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the_bookishmum's review
This book had a lot of promise but it just wasn’t for me. The tone and dialogue made it read like it was meant for a much younger audience. There was a lot of telling rather than showing, mostly through dialogue, and the thought asides were a little jarring.
That being said the story itself was really good and the world and magic systems were well thought out.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
That being said the story itself was really good and the world and magic systems were well thought out.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
gremlinboi's review
adventurous
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? It's complicated
3.25
pocketbookdragon's review
4.0
I absolutely love all the characters in this book! There were several tremendously hilarious moments as well as a few heartbreakingly sad moments!
Now on to book 2!
Now on to book 2!
alohabooksandbujos's review
4.0
I’m here for a strong, witty, and tough female main character with a strong storyline filled with tension, betrayal, choosing the right thing, and all the drama. This was a fast paced read that kept me on edge up until the last page. Alice Hanov is sure to bring some amazing things to the continuation of this world.
racheldailey's review against another edition
5.0
Such an amazing book! It was so hard to put it down. You will quickly fall in love with Alex. This book is action packed with a touch of drama and just a sprinkle of romance.
stewardofbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Alex, or rather, Princess Elizabeth Alexandria of Warren, is no ordinary princess. She is also a warrior and a powerful sorceress. Having spent most of her life in hiding, she returns to palace life and has to learn a lot. Suitors must be managed, etiquette learned, names memorised and above all her power must be mastered. Alex soon realises that even back in the arms of her loving friends and family, there are secrets. Powerful secrets with dangerous consequences. Secrets that revolve around her.
This book did not go in the direction I was expecting! Wow! I am still in shock after that ending...
Alice Hanov has managed to capture all the well-loved and familiar aspects of a YA fantasy (you know - the feisty female lead, the love triangle, the magic, the political intrigue) and she has made it all new. I was in no way prepared for all the twists and I love that! The story is beautifully crafted and characters are really amazing. They show real growth, something that is hard to create authentically, and they are real people with both good and bad. But what really made this book stand out to me, is the worldbuilding. All the details surrounding the different kingdoms, noble houses, sorcerer lines and even the detail around the physical places are so real and well-thought out. I feel like I could go to Torian and know how everything looks and who belongs where.
There is only reason that I didn't add a fifth star. I am awkward about physical romance scenes and I felt that one or two of them were a little unnecessary but that is just personal preference.
I am excited for the rest of the series!
This book did not go in the direction I was expecting! Wow! I am still in shock after that ending...
Alice Hanov has managed to capture all the well-loved and familiar aspects of a YA fantasy (you know - the feisty female lead, the love triangle, the magic, the political intrigue) and she has made it all new. I was in no way prepared for all the twists and I love that! The story is beautifully crafted and characters are really amazing. They show real growth, something that is hard to create authentically, and they are real people with both good and bad. But what really made this book stand out to me, is the worldbuilding. All the details surrounding the different kingdoms, noble houses, sorcerer lines and even the detail around the physical places are so real and well-thought out. I feel like I could go to Torian and know how everything looks and who belongs where.
There is only reason that I didn't add a fifth star. I am awkward about physical romance scenes and I felt that one or two of them were a little unnecessary but that is just personal preference.
I am excited for the rest of the series!
vixen_519's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars really
Sometimes so I got confused about some of the characters since the names were a tad similar is the only criticism I have, otherwise I very much enjoyed this novel and look forward to the next part!
Sometimes so I got confused about some of the characters since the names were a tad similar is the only criticism I have, otherwise I very much enjoyed this novel and look forward to the next part!
erikoreads's review
3.0
I started reading this on KU to help me decide if I wanted to back the Kickstarter campaign for the deluxe extended hardcover version - and I have!
copyrightxcasey's review
4.0
I never know quite what to expect when going into a book knowing that it’s an authors debut, and going into this one was no different. Any reservations or expectations I might have had, however, were quickly tossed out the window as I further immersed myself within the story. This was engaging and well written, and equally well developed. By its end, you find yourself well and truly invested, desperate for answers to questions that its cliffhanger ending leaves you with. If you’re looking for a fast paced, rollercoaster ride of a story with a heck of a plot twist ending, this is the one. Don’t walk, run.
rainelle_barrett's review against another edition
4.0
This was a great read for me. I definitely loved how the writer was able to captivate my imagination with words that were simple and clear. How the story was told which was straight forward without all the flamboyant verbiage was a added plus. I appreciate that the writer didn’t try to create words that were difficult to read. The writer wanted connection from readers to the book and this is what the writer received from me. I thought the characters were absolutely great. Alex or Elizabeth was terrific. Her powers that she holds seems a lot for one little person, but the book explains well. Having Steffon and Michael by her side she was able to accomplish a lot. Aaron his character was great too, but the idea of him and Alex I’m on the fence about.