jlreadstoperpetuity's Reviews (309)

I have so many emotions after reading this book. I am a huge fan if The Witcher so the expectation is really high in terms of plot complexity, word building and characterizations - I was not disappointed.

If you are not used to how epic fantasy visualizes the setting, scenes and characters through glossary of terms meant only for that book, then you will really be confused and may take some time to catch the intent of each word. It took me quite awhile too ('coz I refused to depend on the cute glossary of terms at the end of the book and just comprehend base on what I read). The descriptions are so ornate and humurous at times that it made it easier for me to understand the transitions from one scene to the other.

Albeit, the story between an impending Alpha Wolf and a powerful witch is not new, the author took his time to craft characters that has some personality. However, I am still contemplating how I feel about an alcoholic (and sometimes a junkie) witch and a chain smoker Alpha wolf. Classified as a romantasy, the build up was a little bit lukewarm - probably intended since there is book 2 coming up

Would I read the second book, sure why not. The ending got me grappling for what will happen with these two. Hopefully the anti climactic build up will be fulfilled on the sequel

With the increasing popularity of BIPOC books as well as movies, it's no wonder it's catching up on graphic novels too. The hype set the bar high when it comes to plot complexity and such. This is the first installment of the series and I had high expectations in terms of laying down the foundation for the next volume and showcasing strong characterizations. I am mildly disappointed.

First chapter in, I already had doubts if I will be expecting twists and turns. We have the typical rebel heroine who belongs to a family with the unique ability to mediate life and death. With the abrupt death of her abuelita, she was not able to compete her training. Now, she spent her grieving days trying to look for ways how to bring her abuelita back to life, ignoring her friends, manipulating the demons around her, feeling all too powerful and unstoppable m, got her abuelita for few days and end.

The religious concept of Opus Dei and Latin myth could have had catapulted this to an amazing plot but the build up fell flat with how predictable the characterizations were. Word building also dragged down the supposed excellent points of the story. Well who knows, Volume II might fare better

If Hunger Games and Maze Runner plus the magic from Harry Potter had a love child, then this book is it. The plot line is so exciting and it got me all tingly diving into the story. The characterization of each Champion also gave off a promising ride of villainy and fun. Ilvernath as a location is a mixture of modern setting tinged with ancient traditions. Magik and normalcy runs amok within Ilvernath and how the authors described the familial backgrounds and their seats of power already drove me to the edge of my seat. So, overall experience? Mixture of satisfaction, confusion and disappointment all at once.

Albeit, the plot is promising there's minimal villainy in the story. Probably because this is the first book, however, I was expecting blood, murder, Hunger Games excitement, curses and spells being casted every Chapter. There were some scenarios of death and gore yes, but it was short lived. The all powerful and dangerous Lowe family is not what I expected at all. Being an anti-hero on a story is supposed to catapult the plot to a whole new world but it just fell flat towards the middle to end. Perhaps the 2nd book will redeem it (well, hopefully)

*Spoiler*
This book definitely redeemed Spin the Dawn in the best way possible. Although, there are still some slow burn progress when it comes to building the tension, it was compensated by ornately describing the specifics of the Maia's transformation and what it means to the story. The battle scenes were also distinctive enough that I can feel myself watching over the sidelines while the scenes unfold. 

I just hoped that there were more of an explanation how and why Maia failed to turn into a demon. There were statements thrown in that would allow the reader to assume it was because of Amana's grace BUT with all the build up prior to this where it seemed nearly impossible for the transformation to stop, this ending was kinda disappointing. It's like, so all along the goddess can do that, why did I have to wait until the end to finally learn that the goddess relented (?) and gave Maia back her humanity?

All word building and plot twists were fine and great only up untilthe final battle was over. I think there must be a story somewhere or a age or two to explain the ending but I seem to be missing them. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a fast paced high fantasy/retelling story, this is a good series to start with

Overall, the author made it a point to be as descriptive as possible when the setting and characteristics are involved. Your imagination will really run wild thinking through the ppulence of jewelry, fashion and the palace itself.

It has an interesting plotline (Hello Bachelor retelling set in a fantasy realm), however, the characterization of the main cast themselves are under developed. I understand this is just the first book, but the book ended with the Crown Princess still indecisive and irritatingly infatuated with the idea of love. And not only that, the plot twist was lodged few pages before the book ended abd I was like - that's it? I waited for 40 chapters for this Bachelor to be chosen? I mean I see the point why the ideal candidate was not chosen however, I felt like the author intended to have an underlying story somewhere but there were no transitions made which in turn, made loopholes on the plot as well.