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bluejaybooks's review
4.0
Was a bit confused at first about the fact that the dragons in this book are basically humans with retractable claws. After I got over the fact, I was able to enjoy this book's adventure and compelling characters.
meganagain's review against another edition
adventurous
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? Yes
4.5
alittlebird's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
Really interesting world building concepts. I'll stick around for that and Florence. Hoping to see more of Cvareh's sister being a bad bitch.
purpledragonfly48's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
courtneykesterson's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
fatimareadsbooks's review
4.0
*Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This in no way impacted my views and opinions below.*
Wow. It's a known fact that Elise Kova's [b:Air Awakens|23127048|Air Awakens (Air Awakens, #1)|Elise Kova|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1432967839s/23127048.jpg|41912170] series is one of my all-time favorite books. So you'd understand why I had doubts about going into a whole new world (without Vhalla & Aldrik!) Fortunately, these doubts were unfounded. This was an extremely captivating book, and it was nothing like [b:Air Awakens|23127048|Air Awakens (Air Awakens, #1)|Elise Kova|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1432967839s/23127048.jpg|41912170]! I was blown away by the complexity of the world & characters. The imagination and creativity needed must've been off the charts! Round of applause to Elise!
When I first started reading, I may have struggled a bit to get past the first 10-20% of the book. This was probably because it took a while to familiarize myself with the world & its characters. Seriously, when I say the world was complex, I mean it. It's overwhelming to a reader who usually sticks to YA Fantasy. This is high fantasy. However, when I got past the beginning & really started to connect to the characters, I was hooked. The book is told in the alternating POVs of Arianna, Cvareh, and Florence (and occasionally, Leona).
Don't expect the characters in this book to be the warm, heroic type, because they certainly aren't. They all come from different backgrounds and have their own agendas. Everyone is cutthroat as hell. I really grew to love everyone, though. Especially Arianna. The way Arianna's character is written at the beginning makes it hard for the reader to really connect with or even like her. However, as the story unfolds, we get glimpses into her past which really helps the reader put together a clearer picture of Ari. In a way, she reminded me of Celaena from ToG and Arya Stark from GoT.
My favorite thing about this book is the slow burn relationship of Ari and Cvareh. I'm a sucker for the enemies-to-reluctant-friends-to-lovers(¿) trope. I loved how hot and cold Ari's attitude was toward Cvareh at times and I absolutely loved how Cvareh wasn't having any of Ari's shit. Their relationship dynamic was really intense & complicated. There are obviously still quite a few secrets between them; I'm excited to see where they're headed in the next book! They're no Vhalla and Aldrik, but I still absolutely adored them.
Of course, Ari & Cvareh's isn't the only amazing relationship. The dynamic between Cvareh, Florence, and Ari was phenomenal; I loved reading their interactions! They all have such different personalities that really shine through on the page. Such well-rounded, dimensional characters!
This book wouldn't be what it is without the extraordinary plot and worldbuilding. The wonderfully set up atmosphere of the story, combined with the extremely detailed world, made for a kickass story. Elise really outdid herself with the worldbuilding in this one. The writing also contributed to the excellent worldbuilding. It really helped further immerse the reader into the story. It was excellent, as per usual.
In conclusion, if you're a fantasy or steampunk fan, then The Alchemists of Loom is sure to delight you. This is a world where the magical and the mechanical collide. Although it took me a while to acclimate to it, the world is wonderfully built and the atmosphere is wonderfully set up. The characters are very dimensional, with distinct personalities that really shine through on the page. Also, their relationship dynamics were very intriguing to read about. The Alchemists of Loom has it all -- a highly intelligent, unapologetic protagonist, an action-filled plot, an elaborate world, and superb writing. I'm so glad Elise Kova blessed us with this!
Follow me on my blog, Book Whizz | Bloglovin' | Twitter
Wow. It's a known fact that Elise Kova's [b:Air Awakens|23127048|Air Awakens (Air Awakens, #1)|Elise Kova|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1432967839s/23127048.jpg|41912170] series is one of my all-time favorite books. So you'd understand why I had doubts about going into a whole new world (without Vhalla & Aldrik!) Fortunately, these doubts were unfounded. This was an extremely captivating book, and it was nothing like [b:Air Awakens|23127048|Air Awakens (Air Awakens, #1)|Elise Kova|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1432967839s/23127048.jpg|41912170]! I was blown away by the complexity of the world & characters. The imagination and creativity needed must've been off the charts! Round of applause to Elise!
When I first started reading, I may have struggled a bit to get past the first 10-20% of the book. This was probably because it took a while to familiarize myself with the world & its characters. Seriously, when I say the world was complex, I mean it. It's overwhelming to a reader who usually sticks to YA Fantasy. This is high fantasy. However, when I got past the beginning & really started to connect to the characters, I was hooked. The book is told in the alternating POVs of Arianna, Cvareh, and Florence (and occasionally, Leona).
Don't expect the characters in this book to be the warm, heroic type, because they certainly aren't. They all come from different backgrounds and have their own agendas. Everyone is cutthroat as hell. I really grew to love everyone, though. Especially Arianna. The way Arianna's character is written at the beginning makes it hard for the reader to really connect with or even like her. However, as the story unfolds, we get glimpses into her past which really helps the reader put together a clearer picture of Ari. In a way, she reminded me of Celaena from ToG and Arya Stark from GoT.
My favorite thing about this book is the slow burn relationship of Ari and Cvareh. I'm a sucker for the enemies-to-reluctant-friends-to-lovers(¿) trope. I loved how hot and cold Ari's attitude was toward Cvareh at times and I absolutely loved how Cvareh wasn't having any of Ari's shit. Their relationship dynamic was really intense & complicated. There are obviously still quite a few secrets between them; I'm excited to see where they're headed in the next book! They're no Vhalla and Aldrik, but I still absolutely adored them.
Of course, Ari & Cvareh's isn't the only amazing relationship. The dynamic between Cvareh, Florence, and Ari was phenomenal; I loved reading their interactions! They all have such different personalities that really shine through on the page. Such well-rounded, dimensional characters!
This book wouldn't be what it is without the extraordinary plot and worldbuilding. The wonderfully set up atmosphere of the story, combined with the extremely detailed world, made for a kickass story. Elise really outdid herself with the worldbuilding in this one. The writing also contributed to the excellent worldbuilding. It really helped further immerse the reader into the story. It was excellent, as per usual.
In conclusion, if you're a fantasy or steampunk fan, then The Alchemists of Loom is sure to delight you. This is a world where the magical and the mechanical collide. Although it took me a while to acclimate to it, the world is wonderfully built and the atmosphere is wonderfully set up. The characters are very dimensional, with distinct personalities that really shine through on the page. Also, their relationship dynamics were very intriguing to read about. The Alchemists of Loom has it all -- a highly intelligent, unapologetic protagonist, an action-filled plot, an elaborate world, and superb writing. I'm so glad Elise Kova blessed us with this!
Follow me on my blog, Book Whizz | Bloglovin' | Twitter
brittrichardsofficial's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
5.0
This was the weirdest mix of fantasy and steampunk, and I am so here for it! I loved this world that Elise Kova created, it is so complex and the way things work are just coming to be understood at the very end of book one. All of the characters felt like I knew them, that they were real people, and I can't wait to get to know them more in the second book. Ari and Cvareh have come a long way, and I can't wait to see how their relationship grows. And I am looking forward to seeing Florence come into her own!
eli_sa's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
This is very different from the rest of Elise Kova's books, and I LOVE IT!
the world building is truly something I have not read before and i love LOVE the characters and the intricality of their pasts.
If I wasn't stressed I would have given this 5⭐️, but mentally I'm out of it so I'm not fully obsessed yet.
the world building is truly something I have not read before and i love LOVE the characters and the intricality of their pasts.
If I wasn't stressed I would have given this 5⭐️, but mentally I'm out of it so I'm not fully obsessed yet.