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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5/5 stars ✨
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book and man, it didn’t disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed the political games and the subtle hints throughout the book! If you’re a fan of the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard, this is definitely up your alley. The last 50 pages were so intense and action-packed but I loved how it didn’t feel rushed. I did take away 0.5 stars because I wish there was more world building at the beginning of the book. I’m a world building girly, what can I say? I love being thrown directly into the story, but there were definitely times where I was left wondering about certain things and although some more pieces fell into place as the book went on, I still felt there was a little bit missing. But besides that, the plot and story were wonderful and I found myself being sucked into reading for hours at a time. Sar and Lord Gennady have my heart
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book and man, it didn’t disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed the political games and the subtle hints throughout the book! If you’re a fan of the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard, this is definitely up your alley. The last 50 pages were so intense and action-packed but I loved how it didn’t feel rushed. I did take away 0.5 stars because I wish there was more world building at the beginning of the book. I’m a world building girly, what can I say? I love being thrown directly into the story, but there were definitely times where I was left wondering about certain things and although some more pieces fell into place as the book went on, I still felt there was a little bit missing. But besides that, the plot and story were wonderful and I found myself being sucked into reading for hours at a time. Sar and Lord Gennady have my heart
Today іs the release day for War Hour by Lauren Loscig, and I am thrilled tо share my thoughts оn this amazing book. I received an ARC copy from the author, and I was immediately drawn tо the stunning cover photo.
The author has a fantastic writing style. As a fantasy lover, I appreciate the vivid details and the immersive atmosphere оf the story. I was hooked from the first page tо the last, and I never felt bored.
The story іs realistic and original, unlike other books іn the genre. The protagonist іs not a trained fighter, but an ordinary girl who has tо face one challenge after another. I liked how she struggled and adapted, and how she grew as a character. I read the whole book іn two sittings. This іs a great YA fantasy book, and I highly recommend іt tо anyone who enjoys this genre.
The author has a fantastic writing style. As a fantasy lover, I appreciate the vivid details and the immersive atmosphere оf the story. I was hooked from the first page tо the last, and I never felt bored.
The story іs realistic and original, unlike other books іn the genre. The protagonist іs not a trained fighter, but an ordinary girl who has tо face one challenge after another. I liked how she struggled and adapted, and how she grew as a character. I read the whole book іn two sittings. This іs a great YA fantasy book, and I highly recommend іt tо anyone who enjoys this genre.
I received an ARC copy of this book to review. I really liked the concept of the book, and the second half of it was good, with an interesting twist and a pretty good cliffhanger. I thought the pacing in the beginning was odd and lacked a lot of character and relationship building that would have given me a more emotional connection to Lysta and the story. I would have liked the book to be about 50 pages longer in the beginning so it could include more of this. I would have loved to see some internal turmoil in Lysta after her trial and more interactions with Ardis, Torryn, and Sar to really solidify the emotions they feel toward each other. Overall, I still enjoyed reading this book and think this debut author has a lot of potential with this story. I will probably read the rest of the series as it comes out.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Enjoyed the storyline author is new. I think the plot and idea was good just feel like some details that were in the beginning did not relate to anything by the time book was finished. Maybe that will change as it’s a planned series. I did also feel some more editing to tighten up the writing could be used. Overall it was I liked reading it and I would recommend others to who like fantasy and am excited for the next one!
4.5 ⭐️
War Hour is such a tremendous story and a great fantasy palette cleanser. I love the concept of earned powers! The FMC is incredible — strong, brave, and smart. Can’t wait for book two!!!
War Hour is such a tremendous story and a great fantasy palette cleanser. I love the concept of earned powers! The FMC is incredible — strong, brave, and smart. Can’t wait for book two!!!
3.5/5
I would like to start by saying thank you to Lauren for the ARC of her debut novel! I really appreciate the opportunity to get to read and provide my review early.
Overall, I think this was a good debut. The plot and concept of people having to trial in order to gain powers was unique and interesting within the fantasy genre. I also thought the world building was pretty good. However, I was a little surprised there was not more to the trials in order to receive the powers. Especially with the first one, I was shocked it was over that quickly. For me, a common issue I had while reading the book was expecting more aspects of the trials to be more expanded upon while wishing there was a bit less of some character dialogue or description that felt unnecessary. I also had a hard time connecting much with any of the characters besides Torryn and Sar, who I found more interesting than the rest. Sadly, I don't feel like we got enough of them in this story. That could change in the next book, though. I just wanted more from the characters so that it gave me a reason to root for them throughout the story. I was not surprised at all by the betrayal with Evander. I think there were too many hints at him not being the most genuine character for me to be shocked at the twist. Unlike, some of other reviews I've read, I actually was hooked by the story at the beginning instead of feeling like it start slow. It did lull a bit through the middle but picked back up towards the end. Although there were a few things that didn't work for me, I do still believe there is a lot of potential for the series as a whole. I also think this was a fantastic debut and feel the author is going to continue to grow with each book released in the series. I am looking forward to exploring the sequel and hopefully getting some answers following THAT cliffhanger!
I would like to start by saying thank you to Lauren for the ARC of her debut novel! I really appreciate the opportunity to get to read and provide my review early.
Overall, I think this was a good debut. The plot and concept of people having to trial in order to gain powers was unique and interesting within the fantasy genre. I also thought the world building was pretty good. However, I was a little surprised there was not more to the trials in order to receive the powers. Especially with the first one, I was shocked it was over that quickly. For me, a common issue I had while reading the book was expecting more aspects of the trials to be more expanded upon while wishing there was a bit less of some character dialogue or description that felt unnecessary. I also had a hard time connecting much with any of the characters besides Torryn and Sar, who I found more interesting than the rest. Sadly, I don't feel like we got enough of them in this story. That could change in the next book, though. I just wanted more from the characters so that it gave me a reason to root for them throughout the story. I was not surprised at all by the betrayal with Evander. I think there were too many hints at him not being the most genuine character for me to be shocked at the twist. Unlike, some of other reviews I've read, I actually was hooked by the story at the beginning instead of feeling like it start slow. It did lull a bit through the middle but picked back up towards the end. Although there were a few things that didn't work for me, I do still believe there is a lot of potential for the series as a whole. I also think this was a fantastic debut and feel the author is going to continue to grow with each book released in the series. I am looking forward to exploring the sequel and hopefully getting some answers following THAT cliffhanger!
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book pulled me in fron the start and didn't let me go even after I finished it. Magnificent world building, amazing character arcs and unexpected twists and turns around every corner.
I read it all in a day and am now left simply wanting more!
I read it all in a day and am now left simply wanting more!
2.5 I had a hard time finishing this book. The story has so much potential and I believe it has a reader out there, it just wasn't for me. The concept was really interesting and there were amazing ideas. Very YA in nature, but for me the prose was lacking substantially and the pacing needed a lot of finessing. What it needed was an editor and some experienced Beta readers. There were several glaring plot holes and a lot of... Where did that person go? And why are we now just trusting everyone? I wish Lauren the best of luck, and good things to come! I think she has HUGE potential to be a fantastic author, her ideas were very cool.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My first and probably favourite read of the year.
I really didn't expect to find this gem over an Instagram Reel. At first, I was intrigued by the trope of magical powers being earned which Loscig promoted her book with. I really was curious to finally read something new along all the mediocre book releases that are circulating in the mainstream right now. But finally! This book really capitivated me. Loscig's writing style really let me fly through the pages, her charming characters were well develeoped and let me root for them and all the twists and revelations made me read for several hours on end. I love the characters (I can't wait to see more of Torryn), the magnitude of different powers that Untrialed can gain and the lore of the world in general (even though a big part of the book was heavy on court politics which usually bores me. Loscig really found the right balance between story and politics) The only thing I was missing was the promised "she has to gain her power". I understood it more in a way of training and mastering your power before you're really powerful. Yeah, in fact it’s actually more like "people have to solve a dangerous task and then get granted magical skills loosely related to your solution". It kinda gave me mary sue vibes when Lysta was pretty powerful right out of trial. I would have loved if they had to train their powers a little more, giving us a little more the impression that you have to work for your power.
Yet, I sincerely cannot wait to read the second book and I almost cried reading the ending and knowing that the second book doesn't even have a publishing date. I really want to learn more about the world and what is behind everything!
I was so intrigued by the plot twists at the end OMG!!! (I'm writing this right after finishing it) Honestly, I already was kinda suspicious of Evander since he almost always seemed like a little crybaby and a little over the top with all his "worries". Also his relationship towards his father seemed off too. In general, the only thing I was a little sad over that we didn't get a lot of Torryn. I was slightly frustrated by the whole "we don't communicate" trope between him and Lysta BUT I totally get where it came from, why Torryn didn't get out of it and just couldn't really speak to her. It's actually the first time I wasn't completeley annoyed by this trope.
I honestly just hope that this book will get the recognition it deserves and will get to a big publisher or something like that to make it even bigger. Honestly, I wouldn't even mind - in fact I would even love getting a movie out of it, it's just this great.
We don't need Fourth Wing, we need War Hour!!1!!
I really didn't expect to find this gem over an Instagram Reel. At first, I was intrigued by the trope of magical powers being earned which Loscig promoted her book with. I really was curious to finally read something new along all the mediocre book releases that are circulating in the mainstream right now. But finally! This book really capitivated me. Loscig's writing style really let me fly through the pages, her charming characters were well develeoped and let me root for them and all the twists and revelations made me read for several hours on end. I love the characters (I can't wait to see more of Torryn), the magnitude of different powers that Untrialed can gain and the lore of the world in general (even though a big part of the book was heavy on court politics which usually bores me. Loscig really found the right balance between story and politics) The only thing I was missing was the promised "she has to gain her power". I understood it more in a way of training and mastering your power before you're really powerful. Yeah, in fact it’s actually more like "people have to solve a dangerous task and then get granted magical skills loosely related to your solution". It kinda gave me mary sue vibes when Lysta was pretty powerful right out of trial. I would have loved if they had to train their powers a little more, giving us a little more the impression that you have to work for your power.
Yet, I sincerely cannot wait to read the second book and I almost cried reading the ending and knowing that the second book doesn't even have a publishing date. I really want to learn more about the world and what is behind everything!
I honestly just hope that this book will get the recognition it deserves and will get to a big publisher or something like that to make it even bigger. Honestly, I wouldn't even mind - in fact I would even love getting a movie out of it, it's just this great.
We don't need Fourth Wing, we need War Hour!!1!!