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A review by fulltimefiction
A Dragonbird in the Fern by Laura Rueckert
3.0
2.5 stars
This book was fun to read and I couldn’t put it down. I don’t know if it’s a standalone but the last chapter wrapped up the story. There’s still much to explore in the world Rueckert created. I can easily imagine another story told from a different character’s pov.
After her sister was murdered, princess Jiara decides to do anything to catch her killer. Because you see, ghosts who don’t get a closure, walk earth and haunt their loved ones until they do what’s necessary for their souls to rest. In this case, it’s catching Scilla’s killer. Except Scilla was engaged to the king, Raffar, of a foreign land and spent her life preparing for that role. Now Jiara is forced to fill her role and marry the king who speaks a language she doesn’t understand. But you see, the evidence leads to an assassin from the country she’s destined to be their queen.
What follows is Jiara trying to solve the murder of her sister while trying to learn a new language, be a queen for her new people, and uncovering hidden schemes along the way.
Also, ghosts here are really vengeful, it’s not just some superstitions.
The characters were easy to like. The book is old from Jiara’s point of view, first-person. What I liked the most that this book features a dyslexic character. They didn’t know what’s dyslexia in her days and Jiara knew she wasn’t stupid. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, she never could study or read like her sister. Another interesting aspect was the language barrier. I have only read a couple of books where the language was a real barrier between love interests from different countries.
The book was also fast-paced and entertaining. The world-building was developed well enough for such a book and the author can easily write a sequel but maybe about someone from a different country. The story is pretty much wrapped for our characters here.
Now to the cons, while the secondary characters were okay, Raffar had as much personality as a leaf. He wasn’t interesting, he was nice if anything. But not being able to communicate with Jiara worked against them. I saw the chemistry at first but I quickly lost interest in him. His perspective wasn’t needed but maybe he would’ve had more character development? He was overly simplistic. Again, language didn't help here. Also I wish Jiara had some hobby because she wasn't much developed herself either. What did she spend her days doing at the palace in her homeland? Sure, she loved nature but she was also meh. Also, since both are ruling families, we didn't know much about the people's situation in their country.
Another thing I didn’t particularly appreciate is that this book featured something I don’t like. I don’t think it counts as a spoiler but I’ll refrain to mention it until the book is out. Let’s say it played an important part in this book and had some significance. It wasn’t used as a mere plot device but had its meaning and role in the story. Which is very rare. Still, I’m no fan especially since it happened more than once.
Briefly said, I recommend this book if you’re looking for a light YA fantasy read without intending to make new commitments to any series. The story is fun but nothing extraordinary. It can be easily read in one sitting. I found it overly simplistic sometimes (especially the events leading towards the end) and not very surprising. The plot was predictable but I wish the characters were better developed. It wasn't a book that left anything with me and nothing memorable in this genre.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book was fun to read and I couldn’t put it down. I don’t know if it’s a standalone but the last chapter wrapped up the story. There’s still much to explore in the world Rueckert created. I can easily imagine another story told from a different character’s pov.
After her sister was murdered, princess Jiara decides to do anything to catch her killer. Because you see, ghosts who don’t get a closure, walk earth and haunt their loved ones until they do what’s necessary for their souls to rest. In this case, it’s catching Scilla’s killer. Except Scilla was engaged to the king, Raffar, of a foreign land and spent her life preparing for that role. Now Jiara is forced to fill her role and marry the king who speaks a language she doesn’t understand. But you see, the evidence leads to an assassin from the country she’s destined to be their queen.
What follows is Jiara trying to solve the murder of her sister while trying to learn a new language, be a queen for her new people, and uncovering hidden schemes along the way.
Also, ghosts here are really vengeful, it’s not just some superstitions.
The characters were easy to like. The book is old from Jiara’s point of view, first-person. What I liked the most that this book features a dyslexic character. They didn’t know what’s dyslexia in her days and Jiara knew she wasn’t stupid. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, she never could study or read like her sister. Another interesting aspect was the language barrier. I have only read a couple of books where the language was a real barrier between love interests from different countries.
The book was also fast-paced and entertaining. The world-building was developed well enough for such a book and the author can easily write a sequel but maybe about someone from a different country. The story is pretty much wrapped for our characters here.
Now to the cons, while the secondary characters were okay, Raffar had as much personality as a leaf. He wasn’t interesting, he was nice if anything. But not being able to communicate with Jiara worked against them. I saw the chemistry at first but I quickly lost interest in him. His perspective wasn’t needed but maybe he would’ve had more character development? He was overly simplistic. Again, language didn't help here. Also I wish Jiara had some hobby because she wasn't much developed herself either. What did she spend her days doing at the palace in her homeland? Sure, she loved nature but she was also meh. Also, since both are ruling families, we didn't know much about the people's situation in their country.
Another thing I didn’t particularly appreciate is that this book featured something I don’t like. I don’t think it counts as a spoiler but I’ll refrain to mention it until the book is out. Let’s say it played an important part in this book and had some significance. It wasn’t used as a mere plot device but had its meaning and role in the story. Which is very rare. Still, I’m no fan especially since it happened more than once.
Briefly said, I recommend this book if you’re looking for a light YA fantasy read without intending to make new commitments to any series. The story is fun but nothing extraordinary. It can be easily read in one sitting. I found it overly simplistic sometimes (especially the events leading towards the end) and not very surprising. The plot was predictable but I wish the characters were better developed. It wasn't a book that left anything with me and nothing memorable in this genre.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.