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3.36 AVERAGE
3.36 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“A girl my age was to be like the dawn”
This book had potential, unfortunately it fell flat in execution. This novel has an interesting premise, some strong ideas, and solid twists - but it never truly got off the ground for me. I found the characters frustrating, the writing over-expositional, and the pacing rough for a book so short.
There is a noticeable point in which the plot of this book picks up, the intrigue increases and the potential and twists I mentioned earlier come out to play. But the payoff was let down by characters and interpersonal relationships I was not given time to, or solid cause to care about. Relationships needed more time to develop - giving Amie a mere number of weeks to bond with her fellow servants and the Princess did this story as much of a disservice as the swiftly wrapped up forgiveness she offers her sister.
There is promise within the bones of this novel, an interesting magic system begging to be further developed, complex interpersonal relationships that need time to grow. I and the narrative were just not given the opportunity to ruminate on these points. While I think there could be further space to build upon these ideas in a possible sequel alluded to by the open ending, I believe my journey with any possible series ends here.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Murder
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Violence, Blood
Minor: Physical abuse
adventurous
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
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
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
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:
No
I enjoyed this book. I wanted a bit more character growth, but it was good.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
I checked the audiobook out through Libby for a road trip and was not disappointed. A fascinating dark fairytale about tricking and being tricked by gods to save a loved one.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
Thanks to LibroFM for the advanced listening copy through their Educators' ALC program.
This was such a fun read! I loved the incorporation of Malian folklore and historical elements along with the fantasy, romance, and adventure. I was fully invested in main character Amie's efforts and appreciated her thoughtfulness and independent thinking despite the obstacles she faced. I was a nice combination of worldbuilding, exciting "episodes" that kept me turning the pages, and large-scale plot development (which will hopefully continue in a series, even if there's nothing concrete planned yet).
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No