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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
Full disclosure, I skimmed most of this book.
The world building was the best part of this book. The beats and the magic system used to tame and utilize them was very unique and enjoyable to read about. I think I would have preferred an entire book dedicated to charmers.
That being said, that was about all I liked. The female protagonist was an interesting “mix” between a pure being made entirely of marshmallows and rainbows and a... badass? I guess? There were random points where she acted tough and above it all. The male protagonist is a LOT to unpack. He has a curse that kills the people he cares about ... if he admits to those feelings and feels them too strongly. This man kills people by catching feelings and can save them by repressing his emotions. I just feel like there’s a metric ton of shit to unpack there.
Full disclosure, I skimmed most of this book. The writing really started to get to me and it seems (from my skimming mind you) that it is about 150 pages too long. 4/17 2 out of 5.
The world building was the best part of this book. The beats and the magic system used to tame and utilize them was very unique and enjoyable to read about. I think I would have preferred an entire book dedicated to charmers.
That being said, that was about all I liked. The female protagonist was an interesting “mix” between a pure being made entirely of marshmallows and rainbows and a... badass? I guess? There were random points where she acted tough and above it all. The male protagonist is a LOT to unpack. He has a curse that kills the people he cares about ... if he admits to those feelings and feels them too strongly. This man kills people by catching feelings and can save them by repressing his emotions. I just feel like there’s a metric ton of shit to unpack there.
Full disclosure, I skimmed most of this book. The writing really started to get to me and it seems (from my skimming mind you) that it is about 150 pages too long. 4/17 2 out of 5.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for the e-ARC and opportunity to review Kingdom of Exiles. All opinions are my own.
IT’S NOT YOU, IT’S ME.
BLOG || INSTA
I dearly wanted to love this, the synopsis was interesting. I had read some good reviews, I was SET to love this…and then I didn’t. But I also didn’t hate it. So please take this review in that light.
First off, HIGH STAKES POKEMON. That is what thought popped in my head and I could not get it out. Leena (and other Charmers) charm these creatures into being their friend and staying with them. They use them for a handful of reasons and care for each other, so yes, if you are even a tiny bit of a Pokemon fan, you can’t miss the similarities. I actually really loved this. It was fun getting to see all of the creatures and I wish we could have learned more about them!
My biggest turn-off was the instant attraction. Noc is supposed to be an assassin after her, and literally after their first run in he’s forgotten that was his job. Immediately they both (dual POV) talk about how attractive, brave, etc. each other is and I didn’t have long enough to get behind their relationship so I felt like I was continually playing catch-up.
I liked the world-building. Maybe could have been more intricate though it was an enjoyable time as Leena, Noc + crew moved throughout the country to achieve plot goals. I really got a sense for the towns and the way most things worked. It’s an easy read overall and easy to keep going. I really loved the side characters that were with Noc (his other assassin friends). They were fun, had different personalities and forged great friendships with Leena.
As far as the plot goes, things were way too easy. For instance, this beast that Leena needed to catch to prove her innocence happened in a few paragraphs, and nothing even went wrong. There was so much build-up to how dangerous and deadly this could be…but it wasn’t. The same thing happened with Noc. His own personal issue was taken away from him so simply!? I actually doubted that it had happened because I thought there was no way it was that effortless.
I know it’s only book one, so I understand some things get left out for later installments. I was missing more backstory (and story in general), from everyone. Based off of how the story played out I believe this information is coming in book two. So while I was bummed, I get it. I also missed general explanations of some things that jumped out of nowhere.
Overall audience notes:
- Adult fantasy romance
- Language: a bit of strong language
- Romance: kisses make-outs, and [personally the only other thing I had trouble with and skipped over] a few way too explicitly detailed love scenes
- Violence: physical, animals, poison, magic, knives, torture
IT’S NOT YOU, IT’S ME.
BLOG || INSTA
I dearly wanted to love this, the synopsis was interesting. I had read some good reviews, I was SET to love this…and then I didn’t. But I also didn’t hate it. So please take this review in that light.
First off, HIGH STAKES POKEMON. That is what thought popped in my head and I could not get it out. Leena (and other Charmers) charm these creatures into being their friend and staying with them. They use them for a handful of reasons and care for each other, so yes, if you are even a tiny bit of a Pokemon fan, you can’t miss the similarities. I actually really loved this. It was fun getting to see all of the creatures and I wish we could have learned more about them!
My biggest turn-off was the instant attraction. Noc is supposed to be an assassin after her, and literally after their first run in he’s forgotten that was his job. Immediately they both (dual POV) talk about how attractive, brave, etc. each other is and I didn’t have long enough to get behind their relationship so I felt like I was continually playing catch-up.
I liked the world-building. Maybe could have been more intricate though it was an enjoyable time as Leena, Noc + crew moved throughout the country to achieve plot goals. I really got a sense for the towns and the way most things worked. It’s an easy read overall and easy to keep going. I really loved the side characters that were with Noc (his other assassin friends). They were fun, had different personalities and forged great friendships with Leena.
As far as the plot goes, things were way too easy. For instance, this beast that Leena needed to catch to prove her innocence happened in a few paragraphs, and nothing even went wrong. There was so much build-up to how dangerous and deadly this could be…but it wasn’t. The same thing happened with Noc. His own personal issue was taken away from him so simply!? I actually doubted that it had happened because I thought there was no way it was that effortless.
I know it’s only book one, so I understand some things get left out for later installments. I was missing more backstory (and story in general), from everyone. Based off of how the story played out I believe this information is coming in book two. So while I was bummed, I get it. I also missed general explanations of some things that jumped out of nowhere.
Overall audience notes:
- Adult fantasy romance
- Language: a bit of strong language
- Romance: kisses make-outs, and [personally the only other thing I had trouble with and skipped over] a few way too explicitly detailed love scenes
- Violence: physical, animals, poison, magic, knives, torture
A tale of friendship, love for animals, and simmering attraction set in a fantastical world as exotic and vibrant as Lord of the Rings.
I melted over and over again at the animal taming scenes, and how much Leena cared for her beasts! The obstacles between her and Noc were unimaginably high and nail biting, and I was really won over by the extended cast and the group of assassins that became like family to her. This whole world is beautifully described and detailed, from each fantastically creative beast to the landscapes that are just a bit more colorful and magical than those of our world. It was truly immersive and I could see this series growing to be a huge, beloved fantasy world one day with a loyal following of fans who know every beast and can map the whole world from memory. A+ fantasy!
I received an early copy of this, and voluntarily left a review of my honest feedback.
I melted over and over again at the animal taming scenes, and how much Leena cared for her beasts! The obstacles between her and Noc were unimaginably high and nail biting, and I was really won over by the extended cast and the group of assassins that became like family to her. This whole world is beautifully described and detailed, from each fantastically creative beast to the landscapes that are just a bit more colorful and magical than those of our world. It was truly immersive and I could see this series growing to be a huge, beloved fantasy world one day with a loyal following of fans who know every beast and can map the whole world from memory. A+ fantasy!
I received an early copy of this, and voluntarily left a review of my honest feedback.
Read for the March Bibliovert Patreon Book Buddy Read :)
Overall enjoyable, but found the worldbuilding kind of abrupt and awkward, especially at the beginning, though it never truly smoothed out. I kind of wish the book had been entirely from Leena's perspective, I found Noc a bit too much of a hopeless narrator, especially for someone who was supposed to be decades old. Definitely ruined his tough assassin facade. Plot "twists" were also fairly predictable.
All that being said, it was an ultimately entertaining book once I made it through the first 100-150 pages but not enough so that I'll finish the series, especially since the remainder of the series is YA vs NA -- although to be fair, I don't think the difference will be that noticeable, the pacing and issues faced by the MCs were very YA in nature (not a critique, per se, just an observation).
Overall enjoyable, but found the worldbuilding kind of abrupt and awkward, especially at the beginning, though it never truly smoothed out. I kind of wish the book had been entirely from Leena's perspective, I found Noc a bit too much of a hopeless narrator, especially for someone who was supposed to be decades old. Definitely ruined his tough assassin facade. Plot "twists" were also fairly predictable.
All that being said, it was an ultimately entertaining book once I made it through the first 100-150 pages but not enough so that I'll finish the series, especially since the remainder of the series is YA vs NA -- although to be fair, I don't think the difference will be that noticeable, the pacing and issues faced by the MCs were very YA in nature (not a critique, per se, just an observation).
3.5
This was hella original and entertaining. The world, the Beast realm, all of it was so entertaining.
My biggest complaint was that though I was always interested, the first half of the book was really slow to get through.
This was hella original and entertaining. The world, the Beast realm, all of it was so entertaining.
My biggest complaint was that though I was always interested, the first half of the book was really slow to get through.
When I saw this book up for review on Bookish First, I knew then and there I needed to read it. Fantasy and romance are my favorite genres, so I knew I needed to pick up this book immediately. I was fortunate enough to have enough points to guarantee me a spot on the ARC review team, and I waited not so patiently to get this book.
When this book arrived, I nearly fell over in excitement simply because the cover is so incredibly beautiful. I couldn't wait to dive in & see if the story lived up to the cover. Fortunately for me, the story was gorgeous. Kingdom of Exiles is the first book in the Beast Charmer series, and it set up a beautiful world that I can't wait to explore in more books. The description of the world itself is enough to keep me coming back. Maxym M. Martineau knows how to make it feel like you're there exploring the cities and forests side by side with the characters.
Not only were the descriptions on point, but the characters had depth. Each character was well written and added fantastic elements to the story. They each had a reason to be there, and I loved seeing the chemistry between Leena & Noc. Leena's character arc was probably one of my favorite storylines that I have read this year. I felt so deeply for her. It was as if she was my best friend. I rooted for her, I cried for her, and I laughed with her. I also really loved Noc. He was a mystery that I wanted to solve. I enjoyed each character and loved the relationship between all of them.
All in all, this is one of my favorite books that I have read this year. The characters were well developed, and the plot was fun and unique. I loved everything about it. If you like fantasy & romance, this is the book for you.
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
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:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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