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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
Love Jennifer Nielsen’s books! (False Prince being my favorite.) This was another great read that my kids inhaled and so did I. It was a bit heavier on the romance- a little too much- but there was lots of action and good twists. Can’t wait for the sequel!
**the third book came out and I couldn’t remember book one so I reread it and looking and my review from a couple years ago- I still agree with it.
**the third book came out and I couldn’t remember book one so I reread it and looking and my review from a couple years ago- I still agree with it.
I’ll start with the disclaimer that I don’t typically go for YA fantasy and I was reading this partly for an author visit my school is hosting in the spring! I listened to the audiobook.
I would say I enjoyed the first 50-60%—again, not my usual genre, but an entertaining enough story and Nielsen is a strong writer. But then it did start to drag on a bit for me. At one point I couldn’t believe I still had 3 hours of audio left to go! I started to lose my interest. HOWEVER, for teens who are into fantasy with a strong romance element, this will totally be their jam.
I would say I enjoyed the first 50-60%—again, not my usual genre, but an entertaining enough story and Nielsen is a strong writer. But then it did start to drag on a bit for me. At one point I couldn’t believe I still had 3 hours of audio left to go! I started to lose my interest. HOWEVER, for teens who are into fantasy with a strong romance element, this will totally be their jam.
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-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:
No
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for Jennifer Nielsen’s newest. The author creates another detailed fantasy world where a dark, magical ruler can only be overturned by the person who least suspects it. I can’t wait to book talk this one!
An avid fantasy adventure reader won’t have a hard time guessing the outcome of this book, but tried and true isn’t always a bad thing, especially with Nielsen’s added twists. The story unfolds with exemplary pacing and an intriguing cast of characters— Nielsen has written an especially clever and captivating character in Kestra, who I immediately connected with and couldn’t get enough of.
I latched on to Kestra and stayed for her story, but can’t wait to see what’s in store for Simon in book 2.
I latched on to Kestra and stayed for her story, but can’t wait to see what’s in store for Simon in book 2.
Not a fan of the romance. It ruined it for me how unbelievable it all was.
Like he hates her and likes her within an hour? It just doesn’t make sense. I've realized : I'm not into instant love or just unbelievable love. I have to hear banter, dialogue that shows they have chemistry. The storyline was okay but nothing that makes me want to continue the story
Not gonna lie, it took me MONTHS to read this book. It was very slow paced and boring at first but when I got to the end, that's when it was starting to get me hooked. I'm hoping the next book is better than the first. Let's HOPE.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
2.5
It was okay, but I think I've read too many of these kinds of teen fantasies: I predicted most of the plot and it was a bit slow. Also I didn't really connect with the characters.
It was okay, but I think I've read too many of these kinds of teen fantasies: I predicted most of the plot and it was a bit slow. Also I didn't really connect with the characters.