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tracythewriter's review against another edition
5.0
5+++!!!!
This book is amazing!!!
Full review to come when I can think straight. Holy cow!
~~
Honestly, this book blew me away. From the very first chapter I was HOOKED. This is one of those stories where everything just works. Amazing characters, detailed world-building, fast-paced plot, high stakes for our heroine...it's all there. And then some.
The characters are fully drawn and interesting, particularly Serantha, who's one of the most compelling female heroines I've read in a long time. She has an amazing combination of strength and vulnerability, and her voice pulled me right into her head. I love how she had her own unique perspective on her world...and watching that change as she learns her rightful place was a joy. It is impossible not to root for her. And when you meet Nicolai...well, swoon. ::fans self::
The world-building is fantastic - I was SO impressed with the way the science and technology of the world was woven so tightly with the plot and even the characters' personalities. Everything felt so organic to the story; my absolute favorite novels are the ones where each element, from plot to setting to characterization, is so intrinsic to the others that it's impossible to tell what came first in the author's mind. Ali did an amazing job of presenting her tech in such a natural, unobtrusive way that the story NEVER slowed down for explanations or felt confusing. Truly, the world-building was flawless. I want to take a writing class from Ali on world-building, just to learn her secrets. It's THAT good.
The action...well, it pretty much never lets up. But the story doesn't feel rushed; there are enough introspective moments to give you time to process all the CRAZY STUFF going on.
Blood Crown blew my already high expectations out of the water. The gorgeous writing and harrowing storyline ripped out my heart a piece at a time, and then put it back together with marvelously compelling characters and an intense, satisfying conclusion.
Seriously. I could go on and on. But you need to experience the awesomeness for yourself. Pick up a copy when Blood Crown releases on February 28th. You won't regret it.
This book is amazing!!!
Full review to come when I can think straight. Holy cow!
~~
Honestly, this book blew me away. From the very first chapter I was HOOKED. This is one of those stories where everything just works. Amazing characters, detailed world-building, fast-paced plot, high stakes for our heroine...it's all there. And then some.
The characters are fully drawn and interesting, particularly Serantha, who's one of the most compelling female heroines I've read in a long time. She has an amazing combination of strength and vulnerability, and her voice pulled me right into her head. I love how she had her own unique perspective on her world...and watching that change as she learns her rightful place was a joy. It is impossible not to root for her. And when you meet Nicolai...well, swoon. ::fans self::
The world-building is fantastic - I was SO impressed with the way the science and technology of the world was woven so tightly with the plot and even the characters' personalities. Everything felt so organic to the story; my absolute favorite novels are the ones where each element, from plot to setting to characterization, is so intrinsic to the others that it's impossible to tell what came first in the author's mind. Ali did an amazing job of presenting her tech in such a natural, unobtrusive way that the story NEVER slowed down for explanations or felt confusing. Truly, the world-building was flawless. I want to take a writing class from Ali on world-building, just to learn her secrets. It's THAT good.
The action...well, it pretty much never lets up. But the story doesn't feel rushed; there are enough introspective moments to give you time to process all the CRAZY STUFF going on.
Blood Crown blew my already high expectations out of the water. The gorgeous writing and harrowing storyline ripped out my heart a piece at a time, and then put it back together with marvelously compelling characters and an intense, satisfying conclusion.
Seriously. I could go on and on. But you need to experience the awesomeness for yourself. Pick up a copy when Blood Crown releases on February 28th. You won't regret it.
debbiesilkserif's review against another edition
2.0
Received via NetGalley from All Night Reads in exchange for a completely unbiased review
Serantha is just a simple girl, who works in the kitchen of a ship controlled and ruled by Androids. In another life she was a Princess, fated to bring together both technological innovation and human tissue to create the next super race of humans with her betrothed Nicolai. She remembers none of this. There is only servitude.
Nicolai disagrees with his father's decision to hide from the Androids who control the other half of the universe. It is this disagreement that leads him on his own quest to save the universe and reunites the young lovers once more.
Nicolai and Sera must find a way to save humanity, and find their own rhythm with each other to bring about the fated Blood Crown. Only then will the prophecies come to fruition and human kind will be safe once again..
I found that this book snuck up on me. I was reading along, not particularly engaged with the book, not connecting with any of the characters until Nicolai come into the picture. It is then that the author's true talent takes shape. I cried, I laughed and I couldn't put it down.
Mrs Cross develops subtle relationships between the characters which include an Android parent who passes on Gifts, and sacrifices himself to save Sera after years of searching for her. The commitment, the love, the selflessness is reflected in both human and android during the novel invoking the question: are humans really any better than the cruel machines ruling over them?
Truly sci fi, romance and partially thought provoking, Cross develops a cute story that starts off slow, but builds a crescendo when the reader isn't looking. The question of what happens if Terminator happened in space, and only souped up teenaged lovers can save humanity has been answered..now to find out what happens after the war.
Serantha is just a simple girl, who works in the kitchen of a ship controlled and ruled by Androids. In another life she was a Princess, fated to bring together both technological innovation and human tissue to create the next super race of humans with her betrothed Nicolai. She remembers none of this. There is only servitude.
Nicolai disagrees with his father's decision to hide from the Androids who control the other half of the universe. It is this disagreement that leads him on his own quest to save the universe and reunites the young lovers once more.
Nicolai and Sera must find a way to save humanity, and find their own rhythm with each other to bring about the fated Blood Crown. Only then will the prophecies come to fruition and human kind will be safe once again..
I found that this book snuck up on me. I was reading along, not particularly engaged with the book, not connecting with any of the characters until Nicolai come into the picture. It is then that the author's true talent takes shape. I cried, I laughed and I couldn't put it down.
Mrs Cross develops subtle relationships between the characters which include an Android parent who passes on Gifts, and sacrifices himself to save Sera after years of searching for her. The commitment, the love, the selflessness is reflected in both human and android during the novel invoking the question: are humans really any better than the cruel machines ruling over them?
Truly sci fi, romance and partially thought provoking, Cross develops a cute story that starts off slow, but builds a crescendo when the reader isn't looking. The question of what happens if Terminator happened in space, and only souped up teenaged lovers can save humanity has been answered..now to find out what happens after the war.
debbiesilkserif's review
2.0
Received via NetGalley from All Night Reads in exchange for a completely unbiased review
Serantha is just a simple girl, who works in the kitchen of a ship controlled and ruled by Androids. In another life she was a Princess, fated to bring together both technological innovation and human tissue to create the next super race of humans with her betrothed Nicolai. She remembers none of this. There is only servitude.
Nicolai disagrees with his father's decision to hide from the Androids who control the other half of the universe. It is this disagreement that leads him on his own quest to save the universe and reunites the young lovers once more.
Nicolai and Sera must find a way to save humanity, and find their own rhythm with each other to bring about the fated Blood Crown. Only then will the prophecies come to fruition and human kind will be safe once again..
I found that this book snuck up on me. I was reading along, not particularly engaged with the book, not connecting with any of the characters until Nicolai come into the picture. It is then that the author's true talent takes shape. I cried, I laughed and I couldn't put it down.
Mrs Cross develops subtle relationships between the characters which include an Android parent who passes on Gifts, and sacrifices himself to save Sera after years of searching for her. The commitment, the love, the selflessness is reflected in both human and android during the novel invoking the question: are humans really any better than the cruel machines ruling over them?
Truly sci fi, romance and partially thought provoking, Cross develops a cute story that starts off slow, but builds a crescendo when the reader isn't looking. The question of what happens if Terminator happened in space, and only souped up teenaged lovers can save humanity has been answered..now to find out what happens after the war.
Serantha is just a simple girl, who works in the kitchen of a ship controlled and ruled by Androids. In another life she was a Princess, fated to bring together both technological innovation and human tissue to create the next super race of humans with her betrothed Nicolai. She remembers none of this. There is only servitude.
Nicolai disagrees with his father's decision to hide from the Androids who control the other half of the universe. It is this disagreement that leads him on his own quest to save the universe and reunites the young lovers once more.
Nicolai and Sera must find a way to save humanity, and find their own rhythm with each other to bring about the fated Blood Crown. Only then will the prophecies come to fruition and human kind will be safe once again..
I found that this book snuck up on me. I was reading along, not particularly engaged with the book, not connecting with any of the characters until Nicolai come into the picture. It is then that the author's true talent takes shape. I cried, I laughed and I couldn't put it down.
Mrs Cross develops subtle relationships between the characters which include an Android parent who passes on Gifts, and sacrifices himself to save Sera after years of searching for her. The commitment, the love, the selflessness is reflected in both human and android during the novel invoking the question: are humans really any better than the cruel machines ruling over them?
Truly sci fi, romance and partially thought provoking, Cross develops a cute story that starts off slow, but builds a crescendo when the reader isn't looking. The question of what happens if Terminator happened in space, and only souped up teenaged lovers can save humanity has been answered..now to find out what happens after the war.
tracybanghart's review
5.0
5+++!!!!
This book is amazing!!!
Full review to come when I can think straight. Holy cow!
~~
Honestly, this book blew me away. From the very first chapter I was HOOKED. This is one of those stories where everything just works. Amazing characters, detailed world-building, fast-paced plot, high stakes for our heroine...it's all there. And then some.
The characters are fully drawn and interesting, particularly Serantha, who's one of the most compelling female heroines I've read in a long time. She has an amazing combination of strength and vulnerability, and her voice pulled me right into her head. I love how she had her own unique perspective on her world...and watching that change as she learns her rightful place was a joy. It is impossible not to root for her. And when you meet Nicolai...well, swoon. ::fans self::
The world-building is fantastic - I was SO impressed with the way the science and technology of the world was woven so tightly with the plot and even the characters' personalities. Everything felt so organic to the story; my absolute favorite novels are the ones where each element, from plot to setting to characterization, is so intrinsic to the others that it's impossible to tell what came first in the author's mind. Ali did an amazing job of presenting her tech in such a natural, unobtrusive way that the story NEVER slowed down for explanations or felt confusing. Truly, the world-building was flawless. I want to take a writing class from Ali on world-building, just to learn her secrets. It's THAT good.
The action...well, it pretty much never lets up. But the story doesn't feel rushed; there are enough introspective moments to give you time to process all the CRAZY STUFF going on.
Blood Crown blew my already high expectations out of the water. The gorgeous writing and harrowing storyline ripped out my heart a piece at a time, and then put it back together with marvelously compelling characters and an intense, satisfying conclusion.
Seriously. I could go on and on. But you need to experience the awesomeness for yourself. Pick up a copy when Blood Crown releases on February 28th. You won't regret it.
This book is amazing!!!
Full review to come when I can think straight. Holy cow!
~~
Honestly, this book blew me away. From the very first chapter I was HOOKED. This is one of those stories where everything just works. Amazing characters, detailed world-building, fast-paced plot, high stakes for our heroine...it's all there. And then some.
The characters are fully drawn and interesting, particularly Serantha, who's one of the most compelling female heroines I've read in a long time. She has an amazing combination of strength and vulnerability, and her voice pulled me right into her head. I love how she had her own unique perspective on her world...and watching that change as she learns her rightful place was a joy. It is impossible not to root for her. And when you meet Nicolai...well, swoon. ::fans self::
The world-building is fantastic - I was SO impressed with the way the science and technology of the world was woven so tightly with the plot and even the characters' personalities. Everything felt so organic to the story; my absolute favorite novels are the ones where each element, from plot to setting to characterization, is so intrinsic to the others that it's impossible to tell what came first in the author's mind. Ali did an amazing job of presenting her tech in such a natural, unobtrusive way that the story NEVER slowed down for explanations or felt confusing. Truly, the world-building was flawless. I want to take a writing class from Ali on world-building, just to learn her secrets. It's THAT good.
The action...well, it pretty much never lets up. But the story doesn't feel rushed; there are enough introspective moments to give you time to process all the CRAZY STUFF going on.
Blood Crown blew my already high expectations out of the water. The gorgeous writing and harrowing storyline ripped out my heart a piece at a time, and then put it back together with marvelously compelling characters and an intense, satisfying conclusion.
Seriously. I could go on and on. But you need to experience the awesomeness for yourself. Pick up a copy when Blood Crown releases on February 28th. You won't regret it.
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