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A review by abookandchai
The Ivory Key by Akshaya Raman
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.0
after looking forward to an indian inspired ya fantasy, i really hate that i didn't like this better. my main issue is that there's not a lot happening in the story. it didn't pick up until at least 60% when the quest finally starts and the end of the book becomes interesting. but by that time i'd lost interest in the characters, their motivations fell flat and the tension between these estranged siblings just didn't hold.
that being said, i really liked the magic system and the worldbuilding inspired by ancient india. secret societies, lost temples, hidden secrets, all of them formed a solid foundation for the story. and as always i felt so good to read about a world with elements familiar to me. i will be looking out for the sequel to see what's in store for the characters!
i do think the younger audience would be invested in the book. though, please feel do check out this south asian fantasy 2022 debut, it might not be for me but it *could* work out for you! especially if you like a decent multi-pov story, about siblings on an adventure.
that being said, i really liked the magic system and the worldbuilding inspired by ancient india. secret societies, lost temples, hidden secrets, all of them formed a solid foundation for the story. and as always i felt so good to read about a world with elements familiar to me. i will be looking out for the sequel to see what's in store for the characters!
i do think the younger audience would be invested in the book. though, please feel do check out this south asian fantasy 2022 debut, it might not be for me but it *could* work out for you! especially if you like a decent multi-pov story, about siblings on an adventure.