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prisoner_of_books's reviews
380 reviews
Sisters of Sword and Shadow by Laura Bates
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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? No
5.0
This book is for those who want a feminist Arthurian retelling full of women who disguise themselves as men in order to fight in knightly tournaments and defeat boastful men wrong. It’s about a sisterhood and finding your place in the world and not necessarily going along with what’s expected of you, but forging your own path and overcoming the challenges that come with your choices.
I really loved this book! The writing was so detailed and conveyed imagery like a movie plus the author wrote combat scenes so well that I felt like I was right next to Cas fighting and training along with her. What made this book even better was the depth to each character.
They were flawed and morally grey but just so real that I couldn't help but be invested in their story!
And when i say invested, I mean invested! It only took me a few hours to finish this book in one sitting! It was not a fast-paced story, but there was still so much of the story being revealed and told that it didn't have to have action every second to keep me interested.
I really do recommend this book, especially for those who enjoy amazing combat scenes and developed characters!
I just can’t say how much I enjoyed this one! It may seem like not much is happening but the intrigue, suspense and fast pace will keep you reading into the night!
Thanks so much to Netgalley and the author for letting me read and review this.
I really loved this book! The writing was so detailed and conveyed imagery like a movie plus the author wrote combat scenes so well that I felt like I was right next to Cas fighting and training along with her. What made this book even better was the depth to each character.
They were flawed and morally grey but just so real that I couldn't help but be invested in their story!
And when i say invested, I mean invested! It only took me a few hours to finish this book in one sitting! It was not a fast-paced story, but there was still so much of the story being revealed and told that it didn't have to have action every second to keep me interested.
I really do recommend this book, especially for those who enjoy amazing combat scenes and developed characters!
I just can’t say how much I enjoyed this one! It may seem like not much is happening but the intrigue, suspense and fast pace will keep you reading into the night!
Thanks so much to Netgalley and the author for letting me read and review this.
These Fallen Gods by Catelyn Wilson, Catelyn Wilson
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I thought that this was the perfect conclusion to Hazel’s story!
These Fallen Gods was a story of adventure, of accepting all sides of yourself and finding people to trust. In the second and last installment of the Nightfall Bazaar series Hazel has to collect the weapons of the Gods in order to seal them from the mortal world and prevent another war. I don’t remember much of the first book honestly but I do remember loving it!
Just like the first book, I loved the magical aspects and the different magic wielders and creatures that the author created! The world was creative and crafted to almost perfection, plus the characters both new and old were a joy to read about! I thought that Hazel’s decisions and thoughts were very interesting and portrayed the authors intentions really well. The main relationship was a little annoying, because I didn’t remember much of the first book I felt like the relationship wasn’t that strong or enjoyable to read about and I liked the new characters a lot more.
But anyway it was still a great fast paced read full of mystery, adventure and of course magic!
Read this series if you love: a clean YA fantasy with magic and sin, adventure and romance plus a beautifully crafted world with modified takes on classic mythological Gods.
Thanks to BOMM tours for the copy! This did not impact my thoughts.
These Fallen Gods was a story of adventure, of accepting all sides of yourself and finding people to trust. In the second and last installment of the Nightfall Bazaar series Hazel has to collect the weapons of the Gods in order to seal them from the mortal world and prevent another war. I don’t remember much of the first book honestly but I do remember loving it!
Just like the first book, I loved the magical aspects and the different magic wielders and creatures that the author created! The world was creative and crafted to almost perfection, plus the characters both new and old were a joy to read about! I thought that Hazel’s decisions and thoughts were very interesting and portrayed the authors intentions really well. The main relationship was a little annoying, because I didn’t remember much of the first book I felt like the relationship wasn’t that strong or enjoyable to read about and I liked the new characters a lot more.
But anyway it was still a great fast paced read full of mystery, adventure and of course magic!
Read this series if you love: a clean YA fantasy with magic and sin, adventure and romance plus a beautifully crafted world with modified takes on classic mythological Gods.
Thanks to BOMM tours for the copy! This did not impact my thoughts.
Teleosis: A Novel of Trauma and Transformation by Amy W. Vogel
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
I went into this book without knowing much, I just knew I loved the cover and thought the tropes were interesting. I have to say this book really surprised me, it was thought-provoking and powerful with lyrical writing.
Our main character is Inira, who is the heir to an ancient civilization built upon an alternate religion. But this civilization was destroyed before she came into power. Now living a normal life in the US with her family Inira has started the journey in overcoming her trauma and moving past her addiction. The author was able to write this character really well, her thoughts and actions just created this powerful woman trying to find herself again while realistically portraying the affect trauma and addiction has had on her life.
This was what this book was all about, searching for peace and moving past trauma. But it also provided insight into the power of love and unity while fulling embracing femininity and the strength of women in all roles.
But even if you don't want to deeply analyse the story it still provides everything you want in a good book. It had a subtle magically component and all the characters had their own flaws and you could relate to them in many ways. There was a morally grey love interest who was written absolutely perfectly! Plus a growing mystery which built into an entertaining climax that I could not stop reading. Even the religious part of it, which I normally don't like, felt like I was actually reading about ancient beliefs and surprisingly kept me interested.
I feel like the only thing that I didn't enjoy was the sometimes lengthy monologues of the characters, I was only hooked into reading in the last hour or so because I need a mystery or problem to keep me hooked and it wasn't really brought up in depth until the last third of the book and even then it didn't feel that rushed but I also felt like more could've been added to help the suspense build up even more.
3.5 stars
Thanks to BookOfMatchesMedia and the author for the copy for review, this did not impact my thoughts.
Our main character is Inira, who is the heir to an ancient civilization built upon an alternate religion. But this civilization was destroyed before she came into power. Now living a normal life in the US with her family Inira has started the journey in overcoming her trauma and moving past her addiction. The author was able to write this character really well, her thoughts and actions just created this powerful woman trying to find herself again while realistically portraying the affect trauma and addiction has had on her life.
This was what this book was all about, searching for peace and moving past trauma. But it also provided insight into the power of love and unity while fulling embracing femininity and the strength of women in all roles.
But even if you don't want to deeply analyse the story it still provides everything you want in a good book. It had a subtle magically component and all the characters had their own flaws and you could relate to them in many ways. There was a morally grey love interest who was written absolutely perfectly! Plus a growing mystery which built into an entertaining climax that I could not stop reading. Even the religious part of it, which I normally don't like, felt like I was actually reading about ancient beliefs and surprisingly kept me interested.
I feel like the only thing that I didn't enjoy was the sometimes lengthy monologues of the characters, I was only hooked into reading in the last hour or so because I need a mystery or problem to keep me hooked and it wasn't really brought up in depth until the last third of the book and even then it didn't feel that rushed but I also felt like more could've been added to help the suspense build up even more.
3.5 stars
Thanks to BookOfMatchesMedia and the author for the copy for review, this did not impact my thoughts.
Into The Skies by Kay Humphreys
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
thought this book was written really well, the world was interesting and I loved the dystopian fantasy concept because it was very unique. However, I didn't really like the FMC...
I do think this book would appeal to a lot of people because it has different fae kingdoms, human and fae relationships, dystopian world, forced proximity, star-crossed Lovers, Adventure, Secrets, Danger, Elves and Hobbits. But I just couldn't connect with the FMC Jaylyn.
She was a bit annoying and selfish to me. I mean the insta love at the start really didn't help either, but the way she acted towards the sentry really just made me mad, sure at the start I looked past it but later into the book it just didn't make sense to me.
Then there was some character development and I really enjoyed the direction the author was taking the book, plus the romance got really sweet and the secrets were so interesting that I'm tempted to pick up the next book. But I just couldn't look past that section of the book where the FMC was a bit annoying.
Thanks to Netgalley and Magnamour for the eArc, this in no way affected my review.
I do think this book would appeal to a lot of people because it has different fae kingdoms, human and fae relationships, dystopian world, forced proximity, star-crossed Lovers, Adventure, Secrets, Danger, Elves and Hobbits. But I just couldn't connect with the FMC Jaylyn.
She was a bit annoying and selfish to me. I mean the insta love at the start really didn't help either, but the way she acted towards the sentry really just made me mad, sure at the start I looked past it but later into the book it just didn't make sense to me.
Then there was some character development and I really enjoyed the direction the author was taking the book, plus the romance got really sweet and the secrets were so interesting that I'm tempted to pick up the next book. But I just couldn't look past that section of the book where the FMC was a bit annoying.
Thanks to Netgalley and Magnamour for the eArc, this in no way affected my review.
War Queen by Nicola Tyche
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.0
Heart-wrenching and captivating, these are the words I use to describe this series. Oh and political intrigue, warrior women, protective and loyal men, great gay romance mixed in with some devastation and war.
I have to say I didn't really like Norah, don't get me wrong she was written exceptionally! But some of the decisions she made frustrated me, but honestly it just made the book so much better because it wasn't something I would do and just really made her so realistic and human!
Soren has been my favourite character in this series! And I LOVED HIS ROMANCE, like seriously! I can't say too much without spoiling but it was just so cute and perfect, a little reprieve from the constant turmoil, death and war.
While it may seem like i'm making this out as a bleak book, it was actually full of adventure, hope and the power of friendships and love during a time of war. It was about strong female warriors and strategists taming the most fearsome kings and soldiers and finding a way to change fate in the name of love. It had lush world building and small fantasy elements that brought the story together! Not to mention the plot kept me intrigued and I loved that the travelling wasn't just skipped over but incorporated into the story! This series was just such a great journey and I really enjoyed it!
These books may look long but trust me it does not feel like that when you read it! From the morally grey characters, to the constant war strategy I just could not put it down! Honestly this series has just been such a ride, I never saw that ending coming but it was so perfect!
I don't want to spoil this series for you all but I HIGHLY recommend this series it honestly has everything a political adventure fantasy-lover needs! Including:
HIghly developed, flawed characters
war strategies
alliances and betrayals
morally grey warriors
enemies to lovers romance
political intrigue
multiple POVs and romances with tension
villain wants the girl
Thanks so much to MTMC tours and the author for the copy! The review was in no way affected by this.
I have to say I didn't really like Norah, don't get me wrong she was written exceptionally! But some of the decisions she made frustrated me, but honestly it just made the book so much better because it wasn't something I would do and just really made her so realistic and human!
Soren has been my favourite character in this series! And I LOVED HIS ROMANCE, like seriously! I can't say too much without spoiling but it was just so cute and perfect, a little reprieve from the constant turmoil, death and war.
While it may seem like i'm making this out as a bleak book, it was actually full of adventure, hope and the power of friendships and love during a time of war. It was about strong female warriors and strategists taming the most fearsome kings and soldiers and finding a way to change fate in the name of love. It had lush world building and small fantasy elements that brought the story together! Not to mention the plot kept me intrigued and I loved that the travelling wasn't just skipped over but incorporated into the story! This series was just such a great journey and I really enjoyed it!
These books may look long but trust me it does not feel like that when you read it! From the morally grey characters, to the constant war strategy I just could not put it down! Honestly this series has just been such a ride, I never saw that ending coming but it was so perfect!
I don't want to spoil this series for you all but I HIGHLY recommend this series it honestly has everything a political adventure fantasy-lover needs! Including:
HIghly developed, flawed characters
war strategies
alliances and betrayals
morally grey warriors
enemies to lovers romance
political intrigue
multiple POVs and romances with tension
villain wants the girl
Thanks so much to MTMC tours and the author for the copy! The review was in no way affected by this.
Stealing Glass by Liv Strom
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What if Cinderella was a thief,the fairy godmother evil,...and the prince only wanted to marry to get his revenge?
The premise of this book instantly hooked me and it did not disappoint!
Strom creates such a magical and ghosty city full of dark secrets and corrupt royalty. IN this story Vanya is a lowly street thief trying to pay off her mothers debt to their abusive step-father with her twin Lumi. Until one day they get an offer that would set them free and all they have to do is steal a glass crown. But everything goes wrong after Vanya is mistaken for the Princess arranged to marry Dimitri, the prince of Tal. Dimitri was exiled and now that he is back he has a plan to bring his father down. He does not want the crown and couldn't care less about Tal's future, he only wants revenge. Until he meets Vanya, who slowly but surely creeps into his heart. But what happens when all the lies are revealed and new secrets come to light?
This was an adventurous, fast-paced story that weaved a magnificent story of royalty, magic, secrets and betrayals. The plot really intrigued me and I loved how the author took inspiration from Cinderella but still made the story so unique! Plus I absolutely love the hidden identity trope and the reveal always breaks my heart but they can work through this! I believe it! Also all the little hidden side plots that slowly add up to this overarching plan made it so intriguing to read about.
The characters were also written SO well, they both had their flaws but were extremely entertaining and I loved their banter and how they slowly opened up to each other and each were influenced to adjust their view of the town.
There were also so many different side characters who were sketchy and I kept on trying to put together the pieces but could never have predicted that twist ending! I need the next book so I can get more information!
Really this book is for those who love elements of the classic Cinderella but really want more action and emotional turmoil along with a corrupt royalty and rebelling city! Not to mention magical abilities and Spirits of the dead that roam the town. It has a sweet slowburn romance from hate/indifference to love, hidden identities and betrayals!
Thanks so much to Netgalley and SM Press for the eArc, this did not affect my review.
The premise of this book instantly hooked me and it did not disappoint!
Strom creates such a magical and ghosty city full of dark secrets and corrupt royalty. IN this story Vanya is a lowly street thief trying to pay off her mothers debt to their abusive step-father with her twin Lumi. Until one day they get an offer that would set them free and all they have to do is steal a glass crown. But everything goes wrong after Vanya is mistaken for the Princess arranged to marry Dimitri, the prince of Tal. Dimitri was exiled and now that he is back he has a plan to bring his father down. He does not want the crown and couldn't care less about Tal's future, he only wants revenge. Until he meets Vanya, who slowly but surely creeps into his heart. But what happens when all the lies are revealed and new secrets come to light?
This was an adventurous, fast-paced story that weaved a magnificent story of royalty, magic, secrets and betrayals. The plot really intrigued me and I loved how the author took inspiration from Cinderella but still made the story so unique! Plus I absolutely love the hidden identity trope and the reveal always breaks my heart but they can work through this! I believe it! Also all the little hidden side plots that slowly add up to this overarching plan made it so intriguing to read about.
The characters were also written SO well, they both had their flaws but were extremely entertaining and I loved their banter and how they slowly opened up to each other and each were influenced to adjust their view of the town.
There were also so many different side characters who were sketchy and I kept on trying to put together the pieces but could never have predicted that twist ending! I need the next book so I can get more information!
Really this book is for those who love elements of the classic Cinderella but really want more action and emotional turmoil along with a corrupt royalty and rebelling city! Not to mention magical abilities and Spirits of the dead that roam the town. It has a sweet slowburn romance from hate/indifference to love, hidden identities and betrayals!
Thanks so much to Netgalley and SM Press for the eArc, this did not affect my review.
Curious Tides by Pascale Lacelle
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book is filled to the brim with dark academia vibes! It literally set in this fancy elite academy for those with above average magical abilities AND there is a secret society hidden behind its walls. But that wasn't even my favourite part of the book! I absolutely loved the magic system! It was so unique and refreshing plus VERY complex! I mean each moon phase had a bunch of different magical abilities attached to it with their own rules and limitations. BUT WAIT THERE'S EVEN MORE! The secrets and mysteries were just expertly crafted throughout the book! The hidden secrets behind eclipse magic and the true intentions of certain characters were definitely hinted at throughout the book but still revealed to the characters in a way that had me never wanting to put the book down!
Oh and did I mention the storyline is tied around myths and legends of Gods and a book? It also has a touch of forbidden magic and complex, messy characters who are just trying to prove that they are enough.
I just found this book jam packed with everything I love! It was so intriguing and the mystery kept me flipping page after page! I loved the development of all the characters and thought the author really did well at giving them realistic faults as teenagers. Also I still cannot get over the immaculate world building! Like it was SO complex but I was able to understand it and found it so interesting! I cannot wait for the next book to see how the author continues this mystery, the adventure and develops the magic even more!
The one thing I will say is that it took a little bit to peak my interest and at times it was a bit repetitive, the plot was great maybe a few points were predictable but the lead up was still written amazingly. There are not many negatives I can say because the premise really did just hook me in after the first part!
Thanks so much to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the eArc, this in no way affect my review or thoughts.
Oh and did I mention the storyline is tied around myths and legends of Gods and a book? It also has a touch of forbidden magic and complex, messy characters who are just trying to prove that they are enough.
I just found this book jam packed with everything I love! It was so intriguing and the mystery kept me flipping page after page! I loved the development of all the characters and thought the author really did well at giving them realistic faults as teenagers. Also I still cannot get over the immaculate world building! Like it was SO complex but I was able to understand it and found it so interesting! I cannot wait for the next book to see how the author continues this mystery, the adventure and develops the magic even more!
The one thing I will say is that it took a little bit to peak my interest and at times it was a bit repetitive, the plot was great maybe a few points were predictable but the lead up was still written amazingly. There are not many negatives I can say because the premise really did just hook me in after the first part!
Thanks so much to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the eArc, this in no way affect my review or thoughts.
The Glass Dagger by Kelsey L. Robinson
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.0
This book had everything I love! Mostly. It had strong FMC who have been through so much to get through where they are now, royals, fairy tale re-imagining, assassins, enchanted potions, poisons and so so much mysterious events in the past.
It is a dark Cinderella retelling (please check trigger warnings) full of twists and turns that will have you staying up till 3am just to see what happens next! I literally finished it in two days!
I just loved the development of each character and the complex web of secrets that was slowly revealed! Also the magic system was really well thought out and I loved learning more about it. The world was beautifully written and the combat scenes were perfect! Also it has a bit of torture and the FMC trying to hide it from the person she is trying to protect and I LOVE it when they finally found out and say who did this to you! Although because of that ending it was spoiled a bit... but I am still very shocked from everything that happened and NEED the next book!
Each character was fleshed out so well! And I really loved reading about them but need more information about everything! The characters deal with grief and trauma as well as mental health issues and I thought they were all incorporated really well into the story and cannot wait to see how the author writes the conflict that I know is coming.
I really enjoyed this one and definitely recommend it for those dark fantasy lovers who are in it for the plot, secrets and characters with a side of slow burn romance, assassins and magic enchantments.
Thank you to Netgalley for the copy, this did not impact my review.
It is a dark Cinderella retelling (please check trigger warnings) full of twists and turns that will have you staying up till 3am just to see what happens next! I literally finished it in two days!
I just loved the development of each character and the complex web of secrets that was slowly revealed! Also the magic system was really well thought out and I loved learning more about it. The world was beautifully written and the combat scenes were perfect! Also it has a bit of torture and the FMC trying to hide it from the person she is trying to protect and I LOVE it when they finally found out and say who did this to you! Although because of that ending it was spoiled a bit... but I am still very shocked from everything that happened and NEED the next book!
Each character was fleshed out so well! And I really loved reading about them but need more information about everything! The characters deal with grief and trauma as well as mental health issues and I thought they were all incorporated really well into the story and cannot wait to see how the author writes the conflict that I know is coming.
I really enjoyed this one and definitely recommend it for those dark fantasy lovers who are in it for the plot, secrets and characters with a side of slow burn romance, assassins and magic enchantments.
Thank you to Netgalley for the copy, this did not impact my review.
A Bright Heart by Kate Chenli
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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
5.0
A Bright Heart was a beautifully written debut novel full of themes of vengeance and redemption. In this story our brilliant FMC, Mingshin, is granted a second chance at life to correct her mistakes, avenge her death, save her family and avoid the betrayal from a certain prince.
I was drawn in by the stunning cover and instantly requested the book after reading the blurb. But this book really just blew my expectations out of the park! Sure there are some things that definitely could be improved upon but everything else was just so amazing that I couldn't help but add the book to my favourites shelf!
A Bright Heart is written for a YA audience, and not the upper YA Sarah J Maas kind of YA, but the normal kind. It is perfect for this audience!!
The plot was so interesting and kept me captivated the whole time! I don't see this trope much, or haven't seen it be very popular but I LOVED it! I mean a strong, smart, brilliant woman goes back in time to get revenge on a slimy prince that betrayed her? And then there's the magic! I loved the authors inclusion of magic and the different kinds, also the role it ended up playing in the story, I cannot wait to learn more about the magic in the next book!
But anyway, as well as being very interesting, the plot was really easy to read and the author is a talented writer because the descriptions and imagery were beautiful! I thought that the world building was great and loved the Chinese aspects and tropes weaved into the story.
I actually could not put this book down! I loved Mingshin's attitude and smart thinking, how she was always one step ahead and using her knowledge of the future to her own advantage. I love reading about a strong female MC who is so strategically smart! Also, I loved reading about her friendships with her maid, female guard and the princess. Not to mention the sneaky side romance blossoming between two of those characters!
I love the trope where the FMC was betrayed and doesn't want to open her heart to another man, and this one was done really well. It wasn't that much of a slowburn I will admit, but I still really loved it. Her romance with Jieh was sweet and they just supported each other so much!
I am very excited for the next book and for a debut novel I thought the author did a terrific job! It was entertaining, fast-paced and perfect for a YA audience. If you love books inspired by classic Chinese tropes, revenge plots, second chance at life trope, court intrigue and a sweet romance I highly recommend you pick this one up!
𝐓𝐖: Death, attempted murder, mentions of blood, drowning, violence, loss of limbs
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Union Square & Co for the copy. All thoughts were my own, this did not influence my review.
I was drawn in by the stunning cover and instantly requested the book after reading the blurb. But this book really just blew my expectations out of the park! Sure there are some things that definitely could be improved upon but everything else was just so amazing that I couldn't help but add the book to my favourites shelf!
A Bright Heart is written for a YA audience, and not the upper YA Sarah J Maas kind of YA, but the normal kind. It is perfect for this audience!!
The plot was so interesting and kept me captivated the whole time! I don't see this trope much, or haven't seen it be very popular but I LOVED it! I mean a strong, smart, brilliant woman goes back in time to get revenge on a slimy prince that betrayed her? And then there's the magic! I loved the authors inclusion of magic and the different kinds, also the role it ended up playing in the story, I cannot wait to learn more about the magic in the next book!
But anyway, as well as being very interesting, the plot was really easy to read and the author is a talented writer because the descriptions and imagery were beautiful! I thought that the world building was great and loved the Chinese aspects and tropes weaved into the story.
I actually could not put this book down! I loved Mingshin's attitude and smart thinking, how she was always one step ahead and using her knowledge of the future to her own advantage. I love reading about a strong female MC who is so strategically smart! Also, I loved reading about her friendships with her maid, female guard and the princess. Not to mention the sneaky side romance blossoming between two of those characters!
I love the trope where the FMC was betrayed and doesn't want to open her heart to another man, and this one was done really well. It wasn't that much of a slowburn I will admit, but I still really loved it. Her romance with Jieh was sweet and they just supported each other so much!
I am very excited for the next book and for a debut novel I thought the author did a terrific job! It was entertaining, fast-paced and perfect for a YA audience. If you love books inspired by classic Chinese tropes, revenge plots, second chance at life trope, court intrigue and a sweet romance I highly recommend you pick this one up!
𝐓𝐖: Death, attempted murder, mentions of blood, drowning, violence, loss of limbs
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Union Square & Co for the copy. All thoughts were my own, this did not influence my review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Violence
Minor: Blood
Shadow Queen by Nicola Tyche
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I went back and forth on this one A LOT but in the end it's a 4.5 star rating rounded to 5!
Shadow Queen is a romantic fantasy full of complex and morally grey characters who's kingdoms are constantly threatened by war. It is a book filled to the brim with political intrigue and secrets. The author is just such a talented writer, she was able to create a story about a continent on the brink of another Great War and bring so much detail and imagery into the world and scenes that I felt like a movie was playing out so clearly in my mind. Along with the treacherous court politics Tyche wrote deep characters, each with many flaws, who are just trying to navigate through constantly changing loyalties and complicated love.
The writing was what brought this book so high in my rating, I was just entranced the whole time. From the first chapter the author caught me with her words and I could not escape the amazing world she had created. I mean seriously, there was so many different POVs and I loved them all! Each character had a place in my heart and trust me, there were a lot. Plus she just keeps expanding my knowledge of this world and writes it SO well. I cannot express how great the world was, guess you'll just have to read the series and see!
The characters were just so real. So human. They were slowly changing because of the environment they were thrown into, especially Norah. But her development was refreshing. Mikael is interesting, I don't know how I feel about him but he is under a lot of pressure in this book. Soren just became one of my favourite characters I LOVED seeing him develop and it was so sweet seeing his friendship grow with Norah. Alexander was bordering on obsession for Norah so it hard for me to like him a lot. There is so much I could say about these characters but they just surprised me in so many different ways.
The plot also surprised me a lot! It kept on twisting and taking unexpected turns that kept me engaged and anticipating the next twist. I do remember wanting more action after the first book and I'll be honest it didn't really have that this time either. BUT I still enjoyed it more than the first book because the politics was enough to keep me on the edge of my seat! And the introduction of amazing new characters and the development of old ones. I will say one thing, Nicola Tyche can definitely build up a lot of tension and anticipation, I can already tell I will not be able to put down the third book and cannot wait to see how everything goes down!
Thanks so much to MTMC tours for the copy, this did not affect my review and all thoughts are my own.
Shadow Queen is a romantic fantasy full of complex and morally grey characters who's kingdoms are constantly threatened by war. It is a book filled to the brim with political intrigue and secrets. The author is just such a talented writer, she was able to create a story about a continent on the brink of another Great War and bring so much detail and imagery into the world and scenes that I felt like a movie was playing out so clearly in my mind. Along with the treacherous court politics Tyche wrote deep characters, each with many flaws, who are just trying to navigate through constantly changing loyalties and complicated love.
The writing was what brought this book so high in my rating, I was just entranced the whole time. From the first chapter the author caught me with her words and I could not escape the amazing world she had created. I mean seriously, there was so many different POVs and I loved them all! Each character had a place in my heart and trust me, there were a lot. Plus she just keeps expanding my knowledge of this world and writes it SO well. I cannot express how great the world was, guess you'll just have to read the series and see!
The characters were just so real. So human. They were slowly changing because of the environment they were thrown into, especially Norah. But her development was refreshing. Mikael is interesting, I don't know how I feel about him but he is under a lot of pressure in this book. Soren just became one of my favourite characters I LOVED seeing him develop and it was so sweet seeing his friendship grow with Norah. Alexander was bordering on obsession for Norah so it hard for me to like him a lot. There is so much I could say about these characters but they just surprised me in so many different ways.
The plot also surprised me a lot! It kept on twisting and taking unexpected turns that kept me engaged and anticipating the next twist. I do remember wanting more action after the first book and I'll be honest it didn't really have that this time either. BUT I still enjoyed it more than the first book because the politics was enough to keep me on the edge of my seat! And the introduction of amazing new characters and the development of old ones. I will say one thing, Nicola Tyche can definitely build up a lot of tension and anticipation, I can already tell I will not be able to put down the third book and cannot wait to see how everything goes down!
Thanks so much to MTMC tours for the copy, this did not affect my review and all thoughts are my own.