Take a photo of a barcode or cover
976 reviews by:
lisashelves
⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 3 stars
The Beholder is a story which followed Selah who is sent to other kingdoms with the objective to find a suitor, when the boy she wanted to marry refuses.
So, I got my hands on the beautiful Fairyloot edition of this book, without really knowing what it was about, but the cover is absolutely stunning! I wanted to read pirate stories/voyage stories this month, starting off with Daughter of the Pirate king, and seeing this cover it felt like a good match.
The story starts off with Selah, who is rejected and sent away by her stepmother to find a suitor so she can rule the island. Immediately the fairy tale inspiration was apparent. I love retellings or stories inspired by fairy tales, as I love fairy tales, so the feeling the book gave me in the beginning was a really good one!
The world was really confusing for me, I just couldn’t get a grasp on it, no matter how hard I tried. It was just super confusing how made-up names and familiar names were all thrown around. I still don’t understand if it was a made-up world or if it took place in the real world somehow. It really threw me off, I’d rather the author picked one or the other instead of a mash of both.
Another piece of the world-building/plot was this “land” (I kept thinking it was Russia which the author meant, even if it had a different name). Selah wanted to avoid going there as much as possible, as the ruler was evil and the land was “bad”. The problem with this was that it was only told and not explained why. If you tell me; A is bad, but don’t give me examples why A is bad, I’m not going to believe you or take your word for it. Selah’s fear of going to this land was thus not believable to me, so I didn’t really get invested in the story as she does everything to try and avoid going there, because I didn’t believe it to be as bad as was said.
I thus wasn’t really connected to the story and wasn’t the biggest fan of Selah. She seemed rather naïve and young. Also, some terms she used (like daddy etc.) threw me off a bit. It might also be that it just felt like that for me.
I really liked the little passages in between chapters from known and to me unknown fairy tales! It was also really nice to see them written in their original language haha. The passages give you a bit of a foreshadowing as to what’s going to happen, so it was nice to know which direction the story was going, but I would’ve liked it more if the hints weren’t as apparent.
The romance is another thing that didn’t do it for me. I am not a fan of insta-love, I want drawn out/slow-burn relationships which you see bloom over time. As Selah was only with the suitors for two weeks, it just seemed too sudden. She fell for the guys super easily which made me feel like she was a bit shallow. It didn’t seem like the characters really bonded or anything.
The ending took me by surprise. I hadn’t thought it would play out like that, but seeing there is a sequel I did think something dramatic was going to happen. The dramatic ending that happened, though, somehow didn’t seem to fit to me. it felt rather abrupt and out of the blue.
Overall, I liked the writing style of this story. It did draw me in, but I wasn’t the biggest fan of the plot, characters and the world. The book just didn’t really make me feel anything, so I don’t know if I’ll be picking up the sequel.
The Beholder is a story which followed Selah who is sent to other kingdoms with the objective to find a suitor, when the boy she wanted to marry refuses.
So, I got my hands on the beautiful Fairyloot edition of this book, without really knowing what it was about, but the cover is absolutely stunning! I wanted to read pirate stories/voyage stories this month, starting off with Daughter of the Pirate king, and seeing this cover it felt like a good match.
The story starts off with Selah, who is rejected and sent away by her stepmother to find a suitor so she can rule the island. Immediately the fairy tale inspiration was apparent. I love retellings or stories inspired by fairy tales, as I love fairy tales, so the feeling the book gave me in the beginning was a really good one!
The world was really confusing for me, I just couldn’t get a grasp on it, no matter how hard I tried. It was just super confusing how made-up names and familiar names were all thrown around. I still don’t understand if it was a made-up world or if it took place in the real world somehow. It really threw me off, I’d rather the author picked one or the other instead of a mash of both.
Another piece of the world-building/plot was this “land” (I kept thinking it was Russia which the author meant, even if it had a different name). Selah wanted to avoid going there as much as possible, as the ruler was evil and the land was “bad”. The problem with this was that it was only told and not explained why. If you tell me; A is bad, but don’t give me examples why A is bad, I’m not going to believe you or take your word for it. Selah’s fear of going to this land was thus not believable to me, so I didn’t really get invested in the story as she does everything to try and avoid going there, because I didn’t believe it to be as bad as was said.
I thus wasn’t really connected to the story and wasn’t the biggest fan of Selah. She seemed rather naïve and young. Also, some terms she used (like daddy etc.) threw me off a bit. It might also be that it just felt like that for me.
I really liked the little passages in between chapters from known and to me unknown fairy tales! It was also really nice to see them written in their original language haha. The passages give you a bit of a foreshadowing as to what’s going to happen, so it was nice to know which direction the story was going, but I would’ve liked it more if the hints weren’t as apparent.
The romance is another thing that didn’t do it for me. I am not a fan of insta-love, I want drawn out/slow-burn relationships which you see bloom over time. As Selah was only with the suitors for two weeks, it just seemed too sudden. She fell for the guys super easily which made me feel like she was a bit shallow. It didn’t seem like the characters really bonded or anything.
The ending took me by surprise. I hadn’t thought it would play out like that, but seeing there is a sequel I did think something dramatic was going to happen. The dramatic ending that happened, though, somehow didn’t seem to fit to me. it felt rather abrupt and out of the blue.
Overall, I liked the writing style of this story. It did draw me in, but I wasn’t the biggest fan of the plot, characters and the world. The book just didn’t really make me feel anything, so I don’t know if I’ll be picking up the sequel.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 stars
Dreams Lie Beneath is a fantasy book about duelling magicians, a curse and battles against nightmares which come to life every new moon.
I really enjoyed it! I am a really big fan of the magic system and the world invented by the author, it is really unique and easy to follow. It kind of makes me want to live in such a world as a warden haha. I flew through the story as well; the writing was super easy to follow and with the way the story was written it was hard to put the book down once I started reading.
The beginning of the book felt a little bit expected, like her father and her losing the challenge and thus losing their home. While it was expected, I did really like how it was written and how it was a used as a base for the rest of the story to take off.
Clem is a protagonist who isn’t really like others. I like how she stands up for herself and how she takes fate into her own hands instead of doing nothing and watch what’ll happen. I wasn’t the biggest fan of her wanting to get revenge, as that will always come bit you (karma is a bitch haha), but I did like how she went about it, getting the disguise and trying to get close to Phelan.
The book is more plot focused than character focused, which is something you really notice while reading. It is something that I personally didn’t mind, while the characters had some flaws and weren’t as thought-out as character focused books, they fit perfectly in the story, Because the book was plot focused, the world-building was really extensive and full and I loved that. The book really seemed the flow and was very easy to follow.
The bits of dark fantasy and romance weren’t as prominent as they could’ve been, but I think that it was the right choice. Taking away from the plot and story and focusing more on the romance would’ve dimmed the experience while reading this book, I think.
Overall, it was a really magical and easy to follow story. I really enjoyed the direction the story took and the journey I went on while reading.
Dreams Lie Beneath is a fantasy book about duelling magicians, a curse and battles against nightmares which come to life every new moon.
I really enjoyed it! I am a really big fan of the magic system and the world invented by the author, it is really unique and easy to follow. It kind of makes me want to live in such a world as a warden haha. I flew through the story as well; the writing was super easy to follow and with the way the story was written it was hard to put the book down once I started reading.
The beginning of the book felt a little bit expected, like her father and her losing the challenge and thus losing their home. While it was expected, I did really like how it was written and how it was a used as a base for the rest of the story to take off.
Clem is a protagonist who isn’t really like others. I like how she stands up for herself and how she takes fate into her own hands instead of doing nothing and watch what’ll happen. I wasn’t the biggest fan of her wanting to get revenge, as that will always come bit you (karma is a bitch haha), but I did like how she went about it, getting the disguise and trying to get close to Phelan.
The book is more plot focused than character focused, which is something you really notice while reading. It is something that I personally didn’t mind, while the characters had some flaws and weren’t as thought-out as character focused books, they fit perfectly in the story, Because the book was plot focused, the world-building was really extensive and full and I loved that. The book really seemed the flow and was very easy to follow.
The bits of dark fantasy and romance weren’t as prominent as they could’ve been, but I think that it was the right choice. Taking away from the plot and story and focusing more on the romance would’ve dimmed the experience while reading this book, I think.
Overall, it was a really magical and easy to follow story. I really enjoyed the direction the story took and the journey I went on while reading.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 4 stars
All These Bodies is a story that takes place in the summer of 1958, where sixteen bloodless bodies are found. When the latest murder is discovered, there is a girl covered in blood present, who becomes the sole suspect in the bloodless murders.
I went to the bookstore for the first time in a long while where I found this book (thank you Covid for the many lockdowns which prevented me from going…). I had seen this book multiple times and it was one I had on my “to buy” lists ever since I got to know about it. I really enjoyed Kendare Blake’s Three of Crowns series and I was really curious to see what sort of mystery book she would write. I have to say, she did really good haha! Once I started, I only put it down to eat. I started and finished this book on the same day and I have no regrets!
It was off to a very promising start. The way the very first chapter immediately draws you in, gives you questions you want answered and the atmosphere gives you chills. It was written in a very interesting way, as if reading a diary someone wrote about the events that had happened some time ago. I enjoyed the little bits here and there about Michael not being sure if the way Marie said it was in one way or another. It gives the story that much more of a mystery vibe.
The story is slow-paced, bits by bits you get more information about what could’ve happened via interviews Michael has with Marie. I definitely like that take on trying to find out what happened to the murders. It sets itself apart from other books I’ve read due to this. I also really enjoyed the setting the story takes place in. You don’t really notice it takes place in 1958, but little hints here and there make you remember it. I also believe that the way the story is told wouldn’t have been possible or fit in modern times, so kudos to Blake for that!
I loved that no romance was involved or something like that to appeal more to readers or something. It really made the whole story that much more believable and it did make me think that it really could’ve happened like that. The idea that it could be real really added to the whole vibe of this book. I think a romance between Michael and Marie would’ve only dimmed that mystery vibe which so easily comes up when reading this book.
I wasn’t really satisfied with the ending unfortunately. While the ending does really fit with the whole vibe and mystery feeling, it wasn’t as satisfying as Sadie was to me. Sadie also had an open ending with many questions still remaining, like this book. For this book though, it felt more like the story wasn’t finished but it had to stop, then an open ending. Too much is still unknown to me and I have too many questions unanswered. I would’ve liked at least some of those questions to be answered before the story was over.
A lot is left to speculation, which fits with the story, but it is a bit too much in my opinion. I also would’ve maybe liked a bit more suspense moments in the story or twists which weren’t foreshadowed. While it is a mystery book, with a perfect vibe and really interesting way to try and uncover that mystery, some parts were just a tat bit too slow and a bit of suspense could’ve been added.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It was unique in the way Michael wanted to find the truth and a very unique way in which the victims were murdered. While I would’ve liked a different/more satisfying ending, it was a really good mystery book with an amazing vibe!
All These Bodies is a story that takes place in the summer of 1958, where sixteen bloodless bodies are found. When the latest murder is discovered, there is a girl covered in blood present, who becomes the sole suspect in the bloodless murders.
I went to the bookstore for the first time in a long while where I found this book (thank you Covid for the many lockdowns which prevented me from going…). I had seen this book multiple times and it was one I had on my “to buy” lists ever since I got to know about it. I really enjoyed Kendare Blake’s Three of Crowns series and I was really curious to see what sort of mystery book she would write. I have to say, she did really good haha! Once I started, I only put it down to eat. I started and finished this book on the same day and I have no regrets!
It was off to a very promising start. The way the very first chapter immediately draws you in, gives you questions you want answered and the atmosphere gives you chills. It was written in a very interesting way, as if reading a diary someone wrote about the events that had happened some time ago. I enjoyed the little bits here and there about Michael not being sure if the way Marie said it was in one way or another. It gives the story that much more of a mystery vibe.
The story is slow-paced, bits by bits you get more information about what could’ve happened via interviews Michael has with Marie. I definitely like that take on trying to find out what happened to the murders. It sets itself apart from other books I’ve read due to this. I also really enjoyed the setting the story takes place in. You don’t really notice it takes place in 1958, but little hints here and there make you remember it. I also believe that the way the story is told wouldn’t have been possible or fit in modern times, so kudos to Blake for that!
I loved that no romance was involved or something like that to appeal more to readers or something. It really made the whole story that much more believable and it did make me think that it really could’ve happened like that. The idea that it could be real really added to the whole vibe of this book. I think a romance between Michael and Marie would’ve only dimmed that mystery vibe which so easily comes up when reading this book.
I wasn’t really satisfied with the ending unfortunately. While the ending does really fit with the whole vibe and mystery feeling, it wasn’t as satisfying as Sadie was to me. Sadie also had an open ending with many questions still remaining, like this book. For this book though, it felt more like the story wasn’t finished but it had to stop, then an open ending. Too much is still unknown to me and I have too many questions unanswered. I would’ve liked at least some of those questions to be answered before the story was over.
A lot is left to speculation, which fits with the story, but it is a bit too much in my opinion. I also would’ve maybe liked a bit more suspense moments in the story or twists which weren’t foreshadowed. While it is a mystery book, with a perfect vibe and really interesting way to try and uncover that mystery, some parts were just a tat bit too slow and a bit of suspense could’ve been added.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It was unique in the way Michael wanted to find the truth and a very unique way in which the victims were murdered. While I would’ve liked a different/more satisfying ending, it was a really good mystery book with an amazing vibe!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 4 stars
You’ll Be the Death of Me is the newest mystery book by Karen M. McManus. It follows three high school students who used to be friend. When they decide to skip the school day together, they witness the murder of their classmate and they are all somehow connected to him.
I’ve been a fan of Karen M. McManus ever since I got a copy of her first book as a Christmas present in 2020. Since reading that book, I bought all her other books and really looked forward to this new release, as she writes really good murder mysteries in my opinion.
The book starts off, really, with the individual introductions of all three characters. it seemed a bit of a slow start, but it did help with getting a feel for the characters, who are very different from each other.
I liked how this story was written and the timeline used. Often, I read murder stories with investigations that take place over several days or sometimes even weeks. Much like One of Us is Lying, so finding that the whole book takes place in the span of hours made for an interesting look on what happened and how the aftermath of finding a body played out. It didn’t have a drawn out feeling because of this and you really seemed to discover everything in time with the characters.
The “big reveal” somehow seemed a bit anti-climactic. It wasn’t as “grand” as it has been in her other books, which I did compare it to a bit. The culprit seemed a bit more obvious to me this time, and one of the things I enjoyed so much in her other books was the reveal and the sudden twist when finding out who did it.
I also feel like the reveal wasn’t really explained as much as it could’ve been done. The culprit did explain everything, but I feel like it wasn’t explained fully, which was a bit of a shame.
I have double feelings about the ending. I liked the time frame used in the book a lot, but at the end suddenly all these big time skips were used and they didn’t feel as one with the book, almost like it was somehow rushed. I did like the twist and the end and the implication that there could be a sequel coming!
The characters were interesting. They were very different from each other, so they were easily distinguishable. They did all have a bit of an annoying trade, but it didn’t bother me as much haha. The bit of romance was a nice touch, especially since it wasn’t really over the top or laid on very thick.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story written. The reveal could be a bit more grand and the ending wasn’t my favourite, but I enjoyed the overall plot and the potential it has.
You’ll Be the Death of Me is the newest mystery book by Karen M. McManus. It follows three high school students who used to be friend. When they decide to skip the school day together, they witness the murder of their classmate and they are all somehow connected to him.
I’ve been a fan of Karen M. McManus ever since I got a copy of her first book as a Christmas present in 2020. Since reading that book, I bought all her other books and really looked forward to this new release, as she writes really good murder mysteries in my opinion.
The book starts off, really, with the individual introductions of all three characters. it seemed a bit of a slow start, but it did help with getting a feel for the characters, who are very different from each other.
I liked how this story was written and the timeline used. Often, I read murder stories with investigations that take place over several days or sometimes even weeks. Much like One of Us is Lying, so finding that the whole book takes place in the span of hours made for an interesting look on what happened and how the aftermath of finding a body played out. It didn’t have a drawn out feeling because of this and you really seemed to discover everything in time with the characters.
The “big reveal” somehow seemed a bit anti-climactic. It wasn’t as “grand” as it has been in her other books, which I did compare it to a bit. The culprit seemed a bit more obvious to me this time, and one of the things I enjoyed so much in her other books was the reveal and the sudden twist when finding out who did it.
I also feel like the reveal wasn’t really explained as much as it could’ve been done. The culprit did explain everything, but I feel like it wasn’t explained fully, which was a bit of a shame.
I have double feelings about the ending. I liked the time frame used in the book a lot, but at the end suddenly all these big time skips were used and they didn’t feel as one with the book, almost like it was somehow rushed. I did like the twist and the end and the implication that there could be a sequel coming!
The characters were interesting. They were very different from each other, so they were easily distinguishable. They did all have a bit of an annoying trade, but it didn’t bother me as much haha. The bit of romance was a nice touch, especially since it wasn’t really over the top or laid on very thick.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story written. The reveal could be a bit more grand and the ending wasn’t my favourite, but I enjoyed the overall plot and the potential it has.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 3 stars
As Good as Death is the third and final book in the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series by Holly Jackson. We will, once again, follow Pip as she tries to investigate another case that came her way.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder Review | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 stars
Good Girl, Bad Blood Review | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 stars
I have very mixed feelings about this book and when I hoped this series would finish off with a banger, it feels like this book missed the mark a bit.
I really liked how this book started off, where we see the aftermath of what everything that happened in Good Girl, Bad Blood. I really liked how it showed what trauma can do to a person and how Pip tries to deal with everything that had happened. It painted a very accurate picture and I really appreciate how the “darker” side was shown and written. It also gave an interesting vibe/twist as Pip became a bit more of an unreliable narrator this time around.
The build-up in the first half of the book was absolutely amazing and very similar to the first two books. It was addicting to read and I had a really hard time to put the book down. You got sucked into the story and wanted to keep on reading and keep on finding out what happened. I would’ve liked a bit more of the “research” and interviews to be included, as those were parts I really enjoyed in the previous books. they weren’t as present in this one unfortunately.
I absolutely loved, loved, loved how everything was connected to so many things we already know and so many characters. This intriguing web created was not what I was expecting and it was mind blowing to read! Jaw dropping really!
And then… the story took a direction I am not a fan of. This happened around halfway through the book and the second half thus had such a different feel. It was almost like it was a completely different book suddenly and I didn’t like the vibe or the events that happened and were happening at that moment. I lost my interest a bit and my enthusiasm that was built in the first 50% really shrunk…
After finishing the book my stand on that didn’t really change. I liked how the characters acted and went about, but I just didn’t like the plot in the second half. I wanted the main plot of the first half to be more, as it was written for half of the book, I feel like it could’ve been written bigger and broader. The ending itself also felt rushed and incomplete to me.
With how the book seemed to have two different plots, it just didn’t seem fitting and it was really a shame that the main plotline of the first half almost seemed forgotten in the second half.
Overall, it started of really, really strong and was just like the first two books. Then halfway the book took a complete turn in a direction I am not a fan off and ending on quite a low for me. If the book extended the first half plot I really believe it would’ve been a 5 star rating.
As Good as Death is the third and final book in the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series by Holly Jackson. We will, once again, follow Pip as she tries to investigate another case that came her way.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder Review | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 stars
Good Girl, Bad Blood Review | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 stars
I have very mixed feelings about this book and when I hoped this series would finish off with a banger, it feels like this book missed the mark a bit.
I really liked how this book started off, where we see the aftermath of what everything that happened in Good Girl, Bad Blood. I really liked how it showed what trauma can do to a person and how Pip tries to deal with everything that had happened. It painted a very accurate picture and I really appreciate how the “darker” side was shown and written. It also gave an interesting vibe/twist as Pip became a bit more of an unreliable narrator this time around.
The build-up in the first half of the book was absolutely amazing and very similar to the first two books. It was addicting to read and I had a really hard time to put the book down. You got sucked into the story and wanted to keep on reading and keep on finding out what happened. I would’ve liked a bit more of the “research” and interviews to be included, as those were parts I really enjoyed in the previous books. they weren’t as present in this one unfortunately.
I absolutely loved, loved, loved how everything was connected to so many things we already know and so many characters. This intriguing web created was not what I was expecting and it was mind blowing to read! Jaw dropping really!
And then… the story took a direction I am not a fan of. This happened around halfway through the book and the second half thus had such a different feel. It was almost like it was a completely different book suddenly and I didn’t like the vibe or the events that happened and were happening at that moment. I lost my interest a bit and my enthusiasm that was built in the first 50% really shrunk…
Spoiler
The part that bothers me the most is how Pip keeps working on solving cases and solving murders. So, it just feels wrong how she commits one and gets away with it. It just seems to undermine everything she did in the previous booksAfter finishing the book my stand on that didn’t really change. I liked how the characters acted and went about, but I just didn’t like the plot in the second half. I wanted the main plot of the first half to be more, as it was written for half of the book, I feel like it could’ve been written bigger and broader. The ending itself also felt rushed and incomplete to me.
With how the book seemed to have two different plots, it just didn’t seem fitting and it was really a shame that the main plotline of the first half almost seemed forgotten in the second half.
Overall, it started of really, really strong and was just like the first two books. Then halfway the book took a complete turn in a direction I am not a fan off and ending on quite a low for me. If the book extended the first half plot I really believe it would’ve been a 5 star rating.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 4 stars
The Ivory Key Features a group of estranged royal siblings coming together to hunt for treasure, in an effort to find a new source of magic for their kingdom. It is the first in an Indian-inspired duology.
I got the beautiful Owlcrate version of this book and couldn’t be happier since this book has been on my radar for a long time! While being part of the Owlcrate readalong for this book I dove into an Indian-inspired world full of amazing details and magic.
The book started off very interesting and it piqued my interest from the very beginning. I haven’t read a lot of Indian-inspired books, but when I do, I am always amazed by the details and how beautiful everything is described. This book was no exception to that. The magic system, while not a lot was told about it, felt really unique. It was an interesting take on how magic is used that I haven’t really seen before.
The start was quite slow, even though it was interesting. The pacing wasn’t as fast as it could’ve been. Overall, the beginning of the book, or maybe even the first half, felt like a very long introduction to the world and the characters. With four main characters and all their POV’s it is to be expected that a longer introduction is necessary, but it felt a little bit too long. Not a lot seemed to happen, except for the plan coming together and a lot of information being found out. It made me a bit anxious to see how the story would develop further along. Luckily the pacing didn’t change drastically to fit all that needed to happen into a few pages.
The four siblings are interesting, but I had a hard time getting a grasp on them the first half of the book. They felt a bit two-dimensional and their growth felt slow and similar to each other. The ARCs for each character, while different, felt like it had the same common thread. I would’ve liked there to be a bit more diversity. I did like the characters; Kaleb especially is a favourite haha.
Knowing this book is the first in a duology, it is expected that some questions remain at the end of the book to be tackled in the second, but somehow the ending left me bittersweet. It almost felt a bit unsatisfying to me. I wanted a bit more from the book overall. A lot of small things aren’t really clear to me, like how the ruling body works. The book felt like a big introduction to the world and magic and characters, so I am very curious to see how the rest of the story will play out in the sequel.
Overall, I enjoyed this introduction to a brand-new Indian-inspired world and interesting siblings and unique magic system.
The Ivory Key Features a group of estranged royal siblings coming together to hunt for treasure, in an effort to find a new source of magic for their kingdom. It is the first in an Indian-inspired duology.
I got the beautiful Owlcrate version of this book and couldn’t be happier since this book has been on my radar for a long time! While being part of the Owlcrate readalong for this book I dove into an Indian-inspired world full of amazing details and magic.
The book started off very interesting and it piqued my interest from the very beginning. I haven’t read a lot of Indian-inspired books, but when I do, I am always amazed by the details and how beautiful everything is described. This book was no exception to that. The magic system, while not a lot was told about it, felt really unique. It was an interesting take on how magic is used that I haven’t really seen before.
The start was quite slow, even though it was interesting. The pacing wasn’t as fast as it could’ve been. Overall, the beginning of the book, or maybe even the first half, felt like a very long introduction to the world and the characters. With four main characters and all their POV’s it is to be expected that a longer introduction is necessary, but it felt a little bit too long. Not a lot seemed to happen, except for the plan coming together and a lot of information being found out. It made me a bit anxious to see how the story would develop further along. Luckily the pacing didn’t change drastically to fit all that needed to happen into a few pages.
The four siblings are interesting, but I had a hard time getting a grasp on them the first half of the book. They felt a bit two-dimensional and their growth felt slow and similar to each other. The ARCs for each character, while different, felt like it had the same common thread. I would’ve liked there to be a bit more diversity. I did like the characters; Kaleb especially is a favourite haha.
Knowing this book is the first in a duology, it is expected that some questions remain at the end of the book to be tackled in the second, but somehow the ending left me bittersweet. It almost felt a bit unsatisfying to me. I wanted a bit more from the book overall. A lot of small things aren’t really clear to me, like how the ruling body works. The book felt like a big introduction to the world and magic and characters, so I am very curious to see how the rest of the story will play out in the sequel.
Overall, I enjoyed this introduction to a brand-new Indian-inspired world and interesting siblings and unique magic system.
