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razalicious's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Alcoholism, Death, Torture, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Confinement, Violence, Blood, Sexual content, and Injury/Injury detail
crinkledmochi's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I enjoyed this book and will definitely read the next one to see what happens but some of the twists and turns were kinda obvious and the characters could’ve been a little more fleshed out
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Suicide attempt, Gore, Blood, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Alcoholism, Self harm, Panic attacks/disorders, Colonisation, Death, Drug use, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Xenophobia, Trafficking, Torture, Genocide, Addiction, Vomit, War, and Sexual content
lunaviolet's review against another edition
4.5
Initial Thoughts: This author knew the story she wanted to tell and how to tell it. I look forward to seeing more of the stories she has to tell.
Full Review:
Melissa Blair knew what story she wanted to tell and told it well. I could not put this book down.
The world was so immersive and well thought out. I felt like this book hit the perfect balance between fantastical and realistic world building. It was grounded in reality despite being set in an entirely different world. The exploration of social structures and colonialist societies was grounded in reality while the fantastical settings lifted the text out of the real world, allowing for a facade of surface level escapism.
The main character's internal dialogue and struggles with morality and identity is where the book (and Blair's writing) really shine. Her self-hatred and internal conflict felt very realistic and well written.
If you enjoy high-fantasy novels exploring the aftermath of ethnic cleansing and dipping into the politics of a colonized land, you'll love this book.
Full Review:
Melissa Blair knew what story she wanted to tell and told it well. I could not put this book down.
The world was so immersive and well thought out. I felt like this book hit the perfect balance between fantastical and realistic world building. It was grounded in reality despite being set in an entirely different world. The exploration of social structures and colonialist societies was grounded in reality while the fantastical settings lifted the text out of the real world, allowing for a facade of surface level escapism.
The main character's internal dialogue and struggles with morality and identity is where the book (and Blair's writing) really shine. Her self-hatred and internal conflict felt very realistic and well written.
If you enjoy high-fantasy novels exploring the aftermath of ethnic cleansing and dipping into the politics of a colonized land, you'll love this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm and Alcoholism
Moderate: Colonisation
Minor: Death and Genocide
Aftermath of ethnic cleansing and colonialismstormbringer52's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
My thoughts toward this book are complicated.
The beginning is incredibly heavy. It felt like the author was relying too much on exposition, using it to try and cram how bad the world is down our throats rather than actually showing us. It made living in this world seem almost cartoonishly horrible withdescriptions of dead and starving people lining the streets . This method undercut the characterization of both the protagonist, Keera, and the major antagonist, King Aemon.
With Keera, the author was simultaneously making sure we knew that she was a badass but also beating us over the head with the fact that her life as the King’s Blade has been horrific. Like with the world, this was mostly told to us. Keera's internal monologue switches back and forth between arrogant bravado and utter despair in a way that feels disjointed and unconvincing.I also found it unrealistic that she had been the King's best assassin for 30 years but had been a raging alcoholic for 20 of those years, but that is neither here nor there. Keera's exposition gives us a clear picture of who King Aemon is, showcasing the terrible things he has done and how he feels no remorse over them. This sets him up as a good antagonist. However, in the narrative itself, he is presented simply as a monarch who is stressed about the existence of a rebellious force within his kingdom. We do not actually see him perform any horrendous acts.
However, as the book progresses, the presentation of events becomes more balanced. We leave behind Keera's downtrodden monologue and are actually brought into the present, watching events unfold. We actually meet characters who are impacted by events, and Keera starts to show the effects of her life rather than just tell them to us. The actual plot of the book is revealed, and it is intriguing and compelling. It became interesting. Keera improved as a character for me when she was part of an ensemble cast and had to interact with others.
Now, it is a romantasy book. The romance subplot actually develops somewhat naturally, but it is completely tarnished by inappropriate moments of sexual tension that detract from otherwise serious scenes. The relationship between the leads starts from a point of mutual mistrust, and they gradually get closer as assumptions are broken down. There is a steady progression of the relationship that would otherwise be compelling. However, the constant horniness presenteven during their first fight scene is a major disappointment. Rather than adding anything to these moments, it was a complete disruption that undermined what should have been a tense scene. At one point, I wanted to throw my book across the room.
The book has potential. The plot is interesting, and the cast is diverse and complex. However, the heavy exposition at the beginning and the inappropriate sexual tension completely tarnish it for me. I can't help but leave reading the book with a sour taste in my mouth.
The beginning is incredibly heavy. It felt like the author was relying too much on exposition, using it to try and cram how bad the world is down our throats rather than actually showing us. It made living in this world seem almost cartoonishly horrible with
With Keera, the author was simultaneously making sure we knew that she was a badass but also beating us over the head with the fact that her life as the King’s Blade has been horrific. Like with the world, this was mostly told to us. Keera's internal monologue switches back and forth between arrogant bravado and utter despair in a way that feels disjointed and unconvincing.
However, as the book progresses, the presentation of events becomes more balanced. We leave behind Keera's downtrodden monologue and are actually brought into the present, watching events unfold. We actually meet characters who are impacted by events, and Keera starts to show the effects of her life rather than just tell them to us. The actual plot of the book is revealed, and it is intriguing and compelling. It became interesting. Keera improved as a character for me when she was part of an ensemble cast and had to interact with others.
Now, it is a romantasy book. The romance subplot actually develops somewhat naturally, but it is completely tarnished by inappropriate moments of sexual tension that detract from otherwise serious scenes. The relationship between the leads starts from a point of mutual mistrust, and they gradually get closer as assumptions are broken down. There is a steady progression of the relationship that would otherwise be compelling. However, the constant horniness present
The book has potential. The plot is interesting, and the cast is diverse and complex. However, the heavy exposition at the beginning and the inappropriate sexual tension completely tarnish it for me. I can't help but leave reading the book with a sour taste in my mouth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Alcoholism, Genocide, Death, and Slavery
Moderate: Trafficking, Murder, Sexual harassment, Suicidal thoughts, and Classism
Minor: Physical abuse and War
datgirllani's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
sad
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? No
5.0
“I do not pretend to know the details of your pain, but I know the weight of it. I will not judge you for how you lighten the load.”
The best fantasy book I’ve ever read. And I don’t even like fantasy. I can’t even pick what my favorite part of the book is. The writing? The characters? The plot? The themes/tropes? I picked this book up and finished in one sitting, that’s how invested I was in it. The main character is so badass that you get jealous. She knows how to put people in their place and isn’t afraid to do. She does what needs to be done and doesn’t take shit from anybody. She’s a critical thinker, quick witted, ruthless yet merciful, unyielding, I could go on and on about how an amazing character she is. I love this author’s way of writing, some books feel as if they came straight from Wattpad but the flow of the writing keeps you roped in, reading seamlessly. For this being her first book she did amazing. If you love a true enemies to lovers then look no further. I’m talking about both wanting the other dead and willing to do anything to do it. Add in the slow burn of their romance and it’s chefs kiss. Bonus point for the plot twist. If you like fantasy, you will love this book. READ IT!
The best fantasy book I’ve ever read. And I don’t even like fantasy. I can’t even pick what my favorite part of the book is. The writing? The characters? The plot? The themes/tropes? I picked this book up and finished in one sitting, that’s how invested I was in it. The main character is so badass that you get jealous. She knows how to put people in their place and isn’t afraid to do. She does what needs to be done and doesn’t take shit from anybody. She’s a critical thinker, quick witted, ruthless yet merciful, unyielding, I could go on and on about how an amazing character she is. I love this author’s way of writing, some books feel as if they came straight from Wattpad but the flow of the writing keeps you roped in, reading seamlessly. For this being her first book she did amazing. If you love a true enemies to lovers then look no further. I’m talking about both wanting the other dead and willing to do anything to do it. Add in the slow burn of their romance and it’s chefs kiss. Bonus point for the plot twist. If you like fantasy, you will love this book. READ IT!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Grief, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Murder, and Sexual content
Moderate: Blood, Vomit, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Kidnapping, and Torture
taynation's review
adventurous
inspiring
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? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Alcoholism, and Violence
Moderate: War and Drug abuse
Minor: Death, Death of parent, Child death, and Child abuse
_alyssar_'s review
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Physical abuse, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Self harm, Classism, Grief, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, and Violence
Minor: Drug use, Suicide attempt, Trafficking, Gore, Torture, Domestic abuse, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Body horror, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Slavery
mickiepags's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Self harm
mgodkin1's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Maybe trying to annotate and sticky tab as I read was my mistake but trying to do so made every flaw and boring sentence glaringly obvious. I gave up about 70 pages in when I realized I was begging the author to show and not tell (or to simply please just stop explaining things twice in a row oh my god) and suggesting full sentence rewrites. I'm not some famous author so what does it matter if I disagree with the prose in the grand scheme of if someone ELSE would like this book or not, but holy cow I was bored.
If you don't have the space to be empathetic towards someone with an alcohol dependency you may struggle with liking the main character. I recognize the beauty in focusing on that kind of struggle in a MC's journey but I wasn't actually expecting it to play so center stage for some reason.
I found almost all the twists to be very predictable, probably because everything was over explained any chance the author got.
Once I decided I'd stop annotating and start to "turn my brain off"/try to enjoy it for the story it is/speed read, I still had a tough time loving or even liking this book. It was fine.
Those who say it is like FBAA from JLA are more correct in terms of pacing and skill. Those who say it is similar to TOG from SJM are right only in that we have a magical realm with a king's assassin who lost a loved one and is traumatized. I wouldn't say there's anywhere near the same level of intrigue, sass from the FMC, or emotion in the writing in general. Or worldbuilding tbh.
and I have no idea why people are saying its super spicy. it was like a 🌶️🌶️ at MOST.
TL/DR; cool idea, terrible execution
If you don't have the space to be empathetic towards someone with an alcohol dependency you may struggle with liking the main character. I recognize the beauty in focusing on that kind of struggle in a MC's journey but I wasn't actually expecting it to play so center stage for some reason.
I found almost all the twists to be very predictable, probably because everything was over explained any chance the author got.
Once I decided I'd stop annotating and start to "turn my brain off"/try to enjoy it for the story it is/speed read, I still had a tough time loving or even liking this book. It was fine.
Those who say it is like FBAA from JLA are more correct in terms of pacing and skill. Those who say it is similar to TOG from SJM are right only in that we have a magical realm with a king's assassin who lost a loved one and is traumatized. I wouldn't say there's anywhere near the same level of intrigue, sass from the FMC, or emotion in the writing in general. Or worldbuilding tbh.
and I have no idea why people are saying its super spicy. it was like a 🌶️🌶️ at MOST.
TL/DR; cool idea, terrible execution
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm and Alcoholism
Moderate: Death, Torture, and Xenophobia
chrisb913's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Please read the trigger warnings.
This was an absolute fantastic read from start to finish. Everything from the character growth and the world building was on point.
We start off the story with Keera, the Blade to the King and leader of his Arsenal. As the story progresses we see Keera struggle not only with her personal flaws but her commitment to the King. The character development of Keera through out the book had me desperate to continue the story.
This story has a little bit of everything. Lots of action, a mystery surrounding what is truly happening in the kingdom, a fantastic slow burn enemies to lovers subplot, and an absolute badass master assassin that is not ONLY a FMC but truly feels as though they have earned that title. Melissa writes Keera in such a way that truly outshines many other popular female lead assassin books out on the market today.
This is the first of the four book saga and i will absolutely be continuing on with this story. The first three books are out now and I HIGHLY recommend you pick this up and give it a try.
This was an absolute fantastic read from start to finish. Everything from the character growth and the world building was on point.
We start off the story with Keera, the Blade to the King and leader of his Arsenal. As the story progresses we see Keera struggle not only with her personal flaws but her commitment to the King. The character development of Keera through out the book had me desperate to continue the story.
This story has a little bit of everything. Lots of action, a mystery surrounding what is truly happening in the kingdom, a fantastic slow burn enemies to lovers subplot, and an absolute badass master assassin that is not ONLY a FMC but truly feels as though they have earned that title. Melissa writes Keera in such a way that truly outshines many other popular female lead assassin books out on the market today.
This is the first of the four book saga and i will absolutely be continuing on with this story. The first three books are out now and I HIGHLY recommend you pick this up and give it a try.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Slavery, Alcoholism, Racism, Addiction, Alcohol, Classism, Colonisation, Death, Self harm, and Xenophobia