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arielthebookgargoyle's Reviews (208)
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
G.R. Macallister has a way of writing that is very mature and foreboding, set in realism, yet fantastical and hopeful at the same time. It really spoke to me and kept me engaged the whole time reading.
The first book in the series, Scorpica, caught me much in the same way. I have looked forward to each installment in the Five Queendoms since. After Arca, Sestia was no exception. Each feels intertwined while adding on to the wonderfully created lore. Sestia starts when the previous two books were happening, but from the High Xera (similar to a pope) of the Queendom of Sestia's point of view. It quickly catches up to alternate between the newly expanded upon characters and some already established.
Sessadon's destruction and drought isn't exactly over. She's become a shade in the underworld and has a michevious plan to open the 5 gates that will allow her to unleash the spirits of the dead upon the above world. This is totally within her character, and a part of me wanted her to succeed.
While she is plotting, queens are figuring out how to vye for peace within nations used to harsh, unforgiving conditions.
The story felt like a champion for motherhood and human connection. Not every nation requiring the same sort of love, but nurturing care that only the right type of mother for each Queendom to bring prosperity. I very much enjoyed this perspective. It made the characters feel real. Contemplating and problem solving each unique situation. It felt grand and beyond one character as well. Where one was important, they only played a small part elsewhere, but effected another character's decisions nonetheless.
I wanted more story, not because there isn't enough, but because I wanted more of the characters and their grand plans. The series has been harrowing, full of heart, and fun to read. I very much love the characters. Either rooting for or against. I thought that the series was going to have at least 2 more books, but I believe Sestia is the conclusion. It tied all previous grief up into sweet little bows. It ends on a much happier, sweeter note than the previous two books.
The first book in the series, Scorpica, caught me much in the same way. I have looked forward to each installment in the Five Queendoms since. After Arca, Sestia was no exception. Each feels intertwined while adding on to the wonderfully created lore. Sestia starts when the previous two books were happening, but from the High Xera (similar to a pope) of the Queendom of Sestia's point of view. It quickly catches up to alternate between the newly expanded upon characters and some already established.
Sessadon's destruction and drought isn't exactly over. She's become a shade in the underworld and has a michevious plan to open the 5 gates that will allow her to unleash the spirits of the dead upon the above world. This is totally within her character, and a part of me wanted her to succeed.
While she is plotting, queens are figuring out how to vye for peace within nations used to harsh, unforgiving conditions.
The story felt like a champion for motherhood and human connection. Not every nation requiring the same sort of love, but nurturing care that only the right type of mother for each Queendom to bring prosperity. I very much enjoyed this perspective. It made the characters feel real. Contemplating and problem solving each unique situation. It felt grand and beyond one character as well. Where one was important, they only played a small part elsewhere, but effected another character's decisions nonetheless.
I wanted more story, not because there isn't enough, but because I wanted more of the characters and their grand plans. The series has been harrowing, full of heart, and fun to read. I very much love the characters. Either rooting for or against. I thought that the series was going to have at least 2 more books, but I believe Sestia is the conclusion. It tied all previous grief up into sweet little bows. It ends on a much happier, sweeter note than the previous two books.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I am glad it was suggested to me to read this novella after the first entry of The Realm Reachers series. It tries its best, but Kasia was much better in book 1. Here, she is risk taking but her depth and layers of crazy wasn't fully given credit. I don't think I would have liked her only reading the novella. She comes off more arrogant and less for her people. I keep with that suggestion and say read book 1 first.
This novella explains her plume de nom, The Amber Dame, and the events leading up to her vow for revenge. It has some errors, but was a fully fleshed out story. I think it benefits from being a shorter story. World building was a large part of book 1, here it was more condensed. Made for a better pacing. Without that first story though, possibly might not make as much sense.
I did like her moniker came from an enemy. It felt like Kasia to turn their insult into a badge of honor. I also liked the amber bellied Raven and how it inspired Kasia to rebuild herself and her house. I thought it was a good touch to symbolize Kasia taking the lead.
This novella explains her plume de nom, The Amber Dame, and the events leading up to her vow for revenge. It has some errors, but was a fully fleshed out story. I think it benefits from being a shorter story. World building was a large part of book 1, here it was more condensed. Made for a better pacing. Without that first story though, possibly might not make as much sense.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Another sequel that went above and beyond. I loved how Aldewin mirrored Quens journey from the first. Self contemplation and renewal of purpose because Quen inspires him to want to be worthy of her.
<b>Plot: 5/5</b>
<i>"The Spring Dragon"</i> by [author:Natalie Wright|19123079], we are left following Aldewin several months after the transformation of Quen to bring back Ishna, the Winter Dragon, which awakened most other dragons as well. He his wallowing in despair from his loss of purpose, disillusionment of institutions he held dear, and Quen being torn from his reach. However, he is not without hope. Imbica is back and gathered Druvna's pod of hired hands to search for the Heart of Menaris. Ancient magic that just may assist with releasing Quen.
<b>Prose/Dialogue: 4/5</b>
The writing is very descriptive. Imaginative, with terms made for the story that give an majestic, eloquent feel. It lends to the epic scope of the story. However at times did feel repeative. Used or explained too often. The prose slowed me down in the first story, but I think that experience let me know where to start in what to expect from this sequel. It matched, but felt cleaner. Giving a better pace.
The narrative mostly follows Aldewin but does switch sometimes to Ishna and Quen.
The interaction between all characters felt realistic. They made sense in what they said, without any awkward pulls from the story. There was a time or two I felt initial feelings should have been stronger, but there were little quips or interactions that pulled it all in.
<b>Characters: 5/5</b>
There were so many characters that I enjoyed in this story. From the first, Aldewin, Imbica, Nivi the tiger. And introduced through this story, Yngvari, Omma, Aurixia. Even the villian, shocked, yet satisfying they were a part of the story. All had a clear backstory and motivation for being a part of the journey.
<b>Character Development: 4/5</b>
The first book was the discovery and awakening for Quen, this one is the contemplation and redemption of Aldewin. Her drive and sacrifice makes him want to be worthy of her, but he has only known how to inflict horror. It goes beyond him, Ishna is of similar spirit. Death and destruction her instinct to ensure survival before her long sleep. Quen imploring her to strive for better. Just with these two characters, plenty of character development to go along with the chase for the Heart. Loved their journeys. Some of where the characters choose to go, wasn't much of a revelation. As well as some characters falling flat for me - not seeming as necessary as they were made.
<b>Setting: 5/5</b>
There were several locations. A backwater town, a ship traveling over seas, a journey through jungle, and snow. All clearly different, described well, and lent to the story.
<b>Creativity: 5/5</b>
While dragons aren't a new concept, I like how the author has tied their fates in with humans. Dragons can wipe them out, but as they have slept, the humans have risen in number and power. Giving challenge, as well as showing a ruthless side that gives cause to dragons wanting to wipe them from earth. However, with Quen being added in the mix, providing Ishna, currently the most powerful, contemplation if humans may be more intelligent and compassionate than they thought. The story is layered and complex. Done so through many different elements that are well put together.
<b>Enjoyment: 5/5</b>
I loved where the first story ended, and this one did well in picking it up. It felt grand on its own, different yet similar. I really enjoyed many of the characters interactions with each other. Especially loved many of the twists.
Overall: 33/35 94% A 5
<b>Plot: 5/5</b>
<i>"The Spring Dragon"</i> by [author:Natalie Wright|19123079], we are left following Aldewin several months after the transformation of Quen to bring back Ishna, the Winter Dragon, which awakened most other dragons as well. He his wallowing in despair from his loss of purpose, disillusionment of institutions he held dear, and Quen being torn from his reach. However, he is not without hope. Imbica is back and gathered Druvna's pod of hired hands to search for the Heart of Menaris. Ancient magic that just may assist with releasing Quen.
<b>Prose/Dialogue: 4/5</b>
The writing is very descriptive. Imaginative, with terms made for the story that give an majestic, eloquent feel. It lends to the epic scope of the story. However at times did feel repeative. Used or explained too often. The prose slowed me down in the first story, but I think that experience let me know where to start in what to expect from this sequel. It matched, but felt cleaner. Giving a better pace.
The narrative mostly follows Aldewin but does switch sometimes to Ishna and Quen.
The interaction between all characters felt realistic. They made sense in what they said, without any awkward pulls from the story. There was a time or two I felt initial feelings should have been stronger, but there were little quips or interactions that pulled it all in.
<b>Characters: 5/5</b>
There were so many characters that I enjoyed in this story. From the first, Aldewin, Imbica, Nivi the tiger. And introduced through this story, Yngvari, Omma, Aurixia. Even the villian, shocked, yet satisfying they were a part of the story. All had a clear backstory and motivation for being a part of the journey.
<b>Character Development: 4/5</b>
The first book was the discovery and awakening for Quen, this one is the contemplation and redemption of Aldewin. Her drive and sacrifice makes him want to be worthy of her, but he has only known how to inflict horror. It goes beyond him, Ishna is of similar spirit. Death and destruction her instinct to ensure survival before her long sleep. Quen imploring her to strive for better. Just with these two characters, plenty of character development to go along with the chase for the Heart. Loved their journeys. Some of where the characters choose to go, wasn't much of a revelation. As well as some characters falling flat for me - not seeming as necessary as they were made.
<b>Setting: 5/5</b>
There were several locations. A backwater town, a ship traveling over seas, a journey through jungle, and snow. All clearly different, described well, and lent to the story.
<b>Creativity: 5/5</b>
While dragons aren't a new concept, I like how the author has tied their fates in with humans. Dragons can wipe them out, but as they have slept, the humans have risen in number and power. Giving challenge, as well as showing a ruthless side that gives cause to dragons wanting to wipe them from earth. However, with Quen being added in the mix, providing Ishna, currently the most powerful, contemplation if humans may be more intelligent and compassionate than they thought. The story is layered and complex. Done so through many different elements that are well put together.
<b>Enjoyment: 5/5</b>
I loved where the first story ended, and this one did well in picking it up. It felt grand on its own, different yet similar. I really enjoyed many of the characters interactions with each other. Especially loved many of the twists.
Overall: 33/35 94% A 5
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“Well, you see… it all started with this cat.”
"The Girl Who Talks to Ashes" by Rachel Rener was not what I expected, in a good way. It follows Lilah, a young girl who discovers that she can see death when she quits taking her medication to prevent seizures from what she believed her whole life was epilepsy.
The story sets itself as an urban fantasy mystery but was also heartfelt while being quirky and witty. Lilah begins as sort of a punk, trying to impress her friends but quickly became relatable and lovable, not too arrogant to care about. She very much drives the story, wanting to know her past.
The story does jump around. From Lilah's point of view, to her father's, and sometimes to her mother's. Along a nonlinear timeline. The way it was done, was perfect. Revealing plot as needed, keeping pace mostly with what Lilah knows or was about to find out.
It didn't take me very long to read. Flew through the text, enjoying the hint of humor and wanting to know if Lilah would find her answers. I very much enjoyed her journey and many of the revelationsshe had.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Crimson Court is the first in a series and the way it is written reflects as such.
It slowly introduces itself, one step at a time. A slow burn, if you will, up to the action scenes.
Kasia is a wonderfully broken main protagonist. I liked her right away. Even with the chip on her shoulder. She is haunting and beautiful, scorned and bitter. Her father killed when she was young because of shady politics. Politics she's now ready to integrate herself into, in order to sabotage and murder from within.
The drudges of the parliament of her world, Ezman (particularly in the capitol city of Kalastok), are painstakingly broken down and explained to give a picture of the droll nature, yet underlying complications Kasia will face during her infiltration. She's impatient, the system is rambling and it is portrayed in a way that made me eager for Kasia's revenge. Making it sweeter when she does act. What makes it better, is that she isn't free from consequences.
The magic system is given the same time and care breaking down so that when it is used and comes into play for the story, its underlying layers make sense. Kasia's world is based on that magic in many substantial ways, including on the status that is given to people, as well as in forgotten ancient ways that do eventually rear their ugly head during the plotlines. It intertwines with the politics and the people Kasia is after, to play a major factor.
As I said, Kasia is the lead, but the story also follows a rugged, glass armor wearing, knight Radais; a mixed house, justice seeking noble, Zinarus; an ambivalent princess, Nikoza; a jack of all trades, sly spy, Nex. Switching often between the group to give their perspective or relay information going on in a different part of the city or country.
There is something I liked about each character. Some that I didn't. All of it played into how they interacted, and fit their personality, made them distinctive. I found Zinarus the most interesting. The least inconsequential, at first, who is more connected than even he thinks. He felt like the glue that all the other characters needed to make their actions matter.
The story is of an epic scope. Building little by little as it introduces the world and how it is run, with intermittent action as the finale approaches. Twists that aren't always expected, some that are typical for the genre. Everything is very detailed. From the intentions a character has, down to the fine buttons on their clothing. Even those small elements important for example, Kasia in particular, favoring amber. Something she stole to earn her birthright back that has bigger ramifications amongst who trusts her, as well as her magic, and how she uses it in her manipulations for both good and evil. The enemy isn't quite clear, but it made sense, being as Kasia is working to figure it out too.
Kasia faces the music in her choices for revenge, gaining the favor of some, and the vitriol of others. That journey feeling like a full story, with enough happening, but enough left open that a second is needed to fix what was broke.
It slowly introduces itself, one step at a time. A slow burn, if you will, up to the action scenes.
Kasia is a wonderfully broken main protagonist. I liked her right away. Even with the chip on her shoulder. She is haunting and beautiful, scorned and bitter. Her father killed when she was young because of shady politics. Politics she's now ready to integrate herself into, in order to sabotage and murder from within.
The drudges of the parliament of her world, Ezman (particularly in the capitol city of Kalastok), are painstakingly broken down and explained to give a picture of the droll nature, yet underlying complications Kasia will face during her infiltration. She's impatient, the system is rambling and it is portrayed in a way that made me eager for Kasia's revenge. Making it sweeter when she does act. What makes it better, is that she isn't free from consequences.
The magic system is given the same time and care breaking down so that when it is used and comes into play for the story, its underlying layers make sense. Kasia's world is based on that magic in many substantial ways, including on the status that is given to people, as well as in forgotten ancient ways that do eventually rear their ugly head during the plotlines. It intertwines with the politics and the people Kasia is after, to play a major factor.
As I said, Kasia is the lead, but the story also follows a rugged, glass armor wearing, knight Radais; a mixed house, justice seeking noble, Zinarus; an ambivalent princess, Nikoza; a jack of all trades, sly spy, Nex. Switching often between the group to give their perspective or relay information going on in a different part of the city or country.
There is something I liked about each character. Some that I didn't. All of it played into how they interacted, and fit their personality, made them distinctive. I found Zinarus the most interesting. The least inconsequential, at first, who is more connected than even he thinks. He felt like the glue that all the other characters needed to make their actions matter.
The story is of an epic scope. Building little by little as it introduces the world and how it is run, with intermittent action as the finale approaches. Twists that aren't always expected, some that are typical for the genre. Everything is very detailed. From the intentions a character has, down to the fine buttons on their clothing. Even those small elements important for example, Kasia in particular, favoring amber. Something she stole to earn her birthright back that has bigger ramifications amongst who trusts her, as well as her magic, and how she uses it in her manipulations for both good and evil. The enemy isn't quite clear, but it made sense, being as Kasia is working to figure it out too.
Kasia faces the music in her choices for revenge, gaining the favor of some, and the vitriol of others. That journey feeling like a full story, with enough happening, but enough left open that a second is needed to fix what was broke.
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was an excellent Middle Grade age adventure. I was expecting time travel, but it was slightly different. The past catching up to the future instead.
Benny is given a letter from her great great + grandmother telling her the family fortune depends on her. She must find an island that doesn't exist. This leads her on an adventure of uncovering the truth. She has to dig through the past to determine her future.
I loved that aspect, Benny having moved around or having much stability, discovering her roots. She makes friends and finds more connections than she's ever had, slowly filling in what she's been missing, but not necessarily realized it. I totally understood her doubting it would be real or lasting as she solves her great grandmother's riddles. Her internal struggle felt realistic and was a good center for the story as it uncovered more of its magic elements.
As a parent, would be more than happy to put this book in the hands of my kids. The story was simple and beautifully written to have meaning yet be fun. Its messages were about family, and ultimately doing right by them.. blood or found. Giving grace when missteps were made.
Benny is given a letter from her great great + grandmother telling her the family fortune depends on her. She must find an island that doesn't exist. This leads her on an adventure of uncovering the truth. She has to dig through the past to determine her future.
I loved that aspect, Benny having moved around or having much stability, discovering her roots. She makes friends and finds more connections than she's ever had, slowly filling in what she's been missing, but not necessarily realized it. I totally understood her doubting it would be real or lasting as she solves her great grandmother's riddles. Her internal struggle felt realistic and was a good center for the story as it uncovered more of its magic elements.
As a parent, would be more than happy to put this book in the hands of my kids. The story was simple and beautifully written to have meaning yet be fun. Its messages were about family, and ultimately doing right by them.. blood or found. Giving grace when missteps were made.
adventurous
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This story was exactly what I expected. A journey of self reflection for the main character, Daniel, as he travels though layers of Hell. Similar to Dante's Inferno.
The story jumped quickly to it. Putting Daniel into a circumstance where he would be thrown into limbo. Although he doesn't realize it and reacted blindly to his situation. Presenting him with choices that didn't feel like choices to him, being his nature.
My favorite character was Charles, the demon who makes it his purpose to lead Daniel. He is well aware of what was going on from the get go and is happy to misdirect. They are followed by Beau, whom I believe was a reaper collecting souls who sympathizes with Daniel's plight. Each chapter switches between the three, giving them each a section of each part of the journey where they guide the reader.
The story has a lot of insight and felt purposeful, but I think fell apart towards the end. Simply written, the pacing starts slow, gains momentum and felt right, but then as the story progressed, more felt lost and rushed. Particularly the ending. There was build up for a grand decision, but then it didn't feel so grand. Just wrapped up to be done.
I liked the journey of reading, bits of the message, but felt it deflated by the end.
The story jumped quickly to it. Putting Daniel into a circumstance where he would be thrown into limbo. Although he doesn't realize it and reacted blindly to his situation. Presenting him with choices that didn't feel like choices to him, being his nature.
My favorite character was Charles, the demon who makes it his purpose to lead Daniel. He is well aware of what was going on from the get go and is happy to misdirect. They are followed by Beau, whom I believe was a reaper collecting souls who sympathizes with Daniel's plight. Each chapter switches between the three, giving them each a section of each part of the journey where they guide the reader.
The story has a lot of insight and felt purposeful, but I think fell apart towards the end. Simply written, the pacing starts slow, gains momentum and felt right, but then as the story progressed, more felt lost and rushed. Particularly the ending. There was build up for a grand decision, but then it didn't feel so grand. Just wrapped up to be done.
I liked the journey of reading, bits of the message, but felt it deflated by the end.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
<strong>Tragedy At Its Core</strong>
<i>They Mostly Come Out At Night</i> by Patrick Benedict has a nonlinear progression. Jumping between the point of view of several forest "Magpie" Kings, a village misfit (Lonan), and the tales of a sly thief (Artemis).
It took some getting used to, the switch in styles of storytelling. It starts out with Lonan and his village life, desire for more but quickly turns to stort stories about Artemis to fill in the folklore of the Magpie King and why things are the way they are in Lonan's village. Switching back and forth. It slowed my reading down, gave a scattered feel, but found its stride with me at about 40% mark. Took a while, because there were hardly any characters that I liked. Everyone was vicious to each other, making it difficult to root for any small win. It wasn't until all the little stories intertwined and started revealing the twists and fates of such naive characters, that I was on board. I still don't feel the village deserves Lonan. But, 'tis a strange thing, love.
The twists, they are tragic. Not the typical happy ending. Was perfect for what the story was, questioning who the real monsters are.
<i>They Mostly Come Out At Night</i> by Patrick Benedict has a nonlinear progression. Jumping between the point of view of several forest "Magpie" Kings, a village misfit (Lonan), and the tales of a sly thief (Artemis).
It took some getting used to, the switch in styles of storytelling. It starts out with Lonan and his village life, desire for more but quickly turns to stort stories about Artemis to fill in the folklore of the Magpie King and why things are the way they are in Lonan's village. Switching back and forth. It slowed my reading down, gave a scattered feel, but found its stride with me at about 40% mark. Took a while, because there were hardly any characters that I liked. Everyone was vicious to each other, making it difficult to root for any small win. It wasn't until all the little stories intertwined and started revealing the twists and fates of such naive characters, that I was on board. I still don't feel the village deserves Lonan. But, 'tis a strange thing, love.
The twists, they are tragic. Not the typical happy ending. Was perfect for what the story was, questioning who the real monsters are.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Stakes Have Been Raised!
“A ballad for the ages. The Saga of the Unfated.”
"A Curse Carved in Bone" was the perfect sequel to, "A Fate Inked in Blood." I loved the first and didn't think it could be topped, since most sequels do not meet expectations, however this excelled. It was equal if not better.
A Curse started right as the events of A Fate ended. The first story needs read to understand particularly why Freya is at odds with Bjorn and why they are now on a ship belonging to another king, Harald.
Freya, betrayed, is a woman scorned. Her stubbornness that began her fate, continues very much to dictate her fate here. Except she is even more confused on who is friend and who is foe. The story is slower in the beginning as she figures out where she stands, but really picks up when fate forces her hand to take a stance. When it does... I didn't want to put the book down.
Freya is arrogant and flawed. Compassionate and conflicted. True to her character in the first book. Bjorn is just as fierce and loyal as he was then. I feel he was more muted in this one, driven more to stand in Freya's shadow and be a companion rather than a comrade. However, his past and lies, Freya's love are a force that helps drives the plot. Their threads intertwined so that Freya has realistic motivations.
Harald has a bigger role as well. Not just a mysterious counter to Snorri's leadership. In this story he takes a forward role and we get to learn how he has led Nordeland and why he opposes Skaland and Snorri with such vengeance. We also get to meet Bjorn's mother, Saga. As well as a few interesting creatures such as a Huldra and a giant serpent.
I really enjoyed. The story had a little of everything. Love, betrayal, life, death. The characters were wonderful, both to root for and root against. There were twists I could see coming, and some that were subversive. Plenty of action, hard choices, and some intimate moments.
“A ballad for the ages. The Saga of the Unfated.”
"A Curse Carved in Bone" was the perfect sequel to, "A Fate Inked in Blood." I loved the first and didn't think it could be topped, since most sequels do not meet expectations, however this excelled. It was equal if not better.
A Curse started right as the events of A Fate ended. The first story needs read to understand particularly why Freya is at odds with Bjorn and why they are now on a ship belonging to another king, Harald.
Freya, betrayed, is a woman scorned. Her stubbornness that began her fate, continues very much to dictate her fate here. Except she is even more confused on who is friend and who is foe. The story is slower in the beginning as she figures out where she stands, but really picks up when fate forces her hand to take a stance. When it does... I didn't want to put the book down.
Freya is arrogant and flawed. Compassionate and conflicted. True to her character in the first book. Bjorn is just as fierce and loyal as he was then. I feel he was more muted in this one, driven more to stand in Freya's shadow and be a companion rather than a comrade. However, his past and lies, Freya's love are a force that helps drives the plot. Their threads intertwined so that Freya has realistic motivations.
Harald has a bigger role as well. Not just a mysterious counter to Snorri's leadership. In this story he takes a forward role and we get to learn how he has led Nordeland and why he opposes Skaland and Snorri with such vengeance. We also get to meet Bjorn's mother, Saga. As well as a few interesting creatures such as a Huldra and a giant serpent.
I really enjoyed. The story had a little of everything. Love, betrayal, life, death. The characters were wonderful, both to root for and root against. There were twists I could see coming, and some that were subversive. Plenty of action, hard choices, and some intimate moments.
adventurous
funny
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If I could sum "The Bridge Kingdom" up in a few words: cutthroat, betrayal, tense, but also full of heart.
It captured me with the first chapter. Lara, the main character, is such a conundrum. Conflicted, trained from youth to be vicious, but her heart knows better. Right off, she showed she was willing to do whatever to save those she loves, no matter how wrong it is. I liked her the moment I realized this.
The story? Lara and her sisters have been raised to bring down their father's enemies. Isolated, and given the best of the best tutors in spy craft. It's time, and Lara's chance to prove herself in infiltrating Ithicana, The Bridge Kingdom, as she is married off to their auspicious king, Aren. She's dead set on her mission until Aren starts "complicating things" by being honorable and kind. Causing her to question everything. Men... right?
Lara's journey is initially very introspective. She is alone amongst denizens of a kingdom who hates and questions her father's motivations. She is very reluctant to get close to anyone, but to get the information she thinks she needs, she has to. It becomes harder and harder to see the people around her as her enemies. Her feelings, fight with others, and then within her own soul, was written very well. It slowly develops, giving time to get to know Lara, Aren, and those around them. Each character is made distinct and has a different perspective to challenge Lara's world view. Nana was one of my favorites, Aren's grandmother. She is a cranky, paranoid old women. The antics Lara goes to trying to outmaneuver her, were quite entertaining. Loved the story had that strict grandmotherly figure, and that everyone knew not to cross her.
The story opens up and picks up pace as Lara does, which made her journey very logical in my eyes, even though I didn't necessarily agree with her actions... those, no complaint, kept her very true to how she was from the start. She is consistent but does learn and adapt as the story progresses. So, I'd say overall it is a very character driven story. Action not pushing too much until the last third of the story. More when control of the narrative is pulled from Lara's hands.
There were a lot of elements I was happy to see. From the locations, the bridge, the islands, hideouts, a volcano; the animals, sharks, a fat cat... even the snakes. They upped the stakes and helped make the details of the story.
Other than a short lull when Lara was scouting for information and being given very little taking longer than I liked, I flew through the story and am eager to find out how Aren's sister, Ahnna, dishes her wrath out to Lara for the ending events. Which, I was very satisfied with.
It captured me with the first chapter. Lara, the main character, is such a conundrum. Conflicted, trained from youth to be vicious, but her heart knows better. Right off, she showed she was willing to do whatever to save those she loves, no matter how wrong it is. I liked her the moment I realized this.
The story? Lara and her sisters have been raised to bring down their father's enemies. Isolated, and given the best of the best tutors in spy craft. It's time, and Lara's chance to prove herself in infiltrating Ithicana, The Bridge Kingdom, as she is married off to their auspicious king, Aren. She's dead set on her mission until Aren starts "complicating things" by being honorable and kind. Causing her to question everything. Men... right?
Lara's journey is initially very introspective. She is alone amongst denizens of a kingdom who hates and questions her father's motivations. She is very reluctant to get close to anyone, but to get the information she thinks she needs, she has to. It becomes harder and harder to see the people around her as her enemies. Her feelings, fight with others, and then within her own soul, was written very well. It slowly develops, giving time to get to know Lara, Aren, and those around them. Each character is made distinct and has a different perspective to challenge Lara's world view. Nana was one of my favorites, Aren's grandmother. She is a cranky, paranoid old women. The antics Lara goes to trying to outmaneuver her, were quite entertaining. Loved the story had that strict grandmotherly figure, and that everyone knew not to cross her.
The story opens up and picks up pace as Lara does, which made her journey very logical in my eyes, even though I didn't necessarily agree with her actions... those, no complaint, kept her very true to how she was from the start. She is consistent but does learn and adapt as the story progresses. So, I'd say overall it is a very character driven story. Action not pushing too much until the last third of the story. More when control of the narrative is pulled from Lara's hands.
There were a lot of elements I was happy to see. From the locations, the bridge, the islands, hideouts, a volcano; the animals, sharks, a fat cat... even the snakes. They upped the stakes and helped make the details of the story.
Other than a short lull when Lara was scouting for information and being given very little taking longer than I liked, I flew through the story and am eager to find out how Aren's sister, Ahnna, dishes her wrath out to Lara for the ending events. Which, I was very satisfied with.