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A review by jwag2016
Embrace the Serpent by Sunya Mara
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an ARC copy of this book!
I have mixed feelings after finishing this. As a YA fantasy book, I think it’s phenomenal. The prose builds a complex world and brings the scenes to life. In the end, Grimney, the stone character, was my favorite! His comedic relief gave me vibes of baby/teenage Groot. However, the romance in the book was unconvincing and, frankly, ruined the book for me.
I loved the plot line of Saphira being a hardworking jewelsmith surviving in a corrupt wold. I found her journey to be inspiring and a wonderful primary plot line. I even didn’t mind her infatuation with Rane.
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
It was when it was revealed that Rane and the Serpent King were one and the same that I began to lose interest. Their identities did not mesh. I felt that Saphira’s love for the real Rane was rushed and implausible. It felt like there was no time to reconcile the two beings into one to allow for her to truly fall in love.
That being said, the fantasy plot made this book what it was. I would have given this book 4 stars without the romance plot line.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read when I separate my feelings about the romance plot out. I would certainly pick it up again to see if I enjoy it more!
I have mixed feelings after finishing this. As a YA fantasy book, I think it’s phenomenal. The prose builds a complex world and brings the scenes to life. In the end, Grimney, the stone character, was my favorite! His comedic relief gave me vibes of baby/teenage Groot. However, the romance in the book was unconvincing and, frankly, ruined the book for me.
I loved the plot line of Saphira being a hardworking jewelsmith surviving in a corrupt wold. I found her journey to be inspiring and a wonderful primary plot line. I even didn’t mind her infatuation with Rane.
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
It was when it was revealed that Rane and the Serpent King were one and the same that I began to lose interest. Their identities did not mesh. I felt that Saphira’s love for the real Rane was rushed and implausible. It felt like there was no time to reconcile the two beings into one to allow for her to truly fall in love.
That being said, the fantasy plot made this book what it was. I would have given this book 4 stars without the romance plot line.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read when I separate my feelings about the romance plot out. I would certainly pick it up again to see if I enjoy it more!