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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
I have to say, this book had me HOOKED. I really liked the different passions, the plot overall (even though I could predict a good chunk of it, especially with the family trees at the start), and the friendship and found family between the characters. The focus on a Queens Realm, putting the daughters at the forefront, was really nice to see, so the only main issue I had was the fact that the main love interest is her teacher
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I realized too late that I’m simply not the audience for this author. I didn’t enjoy the world building at all and found I had way more questions than answers and engagement. The “twist” was incredibly predictable (i didn’t realize it was a twist — wasn’t it foretold in the first few chapters?? did we not see that coming???) and the romance was icky. I found the depth of the characters nonexistent and overall just forced myself to finish it.
medium-paced
slow-paced
Strong character development:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is dense in world-building and not in a way I loved. I did, however, enjoy the sisterhood at the school and the vibes that came with it. Some of the plotting was also convoluted and unrealistic.
**SPOILER**
Is she really in love with someone she calls "Master"??? He also met her when she was a CHILD! I got icky vibes from this romance...
**SPOILER**
Is she really in love with someone she calls "Master"??? He also met her when she was a CHILD! I got icky vibes from this romance...
I really liked it... at first. The world building was amazing. This felt like a vidid, real world you were stepping into. I really liked the writing and the pace. While I didn't really love the main character, I as quite charmed by her supporting cast.
But about 1/4 of the way through the book, this changed. The new characters we were introduced to felt very bland and two-dimensional. Not fully fleshed out people but cardboard cutouts meant to fit specific roles. The pacing was slow and the actual events felt unnecessary. Half the chapters felt like they could have been removed without altering the book one bit.
Despite this, I forced myself to finish the book. I was really getting into it in the start. Surely this was just a bad patch. Unfortunately, this was not the case. The twists were incredibly predictable and the characters continued to disappoint. Frankly, I'm not sure finishing the book was worth my time.
I considered giving this rating one star, as it was almost unreadable. I decided on two, however, due to my initial high interest. This book simply had so much potential. I would love to see more stories in this world or involving -some- of the characters. But not if they're written like this. This was unbearable.
But about 1/4 of the way through the book, this changed. The new characters we were introduced to felt very bland and two-dimensional. Not fully fleshed out people but cardboard cutouts meant to fit specific roles. The pacing was slow and the actual events felt unnecessary. Half the chapters felt like they could have been removed without altering the book one bit.
Despite this, I forced myself to finish the book. I was really getting into it in the start. Surely this was just a bad patch. Unfortunately, this was not the case. The twists were incredibly predictable and the characters continued to disappoint. Frankly, I'm not sure finishing the book was worth my time.
I considered giving this rating one star, as it was almost unreadable. I decided on two, however, due to my initial high interest. This book simply had so much potential. I would love to see more stories in this world or involving -some- of the characters. But not if they're written like this. This was unbearable.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Once I finished Divine Rivals I knew I had to read more by this author. I wasn’t disappointed. There is something about her writing and dialogue that I genuinely like. It’s simple but almost lyrical. She paints a vivid picture with her words and they flow so smoothly. This book was entertaining and enjoyable if not particularly groundbreaking (expected as I think it’s her first book). The characters are interesting and likable, if a touch one-dimensional. The world and its lore are unique. The plot is fun and easy to follow. The pacing was solid the whole way through. Though it is the first in a duology it stands well on its own.
While this book does take a bit of time to get to the actual plot of the story, it was still enjoyable to read. The journey and choices Brienna has made were full of twists and turns!
This fight for queens to be on the throne was epic! Now I’m ready to read the sequel to see what unfolds next.
This fight for queens to be on the throne was epic! Now I’m ready to read the sequel to see what unfolds next.