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booksbydann's review against another edition
3.0
No matter how far I go, how dark it gets, I’ll always be tied to home.
Tengo sentimientos encontrados. La idea es buena, la ejecución deja bastante que desear. Lo disfruté pero como que pasó sin pena ni gloria. Voy a leer el siguiente porque me da curiosidad saber cómo sigue la historia después de ese final.
Tengo sentimientos encontrados. La idea es buena, la ejecución deja bastante que desear. Lo disfruté pero como que pasó sin pena ni gloria. Voy a leer el siguiente porque me da curiosidad saber cómo sigue la historia después de ese final.
crosswarrior7's review against another edition
3.0
Short Review: Pretty low 3 star. Decent story all around, but overall just pretty average. Set apart though by its combination of gothic atmosphere and young adult fantasy storytelling.
Long Review:
Violeta—Leta—Graceling and her brother Arien Graceling were taken in by a kind lady who found them on the side of a road near a village. But shadows keep closing in on Arien, causing their adopted mother to turn on them, and perhaps the entire village if they find out. Before things can get too out of control, though, Leta and Arien are whisked away by Rowan Sylvanan, the young lord of the village. A lord who rumors say murdered his entire family as a child. But there are many secrets around him, and a darkness around his manor. Unraveling the truths behind both will help Leta learn more about herself, and see that perhaps more than magical shadows have been chasing her and her brother.
Let’s start off with the good, shall we?
Leta and Arien’s relationship is *chefs kiss*. I love me some good, healthy sibling dynamics. That isn’t to say that both the interactions between them are always right. Leta definitely has some issues with how she treats Arien, but they’re actually addressed during the narrative.
The aesthetic of the magic was very intriguing. Think of Alina and the Darkling from the Grishaverse, but make it more Gothic and more murky for the shadows.
I enjoyed the past of the main characters. They were deliciously angsty without being too over-the-top. Their current situations also had real consequences for what was done in the past, and once more, led to enjoyable angst >:3 Yes, hurt those characters!... Is my inner writer showing too much?
Lore of the world? Solid. Felt at times like it could be expanded upon, especially with the way magic worked, but it was overall enjoyable, and there’s the chance of it getting more come book 2. The gods had lots of intrigue around them, and it did a nice mixing of black and white to form grey, yet also leaving the feeling that there was good and evil. The Lord Under had solid motivations that made him helpful to the plot, yet still had characteristics that made his involvement tricky and dangerous. Definitely hoping to see more development on the goddess next book, though.
Now with these things that I seem to like, why the lower rating? Well, quite simply... Lots of elements with potential, but also so much just... blah/average execution? Like, I could definitely see why someone would enjoy this book, but for me, I just felt like I was slogging through the darky murk that appears in this story.
Honestly, this story was just... average for me? Like, I wasn’t super enthralled, and at times I had to struggle to read it, but I didn’t hate the book. It was just super basic?
Yes, the potential to be more was there. But Leta was just the average “must protect everyone I love, I’m a strong female mc!” sorta character, Rowan had a lot of potential angst and character but had so many just weird moments where the bad boy angle was played too hard and the meat of his character not explored enough. Then there’s the whole romance between them which didn’t really have an organic growth. They just felt like any other character I could find in a typical YA, you know?
I have said I loved the sibling dynamic, but there was definitely some not-so-good behavior that Leta showed, which got touched upon, but I did wish it got touched upon more.
Also as I’ve said, interesting world, just not really enough development behind it.
The focus of the plot was interesting, like what the characters had to accomplish and overcome and all of that. But I’ve seen a few people say this and I agree: it felt kind of repetitive. There was interesting bits with the most intriguing character (the Lord Under), but it was mostly the same plot devices over and over again. The outcome and what was learned was nice, but I wish more meat had been there on the way rather than feeling like pad time? So I think a good way of putting it is I liked the overall idea of the plot, but I think the characterization and plot progression would have been much better if there had been more to the story than repetitive attempts to do a thing.
The magic system was vague and underdeveloped. I know there are different levels of magic systems, but when the plot relies heavily on magic, it would just be nice to get a better understanding of it. There was a speck of expansion from one character who had grown up learning magic, but it felt like seeing more of her lessons into magic would have been pretty beneficial to the system as a whole.
So overall, it’s an okay book. I struggled through it a bit because of my issues, but I was invested enough that when things would get going and spice up, I’d be there for it. I do plan on checking out the sequel when it comes out, but my fingers are crossed that it gives the world time to breathe now that characters and relations have been established. And I just really, really hope it doesn’t go the love triangle route personally... But we shall see.
Long Review:
Violeta—Leta—Graceling and her brother Arien Graceling were taken in by a kind lady who found them on the side of a road near a village. But shadows keep closing in on Arien, causing their adopted mother to turn on them, and perhaps the entire village if they find out. Before things can get too out of control, though, Leta and Arien are whisked away by Rowan Sylvanan, the young lord of the village. A lord who rumors say murdered his entire family as a child. But there are many secrets around him, and a darkness around his manor. Unraveling the truths behind both will help Leta learn more about herself, and see that perhaps more than magical shadows have been chasing her and her brother.
Let’s start off with the good, shall we?
Leta and Arien’s relationship is *chefs kiss*. I love me some good, healthy sibling dynamics. That isn’t to say that both the interactions between them are always right. Leta definitely has some issues with how she treats Arien, but they’re actually addressed during the narrative.
The aesthetic of the magic was very intriguing. Think of Alina and the Darkling from the Grishaverse, but make it more Gothic and more murky for the shadows.
I enjoyed the past of the main characters. They were deliciously angsty without being too over-the-top. Their current situations also had real consequences for what was done in the past, and once more, led to enjoyable angst >:3 Yes, hurt those characters!... Is my inner writer showing too much?
Lore of the world? Solid. Felt at times like it could be expanded upon, especially with the way magic worked, but it was overall enjoyable, and there’s the chance of it getting more come book 2. The gods had lots of intrigue around them, and it did a nice mixing of black and white to form grey, yet also leaving the feeling that there was good and evil. The Lord Under had solid motivations that made him helpful to the plot, yet still had characteristics that made his involvement tricky and dangerous. Definitely hoping to see more development on the goddess next book, though.
Now with these things that I seem to like, why the lower rating? Well, quite simply... Lots of elements with potential, but also so much just... blah/average execution? Like, I could definitely see why someone would enjoy this book, but for me, I just felt like I was slogging through the darky murk that appears in this story.
Honestly, this story was just... average for me? Like, I wasn’t super enthralled, and at times I had to struggle to read it, but I didn’t hate the book. It was just super basic?
Yes, the potential to be more was there. But Leta was just the average “must protect everyone I love, I’m a strong female mc!” sorta character, Rowan had a lot of potential angst and character but had so many just weird moments where the bad boy angle was played too hard and the meat of his character not explored enough. Then there’s the whole romance between them which didn’t really have an organic growth. They just felt like any other character I could find in a typical YA, you know?
I have said I loved the sibling dynamic, but there was definitely some not-so-good behavior that Leta showed, which got touched upon, but I did wish it got touched upon more.
Also as I’ve said, interesting world, just not really enough development behind it.
The focus of the plot was interesting, like what the characters had to accomplish and overcome and all of that. But I’ve seen a few people say this and I agree: it felt kind of repetitive. There was interesting bits with the most intriguing character (the Lord Under), but it was mostly the same plot devices over and over again. The outcome and what was learned was nice, but I wish more meat had been there on the way rather than feeling like pad time? So I think a good way of putting it is I liked the overall idea of the plot, but I think the characterization and plot progression would have been much better if there had been more to the story than repetitive attempts to do a thing.
The magic system was vague and underdeveloped. I know there are different levels of magic systems, but when the plot relies heavily on magic, it would just be nice to get a better understanding of it. There was a speck of expansion from one character who had grown up learning magic, but it felt like seeing more of her lessons into magic would have been pretty beneficial to the system as a whole.
So overall, it’s an okay book. I struggled through it a bit because of my issues, but I was invested enough that when things would get going and spice up, I’d be there for it. I do plan on checking out the sequel when it comes out, but my fingers are crossed that it gives the world time to breathe now that characters and relations have been established. And I just really, really hope it doesn’t go the love triangle route personally... But we shall see.
maimona's review against another edition
4.0
This may be the first gothic fantasy book I have read AND finished.
honestly, I don't think this is the kind of book I get engrossed in. I do Love the Gothic Style. my FAV actually. but in books, I find it more boring and not satisfying.
So how this is relevant to this book:
I think the story is really good, the world Above and Under are built and connected in a brilliant way.
I do love the characters and applaud the use of relatively fewer characters that were able to make the whole book.
the characters were, in the beginning, a little undeveloped as they should be. they seemed annoying and boring, but by the half of the book, they are already much more detailed and groomed.
The development of the events is what made me give it Three stars, it is a slow book for me things get over detailed where they could be less described and more action.
but it is a good book - it leaves an impact and memory on the reader.
honestly, I don't think this is the kind of book I get engrossed in. I do Love the Gothic Style. my FAV actually. but in books, I find it more boring and not satisfying.
So how this is relevant to this book:
I think the story is really good, the world Above and Under are built and connected in a brilliant way.
I do love the characters and applaud the use of relatively fewer characters that were able to make the whole book.
the characters were, in the beginning, a little undeveloped as they should be. they seemed annoying and boring, but by the half of the book, they are already much more detailed and groomed.
The development of the events is what made me give it Three stars, it is a slow book for me things get over detailed where they could be less described and more action.
but it is a good book - it leaves an impact and memory on the reader.
reading_through_the_pages's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jinxei's review against another edition
5.0
"You should be out by the orchard,
where violets secretly darken the earth"
If you have loved The Kingdom of the Wicked, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, or A Curse so Dark and Lonely, this one is for you.
Violeta Graceling and her brother, Arien, were found in the woods, orphaned after the horrific deaths of their parents. Raised by a once-soft-now-cruel woman, Violeta and Arien must hide a dark secret that threatens the lives of not just them but everyone else. But when their secret is discovered on the night of the tithe by the monstrous and dark Lord Rowan Sylvanan, the siblings are brought away to his haunted manor, Lakesedge. Not all is what it seems, though, and the secrets that Violeta and Rowan are harboring could be enough to drown them all.
A beautifully written Gothic Fantasy that was the perfect transition into the spooky season. The tension between the main characters as they worked together to overcome the blight that threatens to destroy them all was so well executed. The stakes felt real and the atmosphere bleak with real, calculated risks. Despite who is originally posed as the "villain" of the story, I felt myself drawn even more to the real dark character.
The first book is not even out and yet here I am hoping for the sequel.
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group in partner with Netgalley for granting my wish to read this early in exchange for an honest review.
where violets secretly darken the earth"
If you have loved The Kingdom of the Wicked, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, or A Curse so Dark and Lonely, this one is for you.
Violeta Graceling and her brother, Arien, were found in the woods, orphaned after the horrific deaths of their parents. Raised by a once-soft-now-cruel woman, Violeta and Arien must hide a dark secret that threatens the lives of not just them but everyone else. But when their secret is discovered on the night of the tithe by the monstrous and dark Lord Rowan Sylvanan, the siblings are brought away to his haunted manor, Lakesedge. Not all is what it seems, though, and the secrets that Violeta and Rowan are harboring could be enough to drown them all.
A beautifully written Gothic Fantasy that was the perfect transition into the spooky season. The tension between the main characters as they worked together to overcome the blight that threatens to destroy them all was so well executed. The stakes felt real and the atmosphere bleak with real, calculated risks. Despite who is originally posed as the "villain" of the story, I felt myself drawn even more to the real dark character.
The first book is not even out and yet here I am hoping for the sequel.
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group in partner with Netgalley for granting my wish to read this early in exchange for an honest review.
theswordandthesea's review against another edition
3.0
Part of my ongoing mission to read my giant backlog of physical books. This was an OwlCrate book that’s been sitting on my shelves for years. If I was a 15-year-old goth I’d be obsessed, but as an adult woman who only occasionally enjoys the macabre, this was alright. The vibes are great but it felt about 75 pages too long and leaving things somewhat on a cliffhanger was a bit of a letdown. I’m glad I finally read it but I won’t be going back for the sequel.
janagaton's review against another edition
4.0
the writing got pretty redundant & this author loves the word "crimson", but it had all the autumnal gothic vibes that I've been craving, so i had a pretty good time
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
Loved reading this book, loved the world and these characters, and I can't wait to read the sequel!
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
I had almost forgotten I already had this book. Almost. Yesterday I was looking for a hardcover to read, to make room for the Fairyloot orders that came in this week, and then all of a sudden I rediscovered this one. I remember that I was quite curious about the story when I got the book, but I thought it would be fun to not read the blurb again before reading so I would be surprised with the kind of story I'd get!
And I was for sure surprised. I have to admit that the plot was a little chaotic and the mythology a little hard to follow. That's mostly because a lot of characters tell three or more incomplete or false versions of a tale before they start telling the truth or decide to just not say anything at all. Therefore the book also lacked a true arc leading somewhere. It somehow felt like the story didn't reach a real conclusion in the end. But hopefully that will change when the next book comes out!
However, I did really enjoy the writing style and the atmosphere, mostly because they were so beautifully in sync. Maybe it was hard to understand what was going on at times, but it was not hard to feel that something was happening and that it was dangerous or huge. The author clearly poured her emotions into every word and sentence and wrote from the heart and not so much from the mind. And that makes up for quite a lot!
Just like I really enjoyed the characters. Since a lot of them are twisting the truth or omitting a lot of information it's hard to feel like we've really gotten to know them, but now the air is cleared for the most part I think our characters will be able to grow more into themselves in the next book. After all, everything they feared happened, everything they were protecting either died or survived. They can now start healing and fixing.
I'm looking forward to it!
And I was for sure surprised. I have to admit that the plot was a little chaotic and the mythology a little hard to follow. That's mostly because a lot of characters tell three or more incomplete or false versions of a tale before they start telling the truth or decide to just not say anything at all. Therefore the book also lacked a true arc leading somewhere. It somehow felt like the story didn't reach a real conclusion in the end. But hopefully that will change when the next book comes out!
However, I did really enjoy the writing style and the atmosphere, mostly because they were so beautifully in sync. Maybe it was hard to understand what was going on at times, but it was not hard to feel that something was happening and that it was dangerous or huge. The author clearly poured her emotions into every word and sentence and wrote from the heart and not so much from the mind. And that makes up for quite a lot!
Just like I really enjoyed the characters. Since a lot of them are twisting the truth or omitting a lot of information it's hard to feel like we've really gotten to know them, but now the air is cleared for the most part I think our characters will be able to grow more into themselves in the next book. After all, everything they feared happened, everything they were protecting either died or survived. They can now start healing and fixing.
I'm looking forward to it!