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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
Head on over to my blog to meet the characters in a special post I made!
Blazewrath Games is the debut novel by Amparo Ortíz, filled with magic, competition, and of course, dragons. Right off the bat, Amparo draws us in through the voice of Lana, our protagonist, whose always known what she’s wanted: to represent her country Puerto Rico in the Blazewrath Games.
"Puerto Rico made me who I am, but Blazewrath is the reason I was born."
Lana was born in Puerto Rico and holds fond memories of it. Unfortunately, her white mother moved them to the US once her father went abroad to study dragons. Lana grapples with her identity as a Puerto Rican, sometimes feeling like she isn’t The Right Kind of Boricua, and especially when other people also question her identity. While this is a fantasy setting, we see certain things that will resonate with Puerto Rican readers all across the world, as we all at one time or another have shared Lana’s struggle
The story also involves a huge cast of characters that each have an important role to play, both in the Games as well as for Lana’s journey. While at first it’s a bit overwhelming to meet them all at once, readers will be able to love and appreciate every single one of them and distinguish their voices as we go along.
Speaking of characters, we have to mention of course the antagonist of this series. The Sire, once a dragon, now cursed to become human, wants nothing more than to take down the entire Blazewrath federation. His motivations and antics are chilling and leave you wondering what he may be up to. This book has you on the edge of your seat, thinking of what terrifying things he’ll come up with next, and whether there’s a trap waiting at every corner.
One thing that stands out for me is of course, the world-building in this novel. Amparo created this series with such care and it’s obvious in each page. First of all, each chapter beings with an excerpt from a textbook, article, interview, etc., and they all work to help us construct better what the world is while not overwhelming us with huge informational dumps. What I really loved was the fact that normally in other fantasy novels, smaller countries are almost never mentioned or considered. It’s almost always US-based and maybe a few honorable mentions for the most prominent European countries. Here, Amparo gives us rich history into as many countries as possible, and makes the world-building feel so wonderfully developed.
Of course, what’s a review of Blazewrath Games without mentioning the most important part of all, the ever iconic dragons. As with the world-building, the dragons are also incredibly described, and feel like one of the most important living creatures of all. Each country has a different dragon, with different powers, appearances, and even different styles of combat. Through the Games we see a few of these in action and they’re as majestic as they are terrifying. I cannot wait to see more of them in future books.
All in all, Blazewrath Games was a spectacular debut from a dear friend and author. After I finished reading it I had such a happy feeling in my chest, because I had spent so many months in a terrible reading slump. This was just the right blend of action, adventure, magic, and great thrills all around. I think this is the perfect book for those who are big fans of Warcross but want something involving a little bit of magic as well. Regardless, Blazewrath Games shines and stands out as it’s own as well, and I can honestly say it’s one of my favorite depictions of Dragons in any YA book ever.
I received a review copy through Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review
It’s a fun books but it feels more like a shallow movie adaptation of an epic novel. There’s a lack of depth to the world building, characters, and relationships throughout.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
DNF at 100 pages.
So, I’m not going to rate this book. It’s a classic case of “it’s not you; it’s me,” and in this case, “it’s not you; it’s because I’m older than 18.” This is definitely on the young side of YA, voice-wise.
In the first 100 pages, we get a peppy narrator, a bunch of Deus ex Machina, and plenty of cringey moments (at least for me, an adult). If you like fan fiction and quidditch, you’ll probably love this book.
It’s very Gen Z—lots of diversity, mentions of K-pop, and the phrase “forever favorite” is used seriously more than once.
Based on the synopsis, I expected something a little more epic fantasy, with some real countries thrown in. I also expected something a bit more serious. But, the prose reads like an energetic puppy, bouncing around, and the first chapters, in particular, are very info-dumpy.
Not my cup of tea, despite what looked to be an interesting premise, but I don’t think it needs to be. Your teenage Kpop + Harry Potter fan girl will have a ball with it.
So, I’m not going to rate this book. It’s a classic case of “it’s not you; it’s me,” and in this case, “it’s not you; it’s because I’m older than 18.” This is definitely on the young side of YA, voice-wise.
In the first 100 pages, we get a peppy narrator, a bunch of Deus ex Machina, and plenty of cringey moments (at least for me, an adult). If you like fan fiction and quidditch, you’ll probably love this book.
It’s very Gen Z—lots of diversity, mentions of K-pop, and the phrase “forever favorite” is used seriously more than once.
Based on the synopsis, I expected something a little more epic fantasy, with some real countries thrown in. I also expected something a bit more serious. But, the prose reads like an energetic puppy, bouncing around, and the first chapters, in particular, are very info-dumpy.
Not my cup of tea, despite what looked to be an interesting premise, but I don’t think it needs to be. Your teenage Kpop + Harry Potter fan girl will have a ball with it.
The cover intrigued me and the story thrilled me! A completely unexpected turn. I adore Lana! Her tenacity and drive to join the games, even though there was so much against her. I knew things weren't as they seemed, but it didn't prepare me for all the twists and turns of the story. My only gripe has to be about the Blazewrath sport itself. I didn't get a clear picture of what they were vying for or the rules. However, Lana and the story surrounding her, the dragons, with the government, and then the society trying to free them. It was like a political thriller with fantasy thrown in. Definitely picking up book 2.
I loved the dragons. I loved the idea behind the games. Otherwise, it was just ok.
It was just too much going on I can't get into it
🇵🇷 YA FANTASY
😩why’d I not know there was a Latine fantasy with dragons?!? I loved it so much!! Such a fun audiobook that always kept me hooked! The FMC is accepted to be a part of the PR team competing in a tournament, which is the first time PR is in the competition! I loved seeing the team become a found family while also helping her train! And she was very adamant about finding out why the people in charge of this competition were being so sketchy. She is such a proud Puertoriqueña despite dealing with things said to her and as she should! I’m gonna read book 2 to find out what that’s about bcuz there wasn’t a cliffhanger! So I’m curious where that will go!
😩why’d I not know there was a Latine fantasy with dragons?!? I loved it so much!! Such a fun audiobook that always kept me hooked! The FMC is accepted to be a part of the PR team competing in a tournament, which is the first time PR is in the competition! I loved seeing the team become a found family while also helping her train! And she was very adamant about finding out why the people in charge of this competition were being so sketchy. She is such a proud Puertoriqueña despite dealing with things said to her and as she should! I’m gonna read book 2 to find out what that’s about bcuz there wasn’t a cliffhanger! So I’m curious where that will go!