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3.47 AVERAGE
3.47 AVERAGE
Thank you to NetGalley and Daphne Press for the advance reader copy.
I went into this book with very high expectations, especially in regards to the power/magic systems and the world building but came away feeling like there was something missing.
The first 30-40% of the story was a very slow build and at some points I was gong to DNF it but also was hoping for a pick up. We do get that but it feels like the ending was rushed and not enough time taken to flesh out the better part of the book.
I also didnt realise this was a duology, which upon finishing the story makes sense with the ending.
I went into this book with very high expectations, especially in regards to the power/magic systems and the world building but came away feeling like there was something missing.
The first 30-40% of the story was a very slow build and at some points I was gong to DNF it but also was hoping for a pick up. We do get that but it feels like the ending was rushed and not enough time taken to flesh out the better part of the book.
I also didnt realise this was a duology, which upon finishing the story makes sense with the ending.
After creating such a unique magic system, it's a shame the book had such a simple and predictable plot; however, that's not to say it was unenjoyable. While multiple POVs and relationships kept me interested, what could be said in 5 words was almost always said in 20.
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was being kinder to this until I read the author's notes on the book on Goodreads. I want to note this is May's first adult book, and her perceptions may be skewed from working in YA up until now. May mentions that she sees her characters as morally gray, but no, it's very clearly telegraphed who exactly is the baddie here (it's the eeeeevil Empress, spoilers) and any casualties that result can be laid at her feet. Saying sexy things and cutting to black is not three of five chili peppers, it's more like a two of five at the best (but I do want to note that the sex scenes are solid). My broad issue with this is it feels like character sketches pasted over a worldbuilding document, uses some at best bad YA shorthand to try and convey fantasy (there's a dragon in my bones but we won't talk about it much, silver eyes, etc), and feels very black and white about its morality rather than the shades of grey that are desired. It's a mid market fantasy with a dash of romance and doesn't deal with a lot of the realities of Imperial Russia as much as it tries to ape its aesthetics. Better luck next time?
DNF. I couldn't get into it, and I'm not forcing myself to finish books anymore.
3.95 ⭐️
thank you netgalley and daphne press for a review copy!!
This was a really amazing fantasy book!! I thought the magic system was really unique and the characters were really well written. Its told through multiple povs which really helps with the flow of the novel but I did find it felt a bit rushed in the second half and I think it would have been better to split it into two books rather than one. Overall I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to fantasy lovers!!
thank you netgalley and daphne press for a review copy!!
This was a really amazing fantasy book!! I thought the magic system was really unique and the characters were really well written. Its told through multiple povs which really helps with the flow of the novel but I did find it felt a bit rushed in the second half and I think it would have been better to split it into two books rather than one. Overall I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to fantasy lovers!!
I wanted to love this book because when I first read the blurb it had so many things I usually like, but in the end it was an okay read with some parts I thoroughly enjoyed and others that fell a little flat for me. I think my main problem was the pacing, which was slower than what I usually like for a good chunk of the story. This definitely made it a longer reading experience and I found myself a little confused with the worldbuilding at times which is inspired by Imperial Russia. However, I enjoyed the magic and the dragon gods as it was a good concept.
Something I noticed is that the characters said each other’s full names a lot, to the point where it was hard not to notice and I found it a little weird. There were quite a few POVs in this book and I only connected with a couple of them, such as Katya and Galina who are mainly at the palace for most of the story. I also enjoyed the sapphic romance much more than the M/F one, but that’s a personal preference as I’m not one for the “bad boys” anymore.
On a whole it was a good story and while the ending definitely rounds this up to 3.5 stars, I’m not sure it’s enough to bring me back to the world in future.
Something I noticed is that the characters said each other’s full names a lot, to the point where it was hard not to notice and I found it a little weird. There were quite a few POVs in this book and I only connected with a couple of them, such as Katya and Galina who are mainly at the palace for most of the story. I also enjoyed the sapphic romance much more than the M/F one, but that’s a personal preference as I’m not one for the “bad boys” anymore.
On a whole it was a good story and while the ending definitely rounds this up to 3.5 stars, I’m not sure it’s enough to bring me back to the world in future.
I really enjoyed this book. The interactions between the characters were really interesting and i liked the different dynamics each relationship had. The powers were interesting, i wish there was a little more detail about different powers, since we were mostly introduced to the rarer ones, and what exactly sera was holding, but since this is the first instillation maybe that will come later.
TLDR: interesting plot, easy to read, good characters
TLDR: interesting plot, easy to read, good characters
DNFing this at 372 pages/81%, nothing happened for at least 250 pages, and when something does happen, It's not even worth to keep reading…
This reads like a second book of a trilogy, like you're supposed to know the world and characters already. Again, nothing happened for a good chunk of the book, the only thing that kept me reading is Sera and Vitaly (and to some extent Galina and Vasilia), otherwise, not worth the trouble.
This reads like a second book of a trilogy, like you're supposed to know the world and characters already. Again, nothing happened for a good chunk of the book, the only thing that kept me reading is Sera and Vitaly (and to some extent Galina and Vasilia), otherwise, not worth the trouble.
To Cage a God is a spïcy romantasy inspired by imperial Russia. I am so thankful to have received a physical ARC from the author! Featuring not one but TWO romantic storylines (including a sapphic romance!), and of course dragon gods and morally grey characters, this book is absolutely perfect for readers of Fourth Wing and the Grishaverse. To Cage a God is the first installment in this a new duology that I am officially invested in and excited continue!!