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neilsef's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I found this to be a charming, lighthearted tale that was a fun, refreshing read.
The actual plot is quite intriguing and draws from Japanese mythology for its environments and none human characters, which is a stimulating change from most fantasy settings.
There is a romantic element to the story, but it is not overpowering and it does aid the plot while also adding an interesting dynamic to the interaction of the two main characters.
This is a good solid book and well worth reading if you enjoy lighthearted fantasy that has a hint of darkness about it.
The actual plot is quite intriguing and draws from Japanese mythology for its environments and none human characters, which is a stimulating change from most fantasy settings.
There is a romantic element to the story, but it is not overpowering and it does aid the plot while also adding an interesting dynamic to the interaction of the two main characters.
This is a good solid book and well worth reading if you enjoy lighthearted fantasy that has a hint of darkness about it.
cindeereads's review
5.0
I really loved this book in many ways it reminded me of Inuyasha with how the story was set up and main characters really do resemble the main characters from Inuyasha it was just enough to make an connection I really enjoyed this book looking forward to more. I really loved the characters Suzume and Kaito most of all I really liked the slow burn of the romance that is barely getting started. I really like Suzume's for her independence and her belief that she is hers alone I really liked her overall attitude. I really liked the other characters as well they make for a well rounded story that has so much potential. I really liked the plot with it beginning with Suzume waking the Dragon Kaito it became such as interesting story learning this or that about Suzume and Kaito and the world around them and how it ended up like it did. So overall I loved this book I will be continuing it soon.
briarrose1021's review
4.0
Suzume's life is going great. She lives in a palace, is adored by many, and is betrothed to the general of the military. It's amazing. Right up until it's all taken away from her because her mother's marriage to the Emperor is considered null and void, and the legitimacy of all of her children's birth revoked. Suddenly, Suzume is exiled. No palace, no adoration, no fiance. Instead, she's sent to a small shrine in a remote village to serve as a priestess. With no spiritual pressure.
Life cannot get any worse.
Until it does.
Suzume manages to awaken a dragon who has been sealed away for five hundred years. In addition, When she frees the dragon, she catches fire - but doesn't burn. What?! Yeah. So now Suzume has new powers to try and control, a dragon hell-bent on revenge to stop, and a brand new plan to get back to her old life.
Just as long as everything goes according to plan.
From the blurb, I was really looking forward to reading this book. It started out well. It just never really pulled me in. Suzume kept getting on my nerves with all of her whining and I just didn't really care if she was successful or if she walked off the edge of a cliff. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Dawn Cromwell, and I'm not sure if the problem was just the prose, or if it was the narrator leaning into the self-centeredness of Suzume and making her sound whinier when speaking. This is the first audiobook narrated by Cromwell that I have listened to, so I don't have anything else of hers to compare this one to for clarity on that question. Either way, I found my attention waning in several places and not having any motivation to rewind and listen to the parts again.
Even with waning attention, I still had no problem following the plot, which tells me it was too long. If I can only half-listen to an audiobook and still follow everything that's happening, there's a problem. In the case of this one, a major problem was the repetition. It seemed like at least once a chapter, we got to hear Suzume whine about how terrible her life is, how she wants to get back to her life in the palace, and how her life isn't fair.
Add to that her interactions with the dragon, all of which seemed to go back and forth between "He's never going to see me as me and not a reincarnation of her ancestor who he loved but who also sealed him into the shrine" and "I hate the dragon, he annoys me, I don't ever want to see him again once I get back to my life in the palace." Granted, there were varying levels of each of these extremes, but the back and forth was ANNOYING.
Had I not been reading/listening to this book in exchange for an honest review, I probably would have stopped in before I reached the halfway point and moved on. And that saddens me because I have loved every other book by Nicolette Andrews I have read/listened to.
I don't think this book was bad, it just was not for me - and that's why I'm still giving it 4 stars. The story has good bones, and had I been in the mood to listen to teenager angst, I probably would have enjoyed it more. Unfortunately, from the blurb, I was expecting a lot more action and a LOT less angst, and I was thus disappointed.
I don't know if I'll continue the series or not, but if I do, I will be reading it instead of listening to the audiobook, just in case my issue was the narrator leaning into the whining that turned me off this one.
Life cannot get any worse.
Until it does.
Suzume manages to awaken a dragon who has been sealed away for five hundred years. In addition, When she frees the dragon, she catches fire - but doesn't burn. What?! Yeah. So now Suzume has new powers to try and control, a dragon hell-bent on revenge to stop, and a brand new plan to get back to her old life.
Just as long as everything goes according to plan.
From the blurb, I was really looking forward to reading this book. It started out well. It just never really pulled me in. Suzume kept getting on my nerves with all of her whining and I just didn't really care if she was successful or if she walked off the edge of a cliff. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Dawn Cromwell, and I'm not sure if the problem was just the prose, or if it was the narrator leaning into the self-centeredness of Suzume and making her sound whinier when speaking. This is the first audiobook narrated by Cromwell that I have listened to, so I don't have anything else of hers to compare this one to for clarity on that question. Either way, I found my attention waning in several places and not having any motivation to rewind and listen to the parts again.
Even with waning attention, I still had no problem following the plot, which tells me it was too long. If I can only half-listen to an audiobook and still follow everything that's happening, there's a problem. In the case of this one, a major problem was the repetition. It seemed like at least once a chapter, we got to hear Suzume whine about how terrible her life is, how she wants to get back to her life in the palace, and how her life isn't fair.
Add to that her interactions with the dragon, all of which seemed to go back and forth between "He's never going to see me as me and not a reincarnation of her ancestor who he loved but who also sealed him into the shrine" and "I hate the dragon, he annoys me, I don't ever want to see him again once I get back to my life in the palace." Granted, there were varying levels of each of these extremes, but the back and forth was ANNOYING.
Had I not been reading/listening to this book in exchange for an honest review, I probably would have stopped in before I reached the halfway point and moved on. And that saddens me because I have loved every other book by Nicolette Andrews I have read/listened to.
I don't think this book was bad, it just was not for me - and that's why I'm still giving it 4 stars. The story has good bones, and had I been in the mood to listen to teenager angst, I probably would have enjoyed it more. Unfortunately, from the blurb, I was expecting a lot more action and a LOT less angst, and I was thus disappointed.
I don't know if I'll continue the series or not, but if I do, I will be reading it instead of listening to the audiobook, just in case my issue was the narrator leaning into the whining that turned me off this one.
jules_owlstorm27's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I really liked this! It had a good mix of plot and character development. The characters were all likable and had really fun interactions.
justchelsea's review against another edition
1.0
The characters in this book were so incredibly annoying and unlikable that it ruined the semi-interesting premise.
cindeereads's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved this book in many ways it reminded me of Inuyasha with how the story was set up and main characters really do resemble the main characters from Inuyasha it was just enough to make an connection I really enjoyed this book looking forward to more. I really loved the characters Suzume and Kaito most of all I really liked the slow burn of the romance that is barely getting started. I really like Suzume's for her independence and her belief that she is hers alone I really liked her overall attitude. I really liked the other characters as well they make for a well rounded story that has so much potential. I really liked the plot with it beginning with Suzume waking the Dragon Kaito it became such as interesting story learning this or that about Suzume and Kaito and the world around them and how it ended up like it did. So overall I loved this book I will be continuing it soon.
lunadaea's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my lordy lord. I feel so many things right now. It weird. I don’t like it.
Where the frick do I even begin? How do I start? I have no idea. Just bear with me on this one. It’s going to get weird.
Let the review commence.
Right from the very start I knew I would love this book. One freaking page!! I couldn’t believe how good this book was. There were multiple times I had to put my kindle down and just breathe. With every turning page I was dragged deeper to the point of no return. I am surprised I’m alive. I am in serious book hangover. I might be going insane.
The Priestess and the Dragon is set in the same world as Kitsune, another book I love by this author, but is set a good 500 years later. This came as a massive shock to me. From reading the summary I actually expected it to take place before Kitsune. While I was shocked, I was pleasantly shocked. This whole world is one of my favourites and I’ll be damned if you think I’m going to leave it. You can’t make me.
Our protagonist, Suzume, is one of my favourite characters of all time. She is fiery, passionate and very sarcastic. She is badass is every way. The dynamic between her and Kaito is unbelievable. It’s funny, it’s witty and I found myself laughing whenever they have one of their mini-spats. You have no idea how I felt when I was denied that freaking kiss. I am not one for romance but they are so well suited. The sexual tension was so intense. I genuinely thought that something would happen but NOPE! I was freaking denied. I’m still not over it.
Kaito the freaking Dragon. What a dick. At first. I couldn’t help but love him, even when he wanted to do less than pleasant things to Suzume. That aside, he is one of the best characters in this novel. Wr briefly meet him in Kitsune but we didn’t get to delve into his character. Turns out, he’s actually a pretty decent guy. When he’s not threatening the lives of many.
Speaking of characters… RIN IS BACK!! I literally put the book down and fangirled so hard when we came across her. But that joy was overshadowed by another feeling that I will not say because I’ll relive it and if that happens I’ll never finish this review. Anyway, I was so so so so so happy. As you know I loved Kitsune and to have Rin waltz back into my life was one of the best feelings ever.
This whole book was a new level of feelings. Oh. My. God.
Plot twists. The book was freaking full of them. And they are not the kind of plot twist that you just go “Oh. Okay then.” No! They freaking blew me away. Every time the book took a new turn and a plot twist happened I had to put the book down. I’m not even kidding. I set the kindle down on my bed, left the room and screamed. You think I’m kidding don’t you? I’m not. Ask my mum.
I lost a good couple of nights sleep because of this book. Want a piece of advice? If you think you can read just a couple of chapters before bed, don’t. Do not pick up that book. Go to sleep. Put it way out of temptations way and go the frack to sleep. I’m serious. Also, do not read in public. I still get funny looks when I go into my local Superdrug. Don’t ask.
And now we have the creatures. The Yokai in this world are ones I really do not want to encounter. I actually had a nightmare about the giant spider. I have serious arachnophobia and that spider scene did not help. While it wasn’t scary it was still quite freaky. *shivers* But despite the spider, the Yokai actually, while frightening, are quite interesting. There is a kind of hierarchy of that really intrigues me. There are a lot of lesser Yokai that we meet in this novel and I really can’t wait to see what other Yokai beings we’ll meet in future novels.
The villain, or villains, of this novel are on another level. Especially Hisato. God, is he evil? And the way he was created… Damn that was dark. I was slack jawed the entire chapter. I actually allowed my mother to read it and her face after was awesome. She had this sort of puzzled look on her face. I wish I had taken picture. Anyway, I have to say Hisato is going to be a great villain. He already is but I need more of his antics. They were dastardly, evil and I love every bit. That’s kind of wrong but I can’t help how I feel.
The ending. The freaking ending killed me. Well, technically it isn’t the ending but it’s close to the ending. The showdown was heart stopping. Every blow, every word exchange hit me hard and I held on to my seat with a white knuckle grip. I don’t want t give anything away but there was a moment where Suzume could have been a total bitch and do something very stupid. I’m not going to tell you what happens but trust me, you will be holding your breath through the whole chapter. I swear I lost my shit.
This is perhaps the longest review I’ve ever written. Totally worth every word.
Now. The very last chapter. The fact that something will happen kills me because Suzume, as much as she doesn’t want to admit it, will be heartbroken. Nicolette, I beg you. Don’t break me again. I don’t want the Kazue thing to happen and if it does I may fall into a deep dark pit of book grief and I may never return. Also, Kaito is an idiot. #Kazume (Kaito and Suzume) for the win!
There are still questions I need answers to. Like Suzume’s mother. Why did she really leave?
And who the hell is Kaito’s son? I would love it to be someone who I have previously come across and it’s someone he knows. That would be an epic twist.
I NEED ANSWERS!! Now. Seriously.
If this review hasn’t persuaded you to go and get this book, is there something wrong with you? Have I not stressed enough about how good this book is? How much more will it take?
And if I did persuade you, YAY! Comment down below and we’ll fangirl together.
We need to start a club or something. Nicolette is a fabulous author, one that is totally underrated in my opinion. She has quickly become one of my favourite authors and I seriously cannot wait for book 2 of Suzume’s adventure. Bring it on, Nicolette. I have my war paint on and I’m ready for whatever you throw at me.
Just one last thing.
BUY THE BOOK.
Now.
Okay. I’m done. I swear.
Buy the book!
Where the frick do I even begin? How do I start? I have no idea. Just bear with me on this one. It’s going to get weird.
Let the review commence.
Right from the very start I knew I would love this book. One freaking page!! I couldn’t believe how good this book was. There were multiple times I had to put my kindle down and just breathe. With every turning page I was dragged deeper to the point of no return. I am surprised I’m alive. I am in serious book hangover. I might be going insane.
The Priestess and the Dragon is set in the same world as Kitsune, another book I love by this author, but is set a good 500 years later. This came as a massive shock to me. From reading the summary I actually expected it to take place before Kitsune. While I was shocked, I was pleasantly shocked. This whole world is one of my favourites and I’ll be damned if you think I’m going to leave it. You can’t make me.
Our protagonist, Suzume, is one of my favourite characters of all time. She is fiery, passionate and very sarcastic. She is badass is every way. The dynamic between her and Kaito is unbelievable. It’s funny, it’s witty and I found myself laughing whenever they have one of their mini-spats. You have no idea how I felt when I was denied that freaking kiss. I am not one for romance but they are so well suited. The sexual tension was so intense. I genuinely thought that something would happen but NOPE! I was freaking denied. I’m still not over it.
Kaito the freaking Dragon. What a dick. At first. I couldn’t help but love him, even when he wanted to do less than pleasant things to Suzume. That aside, he is one of the best characters in this novel. Wr briefly meet him in Kitsune but we didn’t get to delve into his character. Turns out, he’s actually a pretty decent guy. When he’s not threatening the lives of many.
Speaking of characters… RIN IS BACK!! I literally put the book down and fangirled so hard when we came across her. But that joy was overshadowed by another feeling that I will not say because I’ll relive it and if that happens I’ll never finish this review. Anyway, I was so so so so so happy. As you know I loved Kitsune and to have Rin waltz back into my life was one of the best feelings ever.
This whole book was a new level of feelings. Oh. My. God.
Plot twists. The book was freaking full of them. And they are not the kind of plot twist that you just go “Oh. Okay then.” No! They freaking blew me away. Every time the book took a new turn and a plot twist happened I had to put the book down. I’m not even kidding. I set the kindle down on my bed, left the room and screamed. You think I’m kidding don’t you? I’m not. Ask my mum.
I lost a good couple of nights sleep because of this book. Want a piece of advice? If you think you can read just a couple of chapters before bed, don’t. Do not pick up that book. Go to sleep. Put it way out of temptations way and go the frack to sleep. I’m serious. Also, do not read in public. I still get funny looks when I go into my local Superdrug. Don’t ask.
And now we have the creatures. The Yokai in this world are ones I really do not want to encounter. I actually had a nightmare about the giant spider. I have serious arachnophobia and that spider scene did not help. While it wasn’t scary it was still quite freaky. *shivers* But despite the spider, the Yokai actually, while frightening, are quite interesting. There is a kind of hierarchy of that really intrigues me. There are a lot of lesser Yokai that we meet in this novel and I really can’t wait to see what other Yokai beings we’ll meet in future novels.
The villain, or villains, of this novel are on another level. Especially Hisato. God, is he evil? And the way he was created… Damn that was dark. I was slack jawed the entire chapter. I actually allowed my mother to read it and her face after was awesome. She had this sort of puzzled look on her face. I wish I had taken picture. Anyway, I have to say Hisato is going to be a great villain. He already is but I need more of his antics. They were dastardly, evil and I love every bit. That’s kind of wrong but I can’t help how I feel.
The ending. The freaking ending killed me. Well, technically it isn’t the ending but it’s close to the ending. The showdown was heart stopping. Every blow, every word exchange hit me hard and I held on to my seat with a white knuckle grip. I don’t want t give anything away but there was a moment where Suzume could have been a total bitch and do something very stupid. I’m not going to tell you what happens but trust me, you will be holding your breath through the whole chapter. I swear I lost my shit.
This is perhaps the longest review I’ve ever written. Totally worth every word.
Now. The very last chapter. The fact that something will happen kills me because Suzume, as much as she doesn’t want to admit it, will be heartbroken. Nicolette, I beg you. Don’t break me again. I don’t want the Kazue thing to happen and if it does I may fall into a deep dark pit of book grief and I may never return. Also, Kaito is an idiot. #Kazume (Kaito and Suzume) for the win!
There are still questions I need answers to. Like Suzume’s mother. Why did she really leave?
And who the hell is Kaito’s son? I would love it to be someone who I have previously come across and it’s someone he knows. That would be an epic twist.
I NEED ANSWERS!! Now. Seriously.
If this review hasn’t persuaded you to go and get this book, is there something wrong with you? Have I not stressed enough about how good this book is? How much more will it take?
And if I did persuade you, YAY! Comment down below and we’ll fangirl together.
We need to start a club or something. Nicolette is a fabulous author, one that is totally underrated in my opinion. She has quickly become one of my favourite authors and I seriously cannot wait for book 2 of Suzume’s adventure. Bring it on, Nicolette. I have my war paint on and I’m ready for whatever you throw at me.
Just one last thing.
BUY THE BOOK.
Now.
Okay. I’m done. I swear.
Buy the book!
originstorytoloveisdestroy's review against another edition
5.0
This novel screams for attention from Inuyasha fans, and it fully delivers. I loved the idea of the Priestess and Dragon's relationship which was formed into an enemies to lovers vibe with the added mixture of her holding the soul of his past lover (aka Kagome and Inuyasha with Kikyo). Overall, a great start and I look forward to seeing more.
katsio_'s review against another edition
5.0
I first found this book when it was still on Watpadd. I wasn't expecting too much from it then but I can honestly say it positively surprised me, as it was a really fun book to read. There were, of course, times when I wanted to slap Suzume for being so childish but I think it's what made the book memorable to me and I'm curious about her character development in the future.