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ar_singh's Reviews (267)
I'll admit I was a bit disappointed with this one. I was afraid that all the hype and rave reviews about this series would would completely ruin the book for me. But there is hope. The only two characters that I actually liked, were Cleo and Jonas. The other two, the siblings, Magnus and Lucia seemed poorly thought out, in terms of character.
I also thought that the point of view and way Rhodes writes was weird. Instead of showing us what the scene looked like, she instead told us. Which is way less excited and more boring to read.
There were a lot of cliché moments throughout the novel that had me feeling like "really come on you're really going to do that?" And rolling my eyes a lot.
I hope that this series gets better as each book comes out and the series progresses. Like the Throne of Glass series.
UPDATE: I've decided not to continue with this series. I sold the first installment and don't plan on buying the rest of the series.
I also thought that the point of view and way Rhodes writes was weird. Instead of showing us what the scene looked like, she instead told us. Which is way less excited and more boring to read.
There were a lot of cliché moments throughout the novel that had me feeling like "really come on you're really going to do that?" And rolling my eyes a lot.
I hope that this series gets better as each book comes out and the series progresses. Like the Throne of Glass series.
UPDATE: I've decided not to continue with this series. I sold the first installment and don't plan on buying the rest of the series.
4/5 stars
So I had really high expectations for this the sequel of An ember in the ashes. And it was a let down. I think that Torch is suffering from second book syndrome. I still enjoyed it but it was lacking.
I didn't love it as much I thought I was going to. The story felt a little scrambled and hurried for my tastes. For me, it wasn't as exciting and on the edge of your seat like the first novel was. It was more like run from the empire, hide from the empire, drone on and on about how they need to save Laia's brother and then run some more. I think that laia character is very slow to evolve in character development. She is still needy and reliant on other people to achieve what she wants. Tahir tried to make her into a strong heroine type but I didn't buy it. It felt forced. As did the relationship between her and Elias.
Helene on the other hand was amazing. I love that she didn't shy away from her duties as blood shrike. All she wants is for the people she cared about to be safe. I really want Helene and Elias to be together. I feel like they're chemistry was way better than Laia's and Elias.
I'm hesitant to buy the next book. But I probably will anyway. Hopeful the next novel is better then this one and drives the plot forward more.
So I had really high expectations for this the sequel of An ember in the ashes. And it was a let down. I think that Torch is suffering from second book syndrome. I still enjoyed it but it was lacking.
I didn't love it as much I thought I was going to. The story felt a little scrambled and hurried for my tastes. For me, it wasn't as exciting and on the edge of your seat like the first novel was. It was more like run from the empire, hide from the empire, drone on and on about how they need to save Laia's brother and then run some more. I think that laia character is very slow to evolve in character development. She is still needy and reliant on other people to achieve what she wants. Tahir tried to make her into a strong heroine type but I didn't buy it. It felt forced. As did the relationship between her and Elias.
Helene on the other hand was amazing. I love that she didn't shy away from her duties as blood shrike. All she wants is for the people she cared about to be safe. I really want Helene and Elias to be together. I feel like they're chemistry was way better than Laia's and Elias.
I'm hesitant to buy the next book. But I probably will anyway. Hopeful the next novel is better then this one and drives the plot forward more.
Can I just say that I loved, loved, loved this book! Sabaa Tahir, I really hope that you choose to continue writing Elias, Helene and Laia's story.
When I first picked up this novel in the Target book section, I had no expectations. The cover was what really drew me in. I took the chance of reading the book jacket summary and was instantly hooked! This book is probably one of the best novels I've read in a while. I honestly didn't know about all the hype that surrounded this novel prior to its release but now I can see why. This book was amazing!
Laia is an oppressed girl turned slave in order to save her brother.
Elias is Black cliff's top solider and most unwilling mask.
While it seems unlikely that these two characters would ever cross paths, Tahir orchestrates their POV's into a masterful story. Both Elias and Laia come to befriend, trust and risk their lives for each other in order to get what they both want, Freedom.
This novel has a little be of everything. Suspense. Thrill. Adventure. Mythology. Action (a lot of action) and even romance. While there are some dull moments. There is plenty of action and excitement that makes up for it.
The setting and background of the novel is based off of Ancient Rome and their mighty empire. I love learning about ancient civilizations and cultures, so this I thought that this was a neat fact that gives more depth to the story.
I love that Sabaa Tahir really focuses on the plot and setting up the conflict of the story. Most novels that have two alternative POV's of a girl and a boy tend to get wrapped up in telling the love and romance between the two characters. While there are romantic scenes and tender moments between Elias and Laia, Tahir really focuses on the reality of the situation and how they are going to get out of it.
If your looking for a new book to read. I highly recommend that you go to your local book store or Target and purchase this novel.
When I first picked up this novel in the Target book section, I had no expectations. The cover was what really drew me in. I took the chance of reading the book jacket summary and was instantly hooked! This book is probably one of the best novels I've read in a while. I honestly didn't know about all the hype that surrounded this novel prior to its release but now I can see why. This book was amazing!
Laia is an oppressed girl turned slave in order to save her brother.
Elias is Black cliff's top solider and most unwilling mask.
While it seems unlikely that these two characters would ever cross paths, Tahir orchestrates their POV's into a masterful story. Both Elias and Laia come to befriend, trust and risk their lives for each other in order to get what they both want, Freedom.
This novel has a little be of everything. Suspense. Thrill. Adventure. Mythology. Action (a lot of action) and even romance. While there are some dull moments. There is plenty of action and excitement that makes up for it.
The setting and background of the novel is based off of Ancient Rome and their mighty empire. I love learning about ancient civilizations and cultures, so this I thought that this was a neat fact that gives more depth to the story.
I love that Sabaa Tahir really focuses on the plot and setting up the conflict of the story. Most novels that have two alternative POV's of a girl and a boy tend to get wrapped up in telling the love and romance between the two characters. While there are romantic scenes and tender moments between Elias and Laia, Tahir really focuses on the reality of the situation and how they are going to get out of it.
If your looking for a new book to read. I highly recommend that you go to your local book store or Target and purchase this novel.
I love historical novels and I love this series!!! this is probably one of the best I've read in a long time. if your looking for a good book with adventure and romance, well look no farther! Grabiella and Evengelia, daughters of archeologist don't look forward spending their summer digging in the hot sandy land of Italy again but this time their in for a surprise. while investigating a tomb their are magical transported back though time into the 13 century italy during the time of the Renaissance. In order to make it back home they'll have to fight bitter enemies and test loyalty and love for one another and allies and friends they meet along the way.
From reading former reviews this trilogy is an Christian fiction novel. Being not a passionate believer I found it an interesting experience to read a book like this. I can hardly wait to get my hands upon the next 2 books. I vote five stars for this book and hope that you will find this book as enchanting and exciting as I did.
From reading former reviews this trilogy is an Christian fiction novel. Being not a passionate believer I found it an interesting experience to read a book like this. I can hardly wait to get my hands upon the next 2 books. I vote five stars for this book and hope that you will find this book as enchanting and exciting as I did.
3.5
It was hard for me to get into the world. But other than that I enjoyed it very much.
It was hard for me to get into the world. But other than that I enjoyed it very much.