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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
I had the absolute pleasure of participating in the tour for The Forgotten Earth last week, and let me tell you—it was effing amazing. This book is everything I want from a first installment in a high fantasy series: immersive world-building, compelling characters, and high stakes that keep you turning the pages. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time a fantasy debut hooked me this hard!
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adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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
I think it's safe to say I'm deep in my dystopian era and have no plans to leave. Why? Well, the easiest way to explain would be for you to just sit back, relax and let me be your guide on this post-apocalyptic road.
The Forgotten Earth, Book 1 in Brylinn O'Neal's identically titled series, is another trophy in my dystopian collection. The story is fast-paced and action-packed without losing sight of the importance of showcasing emotions and relationships.
In a world where Earth has nearly died after being misused by humans for countless generations (seems familiar?), society has descended into chaos, depravity, and cruelty. In a world where books are forbidden, and knowledge is banned, there are still those who crave it.
"Books are dangerous. They give you ideas. They give you possibilities. They open doors. They allow you to see what the world could be. And most dangerous of all, they give you hope. Unrelenting hope. That is why they don’t want us to have them."
In a world so corrupted, could there ever be hope? Even in the darkest times, a sliver of hope always emerges, this time in the form of a girl whose thirst for knowledge and need to help others will set everything in motion. When paired with a broody, traumatized ex-soldier on a mission, the world will start to change.
I loved the execution of the plot and the character development. The world-building was well done, even though I wished for more: more history and lore. But I think we will get to learn and discover even more in future books. The story wrapped up nicely, giving us a sense of closure while still leaving doors open for new developments and plots. If you enjoy dystopian settings, unlikely heroes, and forbidden knowledge, The Forgotten Earth is the book for you!
The Forgotten Earth releases on February 5th, and I am so happy I was one of Brylinn's ARC readers and had the chance to read the story in advance.
The Forgotten Earth, Book 1 in Brylinn O'Neal's identically titled series, is another trophy in my dystopian collection. The story is fast-paced and action-packed without losing sight of the importance of showcasing emotions and relationships.
In a world where Earth has nearly died after being misused by humans for countless generations (seems familiar?), society has descended into chaos, depravity, and cruelty. In a world where books are forbidden, and knowledge is banned, there are still those who crave it.
"Books are dangerous. They give you ideas. They give you possibilities. They open doors. They allow you to see what the world could be. And most dangerous of all, they give you hope. Unrelenting hope. That is why they don’t want us to have them."
In a world so corrupted, could there ever be hope? Even in the darkest times, a sliver of hope always emerges, this time in the form of a girl whose thirst for knowledge and need to help others will set everything in motion. When paired with a broody, traumatized ex-soldier on a mission, the world will start to change.
I loved the execution of the plot and the character development. The world-building was well done, even though I wished for more: more history and lore. But I think we will get to learn and discover even more in future books. The story wrapped up nicely, giving us a sense of closure while still leaving doors open for new developments and plots. If you enjoy dystopian settings, unlikely heroes, and forbidden knowledge, The Forgotten Earth is the book for you!
The Forgotten Earth releases on February 5th, and I am so happy I was one of Brylinn's ARC readers and had the chance to read the story in advance.
*ARC provided by @forestsandfantasy *
Title: The Forgotten Earth by Brilynn O’Neal
Series: Book One of Forgotten Earth Series
Release Date: Today!! Link in bio for Amazon & Hardcover SE!
Title: The Forgotten Earth by Brilynn O’Neal
Series: Book One of Forgotten Earth Series
Release Date: Today!! Link in bio for Amazon & Hardcover SE!
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
An impactful story about the dangers of neglecting the earth and finding hope in a dying world. Overall, I enjoyed the story. There were times that the pacing felt off and the spicy scenes seemed a little over the top to me. The first half of the book felt slow, like the characters just got stuck and we were reading the same thing over and over. But the book highlighted some very important things. Like the power of information and how dangerous it is when that is controlled/sensored. How important it is that we are good stewards of this planet and don't take more than we need. How banding together in hard times brings the most strength to all. And above all to have a dream and a hope of what the future can be and to fight for that.
Content warnings:
-Multiple open-door scenes
-Swearing
-Gore/Violance
-Mentions of SA and Rape
Content warnings:
-Multiple open-door scenes
-Swearing
-Gore/Violance
-Mentions of SA and Rape
Meh. I should start by saying I’m not super huge fan of dystopian novels, but I have come across a few that I have loved. This was not one. The world building fell flat and The story was too vague when it didn’t need to be. The Characters were one dimensional and emotionally detached. The reader doesn’t get to see or hear the emotions inside the characters, even though each dialogue POV is in first person. The thoughts are shallow and we don’t get a deep look inside their heads. All we really get are surface thoughts and emotions.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
Rating 5⭐
Spice 🌿
Spice 🌿
ARC REVIEW
I couldn't stop reading, I literally had to peel my eyes away and force myself to set my iPad down. Maybe it was burn out of reading the similar books over and over again, but this book was a fresh of breath air.
There wasn't alot of detailed spice, BUTTT there was tension involved. I absorbed that shite like a sponge. And I SWEAR THERE'S A HINT OF FATED MATES, but it's not confirmed. So will be keeping an eye on that.
I received an ARC from the author, and given my full and honest review. I will look forward to the next book!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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:
Yes
Arc Review: 3.5⭐
I thought the idea of The Forgotten Earth was fascinating which is what led me to apply for the Arc. I continued to be intrigued throughout the book even though there were instances of repetitive phrases being used and not enough background information on things like the forgotten, how the world ended up like this ,and the claeg.. as others have stated. At some points the story felt rushed, especially toward the end of the book. All in all The Forgotten Earth was still a unique read and I am thankful for having the opportunity to read an Arc of it. I think with a bit more time put into it this book really could have blossomed.
I thought the idea of The Forgotten Earth was fascinating which is what led me to apply for the Arc. I continued to be intrigued throughout the book even though there were instances of repetitive phrases being used and not enough background information on things like the forgotten, how the world ended up like this ,and the claeg.. as others have stated. At some points the story felt rushed, especially toward the end of the book. All in all The Forgotten Earth was still a unique read and I am thankful for having the opportunity to read an Arc of it. I think with a bit more time put into it this book really could have blossomed.