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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
โข ๐ฉ๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐ โข
๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด: โโ 2.5/5
It hurts me to rate this book like this... I just don't see any other way. It took me 6 months to finish this book, and I skimmed most pages (focussing on conversations) because I just don't have it in me (yet) to DNF a book. I actually really liked the prequel story, but I think this one just had a slower pacing that wasn't to my liking. I did love the characters and their distinctive traits. They made me laugh at times, and I did feel the connection. I think this story is suited for those who like a slow paced book with long chapters. It does end on a cliffhanger, so beware!
A lot of my reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld
๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด: โโ 2.5/5
It hurts me to rate this book like this... I just don't see any other way. It took me 6 months to finish this book, and I skimmed most pages (focussing on conversations) because I just don't have it in me (yet) to DNF a book. I actually really liked the prequel story, but I think this one just had a slower pacing that wasn't to my liking. I did love the characters and their distinctive traits. They made me laugh at times, and I did feel the connection. I think this story is suited for those who like a slow paced book with long chapters. It does end on a cliffhanger, so beware!
A lot of my reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld
slow-paced
Too slow paced, weird character development and not a strong plot
A Game of Malice and Greed
Oh man, was this good. It's so different from what I'm used to reading from these authors. At least for me, it was. It's a long which I love. These characters just sucked me into their world. I absolutely loved Kyra. Man my heart hurt for especially with that last chapter. Before reading this, you should really read the prequel. It will help you to know Kyra on a different level. There are so many amazing characters. I can't wait to see what happens next for all of them.
Oh man, was this good. It's so different from what I'm used to reading from these authors. At least for me, it was. It's a long which I love. These characters just sucked me into their world. I absolutely loved Kyra. Man my heart hurt for especially with that last chapter. Before reading this, you should really read the prequel. It will help you to know Kyra on a different level. There are so many amazing characters. I can't wait to see what happens next for all of them.
Are we too greedy after ZA/RB/DP?
While I really liked A Kingdom of Gods and Ruin as an intro to this series, A Game of Malice and Greed left me a bit disappointed.
As said before, the world building is amazing, very rich and imaginative. The pacing at times feels uneven, with certain sections dragging on while others rush by too quickly. Certain plot twists and revelations felt forced leading to a sense of disbelief. Although there is a very wide selection of characters, I loved that Kyra returned and we received a bit more of her. I really liked Drake and Cassius and hope their stories become more interesting in any future books.
I think this book was too long with a lot of unnecessary content. I did like it and will certainly be looking out for Book 2.
While I really liked A Kingdom of Gods and Ruin as an intro to this series, A Game of Malice and Greed left me a bit disappointed.
As said before, the world building is amazing, very rich and imaginative. The pacing at times feels uneven, with certain sections dragging on while others rush by too quickly. Certain plot twists and revelations felt forced leading to a sense of disbelief. Although there is a very wide selection of characters, I loved that Kyra returned and we received a bit more of her. I really liked Drake and Cassius and hope their stories become more interesting in any future books.
I think this book was too long with a lot of unnecessary content. I did like it and will certainly be looking out for Book 2.
3 Stars and only bc of my Lance freaking Orion bonus chapter that I earned every word of after reading this absolutely unnecessary monster of a book.
Look, no one is more disappointed than I am that I didn't absolutely love this book especially after I loved the prequel novella so much that I gave it 5 stars. I was WILLING myself to like this book the entire way through but in the end I gotta be real it was just meh. Recycled characters, repetitive plot points, really weird characterizations and 856 totally unnecessary pages! WHY?!!
What worked for me-
I loved the setting, the visual aids included with the book were amazing, the magic system although not entirely clear yet is really interesting along with the mythology of the Gods and Dragons.
It's really funny, I did laugh a lot. I can always count on good banter and comedy from the sisters.
Future seed planting of where the story may go did peek my interest, (a little).
What didn't work-
So much of this book felt like a patchwork job from ZA. The whole plot with the emperor being controlled is basically a paste and copy of Hail Vega.
Drake is basically an Heirs hybrid where all four of their personalities are just mushed together into this one overbearing obnoxious Fboy.
So many recycled jokes and characters from other series.
The women are so sidelined in this book! Both women are locked up in some way or another for the majority of the book.
IT'S SO LONG!! The repetitive information and monologues never end!!!! It's so unnecessary.
Characters-
Drake- He was fine. Most of the time annoying but he had his moments and he can be really funny. I liked his developing friendship with Cassius the most, their banter was a highlight. I don't think I buy his whole affection for Kyra yet. They tried to convince me, I just didn't feel the chemistry. His background is really interesting though and I do want to know what's up with his tatoos.
Cassius- I actually really like him for the most part, except for his whole obsession with Austyn! Dude, chill with the creepy stalker vibes! Counting eyelashes from across a room, getting hot thinking about her making you bleed, you barely know her, RELAX! I like how he is so kind to Kyra (I lowkey ship him with her more than the alternative) And he is genuinely a good person and a feminist, bonus!
Austyn - They gave this poor girl no personality whatsoever. She is the prototypical princess locked in her tower, dreaming of being independent.
Kyra - She is the best part of the book for me, and not in any small part bc I was already invested in her from the previous novella. What has happened to her from the point we left her in the last book to now is so heartbreaking. Her fractured mind, while really funny is also so devasting. The book takes way too long to bring her into the fold bc she is the one that really gives the story life.
I do think this story still has potential, but these unnecessarily long books have got to go, If you loved this book I am really so happy for you and genuinely jealous bc I wanted to love this book so bad.
Look, no one is more disappointed than I am that I didn't absolutely love this book especially after I loved the prequel novella so much that I gave it 5 stars. I was WILLING myself to like this book the entire way through but in the end I gotta be real it was just meh. Recycled characters, repetitive plot points, really weird characterizations and 856 totally unnecessary pages! WHY?!!
What worked for me-
I loved the setting, the visual aids included with the book were amazing, the magic system although not entirely clear yet is really interesting along with the mythology of the Gods and Dragons.
It's really funny, I did laugh a lot. I can always count on good banter and comedy from the sisters.
Future seed planting of where the story may go did peek my interest, (a little).
What didn't work-
So much of this book felt like a patchwork job from ZA. The whole plot with the emperor being controlled is basically a paste and copy of Hail Vega.
Drake is basically an Heirs hybrid where all four of their personalities are just mushed together into this one overbearing obnoxious Fboy.
So many recycled jokes and characters from other series.
The women are so sidelined in this book! Both women are locked up in some way or another for the majority of the book.
IT'S SO LONG!! The repetitive information and monologues never end!!!! It's so unnecessary.
Characters-
Drake- He was fine. Most of the time annoying but he had his moments and he can be really funny. I liked his developing friendship with Cassius the most, their banter was a highlight. I don't think I buy his whole affection for Kyra yet. They tried to convince me, I just didn't feel the chemistry. His background is really interesting though and I do want to know what's up with his tatoos.
Cassius- I actually really like him for the most part, except for his whole obsession with Austyn! Dude, chill with the creepy stalker vibes! Counting eyelashes from across a room, getting hot thinking about her making you bleed, you barely know her, RELAX! I like how he is so kind to Kyra (I lowkey ship him with her more than the alternative) And he is genuinely a good person and a feminist, bonus!
Austyn - They gave this poor girl no personality whatsoever. She is the prototypical princess locked in her tower, dreaming of being independent.
Kyra - She is the best part of the book for me, and not in any small part bc I was already invested in her from the previous novella. What has happened to her from the point we left her in the last book to now is so heartbreaking. Her fractured mind, while really funny is also so devasting. The book takes way too long to bring her into the fold bc she is the one that really gives the story life.
I do think this story still has potential, but these unnecessarily long books have got to go, If you loved this book I am really so happy for you and genuinely jealous bc I wanted to love this book so bad.
3.75/5
โ๏ธ Aladdin retelling
โ๏ธ No/low spice forbidden romance
โ๏ธ Morally grey characters
โ๏ธ High fantasy
I really loved the characters in this book, especially Kyra. She is the โgenieโ who is so out of touch with reality it was hilarious at points, but also had depth to her and I enjoyed her snippets of internal (or not so internal) monologue, although the earlier chapters where it is SOLELY internal monologue were hard reads.
The banter between Drake and Cassius was hilarious and I really enjoyed their bromance.
The writing was decent but not as good I felt as in the prequel. The pacing sadly was awful and my main reason for such a low rating- if this book had been half the length it was I wouldโve probably given it 4.5-5/5.
So slow to start, plot only really starts to pick up at 60%ish and most of the drama and action isnโt until later around 85%+ and then parts felt rushed (Magdor?!)
I both loved and hated the cliffhanger ending- it was brilliant and I genuinely didnโt see it ending there, but it was so unsatisfying, cruel and I wish Iโd waited for the next book to be out so I wasnโt in suspense
โ๏ธ Aladdin retelling
โ๏ธ No/low spice forbidden romance
โ๏ธ Morally grey characters
โ๏ธ High fantasy
I really loved the characters in this book, especially Kyra. She is the โgenieโ who is so out of touch with reality it was hilarious at points, but also had depth to her and I enjoyed her snippets of internal (or not so internal) monologue, although the earlier chapters where it is SOLELY internal monologue were hard reads.
The banter between Drake and Cassius was hilarious and I really enjoyed their bromance.
The writing was decent but not as good I felt as in the prequel. The pacing sadly was awful and my main reason for such a low rating- if this book had been half the length it was I wouldโve probably given it 4.5-5/5.
So slow to start, plot only really starts to pick up at 60%ish and most of the drama and action isnโt until later around 85%+ and then parts felt rushed (Magdor?!)
I both loved and hated the cliffhanger ending- it was brilliant and I genuinely didnโt see it ending there, but it was so unsatisfying, cruel and I wish Iโd waited for the next book to be out so I wasnโt in suspense
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
I liked this book, but it doesn't compare to the early books of ZA. It started off really slow to me because I Kyra is by FAR the most interesting character (and she doesn't come in until 250 pages in) I fell in love with her in the prequel and even though this new version doesn't compare she's still the best character. She gives me Keyla from Four Psychos vibes (kinda overwhelmed by everything but incredibly powerful and hopefully ruthless). I wasn't as amazed by the other characters. They were enjoyable but nothing crazy.
The ending of Drake betraying Kyra and Cass bonding with the dragon was a bit odd for me. I didn't hate it or love it. I am not all that excited for the curse element if I'm being honest. I also don't know how I feel about Austyn. I like her romance with Cass but other than that she isn't that engaging. I always liked Drake and Kyra's POV chapters the best.
Overall the world has a lot of potential. The prequel drew me in SO MUCH. I want to see more with the characters and the romances going forward. I'll definitely still read the next books, but I'm not overly crushed by the cliffhanger.
The ending of Drake betraying Kyra and Cass bonding with the dragon was a bit odd for me. I didn't hate it or love it. I am not all that excited for the curse element if I'm being honest. I also don't know how I feel about Austyn. I like her romance with Cass but other than that she isn't that engaging. I always liked Drake and Kyra's POV chapters the best.
Overall the world has a lot of potential. The prequel drew me in SO MUCH. I want to see more with the characters and the romances going forward. I'll definitely still read the next books, but I'm not overly crushed by the cliffhanger.