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A review by nicolemhewitt
Amber & Dusk by Lyra Selene
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
There was a lot to love about this unique fantasy. I found myself engrossed in its world of perpetual daylight!
What Fed My Addiction:
Lyrical writing.
This is a lush fantasy, filled with lavish sights and spectacular magic, and Selene’s writing style works perfectly for this genre. (In her Goodreads review of her own book, she says she writes what she loves to read: “Prose that tastes like sugared secrets.” That should give you a good idea of what to expect.) I love this type of writing.
The worldbuilding.
Selene did a fantastic job with the worldbuilding in this book. We are introduced to a unique new world with a lot of complex elements, but it never feels too overwhelming. I felt like I could picture most of the world in beautiful detail, and I loved the magical system. The book features a unique mythology that Selene created just for this world (you can read more about it HERE), and I love the way that she weaves that mythology into the story in multiple ways.
A likable/unlikable narrator.
Sylvie is the sort of character who manages to be both likable and unlikable at the same time. She’s ambitious and impetuous and a little full of herself, but we can see her vulnerabilities as well. It’s easy to see why she’s turned out the way she is, and we can sometimes cringe at her failings right along with her. Even though I didn’t always like her, I was still always rooting for her.
Wonderful secondary characters.
I loved most of the characters in this book. From the romantic interest to the mentor to the frinds that help Sylvie find her way, they were all engaging and intriguing!
The possibility of more? While this book is certainly fine as a standalone, I couldn’t help but think there might be room for more. I’m hoping to hear news of a sequel.
What Left Me Hungry for More:
Slight lull in middle.
A lot of the middle of the book is just Sylvie waiting for something to happen. She’s learning to wield her power and waiting to show it to the queen. During this period, Sylvie learns a lot about the people around her, but nothing very active happens. I wish there had been a bit more plot development in this part of the book.
A stunning debut fantasy, Amber & Dusk will sweep you away to a world of dreams (and nightmares).
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via The Fantastic Flying Book Club in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
There was a lot to love about this unique fantasy. I found myself engrossed in its world of perpetual daylight!
What Fed My Addiction:
Lyrical writing.
This is a lush fantasy, filled with lavish sights and spectacular magic, and Selene’s writing style works perfectly for this genre. (In her Goodreads review of her own book, she says she writes what she loves to read: “Prose that tastes like sugared secrets.” That should give you a good idea of what to expect.) I love this type of writing.
The worldbuilding.
Selene did a fantastic job with the worldbuilding in this book. We are introduced to a unique new world with a lot of complex elements, but it never feels too overwhelming. I felt like I could picture most of the world in beautiful detail, and I loved the magical system. The book features a unique mythology that Selene created just for this world (you can read more about it HERE), and I love the way that she weaves that mythology into the story in multiple ways.
A likable/unlikable narrator.
Sylvie is the sort of character who manages to be both likable and unlikable at the same time. She’s ambitious and impetuous and a little full of herself, but we can see her vulnerabilities as well. It’s easy to see why she’s turned out the way she is, and we can sometimes cringe at her failings right along with her. Even though I didn’t always like her, I was still always rooting for her.
Wonderful secondary characters.
I loved most of the characters in this book. From the romantic interest to the mentor to the frinds that help Sylvie find her way, they were all engaging and intriguing!
The possibility of more? While this book is certainly fine as a standalone, I couldn’t help but think there might be room for more. I’m hoping to hear news of a sequel.
What Left Me Hungry for More:
Slight lull in middle.
A lot of the middle of the book is just Sylvie waiting for something to happen. She’s learning to wield her power and waiting to show it to the queen. During this period, Sylvie learns a lot about the people around her, but nothing very active happens. I wish there had been a bit more plot development in this part of the book.
A stunning debut fantasy, Amber & Dusk will sweep you away to a world of dreams (and nightmares).
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via The Fantastic Flying Book Club in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***