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A review by laughlinesandliterature
Burning Kingdoms by Lauren DeStefano
5.0
* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Burning Kingdoms picked up right where Perfect Ruin ended. I actually ended up liking Burning Kingdoms better than it’s predecessor. Morgan just seemed more decisive in this book, and while I didn’t always agree with her decisions at least she made them! I also admired her for owning her decisions, she stuck with them even when turned out to be bad decisions. She didn’t let anyone else take the blame or blame themselves and I found that made more likeable than she was in Perfect Ruin.
I started to have some issues with the side characters. Pen is an ungrateful, selfish brat. I was quite frankly horrified by her behavior, and yes she did have a point about not telling people about their bethrothal bands, but her attitude towards everyone was just awful. I was surprised, but I found myself enjoying Celeste. I really didn’t expect to because she was really awful in Perfect Ruin, but we learn about what drives Celeste in this book. It made her more likeable, and really cast Pen in an awful light. We also learn some things about Pen’s home life, and while yes they were horrifying it just really fell flat for me. It was almost like it was an excuse for her awful behavior, meanwhile Pen is blaming Morgan and reprimanding her for being upset with Lex. It just smacked of hypocrisy on Pen’s behalf, plus she put Morgan and Thomas in danger, and then had the nerve to get mad at Morgan when she was only trying to help out Pen. Pen was really the biggest aggravation in this book for me.
I totally saw the love triangle coming, and while in a way I am hoping she ends up with Basil, I just have a feeling Judah is going to be the one who sweeps her off her feet. I can’t even really blame Morgan because while Basil is kind and steady, Judah understands her in a way Basil can’t. Although, there is something to be said for Basil’s acceptance of her with all of her flaws. I thought Lauren DeStefano did a fantastic job of creating the ground to be a little dystopian. I was pegging this for a fantasy until we started to learn about the geography, time period etc.
This book was great, and despite my annoyance at some of these characters I have to give it 5 out of 5 stars. I felt passionately about this book, even in the parts/characters I didn’t like. Plus, I really did enjoy this book and I really can’t wait for the third book. It makes me wish I could get my hands on it now! I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy fantasy, dystopians, and romance!
* This review was first posted to Moonlight Gleam Reviews http://moonlightgleam.com/2015/03/burning-kingdoms-by-lauren-destefano.html*
Burning Kingdoms picked up right where Perfect Ruin ended. I actually ended up liking Burning Kingdoms better than it’s predecessor. Morgan just seemed more decisive in this book, and while I didn’t always agree with her decisions at least she made them! I also admired her for owning her decisions, she stuck with them even when turned out to be bad decisions. She didn’t let anyone else take the blame or blame themselves and I found that made more likeable than she was in Perfect Ruin.
I started to have some issues with the side characters. Pen is an ungrateful, selfish brat. I was quite frankly horrified by her behavior, and yes she did have a point about not telling people about their bethrothal bands, but her attitude towards everyone was just awful. I was surprised, but I found myself enjoying Celeste. I really didn’t expect to because she was really awful in Perfect Ruin, but we learn about what drives Celeste in this book. It made her more likeable, and really cast Pen in an awful light. We also learn some things about Pen’s home life, and while yes they were horrifying it just really fell flat for me. It was almost like it was an excuse for her awful behavior, meanwhile Pen is blaming Morgan and reprimanding her for being upset with Lex. It just smacked of hypocrisy on Pen’s behalf, plus she put Morgan and Thomas in danger, and then had the nerve to get mad at Morgan when she was only trying to help out Pen. Pen was really the biggest aggravation in this book for me.
I totally saw the love triangle coming, and while in a way I am hoping she ends up with Basil, I just have a feeling Judah is going to be the one who sweeps her off her feet. I can’t even really blame Morgan because while Basil is kind and steady, Judah understands her in a way Basil can’t. Although, there is something to be said for Basil’s acceptance of her with all of her flaws. I thought Lauren DeStefano did a fantastic job of creating the ground to be a little dystopian. I was pegging this for a fantasy until we started to learn about the geography, time period etc.
This book was great, and despite my annoyance at some of these characters I have to give it 5 out of 5 stars. I felt passionately about this book, even in the parts/characters I didn’t like. Plus, I really did enjoy this book and I really can’t wait for the third book. It makes me wish I could get my hands on it now! I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy fantasy, dystopians, and romance!
* This review was first posted to Moonlight Gleam Reviews http://moonlightgleam.com/2015/03/burning-kingdoms-by-lauren-destefano.html*