Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by my_corner_of_the_library
House of Dragons by Jessica Cluess
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I have no intention of giving a star rating for this book, due to a particular author's opinions on certain subjects, HOWEVER, I didn't learn about these things until I was well over halfway through this book. So, since I read it, I figured I would give my thoughts.
Ultimately: I enjoyed this book, though if I gave it a star rating, the ending would have knocked it down considerably. I read it during a particularly hard time of my life and it kept me distracted when I needed it.
Looking back though...I realize there are several things about it I didn't like.
Trying Too Much
This book...had way too much going on. Between the chaos and orderly conflict, the houses conflicts, the emperor trials, the murder mystery, AND the dragons...it was just too much and none of it felt fleshed out. I wish we would have focused on just one or two of those things. I was enjoying the trials for the most part, but they very suddenly ended and the book took a left turn that really turned me off. I WISH everything that happened after they were ejected from the Truth had been the Truth. One particular line from the priests had me thinking that that's exactly what was happening, but it didn't pan out, which was really disappointing.
We're All Emperor's Now
Really? REALLY? Really... this ending felt so forced and predictable. I honestly thought the author would be more creative than that. Not to mention the way the characters were acting during the last...50? pages or so felt so out of character. Emilia had this instant character change that I just hate in books. One big revelation and she suddenly had full control of her powers, was condescending and arrogant. Complete 180 from who she was.
The "Romance"
I just wanted to roll my eyes...we got one half-assed chapter at the end of the book where two people ALMOST confess their feelings for each other...this isn't a slow burn, it's unnecessary. It would have been much better if the non-romance was just left out.
Ultimately: I enjoyed this book, though if I gave it a star rating, the ending would have knocked it down considerably. I read it during a particularly hard time of my life and it kept me distracted when I needed it.
Looking back though...I realize there are several things about it I didn't like.
Trying Too Much
This book...had way too much going on. Between the chaos and orderly conflict, the houses conflicts, the emperor trials, the murder mystery, AND the dragons...it was just too much and none of it felt fleshed out. I wish we would have focused on just one or two of those things. I was enjoying the trials for the most part, but they very suddenly ended and the book took a left turn that really turned me off. I WISH everything that happened after they were ejected from the Truth had been the Truth. One particular line from the priests had me thinking that that's exactly what was happening, but it didn't pan out, which was really disappointing.
We're All Emperor's Now
Really? REALLY? Really... this ending felt so forced and predictable. I honestly thought the author would be more creative than that. Not to mention the way the characters were acting during the last...50? pages or so felt so out of character. Emilia had this instant character change that I just hate in books. One big revelation and she suddenly had full control of her powers, was condescending and arrogant. Complete 180 from who she was.
The "Romance"
I just wanted to roll my eyes...we got one half-assed chapter at the end of the book where two people ALMOST confess their feelings for each other...this isn't a slow burn, it's unnecessary. It would have been much better if the non-romance was just left out.