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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
This book is a fun medival-ish style read. It's full of drama, since the plot hinges on blackmail and coercion and knives-which makes it sound super dark, but it's really not. It's on the milder side of YA. As many people have said, the romance between Simon and Kestra is a little hurried. It is really unbelievable that they go from totally hating each other to being in love in four days...but stranger things have happened, and they have enough chemistry that it kind of works. Kind of.
The plot doesn't take much concentration or thinking to understand, although Kestra's plans are a bit complicated. You don't know what she's planning to do until the last few chapters.
The snarky comments exchanged between Kestra and Trina had me grinning at times. The way they bait each other and seem to enjoy it a little is funny.
If you choose to check this book out, be aware that there is some violence (mainly sword-fighting and hand to hand combat) and a little romance (kissing.)
The plot doesn't take much concentration or thinking to understand, although Kestra's plans are a bit complicated. You don't know what she's planning to do until the last few chapters.
The snarky comments exchanged between Kestra and Trina had me grinning at times. The way they bait each other and seem to enjoy it a little is funny.
If you choose to check this book out, be aware that there is some violence (mainly sword-fighting and hand to hand combat) and a little romance (kissing.)
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I finished it but it is definitely YA. Writing is guessable and bland
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
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:
Yes
Simon Hatch. A man that proves the enemies to lovers trope is THE ultimate trope to exist.
3.5, didn't love it, but I always enjoy a YA fantasy. Even if it's been done before. But what was different was it felt part fantasy with a teenie tiny bit of steampunk. More like an essence of steampunk. Nothing really came as a shock, some confusion and a little rereading on my part to figure out what was going on. Overall it was a decent book, and love the cover.
After being kidnapped and rescued, Kestra is finally making her way home again when her carriage is overcome by a band of rebels. Her father's role under a dark king seems to make her an excellent pawn in their game to dethrone the king, but unexpected discoveries complicate the mission at nearly every turn.
The chapters in this book swap narrators from Kestra to Simon, one of her captors who knew her in childhood. Their inner monologues strengthen their character development and help you really feel like you understand where each side comes from and the reader will feel torn at times yourself.
The book ends with a big ol' "To Be Continued" but fortunately for me, the second book is already out. I'm interested to see how the story unfolds from here.
The chapters in this book swap narrators from Kestra to Simon, one of her captors who knew her in childhood. Their inner monologues strengthen their character development and help you really feel like you understand where each side comes from and the reader will feel torn at times yourself.
The book ends with a big ol' "To Be Continued" but fortunately for me, the second book is already out. I'm interested to see how the story unfolds from here.
I really enjoyed Jennifer Nielsen's Ascendance series, and when I was in the mood for YA fantasy again this year I turned to this series. I wasn't sure if I would read the whole series after the first book (I loved the first book in the Ascendance series and felt a little disappointed in this one), but I'm glad I kept going because I tore through books 2 and 3 of this series!
The audiobook narrators in this series were great!
I also learned this was the author's first YA series so it makes sense why this book wasn't as strong as her other books.
The audiobook narrators in this series were great!
I also learned this was the author's first YA series so it makes sense why this book wasn't as strong as her other books.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5 stars
i thought it was pretty good but had no idea what was going on at the end
i thought it was pretty good but had no idea what was going on at the end
Did not finish. Did not even make it past the first 100 pages. It fell flat for me.
