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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
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!
Actually so lovely omg? Their exchanges are beautiful and the buildup is great and consistent. A romance with actual substance is rare
Cute, but I didn't get that attached to the characters. Insta-love isn't my favorite, but the friendship and companionship between Bristen and Ildiko is sweet
funny
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I'm convinced that Grace Draven is an R Lee Smith fan.... there was a nod to the gulla from Smith's Olivia, and plus this entire plot feels lifted from The Last Hour of Gann. But I dont say this to disparage - I love both authors. I feel like I can really trust Draven to deliver a fantasy and just relax into it. I also caught several nods to her own Master Of Crows. Definitely reading book 2!