toreadistovoyage's Reviews (1.58k)

I was unsure if I would continue this series through most of this book. The writing isn’t great, the pacing was uneven, there is a lot of repetitive relationship drama, and, honestly, I was bored at times - which is saying something because a lot happens in Iron Flame. What saved it was the ending. Rebecca got me with that ending (which added half a star to my rating), and I will be reading the next book.

This is one of those books that I will be thinking about for a long time. One that I will reread. One that is beautifully crafted, intricately plotted, and thoroughly researched. Just...amazing.

This was very well done. Great writing, layered storylines, realistic characters. This book also taught me a lot about deaf culture, sign language, and history.

I went into this thinking this was the last in the series. I think that my expectations were different. Since this was a bridge between earlier books and the fourth (and final) book, this was a lot of set-up and a lot less action. The last quarter of the book picked up some. I will definitely read the fourth installment.

This was so well written. The story was slow but evenly paced. The characters were developed and interesting. I will definitely check out future books by Patel.

I'm not sure I can do this review justice. This book was smart, honest, interesting, and relevant. Dark academia but so much more. A timely and important discussion of the horrors of colonialism. A look into the power words have over people, institutions, and countries. A critique of the people who have held reign over others and the impact this has on every aspect of life. This is some of the best writing I have encountered in a long time.

I really enjoyed this moody, gothic tale. Layered storylines, interesting characters, a not completely unique plot that was somewhat surprising.

This was entertaining. There were a few twists with different levels of predictability. The main character was strong. I'm not sure that all of the perspectives were successful (specifically those from the perpetrators). 

5.0 (reread #2)

Still loving this. Rereading to prepare for Onyx Storm. Still VERY aware of the modern/anachronistic moments in this book (but choosing to just accept it for what it is). 

5.0 (reread)

Just as good the second time around. I cannot wait for book two.

5.0

So, I am not going to pretend that this didn't have issues - it did - but I loved it. Super engaging story, interesting characters, solid-ish world building, a bit of spice, dragons. A MASSIVE CLIFFHANGER. What's not to love?

And, for those of you wondering, my issues with this book were: 

1) The writing is just okay....it's not bad, but it isn't stellar.
and 
2) There was a weird anachronistic vibe the entire book - the characters lived in a different time/world, one without technology, but they spoke very modern. There were a few times that the diction pulled me out of the story.

Despite those two issues, I immediately passed my copy to a friend (need to talk to someone about it) and now have a massive book hangover. I am so excited that the second book comes out later this year.

This was an incredible memoir. Davis is so open and honest. Davis discusses abuse, neglect, acting, colorism, racism, family, forgiveness, relationships, friendships, hard work, dreams, and more.