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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I've been on a fantasy romance kick lately, so I was eager to sink my teeth into Kingdom of Exiles. The world was intriguing, the abilities of the Charmers were a lot of fun and the Cruor assassins were promising. Lots of potential to this story, and the finale was pretty good, I liked how Noc's quest to rid himself of his curse intersected with Leena's past, and we were treated to a gripping showdown.
But I was really disappointed by the romance in this book. I wonder if it might have worked better as a single POV from Leena, dealing with Noc's hot and cold antics and wondering what the hell his deal is. Instead, we know what his deal is quite quickly, and I found it really jarring that he fell for Leena so suddenly. He is frequently marvelling at her bravery, her abilities, her determination... But his first encounter with her is someone who nearly murdered his best friend? It never felt believable that they would fall for each other so fast, and the depth of feeling come the end of the novel felt like it belonged in a sequel in order to be a bit more earned. What can I say, I love a slow burn that gives you plenty of reasons for why love has been found.
Another gripe is that there is a trend in fantasy romance for a lone magical woman, with super special powers that make her stand out anyway, to go off on an adventure with a bunch of dudes that don't trust her to begin with. Of course, she will win them over with her awesomeness, and one will fall in love with her because of course they will. It would have been so easy for Oz or the other guy who wasn't Kost (sorry, forgot his name!) to be a woman, as there are female assassins in existence. As much as I love seeing a strong romance, it's great to see female friendships too, especially considering that Leena has been isolated for so long, and her troubled past is defined by a man.
Moans aside, I do want to read the sequel, as there was lots of potential here and the world was unusual and engaging. I just won't approach the sequel with quite the same enthusiasm as I did with this book.
But I was really disappointed by the romance in this book. I wonder if it might have worked better as a single POV from Leena, dealing with Noc's hot and cold antics and wondering what the hell his deal is. Instead, we know what his deal is quite quickly, and I found it really jarring that he fell for Leena so suddenly. He is frequently marvelling at her bravery, her abilities, her determination... But his first encounter with her is someone who nearly murdered his best friend? It never felt believable that they would fall for each other so fast, and the depth of feeling come the end of the novel felt like it belonged in a sequel in order to be a bit more earned. What can I say, I love a slow burn that gives you plenty of reasons for why love has been found.
Another gripe is that there is a trend in fantasy romance for a lone magical woman, with super special powers that make her stand out anyway, to go off on an adventure with a bunch of dudes that don't trust her to begin with. Of course, she will win them over with her awesomeness, and one will fall in love with her because of course they will. It would have been so easy for Oz or the other guy who wasn't Kost (sorry, forgot his name!) to be a woman, as there are female assassins in existence. As much as I love seeing a strong romance, it's great to see female friendships too, especially considering that Leena has been isolated for so long, and her troubled past is defined by a man.
Moans aside, I do want to read the sequel, as there was lots of potential here and the world was unusual and engaging. I just won't approach the sequel with quite the same enthusiasm as I did with this book.
So. I just started reading this today, and I was really enjoying it. Went to look up the other books in the series - and that’s when I found out the series suddenly went YA?! What the actual fuck? I mean, sure, there is a place for YA, and I’m glad it gets kids reading. But why does every second fantasy book I see have to cater to the YA crowd all of a sudden? I want adult stories, dammit! And THIS series really takes the prize. Turning YA after starting out adult - even being rewritten so it could be re-released as YA. It is beyond infuriating. I can’t even rate it right now. Too worked up. Whoever was responsible for this should have their head examined. Ffs.
We’re a couple of days later, and I don’t know what happened, but at about three quarters of the book, I started to fall asleep. Not even sure if I will finish it now. I love the beasts, and I love the idea of the assassins, but the whole family thing and love story kinda fell flat. Three stars, and I’ll probably leave it at that.
Yep. I marked it as read, but I probably won't finish it.
We’re a couple of days later, and I don’t know what happened, but at about three quarters of the book, I started to fall asleep. Not even sure if I will finish it now. I love the beasts, and I love the idea of the assassins, but the whole family thing and love story kinda fell flat. Three stars, and I’ll probably leave it at that.
Yep. I marked it as read, but I probably won't finish it.
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
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:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“It’s safer to love someone who’ll never have the opportunity to break your heart.”
adventurous
funny
I tore through this 450+ page book while on vacation and I really enjoyed it. It was recommended by my friend Amber, and she got me hooked by stating it had the feel of the Fantastic Beasts franchise. I will say, the writing is a little scattered and redundant, but there is a TON of world building and I enjoyed the banter of the assassins and the creatures Leena tames. While I enjoyed the read, I'm torn about continuing the series- I'll let you know if I do- based on the struggle I did have with the gaps in the writing.
***I received this ARC courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
Title: Kingdom of Exiles
Series: The Beast Charmer #1
Author: Maxym M. Martineau
Release date: June 25, 2019
Cliffhanger: yes
Genre: fantasy, paranormal romance
Kingdom of Exiles is the first in the Beast Charmer series and I'm so happy I took a chance to read this debut.
Kingdom of Exiles is a treat for every fantasy lover who enjoys a complex magical world with a heavy dose of romance and a surprising amount of steam. I loved the creativity, the beasts, who all had their own personality, and the characters that brought this world to life.
I look forward to continuing with The Beast Charmer series next year with The Frozen Prince.
Title: Kingdom of Exiles
Series: The Beast Charmer #1
Author: Maxym M. Martineau
Release date: June 25, 2019
Cliffhanger: yes
Genre: fantasy, paranormal romance
Kingdom of Exiles is the first in the Beast Charmer series and I'm so happy I took a chance to read this debut.
Kingdom of Exiles is a treat for every fantasy lover who enjoys a complex magical world with a heavy dose of romance and a surprising amount of steam. I loved the creativity, the beasts, who all had their own personality, and the characters that brought this world to life.
I look forward to continuing with The Beast Charmer series next year with The Frozen Prince.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes