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A review by phyllica_reads
Between Dragons and their Wrath by Devin Madson
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
My first Devin Madson review.
The beginning of the book immediately throws the reader into the action with the threat of war and introduces us to the name of one of the antagonists. From the perspective of our first female lead, the uncertainty and distress begins right away.
World-building:
This is where the book fell a bit short for me. Since our three main characters are spread throughout this world, I found myself having a hard time imagining the scenes, the buildings, and the world around each character. Certain points remained vivid, while others lacked imagery entirely. Especially describing the monsters.
Characters:
Told from 1st person multi-pov, I didn't have any difficulty switching between their POVs. What could have been improved here were their descriptions. Unless I blatantly missed it, their (mainly the two FMCs) identities were very unclear to me and at times their images were blurry blobs moving throughout the scenes. I wasn't able to fully picture them and become engulfed in their body language or mannerisms.
Ashadi and Mana stole the show for me. 100%. Their storyline is by far my favorite and I can't wait to see how their situation-ship develops.
Story:
This is where the book thrived in my opinion. Even with a lack of development in other areas, I was able to follow the plot thread and the characters' subplots rather easily. Between undercover political takedowns, action scenes involving dragons, and a very mysterious Alchemist, I can honestly say this was a good read.
Highlights/Tropes:
1st person/multi pov
lgbtqia+
mild explicit scenes
action & adventure
alchemical intrigue
a secret society/gang
threats of war
political hierarchy
mystery
dragons
The beginning of the book immediately throws the reader into the action with the threat of war and introduces us to the name of one of the antagonists. From the perspective of our first female lead, the uncertainty and distress begins right away.
World-building:
This is where the book fell a bit short for me. Since our three main characters are spread throughout this world, I found myself having a hard time imagining the scenes, the buildings, and the world around each character. Certain points remained vivid, while others lacked imagery entirely. Especially describing the monsters.
Characters:
Told from 1st person multi-pov, I didn't have any difficulty switching between their POVs. What could have been improved here were their descriptions. Unless I blatantly missed it, their (mainly the two FMCs) identities were very unclear to me and at times their images were blurry blobs moving throughout the scenes. I wasn't able to fully picture them and become engulfed in their body language or mannerisms.
Ashadi and Mana stole the show for me. 100%. Their storyline is by far my favorite and I can't wait to see how their situation-ship develops.
Story:
This is where the book thrived in my opinion. Even with a lack of development in other areas, I was able to follow the plot thread and the characters' subplots rather easily. Between undercover political takedowns, action scenes involving dragons, and a very mysterious Alchemist, I can honestly say this was a good read.
Highlights/Tropes:
1st person/multi pov
lgbtqia+
mild explicit scenes
action & adventure
alchemical intrigue
a secret society/gang
threats of war
political hierarchy
mystery
dragons