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timinbc's review against another edition
3.0
This one's a tad more complex than most. Her background continues to influence her actions, and we are never quite sure what powers she has or how strong they are (except for an ongoing feeling that it's probably going to end two books away in Only She Can Save The World, but not until a major Oh My Gosh How Will She Ever Get Out Of This? ).
Along with all the worn-out magic-school warrior-school stuff, we have a far-too-common trope here: a series of increasingly invincible fighters, who of course our feeble heroines could never possibly oppose -- until, of course, they do.
So it's a bit of a formula book. Nothing wrong with that, many best-selling books, movies and songs are formula work. But I save my higher ratings for stories that reach farther - such as Ancillary Justice, or more recently City of Brass.
But I award a point for the rather chaotic ending, which leaves an opening for some more complexity in book two.
I'm left with questions. Was this written to become a movie? Was this aimed at a YA audience, or general? WIll I read book two, or look for Lawrence's earlier work, which has earned some praise in the reviews here?
pennyroyaltea's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
evek26's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
swaye's review against another edition
2.0
veraann's review against another edition
5.0
Dark Fantasy.
Book one of a trilogy.
Nona, a young girl about to hang for murder (of a man that is still alive?) Is "rescued" by a nun. She is brought to a convent of other girls, all with some powers of one or more of the 4 bloodlines. These girls are trained in combat, assassination and devotion to the ancestor.
We see this world fully through Nona's eyes. What she knows, hears, and sees is what the reader gets. It makes for slowly building understanding of the world. It also makes for great PoV reading.
This was an enjoyable read that did a great job of really staying in the PoV. It was slow at times but had enough to figure out when the action was low to stay interesting. There were also some action packed scenes. It is definitely a lot of build up for what is to come and setting up the world and "factions" within it.
snoopydoo77's review against another edition
4.0
I can’t believe I finally finished this book. It seemed like I was reading this book forever and a day …. but I can say even though it took me forever, I really enjoyed this book.
It did take me a bit to get into the book. But once I did, I was super invested in Nona and her people....
The worldbuilding is kind of slow and I liked that.
We have few characters and it's hard to tell in the beginning who is important and who is not.... But really, they all are.
The magic system is slowly throughout the whole book explained. We pretty much learn with Nona which I liked, that way it was not so overwhelming all the time.
It was hinted since the beginning that there is more to Nona than what we know and I hope you are not in a hurry, because it takes the whole book until we get to that. And I'm sure there will be even more that we didn’t know.
I really liked Nona, she learns quick on some areas and other things not so much. But one thing is for sure, she is super loyal to the people she cares about.
I often forgot that Nona and her friends are just kids and very young because they do seem very mature.
This book is hard to review... so I make it short, it’s a slow paced very detailed and brutal world that is easy to get lost in. The characters and their journey never stop to surprise you as there are many plot twists along the way.
The end kind of confused me and it felt like at the end the pace just sped up, like we went from 0 to 50 within a few pages... I think the next book will be a lot faster as well. I'm also super worried about Nona and can't wait to read the rest and see what happens to her and the rest of the group.
Overall, even though it took me forever and I had my moments of confusion with this book I really enjoyed it. I do recommend this book but read it when you have time and don’t need to rush otherwise, I think it might be a bit much and overwhelming as the world is a little bit more complex in the beginning.
I’m sorry this review is so super jumbled but I just had a hard time reviewing this book
I rate it 4 ★
lyraparledor's review against another edition
Moderate: Child death
kkrinzel412's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
stacey_unchecked's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I absolutely loved this story. I read it in one day, that's how invested I became in Nona's journey. This is brutal and definitely has some sections that are hard to read. But...it's also inspiring and hopeful.
There are elements of found family, growth and betrayal.
I didn't find one word out of place or unnecessary. Brilliant.