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maddier9 's review for:
The Gilded Crown
by Marianne Gordon
Man, this book started as a 5-star read for me. I looked at my partner and told him this book might be up there for greatest debut. I was invested heavily, fell in love with the concept, and devoured the book's first part. Somewhere around the middle of the book, I felt it was buffering. No more plot development was happening, a routine had developed that left me wanting more and not getting it. I struggled to get through the last parts of this book because I couldn't get reinvested in the story. I know more books are going to follow this in the series, so maybe this was on purpose, but I think either the book should have been shorter or it should have had more exciting parts spread throughout.
However, I want to point out a few things that were spectacular about this book. The writing style is eloquent. I love the details, the darkness surrounding a lot of the settings and the FMC, the political discourse, the queer relationships, the religious zealots, the encounters and mysteries surrounding Death. I think this story could have been so much more if it had continued to progress at the pace it began with.
This story follows Hellevir, an herbalist with an affinity for nature and animals. She has a gift that the crown-appointed religion views as diabolical. However, the crown's granddaughter needs assistance only Hellevir can offer and they form a relationship. Each time Hellevir uses her gift, a toll is taken (physically, mentally, and emotionally). Hellevir is moved into the city close to the royal family and must learn the politics to keep both her and her family alive.
I was able to read the eARC of this book provided by HarperCollins Publisher from Netgalley. I hope this author can continue writing and developing a writing style, and I want to see where this story goes.
However, I want to point out a few things that were spectacular about this book. The writing style is eloquent. I love the details, the darkness surrounding a lot of the settings and the FMC, the political discourse, the queer relationships, the religious zealots, the encounters and mysteries surrounding Death. I think this story could have been so much more if it had continued to progress at the pace it began with.
This story follows Hellevir, an herbalist with an affinity for nature and animals. She has a gift that the crown-appointed religion views as diabolical. However, the crown's granddaughter needs assistance only Hellevir can offer and they form a relationship. Each time Hellevir uses her gift, a toll is taken (physically, mentally, and emotionally). Hellevir is moved into the city close to the royal family and must learn the politics to keep both her and her family alive.
I was able to read the eARC of this book provided by HarperCollins Publisher from Netgalley. I hope this author can continue writing and developing a writing style, and I want to see where this story goes.