A review by court_bee
The Stricken by Morgan Shamy

1.5

Why did it feel like I was reading the second in a series or at least a companion novel? It's like I should've had some prior understanding of the world/magic system because there were too many poor explanations for how it works and sudden dumps of mostly useless history/knowledge, which don't even flesh out the world. The reader doesn't learn anything about this 'other world' along with her as she just remembers it the second she enters. (Like good for you but I would also like to know what the hell this place is) Plus all the characters were dull, annoying and sometimes cringey (I hate that word but it's too accurate)

There was a chance to make Caeal and Nowan really complicated characters with interesting interactions. The idea was RIGHT THERE, it could have been so good but instead it was poorly executed and they were flat. Don't even get me started on the awkward/weird 'romance' plot that took over large parts of this and in the end gave us absolutely nothing.

 

Thoughts while reading the first chapters:

• The story could have promise but the characters are really annoying.
• I've jinxed it. The story is getting worse.
• *eye roll*  I should stop here
• I need to start DNFing books that aren't working for me.

(continues to read the whole book just in case it gets better) 

I saw a recommendation saying this book is for readers who enjoyed two books that I love (House of Salt and Sorrow by Erin A. Craig, and A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik). I pushed this book up my TBR because of these comparisons and it was all a LIE, I can't see the links at all.
I think it feels more like a combination of The Luminaries by Susan Dennard and Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco so if you liked them give this book a go.