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popgoesbitty's review against another edition
4.0
Such good writing and a super thrilling plot. Lost a star because I think the story went on a bit longer than it needed too, but the magic kept my attention despite its droning.
ravensandpages's review against another edition
I received an ARC eons ago in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Penguin Teen.
I'm DNFing at 48%, unfortunately. Though I will say, I was reading via audio and enjoyed the performances. Each voice suits the narrator very well and I would recommend it!
I am really sad this book didn't turn out to be for me, but I did give it an honest try. I like Koffi and Ekon both, and I could grow to like Adiah, but her POV came so infrequently that her growth arc didn't seem to be in pace with the other two, and her perspective was sometimes jarring and frustrating to read. If I had to choose, Koffi would have been my favorite. I liked her chapters best and enjoyed seeing her growth over the part of the story I did get through!
While I wasn't able to finish this book, it does have potential, and I think it boils down to it just not being for me. It was more slow-paced than I was hoping for, and I was really hoping for the settings to feel more alive to me as places on their own rather than being characterized by the people associated with them, but I do recognize that's a personal preference. I liked the influences present and I would recommend you try if you think this sounds like something you'd enjoy! I was just getting to the point where I was just unexcited to read it, and I want to put my focus on other titles.
I'm DNFing at 48%, unfortunately. Though I will say, I was reading via audio and enjoyed the performances. Each voice suits the narrator very well and I would recommend it!
I am really sad this book didn't turn out to be for me, but I did give it an honest try. I like Koffi and Ekon both, and I could grow to like Adiah, but her POV came so infrequently that her growth arc didn't seem to be in pace with the other two, and her perspective was sometimes jarring and frustrating to read. If I had to choose, Koffi would have been my favorite. I liked her chapters best and enjoyed seeing her growth over the part of the story I did get through!
While I wasn't able to finish this book, it does have potential, and I think it boils down to it just not being for me. It was more slow-paced than I was hoping for, and I was really hoping for the settings to feel more alive to me as places on their own rather than being characterized by the people associated with them, but I do recognize that's a personal preference. I liked the influences present and I would recommend you try if you think this sounds like something you'd enjoy! I was just getting to the point where I was just unexcited to read it, and I want to put my focus on other titles.
thebeththing's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? Yes
3.5
ninamoskowitz's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.5
kimberlyhof's review against another edition
4.0
Fantasy books can get too out there to be enjoyable but this one mixed enough realism to keep the story grounded
hisnameis_panik's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
grover_25's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
noodle_eldoon's review against another edition
Couldn’t get into it, quite a childish read. Didn’t feel like a rich story even with the overly descriptive writing. The odd chapter of a random character thrown in was jarring and it’s obvious she’s the thing that stalks the jungle.
gracepizza40's review against another edition
3.0
This is a good debut. The parts in the book were YA standard, and I loved the cultures and real-life references. This book is definitely a Young Adult book as well. There is one thing I didn't like: The author used too many adjectives, similies, semicolons, and other descriptions in the book. I liked that there were a variety of words, but the constant dramatic descriptions became unnecessary and ultimately made my reading experience less enjoyable than it could have been. I didn't really have high expectations for this book while reading the first half, but the second half was exciting.
Overall it was a thrilling and rich YA debut and I would recommend it to YA Fantasy lovers.
Spoiler
Some parts felt weirdly dystopian, like when The Six's true service was revealed and especially the part when Father Olufemi drugged Kamau. It reminded me of The Giver.Overall it was a thrilling and rich YA debut and I would recommend it to YA Fantasy lovers
Spoiler
who don't mind the writing style...renee_fae's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.0
Characters are fun, the bits of African mythology was great, and the story was all round an interesting read💕
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood, Death, Fire/Fire injury, and Violence