Reviews

On a narrative level, this book was awesome. Deep political intrigue, well-realized characters with complex motivations, and a serious plot spanning nations. I also liked the magic to augment the plot without overshadowing the roles of the characters.

But I just can't get behind the worldbuilding at all. I don't usually go for fantasy stories that take place on earth, but this was even worse because it's not supposed to be earth, it's just like earth in every way and has real earth mythologies. The story was good enough to keep me reading, but I would have preferred this story in any other setting.

beabalm's review against another edition

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the funniest thing about this is if you take two steps back you’re forced to confront that the whole book is centered around the question “what if the french were descendants from jesus’s child and were all otherworldly beautiful” and then you just have to deal with that.

sohara's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

crystalstarrlight's review against another edition

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4.0

Bullet Review:

A fun fantasy (more like alternate history) of a courtesan, Phedre, and the intricate political uprising plot she uncovers.

If you don't like some BDSM and rough play along with some gory/violent scenes, put the book down and walk away. Also it's long, sometimes really slow and very, VERY intricate. But it's a great fantasy story starring a wonderful female character.

I do plan to read more of this series, but I have other obligations and series to finish first. Plus, after listening to this for probably 2 months, I need a break.

vahala's review against another edition

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challenging emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

lucardus's review against another edition

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3.0

Das Buch hat mich nicht über die volle Länge halten können. Es gab irgendwann nicht mehr die Erwartung, dass Überraschendes passieren könnte oder ich komplexere Handlung zu erwarten hätte. Aus den sicherlich vorhandenen Möglichkeiten macht mir die Autorin zu wenig. Ich habe abgebrochen, nachdem ein "Problem" einfach durch Gesang gelöst, das nächste Kapitel eine ähnlich simple Lösung bereithielt. Das reicht mir dann insgesamt nicht, um meine Neugier und die Spannung aufrechtzuerhalten, zumal die Welt an sich nicht viel anders als Europa ist, nur die Namen sind verballhornt. Ich war zuletzt dann eher gelangweilt.

kayay's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes

4.25

carlacbarroso's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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