caylieratzlaff's review
4.0
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars!
I've had this on my NetGalley shelf FOREVER and finally got around to it, and I was not disappointed. Set up in a lush, fantasy but also science fictiony but also dystopian world modeled on the Phillipines, I was drawn in to the world quickly. While some of the concepts were hard to grasp at first with the beasts and the trees and the valor and the armor, they were explain as the MC, Seri, learned more about them as well. Seri's path with Eshai is stunning, and I love how Eshai becomes both a mentor and a friend to Seri as they both learn from each other.
The addition of Tsana and the twist she brings is well done, and it almost reminds me of an allegory for colonization or assimilation with how they view the way of life and beasts differently. I do almost want to know more of the history though, e.g., why is Tsana's group the one with the more modern language built on how Seri's language is "old" and why do they have metal but Seri didn't even know what metal was? Also, this novel is SAPPHIC but like without the "this is the plot. the plot is they're sapphic" because it's not the focus of the plot which makes it a refreshing LGBTQ read.
I do think the ending leaves a lot of questions with Seri and her capabilities, and I wish there would have been more between the end of the novel and the epilogue, but overall, this was a fantastic read. Full of action and beautiful world building.
I've had this on my NetGalley shelf FOREVER and finally got around to it, and I was not disappointed. Set up in a lush, fantasy but also science fictiony but also dystopian world modeled on the Phillipines, I was drawn in to the world quickly. While some of the concepts were hard to grasp at first with the beasts and the trees and the valor and the armor, they were explain as the MC, Seri, learned more about them as well. Seri's path with Eshai is stunning, and I love how Eshai becomes both a mentor and a friend to Seri as they both learn from each other.
The addition of Tsana and the twist she brings is well done, and it almost reminds me of an allegory for colonization or assimilation with how they view the way of life and beasts differently. I do almost want to know more of the history though, e.g., why is Tsana's group the one with the more modern language built on how Seri's language is "old" and why do they have metal but Seri didn't even know what metal was? Also, this novel is SAPPHIC but like without the "this is the plot. the plot is they're sapphic" because it's not the focus of the plot which makes it a refreshing LGBTQ read.
I do think the ending leaves a lot of questions with Seri and her capabilities, and I wish there would have been more between the end of the novel and the epilogue, but overall, this was a fantastic read. Full of action and beautiful world building.
kcsbailando's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mayflower_ng's review against another edition
3.5
3.5 Stars
Dauntless was a fantastic time! It truly deserves credit for being the only thing I could read during the school year reading slump. With that, I’ll start with the positives. This book was a WIN for the girls out there. It featured strong, growing, but also struggling women. I rooted for all of them and found myself genuinely excited about how their missions were doing and the developments that came with it.
The other nice thing about Dauntless was how friendly of a fantasy book it is to those new to the genre. The matter is like two sides of a coin. Power systems here aren’t very elaborate, though enough for me to personally enjoy the story while keeping track of everything. Overall, it depends on your level of wants when it comes to fantastical elements.
Like any other book, there were aspects of Dauntless that I struggled with while reading. The pacing was frustrating with the way it kept turning in circles. Progress came, but I constantly felt like old repetitive events turned back when they could’ve left more room for world development.
The romance here was slightly disappointing. I can count on my fingers the amount of Southeast Asian sapphic books I’ve read, so I was ready for more. The excitement was definitely there for the relationship, but it took a hard hit with how tight the dedicated time was. There was constantly show rather than tell and I was left without feeling their supposed deep attachment or feelings. I wouldn’t say it’s bad, just a very minor light background element.
To wrap it up, this was a lovely book! A fun, enjoyable time that marks ground as a solid debut. I recommend you check it out for a quick Asian inspired fantasy read!
Thank you to Macmillan and Netgalley for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Macmillan and Netgalley for a review copy in exchange for a honest review.
~~~~~~~
excited for arc but name is giving very much divergent flashbacks !
Dauntless was a fantastic time! It truly deserves credit for being the only thing I could read during the school year reading slump. With that, I’ll start with the positives. This book was a WIN for the girls out there. It featured strong, growing, but also struggling women. I rooted for all of them and found myself genuinely excited about how their missions were doing and the developments that came with it.
The other nice thing about Dauntless was how friendly of a fantasy book it is to those new to the genre. The matter is like two sides of a coin. Power systems here aren’t very elaborate, though enough for me to personally enjoy the story while keeping track of everything. Overall, it depends on your level of wants when it comes to fantastical elements.
Like any other book, there were aspects of Dauntless that I struggled with while reading. The pacing was frustrating with the way it kept turning in circles. Progress came, but I constantly felt like old repetitive events turned back when they could’ve left more room for world development.
The romance here was slightly disappointing. I can count on my fingers the amount of Southeast Asian sapphic books I’ve read, so I was ready for more. The excitement was definitely there for the relationship, but it took a hard hit with how tight the dedicated time was. There was constantly show rather than tell and I was left without feeling their supposed deep attachment or feelings. I wouldn’t say it’s bad, just a very minor light background element.
To wrap it up, this was a lovely book! A fun, enjoyable time that marks ground as a solid debut. I recommend you check it out for a quick Asian inspired fantasy read!
Thank you to Macmillan and Netgalley for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Macmillan and Netgalley for a review copy in exchange for a honest review.
~~~~~~~
excited for arc but name is giving very much divergent flashbacks !
anyaemilie's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lena_3103's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
blossomjin's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The world Elisa Bonnin created was so unique and is something I’ve never actually experienced before. Each location was so distinct and vivid that I can still see each one in my mind. It’s one of those cases where the entire world played in my mind like a movie the entire time. This is largely thanks to the excellent world building done within the first couple of chapters which brought me gently into the brand new world that, at times, the characters were unsure of.
Elsa Bonnin provides us with three women - Seri, Eshai and Tsana - who all have different backgrounds, convictions and motives and shows how within their own narrative each of these women are dauntless as the title suggests. At the heart of Dauntless there is a core message of bravery (I mean it is quite literally in the title), but through each of these women we get to see that to be brave is not to be fearless. Each character experiences and grapples with their own personal fears and traumas to come out the other side as brave women who embrace their flaws and mistakes. I thought that this message was so healing because it subverted a few negative tropes associated with femininity which you find perpetuated in fantasy novels.
Personally, I’m a huge fan of romance and tend to lean towards books where it’s at the forefront. Romance is more of a subplot here and is not always center stage but works for me. Eshai’s romance was understated, quiet. Seri and Tsana’s romance, while more central to the plot, still played out off to the sides with shy kisses, quality time and brushed hands. An innocent and healthy lesbian relationship which gave both women something and someone to fight for.
If you’re going to pick up one fantasy book this year I urge you to choose this. I can’t wait till Elisa Bonnin’s next book!
dferraro93's review
4.0
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Swoon Reads for the eARC of Dauntless by Elisa A. Bonnin in exchange for my honest review.
What a spectacular debut by Elisa Bonnin.
This book felt like a mix between Beast of Prey and Divergent -- with just enough action and excitement to draw you in. Bonnin created an incredible world, and you'll be hooked from the first page. I was sad every time I had to put the book down, constantly thinking about what could come next. The magic system and world building is complex, and the plot is filled with interesting twists and turns. This book will hold you until you've devoured every page.
I wanted a bit more from the character development -- but you do care about each and every character from the beginning. I wanted to know more about their thoughts and feelings -- especially as a book with a rotating POV.
A solid debut, and a book I'll be purchasing once it's officially released.
4/5 stars.
What a spectacular debut by Elisa Bonnin.
This book felt like a mix between Beast of Prey and Divergent -- with just enough action and excitement to draw you in. Bonnin created an incredible world, and you'll be hooked from the first page. I was sad every time I had to put the book down, constantly thinking about what could come next. The magic system and world building is complex, and the plot is filled with interesting twists and turns. This book will hold you until you've devoured every page.
I wanted a bit more from the character development -- but you do care about each and every character from the beginning. I wanted to know more about their thoughts and feelings -- especially as a book with a rotating POV.
A solid debut, and a book I'll be purchasing once it's officially released.
4/5 stars.
lisbethwhite's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
hannahwhoreadsbooks's review
4.0
CRIMINAL that this is a standalone, way too good to not have more time with this story
brigwen's review
2.0
I received an ARC copy of this novel from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A world overrun by beasts. A young girl trying to find her place in the world after a troublesome past. But what if they were one in the same? What if the world you thought you knew, was a whole lot bigger and different than you ever could imagine.
Our main character, Seri, has had a rough life. She was an orphan at a young age after her mother's untimely death and her father's disappearance. Her only friend, Ithim, well, we don't talk about Ithim. Seri joined a traveling settlement to get away from all the ghosts that haunt her in Elaya.
Esthai, the leader of this group and also a legend among the known world for her bravery and sharp wits. She leads Seri and the rest of her valor to a new spreading tree to create a new settlement and to extend the known world.
Tsana, an unexpected hiccup for both Seri and Esthai. Seri cannot help but be drawn to this mysterious figure in more ways than one. But Tsana is hiding a big secret. Will Seri choose to follow everything she has ever known or risk it for someone she just met but can't seem to get out of her head?
I apologize but this was the most "okay" book I've read this year. From the synopsis and and the cover, this book seemed to be just like "The Hunger Games" and it excited me so much. But that could not be farther from the truth. You are immediately thrust into the world without any lead in or explanation. It's assumed that you would know what the world was about and it was confusing. I know that some books are similar but they take the time and world build discreetly, almost like you don't even know it's world building. This book? There was very little world building until closer to the end of the book. I'll admit the book ended better than it started but it didn't have much competition.
I just couldn't bring myself to root for the characters. They were just very two dimensional. I did not develop an attachment to any of them. It did offer great LGBTQ representation and POC representation. But other than that, I just did not enjoy this book.
A world overrun by beasts. A young girl trying to find her place in the world after a troublesome past. But what if they were one in the same? What if the world you thought you knew, was a whole lot bigger and different than you ever could imagine.
Our main character, Seri, has had a rough life. She was an orphan at a young age after her mother's untimely death and her father's disappearance. Her only friend, Ithim, well, we don't talk about Ithim. Seri joined a traveling settlement to get away from all the ghosts that haunt her in Elaya.
Esthai, the leader of this group and also a legend among the known world for her bravery and sharp wits. She leads Seri and the rest of her valor to a new spreading tree to create a new settlement and to extend the known world.
Tsana, an unexpected hiccup for both Seri and Esthai. Seri cannot help but be drawn to this mysterious figure in more ways than one. But Tsana is hiding a big secret. Will Seri choose to follow everything she has ever known or risk it for someone she just met but can't seem to get out of her head?
I apologize but this was the most "okay" book I've read this year. From the synopsis and and the cover, this book seemed to be just like "The Hunger Games" and it excited me so much. But that could not be farther from the truth. You are immediately thrust into the world without any lead in or explanation. It's assumed that you would know what the world was about and it was confusing. I know that some books are similar but they take the time and world build discreetly, almost like you don't even know it's world building. This book? There was very little world building until closer to the end of the book. I'll admit the book ended better than it started but it didn't have much competition.
I just couldn't bring myself to root for the characters. They were just very two dimensional. I did not develop an attachment to any of them. It did offer great LGBTQ representation and POC representation. But other than that, I just did not enjoy this book.