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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really wanted to like this book! I had high hopes for this book from the first two chapters- it was a refreshing and interesting dynamic to give two leads of a fantasy romance- but the whole "they're ugly by the standards of each others' races" thing wears thin when it keeps getting hammered in every single scene they have together. As solid and romantic as the core relationship is, this book was so slow, and the climactic action (if you can call it that) in the last two chapters is rushed as is the deneumont. The structure of every chapter was identical, and despite the writing/prose itself being better than lots of romantasy out there, this books was unfortunately tedious.
dark
Read upon recommendation. It was okay - any fantasy elements or political intrigue did not really pull me into the story.
Overall the dialogue/character relationship felt very stiff?
adventurous
emotional
funny
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
Just as good as the first time reading it. Don't know why I gave it just a 4 star last time. But I guess the ending isn't my favourite.
The two leads are very good. The friends to lovers journey is very charming and I just love how they grow attracted to each other eventhough at first they didn't think they were that attractive.
Some really funny moments and Grace Draven writes such good prose.
The themes are great. Adjusting to a new culture and accepting differences, so interesting.
The ending is not that good in ny opinion. It feels way more serious than the rest of the book and really eats away at the lightheartedness.
The two leads are very good. The friends to lovers journey is very charming and I just love how they grow attracted to each other eventhough at first they didn't think they were that attractive.
Some really funny moments and Grace Draven writes such good prose.
The themes are great. Adjusting to a new culture and accepting differences, so interesting.
The ending is not that good in ny opinion. It feels way more serious than the rest of the book and really eats away at the lightheartedness.
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Very different than I've read in a long time. I can't wait to continue with the rest of the series!
I can't think of anything about this book that would make me give it less than 5 stars.
Its absolute strength lies in the relationship between Ildiko and Brishen. Its a story of an arranged marriage, between two different races – species, really, as she is human and he is not. Each race is considered grotesque, physically, to the other, and the descriptions of what both characters look like, from each's point of view makes you believe that. It's so interesting to read what a human would look like to a person who wasn't a human.
But, and what other reviewers have also commented on, their relationship goes from camaraderie, to friendship, to affection, to love. And it is so refreshing. I am tired of arranged marriage situations, or even couples who aren't arranged, who despise each other because they feel like it or start their relationship on distrust or secrets or lies or just plain stubbornness. Ildiko and Brishen are not like that, because they are both smart, truly good-hearted people. They both know their places in the hierarchy, they know what is expected of them, and neither harbors ill will against their expectations. Their first meeting, despite being put off by each other's physical appearance, is one of wit and respect. R-E-S-P-E-C-T, sing it girl. It's so damn refreshing to see a couple respect each other immensely, and leave out all the petty bullshit. They grow to feel affection for the other, to protect one another and find all the good in their union. Brishen's backstory makes you see and believe in his present goodness. Ildiko is not trained in weaponry or some other secret skill, as other heroines often are to offset the tension of the given situation and add an element of female strength; she is a regular woman, who understands her role however much it was decided for her. However, that doesn't make her weak, because she is strong-willed, smart, and sensible. It makes her a perfect match for someone like Brishen.
Overall, this book was such a joy to read. I think I've found a book to add to my comfort read list, which is rare. I'm so glad I discovered this book. Now I'll need the second!
Its absolute strength lies in the relationship between Ildiko and Brishen. Its a story of an arranged marriage, between two different races – species, really, as she is human and he is not. Each race is considered grotesque, physically, to the other, and the descriptions of what both characters look like, from each's point of view makes you believe that. It's so interesting to read what a human would look like to a person who wasn't a human.
But, and what other reviewers have also commented on, their relationship goes from camaraderie, to friendship, to affection, to love. And it is so refreshing. I am tired of arranged marriage situations, or even couples who aren't arranged, who despise each other because they feel like it or start their relationship on distrust or secrets or lies or just plain stubbornness. Ildiko and Brishen are not like that, because they are both smart, truly good-hearted people. They both know their places in the hierarchy, they know what is expected of them, and neither harbors ill will against their expectations. Their first meeting, despite being put off by each other's physical appearance, is one of wit and respect. R-E-S-P-E-C-T, sing it girl. It's so damn refreshing to see a couple respect each other immensely, and leave out all the petty bullshit. They grow to feel affection for the other, to protect one another and find all the good in their union. Brishen's backstory makes you see and believe in his present goodness. Ildiko is not trained in weaponry or some other secret skill, as other heroines often are to offset the tension of the given situation and add an element of female strength; she is a regular woman, who understands her role however much it was decided for her. However, that doesn't make her weak, because she is strong-willed, smart, and sensible. It makes her a perfect match for someone like Brishen.
Overall, this book was such a joy to read. I think I've found a book to add to my comfort read list, which is rare. I'm so glad I discovered this book. Now I'll need the second!
An amazing story with a refreshing pair of main characters who find companionship, strength, and love in each other when their lives are brought together. The twists and turns of the plot took this from a sweet love story to a truly epic journey. Looking forward for reading more from this world of the Wraith Kings!