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3.5 actually. This was a solid start! Pacing felt a bit off but I was a big fan of the main protagonist and her growth and I cannot wait to see what she does with it in the next one. Also, DRAGONS <3
4 stars. For me, it took a little bit longer to get into than previous Elise Kova books I have read, but once you start getting a few chapters in, things start to take off!
My favorite part of this book was the competition, OF COURSE. I love magical competitions and Elise has created such a fun and fast-paced one that once it started, it was hard to put the book down. Her story-telling really began to soar here, which is what I have no come to expect from Elise's books!
My one issue with this book is that some of the characters felt a little flat to me. More life gets breathed into them further into the book but I think this was part of why it was a little slower for me to get gripped.
Overall though I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next story by Elise!
My favorite part of this book was the competition, OF COURSE. I love magical competitions and Elise has created such a fun and fast-paced one that once it started, it was hard to put the book down. Her story-telling really began to soar here, which is what I have no come to expect from Elise's books!
My one issue with this book is that some of the characters felt a little flat to me. More life gets breathed into them further into the book but I think this was part of why it was a little slower for me to get gripped.
Overall though I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next story by Elise!
This book was slow but the good kind. The kind that keeps you turning the pages and wanting more. The time and effort spent on building up these characters and the world around them was wonderful and exactly what I like to see in a story that does start slower. That is what keeps me going and that is what Rosaria gave me!
There is so much intrigue and mystery, love and longing, and I just devoured it. Forbidden love is one of my favorite romance tropes so I was all over it!
Plus, you have dragons. What's not to love??
Highly recommend!!
There is so much intrigue and mystery, love and longing, and I just devoured it. Forbidden love is one of my favorite romance tropes so I was all over it!
Plus, you have dragons. What's not to love??
Highly recommend!!
I think this was a solid start to what should be a great series! Let's see, there was culture, there was magic, there were north african roots, there were twists- this book definitely delivered. The characters were pretty good too! I definitely rooted for them and felt connections, though I did feel they fell flat in some places.
The story was also one that moved quick. It was a page turner for sure and I never found myself getting bored or wanting to put it down and pick up something else.
Overall, strong start and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
The story was also one that moved quick. It was a page turner for sure and I never found myself getting bored or wanting to put it down and pick up something else.
Overall, strong start and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Provided an arc on NetGalley by Swoon Reads. Thank you!
4.5 stars.
This book was one of those tragically beautiful books. They are a rare breed but ones that I enjoy immensely when I do find them. A lot of the focus on this book is about trauma and pain and the ways we deal with, embrace, and overcome. I did not read a synopsis going on so I was blind as to what to expect, which I think was a good thing!
One of the things I absolutely loved that Aiden did was to tell the story of trauma and mental health in such a nuanced and authentic way. It felt so real. I was Wendy. I was in her shoes, I was suffering with her. It was so beautifully done, but could get emotional.
There is a love story here. For me, it wasn't my favorite part of the book but still well-written. But I think the focus here should be on everything else, the topics taken on in this story are so important and ones that aren't always written as beautifully as Aiden has done.
Definitely recommend this!
4.5 stars.
This book was one of those tragically beautiful books. They are a rare breed but ones that I enjoy immensely when I do find them. A lot of the focus on this book is about trauma and pain and the ways we deal with, embrace, and overcome. I did not read a synopsis going on so I was blind as to what to expect, which I think was a good thing!
One of the things I absolutely loved that Aiden did was to tell the story of trauma and mental health in such a nuanced and authentic way. It felt so real. I was Wendy. I was in her shoes, I was suffering with her. It was so beautifully done, but could get emotional.
There is a love story here. For me, it wasn't my favorite part of the book but still well-written. But I think the focus here should be on everything else, the topics taken on in this story are so important and ones that aren't always written as beautifully as Aiden has done.
Definitely recommend this!
Provided an arc on NetGalley by Penguin Teen. Thank you!
4 stars.
This book followed the previous Graceling books in the vein of a young woman thrust into a seat of power. She has people on all sides vying for that power and wanting to take advantage or manipulate. Lovisa as a main MC is one I enjoy getting into the head of. The way she was raised has left her feeling used, confused, and to have developed these insane expectations. She has an inquisitive mind and is always questioning things, which can lead to much drama. Overall, being in her head is very interesting and I did enjoy her POVs.
Overall, the book does start slow, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing because I enjoyed being back in this world and seeing everything set up for the second half of the book. Which, by the way, really picked up. Also, we do visit some old characters (I won't spoil who), but the growth of one in particular was so exciting to see!
Plus, there are some very witty remarks which gave this book a touch of humor too.
Basically, it was a great installment to the Graceling realm and I was so happy to be back here after such a long time!
4 stars.
This book followed the previous Graceling books in the vein of a young woman thrust into a seat of power. She has people on all sides vying for that power and wanting to take advantage or manipulate. Lovisa as a main MC is one I enjoy getting into the head of. The way she was raised has left her feeling used, confused, and to have developed these insane expectations. She has an inquisitive mind and is always questioning things, which can lead to much drama. Overall, being in her head is very interesting and I did enjoy her POVs.
Overall, the book does start slow, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing because I enjoyed being back in this world and seeing everything set up for the second half of the book. Which, by the way, really picked up. Also, we do visit some old characters (I won't spoil who), but the growth of one in particular was so exciting to see!
Plus, there are some very witty remarks which gave this book a touch of humor too.
Basically, it was a great installment to the Graceling realm and I was so happy to be back here after such a long time!
