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A review by ossa_20
A Court This Cruel and Lovely by Stacia Stark
3.0
-- Writing style
I loved the dual perspective of Lorian and Prisca, which allows the reader to be privy to part of the plot and, of course, to see the romance unfold.
-- Plot
The world created is quite complex and well described. I can't wait for this part of the book in volume 2 and to learn more about their religion, their history, and the neighboring kingdoms. However, certain aspects of the plot really didn't work for me, with too many plot devices that aren't logical (such as DISCREETLY feeding 100 people, which is totally impossible).
Since Lorian's points of view are rarer (to maintain the intrigue), some of his choices/deals seem contradictory to what he seems to think/feel about Prisca.
-- Romance
I didn't connect with the characters... Prisca wants to come across as wild and excessive in her words, but that doesn't really reflect in her actions. She is, however, courageous and intelligent, and I enjoyed following her as she planned the final plot.
I think Lorian is supposed to be the brute with a soft heart, but that didn't work for me. Despite his POV, I find the character unbalanced, and we move too quickly from cold indifference to “touch her and you die.”
Overall, I missed out on the romance a bit. The plot is mainly focused on action, so I felt like I went from “cold anger” to “intense love” in a few pages.
-- Addictiveness
Honestly, I had a good Sunday reading this book on my couch. I could have read it in several sittings because the pace is quite slow and it's easy to put the book down, but you get carried away by this world with its many facets (political, geographical, and religious) and numerous characters.
-- Review
I'm only half convinced by this romance and would have liked more substance in the plot without any plot contrivances. I did enjoy this new world, which is very complete and offers an interesting commentary on religion and dictatorship. I think this series just isn't for me; I didn't get hooked.
I loved the dual perspective of Lorian and Prisca, which allows the reader to be privy to part of the plot and, of course, to see the romance unfold.
-- Plot
The world created is quite complex and well described. I can't wait for this part of the book in volume 2 and to learn more about their religion, their history, and the neighboring kingdoms. However, certain aspects of the plot really didn't work for me, with too many plot devices that aren't logical (such as DISCREETLY feeding 100 people, which is totally impossible).
Since Lorian's points of view are rarer (to maintain the intrigue), some of his choices/deals seem contradictory to what he seems to think/feel about Prisca.
-- Romance
I didn't connect with the characters... Prisca wants to come across as wild and excessive in her words, but that doesn't really reflect in her actions. She is, however, courageous and intelligent, and I enjoyed following her as she planned the final plot.
I think Lorian is supposed to be the brute with a soft heart, but that didn't work for me. Despite his POV, I find the character unbalanced, and we move too quickly from cold indifference to “touch her and you die.”
Overall, I missed out on the romance a bit. The plot is mainly focused on action, so I felt like I went from “cold anger” to “intense love” in a few pages.
-- Addictiveness
Honestly, I had a good Sunday reading this book on my couch. I could have read it in several sittings because the pace is quite slow and it's easy to put the book down, but you get carried away by this world with its many facets (political, geographical, and religious) and numerous characters.
-- Review
I'm only half convinced by this romance and would have liked more substance in the plot without any plot contrivances. I did enjoy this new world, which is very complete and offers an interesting commentary on religion and dictatorship. I think this series just isn't for me; I didn't get hooked.