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A review by lauren_miller
The Empress by Kristin Cast
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
unfortunately, I did not enjoy this as much as I'd hoped.
I was disappointed to find the tarot cards played no part beyond the setting, not even with regard to the power of the empress card. as someone who has dabbled for quite a few years, I was hoping for more "lore" or intention behind the use of pentacles and cups.
I was also really frustrated by Hannah. I know the author probably meant for her to seem relatable, but I found her pathetic and kind of clueless. I guess it should've been a clue when she didn't put pressure on her own stab wound... her inability to curb her self-righteous behavior should've gotten her killed or ended their ruse several times, and each time she "got away with it," I found myself a little more reticent to continue. I also don't shy away from smut in books, but the whole "good girl" thing was really lost on me; Hannah already had very little autonomy, so having her submit to Cain like that just felt like too much, you know? and don't even get me started on the whole maxing out her credit card thing. if you've been harping the whole book that the FMC is poor, it's so out of left field to have her defrost her credit card and max it out in the name of a makeover, even if she is going to disappear to another realm. it just felt so inauthentic to her character...
lastly, the ending was a bit ridiculous. I firmly believe that no member of royalty, let alone two, would allowsuch a transfer of power to occur , regardless of the fact that Cain and Hannah saved the whole kingdom. I also doubt the kingdom of cups would have sent such a message; if my envoys were murdered on the side of the road, I'd be preparing for war, not willing to continue trade negotiations... when I say everything was wrapped up in a far too convenient, happy bow, I mean it. I did consider DNFing several times, and the other readers that did, I salute you. this was not for me and unfortunately, I do not think I would willingly recommend it without a million disclaimers first.
I was disappointed to find the tarot cards played no part beyond the setting, not even with regard to the power of the empress card. as someone who has dabbled for quite a few years, I was hoping for more "lore" or intention behind the use of pentacles and cups.
I was also really frustrated by Hannah. I know the author probably meant for her to seem relatable, but I found her pathetic and kind of clueless. I guess it should've been a clue when she didn't put pressure on her own stab wound... her inability to curb her self-righteous behavior should've gotten her killed or ended their ruse several times, and each time she "got away with it," I found myself a little more reticent to continue. I also don't shy away from smut in books, but the whole "good girl" thing was really lost on me; Hannah already had very little autonomy, so having her submit to Cain like that just felt like too much, you know? and don't even get me started on the whole maxing out her credit card thing. if you've been harping the whole book that the FMC is poor, it's so out of left field to have her defrost her credit card and max it out in the name of a makeover, even if she is going to disappear to another realm. it just felt so inauthentic to her character...
lastly, the ending was a bit ridiculous. I firmly believe that no member of royalty, let alone two, would allow