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beccaalina's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I don't know if it was the German translation or if the book is written for 8 year olds. The language is very easy, the sentences are short, and I can't say why, but sometimes it just sounds weird.
Adraa, at first, is very annoying, naive, stubborn, and bossy. In the course of the novel, she grows up and becomes more responsible. Overall, her intentions are always good.
While there has been some misleading and miscommunication, the problem is solved with one talk instead of dragging it out.
Jatin's love for Adraa seems a bit dramatic, though. They have been hanging out for what, a month when Adraa gets hurt and he completely loses his mind?
The story is interesting, though, and I am still not sure what is really going on.
Adraa, at first, is very annoying, naive, stubborn, and bossy. In the course of the novel, she grows up and becomes more responsible. Overall, her intentions are always good.
While there has been some misleading and miscommunication, the problem is solved with one talk instead of dragging it out.
Jatin's love for Adraa seems a bit dramatic, though.
The story is interesting, though, and I am still not sure what is really going on.
susannah_h's review against another edition
5.0
10 out of freaking 10 - I wish I could give it more stars!
Reading this book felt like curling under a favorite blanket, drinking some coffee, watching the sunrise...idk just absolute comfort to the max! The book felt so wonderfully familiar, even though I'd never read it before. Not to make it sound like it was predictable or dull, just a big relaxing sigh. I fell in love with the characters so fast: Adraa is the character so many authors try to write but fail at so hard. She is determined, but she has her insecurities, she has layers, and meaningful relationships with other characters that don't feel shallow. Jatin is the first love interest that I have actually really liked in forever, reading his character made me realize how many other love interests I really just didn't like that much, he simply rose above. Plus he is the biggest SIMP. And we love that for a man. It's a dual pov book (absolute dub) and he just simps so hard for her. I always hate in books when the narrater is like "and he loved her so much" but then like so many of his actions contradict that?? and then it sends off a weird message. The readers get to see the process of Jatin falling in love with Adraa and then transform into a total simp (but like on the down-low, he keeps it cool). Also a man with insecurities??!! Sign me up! We love to see it! So often they aren't presented with any real fears or insecurities, and even if they are, they come off as immature and just not well written.
Both Jatin and Adraa have just normal real teenage fears, insecurities, and anxieties. This is a book for teens, about teens who actually behave like teens (what a novel idea, it's so hard to find in this world).
To me, this book is the closest I've felt to reading a Tamora Pierce book. And she is the master of writing a thoughtful, endearing, well paced, teen novel that actually feels like it is about teenagers.
This is one of those books (one of my favorite types), where the ending of the story almost doesn't matter. I mean, obviously it does, but(!) most of the main story telling and important details and developments, happen way before then. The point of this story to me was the beginning and the middle. I could pick up this book and sop up all the incredible banter, world building, and characters for the first 350 pages and not feel a crazy drive to finish. That sounds really strange written out but I don't know how else to put it and I wouldn't have it any other way.
This is definitely going on my comfort reread rotation and I can't wait to come back to it. I can't recommend this book enough and I am so excited to read the second in the duology.
Reading this book felt like curling under a favorite blanket, drinking some coffee, watching the sunrise...idk just absolute comfort to the max! The book felt so wonderfully familiar, even though I'd never read it before. Not to make it sound like it was predictable or dull, just a big relaxing sigh. I fell in love with the characters so fast: Adraa is the character so many authors try to write but fail at so hard. She is determined, but she has her insecurities, she has layers, and meaningful relationships with other characters that don't feel shallow. Jatin is the first love interest that I have actually really liked in forever, reading his character made me realize how many other love interests I really just didn't like that much, he simply rose above. Plus he is the biggest SIMP. And we love that for a man. It's a dual pov book (absolute dub) and he just simps so hard for her. I always hate in books when the narrater is like "and he loved her so much" but then like so many of his actions contradict that?? and then it sends off a weird message. The readers get to see the process of Jatin falling in love with Adraa and then transform into a total simp (but like on the down-low, he keeps it cool). Also a man with insecurities??!! Sign me up! We love to see it! So often they aren't presented with any real fears or insecurities, and even if they are, they come off as immature and just not well written.
Both Jatin and Adraa have just normal real teenage fears, insecurities, and anxieties. This is a book for teens, about teens who actually behave like teens (what a novel idea, it's so hard to find in this world).
To me, this book is the closest I've felt to reading a Tamora Pierce book. And she is the master of writing a thoughtful, endearing, well paced, teen novel that actually feels like it is about teenagers.
This is one of those books (one of my favorite types), where the ending of the story almost doesn't matter. I mean, obviously it does, but(!) most of the main story telling and important details and developments, happen way before then. The point of this story to me was the beginning and the middle. I could pick up this book and sop up all the incredible banter, world building, and characters for the first 350 pages and not feel a crazy drive to finish. That sounds really strange written out but I don't know how else to put it and I wouldn't have it any other way.
This is definitely going on my comfort reread rotation and I can't wait to come back to it. I can't recommend this book enough and I am so excited to read the second in the duology.
lilykjohnson's review against another edition
5.0
If you want Miraculous Ladybug in a fantasy book, this should be your next read. So so excited to read the next one.
sydney_arcuri's review against another edition
2.0
After reading this book right after the We Free the Stars, I think the publishing company was wrong in saying this book was for fans of Hafsah Faizal. This book is written by a white author so therefore is not an #Ownvoices book, but since I think it is important for white authors to incorporate more diversity in their stories I still wanted to give it a try.
To say the least I was let down.
I want to note that by no means necessary can I speak on behalf of South Asian readers, since those are the demographics represented in the books. And if I am wrong on any of my feelings please let me know!
With that said, I personally felt that Swift cherry-picked aspects of South Asian religion and culture that fit within her story. Or she just simply changed aspects in order to fit into her would. Which, I feel like can be done correctly; however, I don't see why she didn't just create a whole new world that featured South Asian characters? Like you can still have diverse representation without appropriating an already existing culture. I feel that it is very important for white authors to diversify their stories, but should also be aware that they shouldn't capitalize on other cultures.
Now, moving on to the actual story content.
I just thought it was childish and boring.
Sure the magic system was cool, but it took a backseat to the somewhat insta-love romance. I just couldn't buy into the fact that after a one-time meeting, they cared for each other, or the fact that no one in either kingdom recognized either of them.
Since this is Swift's debut novel, maybe by the time the sequel comes out she will make improvements in her representation and story telling, but in a way I kind of doubt it. I perosnally don't see myself reading the sequel or any other books from the Wickery universe.
To say the least I was let down.
I want to note that by no means necessary can I speak on behalf of South Asian readers, since those are the demographics represented in the books. And if I am wrong on any of my feelings please let me know!
With that said, I personally felt that Swift cherry-picked aspects of South Asian religion and culture that fit within her story. Or she just simply changed aspects in order to fit into her would. Which, I feel like can be done correctly; however, I don't see why she didn't just create a whole new world that featured South Asian characters? Like you can still have diverse representation without appropriating an already existing culture. I feel that it is very important for white authors to diversify their stories, but should also be aware that they shouldn't capitalize on other cultures.
Now, moving on to the actual story content.
I just thought it was childish and boring.
Sure the magic system was cool, but it took a backseat to the somewhat insta-love romance. I just couldn't buy into the fact that after a one-time meeting, they cared for each other, or the fact that no one in either kingdom recognized either of them.
Since this is Swift's debut novel, maybe by the time the sequel comes out she will make improvements in her representation and story telling, but in a way I kind of doubt it. I perosnally don't see myself reading the sequel or any other books from the Wickery universe.
imairis's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
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
4.5
lillanaa's review against another edition
5.0
This book was received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I had a lot of fun with this one! Teen fantasy is always one of my soft spots, and the world building is interesting enough even without one of my favourite magic system concepts. I'm a nerd for magic to do with colour in the first place, and the way it's done here hooked me. There's definitely a solid ending, but enough opening for the sequel, which I'm now absolutely hype for.
Adraa and Jatin are both my kind of characters; hilarious, self aware, but also learning their way through their situation. The contrasts between them makes their relationship perfect, and that slow burn hits the spot every time.
This is definitely not one to miss!
I had a lot of fun with this one! Teen fantasy is always one of my soft spots, and the world building is interesting enough even without one of my favourite magic system concepts. I'm a nerd for magic to do with colour in the first place, and the way it's done here hooked me. There's definitely a solid ending, but enough opening for the sequel, which I'm now absolutely hype for.
Adraa and Jatin are both my kind of characters; hilarious, self aware, but also learning their way through their situation. The contrasts between them makes their relationship perfect, and that slow burn hits the spot every time.
This is definitely not one to miss!
books4susie's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great start to an incredible fantasy story. Two young royal heirs are arranged to be married and their first meeting isn't a smooth one. Nine years have passed with the occasional letter written between them. Neither is looking forward to the day when they will once again meet. When Jatin switches places with his guard and unknowingly meets his fiance Adraa, the two become intrigued by each other not knowing their true identities.
Working together to uncover the criminal underworld, the two begin to fall for one another as a threat to their kingdoms and their futures, looms large on the horizon. Eager fans will be left waiting for the final installment in this Indian-inspired fantasy.
Working together to uncover the criminal underworld, the two begin to fall for one another as a threat to their kingdoms and their futures, looms large on the horizon. Eager fans will be left waiting for the final installment in this Indian-inspired fantasy.
merciful_archivist's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
avaandbooks's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0