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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
An amazing book and an all time favorite for me. I cannot wait for the sequel :)
I liked this more than I expected -- some really great sentence level writing, an interesting world, and I liked that Kamzin is short and muscular and tough as nails. Whiffs of love triangle were annoying but River is swoony in all the unhealthy ways. I do worry if this is cultural appropriation, as is always a concern when white authors write books set in other countries, but I think this is respectful and so much more fantasy. Also I get the sense Fawcett has read a lot about mountain climbing -- or has actually done it -- so that's a plus. Slightly overlong, but I'll read book 2 just the same.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
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:
Yes
If you like stories about climbing mountains, and reading a teenage girl's every thought about climbing that mountain, you will love this. I didn't. When I read the synopsis, I expected much more of a fantasy story with an otherworldly feel than what we got.
I'm definitely a sucker for journeys across multiple lands. It's one of my favourite things to read in a book and this story executed it perfectly. There were lots of diverse characters and a healthy amount of plot twists. I enjoyed imagining this world and the atmosphere. I do really wish there was a map in this book, because it would have helped me imagine the layout of the world better. But overall, I really enjoyed the characters and their development. Interested to see what will happen in the next book.
A dangerous quest through the trecherous mountians turns into a race to the peak of the highest mountain in search of a powerful talisman. Trechory, betrayal, near death experiences, and a budding relationship come together at the top of the world to bring an immersive world. While I found some of the twists a little predictable, they lended themselves well to the story as we follow Kamzin and River on their journey. I appreciate the very real range of emotions that the characters experience as they in turn experience the grueling and very life threatening journey. All in all an engaging read and I'm excited to continue the duology.
11/16/18 All the (darkest) stars!!! Full review to come
Update, Full review: 11/30/18
I received this book in my September 2017 FairyLoot box and for some reason kept putting it off. As the end of 2018 was getting closer and the release date for the sequel ALL THE WANDERING LIGHT was quickly approaching, I decided it was time to dive in. As per usual I didn't even read the synopsis and just started reading not knowing what to expect. Before I even finished the first chapter I was hooked.
The mountain was no less than a series of nightmares, each darker than the last.
EVEN THE DARKEST STARS is a mix of: witches, shamans, magic, demons, familiars and... dragons! I mean, I was sold at dragons if I'm being honest. With rich atmosphere and characters it was easy to get lost in the pages of this book. I have never read a book that centers around explorers and mountaineering like this one does. It was refreshing to read about, and also quite terrifying at times to think of the daring climbs these characters were doing. To top off this fantastic adventure there were elements of mystery that had me trying to sleuth out the answer, only to be blindsided by the truth in the end.
"She sees past the obvious, notices details that others miss."
Anyone who is a fan of YA fantasy with unique storylines and characters will find themselves enamored with this novel. I will be recommending this book to every reader I know. I give it ALL THE DARKEST STARS.
The stars were so bright and so close I felt as if I were standing among them. I could reach out and catch one, trapping it between my palms like a firefly.
Update, Full review: 11/30/18
I received this book in my September 2017 FairyLoot box and for some reason kept putting it off. As the end of 2018 was getting closer and the release date for the sequel ALL THE WANDERING LIGHT was quickly approaching, I decided it was time to dive in. As per usual I didn't even read the synopsis and just started reading not knowing what to expect. Before I even finished the first chapter I was hooked.
The mountain was no less than a series of nightmares, each darker than the last.
EVEN THE DARKEST STARS is a mix of: witches, shamans, magic, demons, familiars and... dragons! I mean, I was sold at dragons if I'm being honest. With rich atmosphere and characters it was easy to get lost in the pages of this book. I have never read a book that centers around explorers and mountaineering like this one does. It was refreshing to read about, and also quite terrifying at times to think of the daring climbs these characters were doing. To top off this fantastic adventure there were elements of mystery that had me trying to sleuth out the answer, only to be blindsided by the truth in the end.
"She sees past the obvious, notices details that others miss."
Anyone who is a fan of YA fantasy with unique storylines and characters will find themselves enamored with this novel. I will be recommending this book to every reader I know. I give it ALL THE DARKEST STARS.
The stars were so bright and so close I felt as if I were standing among them. I could reach out and catch one, trapping it between my palms like a firefly.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief
Moderate: Violence
Minor: War
adventurous
mysterious