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3.36 AVERAGE
3.36 AVERAGE
fast-paced
I really enjoyed this book for the most part. The concept was intriguing and the characters were interesting.
The ending felt really abrupt and rushed though. It didn’t really feel like some things resolved and I was super surprised to see there wasn’t a sequel to address these things.
Overall, enjoyed this book. Just wished for a bit more.
The ending felt really abrupt and rushed though. It didn’t really feel like some things resolved and I was super surprised to see there wasn’t a sequel to address these things.
Overall, enjoyed this book. Just wished for a bit more.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Considering the triggers on the first page I had high hopes for this book and it was just bleh. It started off not too bad but then became very wishy washy and the main female character just kinda bored me.
Very disappointed with this as they could have shown more development in her character.
Very disappointed with this as they could have shown more development in her character.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It started realy fun however the end and all fekt like a sad hallmark movie so clishe and did not like that.
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The gods live on in the stones... and rent-free in my head after reading this book.
I was drawn in by the promise of stone giants, but stayed for the almost Hunger Games meets The Bachelorette twisted gameshow. I won't spoil anything but if that sounded appealing you'll love this.
This book had me on the edge of my seat for the entire second half of the book... and sometimes quite literally on the edge of various cliffs. I'm not fond of heights but I felt relatively safe with Yakua.
This story surprised me in many ways, it kept me engaged and entertained throughout. I loved the history, the emotions, the myths, and Yakua's journey.
There were a few points I wish could have had more detail, and I think the book could have been a bit longer especially towards the ending because I wanted to know so much more and see so much more. But that is okay, I am still satisfied!
I will keep my eye out for a sequel if there is one, I hope so. But I will also read more from this author regardless, I am excited to see what she publishes in the future!
I was drawn in by the promise of stone giants, but stayed for the almost Hunger Games meets The Bachelorette twisted gameshow. I won't spoil anything but if that sounded appealing you'll love this.
This book had me on the edge of my seat for the entire second half of the book... and sometimes quite literally on the edge of various cliffs. I'm not fond of heights but I felt relatively safe with Yakua.
This story surprised me in many ways, it kept me engaged and entertained throughout. I loved the history, the emotions, the myths, and Yakua's journey.
There were a few points I wish could have had more detail, and I think the book could have been a bit longer especially towards the ending because I wanted to know so much more and see so much more. But that is okay, I am still satisfied!
I will keep my eye out for a sequel if there is one, I hope so. But I will also read more from this author regardless, I am excited to see what she publishes in the future!
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I went into this book blind and I'm glad I did. I was just as surprised as the FMC Yakua with some of the twists thrown her way. Without spoiling some of the twists, I'll have to say that I was really intrigued with the plot of the story, especially during the last half of the book. I wish I could go into detail with what I loved here but I want people to be as surprised as I was. For those who like spoilers, I loved the fact that she went in, thinking it was an arranged marriage to the emperor but then got blindsided with the fact that it was, in fact, a contest. And then when she thinks she has him wrapped around her finger at the waterfall only to find out he's doing the same thing with the other princesses. And then the fact that even if you "win" the contest, he already had more girls there to start the whole process over again.
Now for the constructive criticism. There were so many odd names thrown at us between characters, clans, Gods/Goddesses, kingdoms, and entities such as the mungacu and dragunche, and it made it hard to keep everything straight. Some of the characters we had to learn didn't end up making a difference in this book at all (maybe they were introduced for sequels?). I think maybe a few of the extra characters could have been given simpler names or not been introduced at all because we were trying to keep all of the important ones (plus the kingdoms and the various clans/social hierarchy) straight.
If you know me in real life, I hate giving negative reviews. But I did a bit more in this case, not because I hated the book but because I'm looking forward to more of this author's works in the future, including works set in this same world. All in all, I would definitely recommend this book. Just maybe have the glossary handy.
Now for the constructive criticism. There were so many odd names thrown at us between characters, clans, Gods/Goddesses, kingdoms, and entities such as the mungacu and dragunche, and it made it hard to keep everything straight. Some of the characters we had to learn didn't end up making a difference in this book at all (maybe they were introduced for sequels?). I think maybe a few of the extra characters could have been given simpler names or not been introduced at all because we were trying to keep all of the important ones (plus the kingdoms and the various clans/social hierarchy) straight.
If you know me in real life, I hate giving negative reviews. But I did a bit more in this case, not because I hated the book but because I'm looking forward to more of this author's works in the future, including works set in this same world. All in all, I would definitely recommend this book. Just maybe have the glossary handy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Slavery, Classism
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
**I received an advanced reader copy for the second edition by Second Star Press in exchange for an honest review.**
WHAT I LIKED & DISLIKED ABOUT IT:
I believed this had great potential. A great premise but lacked execution. There were scene continuity issues and plot holes (or inconsistencies that weren't explained). For example, her childhood best friend goes with her to the emperor and she's supposed to be pretending to be Princess of Nalia of Cochas but he keeps calling her by her real name in front of the nobles and village people. Regardless if they understand she's not a real princess, I would think since it's a life-and-death situation, they'd be a bit more careful that this information doesn't get to the emperor...There's always someone loyal to the emperor. If the emperor knew but didn't care, then I feel like there should be a line to explain this because it did not make sense. There are other examples, but I risk spoiling too much.
It was an enjoyable read and a good start for a writing journey, as this was a debut novel. I hope the author's skills grow and we see this cleared up in the following novels (as I suspect this is part of a series with the way it ended. So many questions left unanswered.)
RECOMMENDATION:
This book is a good fit for YA fantasy lovers who like a strong female character who is navigating duty, political intrigue, and blossoming love that's forbidden.
WHAT I LIKED & DISLIKED ABOUT IT:
I believed this had great potential. A great premise but lacked execution. There were scene continuity issues and plot holes (or inconsistencies that weren't explained). For example, her childhood best friend goes with her to the emperor and she's supposed to be pretending to be Princess of Nalia of Cochas but he keeps calling her by her real name in front of the nobles and village people. Regardless if they understand she's not a real princess, I would think since it's a life-and-death situation, they'd be a bit more careful that this information doesn't get to the emperor...There's always someone loyal to the emperor. If the emperor knew but didn't care, then I feel like there should be a line to explain this because it did not make sense. There are other examples, but I risk spoiling too much.
It was an enjoyable read and a good start for a writing journey, as this was a debut novel. I hope the author's skills grow and we see this cleared up in the following novels (as I suspect this is part of a series with the way it ended. So many questions left unanswered.)
RECOMMENDATION:
This book is a good fit for YA fantasy lovers who like a strong female character who is navigating duty, political intrigue, and blossoming love that's forbidden.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Slavery, Classism
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Empire of Glass and Stone by Brooke Clonts is a YA novel set in a fantasy world. The story is set around Yakua who is taken away from her village to be married to someone who she doesn't really understand. This man has a cruel reputation, but Yakua has little choice if she wants to protect her family and village.
While it isn't very detailed, I enjoyed the way Brooke used world building to set the stage. For me it was enough to get the lay of the land and to imagine the cliffs, forests and waterfalls surrounding the main locations. There were very few specifics in the sense of the year for example, so for many people it may feel like a shortcoming. Also, there were pages that it was not clear how much time had passed in between moments. Maybe the writer could use more of certain details in the next chapter of Yakua's story.
Speaking of Yakua: she was a rollercoaster ride for me. At first I liked her, as she was strong-willed and didn't let everyone's opinion change her too much. In the middle that changes: she came over as less strong-willed and more needy. Yakua kept doubting herself and wanting too much from her potential husband. Luckily that changes again into something positive, but as she is the protagonist it was kind of hard rooting for her all the time. Even if she does sound like a spoiled princess, she is not like that in her core. She is just really determined to reach her goal to do whatever is necessary to save her people. A sense of pride and focus, and that makes her a strong character.
All in all, this was a decent read. I know I am not the target audience, but I did enjoy most of the book. Would I recommend it? If you enjoy a fantasy setting, a YA-vibe and a good summer read then yes. Give this book a shot, it is worth your time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While it isn't very detailed, I enjoyed the way Brooke used world building to set the stage. For me it was enough to get the lay of the land and to imagine the cliffs, forests and waterfalls surrounding the main locations. There were very few specifics in the sense of the year for example, so for many people it may feel like a shortcoming. Also, there were pages that it was not clear how much time had passed in between moments. Maybe the writer could use more of certain details in the next chapter of Yakua's story.
Speaking of Yakua: she was a rollercoaster ride for me. At first I liked her, as she was strong-willed and didn't let everyone's opinion change her too much. In the middle that changes: she came over as less strong-willed and more needy. Yakua kept doubting herself and wanting too much from her potential husband. Luckily that changes again into something positive, but as she is the protagonist it was kind of hard rooting for her all the time. Even if she does sound like a spoiled princess, she is not like that in her core. She is just really determined to reach her goal to do whatever is necessary to save her people. A sense of pride and focus, and that makes her a strong character.
All in all, this was a decent read. I know I am not the target audience, but I did enjoy most of the book. Would I recommend it? If you enjoy a fantasy setting, a YA-vibe and a good summer read then yes. Give this book a shot, it is worth your time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced