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undervmountain's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
I don't usually go back to 2 or 3 star reads, but while this plot was terrible, I ended up being so invested in the characters and what was going to happen to them that I finally decided to re-read this so I could read the sequel and finally find out the fate of my favourite character.
This story is both basic, and messy. Beatriz, Sophronia and Daphne are three twins raised to travel to neighbouring Kingdoms and destroy them from the inside, which sound simple enough but with three POVs and three locations, that came with a large cast of characters that could be difficult to keep up with.
I do wish the world was more diverse, as this book felt quite dated by only having one Queer relationship that was more background plot, and not too important to the overall story. I hope the sequels keep the same fast pace that this book did though, as I flew through the whole thing quite easily.
This story is both basic, and messy. Beatriz, Sophronia and Daphne are three twins raised to travel to neighbouring Kingdoms and destroy them from the inside, which sound simple enough but with three POVs and three locations, that came with a large cast of characters that could be difficult to keep up with.
I do wish the world was more diverse, as this book felt quite dated by only having one Queer relationship that was more background plot, and not too important to the overall story. I hope the sequels keep the same fast pace that this book did though, as I flew through the whole thing quite easily.
jemau11's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
For the most part, this book was exactly what I wanted it to be. Fun plotting, good world building, nice mix of characters. There is a bit of a plot hole that comes from the big reveal, though.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault and Homophobia
sammy_g's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
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
5.0
caitlinemccann's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexism, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Police brutality, Alcohol, Blood, Death, and Infidelity
Minor: Addiction
michely66's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book so much! It did make me sad once I finished it, but I can’t wait to dive into the second one!
bringmeadream's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
juniormrsmini's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
laurenslovelylittlelife's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
stassi444's review against another edition
5.0
This was such an interesting story and world that was built. Being able to take magic from the stars themselves. This story had me not knowing who to root for but also wondering how certain characters could be so stupid. I'm a fan of Laura Sebastian, so I may be biased, but this was one of my favorite reads
bookishblondegirl's review against another edition
4.25
Three princesses are sent to three foreign kingdoms to be married and, unbeknownst to their new spouses, to take down the kingdoms from the inside. The princesses, Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatriz, have been training since birth for this; they know how to break codes, use poisons, seduce men, and kick ass. Once they destroy each kingdom from the inside, their mother, the Empress, will be able to take total control of the land.
I adore fantasy books where there is political maneuvering and espionage, so I was SO ready for the girls to carry out their missions. Here's the thing, though: the princesses, in all honesty, initially came off as somewhat inept. Don't get me wrong, I liked all three of them, and enjoyed how they were each masters of their own thing (Sophie, the brainy one; Daphne, the cunning one; and Beatriz, the seductive one), but once they arrived in their respective kingdoms, they started making some not-so-smart choices.
Obviously, these characters are teenagers trying to navigate an adult world, but they have also been training for this their whole lives. However, this issue was, mostly, remedied in the second half of the book, when the story picked up and some plot twists propelled the princesses into action. We then got to see them utilize their skills and individual strengths, as well as engage in some self-reflection and discovery.
Overall, this was a really good YA fantasy with an interesting plot and likable protagonists. The magic system was unique and well-explained, and I am very much invested in the princesses' story and plan to continue on with this series. I would recommend this if you enjoyed The Bridge Kingdom or the His Fair Assassins trilogy! Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this! Get your hands on Castles in Their Bones on 02/01/22.
I adore fantasy books where there is political maneuvering and espionage, so I was SO ready for the girls to carry out their missions. Here's the thing, though: the princesses, in all honesty, initially came off as somewhat inept. Don't get me wrong, I liked all three of them, and enjoyed how they were each masters of their own thing (Sophie, the brainy one; Daphne, the cunning one; and Beatriz, the seductive one), but once they arrived in their respective kingdoms, they started making some not-so-smart choices.
Obviously, these characters are teenagers trying to navigate an adult world, but they have also been training for this their whole lives. However, this issue was, mostly, remedied in the second half of the book, when the story picked up and some plot twists propelled the princesses into action. We then got to see them utilize their skills and individual strengths, as well as engage in some self-reflection and discovery.
Overall, this was a really good YA fantasy with an interesting plot and likable protagonists. The magic system was unique and well-explained, and I am very much invested in the princesses' story and plan to continue on with this series. I would recommend this if you enjoyed The Bridge Kingdom or the His Fair Assassins trilogy! Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this! Get your hands on Castles in Their Bones on 02/01/22.