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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Some of the most original world-building I’ve seen, but that wasn’t enough to overcome flat characters and uneven pacing in this plot-driven fantasy, the first installment in a series.
Thanks to Tundra Books and Libro.fm ALC for the opportunity to hear the audiobook.
Thanks to Tundra Books and Libro.fm ALC for the opportunity to hear the audiobook.
Interesting premise. I saw the twist coming. Middle graders that can handle a little violence/body horror would be fine with this one especially considering what actually is happening is not bloody at all.
Very good for a first book!
The action is amazingly described, the world building is soo cool. And the whole concept of origami as a power is amazing!!!
Though the plottwist were quite easily detectable. When the reveal of Haru being a shikigami came, the thought of Kurara also being one already formed in the back of my mind. And when Kurara leaves the ship in Sola-Il to find Himaru, i already know how the fight is going to end if i really think about it. I generally think it's because of the interludes and the multiple povs. Because if there were no interludes, it would keep the mystery of the antagonist alive and there could be more speculation about what will happen in the future. It would keep options open.
Because of the interludes you get to know Rei, and at the end Kurara doesn't even acknowledge him and just forgets about him. So the whole build up of Rei's character and his goal crumbles. All his character building was for nothing.
But i know there is a sequel, so i hope that it gets resolved. Otherwise, idk. Not the smartest move i guess, it would be nice to have soms things nicely tied up without any questions.
The action is amazingly described, the world building is soo cool. And the whole concept of origami as a power is amazing!!!
Though the plottwist were quite easily detectable. When the reveal of Haru being a shikigami came, the thought of Kurara also being one already formed in the back of my mind. And when Kurara leaves the ship in Sola-Il to find Himaru, i already know how the fight is going to end if i really think about it. I generally think it's because of the interludes and the multiple povs. Because if there were no interludes, it would keep the mystery of the antagonist alive and there could be more speculation about what will happen in the future. It would keep options open.
Because of the interludes you get to know Rei, and at the end Kurara doesn't even acknowledge him and just forgets about him. So the whole build up of Rei's character and his goal crumbles. All his character building was for nothing.
But i know there is a sequel, so i hope that it gets resolved. Otherwise, idk. Not the smartest move i guess, it would be nice to have soms things nicely tied up without any questions.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Bloody brilliant. Shame this isn't even out yet - means the wait for a sequel will be even longer
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
2.5 stars.
(Here are some content warnings. Nothing in this review).
Going to keep this short but basically, I was a bit underwhelmed by Rebel Skies.
The world Ann Sei Lin builds is fun and grand and has so much scope, and I particularly loved the paper-wielding magic that sets said world apart from so many others. I was instantly intrigued by the protagonist's power because of its originality, and I was thus interested to learn how her power developed and contributed to the plot as it did.
I'm struggling to pinpoint why the novel was disappointing despite its fun premise and world. I suppose the writing style wasn't amazing, and nor were the characters. I was a bit confused by the plot at times and easily zoned out during big moments of action. I guess it just didn't grip me the way that I felt it could have.
Having said this, I'll probably give the sequel a go, and hope that things improve. I really truly want to like this series.
(Here are some content warnings. Nothing in this review).
Going to keep this short but basically, I was a bit underwhelmed by Rebel Skies.
The world Ann Sei Lin builds is fun and grand and has so much scope, and I particularly loved the paper-wielding magic that sets said world apart from so many others. I was instantly intrigued by the protagonist's power because of its originality, and I was thus interested to learn how her power developed and contributed to the plot as it did.
I'm struggling to pinpoint why the novel was disappointing despite its fun premise and world. I suppose the writing style wasn't amazing, and nor were the characters. I was a bit confused by the plot at times and easily zoned out during big moments of action. I guess it just didn't grip me the way that I felt it could have.
Having said this, I'll probably give the sequel a go, and hope that things improve. I really truly want to like this series.
The pros:
- Interesting world
- Cool magic
- A few lovely characters
- Lots of action/very fast moving plot
The not so great:
- Needed more editing
- Clunky/juvenile writing
I really wanted to love this - the story and the world are so interesting and fun, but it wasn't executed very well. The writing is stilted and awkward, especially when attempting to solidify the misogyny of the men. The internal monologues from several male POVs are exceptionally cringey, and high stakes moments lose their emotional momentum in the poor writing.
TBD on if I continue the series. I wouldn't try to persuade anyone out of reading it, and younger audiences probably won't notice much of what bogged it down for me; a disappointing read for me, though.
- Interesting world
- Cool magic
- A few lovely characters
- Lots of action/very fast moving plot
The not so great:
- Needed more editing
- Clunky/juvenile writing
I really wanted to love this - the story and the world are so interesting and fun, but it wasn't executed very well. The writing is stilted and awkward, especially when attempting to solidify the misogyny of the men. The internal monologues from several male POVs are exceptionally cringey, and high stakes moments lose their emotional momentum in the poor writing.
TBD on if I continue the series. I wouldn't try to persuade anyone out of reading it, and younger audiences probably won't notice much of what bogged it down for me; a disappointing read for me, though.