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darcey_orchid 's review for:
The Raven Tower
by Emma Miles
ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes my rating or review.
3 CREATIVE STARS
Three Minute Thoughts:
This was definitely a really interesting fantasy book, and the enemies-to-lovers romance was top-notch – super adorable and captivating! Our MC, Kesta, was so badass, which I loved, and Jorrun was also a pretty interesting character, who I loved almost as much as the side characters. The writing was a little rough and sometimes uneven, but I was easily swept into the story. However, there were a couple of problems I had, such as the way that both violence against women and rape were partially looked over. Still, I did enjoy reading this!
The Extended, Long, and Very-Probably-Messy Review:
This book was definitely very entertaining and full of exciting adventure! Kesta and Jorrun were fascinating main characters, and I love love LOVED watching their relationship grow, as they developed as people and learnt each other’s cultures. Kesta especially was a character I knew I’d grow to love, as she was unapologetically kickass and dangerous, and I loved her whole attitude in showing people that she could do just as much as any man. There is one distinct section with Kesta that irritated me (I won’t specify due to spoilers), where I was disappointed by her lack of badassery, but otherwise she was a wonderfully strong character.
“‘Bractius need to remember that I am his equal.’ Her eyes narrowed. ‘Not his to command or dismiss.'”
The romance was also something I really enjoyed, as a good enemies-to-lovers – with a little arranged-marriage trope thrown in just to spice it up – is something I really enjoy! Kesta and Jorrun’s relationship had adorable development that built-up nicely and didn’t progress too quickly, something I really appreciated, and I also loved the dual-POV that we got, with a couple chapters from Jorrun’s POV sprinkled in.
“This battle will be fought with warriors, but it’s controlled by sorcerers. I am alone. I need the Fulmers and I need you.”
There were also a couple of other perspectives we experienced, and though I loved the Icante’s POV, I never really connected with Osun, and I certainly didn’t warm to his character throughout the book. It was around Osun that most of the more problematic content occurred, with certain scenes involving slavery and rape, with the simple excuse of ‘it was the culture’. I will admit, I appreciated how this was partially resolved at the end of the book, but I was still rendered uncomfortable and angry by this scenes. I believe they could have been dealt with in a more in-depth fashion, but maybe that occurs later in the series.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, and I especially loved Kesta and Jorrun and their developing relationship! I believe the author has massive potential, as the world-building is wonderfully written and the storytelling style is captivating, and I think that with a little polishing and maybe some revision, this could become an amazing series. Thank you so much to the author and Booktasters for the free copy in exchange for an honest review❤.
3 CREATIVE STARS
Three Minute Thoughts:
This was definitely a really interesting fantasy book, and the enemies-to-lovers romance was top-notch – super adorable and captivating! Our MC, Kesta, was so badass, which I loved, and Jorrun was also a pretty interesting character, who I loved almost as much as the side characters. The writing was a little rough and sometimes uneven, but I was easily swept into the story. However, there were a couple of problems I had, such as the way that both violence against women and rape were partially looked over. Still, I did enjoy reading this!
The Extended, Long, and Very-Probably-Messy Review:
This book was definitely very entertaining and full of exciting adventure! Kesta and Jorrun were fascinating main characters, and I love love LOVED watching their relationship grow, as they developed as people and learnt each other’s cultures. Kesta especially was a character I knew I’d grow to love, as she was unapologetically kickass and dangerous, and I loved her whole attitude in showing people that she could do just as much as any man. There is one distinct section with Kesta that irritated me (I won’t specify due to spoilers), where I was disappointed by her lack of badassery, but otherwise she was a wonderfully strong character.
“‘Bractius need to remember that I am his equal.’ Her eyes narrowed. ‘Not his to command or dismiss.'”
The romance was also something I really enjoyed, as a good enemies-to-lovers – with a little arranged-marriage trope thrown in just to spice it up – is something I really enjoy! Kesta and Jorrun’s relationship had adorable development that built-up nicely and didn’t progress too quickly, something I really appreciated, and I also loved the dual-POV that we got, with a couple chapters from Jorrun’s POV sprinkled in.
“This battle will be fought with warriors, but it’s controlled by sorcerers. I am alone. I need the Fulmers and I need you.”
There were also a couple of other perspectives we experienced, and though I loved the Icante’s POV, I never really connected with Osun, and I certainly didn’t warm to his character throughout the book. It was around Osun that most of the more problematic content occurred, with certain scenes involving slavery and rape, with the simple excuse of ‘it was the culture’. I will admit, I appreciated how this was partially resolved at the end of the book, but I was still rendered uncomfortable and angry by this scenes. I believe they could have been dealt with in a more in-depth fashion, but maybe that occurs later in the series.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, and I especially loved Kesta and Jorrun and their developing relationship! I believe the author has massive potential, as the world-building is wonderfully written and the storytelling style is captivating, and I think that with a little polishing and maybe some revision, this could become an amazing series. Thank you so much to the author and Booktasters for the free copy in exchange for an honest review❤.