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foraging_pages's review against another edition
4.0
Three protagonists instead of one? And each with equal chapter points-of-view? Unique and addicting. I was worried when I began reading and found out the protagonist princesses were only sixteen, but that doesn’t reflect on the maturity of the plot and them as pawns with a mission. Despite my initial reservations, I was intrigued as to where the each sister’s story would go. And then my interest waned. I think it’s because the book is a tad long that it felt like I was reading forever with nothing happening. I know espionage takes time and I’d like it to be as authentic as possible, so I kept going and was rewarded/dissapponted? Both.
This is a story about control and power. A story about betrayal and sabotage. A story about the strength the family ties and duty versus the greater good.
I enjoyed the magic system and its ties to the stars and stardust magic. That was unique!
Even though I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I had hoped, a part of me is thinking “I need to pick up the sequel immediately!”
This is a story about control and power. A story about betrayal and sabotage. A story about the strength the family ties and duty versus the greater good.
I enjoyed the magic system and its ties to the stars and stardust magic. That was unique!
Even though I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I had hoped, a part of me is thinking “I need to pick up the sequel immediately!”
chloemagpayo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
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
3.5
alyssaindira's review against another edition
3.0
**NO SPOILERS WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS REVIEW**
"
“Power is an illusion, and the more of it people think you have, the more determined they will be to tear you down.”
(It is books like this that make me want to strangle goodreads for not having half stars).
This book was pretty good, basic but enjoyable. The writing was similar to Ash Princess in the way it was fast and simple, easy to read and understand. It also had more behind the scenes scheming and political intrigue than overt bang bang action that gets ones heart pumping. There was lots of politics and relationship drama in this book, which I guess was to be expected? But honestly, some of the story was a bit bland and easily forgettable, in the way that some of the plot lines and 'twists' were predictable, to some extent. I know some readers like predictable stories because of the comfort, but for me, it takes the fun out of it.
The writing/story was definitely young adult, almost too young adult for me. Like maybe if there had been even some little bit of spice in the bedroom, like true, and conflicting feelings about that, that could have added an element to the book that I would have enjoyed. The romance....was either slow burn, false or non existent, to varying degrees. And I am a sucker for love stories in a fantasy world..
I honestly think this book should of had 6 povs, now, stay with me. The triplets pov was alright, but they did kind of blur together. The main things separating them were each sisters individual predicament, which I did enjoy reading how they handled themselves and all the court drama. Even if they took actions that I did not agree with, ahah! But, I think it would have been even more intriguing if each of the princes had even just one chapter, to get their thoughts on the princesses. Speaking of the princes's....eh, none of them really caught my eye. They werent that charming or sexy or smirky....one of them kinda of tried to be but felt short. So the princes's were a bit forgetable too. (TO be honest I liked the kings better).
I did enjoy the stardust concept that was within the book. That was cool, since I had never read a magic system that involved stardust. I also did enjoy reading through the sisters journeys and how they handled their respective courts and dealt with the prince's and circumstances. So while some things were bland and predictable, it was still a cute fantasy story that I got to be apart of.
If the sequel is out on audiobook, I might be inclined to listen to that, but I do not think I will be buying the second book.
Alright, remember,this is all my opinion, if you want your own, read the book.
"
“Power is an illusion, and the more of it people think you have, the more determined they will be to tear you down.”
(It is books like this that make me want to strangle goodreads for not having half stars).
This book was pretty good, basic but enjoyable. The writing was similar to Ash Princess in the way it was fast and simple, easy to read and understand. It also had more behind the scenes scheming and political intrigue than overt bang bang action that gets ones heart pumping. There was lots of politics and relationship drama in this book, which I guess was to be expected? But honestly, some of the story was a bit bland and easily forgettable, in the way that some of the plot lines and 'twists' were predictable, to some extent. I know some readers like predictable stories because of the comfort, but for me, it takes the fun out of it.
The writing/story was definitely young adult, almost too young adult for me. Like maybe if there had been even some little bit of spice in the bedroom, like true, and conflicting feelings about that, that could have added an element to the book that I would have enjoyed. The romance....was either slow burn, false or non existent, to varying degrees. And I am a sucker for love stories in a fantasy world..
I honestly think this book should of had 6 povs, now, stay with me. The triplets pov was alright, but they did kind of blur together. The main things separating them were each sisters individual predicament, which I did enjoy reading how they handled themselves and all the court drama. Even if they took actions that I did not agree with, ahah! But, I think it would have been even more intriguing if each of the princes had even just one chapter, to get their thoughts on the princesses. Speaking of the princes's....eh, none of them really caught my eye. They werent that charming or sexy or smirky....one of them kinda of tried to be but felt short. So the princes's were a bit forgetable too. (TO be honest I liked the kings better).
I did enjoy the stardust concept that was within the book. That was cool, since I had never read a magic system that involved stardust. I also did enjoy reading through the sisters journeys and how they handled their respective courts and dealt with the prince's and circumstances. So while some things were bland and predictable, it was still a cute fantasy story that I got to be apart of.
If the sequel is out on audiobook, I might be inclined to listen to that, but I do not think I will be buying the second book.
Alright, remember,this is all my opinion, if you want your own, read the book.
ek4therin4h's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
4.0
kamitc's review against another edition
4.0
Sebastian’s writing is decadent. The sweeping fantasy she’s built was intriguing enough, but the prose and distinct character voices drew me in. This book follows three sisters as they are sent to respective countries to be married to kings and princes…with the intent of making way for their mother to seize them. Each of the sisters had their own complicated stories and experiences…I expected to prefer one over the other but each time the POV changed I was eager to know what was happening with this sister, in this country. The diabolical genius required to orchestrate their plans was so perfectly woven through the story and I would pick up any of Sebastian’s other books in the hopes I would get a taste of more of her political intrigue because this girl knows her STUFF.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and the ENDING absolutely slayed me. I’m going to need the next one like yesterday.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and the ENDING absolutely slayed me. I’m going to need the next one like yesterday.
jessicaalexander95's review against another edition
4.0
Daphne, Beatriz and sophrina were raised for one thing, to conquer kingdoms. The girls turn sixteen and its time to put their mothers plans into action.
I really liked this book. I liked the different perspectives and the girls different personalities. I enjoyed Sophie the most and was devastated about her death! Daphne is the worst and I thought triz was fun. Very interested in the second book.
Vesides the characters I liked the lore and magic with stars and wishes, its not something I have seen before which I thought was fun.
I was surprised by the reveal of the empress’ plans.
I really liked this book. I liked the different perspectives and the girls different personalities. I enjoyed Sophie the most and was devastated about her death! Daphne is the worst and I thought triz was fun. Very interested in the second book.
Vesides the characters I liked the lore and magic with stars and wishes, its not something I have seen before which I thought was fun.
I was surprised by the reveal of the empress’ plans.
dudagomes's review against another edition
4.0
I love it but… wtf is that end?
Really?
Why author? Why?
WTF were you thinking?
Where is your heart my lady? lol
laughing nervously
Really?
Why author? Why?
WTF were you thinking?
Where is your heart my lady? lol
laughing nervously
mayaharp's review against another edition
3.0
it took me a while to get into this book and once i was enjoying reading it, it was pretty much over
cjbooks1997's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this!
Laura Sebastian's writing style has a great flow, making this a relatively easy read. The pacing throughout the book was good, though the last 100 pages or so felt rushed with all of the plot twists and realizations.
This story takes place in a fantasy realm divided into kingdoms with varying philosophies on "stardust magic." Some stardust was sprinkled, but most of the story was about politics among the various courts. There was also some romance with each of the sisters, but policy and politics take the stage in this one. If you were hoping for a romance-heavy ya fantasy, this book isn't it. If you prefer a political-centered story, this book is for you!
Laura Sebastian's writing style has a great flow, making this a relatively easy read. The pacing throughout the book was good, though the last 100 pages or so felt rushed with all of the plot twists and realizations.
This story takes place in a fantasy realm divided into kingdoms with varying philosophies on "stardust magic." Some stardust was sprinkled, but most of the story was about politics among the various courts. There was also some romance with each of the sisters, but policy and politics take the stage in this one. If you were hoping for a romance-heavy ya fantasy, this book isn't it. If you prefer a political-centered story, this book is for you!