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sulu's review
1.0
Thank you for the eARC, NetGalley!
Insubstantial. Flat.
This was a real flop for me. The world building was near nonexistent, for the first few chapters particularly, the settings weren't described at all. The characters were all very flat, so I didn't really care what happened in their story. And the writing was quite average, and choppy. This was certainly not an empowering story for the modern feminist, it was more like a Disney fairytale, complete with a prince to save the day. I found the main character dull, vain, and rather pathetic. She spent most of the book whining about her lot, or fawning over the vague outline of a strong silent type love interest. She had an enormously over inflated sense of self, based on inconsequential, insufficient experience, and knowledge. There were inconsistencies with the portrayal of some of the characters, what was being said of them contradicted with the way they acted, a character always described as being reserved, and serious, was often laughing, and smiling. This made it even harder to connect with, and understand the characters. The plot "twist" near the end, I predicted from the moment the relevant characterswere introduced, so also very predictable.
I guess I'm just not the target audience.
Insubstantial. Flat.
This was a real flop for me. The world building was near nonexistent, for the first few chapters particularly, the settings weren't described at all. The characters were all very flat, so I didn't really care what happened in their story. And the writing was quite average, and choppy. This was certainly not an empowering story for the modern feminist, it was more like a Disney fairytale, complete with a prince to save the day. I found the main character dull, vain, and rather pathetic. She spent most of the book whining about her lot, or fawning over the vague outline of a strong silent type love interest. She had an enormously over inflated sense of self, based on inconsequential, insufficient experience, and knowledge. There were inconsistencies with the portrayal of some of the characters, what was being said of them contradicted with the way they acted, a character always described as being reserved, and serious, was often laughing, and smiling. This made it even harder to connect with, and understand the characters. The plot "twist" near the end, I predicted from the moment the relevant characters
Spoiler
the king, and monsterI guess I'm just not the target audience.
steph01924's review
2.0
TL:DR Oh...no.
Going by the synopsis, I was hoping for a fun, fantasy-lite romance that probably wasn't going to WOW me with its originality, but would be enjoyable. But, unfortunately, I really did NOT enjoy this.
Cornell's writing choices were not for me. The sentences were very basic and choppy, e.g., "S0-and-so did a dance. I grimaced. We walked out of the room. I was scared." Using such short sentences constantly made the novel feel very simplistic. I felt like I had to drag my eyes past every period like they were walls between sentences. Paragraphs had zero embellishment or "fun" descriptive words, and overall it lacked world-building to keep me engaged. Essentially, there was nothing really to visually savor.
I also really struggled following the dialogue and had to go back to reread several sections multiple times while trying to figure out why Person A responded to Person B the way they did. It felt like I was supposed to be "getting" something via context clues (or divination, perhaps?) to understand logical leaps in the conversation, but there was nothing to infer. That tells me that you're not writing your characters' motivations, personalities, etc. or the world they live in clearly enough.
I made it to about 40% and then skipped to 85% and skimmed to the end from there, and, honestly, it didn't feel like I missed anything. The outcome with the monster was obvious and disappointing.
I'd spend your reading time elsewhere.
I received a free review copy from Entangled. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Going by the synopsis, I was hoping for a fun, fantasy-lite romance that probably wasn't going to WOW me with its originality, but would be enjoyable. But, unfortunately, I really did NOT enjoy this.
Cornell's writing choices were not for me. The sentences were very basic and choppy, e.g., "S0-and-so did a dance. I grimaced. We walked out of the room. I was scared." Using such short sentences constantly made the novel feel very simplistic. I felt like I had to drag my eyes past every period like they were walls between sentences. Paragraphs had zero embellishment or "fun" descriptive words, and overall it lacked world-building to keep me engaged. Essentially, there was nothing really to visually savor.
I also really struggled following the dialogue and had to go back to reread several sections multiple times while trying to figure out why Person A responded to Person B the way they did. It felt like I was supposed to be "getting" something via context clues (or divination, perhaps?) to understand logical leaps in the conversation, but there was nothing to infer. That tells me that you're not writing your characters' motivations, personalities, etc. or the world they live in clearly enough.
I made it to about 40% and then skipped to 85% and skimmed to the end from there, and, honestly, it didn't feel like I missed anything. The outcome with the monster was obvious and disappointing.
I'd spend your reading time elsewhere.
I received a free review copy from Entangled. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
anotherstoryreader's review
5.0
I REALLY loved this book! It’s perfect for fans of Radiance by Grace Darven. It had a lot of the same elements without being a copy. I’ve been hungry for an arranged marriage trope where the couple has to overcome social, language, or cultural barriers. Oddly specific I know. This book scratched that itch! It probably could have used a little more world-building or depth but I loved the relationship aspect.
A few favorite things in common are. Both have an arranged marriage. Both Prince Carson and Princess Kalista enter this arrangement with maturity and a mindset to make the best of things. The first time they meet is at the wedding ceremony. Carson doesn’t even get to see her face till a few days into traveling to his kingdom due to her wearing a veil.
Kalista was previously engaged to a prince from a neighboring kingdom. Her whole education was learning to be that man's wife. Right before the ceremony, they changed the groom and her whole life's education was for nothing.
One of my favorite elements from this book is that Carson and Kalista come from different cultures and don’t even speak the same language. How can you get to know your husband when you can’t even communicate basic needs without an interpreter? I loved to watch their fumbling attempts at getting to know each other. It was also refreshing to have a budding relationship that doesn’t start with hard hearts or constant misunderstandings.
This book was mostly about those struggles, but Kalista is forced to change men because of a prophecy. The prophecy says she will be the one to end the monster that hunts her husband’s land. Kalista doesn’t even believe in monsters. So there is a really great fantasy element. I read this book a few days ago and haven't had a chance to sit long enough to write my review but this book has been floating in my mind ever since. I’m almost certain I’ll be buying a physical copy.
A few favorite things in common are. Both have an arranged marriage. Both Prince Carson and Princess Kalista enter this arrangement with maturity and a mindset to make the best of things. The first time they meet is at the wedding ceremony. Carson doesn’t even get to see her face till a few days into traveling to his kingdom due to her wearing a veil.
Kalista was previously engaged to a prince from a neighboring kingdom. Her whole education was learning to be that man's wife. Right before the ceremony, they changed the groom and her whole life's education was for nothing.
One of my favorite elements from this book is that Carson and Kalista come from different cultures and don’t even speak the same language. How can you get to know your husband when you can’t even communicate basic needs without an interpreter? I loved to watch their fumbling attempts at getting to know each other. It was also refreshing to have a budding relationship that doesn’t start with hard hearts or constant misunderstandings.
This book was mostly about those struggles, but Kalista is forced to change men because of a prophecy. The prophecy says she will be the one to end the monster that hunts her husband’s land. Kalista doesn’t even believe in monsters. So there is a really great fantasy element. I read this book a few days ago and haven't had a chance to sit long enough to write my review but this book has been floating in my mind ever since. I’m almost certain I’ll be buying a physical copy.
lillanaa's review
5.0
This book was received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There's a lot to unpack with this one, but I think it's one of my standouts from this year. The intrigue, the realistic fantasy, and the romance were all tangled together so well and I'm still a little hype from finishing it. The language barrier helps push the fact that this is someone being forced to a new land, something you rarely see in any kind of fantasy (are we supposed to believe there's a Common like in D&D, guys?) and it's used so well here. The arranged marriage trope actually totally works, in a way I haven't seen in a while. The ending is also succinct enough that I wouldn't mind a sequel but it works on its own.
Kalista and Carson are both awesome, definitely a battle couple if I've ever seen one. Kalista, despite being a main character out if her element, doesn't end up feeling whiney or annoying unlike some I've seen in these kinds of stories. I wanted more context on Carson, but bearing that the book is first person with a language barrier I'm not surprised. The other characters are also sick, too. Luke and Emmett make for good foils, and there is definitely work put into their characters.
Again, though, I'm left wanting more, the entire thing wrapping up a little too neatly for my liking with the impression this is all. I'll be on the lookout for more of Cornell's writing, she's definitely on my list now!
There's a lot to unpack with this one, but I think it's one of my standouts from this year. The intrigue, the realistic fantasy, and the romance were all tangled together so well and I'm still a little hype from finishing it. The language barrier helps push the fact that this is someone being forced to a new land, something you rarely see in any kind of fantasy (are we supposed to believe there's a Common like in D&D, guys?) and it's used so well here. The arranged marriage trope actually totally works, in a way I haven't seen in a while. The ending is also succinct enough that I wouldn't mind a sequel but it works on its own.
Kalista and Carson are both awesome, definitely a battle couple if I've ever seen one. Kalista, despite being a main character out if her element, doesn't end up feeling whiney or annoying unlike some I've seen in these kinds of stories. I wanted more context on Carson, but bearing that the book is first person with a language barrier I'm not surprised. The other characters are also sick, too. Luke and Emmett make for good foils, and there is definitely work put into their characters.
Again, though, I'm left wanting more, the entire thing wrapping up a little too neatly for my liking with the impression this is all. I'll be on the lookout for more of Cornell's writing, she's definitely on my list now!
bkclub4one's review
2.0
The marriage between Carson and Kalista is a marriage of convenience. At the last minute she is forced to wed a different prince from the one she had been groomed to marry.
The marriage is based on a prophesy that Kalista is meant to save the Estralian people.She is meant to destroy an immortal beast that has cursed Carson’s kingdom. Easy enough right? Well, no. Kalista is the most incompetent heroine I’ve read lately. Even at her best, she was ridiculous.
I didn’t care much for her or really, anyone in this book.The characters were shallow and unmemorable. None of them lived up to my expectations. I can’t even describe Kalista to you, to me she was just some princess.
The story itself dragged on and on. It’s reasonable for us to know about Kalista’s insecurities and fears, but surely not in every chapter. Reading from her point of view was so tedious I wished the author would have switched it up and included Carson’s POV.
Most of the action happened towards the end. The big “reveal” was anticlimactic and simplistic. At this point I was just glad to be done with the book. I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone since the only reason I completed it was because it was an ARC.
The marriage is based on a prophesy that Kalista is meant to save the Estralian people.She is meant to destroy an immortal beast that has cursed Carson’s kingdom. Easy enough right? Well, no. Kalista is the most incompetent heroine I’ve read lately. Even at her best, she was ridiculous.
I didn’t care much for her or really, anyone in this book.The characters were shallow and unmemorable. None of them lived up to my expectations. I can’t even describe Kalista to you, to me she was just some princess.
The story itself dragged on and on. It’s reasonable for us to know about Kalista’s insecurities and fears, but surely not in every chapter. Reading from her point of view was so tedious I wished the author would have switched it up and included Carson’s POV.
Most of the action happened towards the end. The big “reveal” was anticlimactic and simplistic. At this point I was just glad to be done with the book. I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone since the only reason I completed it was because it was an ARC.
ameserole's review
4.0
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Live Like Legends was one book that was way too easy to devour. At least for me. I mean how could you not want to dive into a princess with a prophecy and legend? Heck yeah, sign me up!
In it, you will meet Kalista. Now she has been training to be the perfect bride since birth. If you give her a culture or a new language, she wont hesitate to practice until she was practically perfect in all things. Well, that was until the day a prophecy was set in stone and then... everything she knew was worthless and useless. Like poof! - nothing matters anymore.
Now she is to be married to a prince that lives in a land full of monsters. Of course they had an instant connection once the met one another. It was pretty cute to see them adapting to a language that they could both understand. I will admit that Carson and Kalista were just adorable throughout the book and fiercely protective as well.
In the end, the only thing I would change is the ending. I just felt like so much was happening throughout the book that the actual ending just underwhelmed me.
Live Like Legends was one book that was way too easy to devour. At least for me. I mean how could you not want to dive into a princess with a prophecy and legend? Heck yeah, sign me up!
In it, you will meet Kalista. Now she has been training to be the perfect bride since birth. If you give her a culture or a new language, she wont hesitate to practice until she was practically perfect in all things. Well, that was until the day a prophecy was set in stone and then... everything she knew was worthless and useless. Like poof! - nothing matters anymore.
Now she is to be married to a prince that lives in a land full of monsters. Of course they had an instant connection once the met one another. It was pretty cute to see them adapting to a language that they could both understand. I will admit that Carson and Kalista were just adorable throughout the book and fiercely protective as well.
In the end, the only thing I would change is the ending. I just felt like so much was happening throughout the book that the actual ending just underwhelmed me.
tyrkysoveknihy's review
4.0
Kallista (such a beautiful name) is a peace baby. She is brought up to marry the prince of the neighboring country to end the conflict between them and keep the peace. She knows how to blend in. She learned his language, customs of his land, their history, etc. She seemed at peace with her fate, but suddenly everything changes and there is a completely different man in front of the altar. It´s prince Carson from a cursed land somewhere up north called Estral. Carson is tall, a well-built and handsome fighter.
Kallista is ought to marry him because she is a part of a prophecy that claims she will bring an end to a monster that is attacking people and killing royals of Estral. Kallista does not know anything about Estral so she is accompanied by a monk named Emmett who is supposed to help her and translate the language for her.
I´ve enjoyed this book so much. Sure, it could be more thought through and it´s quite predictable but I absolutely loved the arranged marriage trope with a language barrier between the main protagonist Kallista and her husband Carson. It was interesting, funny, and refreshing.
Kallista is a quick-witted, likable and funny character. I loved her conversations with Emmett and her relationship with Carson. It´s an absolute delight to see two characters connect and fall in love without words. Their interactions were not only funny, but they were also very sweet together. Because we did not understand Carson It was harder to see his character and development and maybe it would be better if it was told from both Kallista´s and Carson´s POV but I did not mind at all. I sympathized with Kallista´s attempts to get to know him. I know it must be hard not to understand the other person. I liked that we were in her head during the whole process.
I think I´ve never read something where the characters would not know the language of the other person AT ALL and I really enjoyed that. I couldn´t put it down. I finished the book at 5 am. I know there could be more action and worldbuilding because even though there were cultural differences (language, customs, food, etc) we did not see much of this world. I would appreciate more descriptions of Estral itself.
Overall, I've enjoyed it SO MUCH! I adored the bits and pieces of cultural differences, the language barrier between Kalista and Carson, and their slow-burn romance without words ♥. Even though the ending and its explanation could go a little bit deeper it was a very interesting conclusion of this great standalone.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. I´ve read it voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kallista is ought to marry him because she is a part of a prophecy that claims she will bring an end to a monster that is attacking people and killing royals of Estral. Kallista does not know anything about Estral so she is accompanied by a monk named Emmett who is supposed to help her and translate the language for her.
I´ve enjoyed this book so much. Sure, it could be more thought through and it´s quite predictable but I absolutely loved the arranged marriage trope with a language barrier between the main protagonist Kallista and her husband Carson. It was interesting, funny, and refreshing.
Kallista is a quick-witted, likable and funny character. I loved her conversations with Emmett and her relationship with Carson. It´s an absolute delight to see two characters connect and fall in love without words. Their interactions were not only funny, but they were also very sweet together. Because we did not understand Carson It was harder to see his character and development and maybe it would be better if it was told from both Kallista´s and Carson´s POV but I did not mind at all. I sympathized with Kallista´s attempts to get to know him. I know it must be hard not to understand the other person. I liked that we were in her head during the whole process.
I think I´ve never read something where the characters would not know the language of the other person AT ALL and I really enjoyed that. I couldn´t put it down. I finished the book at 5 am. I know there could be more action and worldbuilding because even though there were cultural differences (language, customs, food, etc) we did not see much of this world. I would appreciate more descriptions of Estral itself.
Overall, I've enjoyed it SO MUCH! I adored the bits and pieces of cultural differences, the language barrier between Kalista and Carson, and their slow-burn romance without words ♥. Even though the ending and its explanation could go a little bit deeper it was a very interesting conclusion of this great standalone.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. I´ve read it voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
alexperc_92's review
4.0
I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Review can also be found on my blog, *Milky Way of Books*
Finally a book in which the characters not only have to learn each other but also actually try to communicate with each other! Live like legends takes place in a fantasy kingdom in which Kalista has to marry prince Carson as there is a prophecy in which both play a role.
But they don't speak the same language at all and at the same time, there are cultural differences too that they have to overcome. I enjoyed this book very much as it introduced plot details that not many YA have and I wish I could see more.
It kind of reminded me of one of my most favorite mangas ever "From Far Away" where also the main heroine, Noriko, has a language barrier to overcome.
The missing star for me goes to the book being a YA. I would also be thrilled to read this as a standalone NA or even Adult book.
Overall this was very enjoying and I wish this little gem to get more recognition it deserves.
Finally a book in which the characters not only have to learn each other but also actually try to communicate with each other! Live like legends takes place in a fantasy kingdom in which Kalista has to marry prince Carson as there is a prophecy in which both play a role.
But they don't speak the same language at all and at the same time, there are cultural differences too that they have to overcome. I enjoyed this book very much as it introduced plot details that not many YA have and I wish I could see more.
It kind of reminded me of one of my most favorite mangas ever "From Far Away" where also the main heroine, Noriko, has a language barrier to overcome.
The missing star for me goes to the book being a YA. I would also be thrilled to read this as a standalone NA or even Adult book.
Overall this was very enjoying and I wish this little gem to get more recognition it deserves.
iheartfictionalpeople's review
5.0
Review originally posted on my blog: I Heart Fictional People
INITIAL THOUGHTS
The cover immediately caught my attention. And then I read the synopsis. I love my romance, but I’ve been wanting to read about a kickass heroine, and that’s what Kalista sounded like, so I just had to read it.
WHAT I LIKED
Kalista. She is just badass. I loved her. At first, I felt bad for her because she is just thrown into this unexpected, scary, and violent situation, but I quickly learned that you can throw anything at this girl, and she can handle it. I mean, she didn’t even know the language…at all. But she dealt with it. And I love a girl who can manage a bow and arrow. My FAVORITE scene involves her, a bow and arrow, and other men surrounding her. I had to read that part a few times. I was like, yes! You go, girl!
The romance. I have never read anything like this. This was definitely a unique story all around, but specifically, the romance was one of a kind. They literally couldn’t talk to each other. They spoke completely different languages. You might think, omg, that sounds annoying. But surprisingly, it really wasn’t! It was so authentic. I never once questioned it or wanted to rush either of them to learn one another’s language. We all know that you can’t learn a whole language that quickly, so the slow pacing of the learning and teaching was actually enjoyable. And I just loved how they gradually started to like each other, even though they had never met and they were unable to speak to each other. It was the realistic part in this fantasy world. Plus, the idea of a man protecting his woman even when she can protect herself is just MY FAVORITE.
The suspense. I finished the second half of this book in one night. I just could not put it down. I had to know what happened. It kept me on the edge of my seat for sure. It was unpredictable too. It definitely had some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming.
The writing. I am really impressed that this is a debut novel from this author. Really?? Lately, I’ve been really focused on writing style in the books I read. In just the past month, I have discovered things I do and don’t like in writing. For example, I don’t want a book full of descriptions and no dialogue or vice versa. It needs to be evenly distributed. I also need the emotions to be expressed clearly just through the words. I want a clear image in my head of what’s happening. I want to FEEL what I’m reading. And I’m really happy to say that Kate Cornell is the perfect writer, in my opinion. Recently, I have been able to point out irritations here and there, but I really had no complaints throughout this book.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
I was going to mention the lack of background information into Kalista’s life and how this marriage was arranged. HOWEVER, that really didn’t bother me. We get enough information from her telling her story. And I think it actually worked out well to just jump right into this marriage. We are thrown into the situation right along with Kalista. It made it relatable.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I absolutely loved this book! I couldn’t get enough, and I’m disappointed that it’s over. I wish this was a series because I would LOVE to read more about Kalista and Carson and see how their relationship grows further. Anyway, this book has it all: action, suspense, romance, drama, and even humor. It was more than perfect. I’m so, SO happy that I got the opportunity to read it. Kate Cornell, please write more books! I can’t wait to read more from you!
*I received an eBook copy of this book from YA Bound Book Tours in exchange for an honest review*
INITIAL THOUGHTS
The cover immediately caught my attention. And then I read the synopsis. I love my romance, but I’ve been wanting to read about a kickass heroine, and that’s what Kalista sounded like, so I just had to read it.
WHAT I LIKED
Kalista. She is just badass. I loved her. At first, I felt bad for her because she is just thrown into this unexpected, scary, and violent situation, but I quickly learned that you can throw anything at this girl, and she can handle it. I mean, she didn’t even know the language…at all. But she dealt with it. And I love a girl who can manage a bow and arrow. My FAVORITE scene involves her, a bow and arrow, and other men surrounding her. I had to read that part a few times. I was like, yes! You go, girl!
The romance. I have never read anything like this. This was definitely a unique story all around, but specifically, the romance was one of a kind. They literally couldn’t talk to each other. They spoke completely different languages. You might think, omg, that sounds annoying. But surprisingly, it really wasn’t! It was so authentic. I never once questioned it or wanted to rush either of them to learn one another’s language. We all know that you can’t learn a whole language that quickly, so the slow pacing of the learning and teaching was actually enjoyable. And I just loved how they gradually started to like each other, even though they had never met and they were unable to speak to each other. It was the realistic part in this fantasy world. Plus, the idea of a man protecting his woman even when she can protect herself is just MY FAVORITE.
The suspense. I finished the second half of this book in one night. I just could not put it down. I had to know what happened. It kept me on the edge of my seat for sure. It was unpredictable too. It definitely had some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming.
The writing. I am really impressed that this is a debut novel from this author. Really?? Lately, I’ve been really focused on writing style in the books I read. In just the past month, I have discovered things I do and don’t like in writing. For example, I don’t want a book full of descriptions and no dialogue or vice versa. It needs to be evenly distributed. I also need the emotions to be expressed clearly just through the words. I want a clear image in my head of what’s happening. I want to FEEL what I’m reading. And I’m really happy to say that Kate Cornell is the perfect writer, in my opinion. Recently, I have been able to point out irritations here and there, but I really had no complaints throughout this book.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
I was going to mention the lack of background information into Kalista’s life and how this marriage was arranged. HOWEVER, that really didn’t bother me. We get enough information from her telling her story. And I think it actually worked out well to just jump right into this marriage. We are thrown into the situation right along with Kalista. It made it relatable.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I absolutely loved this book! I couldn’t get enough, and I’m disappointed that it’s over. I wish this was a series because I would LOVE to read more about Kalista and Carson and see how their relationship grows further. Anyway, this book has it all: action, suspense, romance, drama, and even humor. It was more than perfect. I’m so, SO happy that I got the opportunity to read it. Kate Cornell, please write more books! I can’t wait to read more from you!
*I received an eBook copy of this book from YA Bound Book Tours in exchange for an honest review*
apark1186's review
3.0
What a fun ride! I really enjoyed the unique characters, and the concept of the language barrier is something I haven't seen in a fantasy novel before. It added to the romance, and made the relationship development feel more authentic. This is a fun ride if you are a fan of the genre, and it has some twists and turns i didn't see coming. I hope Cornell releases more books in the future, I was sad to see this was only a stand alone!