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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
Can't wait to sink my teeth into the next book. Such a true fantasy book and what a great introduction to this world for me.
adventurous
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Wow! My first 5 star rating of 2025!
"Hope is the thing that can't be reined in by rules or pinned down by bitter experience. It's a blessing and curse."
Epic, fascinating and deeply engaging. As a continuation of the Seven Realms series, this book builds upon everything that I loved from that series by expanding the world, introducing the next generation of characters and weaving a slow-burning narrative that simmers with intrigue before erupting into brilliance.
From the first chapter, I was completely drawn into the story. The storytelling is a steady kindling, each moment adding fuel to a fire that burns richer with every turn of the page. The plot unfolds deliberately, with layers of complexity and depth.
While the world is familiar, this series significantly expands its scope. The shift from Fells to Arden broadens the world, making it even more immersive. There are new lands, fresh conflicts from old interactions and fascinating elements such as magic and magemarks. The groundwork laid in this book promises even greater expansion to come.
The characters are layered and compelling, each with hidden motives and intricate relationships. While Adrian and Jenna are strong leads, they're overshadowed by even more captivating side characters, particularly Lila and Destin.
"Though she'd worked underground for half her life, she was a person who needed to see the sky, even briefly, every day. She wanted to feel the wind in her face and breathe in all the scents it carried."
Lila is my favourite character. She's bold, unpredictable and endlessly entertaining, a spark that lights up every scene. Destin has a morally grey nature and seems like someone who is doing his best to survive in the circumstances he's been placed in. Adrian's skills as a healer and his connection with horses add a unique touch to his character. Jenna is fierce, independent, and full of mystery, her resilience shining through.
"A lone wolf with savage, wounded eyes, keeping to the shadows. Scales and claws that glittered in the sun."
While Jenna and Adrian’s romance had potential, it felt rushed. I prefer a slow burn, where tension builds before igniting. In contrast, Adrian and Lila’s banter and camaraderie felt more natural and engaging.
This novel lays an excellent foundation for the rest of the series, leaving plenty of unanswered questions and unresolved character arcs. The stakes feel high, and the potential for further world-building and character development is immense.
Overall, this was a fantastic read: richly woven, character-driven, and full of depth. I’m excited to see what comes next and can’t wait to continue the journey.
"Love is the root of so much suffering and misery, so much loss. It’s the worst thing in the world, to risk yourself by loving someone. At the same time, it’s the best thing in the world—and worth the risk."
"Hope is the thing that can't be reined in by rules or pinned down by bitter experience. It's a blessing and curse."
Epic, fascinating and deeply engaging. As a continuation of the Seven Realms series, this book builds upon everything that I loved from that series by expanding the world, introducing the next generation of characters and weaving a slow-burning narrative that simmers with intrigue before erupting into brilliance.
From the first chapter, I was completely drawn into the story
Spoiler
and gutted by Han's deathWhile the world is familiar, this series significantly expands its scope. The shift from Fells to Arden broadens the world, making it even more immersive. There are new lands, fresh conflicts from old interactions and fascinating elements such as magic and magemarks
Spoiler
and pirates and dragons (so cool!)The characters are layered and compelling, each with hidden motives and intricate relationships. While Adrian and Jenna are strong leads, they're overshadowed by even more captivating side characters, particularly Lila and Destin.
"Though she'd worked underground for half her life, she was a person who needed to see the sky, even briefly, every day. She wanted to feel the wind in her face and breathe in all the scents it carried."
Lila is my favourite character. She's bold, unpredictable and endlessly entertaining, a spark that lights up every scene.
Spoiler
I love that she's an unconventional Byrne.Spoiler
, especially in captivity"A lone wolf with savage, wounded eyes, keeping to the shadows. Scales and claws that glittered in the sun."
While Jenna and Adrian’s romance had potential, it felt rushed. I prefer a slow burn, where tension builds before igniting. In contrast, Adrian and Lila’s banter and camaraderie felt more natural and engaging.
This novel lays an excellent foundation for the rest of the series, leaving plenty of unanswered questions and unresolved character arcs. The stakes feel high, and the potential for further world-building and character development is immense.
Overall, this was a fantastic read: richly woven, character-driven, and full of depth. I’m excited to see what comes next and can’t wait to continue the journey.
"Love is the root of so much suffering and misery, so much loss. It’s the worst thing in the world, to risk yourself by loving someone. At the same time, it’s the best thing in the world—and worth the risk."
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Waaaaa I love this book am. It's well written an well paced and I can't wait to see the rest of the series
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
I’ve learned that this author loooovveesss to have a foundational first book (which is why it took me so damn long to finish this, just like The Demon King).
The first half of this was a bit slow for me, and my interest didn’t really peak until the last quarter. When I say this is the same experience as The Demon King was for me, I mean it. I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing, but a slow start to a series is always a bit painful.
That being said, it was still worth it and I’m excited to see where book two goes!
The only thing that didn’t work for me was the insta love situation - I was kinda taken aback so I’m hoping as the series progresses there’s more dimension thrown in there when it comes to the romance, because your girl loves a good slow burn / friends to lovers moment. Yearn for each other I begggggg.
(Finally, wtf were those first few chapters? Honest to god I had to debate if I wanted to keep reading bc I was so thrown off and upset. I understand this world is depressing and bleak but what the heckkkk)
The first half of this was a bit slow for me, and my interest didn’t really peak until the last quarter. When I say this is the same experience as The Demon King was for me, I mean it. I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing, but a slow start to a series is always a bit painful.
That being said, it was still worth it and I’m excited to see where book two goes!
The only thing that didn’t work for me was the insta love situation - I was kinda taken aback so I’m hoping as the series progresses there’s more dimension thrown in there when it comes to the romance, because your girl loves a good slow burn / friends to lovers moment. Yearn for each other I begggggg.
(Finally, wtf were those first few chapters? Honest to god I had to debate if I wanted to keep reading bc I was so thrown off and upset. I understand this world is depressing and bleak but what the heckkkk)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Death of parent, War
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Slavery, Blood
Minor: Animal cruelty, Vomit
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have been wanting to be sucked into an epic ya fantasy world for so long, and i had a tiny strand of hope that this book would do that for me. IT DID.
Where do i even start- hgjqkwhxbd
the plot was just so intricate and so detailed and it was just awesome. the characters were great (i loved Karn sm <3) the world was just sPeCtAcULaR.
i will say, the first ~90 pages were really confusing and made absolutely no sense, but once you got past those it was impossible to put down. also the romance was just no, but in my mind it doesn’t really even exist. and thankfully, it wasn’t in there too much.
so imma give this one 4.5/5⭐️ (rounded up)
edit: *lowers this to 4 stars because too many times i rate a book 5 stars just cause im still hyped up from reading it* :)
Where do i even start- hgjqkwhxbd
the plot was just so intricate and so detailed and it was just awesome. the characters were great (i loved Karn sm <3) the world was just sPeCtAcULaR.
i will say, the first ~90 pages were really confusing and made absolutely no sense, but once you got past those it was impossible to put down. also the romance was just no, but in my mind it doesn’t really even exist. and thankfully, it wasn’t in there too much.
so imma give this one 4.5/5⭐️ (rounded up)
edit: *lowers this to 4 stars because too many times i rate a book 5 stars just cause im still hyped up from reading it* :)
DNFed because I wasn't in the mood to listen to this on audiobook (it was on loan so I had to return it) but I'll definitely want to pick it up again in the future! Perhaps in print.