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4.39 AVERAGE
4.39 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This is such a fantastic world to spend time in. I moved this book up my TBR after seeing the author speak about her process in creating a world and a justice system on TikTok. It absolutely did not disappoint. This book manages to have found family love and grapple with huge topics like patriarchy, oligarchy and the abuse of power, and finding your purpose in life. I cannot wait to head right back into this world!
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is what I mean, when I say I want to read books from non-American /British authors set in non- or British inspired worlds. (ok she is half American but it’s all in the little things as well) I'm so tired of the same old, same old rehashed and recycled. This felt fresh, new and different in a good way from the beginning to the end.
This book had everything. An interesting world, GREAT Characters, diversity (in sexuality and personality !!!) that felt natural, non checkoffy and thought out, there are great and in depth "villains" or better said personality that go beyond "I am bad therefore I am bad". Even the little thank you to the author at the beginning is so sweet. AND to top if of a BEAUTIFUL Cover, that even allured to the story in the book.
In all words LOVE LOVE LOVE !!!
The concept of the eleven and that every Emperor has them was something new. Also, the borderline poly relationships that just always feel like a big party and they always care. The magical system, as said, was a completely new concept I enjoyed. The fact that only really one of the elven can kill their Ray The Lady, if creepy and distant takes you on a whirlwind of emotions between hate, resentment, empathy, and love? in a weird way.
I always enjoy LGBTQ+ rep, and the asexual character in Dayno, not only plays an important role, but also aligns with his hollow. His personality is not overconstructed, like I feel other reps do, but understandable.
Generally, I love that every character Hollow, that we see and explore into feels so organically aligned with the characters personality and choices.
Furthermore, I really enjoyed the "diplomat" side of the plot. Not everything has to end in a huge battle and a fight between two sides till someone draws blood, but that a lot is handles through words and healthy actions. Also, the death of the emperor by Theoddore was UNEXPECTED!
The book seemingly ended with the two "bad guys" aka the Emperor and the Lady dead, but it feels like the story just started and that something I enjoy.!!
This book had everything. An interesting world, GREAT Characters, diversity (in sexuality and personality !!!) that felt natural, non checkoffy and thought out, there are great and in depth "villains" or better said personality that go beyond "I am bad therefore I am bad". Even the little thank you to the author at the beginning is so sweet. AND to top if of a BEAUTIFUL Cover, that even allured to the story in the book.
In all words LOVE LOVE LOVE !!!
Spoiler
The concept of the eleven and that every Emperor has them was something new. Also, the borderline poly relationships that just always feel like a big party and they always care. The magical system, as said, was a completely new concept I enjoyed. The fact that only really one of the elven can kill their Ray The Lady, if creepy and distant takes you on a whirlwind of emotions between hate, resentment, empathy, and love? in a weird way.
I always enjoy LGBTQ+ rep, and the asexual character in Dayno, not only plays an important role, but also aligns with his hollow. His personality is not overconstructed, like I feel other reps do, but understandable.
Generally, I love that every character Hollow, that we see and explore into feels so organically aligned with the characters personality and choices.
Furthermore, I really enjoyed the "diplomat" side of the plot. Not everything has to end in a huge battle and a fight between two sides till someone draws blood, but that a lot is handles through words and healthy actions. Also, the death of the emperor by Theoddore was UNEXPECTED!
The book seemingly ended with the two "bad guys" aka the Emperor and the Lady dead, but it feels like the story just started and that something I enjoy.!!
adventurous
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:
No
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
“Only one thing is more powerful than a wish, and that is a purpose.”
This was a thrilling YA fantasy that deeply explored themes of leadership, justice, and civic responsibility - all themes that feel particularly resonant and important at this moment in time. The realism and maturity of the young characters’ attempts to understand their roles as leaders was incredibly moving. The plot was also inventive and compelling, avoiding many common tropes while also not choosing the unexpected for the unexpected’s sake. As an adult, my only criticism with the world-building was that each fantasy nation was a fictionalized version of one of a handful of world cultures; that being said, I also think that is something I would have loved as a teenager, so I can’t fault it in its context.
This was a thrilling YA fantasy that deeply explored themes of leadership, justice, and civic responsibility - all themes that feel particularly resonant and important at this moment in time. The realism and maturity of the young characters’ attempts to understand their roles as leaders was incredibly moving. The plot was also inventive and compelling, avoiding many common tropes while also not choosing the unexpected for the unexpected’s sake. As an adult, my only criticism with the world-building was that each fantasy nation was a fictionalized version of one of a handful of world cultures; that being said, I also think that is something I would have loved as a teenager, so I can’t fault it in its context.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Death of parent
This was a wonderful adventure that I very much enjoyed. The different cultures and practices that were introduced in this world, the story line, the plot twists along the way… I am very excited to continue this series.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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:
Complicated
wowowow WHAT A BOOK! this is some of the best world building i’ve ever read. everything is so lush and thought out. the magic system is amazing. the pacing is great and the characters are so well written. i cannot wait to read book two! def recommend if you’re looking for a new fantasy read! i found myself constantly looking for excuses to listen to this any chance i got. i’m just blown away by how good this was!!
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated