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3.35 AVERAGE
3.35 AVERAGE
Even after like my fourth reread and having known all the twists and turns I still turned each page with bated breath. I love how this story was crafted and it's one of my favorite fantasy standalones.
Characterization was weak and shallow. I kept reading because the mystery was intriguing (and I didn't predict the solution until shortly before it was revealed). However, by the last third of the book, I was scanning rather than reading every word.
Interesting main character. Definitely not a chick you'd want to mess with. The sister is fantastic. However, the characters could use a bit better development. It's a short book and, therefore, limited in depth. Still enjoyable and fun.
I really enjoyed the underscoring of non-human reactions and decisions by Isabel, the central character, and while I thought the climactic reversal came a little too quickly, I do think it resolved all the outstanding questions well. The paranormal/magical/fantastic elements to this world Cypess has created are at once subtle and brazen, and are welcome for their uniqueness. I am excited to read the companion book (and hope that, despite the lack of indication in the blurb) that we see more of Isabel/Rokan or the Shifter at a different time in her timeline in it.
Interesting story of a guiding spirit that protects a royal family.
I really enjoyed this-so glad there will be another one. It reminded me very much of Maria V. Snyder's Poison Study series. A little magic, a little bit of legend, and a little bit of court politics. Very cool!
NOTE: I didn't know about this book until I won a signed bookmark in a giveaway, so if author's are wondering: swag works. I feel so lucky to have won because I probably would not have known to read it otherwise!
NOTE: I didn't know about this book until I won a signed bookmark in a giveaway, so if author's are wondering: swag works. I feel so lucky to have won because I probably would not have known to read it otherwise!
I was actually pretty glad to be done with this book. It wasn't bad, exactly, but it definitely wasn't great. It was slightly boring and confusing, and I just couldn't get into it.
It's vague mentions of what really happened "that night" throughout the book kept me reading just to find out the truth. Which was quite unexpected actually. Somewhat well written with decent characterization, it told a unique version of the time old tale of usurped kings and rightful heirs, with a small twist of fateful love thrown in for good emotional measure. All in all a good read.