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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think my problems with this book start with the cover blurb. When you’re comparing yourself to The Priory of the Orange Tree, one of my favorite books of the last few years, you’re setting certain expectations. That was an epic fantasy in every sense of the word, beautifully told, and utterly compelling. It had a very mature exploration of romance between women, a relationship that felt natural and significant – a slow-burn that developed into fires-of-passion, and I loved it.
Sadly, The Gilded Crown lacks the depth, maturity, or significance of Priory. It’s a much thinner tale that, despite its categorization as Adult Fantasy, feels very much Young Adult. While it has emotion, it shies away from the visceral horror of death – a key aspect of the book – and that takes away from its impact. As for the central relationship, it’s a tentative thing that goes out of its way to suggest it may be more tied to the price of resurrection than any romance or passion, making it seem a forced sort of tease that’s structured so as to be easily dismissed. I won’t call it queer-baiting because there is another relationship that’s much more definitively accepted as queer, but the fact that it’s secondary lessens the impact.
Without the expectations of Priory, this is an okay read, but one that I likely would not have picked up otherwise. It has interesting roots, and plenty of opportunity to explore some very deep questions of faith and morality, of religion versus mythology, but it never does more than ask questions. There was a point halfway through where I thought it was beginning to turn, which is all that kept me going, but the exploration never goes any deeper. Ultimately, it’s a frustrating read that doesn’t quite seem to know where it’s headed or, more importantly, why.
https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2023/09/10/book-review-the-gilded-crown-by-marianne-gordon-fantasy/
Sadly, The Gilded Crown lacks the depth, maturity, or significance of Priory. It’s a much thinner tale that, despite its categorization as Adult Fantasy, feels very much Young Adult. While it has emotion, it shies away from the visceral horror of death – a key aspect of the book – and that takes away from its impact. As for the central relationship, it’s a tentative thing that goes out of its way to suggest it may be more tied to the price of resurrection than any romance or passion, making it seem a forced sort of tease that’s structured so as to be easily dismissed. I won’t call it queer-baiting because there is another relationship that’s much more definitively accepted as queer, but the fact that it’s secondary lessens the impact.
Without the expectations of Priory, this is an okay read, but one that I likely would not have picked up otherwise. It has interesting roots, and plenty of opportunity to explore some very deep questions of faith and morality, of religion versus mythology, but it never does more than ask questions. There was a point halfway through where I thought it was beginning to turn, which is all that kept me going, but the exploration never goes any deeper. Ultimately, it’s a frustrating read that doesn’t quite seem to know where it’s headed or, more importantly, why.
https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2023/09/10/book-review-the-gilded-crown-by-marianne-gordon-fantasy/
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
*Thank you to the publishers via Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review*
For the most part, I really, really enjoyed this. The world isn't super big (yet), but it feels lovingly crafted with an edge of danger to it. Hellevir is a really wonderful protagonist; she's pulled in so many different directions and yet she tries hard to stay true to her core belief: that if she can use her ability to walk through Death to save someone, she will. The way Death is portrayed--both the person and the place he inhabits--are unnerving and faintly Labyrinth-esque. Plus, Hellevir can communicate with animals and the spirits that inhabit the natural world, which is always a fun concept. What I loved, especially, was Hellevir's relationship with her family (and I'm including her mentor back in her village, too).
There were two aspects of the story, though, that I had a harder time with. The first was Hellevir's relationship with Sullivain. Truthfully, I didn't think the romance between them was developed enough. I could definitely buy Hellevir's attraction to her, but a romance felt like a bit of a stretch. I think it needed a bit more development in order to fully get me invested in their relationship. Because as it stands, all I could really focus on was their uneven relationship and the resentment Hellevir felt for Sullivain and the queen.
The second thing was that, towards the later end of the book, there was a choice to include 2 different POV changes when, up until that point, the only POV we'd seen from was Hellevir's. In my opinion, while I understand what the switch was trying to do, it didn't work. It felt jarring and should have either: a) been left out entirely or b) been more of them throughout the book, while still keeping to Hellevir's POV as the standard (more like interludes between chapters). It honestly gave me whiplash and I kind of hope it's taken out of the finished copy of the book because it doesn't really add all that much to the story.
Other than those two things, though, I think both the concept and the characters were really well-done and I look forward to continuing with the series.
For the most part, I really, really enjoyed this. The world isn't super big (yet), but it feels lovingly crafted with an edge of danger to it. Hellevir is a really wonderful protagonist; she's pulled in so many different directions and yet she tries hard to stay true to her core belief: that if she can use her ability to walk through Death to save someone, she will. The way Death is portrayed--both the person and the place he inhabits--are unnerving and faintly Labyrinth-esque. Plus, Hellevir can communicate with animals and the spirits that inhabit the natural world, which is always a fun concept. What I loved, especially, was Hellevir's relationship with her family (and I'm including her mentor back in her village, too).
There were two aspects of the story, though, that I had a harder time with. The first was Hellevir's relationship with Sullivain. Truthfully, I didn't think the romance between them was developed enough. I could definitely buy Hellevir's attraction to her, but a romance felt like a bit of a stretch. I think it needed a bit more development in order to fully get me invested in their relationship. Because as it stands, all I could really focus on was their uneven relationship and the resentment Hellevir felt for Sullivain and the queen.
The second thing was that, towards the later end of the book, there was a choice to include 2 different POV changes when, up until that point, the only POV we'd seen from was Hellevir's. In my opinion, while I understand what the switch was trying to do, it didn't work. It felt jarring and should have either: a) been left out entirely or b) been more of them throughout the book, while still keeping to Hellevir's POV as the standard (more like interludes between chapters). It honestly gave me whiplash and I kind of hope it's taken out of the finished copy of the book because it doesn't really add all that much to the story.
Other than those two things, though, I think both the concept and the characters were really well-done and I look forward to continuing with the series.
The Gilded Crown by Marianne Gorden
3 stars as this was honestly overachieving, trying to do too many things.
This book is pitched at Priory of the Orange Tree meets The Witch's Heart. Which is extremely high levels to meet and unfortunately not living up to them for me.
This book is a nordic inspired court setting fantasy story involving around a herbalist who can go to the land of death communicate with him and bring people back.
While she is at court preventing the princess to be assassinated again, being on call for resurraction she is falling in love.
This book had a lot of interesting elements but nothing really came through for me. While the opening chapter starts strong with almost Addie LaRue vibes, the narrative shifts into a very YA tone after that.
I also didnt have any strong feelings for any of the characters. I honestly found everyone of them insufferable.
Mean egocentric royals abusing our main character for her power while judging she doesnt follow their god.
Her own family basically abandoning her with an old lady. And then the Death character who is not the dark type, the exotic type, nor the brooding type. Maybe I have read too many Schwab with high expectations but dont give me flat death. Plus why isnt our main character more interested in the magic, resurrecting powers. Just giving body parts without actively searching for answers about why her, what means that for her life and who is she dealing with.
At 60% we still dont know more only that the one god religion did presecution for heathens historically which is freaking her out...
I was really rooting for the Willow Tree and the priestess hood. Which is the only PRIORY reference and unfortunately also didnt come through. I would have loved more Tree time!!
I am grateful to Netgalley and Harper for the e-arc unfortunately it didnt live up to my expectations.
3 stars as this was honestly overachieving, trying to do too many things.
This book is pitched at Priory of the Orange Tree meets The Witch's Heart. Which is extremely high levels to meet and unfortunately not living up to them for me.
This book is a nordic inspired court setting fantasy story involving around a herbalist who can go to the land of death communicate with him and bring people back.
While she is at court preventing the princess to be assassinated again, being on call for resurraction she is falling in love.
This book had a lot of interesting elements but nothing really came through for me. While the opening chapter starts strong with almost Addie LaRue vibes, the narrative shifts into a very YA tone after that.
I also didnt have any strong feelings for any of the characters. I honestly found everyone of them insufferable.
Mean egocentric royals abusing our main character for her power while judging she doesnt follow their god.
Her own family basically abandoning her with an old lady. And then the Death character who is not the dark type, the exotic type, nor the brooding type. Maybe I have read too many Schwab with high expectations but dont give me flat death. Plus why isnt our main character more interested in the magic, resurrecting powers. Just giving body parts without actively searching for answers about why her, what means that for her life and who is she dealing with.
At 60% we still dont know more only that the one god religion did presecution for heathens historically which is freaking her out...
I was really rooting for the Willow Tree and the priestess hood. Which is the only PRIORY reference and unfortunately also didnt come through. I would have loved more Tree time!!
I am grateful to Netgalley and Harper for the e-arc unfortunately it didnt live up to my expectations.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book's cover does it a disservice I think; it looks like a generic fantasy or romantasy, but it is anything but! The protagonist picks up on the hints and clues the reader also sees, and can actuall put 2 and 2 together, instead of making us as readers rattle the bars screaming at the obvious.
She is a woman in a difficult position, and sometimes I wanted to shake her and tell her to stop saying she "doesn't have a choice" when she DOES it's just not a pleasant one. But the way necromancy is used in this book, the relationship with death, and the fairly obvious parallel from the new strict religion (Christianity parallel) and the older ways (pagan parallel) were all things I enjoyed.
The romance is a back burner sub plot, and as much as I think the MC is drawn into a somewhat toxic pining, I support women's rights AND women's wrongs lol. The sapphic nature of the relationship is a breath of fresh air tbh.
She is a woman in a difficult position, and sometimes I wanted to shake her and tell her to stop saying she "doesn't have a choice" when she DOES it's just not a pleasant one. But the way necromancy is used in this book, the relationship with death, and the fairly obvious parallel from the new strict religion (Christianity parallel) and the older ways (pagan parallel) were all things I enjoyed.
The romance is a back burner sub plot, and as much as I think the MC is drawn into a somewhat toxic pining, I support women's rights AND women's wrongs lol. The sapphic nature of the relationship is a breath of fresh air tbh.
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Loveable characters:
No
It was easy for me to put this down.
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really wanted to love this book. The premise and initial story had me very intrigued. However the farther I got into the book the more I disliked it. Hellevire became increasingly tiresome in her naivety, and I feel like there were many characters who could have been more fleshed out. Her ease at collecting the treasures reminded me of Ash Ketchum in pokemon where he doesn’t do anything but is granted a gym badge.
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
There were some moments that were brilliant with lovely writing, but overall I found the writing a bit too repetitive and felt that the characters weren't fully fleshed out. I cannot understand why Hellevir would keep coming back to Sullivain. At one point she's like jee I knew Sullivain was harsh, but she's not brutal, is she? Yes girl, yes she is brutal, she had literally tortured the cook by that point. I'm not saying that the romance between them was implausible, not at all, but I needed more of a moral struggle from Hellevir and an in text acknowledgement that her love for Sullivain was selfish. I don't think the Farvor POV sections were necessary or particularly effective either. There were some really interesting relationship dynamics going on, but I didn't feel that the book spent enough time exploring them. Bits with Death were cool, but I could have done without the bajillion descriptions of how spooky and black he is.