Scan barcode
jgoz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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
4.0
This was a fantastic series start, and I’m excited to see where it goes from here! A lot of the magical elements felt unique, and I am positively obsessed with Max.
coraliep97's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
nat_alley's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
zivi's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-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? No
4.5
kitcat95's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
susansantos's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This book was just OK for me, unfortunately. I did listen to it on audio, which usually enhances the experience of a fantasy book for me, but the voice actors weren’t my favorite. A lot of the time I was bored or confused about what was going on. I didn’t really have a connection to the FMC which is the focus character of the book. I also thought the MMC Fell for the FMC rather quickly and there was no tension or build up plus the fact I didn’t feel like chemistry between them. I understood the plot because everything else I really pushed through finishing this book and probably won’t continue with the trilogy unfortunately.
fridalopz0711's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.25
I usually don't like the love interest, but Max was something else
bibi_reads_writes's review against another edition
5.0
“I wanted him in so many ways. As a friend, as a kindred soul, as a fierce teammate. As skin and lips and teeth. As a hitched breathless moan in the darkness or a lazy embrace in the sunrise. I wanted that. I wanted it all.”
Okay. This is a perfect example of “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Behind this outdated YA-fantasy-style cover is one of the best high fantasy books I’ve read in a long time. I enjoyed every bit, from pace and writing to lore and worldbuilding to characters. I ugly cried in the parking lot of a grocery store because I couldn’t drive anymore due to unstoppable tears. My heart is broken and full at the same time, not unlike it was after reading [b:Kingdom of Ash|76715522|Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, #7)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1673567331l/76715522._SY75_.jpg|25272014]. I can’t wait to read (or listen to) the rest of the series.
Plot:
Within an inch of her life, Tisaanah runs away from years of slavery to join the Orders, an organization of powerful magic wielders. She desperately wants to learn to wield so she can go back and save the friends she had to leave behind—but also to free all slaves. But first, she must complete an apprenticeship with Maxantarius, a handsome and reclusive fire wielder. Under the threat of looming war, Tisaanah will soon realize that she needs to gamble in the Orders’ deadly games and risk everything if she wants to have enough power to achieve her goals.
The plot starts off quite simple and tropey (The Tragic Backstory, For Great Justice, Heroic Resolve, We Help the Helpless, Sunshine vs. Grumpy, Mentor/Apprentice Romance, etc.), but oh boy does it go in another direction halfway through. I was taken aback by some of the plot twists and surprised with how Broadbent CHOSE PAIN when she wrote this. Seriously, some parts were downright heart-wrenching and I’m still not okay.
The only, only thing that annoyed me was that 90% of the book was leading up to one event, and then said event felt rushed. I felt like most of the drama should have been avoided, given the number of smart, experienced people involved. But nope, the trap is there and they fall riiiiight into it. I felt it was out of character and hard to believe. Meh.
Characters:
I’m going to keep this short and sweet: OMG I LOVED TISAANAH AND MAX. I loved Sammerin and Moth! I even loved to hate Rashaye!
But Max, Max, Max. I haven’t had such a crush on a fictional character since Dorian Havilliard and Fenrys Moonbeam. Maxantarius Farlione is sweet and grumpy, gruff and passionate, smart and powerful. He loves flowers and gardening. (He can come and tend my garden anytime, if you know what I mean.) He swears like there’s no tomorrow and he’s a banter pro.
And as for the romance. THAT’S how you do a slow burn. Not a redundant and frustrating series of near-misses, but rather a gradual, smooth, and rewarding romance that’s both sweet and sizzling hot.
“So, mysterious snake man–”
“Ascended above, give me a minute, demanding rot goddess.”
I love them so much.
Writing:
What was it that I loved so much about the writing? I can’t seem to put my finger on it. It was poetic and melodic without feeling over-the-top. It was easy to read, yet complex. The way Tisaanah’s language barrier was approached also added a funny and relatable twist to her character.
And the banter, the ban-ter!
Even during the slower parts, reading this book was never dull. When there wasn’t much action, there was still something magical and captivating about the setting, interactions, character development, etc. There are some very heavy and dark themes, but they were skillfully woven and never felt forced or thrown in just for the sake of shocking the readers. Make sure to read the trigger warnings before diving in if you are a trauma survivor.
Audiobook:
I was not a fan of the narrators. The man’s pitch variations were always the same, and the woman’s imitations of male voices were kind of ridiculous, although she had a lovely voice for Tisaanah.
Okay. This is a perfect example of “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Behind this outdated YA-fantasy-style cover is one of the best high fantasy books I’ve read in a long time. I enjoyed every bit, from pace and writing to lore and worldbuilding to characters. I ugly cried in the parking lot of a grocery store because I couldn’t drive anymore due to unstoppable tears. My heart is broken and full at the same time, not unlike it was after reading [b:Kingdom of Ash|76715522|Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, #7)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1673567331l/76715522._SY75_.jpg|25272014]. I can’t wait to read (or listen to) the rest of the series.
Plot:
Within an inch of her life, Tisaanah runs away from years of slavery to join the Orders, an organization of powerful magic wielders. She desperately wants to learn to wield so she can go back and save the friends she had to leave behind—but also to free all slaves. But first, she must complete an apprenticeship with Maxantarius, a handsome and reclusive fire wielder. Under the threat of looming war, Tisaanah will soon realize that she needs to gamble in the Orders’ deadly games and risk everything if she wants to have enough power to achieve her goals.
The plot starts off quite simple and tropey (The Tragic Backstory, For Great Justice, Heroic Resolve, We Help the Helpless, Sunshine vs. Grumpy, Mentor/Apprentice Romance, etc.), but oh boy does it go in another direction halfway through. I was taken aback by some of the plot twists and surprised with how Broadbent CHOSE PAIN when she wrote this. Seriously, some parts were downright heart-wrenching and I’m still not okay.
The only, only thing that annoyed me was that 90% of the book was leading up to one event, and then said event felt rushed. I felt like most of the drama should have been avoided, given the number of smart, experienced people involved. But nope, the trap is there and they fall riiiiight into it. I felt it was out of character and hard to believe. Meh.
Characters:
I’m going to keep this short and sweet: OMG I LOVED TISAANAH AND MAX. I loved Sammerin and Moth! I even loved to hate Rashaye!
But Max, Max, Max. I haven’t had such a crush on a fictional character since Dorian Havilliard and Fenrys Moonbeam. Maxantarius Farlione is sweet and grumpy, gruff and passionate, smart and powerful. He loves flowers and gardening. (He can come and tend my garden anytime, if you know what I mean.) He swears like there’s no tomorrow and he’s a banter pro.
And as for the romance. THAT’S how you do a slow burn. Not a redundant and frustrating series of near-misses, but rather a gradual, smooth, and rewarding romance that’s both sweet and sizzling hot.
“So, mysterious snake man–”
“Ascended above, give me a minute, demanding rot goddess.”
I love them so much.
Writing:
What was it that I loved so much about the writing? I can’t seem to put my finger on it. It was poetic and melodic without feeling over-the-top. It was easy to read, yet complex. The way Tisaanah’s language barrier was approached also added a funny and relatable twist to her character.
And the banter, the ban-ter!
Even during the slower parts, reading this book was never dull. When there wasn’t much action, there was still something magical and captivating about the setting, interactions, character development, etc. There are some very heavy and dark themes, but they were skillfully woven and never felt forced or thrown in just for the sake of shocking the readers. Make sure to read the trigger warnings before diving in if you are a trauma survivor.
Audiobook:
I was not a fan of the narrators. The man’s pitch variations were always the same, and the woman’s imitations of male voices were kind of ridiculous, although she had a lovely voice for Tisaanah.
misaqi's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
3.5
This book is a good start to a series. The characters are likeable enough, and the magic system is interesting, the world-building is there and yet... I don’t know, it just didn’t pull me in. My mind kept wandering off and I feel like the book dragged on and on. I don’t know what bothered me. There is nothing in particular wrong with the book, I think it just lacks the “it” factor for me… I hope the next book will pull me into the world more! I have high hopes.
kyvenn's review
3.5
3.5 rounded for goodreads
The first bit of this book had me in a CHOKEHOLD, but then I felt like it dragged on until the end when things began to pick back up
Will still be diving into book 2 👀
The first bit of this book had me in a CHOKEHOLD, but then I felt like it dragged on until the end when things began to pick back up
Will still be diving into book 2 👀