Scan barcode
bananapie's review
3.0
BLURB: Amira has always yearned to break free from her monotonous life in the army camp, where her father's whims and the mockery of the recruits keep her dreams confined. She seeks solace in visiting her merchant friend Linnick on market days, sharing her woes with lifelong companion Opal, and running alongside her loyal canine companion, Dog.
But fate takes a sharp turn when a chance encounter with the enigmatic Adrian in the bustling marketplace thrusts her into a whirlwind of intrigue. Swept into the intricate game of high-borns vying for a royal spouse, Amira finds herself entangled between her friendship with the prince and an undeniable attraction to his mysterious advisor.
As the world of court politics and a complex love triangle unfurls before her, Amira grapples with her own destiny. Can she transcend the constraints of her reality or will she merely become a pawn in father’s plans? Amidst the walls of the castle, Amira's internal struggles mirror the external challenges she faces.
In this tale of aspirations and conflicting desires, Amira must chart her own course through a realm of hidden agendas and whispered secrets. As courtly ambitions collide with her longing for something more, Amira discovers that the path to self-discovery is fraught with choices that will shape not only her destiny but the fate of the realm itself.
—
REVIEW: This book took me a second to get through because (1) I am an audio book girly and reading a physical/digital book does not always fit with my schedule and (2) the hook in this book was much later than I was expecting. For me, I think the book really picked up around chapter 30. Which means it is a bit of commitment to get there. However, the ending really sets up the story for a captivating sequel!
Initially, I struggled to empathize with Amira's situation. Her father sent a lot of mixed messages throughout the book (e.g. not wanting her to train, but expecting her to fight well). I wanted the friendship between her and Addie to be deeper and more fully formed in this book, but hoping we see more of this later! The relationship with Adrian from random boy in market to friend felt like a stretch. There were relationship building moments I felt were occurring behind the scenes that I wish I was privy too. Their interactions felt like they kept introducing themselves, but never taking the next step to be vulnerable until much later. I did enjoy the funny banter between her and Graylen and I hope we continue to see that.
The marriage matching game felt like a combo of the Selection series and Love Island, but was still entirely its own vibe. I think the focus was less on the game and more on the relationship building that was occurring. The magic elements usually found in fantasy novels was not as prevalent in this book (due to it being banned in Crea).
If you do pick up a copy of this book, I highly recommend looking up the meaning of the chapter titles as you read! I did this afterwards and it was a clever way to pull together the theme of each chapter.
♡ Thanks to the author for a free copy of this book in return for an honest review! ♡
But fate takes a sharp turn when a chance encounter with the enigmatic Adrian in the bustling marketplace thrusts her into a whirlwind of intrigue. Swept into the intricate game of high-borns vying for a royal spouse, Amira finds herself entangled between her friendship with the prince and an undeniable attraction to his mysterious advisor.
As the world of court politics and a complex love triangle unfurls before her, Amira grapples with her own destiny. Can she transcend the constraints of her reality or will she merely become a pawn in father’s plans? Amidst the walls of the castle, Amira's internal struggles mirror the external challenges she faces.
In this tale of aspirations and conflicting desires, Amira must chart her own course through a realm of hidden agendas and whispered secrets. As courtly ambitions collide with her longing for something more, Amira discovers that the path to self-discovery is fraught with choices that will shape not only her destiny but the fate of the realm itself.
—
REVIEW: This book took me a second to get through because (1) I am an audio book girly and reading a physical/digital book does not always fit with my schedule and (2) the hook in this book was much later than I was expecting. For me, I think the book really picked up around chapter 30. Which means it is a bit of commitment to get there. However, the ending really sets up the story for a captivating sequel!
Initially, I struggled to empathize with Amira's situation. Her father sent a lot of mixed messages throughout the book (e.g. not wanting her to train, but expecting her to fight well). I wanted the friendship between her and Addie to be deeper and more fully formed in this book, but hoping we see more of this later! The relationship with Adrian from random boy in market to friend felt like a stretch. There were relationship building moments I felt were occurring behind the scenes that I wish I was privy too. Their interactions felt like they kept introducing themselves, but never taking the next step to be vulnerable until much later. I did enjoy the funny banter between her and Graylen and I hope we continue to see that.
The marriage matching game felt like a combo of the Selection series and Love Island, but was still entirely its own vibe. I think the focus was less on the game and more on the relationship building that was occurring. The magic elements usually found in fantasy novels was not as prevalent in this book (due to it being banned in Crea).
If you do pick up a copy of this book, I highly recommend looking up the meaning of the chapter titles as you read! I did this afterwards and it was a clever way to pull together the theme of each chapter.
♡ Thanks to the author for a free copy of this book in return for an honest review! ♡
jessi_readss's review
4.0
ARC review
3.5/5
-found family
-slow burn
-friends to lovers
-love triangle
-magical world
-royal setting
I received this ARC back in August but I completely forgot as I had requested too many arcs around that time (I learned my lesson lol). So I finally got to read it now.
Idk if it was because I had just finished IF prior to reading this, but this book dragged for me until near the end. It was especially slow at the beginning with setting the scene and world building. The middle picked up a bit but I still had to push through. And then the end hits you like a baseball to your face, it just all happens so fast lol. I get it though, sometimes the first books in fantasy series can tend to be slow due to the world and story building. So while this book was not a 5 star for me, I still cannot wait for the next book and have high hopes that it will be so much better than the first.
Thank you NerdFam for the ARC. <3
3.5/5
-found family
-slow burn
-friends to lovers
-love triangle
-magical world
-royal setting
I received this ARC back in August but I completely forgot as I had requested too many arcs around that time (I learned my lesson lol). So I finally got to read it now.
Idk if it was because I had just finished IF prior to reading this, but this book dragged for me until near the end. It was especially slow at the beginning with setting the scene and world building. The middle picked up a bit but I still had to push through. And then the end hits you like a baseball to your face, it just all happens so fast lol. I get it though, sometimes the first books in fantasy series can tend to be slow due to the world and story building. So while this book was not a 5 star for me, I still cannot wait for the next book and have high hopes that it will be so much better than the first.
Thank you NerdFam for the ARC. <3
booksy_tx_ana's review
4.0
Lunaria was so much more than I expected! Amira was a strong female main character. She stands up for herself and her friends. She is also ultimately a prisoner in her life, trapped. Amira finds herself in a reluctant love triangle. While trying to figure out her best plans.
This story definitely lead somewhere unexpected. (No spoilers!) The author did an amazing job laying out the scenery without it feeling like it was going on forever. Some characters went places I was stunned at.
I ultimately gave a 4.5 star rating because I was pulled in and still want to know how certain things work out in the next book. I liked it more than I expected.
I got this arc for my honest opinion
Come read with me
@booksy.tx.ana on Instagram
This story definitely lead somewhere unexpected. (No spoilers!) The author did an amazing job laying out the scenery without it feeling like it was going on forever. Some characters went places I was stunned at.
I ultimately gave a 4.5 star rating because I was pulled in and still want to know how certain things work out in the next book. I liked it more than I expected.
I got this arc for my honest opinion
Come read with me
@booksy.tx.ana on Instagram
xndyna's review
5.0
I read this book after being recommended it by a friend and can I just say I was not disappointed!! The first couple of chapters were tricky because of the world building but it was definitely necessary. As soon as I had fallen head first into the plot I did not resurface until I hit the acknowledgments page. This book really was amazing and the characters were so charming too, (Graylen, anyone??
abigailkendall's review
5.0
Lunaria is one of those books that feels so rooted in honesty. Reading through Amira’s story It felt so clear to me that Kara was writing from her own heart and experience.
Amira was so easy to adore, and I love that she doesn’t always get it right, she can be impulsive, and reactionary, and she’s also deeply loyal. I loved watching her come into her own in a way that felt real.
The beginning of the book is a slow introduction into Amira’s life. I personally am a fan of slow world building and slice of life writing and Kara makes Valor such a fun world to walk around in that I didn’t mind.
Even if slice of life isn’t your usual cup of tea, the character and world development here is what makes the rest of the book positively shine.
The cliff hanger had me jumping out of my seat and my husband asking if I was going to be okay.
Absolutely cannot wait for book 2
Amira was so easy to adore, and I love that she doesn’t always get it right, she can be impulsive, and reactionary, and she’s also deeply loyal. I loved watching her come into her own in a way that felt real.
The beginning of the book is a slow introduction into Amira’s life. I personally am a fan of slow world building and slice of life writing and Kara makes Valor such a fun world to walk around in that I didn’t mind.
Even if slice of life isn’t your usual cup of tea, the character and world development here is what makes the rest of the book positively shine.
The cliff hanger had me jumping out of my seat and my husband asking if I was going to be okay.
Absolutely cannot wait for book 2
victoriatracy's review
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-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
3.5
lcliterature's review
5.0
WOAH. I don’t even know where to start with reviewing this. The complexity of the characters and plot had me hooked from the first chapter. Even with this book being a slow burn I still never felt myself bored with what was going on, and even when I thought I knew what was coming next, I was always surprised. I also feel the need to add that I knew there was a reason I was drawn to Graylen’s character that had nothing to do with my attraction to morally grey characters lol. My only regret is reading this book so early because I NEED more!!!
mixue's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5