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triquiss's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
ketchuplisa's review against another edition
5.0
Aaaah, I would love to directly read the next part, but it unfortunately has to wait for me 1000 kilometers away until the end of the week.
This novel was so intense, thrilling, it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time, even throughout the slower paced parts.
It had awesome, fierce, complex characters in it I am very glad I do not have to change positions with. I have no idea how Kiersten White accomplished to make me care for Lada and Radu, given the choices they have to make and the sacrifices they have to accept.
I love how this is a story inspired by events having happened in the past and historical figures who are brought to live again through it.
I think it is amazing, how there were still funny elements to be found, inspite of the intensity of the story.
This is not a very helpful review, I just wanted to let out my most urgent thought about this novel.
This novel was so intense, thrilling, it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time, even throughout the slower paced parts.
It had awesome, fierce, complex characters in it I am very glad I do not have to change positions with. I have no idea how Kiersten White accomplished to make me care for Lada and Radu, given the choices they have to make and the sacrifices they have to accept.
I love how this is a story inspired by events having happened in the past and historical figures who are brought to live again through it.
I think it is amazing, how there were still funny elements to be found, inspite of the intensity of the story.
This is not a very helpful review, I just wanted to let out my most urgent thought about this novel.
cathyatratedreads's review against another edition
4.0
Now I Rise follows the diverging paths of the siblings Radu and Lada, alternating between their viewpoints and experiences in two different places. But the sultan Mehmed and his actions loom large over both of them through the whole book. As a full-scale war draws ever nearer in Constantinople, both Lada and Radu are affected. What are they each willing to sacrifice of their ambitions, of their beliefs, of their loyalties to each other and to Mehmed? And will victory be hollow?
This book is a strong follow-up to And I Darken. I still wonder how the story will conclude, and how much Lada will become a truly depraved and horrific person, like Vlad the Impaler, whom she is patterned after. I’m ever curious to see how this all plays out.
* I received an advance reader’s e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/rise-conquerors-saga-young-adult-book-review/
This book is a strong follow-up to And I Darken. I still wonder how the story will conclude, and how much Lada will become a truly depraved and horrific person, like Vlad the Impaler, whom she is patterned after. I’m ever curious to see how this all plays out.
* I received an advance reader’s e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/rise-conquerors-saga-young-adult-book-review/
vorpalblad's review against another edition
4.0
This book is fascinating both as a historical novel and in its character development. Now I Rise is the continuation of And I Darken. Lada has been given permission by Mehmed, the sultan, to become Prince of Wallachia, while Radu continues to work for Mehmed in a crucial, but undercover capacity that finds him separated from Mehmed almost completely.
Both Lada and Radu begin by thinking they have achieved what they wanted, but they grow to learn that nothing is ever as black-and-white as it seems. This is the novel where both Lada and Radu become adults, working in the grey areas of life, weighing their achievements against their costs. And the costs are significant. Both betray people they care about. Both are betrayed by the people they love. In the end, they both realize that they are strongest when they are together, yet it cannot be. I'm excited to see if White will reunite them in the third book.
White does a wonderful job of intertwining these stories with the monumentally significant fall of Constantinople. We see the failing end of the Byzantine Empire next to the might of an Ottoman Empire on the rise. But while this is a turning point for history, White manages to bring the reader in to a personal, and therefore more immediate, feel for the battle for the city.
The pacing is furious and the two story lines balance each other perfectly. Even if you prefer YA fantasy to historic fiction, you'll probably find a familiar story pacing that keeps you turning the pages well into the night.
Both Lada and Radu begin by thinking they have achieved what they wanted, but they grow to learn that nothing is ever as black-and-white as it seems. This is the novel where both Lada and Radu become adults, working in the grey areas of life, weighing their achievements against their costs. And the costs are significant. Both betray people they care about. Both are betrayed by the people they love. In the end, they both realize that they are strongest when they are together, yet it cannot be. I'm excited to see if White will reunite them in the third book.
White does a wonderful job of intertwining these stories with the monumentally significant fall of Constantinople. We see the failing end of the Byzantine Empire next to the might of an Ottoman Empire on the rise. But while this is a turning point for history, White manages to bring the reader in to a personal, and therefore more immediate, feel for the battle for the city.
The pacing is furious and the two story lines balance each other perfectly. Even if you prefer YA fantasy to historic fiction, you'll probably find a familiar story pacing that keeps you turning the pages well into the night.
bailo2's review against another edition
5.0
So. Freaking. Good. I loved the first one. It was my favorite book I read last year. Somehow this book was even better. If you like Hunger Games or Game of Thrones, I cannot recommend this book enough. I was on the edge of my seat in the best of ways. I felt the characters were already super fleshed out to begin with and they got pushed to new heights. The author tackles some huge subjects: religion, war, death, family, homosexuality, female empowerment. But it's so thoughtful and provoking in a way that doesn't push an agenda. This saga is completely underrated and much better written than many of the hyped up YAs.
pantsreads's review against another edition
3.0
2.5/5
I would really dislike this series if the books were just about Lada. For all her viciousness, her parts of the novel are boring. Thankfully, they're offset with Radu's chapters, which—for all their frustration-causing pining moments—are actually exiting. (Plus, he's got Nazira, who's my fave.)
Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult.
I would really dislike this series if the books were just about Lada. For all her viciousness, her parts of the novel are boring. Thankfully, they're offset with Radu's chapters, which—for all their frustration-causing pining moments—are actually exiting. (Plus, he's got Nazira, who's my fave.)
Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult.
libreroaming's review against another edition
5.0
Engaging and wonderfully dark continuation of Lada and Radu's costly journey to their hearts' desires.
rachelbookdragon's review against another edition
5.0
Though I mostly consumed this book via audiobook, I did finish it in its written form and it was wholly delightful. Another great installment of Lada and Radu’s lives. They are maturing so fast and it is fascinating to see the paths they travel to become rather vicious in their own rights. They certainly progressed as characters and antiheroes in their various campaigns.
I loved the introduction of spitfire characters like Daciana. Nazira is a continual delight. And the cannon-builder is a genius, strong woman who somehow is given a chance in this story.
The siege was brutal, and the devastation clear on both sides.
As a whole, I love how this book filled with turmoil and murder also has moments of delight and laughter, and teen angst. I’m excited for the third book in the series to cap this all off.
I loved the introduction of spitfire characters like Daciana. Nazira is a continual delight. And the cannon-builder is a genius, strong woman who somehow is given a chance in this story.
The siege was brutal, and the devastation clear on both sides.
As a whole, I love how this book filled with turmoil and murder also has moments of delight and laughter, and teen angst. I’m excited for the third book in the series to cap this all off.
roseanswers's review against another edition
5.0
There is so much i want to say but i cant but just know that i love Radu and Cyprian and Fatima and Nazira and Lada with all my heart!!!!!!!!!!!
357h3r's review against another edition
5.0
I think these are such great book and I don't know why I did not read them before now.
I would not recommend for kids under the age of 13
I would not recommend for kids under the age of 13