shereadytoread's Reviews (806)

(.5 because initially enjoyed the strained relationship of the siblings but even that fell flat for me later)

1. This book was incredibly dull. Like my eyes were losing focus on the page dull.
2. TW: Sexual assault as a plot device is just ...
3. The first 2/3 book is figuring out a bunch of information that does not matter at all.
4. The ending made no sense to me because the motivation didn't seem to match any part of the characters up until that point.
5. You could basically cut the middle 30 chapters from the book and tell the same story. 

This was a slow burn thriller but a good one. It reads like a classic crime novel with updates. I really like books that are about books/bookstores/booksellers so that was a plus for me. 

It did drag a bit in the middle but the ending reveal(s) rounded out the story well. The main character was a little flat, but I think not having too strong of a personality makes it easier for him to be a stand-in for any reader. 

If you enjoy classic crime/mystery novels, this is definitely worth the read. 

I loved this one. A tale of identity after Deka is banished to warrior training due to her impure blood and must find out the truth of her bloodline. 

Pros:
- strong female friendships 
- intricate without being overly complicated 
- good world building 
- romantic subplot that doesn't overshadow or become a focus 

Cons:
- there is a severe amount of physical violence toward the main character before the plot truly begins. It serves a purpose but seemed to be overly descriptive with little reason.