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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
3.5/5
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my HONEST opinion.
This book was such an unexpected joy to read. Though labeled as sci-fi it did remind me more of steampunk fantasy, and you'll hear no complaints out of me because that's the aspect I loved best! Honestly, the beasts were so interesting and I love the way Martineau describes them, she's got a talent for descriptive writing without overwhelming with details. Leena is a great character and the whole cast is except and somewhat diverse in LGBTQ rep which was really nice. It's not often we get a bisexual male main character like Noc, another great character that is a delighted balance to Leena. The side characters are fleshed out well and I might have enjoyed them more than even Leena and Noc! And don't get me started on the plot, it was great and I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2. I'm off to preorder a physical copy now because I plan on rereading and lending this book out quite a bit.
It is a slow burn romance and never loses sight of the plot and really it made it such a great read for me, the pacing was wonderful both in action and romance and the world is lush and creative. Martineau has impressed me and I wish I would have read this sooner!
My only qualms was that it as slightly predictable but that's also why I enjoyed it if that makes sense, there's no major twists or surprises but the joy was in the journey and the beasts.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my HONEST opinion.
This book was such an unexpected joy to read. Though labeled as sci-fi it did remind me more of steampunk fantasy, and you'll hear no complaints out of me because that's the aspect I loved best! Honestly, the beasts were so interesting and I love the way Martineau describes them, she's got a talent for descriptive writing without overwhelming with details. Leena is a great character and the whole cast is except and somewhat diverse in LGBTQ rep which was really nice. It's not often we get a bisexual male main character like Noc, another great character that is a delighted balance to Leena. The side characters are fleshed out well and I might have enjoyed them more than even Leena and Noc! And don't get me started on the plot, it was great and I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2. I'm off to preorder a physical copy now because I plan on rereading and lending this book out quite a bit.
It is a slow burn romance and never loses sight of the plot and really it made it such a great read for me, the pacing was wonderful both in action and romance and the world is lush and creative. Martineau has impressed me and I wish I would have read this sooner!
My only qualms was that it as slightly predictable but that's also why I enjoyed it if that makes sense, there's no major twists or surprises but the joy was in the journey and the beasts.
Martineau has joined the ranks of authors to watch. Kingdom of Exiles is a well-written debut and a powerful start to a new series. No doubt, this book will attract a lot of attention from fellow bookworms. I enjoyed Leena at the beginning. Forced to become streetwise and fend for herself, I was pumped when she squared off with the first assassin sent her way. I found though, as the story evolved away from the initial tough girl to her obsession with Noc, I found her chapters tough to get through until the last quarter of the book.
A rounded, brooding character, I found Noc and his guild to be one of the highlights of the book. The lore behind the guild was interesting and his diverse group of the fellow assassins really grabbed my attention. If you are expecting Assassin’s Creed, then you will probably be let down. This book spends more time building up the Charmer side of the world. I’m expecting Martineau to spend more time with the assassin guild in future books, as she did a fabulous job shaping the side characters (assassins) that travel with Leena and Noc.
I would have preferred less romance and more beast charming action and assassin-y moments but the current trajectory of the story is exciting and the set up for the rest of the series is solid. Conspiracies abound! This is a strong debut, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
**I received an advanced copy of this book for review; all opinions are my own.
A rounded, brooding character, I found Noc and his guild to be one of the highlights of the book. The lore behind the guild was interesting and his diverse group of the fellow assassins really grabbed my attention. If you are expecting Assassin’s Creed, then you will probably be let down. This book spends more time building up the Charmer side of the world. I’m expecting Martineau to spend more time with the assassin guild in future books, as she did a fabulous job shaping the side characters (assassins) that travel with Leena and Noc.
I would have preferred less romance and more beast charming action and assassin-y moments but the current trajectory of the story is exciting and the set up for the rest of the series is solid. Conspiracies abound! This is a strong debut, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
**I received an advanced copy of this book for review; all opinions are my own.