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michalice's review
3.0
I hadn't really heard about Starborn until I received an email from publisher with some upcoming releases, and not only did the synopsis draw me in, but it was also promoted as 'fans of David Eddings will like it'. I am a huge fan of David Eddings so this only made it more definite that I read this book
Starborn follows our protagonist, Kyndra, who is forced to flee her town after several unrelated incidents, she accidentally breaks a Relic in the Inheritance Ceremony, and when the Breaking hits her small town of Brenwym, all fingers point to Kyndra. However, in all the turmoil a loved one is hurt, so Kyndra makes a deal, in return for saving his life, Kyndra will travel with Nediah and Brégenne to Naris
What she isn't initially told about this strange duo, is that they are a Solar–Lunar pairing, one has powers that are stronger in day, whilst other works better in the night. Brégenne has a small inkling as to what Kyndra is capable of, so getting her to go with them to Naris means she can be tested to see if she has an ability too.
Starborn was a difficult read for me. I went into this story with the idea that I would fall into this new world as fast as I did with David Eddings, but for me it just took a bit too long to actually get anywhere. Also knowing that this was a big book, 400 pages long, it was daunting for me to read and still feel like I wasn't getting anywhere.
About a quarter of the way into Starborn things did pick up for me, and that was when I did start to become really interested in what was going on. The world that Lucy has created was unique and mysterious, and there was a lot of world and character building in the first half of the book. I will admit that I do think I skimmed over some of these points, I wanted action and adventure, and less 'this is this person, this is this place', but once that was all in place I was able to enjoy what I was reading.
I really liked how the opposing abilities paired up, there to help each other when their partner was weaker, to be a friend, an allie. I think the testing they do to enable....kick start..?? these powers was quite cruel, activate your power or die, but seeing what happens to Kyndra leading up to this point and even beyond, it does make sense to do this, a fight or die circumstance.
The build up towards the end of Starborn was tense, dangerous, and full or action, and I devoured these final chapters. The ending leaves a lot to be answered, but has also either answered or confirmed what we knew, so I am hoping the next installment in this series will focus more on what happens next, especially as most of the world building has been done within the pages of Starborn.
Final Verdict
Starborn was an interesting read, and hold some promise that the next book will be filled with more action and more answers.
Starborn follows our protagonist, Kyndra, who is forced to flee her town after several unrelated incidents, she accidentally breaks a Relic in the Inheritance Ceremony, and when the Breaking hits her small town of Brenwym, all fingers point to Kyndra. However, in all the turmoil a loved one is hurt, so Kyndra makes a deal, in return for saving his life, Kyndra will travel with Nediah and Brégenne to Naris
What she isn't initially told about this strange duo, is that they are a Solar–Lunar pairing, one has powers that are stronger in day, whilst other works better in the night. Brégenne has a small inkling as to what Kyndra is capable of, so getting her to go with them to Naris means she can be tested to see if she has an ability too.
Starborn was a difficult read for me. I went into this story with the idea that I would fall into this new world as fast as I did with David Eddings, but for me it just took a bit too long to actually get anywhere. Also knowing that this was a big book, 400 pages long, it was daunting for me to read and still feel like I wasn't getting anywhere.
About a quarter of the way into Starborn things did pick up for me, and that was when I did start to become really interested in what was going on. The world that Lucy has created was unique and mysterious, and there was a lot of world and character building in the first half of the book. I will admit that I do think I skimmed over some of these points, I wanted action and adventure, and less 'this is this person, this is this place', but once that was all in place I was able to enjoy what I was reading.
I really liked how the opposing abilities paired up, there to help each other when their partner was weaker, to be a friend, an allie. I think the testing they do to enable....kick start..?? these powers was quite cruel, activate your power or die, but seeing what happens to Kyndra leading up to this point and even beyond, it does make sense to do this, a fight or die circumstance.
The build up towards the end of Starborn was tense, dangerous, and full or action, and I devoured these final chapters. The ending leaves a lot to be answered, but has also either answered or confirmed what we knew, so I am hoping the next installment in this series will focus more on what happens next, especially as most of the world building has been done within the pages of Starborn.
Final Verdict
Starborn was an interesting read, and hold some promise that the next book will be filled with more action and more answers.
rikerandom's review against another edition
2.0
Diese und weitere Rezensionen findet ihr auf meinem Blog Anima Libri - Buchseele
Eigentlich hatte „Naris“ ja alles! was ein gutes Fantasy-Buch so braucht. Schon mit der Inhaltsangabe könnte mich Lucy Hounsoms Roman in seinen Bann ziehen und ich habe mich auf einen spannenden, unterhaltsamen High Fantasy Roman gefreut. Leider habe ich dann aber doch nicht bekommen, was ich mir gewünscht hatte.
Denn „Naris“ war frustrierend langweilig. Nicht etwa, weil die Geschichte selbst schlecht gewesen wäre, nein die war an sich doch ziemlich gut. Lucy Hounsom konnte mich mit der Welt die sie geschaffen hat begeistern. Die Mythologie, die sie dazu entworfen hat, war klasse und auch die Handlungsansätze steckten voller Potenzial. Leider aber wird dieses Potenzial überhaupt nicht genutzt.
Die Autorin hat es geschafftall diese tollen Ansätze zu nehmen und in eine denkbar langweilige Geschichte zu verwandeln. Das größte Problem dabei sind zum einen die völlig unzuverlässige Protagonistin sowie die andauernden Deus Ex Machina Momente. Während die gesamten Hintergründe der Geschichte vollkommen natürlich wirken, geht der Handlung jegliche echte Glaubwürdigkeit, jegliche Natürlichkeit ab.
Protagonistin Kyndra ist das eindeutigste Beispiel dafür, dennnichts an ihrer Figur ist konstant und denkt sie im einen Kapitel noch so, handelt sie im nächsten schon völlig entgegengesetzt, weil es so einfacher ist, die Geschichte ihrem vorherbestimmten Ende entgegen zu treiben – so zumindest liest sich der Großteil von „Naris“. Und dass manche Handlungselemente wie aus dem Nichts und relativ unpassend einfach so erscheinen, schmälert diesen Eindruck nicht.
Alles in allem hat mich Lucy Hounsom daher mit ihrem Debüt „Naris“, dem Auftakt der Serie „Die Legenden von Mond und Sonne“, doch sehr enttäuscht,denn statt eines packenden High Fantasy Abenteuers habe ich eine Geschichte bekommen, die dank unplausibler Handlungen vor allem langweilig und frustrierend ist – trotz wirklich guter Ansätze und toller Hintergründe. Schade!
Eigentlich hatte „Naris“ ja alles! was ein gutes Fantasy-Buch so braucht. Schon mit der Inhaltsangabe könnte mich Lucy Hounsoms Roman in seinen Bann ziehen und ich habe mich auf einen spannenden, unterhaltsamen High Fantasy Roman gefreut. Leider habe ich dann aber doch nicht bekommen, was ich mir gewünscht hatte.
Denn „Naris“ war frustrierend langweilig. Nicht etwa, weil die Geschichte selbst schlecht gewesen wäre, nein die war an sich doch ziemlich gut. Lucy Hounsom konnte mich mit der Welt die sie geschaffen hat begeistern. Die Mythologie, die sie dazu entworfen hat, war klasse und auch die Handlungsansätze steckten voller Potenzial. Leider aber wird dieses Potenzial überhaupt nicht genutzt.
Die Autorin hat es geschafftall diese tollen Ansätze zu nehmen und in eine denkbar langweilige Geschichte zu verwandeln. Das größte Problem dabei sind zum einen die völlig unzuverlässige Protagonistin sowie die andauernden Deus Ex Machina Momente. Während die gesamten Hintergründe der Geschichte vollkommen natürlich wirken, geht der Handlung jegliche echte Glaubwürdigkeit, jegliche Natürlichkeit ab.
Protagonistin Kyndra ist das eindeutigste Beispiel dafür, dennnichts an ihrer Figur ist konstant und denkt sie im einen Kapitel noch so, handelt sie im nächsten schon völlig entgegengesetzt, weil es so einfacher ist, die Geschichte ihrem vorherbestimmten Ende entgegen zu treiben – so zumindest liest sich der Großteil von „Naris“. Und dass manche Handlungselemente wie aus dem Nichts und relativ unpassend einfach so erscheinen, schmälert diesen Eindruck nicht.
Alles in allem hat mich Lucy Hounsom daher mit ihrem Debüt „Naris“, dem Auftakt der Serie „Die Legenden von Mond und Sonne“, doch sehr enttäuscht,denn statt eines packenden High Fantasy Abenteuers habe ich eine Geschichte bekommen, die dank unplausibler Handlungen vor allem langweilig und frustrierend ist – trotz wirklich guter Ansätze und toller Hintergründe. Schade!
mathjb_94's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
5.0
I read this book so quickly because I kept wondering what would happen next. Excellent lighthearted fantasy read.
katiebookqueen's review
4.0
Reviewed at: http://queenofteenfiction.blogspot.co.uk/
Starborn follows Kyndra as she is taken away after the Breaking destroys her hometown. On her journey, Kyndra is left questioning her what is happening to her, where she is going, and who the strangers whom have taken her might be.
The strangers in question are Brégenne and Nediah, two Wielders from Naris. We learn more about them and the land they come from as the story progresses. They were the most fascinating characters for me throughout the story.
I adored learning more about Brégenne. At the beginning, she seemed so cold and I was unsure whether to trust her or not, but the more I read of her, the more I began to appreciate her. I think the relationship between her and Nediah is complex and well written. There was a scene between the two of them that occurred at the very end of the book that shocked me, and I’m eager to find out what the repercussions will be. I’d also like to discover more of Nediah’s backstory further in the trilogy.
Kyndra was character who became stronger throughout the story, and I admired her determination. I still think she has a lot more to offer, so I’m excited to see how she develops because I think she could totally kick some ass in the future.
There’s a great variety of characters from start to finish, and they’re all interesting, whether they’re good or bad. However, one character that left me confused was Gareth. When Gareth is first introduced, the only word I can use to describe him is vile. He treats Kyndra horribly. However, later on in the book, Kyndra seems to befriend him and he is shown as a completely different person. That may be because of the world he lives in and his upbringing, but because the reader doesn’t know anything about that, it is very hard to forgive his initial actions. I’m still interested to see what part he plays in the future of this series.
The plot was exciting and fast paced. I’ll admit, I was confused during the first couple of chapters because I didn’t really understand what was happening, but I was still completely drawn into the story.
The final couple of chapters are intense and make for a fantastic ending. There are actions that will definitely have repercussions in the future, and I can’t wait to see how the characters handle the situations in the next book.
Hounsom is fantastic at world building, and the world within this story is like nothing I’ve read before. It has a unique edge to it that sets it apart from other fantasy novels. I’m eager to see more of what this world has in store for its characters.
This is a very high fantasy story, and lovers of the fantasy genre will definitely want to give this book a read. It’s a promising start to a series that has huge potential.
Starborn follows Kyndra as she is taken away after the Breaking destroys her hometown. On her journey, Kyndra is left questioning her what is happening to her, where she is going, and who the strangers whom have taken her might be.
The strangers in question are Brégenne and Nediah, two Wielders from Naris. We learn more about them and the land they come from as the story progresses. They were the most fascinating characters for me throughout the story.
I adored learning more about Brégenne. At the beginning, she seemed so cold and I was unsure whether to trust her or not, but the more I read of her, the more I began to appreciate her. I think the relationship between her and Nediah is complex and well written. There was a scene between the two of them that occurred at the very end of the book that shocked me, and I’m eager to find out what the repercussions will be. I’d also like to discover more of Nediah’s backstory further in the trilogy.
Kyndra was character who became stronger throughout the story, and I admired her determination. I still think she has a lot more to offer, so I’m excited to see how she develops because I think she could totally kick some ass in the future.
There’s a great variety of characters from start to finish, and they’re all interesting, whether they’re good or bad. However, one character that left me confused was Gareth. When Gareth is first introduced, the only word I can use to describe him is vile. He treats Kyndra horribly. However, later on in the book, Kyndra seems to befriend him and he is shown as a completely different person. That may be because of the world he lives in and his upbringing, but because the reader doesn’t know anything about that, it is very hard to forgive his initial actions. I’m still interested to see what part he plays in the future of this series.
The plot was exciting and fast paced. I’ll admit, I was confused during the first couple of chapters because I didn’t really understand what was happening, but I was still completely drawn into the story.
The final couple of chapters are intense and make for a fantastic ending. There are actions that will definitely have repercussions in the future, and I can’t wait to see how the characters handle the situations in the next book.
Hounsom is fantastic at world building, and the world within this story is like nothing I’ve read before. It has a unique edge to it that sets it apart from other fantasy novels. I’m eager to see more of what this world has in store for its characters.
This is a very high fantasy story, and lovers of the fantasy genre will definitely want to give this book a read. It’s a promising start to a series that has huge potential.
violetturtledove's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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
4.5
A really strong start to a fantasy trilogy. It's a fairly standard YA coming of age/chosen one plot but the world is original and richly detailed and the characters have real depth. There's also some very nuanced morality at work, I'm really interested to see where things are going to end up. The ended ending seemed a little confused and disjointed but then it's always a tricky balancing act to give him one a satisfying conclusion while setting up book two, and it's still done pretty well here.
nonnie_09's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
ginnikin's review against another edition
Life is too short, and I have too many library books to struggle with a book that's just not grabbing me.
kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition
3.0
3,5*
This one is a bit hard for me to rate..
I did like the story and fond it interesting. I liked the main characters (though some of the "twists" were a bit predicatable and some of the secondary characters stayed a bit blank), but overall the book just never fully grabbed me. I was interested enough to keep reading, but there were no emotional heights or lows. I was in a "neutral" state emotionwise most of the time. It is a bit weird to explain, as the pacing felt quite fine to me, the plot was a bit underwhelming, but the mystery surrounding the different powers was enough to keep me interested in the story. But when characters where in dangerous situations I mostly didn't hold my breath or feared for them, so while I enjoyed the story overall, I end up at 3,5 stars, as the book was good enough but just did flow by me in a way...
This one is a bit hard for me to rate..
I did like the story and fond it interesting. I liked the main characters (though some of the "twists" were a bit predicatable and some of the secondary characters stayed a bit blank), but overall the book just never fully grabbed me. I was interested enough to keep reading, but there were no emotional heights or lows. I was in a "neutral" state emotionwise most of the time. It is a bit weird to explain, as the pacing felt quite fine to me, the plot was a bit underwhelming, but the mystery surrounding the different powers was enough to keep me interested in the story. But when characters where in dangerous situations I mostly didn't hold my breath or feared for them, so while I enjoyed the story overall, I end up at 3,5 stars, as the book was good enough but just did flow by me in a way...
bugsybugs's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual harassment, Violence, War, and Fire/Fire injury