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hayleymorgan548's review
5.0
This sapphic historical adventure book follows Kiki and Ana, a duo set to step outside the sheltered walls of their mansion and venture to the shady part of Potosi, in Spanish Peru. The two best friends spend their nights gambling, drinking and fighting anyone who crosses their path. By day they’re proper young ladies living in the house of Kiki’s father, a wealthy nobleman. But when unexpected tragedy strikes their home, the girls will embark deeper into the underbelly of Potosi in their quest for answers.
This novel was incredibly entertaining, with lots of feminist power, sword fights and witty banter. Yet it also had a powerful story of justice and being yourself despite society’s expectations. The love story between Kiki and Ana was the best part - I loved that they already had feelings for each other, yet neither had confessed to the other. The banter and tension between the two could be electric, but at their core, they were close, old friends. It was one of the best sapphic romance books I’ve read, with plenty of action and romance. I give it 5/5, and I’m sad there isn’t a sequel, though I thought the ending was perfect, bringing together the various plot threads to a satisfying conclusion.
This novel was incredibly entertaining, with lots of feminist power, sword fights and witty banter. Yet it also had a powerful story of justice and being yourself despite society’s expectations. The love story between Kiki and Ana was the best part - I loved that they already had feelings for each other, yet neither had confessed to the other. The banter and tension between the two could be electric, but at their core, they were close, old friends. It was one of the best sapphic romance books I’ve read, with plenty of action and romance. I give it 5/5, and I’m sad there isn’t a sequel, though I thought the ending was perfect, bringing together the various plot threads to a satisfying conclusion.
childofthedevil's review
4.0
Was predictable, I was hoping it wasn't going to be but I knew.
But I enjoyed it, good little mystery adventure book.
But I enjoyed it, good little mystery adventure book.
thereadingchallengechallenge's review
Adding "arranged marriage drama" to my list of tropes to avoid like the plague, no matter how queer the book ends up being.
kazoe's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
alsira98's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Torture
eheidenreich's review
1.0
This book has a pretty good plot and I like the characters but it had some inconsistencies that just pulled me out when reading. I enjoyed the book but it didn't feel well developed or like there was much care put into matching the writing of diologue or characters' behaviors with the setting and time they were placed into.
mcft37's review
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.75
This book would have been a DNF if it wasn't for book club. I was ready to stop at 25%, but stuck it out until about 66%... Then I skimmed until the end. Which I was incredibly glad to reach.
The premise of the book was promising. However, I did not care for the writing style. It reminded me of poorly written fan fiction. The views of two main characters, Kiki and Ana, were indecipherable. I lost track of whose POV we were supposed to be following repeatedly. The setting was supposedly 1600s Peru (Bolivia), but had it not been written on the back of the book I would have never known. This story could have happened anywhere, in any time period. The author made a choice to use colloquial language, which I found both jarring and awkward. She also repeated words and phrases in immediate succession. Was there an editor?!
I could go on. Plot? Weak. Characters? Thin. Romance? Lacking in chemistry. Historical research? If a couple of websites count...
Bottom line. I'm glad I checked this one out of the library.
The premise of the book was promising. However, I did not care for the writing style. It reminded me of poorly written fan fiction. The views of two main characters, Kiki and Ana, were indecipherable. I lost track of whose POV we were supposed to be following repeatedly. The setting was supposedly 1600s Peru (Bolivia), but had it not been written on the back of the book I would have never known. This story could have happened anywhere, in any time period. The author made a choice to use colloquial language, which I found both jarring and awkward. She also repeated words and phrases in immediate succession. Was there an editor?!
I could go on. Plot? Weak. Characters? Thin. Romance? Lacking in chemistry. Historical research? If a couple of websites count...
Bottom line. I'm glad I checked this one out of the library.
msrcreation's review
5.0
This was wonderful and more people need to read and talk about this book. I loved following these characters and adored their relationship. It's a fantastic friends to lovers with swords and mystery. Watching these girls solve a murder mystery while fighting and dancing and falling in love was a fantastic journey. I'm sad it's a stand alone because I would easily continue this if it became a series. Maybe one day we can see these characters again.
lesbianbarista's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
So when I finished this book a little over a month and a half ago, it was something that didn't really stick with me. I thought it was okay, well written, cute, but just kind of something... to shrug at. And writing this review a month later, some of that remains true, but the things that stick out to me is what makes this book WORTH the read, even if it's a pretty easy read.
And by easy read, I don't mean anything negative, but the twists are pretty easy to see, it's a predictable story line, which is usually okay... but this one was just so long with so much predictability that it became sort of a chore to read.
HOWEVER, in spite of all that, this book had so much love at its core. The love of Kiki and Ana was really what kept me in this. Their love of each other but also their love of Kiki's brother. The way they rebelled against society (quietly at first) and made a name for themselves. The action sequences and descriptors were stunning, one part that kept me full involved.
I do wish there was just a little <i>more</i> to it, but I can't fault it too hard. I still enjoyed it enough to finish it.
And by easy read, I don't mean anything negative, but the twists are pretty easy to see, it's a predictable story line, which is usually okay... but this one was just so long with so much predictability that it became sort of a chore to read.
HOWEVER, in spite of all that, this book had so much love at its core. The love of Kiki and Ana was really what kept me in this. Their love of each other but also their love of Kiki's brother. The way they rebelled against society (quietly at first) and made a name for themselves. The action sequences and descriptors were stunning, one part that kept me full involved.
I do wish there was just a little <i>more</i> to it, but I can't fault it too hard. I still enjoyed it enough to finish it.
jinx3djules's review
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
i liked it, but the romance was underwhelming. there was a lot of in in the start, and nothing in the middle, but picking up at the end, which was confusing. Also, it was EXTREMELY obvious that Sebastian had something to do with the murders. Overall, i liked the murder mystery aspect, but the romance was random.