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owlyreadsalot's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 Stars
Okay, it's not often that I give a book a half star... this just called for it. There was so much in this book, so many great things, but also so much that had me wanting different outcomes, or change in pace, or in emotion. So, I couldn't quite get to the a full four, but there was no way I could place it right there at a three either. Because, if you've heard (or read) this book by now, then you know how much is filled up in those pages.
Now, here's my reasons why it's all a mix of feels... and there's a lot. We have Gul, whom at first gives me that kind of "I don't quite know what to do with you" feels. That has to do with her character kind of being all over the place, but it also helps with how she's been brought to the us, with the loss of her loved ones and the craziness surrounding her youth. And though I feel for her, sometimes I wasn't the biggest fan of the way her character came off.
Again, a mix of feels. I can't take from her though that she's resilient, a fighter, and "the chosen one", because yes, she's Neo in here (well, not all Matrix style, but def changing history). The one with the star-shaped birthmark that will bring an end to one of their most darkest times in history. With that said, those first lines in this book are shocking and telling of what this world is all about. And yes, it was intense. What a way to start a read!
That definitely kept me going, wanting to find out more about those called Sky Warriors and why they were bent on destroying lives because of a chosen one. Or, the Sisterhood of the Golden Lotus with all their secretive ways and magical abilities. They were my absolute favorite group in here. I wasn't always a fan of how some of their stories were portrayed, but it made for a bigger impact (in why the chosen one needed to end all of it).
Then came Cavas, which cannot be forgotten because his role is just as important in here. So yeah, again... sometimes I was all about who he was and where he was going, then the other half I was not that drawn by him. Which, caused me to be uninterested at times. See what I mean, it's really a roller-coaster in here. That brings me to the relationship between himself and Gul. At times, it was on fire, then it fell a bit flat, and then I was not sure how to feel. But, the in-between of it all was pretty great.
But, what had most of my attention was the magical aspect of the this world. There are Truth Seekers who can tell if you're lying (a dangerous gift), those called Whisperers that can talk with animals (that plays a big role), others that can do future readings, wield dead magic (you've got to read this to find out more), and it goes on. Plus, the truth of Gul's lineage and why her abilities are far surpassing. Yeah, no matter the mix feels, it's definitely worth having them. Good read for sure!
***I received this ARC from Fierce Reads, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***
Okay, it's not often that I give a book a half star... this just called for it. There was so much in this book, so many great things, but also so much that had me wanting different outcomes, or change in pace, or in emotion. So, I couldn't quite get to the a full four, but there was no way I could place it right there at a three either. Because, if you've heard (or read) this book by now, then you know how much is filled up in those pages.
Now, here's my reasons why it's all a mix of feels... and there's a lot. We have Gul, whom at first gives me that kind of "I don't quite know what to do with you" feels. That has to do with her character kind of being all over the place, but it also helps with how she's been brought to the us, with the loss of her loved ones and the craziness surrounding her youth. And though I feel for her, sometimes I wasn't the biggest fan of the way her character came off.
Again, a mix of feels. I can't take from her though that she's resilient, a fighter, and "the chosen one", because yes, she's Neo in here (well, not all Matrix style, but def changing history). The one with the star-shaped birthmark that will bring an end to one of their most darkest times in history. With that said, those first lines in this book are shocking and telling of what this world is all about. And yes, it was intense. What a way to start a read!
That definitely kept me going, wanting to find out more about those called Sky Warriors and why they were bent on destroying lives because of a chosen one. Or, the Sisterhood of the Golden Lotus with all their secretive ways and magical abilities. They were my absolute favorite group in here. I wasn't always a fan of how some of their stories were portrayed, but it made for a bigger impact (in why the chosen one needed to end all of it).
Then came Cavas, which cannot be forgotten because his role is just as important in here. So yeah, again... sometimes I was all about who he was and where he was going, then the other half I was not that drawn by him. Which, caused me to be uninterested at times. See what I mean, it's really a roller-coaster in here. That brings me to the relationship between himself and Gul. At times, it was on fire, then it fell a bit flat, and then I was not sure how to feel. But, the in-between of it all was pretty great.
But, what had most of my attention was the magical aspect of the this world. There are Truth Seekers who can tell if you're lying (a dangerous gift), those called Whisperers that can talk with animals (that plays a big role), others that can do future readings, wield dead magic (you've got to read this to find out more), and it goes on. Plus, the truth of Gul's lineage and why her abilities are far surpassing. Yeah, no matter the mix feels, it's definitely worth having them. Good read for sure!
***I received this ARC from Fierce Reads, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***
seemadyal50's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.0
rebekahentz's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
spicedragon's review against another edition
3.0
This was a solid 3-star read. The copious amounts of info-dumping in the first half of the book really dragged the start of the book, and was kind of boring. But some people may like that style of writing, which gives you everything at once and moves on. I personally prefer the world-building to be slowly revealed overtime, depending on the relevancy of the info to the main character's situation. Rather than a one-shot-here-you-go type of deal.
The magic and world-building I have to say, were probably the stronger points of the book. The weakest were the characters and their relationships with one another, I simply could not care for any of them. The plot picks up in the second half and becomes more engaging, though at times it feels like it moves too fast? And the reasoning for some events that happen are very flimsy but I won't question it, this is YA - somethings are just like that.
Though, I have to say the twist with. Finally... the use of 'mate' to refer to someone's significant other was so off-putting, like right off the bat... made me uncomfortable!!! Because these are people not animals... thought I was reading a sjm book for a second... Also wish the characters were older than just 16/17... but I digress
The magic and world-building I have to say, were probably the stronger points of the book. The weakest were the characters and their relationships with one another, I simply could not care for any of them. The plot picks up in the second half and becomes more engaging, though at times it feels like it moves too fast? And the reasoning for some events that happen are very flimsy but I won't question it, this is YA - somethings are just like that.
Though, I have to say the twist with
Spoiler
Shayla being the old queen's forgotten heir caught me by surprise, so I was pleasantly surprised the author did a good job with that revealkbourgon's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
charvi_not_just_fiction's review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5 stars
What a brilliant read!!!!
Gul joins the Sisters of the Golden Lotus who are basically some kickass women who train to be warriors and use their charms, fighting skills as well as magic to protect other girls and women and just sorta fight injustice.
I’m in awe of them all, especially Juhi, Kali and Amira. They all have so much character and personality and well-developed pasts! A common mistake while writing strong women characters or warriors is to make them sorta two-dimensional or make them ultra masculine but the author didn’t fall into the trap of either. All these women learn to fight in saris tied dhoti style and let me tell you, walking in a sari is a struggle, let alone fighting!
I pity you all who’re gonna read this and just start drooling all over. There is so much delicious food that’s described in these books with lavish descriptions for all the non-desi readers!
I’m honestly in awe of the entire storyline and the wonderful pace at which it progresses, giving us enough time to learn about and get attached to the characters while not lingering too much. There are so many fascinating sub-plots woven in and some really interesting characters that I’m dying to read more about in the next book.
Although I wish the magic system was explored a bit more, I’m hoping that will be happening in the next books. I think my favourite part was how the story progresses in a manner that yo can guess what might happen but in the second half of the book everything is chaos and there’s so much going on and a lot of new aspects are introduced, ending the book in a way that left me reeling and craving for a lot more
You can read my full review on my blog!
What a brilliant read!!!!
Gul joins the Sisters of the Golden Lotus who are basically some kickass women who train to be warriors and use their charms, fighting skills as well as magic to protect other girls and women and just sorta fight injustice.
I’m in awe of them all, especially Juhi, Kali and Amira. They all have so much character and personality and well-developed pasts! A common mistake while writing strong women characters or warriors is to make them sorta two-dimensional or make them ultra masculine but the author didn’t fall into the trap of either. All these women learn to fight in saris tied dhoti style and let me tell you, walking in a sari is a struggle, let alone fighting!
I pity you all who’re gonna read this and just start drooling all over. There is so much delicious food that’s described in these books with lavish descriptions for all the non-desi readers!
I’m honestly in awe of the entire storyline and the wonderful pace at which it progresses, giving us enough time to learn about and get attached to the characters while not lingering too much. There are so many fascinating sub-plots woven in and some really interesting characters that I’m dying to read more about in the next book.
Although I wish the magic system was explored a bit more, I’m hoping that will be happening in the next books. I think my favourite part was how the story progresses in a manner that yo can guess what might happen but in the second half of the book everything is chaos and there’s so much going on and a lot of new aspects are introduced, ending the book in a way that left me reeling and craving for a lot more
You can read my full review on my blog!
veenasoujanya's review against another edition
4.0
Sometimes I buy books on a whim and it pays off. This book is one of such instances. I had absolutely no idea about the author or the story but simply picked it up as the cover was attractive, the blurb interesting, and the rate affordable. And I am glad I bought it.
Gul is born in the land of Ambar ruled by the cruel King Lohar. That too with a star-shaped birthmark on her arm is a sign to recognize the girl who is born to end the reign of the tyrant King and bring freedom to the country as a part of the prophecy. When her parents are murdered, she is on the run with the only hope of revenge in her heart. With the help of a group of women called Sisters of the Golden Lotus and non-magi called Cavas will she take revenge and fulfill the prophecy forms the rest of the story.
Though this story belongs to the chosen one trope which has been tried by too many authors, this one is still refreshing with a girl as a chosen one and loads of magic going around. The author wrote the characters well. Though there is a hero, he isn't the one who is doing all the action stuff and running after the bad guys. He is merely a sidekick (at least in the first book) to the heroine. One who is needed for the support but not as a savior.
The narrative is flowing and once you start you can't keep the book down. The story is engaging and the writing smooth. The book is a part of duology and I can't wait to read the second one. People who love magic and enjoy female action will surely enjoy this. Did I tell you the names of characters, places, and the world it is set in reminds us of Arabian Nights? Yeah
Gul is born in the land of Ambar ruled by the cruel King Lohar. That too with a star-shaped birthmark on her arm is a sign to recognize the girl who is born to end the reign of the tyrant King and bring freedom to the country as a part of the prophecy. When her parents are murdered, she is on the run with the only hope of revenge in her heart. With the help of a group of women called Sisters of the Golden Lotus and non-magi called Cavas will she take revenge and fulfill the prophecy forms the rest of the story.
Though this story belongs to the chosen one trope which has been tried by too many authors, this one is still refreshing with a girl as a chosen one and loads of magic going around. The author wrote the characters well. Though there is a hero, he isn't the one who is doing all the action stuff and running after the bad guys. He is merely a sidekick (at least in the first book) to the heroine. One who is needed for the support but not as a savior.
The narrative is flowing and once you start you can't keep the book down. The story is engaging and the writing smooth. The book is a part of duology and I can't wait to read the second one. People who love magic and enjoy female action will surely enjoy this. Did I tell you the names of characters, places, and the world it is set in reminds us of Arabian Nights? Yeah
veritas19's review against another edition
4.0
I loved that all of the POV's for this book were non-white and were Indian and especially that the story took place in a fantastical version of Medieval India. I do not often find YA books about characters from India, let alone written from their perspective without being a side character or having a white savior or being some sort of sidekick. It took some time to get into the plot and world build but I really enjoyed it, especially the last 100 pages or so. Great read for anyone looking for diversity and a fun fantasy read.
rachelannak's review against another edition
So I made it 88% of the way through and decided to DNF. I read this as an audiobook. I can’t quite put my finger on why I’m not interested in finishing the book, but I’m just not, so I won’t!