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hopeglow's review against another edition
3.0
2.5
I am so conflicted with this novel.
I am for one completely done with YA and their beautiful, lyrical, metaphorical poses. It is one thing to write beautifully, it is another to toss in so many metaphors and similes to the point where everything is over bearing and I couldn't comprehend it.
I am also done with insta-love. Teenage me would have died for something like that but not anymore. Give me reasons, it doesn't necessarily have to be good or out of this world amazing reasons but at least something. I am tired of reading about the protagonist's heart beating out of her chest or she can't breathe because she saw the love interest. Or she hardly knows the love interest at all but something in her guts, the very small deep part of her guts telling her to trust this complete and utter stranger. (This is basically half of the book, and I understood why insta-love was used here but I am so done with it I can't excuse it anymore).
Diversity! The best thing about the book but even that can't save this book frlom my low rating.
The plot was... what is the plot really? Besides them being fated to be together? The world building wasn't as strong as I hoped it would be, either, I found myself confused and wish that my questions were addressed. Then there are the characters. I'd always say that the characters are the key foundation in story-telling. And if the authors are able to give me good characters, I can forgive the storyline or bad writing. But, the characters here are so flat. I couldn't find myself connecting or caring enough. (Even though I did care about Maya in the beginning, that interest was lost through one-third of the book). I wanted to reach the end simply because I was curious to see if I was right about how the story was going to play out. And I was.
There's also the girl-hate trope that plays a role in the last half of the book. *Rolls Eyes to the back of my head* I am so done with that.
So despite all of the hype and the crazy that have been following this novel around, it was clearly not for me. Although I will check out Chokshi other works in the future to see what else she has to share with her readers.
I am so conflicted with this novel.
I am for one completely done with YA and their beautiful, lyrical, metaphorical poses. It is one thing to write beautifully, it is another to toss in so many metaphors and similes to the point where everything is over bearing and I couldn't comprehend it.
I am also done with insta-love. Teenage me would have died for something like that but not anymore. Give me reasons, it doesn't necessarily have to be good or out of this world amazing reasons but at least something. I am tired of reading about the protagonist's heart beating out of her chest or she can't breathe because she saw the love interest. Or she hardly knows the love interest at all but something in her guts, the very small deep part of her guts telling her to trust this complete and utter stranger. (This is basically half of the book, and I understood why insta-love was used here but I am so done with it I can't excuse it anymore).
Diversity! The best thing about the book but even that can't save this book frlom my low rating.
The plot was... what is the plot really? Besides them being fated to be together? The world building wasn't as strong as I hoped it would be, either, I found myself confused and wish that my questions were addressed. Then there are the characters. I'd always say that the characters are the key foundation in story-telling. And if the authors are able to give me good characters, I can forgive the storyline or bad writing. But, the characters here are so flat. I couldn't find myself connecting or caring enough. (Even though I did care about Maya in the beginning, that interest was lost through one-third of the book). I wanted to reach the end simply because I was curious to see if I was right about how the story was going to play out. And I was.
There's also the girl-hate trope that plays a role in the last half of the book. *Rolls Eyes to the back of my head* I am so done with that.
So despite all of the hype and the crazy that have been following this novel around, it was clearly not for me. Although I will check out Chokshi other works in the future to see what else she has to share with her readers.
aprilreads_andwanders's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this. The writing was just lovely and eloquent. Indian Mythology is whimsical, lush, and vibrant...full of epic quests and adventures and full of fantastical beasts and creatures. I appreciated the way Chokshi paid homage to that and she without a doubt did it justice.
The marriage of Roshani Chokshi's lyrical, poetic writing, an intriguing, well crafted world, the blending if Indian Mythology with touches of Hades/Persephone, and intricate multidimensional characters is a win! Can't wait to see what this author has in store next!
The marriage of Roshani Chokshi's lyrical, poetic writing, an intriguing, well crafted world, the blending if Indian Mythology with touches of Hades/Persephone, and intricate multidimensional characters is a win! Can't wait to see what this author has in store next!
taylormayriley's review against another edition
3.0
A quick read full of beautiful imagery. The plot is a bit shallow, but the writing style kept me interested. Overall, worth picking up!
crhogan's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
rachel86's review against another edition
The main character is annoying and the book is very predictable.
cvsuthie's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, so this is a REALLY difficult book to rate. It's unlike anything I've ever read before. I had some issues following the plot but that was probably because of my reading style and not the actual book. I personally didn't think it was too purple-prosey, apart from a couple weird sentences, and I actually really enjoyed the lush writing, but I definitely understood why people would have issues with it. I flew through this book in one or two sittings I think and it was definitely a quick, entertaining read. Because this is such a weird unique book, I'm not going to take into account any of the technical or execution aspects and only rate it based on how much I enjoyed it, which gives this one a solid 4 stars.
If you enjoyed The Wrath & The Dawn, I guarantee you are going to like this book as well. If you're not a big fan of epic fantastical worlds and romances, maybe this one isn't for you.
If you enjoyed The Wrath & The Dawn, I guarantee you are going to like this book as well. If you're not a big fan of epic fantastical worlds and romances, maybe this one isn't for you.
celiapowell's review against another edition
3.0
Beautiful, almost dream-like fantasy - a little too heavy on the luscious description for my taste, but still a lovely fable-like novel.
crwild's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
janeserenity's review against another edition
5.0
I won this book in a giveaway here on goodreads. It took me two days to finish it and I'm speechless. I've never read a book so beautifully written or so intricate. I recommend it to any fantasy lover. Great read!