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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
Honestly, it was a little boring. I'm going to continue the series because the world has potential (and because I prematurely placed a hold for book 2) - my first impressions usually don't lie but hopefully the second book is better. The writing is unpolished. I can't comprehend how the author wrote a story set on moving islands suffused with East-Asian inspired cultures and yet failed to build any sort of atmosphere. Where is the lore? The scenic descriptions?? The concept is SO cool but these islands could be made up of congealed sea monster waste for all the reader knows.
The characters were also underwhelming. I gave so few shits about Jovis that I actively skimmed his chapters. I disliked Phalue and Ranami was boring. Lin was interesting and Sand was by far the most compelling character, though I'm not sure I'll enjoy the direction her character takes considering the ending. Lin's and Sand's chapters were the only ones with any semblance of an atmosphere (creepy house with lots of locked doors! mysterious amnesia island! ), had interesting plotlines, and are also the reason this isn't <3 stars.
The characters were also underwhelming. I gave so few shits about Jovis that I actively skimmed his chapters. I disliked Phalue and Ranami was boring. Lin was interesting and Sand was by far the most compelling character, though I'm not sure I'll enjoy the direction her character takes considering the ending. Lin's and Sand's chapters were the only ones with any semblance of an atmosphere (
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
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
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I was skeptical about the multiple povs at first because they didn’t seem related but as the story developed, they started to intertwine and I lovedddd the twists & turns
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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:
Complicated
This one kept me hooked! There were admittedly times when I was frustrated with Lin because she didn’t come to conclusions fast enough, but I’m still rooting for her. Jovis and Mephi are by far my favorite characters, and I can’t wait to find out how their piece of the story unfolds—and Mephi’s story in general. (I swear to god, if Mephi's life ends with anything other than 'died of old age after being loved and appreciated to the maximum capacity,' I am going to kick everyone. It will be such a tantrum.)
Overall, I found this book very entertaining with plenty of lovable (and hateable) characters, and paced pretty damn well for a debut novel. Onto the next in the series!
Overall, I found this book very entertaining with plenty of lovable (and hateable) characters, and paced pretty damn well for a debut novel. Onto the next in the series!
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The magic system is super interesting, but I feel like I only read half a book and the characters weren't explored enough. The magic system was super interesting though