Reviews

A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy

lohmein's review against another edition

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couldn’t get into it, other things always seemed more appealing

robinhood2000's review against another edition

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5.0

I did really like this one. The writing felt like a debut author a Little bit in the beginning but the story just swept me up. The characters, the tradition, the powers, the different races. It was all beautiful and after I read it I craved the second one instantly. Recommend 100%!

paigeturner04's review against another edition

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1.0

DNF 20%

elvia_a's review against another edition

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4.0

To see my full review: https://markedforgreatreads.wordpress.com/2021/07/29/book-review-a-river-of-royal-blood/

So like...I wasn't expecting to give this a 4 stars but CAWPILE doesn't lie I guess. I feel like it is more a 3.5/5

The biggest problem I had with this book is the lacking relationship development between Isa and Eva. There were some big trauma hints from Isa that she might not be such a bloodthirsty and conniving bitch at all but then it'd be like it never happened and she was back to wanting to murder Eva out of pure Anakin-dark side hatred. This could also be said for the mother.

In saying this, I almost didn't check if this series had a second book and screamed "IS THAT HOW IT REALLY ENDS?! ON A CLIFFHANGER WITH MAJOR QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED ABOUT BELOVED AKETO?!" (who is a total snack btw, would love to see a live adaptation of him somewhere or some thirsty fan art). In saying that, there is a 2nd book and I'll be buying it this very second cause of have to know this big secret Miss Joy. Also, I assume (or hope) that a lot of character relationship development is explored in the 2nd book.

I kept feeling unmotivated to pick it back up when I had to put it down for something but when I did pick it back up I'd spend hours devouring it.

julane79's review against another edition

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5.0

I finished this book in 4 days! I love books that have rivalry in them! The two sisters Isa and Eva must fight for the crown. Their mother could not have been a better character with her I only have my favorite daughter and want her to win. As Eva gets closer to her 17th birthday there are people trying to harm her and she is trying to figure out who. She visits her father to get answers but only gets a few before tragedy strikes again. The night of her 17th things really take a turn and is absolutely worth the read to find out exactly what happens, who was behind it all and how Eva can save herself from her mother and sister. I definitely recommend this book, I was on the edge of my seat the whole book!

marieintheraw's review against another edition

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3.0

The characters and the supposed rivalry for the the crown kept me at arms length throughout despite the magick.

thearcher03's review against another edition

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4.0

3,5 stars but gave it 4 because I feel like this has a lot of potential.
The world building, magic system and general plot line was entertaining. It was definitely one of those books you didn’t want to put down once you’ve started. My only complaint would be that personally I felt like some of the characters introduced were not fully developed, as there was so much we didn’t learn about them. Sure the first person narrative meant that the book focused on the protagonist, but some more insight in the side characters would have been nice. But considering this isn’t a standalone I suppose that can be expected. I loved the elements of tales and mythology of the world created, they were written beautifully. Definitely a good start for a series, hopefully many of the things not addressed here will be in the next one! The general idea and message behind it is quite nice. Worth a try.

allthestories08's review against another edition

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adventurous dark 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? No

3.75

sarah_j_r's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

lsparrow's review against another edition

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3.0

a YA fantasy novel - i enjoyed the story and characters and the world created. an easy pleasant read