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heartbrekker's Reviews (797)
Ekata is a middle child in a lethal royal family, and all she wants is to get away to study her passion: science. Her plans get turned around when her whole family falls under a sleeping curse, and she must step up and take control of the government. It doesn’t help matters that her older brother had a bride show happening for his impending descent to the throne, and now major kingdoms and sects across their world have come to try their hand at marrying into this family (p.s. the bride show includes both men and women). Ekata must transverse this weird, mysterious, and deadly situation to help her family (who sometimes she wonders about leaving asleep) and kingdom amidst this chaos.
All in all, this book has great characterization. Ekata and Inkar were my favorites, especially because their slow burn romance. It certainly aligns more with politics than traditional romance at the beginning, but the slow burn truly accents this story in the best way possible. It was wonderful in my opinion to read about a political story that emphasizes marriage strengthening an individuals claim to the throne, but at the same time the romance isn’t the main part of the story.
Moreover, the setting of this world was also something I enjoyed. A winter kingdom on top of a mermaid-ish (I pictured them like mermaids but I still don’t know if that was correct) kingdom that trades the former magic? AMAZING.
Now this story is highly representative in my opinion. There’s an f&f romance, non-binary MC, and the title “duke” is actually a unisex title in this world. Not to mention unlike most political fantasies there were no misogynistic and homophobic comments getting thrown about. It was soooooooo refreshing. I hope we see more of this in upcoming novels, whether that’s Claire or other authors overall.
But besides all these great qualities: it took me forever to finish this novel, and for me, the urge to pick up the book and continue is everything. It says a lot when I feel as if it’s a chore to read a book, and I only kept going because of the great aspects I mentioned above. I was really sad about feeling this way for this book when the first 200 pages had me so intrigued. Overall, TWD, in my opinion, went on longer than it needed to, and I think that hurt my personal enjoyment, sadly.
Even though TWD wasn’t my favorite, I’m very excited to try Claire’s other book! She’s an author I’ll be keeping my eye on for years to come.
Thank you NOVL for sending me an ARC to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
All in all, this book has great characterization. Ekata and Inkar were my favorites, especially because their slow burn romance. It certainly aligns more with politics than traditional romance at the beginning, but the slow burn truly accents this story in the best way possible. It was wonderful in my opinion to read about a political story that emphasizes marriage strengthening an individuals claim to the throne, but at the same time the romance isn’t the main part of the story.
Moreover, the setting of this world was also something I enjoyed. A winter kingdom on top of a mermaid-ish (I pictured them like mermaids but I still don’t know if that was correct) kingdom that trades the former magic? AMAZING.
Now this story is highly representative in my opinion. There’s an f&f romance, non-binary MC, and the title “duke” is actually a unisex title in this world. Not to mention unlike most political fantasies there were no misogynistic and homophobic comments getting thrown about. It was soooooooo refreshing. I hope we see more of this in upcoming novels, whether that’s Claire or other authors overall.
But besides all these great qualities: it took me forever to finish this novel, and for me, the urge to pick up the book and continue is everything. It says a lot when I feel as if it’s a chore to read a book, and I only kept going because of the great aspects I mentioned above. I was really sad about feeling this way for this book when the first 200 pages had me so intrigued. Overall, TWD, in my opinion, went on longer than it needed to, and I think that hurt my personal enjoyment, sadly.
Even though TWD wasn’t my favorite, I’m very excited to try Claire’s other book! She’s an author I’ll be keeping my eye on for years to come.
Thank you NOVL for sending me an ARC to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
2.5 // 5
I wanted to begin this review by saying I liked this story. I never read anything like the world I got to know, and it left me entranced. I’m a HUGE history nerd, so the references to Vikings had me squealing all over the place.
My favorite aspect to this story was the familial relationship and meaning of the story. The romance was pushed to the side till the end, and it focused on the sibling relationship and family that isn’t blood because in many ways found families are just as vital as blood ones. It showed strong kinship and the power of love for others, which is the true meaning of family. I loved it. I loved it.
My only real complaint is that I wanted more. Each chapter felt like it was moving lightning fast and ended too abruptly. I wanted to spend time molding these relationships further, but I felt as if the scene would slip out of my fingers because everything moved faster than I could comprehend. And it kept happening.. It hurt my enjoyment because I was frustrated scenes ended so soon. This fast paced feel I experienced then led me to not really care for the characters, and I was left with this wonderful story with "eh" emotions for the characters. Eventually when I reached those pivotal scenes that were meant to move me- I blinked and felt basically nothing. I know that's a bit harsh to say, but I didn't have that connection.
It's a sad feeling to be disappointed in an exciting debut, and I hate feeling anything less than positive, especially when the writing is so luscious. Still torn on my rating but I'm leaving it at middle ground for now.
I wanted to begin this review by saying I liked this story. I never read anything like the world I got to know, and it left me entranced. I’m a HUGE history nerd, so the references to Vikings had me squealing all over the place.
My favorite aspect to this story was the familial relationship and meaning of the story. The romance was pushed to the side till the end, and it focused on the sibling relationship and family that isn’t blood because in many ways found families are just as vital as blood ones. It showed strong kinship and the power of love for others, which is the true meaning of family. I loved it. I loved it.
My only real complaint is that I wanted more. Each chapter felt like it was moving lightning fast and ended too abruptly. I wanted to spend time molding these relationships further, but I felt as if the scene would slip out of my fingers because everything moved faster than I could comprehend. And it kept happening.. It hurt my enjoyment because I was frustrated scenes ended so soon. This fast paced feel I experienced then led me to not really care for the characters, and I was left with this wonderful story with "eh" emotions for the characters. Eventually when I reached those pivotal scenes that were meant to move me- I blinked and felt basically nothing. I know that's a bit harsh to say, but I didn't have that connection.
It's a sad feeling to be disappointed in an exciting debut, and I hate feeling anything less than positive, especially when the writing is so luscious. Still torn on my rating but I'm leaving it at middle ground for now.
There are those few books that come into your life that leave their mark. It's as if they are left tattooed on the readers heart, soul, brain etc.
The longer I read, the less I experience this phenomenon.
And I'm certainly euphoric in saying that The Invisible Life Addie LaRue has officially taken a moment to tattoo herself on me. I'm stunned. I'm crazed. I'm tearful.
Thank you V. E. Schwab.
I've told people numerous times that this novel felt different to me even before reading. Something about its synopsis and tone just stole my breath, and I think many would call me crazy to place all these expectations on a book. Well- I didn't have to worry about disappointment because she does not dwell here.
For hours I could describe the poetic writing that only Schwab can finesse; Schwab's emotional rollercoaster of time, and love, and power; and, of course, the pure beauty that is Addie LaRue... but I think... I know that I cannot write a review like I usually do.
I'm thankful to Tor for allowing me to learn her story early. I feel very blessed.
Now-I'm sitting in my bed, blissful and content, wondering how in all this quarantine mess I was able to read this gem. It has been a beacon of light in such a troubling time. I cannot express how lucky I feel to have found this story in a period of my life that feels as lonely as Addie details to us from page one. In my opinion, Addie teaches remembrance, patience, and strength, and I think her story will be a nice one for people to read once (or even during if it doesn't end) quarantine subsides.
Hope is what I'm left with. Thank you Addie LaRue.
The best book so far in 2020.
The longer I read, the less I experience this phenomenon.
And I'm certainly euphoric in saying that The Invisible Life Addie LaRue has officially taken a moment to tattoo herself on me. I'm stunned. I'm crazed. I'm tearful.
Thank you V. E. Schwab.
I've told people numerous times that this novel felt different to me even before reading. Something about its synopsis and tone just stole my breath, and I think many would call me crazy to place all these expectations on a book. Well- I didn't have to worry about disappointment because she does not dwell here.
For hours I could describe the poetic writing that only Schwab can finesse; Schwab's emotional rollercoaster of time, and love, and power; and, of course, the pure beauty that is Addie LaRue... but I think... I know that I cannot write a review like I usually do.
I'm thankful to Tor for allowing me to learn her story early. I feel very blessed.
Now-I'm sitting in my bed, blissful and content, wondering how in all this quarantine mess I was able to read this gem. It has been a beacon of light in such a troubling time. I cannot express how lucky I feel to have found this story in a period of my life that feels as lonely as Addie details to us from page one. In my opinion, Addie teaches remembrance, patience, and strength, and I think her story will be a nice one for people to read once (or even during if it doesn't end) quarantine subsides.
Hope is what I'm left with. Thank you Addie LaRue.
The best book so far in 2020.
Ghosts of the Shadow Market
Robin Wasserman, Sarah Rees Brennan, Cassandra Clare, Kelly Link, Maureen Johnson
3.5
Originally, I read this book back during the last few days of 2019, and it was the perfect book to end my 2019 year. I absolutely adored it! Roshani definitely put the pedal to the metal and drove this story into favoriteville for me.
Now let's start with my favorite parts to this story. As all Roshani books do, the atmospheres are pure magic and enchantment. Plot twist but not really if you know me- I'm forever going to be a sucker for Russian themed/ influenced novels, and while Russia is definitely not the main location for this book, the groups entrance into this new environment left me screaming like a fangirl banshee after drinking too many Root beer floats. The mood in this new landscape was EVERYTHING. Roshani even adds some references to history and their impacts via the characters, pogroms specifically, and it was interesting to see how history threaded together with Roshani's world building. It made for a stronger setting than Paris at times because I felt as if I was living through these scenes. The Sleeping Palace plot was definitely a 11/10 for me!
Moreover, this installment for Roshani's writing felt different to me. I haven't read A Crown of Wishes to be fair, but this story felt grittier, darker, and more emotional. So many characters are revealing their truths, fears, and desires to the readers, and my heart aches at all of them. I felt more connected to them than I ever did in TGW, which is a comment I'm glad to make because at times I was not feeling all of them in TGW.
One of my favorite parts is actually going to be annoyingly alluded to in this review. At certain points Roshani adds this unique POV to the book that shows us a past experience of a certain character, and it made me scream every single time. They became my favorite part to this story because they are so small at first glance (cause I just want to read about the present haha), but each one holds this importance that you sometimes don't realize until it is too late.
Anyway, Zofia is still without a doubt my favorite character. I loved that she got more chapters in this story (it seemed like it to me at least idk if I'm correct) and was also able to put down a few more boundaries. She, like all the other characters, has A LOT, to worry about both through their group and personal reasons. Her development was by far amazing.
THEN Laila and Séverin have their own issues to deal with after the ending of TGW, and I wanted to just hug them both. Séverin definitely deserves a smack upside the head at times because COMMUNICATION, but I understand why he puts himself down this path due to pain, grief, and fear for others.
Enrique was a character in TGW that I felt “meh” for. I just don’t remember him leaving a mark on me through the first installment, but like Zofia he really steps it up in the book, especially in terms of his torn opinions on matters. He suffers in a very different way in this sequel, and I definitely fell to his side when the revelation is revealed. He deserves the world and happiness. I’m hoping he can find it by the end of this series.
TSS is a great representation in my opinion on differing forms of grief because each character handles it differently. The grief doesn't even refer to death or one experience for all of them because each have their own things going on, which only intensifies the stakes the team has for this heist/ job. They have different motivations, and their broken relationships only intensify this reality and danger. I was on the edge of my seat. Truly there are some terrifying scenes that sent alllll the shivers down my spine towards the middle and end of the book.
Lastly, I want to say that Roshani does a fantastic job at simultaneously creating and revealings clues from this book and the first. It shows all of the thought and hard work she's put into creating this dynamic world, and I have to give her credit. I really want to do a TGW reread sometime before TSS releases in the fall because it will definitely give me some clarity again. I highly recommend reading these books back to back once it is possible.
Now let's start with my favorite parts to this story. As all Roshani books do, the atmospheres are pure magic and enchantment. Plot twist but not really if you know me- I'm forever going to be a sucker for Russian themed/ influenced novels, and while Russia is definitely not the main location for this book, the groups entrance into this new environment left me screaming like a fangirl banshee after drinking too many Root beer floats. The mood in this new landscape was EVERYTHING. Roshani even adds some references to history and their impacts via the characters, pogroms specifically, and it was interesting to see how history threaded together with Roshani's world building. It made for a stronger setting than Paris at times because I felt as if I was living through these scenes. The Sleeping Palace plot was definitely a 11/10 for me!
Moreover, this installment for Roshani's writing felt different to me. I haven't read A Crown of Wishes to be fair, but this story felt grittier, darker, and more emotional. So many characters are revealing their truths, fears, and desires to the readers, and my heart aches at all of them. I felt more connected to them than I ever did in TGW, which is a comment I'm glad to make because at times I was not feeling all of them in TGW.
One of my favorite parts is actually going to be annoyingly alluded to in this review. At certain points Roshani adds this unique POV to the book that shows us a past experience of a certain character, and it made me scream every single time. They became my favorite part to this story because they are so small at first glance (cause I just want to read about the present haha), but each one holds this importance that you sometimes don't realize until it is too late.
Anyway, Zofia is still without a doubt my favorite character. I loved that she got more chapters in this story (it seemed like it to me at least idk if I'm correct) and was also able to put down a few more boundaries. She, like all the other characters, has A LOT, to worry about both through their group and personal reasons. Her development was by far amazing.
THEN Laila and Séverin have their own issues to deal with after the ending of TGW, and I wanted to just hug them both. Séverin definitely deserves a smack upside the head at times because COMMUNICATION, but I understand why he puts himself down this path due to pain, grief, and fear for others.
Enrique was a character in TGW that I felt “meh” for. I just don’t remember him leaving a mark on me through the first installment, but like Zofia he really steps it up in the book, especially in terms of his torn opinions on matters. He suffers in a very different way in this sequel, and I definitely fell to his side when the revelation is revealed. He deserves the world and happiness. I’m hoping he can find it by the end of this series.
TSS is a great representation in my opinion on differing forms of grief because each character handles it differently. The grief doesn't even refer to death or one experience for all of them because each have their own things going on, which only intensifies the stakes the team has for this heist/ job. They have different motivations, and their broken relationships only intensify this reality and danger. I was on the edge of my seat. Truly there are some terrifying scenes that sent alllll the shivers down my spine towards the middle and end of the book.
Lastly, I want to say that Roshani does a fantastic job at simultaneously creating and revealings clues from this book and the first. It shows all of the thought and hard work she's put into creating this dynamic world, and I have to give her credit. I really want to do a TGW reread sometime before TSS releases in the fall because it will definitely give me some clarity again. I highly recommend reading these books back to back once it is possible.