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4.31 AVERAGE
4.31 AVERAGE
**My thanks to Hidden Gems and the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This was the first book that I have read by this author and I was certainly impressed by the world building and the strength of the characters in this twisted re-telling of sleeping beauty.
Eliana is about to turn eighteen and is the only child of Royalty set to inherit her kingdom and knows her duties. With her having to entertain a visiting princess they both end up making friends only after Eilana breaks the rules and uses her magic to help safe som of her people, much to the chagrin of her parents when they find out.
Eliana is pushed into making a marriage match the day she turns eighteen and things spiral from there.
Is the man who turns up as captivating and nice as he seems, or are her maid and her friend right that something does not add up with him.
Eliana also finds out that she has to break a curse soon after, but for a kingdom that was sent under the earth nearly one hundred years ago. She sets off with her fiancé, her maid and her body guard. Her friend also goes along with them as far as she can.
From there we get a bit of a split in the story. We mainly stay with Eliana and follow her as she enters the underground, meets new people, scary creatures and find that she is no longer sure if she can trust her fiancé. We also follow her friend, the other princess, as she makes her way back home, with trouble along the way.
The book does end not so much on a cliff hanger, but with a lot of questions unanswered and you looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Looking forward to seeing what happens next in this series.
This was the first book that I have read by this author and I was certainly impressed by the world building and the strength of the characters in this twisted re-telling of sleeping beauty.
Eliana is about to turn eighteen and is the only child of Royalty set to inherit her kingdom and knows her duties. With her having to entertain a visiting princess they both end up making friends only after Eilana breaks the rules and uses her magic to help safe som of her people, much to the chagrin of her parents when they find out.
Eliana is pushed into making a marriage match the day she turns eighteen and things spiral from there.
Is the man who turns up as captivating and nice as he seems, or are her maid and her friend right that something does not add up with him.
Eliana also finds out that she has to break a curse soon after, but for a kingdom that was sent under the earth nearly one hundred years ago. She sets off with her fiancé, her maid and her body guard. Her friend also goes along with them as far as she can.
From there we get a bit of a split in the story. We mainly stay with Eliana and follow her as she enters the underground, meets new people, scary creatures and find that she is no longer sure if she can trust her fiancé. We also follow her friend, the other princess, as she makes her way back home, with trouble along the way.
The book does end not so much on a cliff hanger, but with a lot of questions unanswered and you looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Looking forward to seeing what happens next in this series.
3.5. This was a very unique retelling of Sleeping Beauty with a unique magical system. Much of the twists were predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless. It was fast paced and kept me engaged the whole time. The FMC was clever, but also very immature when it came to relationships. In her defense she is just 18 though. It is YA with no spice. I will read the next one when it comes out. I enjoyed it enough
“The Girl Who Broke the Dark,” by Evelyn Puerto
The book is full of adventure and magic. It was a good book and worth the read. It was a bit slow in the beginning, but the last half was really good. The world building was unique with the foods and liquids being magic amplifiers. The cover is very pretty. 4 out of 5 stars, would love to read more by Evelyn Puerto.
-Multi POV/Dual POV
-Magic
-Arranged Marriage
-Magic Amplifiers
-Political Intrigue
-Royalty
-Sleeping Beauty Retelling
The book is full of adventure and magic. It was a good book and worth the read. It was a bit slow in the beginning, but the last half was really good. The world building was unique with the foods and liquids being magic amplifiers. The cover is very pretty. 4 out of 5 stars, would love to read more by Evelyn Puerto.
-Multi POV/Dual POV
-Magic
-Arranged Marriage
-Magic Amplifiers
-Political Intrigue
-Royalty
-Sleeping Beauty Retelling
This was a great re-telling of the famous fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty. An awesome story with a strong heroine!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Enchanting Fantasy Book
Embarking on the fantastical journey presented by Evelyn Puerto in "The Girl Who Broke the Dark" was a delightful surprise for someone like me, whose reading comfort zone typically resides in the realms of true crime and thrillers. In a year like 2024, where I've found solace in cozy reads and fantasies, Puerto's novel proved to be a source of pure joy.
The story revolves around Princess Eliana of Ymittos, a character wrestling with the desire for autonomy within the confines of her royal lineage. Endowed with formidable magical abilities, Eliana faces the challenge of breaking a century-long curse in the perilous realm of Malkh. The consequences of failure are dire, with the looming threat of empowering Cetus, a formidable necromancer set on casting Ymittos into darkness.
Evelyn Puerto's narrative skillfully reimagines the classic tale of "Sleeping Beauty" within the shadows of dark fantasy. The story fearlessly delves into grim realities and complex character dynamics. While Eliana's struggle against societal constraints echoes familiar themes in fantasy literature, her journey becomes a unique exploration of personal growth and rebellion. The magical elements serve as symbols for broader narratives of self-discovery, resonating especially with younger audiences navigating their own paths.
The narrative's vitality is notably fueled by the compelling antagonist, Cetus, whose nuanced motivations provide a stark contrast to Eliana. While Eliana's character is relatable, there's room for deeper exploration. Cetus's multifaceted nature enriches the storyline and heightens the stakes of Eliana's mission.
Despite moments of rawness in its delivery, "The Girl Who Broke the Dark" is at its core a captivating blend of adventure, mystique, and the timeless battle between light and darkness. Readers will eagerly anticipate subsequent installments, hoping for further development in Eliana's character and the fantastical world of Ymittos. Puerto's novel promises a journey filled with enchantment, peril, and the enduring allure of discovering one's true power. Having received a copy for an honest opinion, I encourage you to delve into this enchanting tale and discover your own magic within its pages.
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
This was a good, quick read. It was fast paced, which made it difficult for me to become emotionally invested in the main character. Other than that, it was a good read. I'm excited for the next book as I think I will enjoy that one more as I now have somewhat of an understanding of the world building.
A Sleeping Beauty retelling with a deadly twist. In the classic Sleeping Beauty, it was the prince who has to kiss the princess to wake her up from the curse but on this one, it was switched. Just knowing that already piqued my interest.
This book really made me feel a lot of things because for one, Eliana is or was in love with her 3rd cousin (idk but I kinda find that part a bit icky) but that guy is dead anyway and there wasn't any exploration of their romance in the book. Second, she falls in love quite quickly or at least she easily gets fluttered. Lastly, she is the queen of gaslighting herself so when people around her were warning her about the prince, she ignores them 🥴
I really liked the book though I find her father really...confusing. He knows her daughter have to break the curse but he won't let her learn more than basic magic (like...huh???) What I adore about Eliana is that she isn't easily controlled. She knows what she should do for her kingdom. I hope her and the prince really get together on the next book because I really love their chemistry.
🌸 Received a copy from the author but all thoughts and opinions are my own
This book really made me feel a lot of things because for one, Eliana is or was in love with her 3rd cousin (idk but I kinda find that part a bit icky) but that guy is dead anyway and there wasn't any exploration of their romance in the book. Second, she falls in love quite quickly or at least she easily gets fluttered. Lastly, she is the queen of gaslighting herself so when people around her were warning her about the prince, she ignores them 🥴
I really liked the book though I find her father really...confusing. He knows her daughter have to break the curse but he won't let her learn more than basic magic (like...huh???) What I adore about Eliana is that she isn't easily controlled. She knows what she should do for her kingdom. I hope her and the prince really get together on the next book because I really love their chemistry.
🌸 Received a copy from the author but all thoughts and opinions are my own