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jaxkirmse's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is not your typical indie-author debut novel!!! It is BETTER!
I really enjoyed S.J's writing style. Actually, I will admit I was IMPRESSED by the writing. The dialogue is developed. The world-building is creative and fresh. The plot is really interesting and has so much more to give (hello, series!) The main characters are lovable and complex. Though, I wish I had more time with the side characters (found-family vibes) to really understand each personality. The pacing is quick but you still get breaks from the action to develop the MC relationships. Admittedly, sometimes it feels like the book moves on and you are missing info, but you're not! you're just not given every detail. Once you are about 100 pages in you get used to the pacing. The romance is a slow burn but inevitable. It is the major plot point but doesn't take away from the character-building or action. Overall, it is everything you need from a fantasy romance!
The author does descriptors really well. It was probably on the edge of too many for some, but I have a super visual reading comprehension so I thrive when I can really visualize the scene. I love the detail! The world created here is very fascinating and I cannot wait to learn more about the hierarchy, political dynamics, and "magic system" (it's not really magic, but just powers). I have lots of questions but in a good way.
Lastly, I LOVED THE ENDING. I get really frustrated by what authors try to pass off as cliffhangers. You know, the ones where it feels like they just wrote "the end" halfway through a book. I hate that!!! This was the perfect end to book 1 of a series. You get some closure, you get the end of the major action for this book's plot AND you get a glimpse of what is to come. You are left with some important info and questions in the last 2 chapters but nothing that will make you miserable or keep you up at night. It was the perfect touch of continuation.
I really enjoyed S.J's writing style. Actually, I will admit I was IMPRESSED by the writing. The dialogue is developed. The world-building is creative and fresh. The plot is really interesting and has so much more to give (hello, series!) The main characters are lovable and complex. Though, I wish I had more time with the side characters (found-family vibes) to really understand each personality. The pacing is quick but you still get breaks from the action to develop the MC relationships. Admittedly, sometimes it feels like the book moves on and you are missing info, but you're not! you're just not given every detail. Once you are about 100 pages in you get used to the pacing. The romance is a slow burn but inevitable. It is the major plot point but doesn't take away from the character-building or action. Overall, it is everything you need from a fantasy romance!
The author does descriptors really well. It was probably on the edge of too many for some, but I have a super visual reading comprehension so I thrive when I can really visualize the scene. I love the detail! The world created here is very fascinating and I cannot wait to learn more about the hierarchy, political dynamics, and "magic system" (it's not really magic, but just powers). I have lots of questions but in a good way.
Lastly, I LOVED THE ENDING. I get really frustrated by what authors try to pass off as cliffhangers. You know, the ones where it feels like they just wrote "the end" halfway through a book. I hate that!!! This was the perfect end to book 1 of a series. You get some closure, you get the end of the major action for this book's plot AND you get a glimpse of what is to come. You are left with some important info and questions in the last 2 chapters but nothing that will make you miserable or keep you up at night. It was the perfect touch of continuation.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and War
Minor: Death, Suicide, Cursing, and Torture
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