventive dragon lore, queer characters, love for snow... Good ingredients for a good book :D
charkinzie's review
4.0
Orsie Havesskadi has been living a very solitary life hidden in the mountains. This is natural for a dragon...especially when there is a red dragon hunting all dragons. His peaceful existence is shattered one night when the Red Dragon finds him. As fearlessly as he fights, he still loses and as a result... loses his dragon magic.
In this world, when. dragon's magic is taken, they have 24 crescents to recover it. If they're unable to find it, they will become human permanently and will pass away.
Orsie is sick immediately. Having his magic stolen seems to almost tear him apart. He is feverish and confused... and only barely manages to survive by relying on the kindness of humans.
In another part of this world, garrison archer Ark is struggling with an unscrupulous commander. He's sent out on a mission... only to be attacked by a Red Dragon. Ark raises his bow and lets an arrow fly on instinct and then things begin to get bizarre! Things around Ark being to change as he struggles to focus and understand what's happened. He's being called a dragonslayer, but he doesn't recall slaying a dragon. He's shifting through space... unsure of where he should be or what he's doing. Finally, he stumbles upon a castle and is enticed inside.
Once Ark is inside the castle he beings to hear voices...whispers... some of which are dark and cruel, some of which are sweet and caring. Those caring whispers are coming from Orsie but neither man is able to communicate their names, or where they are.
Orsie sets off in search of his anaskett... and the whispering voice in his head.
For the course of this novel, neither Ark nor Orsie knows that they are seeking each other. There are yearning and emptiness in both their lives that is well-written by Kelly throughout. Each of these characters was quite different and I enjoyed the contrast between them.
The story is ultimately about finding an anchor in your life, someone or something to keep you centered and well. That journey is complicated in this story by the fact that one soul is a human and the other a dragon.
In this world, when. dragon's magic is taken, they have 24 crescents to recover it. If they're unable to find it, they will become human permanently and will pass away.
Orsie is sick immediately. Having his magic stolen seems to almost tear him apart. He is feverish and confused... and only barely manages to survive by relying on the kindness of humans.
In another part of this world, garrison archer Ark is struggling with an unscrupulous commander. He's sent out on a mission... only to be attacked by a Red Dragon. Ark raises his bow and lets an arrow fly on instinct and then things begin to get bizarre! Things around Ark being to change as he struggles to focus and understand what's happened. He's being called a dragonslayer, but he doesn't recall slaying a dragon. He's shifting through space... unsure of where he should be or what he's doing. Finally, he stumbles upon a castle and is enticed inside.
Once Ark is inside the castle he beings to hear voices...whispers... some of which are dark and cruel, some of which are sweet and caring. Those caring whispers are coming from Orsie but neither man is able to communicate their names, or where they are.
Orsie sets off in search of his anaskett... and the whispering voice in his head.
For the course of this novel, neither Ark nor Orsie knows that they are seeking each other. There are yearning and emptiness in both their lives that is well-written by Kelly throughout. Each of these characters was quite different and I enjoyed the contrast between them.
The story is ultimately about finding an anchor in your life, someone or something to keep you centered and well. That journey is complicated in this story by the fact that one soul is a human and the other a dragon.