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A review by booksandlemonsquash
The Waking Land by Callie Bates
4.0
I received this book from the publisher via Book Bridgr in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book going in, but I thought it sounded pretty good. And I was right - I found it really enjoyable! I really liked the way the magic worked, and the idea of the land coming alive. It’s really unusual and well described - I found it created a really good picture.
El is not always my favourite main character but we do at least get to know why she’s not always in the know! And it gives the author a great excuse to explain things to us. And I really liked the politics surrounded her - from her kidnap, to the way she was raised and how the Erenians treat her, to what is expected of he in Caeris. She has a lot to deal with! I feel the book did switch from her just wanting a quiet life to the romance more than I’d like, though I appreciate the switch to concentrating on the war as being necessary, I sort of mourned her not thinking about her dreams a bit more towards the end. She is also so uncertain so much, which can be a bit frustrating, but I found quite understandable. I also wanted a bit more resolution with her parents, especially her father.
My favourite characters were Victoire, Sophy and Rhia. I’d have like to have seen more Victoire, for sure, she’s not in it anywhere near enough! And more development for Sophy, she’s a little flat, even though I love her. Rhia is glorious and badass. 💙
I did find it a bit slow in places, but it was still drawing me in and I wanted to know what happened next. And I definitely enjoyed it and will be looking to get hold of the sequel when it comes out :)
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book going in, but I thought it sounded pretty good. And I was right - I found it really enjoyable! I really liked the way the magic worked, and the idea of the land coming alive. It’s really unusual and well described - I found it created a really good picture.
El is not always my favourite main character but we do at least get to know why she’s not always in the know! And it gives the author a great excuse to explain things to us. And I really liked the politics surrounded her - from her kidnap, to the way she was raised and how the Erenians treat her, to what is expected of he in Caeris. She has a lot to deal with! I feel the book did switch from her just wanting a quiet life to the romance more than I’d like, though I appreciate the switch to concentrating on the war as being necessary, I sort of mourned her not thinking about her dreams a bit more towards the end. She is also so uncertain so much, which can be a bit frustrating, but I found quite understandable. I also wanted a bit more resolution with her parents, especially her father.
My favourite characters were Victoire, Sophy and Rhia. I’d have like to have seen more Victoire, for sure, she’s not in it anywhere near enough! And more development for Sophy, she’s a little flat, even though I love her. Rhia is glorious and badass. 💙
I did find it a bit slow in places, but it was still drawing me in and I wanted to know what happened next. And I definitely enjoyed it and will be looking to get hold of the sequel when it comes out :)