Reviews

Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier

rivalreads's review against another edition

5.0

makiia lucier I bow down to thee. after reading year of the reaper in one sitting, i rushed to find everything else makiia lucier has written, and i somehow fell in love with these characters and this story just as much as year of the reaper! mercedes is one of my favorite characters i’ve discovered this year. the beach scene?? i was YELLING

how does she make me this attached to characters and worlds in the span of one short standalone* novel??? ma’am teach me your ways

*there is a sequel that takes place after a time jump and focuses on a different character but alas my library doesn’t have it so I haven’t read it yet!! but I can’t wait to

I recommend this one if you like
- spooky/supernatural medieval mysteries
- friends to lovers
- books that just have that chemical x that makes them readable in one sitting

emmascc's review against another edition

5.0

Actual rating: 4.5 stars

Fast paced fantasy with plenty of mystery aspects to it, definitely a must-read

auora1484's review against another edition

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No

2.5

theshenners's review against another edition

4.0

stayed up to finish this bc I wanted to find out the answer to the mystery. although this is categorized as fantasy, there isn't magic involved, so if that's what you prefer, this probably isn't for you. I myself really enjoyed following the mystery, and became attached to the characters.

I'm hoping there's a sequel or companion or two because there are multiple characters whose stories have potential for further exploration

kathlyn's review against another edition

3.25

I read this book because of the focus on maps and geography, which did not disappoint. The book was entertaining enough to finish but I won’t be reading the next one. The only main female character existed solely to be a perfect love interest for the main character. While there was nothing horribly wrong with the book, there wasn’t anything that exciting either. 

milkteajeon's review against another edition

5.0

that was really heartwarming ^^ i really loved the world and all the relationships and also elias? actually just all the characters were great

hijinx_abound's review against another edition

Could not get into the story.

abutler's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

pewsephonye's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

The way the author writes the interactions between characters is simply amazing. It feels very immersive, you understan  how close or how distant they are with each other, how trusting and the kind of their relationship. Even two minor characters talking feels immersive. The world feels real as well, although the world building is basic.

I loved the main characters alot, Elias is a standard for a YA protagonist, he is kind, smart, thinks fast and passionate. Although I liked his dynamic and relationship with Mercedes, the romance doesn't develop at all and is super fast paced. I wish more time was dedicated to them as a couple.

Lastly, the plot was engaging but kinda predictable. The twist of what happened to the princes didn't quite make sense and some points felt a little too convenient. Despite that, I like that the ending and the characters' actions were dark and gray, it wasn't a cliche happy ending. Overall, a very nice book which I recommend!

eclairedelune's review against another edition

adventurous emotional fast-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? No

4.25