Reading Rebel Skies felt a lot like traveling through time - in the sense that it was as if I was transported back into my younger reader self. I saw everything through the curious eyes of a child, brimming with fathomless wonder and amazement.

In contrast to many YA fantasy series, Rebel Skies reads much more low-key, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. While many stories try to reel in readers through fast-paced plots and high-adrenaline action scenes, this unassuming novel captivates through its characters and the unique vividness of its magical world.

In many ways, Rebel Skies has the delightful atmosphere of a Studio Ghibli film. Definitely a charming debut that's full of heart and imagination.

Recommended!
* I received an ARC of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

Hmm. For a book with fantastic angry/hate sex scenes, I sure got bored a lot. Lmao.

Recommended with caution.

Edit (ao 27 May 2022):

The more I reflected on my reading experience with Kaikeyi, the more I found aspects that I did not like about it. For this reason, I can't confidently recommend this book to other people.

Not recommended.

_

Initial thoughts (ao 23 May 2022):

Interesting. This one is tough to rate and review, given my laughably subpar knowledge on the original text of the Ramayana. So, please take everything I say with a grain of salt.

The writing was strongest and most compelling in the beginning, but unfortunately, the momentum wasn't sustained throughout the rest of the book. It seemed to me that past the halfway mark, things became visibly contrived and underdeveloped, especially in terms of:

1. World-building
2. Portrayal of patriarchy and feminism
3. Juxtaposition between good vs. evil

And due to the combination of these things, Kaikeyi's character arc felt unearned and undeserved. Which I believe is counterproductive to what this reimagining intends to achieve.

However, my personal gripes aside, I still found myself really invested in the outcome of Kaikeyi. It's a good book, but in my opinion, it could've done a lot more.

The Mountains Sing has redefined what "life-changing" means to me. Hauntingly powerful, beautiful evocative.

Highly, highly recommended.

Abandoned at 11% mark.

Not a reflection of this book’s quality or of the author’s writing ability. Percy Jackson aside, Greek myth retellings/reimaginings just do not vibe with me, I guess.

Edit (01 July 2022):

In light of the recent allegations against this book concerning slavery and transphobia, I humbly redirect the audience towards dathomira's review, which I personally found incredibly valuable and helpful. Since I abandoned this book very early on, I have no additional insight to offer regarding this.

Sakto lang, to be perfectly honest. It did what it intended to do.

It's been a long, long time since I've read a YA contemporary novel that I literally could not put down. I listened to its audiobook while on a long drive to Subic, and no exaggeration, my family was forbidden from interrupting because I was that invested.

Final impressions to follow. Verdict? Highly recommended!