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the_book_addict_16's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I liked this book a lot but you definitely have to get through the first part of it before you are invested. I also found many of the terms used confusing, and even towards the end of the book I wasn't totally sure what some of the phrases meant exactly. Last comment is that big time periods will be skipped if there isn't something very interesting that would be going on during that time, but this isnt necessarily a bad thing! I like that the author does not make us sit through boring sections just because time must pass, you just have to make sure that you know time has passed. Overall a really great read and I will definently check out the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Abandonment, and War
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Physical abuse
tierneymichele's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Only reason I took away 0.25 is because there are far too many instances of run-on sentences that are filled with adjectives describing something. At one point there were 9 lines of a paragraph that were all entirely 1 sentence, and over half of the words were just adjectives describing something. The meaning gets lost very quickly when you're not even able to remember how the sentence started or what is being described anymore.
I also personally had a hard time getting through the first couple chapters for the same reason; it was all descriptions, military lingo, and words that exist only in this world that didn't have sufficient context for me to understand. I've read books like this before and just assumed I would get more explanation later, but I will say most of the things I did 't understand in those chapters seemed mostly irrelevant by the time I got to the thick of the plot.
With that being said, I really did like the book a lot and am excited for the next one. I didn't realize until the end that it was Thea's very first book which is very impressive to me, and added to me keeping a higher rating. The slow burn really slow burned in this one, it was agonizing in the best way.
I also personally had a hard time getting through the first couple chapters for the same reason; it was all descriptions, military lingo, and words that exist only in this world that didn't have sufficient context for me to understand. I've read books like this before and just assumed I would get more explanation later, but I will say most of the things I did 't understand in those chapters seemed mostly irrelevant by the time I got to the thick of the plot.
With that being said, I really did like the book a lot and am excited for the next one. I didn't realize until the end that it was Thea's very first book which is very impressive to me, and added to me keeping a higher rating. The slow burn really slow burned in this one, it was agonizing in the best way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Death
Minor: Child abuse and Physical abuse
fandomsandfiction's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
what to expect:
- NA high fantasy
- war and politics
- racial diversity done well
- detailed religious system, geopolitics and languages
- flying warships, dragons, epic battles and all that good stuff!!!
- slowwwburn knife-to-throat enemies-to-lovers with a political marriage of convenience and one bed trope for added spice 😌
*takes a deep breath*
So, I feel very normally about this book. I am in no way overly obsessed with the intricacy of the world building, the powerful commentary on war and politics, the excellent tension between the main characters, the skillfully fleshed-out side characters, the seamless weaving of fantasy and reality, the passionate emotions that leap off the page or the other 989238274921782+ reasons why this book is one of the best fantasies I have ever read.
Yup. Totally normal and not obsessed at all. 😊
Set across the backdrop of a war-town world, this is a book about pain, love and the many kinds of conflict. And of course, lots of magic!!!
I love the concept of flying ships being the main system of transport. I never thought racial diversity could be done so RIGHT until I read this book. The characters are all delightful and even the most hateful of characters expose the complicated nature of war and trauma. There is such fun witty dialogue! I mean, it's probably unrealistic for soldiers to be making sarcastic and snippy remarks during battle, but I am ALL HERE FOR IT 🤭
The alternate POVs really helps this book achieve its greatness. While the Night Empire is portrayed as the 'Big Bad Guy', following the narratives of dual leading characters had my heart aching for both sides and it shows the true complexities of a war built on propaganda, manipulation and no actual villain. The characters' conflicting, tormented emotions feel so real. Reading both Talasyn and Alaric's POVs - especially when it came to the duties of their positions vs their personal feelings/beliefs - felt like have a knife twist and turn in my chest. AND THE TENSION!!! The alternate POVs really amplified the repressed romantic and sexual tension between them (and like the messed-up soul I am, this gave me life). Both their stories are so painful, and this book may just be one of the most raw and poignant enemies-to-lovers fantasies I've ever read. The aching and pining and obvious attraction mixed with lies and secrets and impending betrayal is somehow exhilarating. Is this a drug? Because it feels like a drug.
While the building attraction between the main characters is a core feature, it does not overshadow the rest of the rich storyline. With a real slowburn (which is PERFECT for this context), the focus is less on the romance and more on the characters and story developments. Thea Guanzon wields the English language like a weapon. It takes great skill to make someone feel such BIG feelings and think such BIG thoughts by using nothing but the same 26 letters rearranged in different ways. This book is a work of art. And I am soooooo normal about it!
- NA high fantasy
- war and politics
- racial diversity done well
- detailed religious system, geopolitics and languages
- flying warships, dragons, epic battles and all that good stuff!!!
- slowwwburn knife-to-throat enemies-to-lovers with a political marriage of convenience and one bed trope for added spice 😌
*takes a deep breath*
So, I feel very normally about this book. I am in no way overly obsessed with the intricacy of the world building, the powerful commentary on war and politics, the excellent tension between the main characters, the skillfully fleshed-out side characters, the seamless weaving of fantasy and reality, the passionate emotions that leap off the page or the other 989238274921782+ reasons why this book is one of the best fantasies I have ever read.
Yup. Totally normal and not obsessed at all. 😊
Set across the backdrop of a war-town world, this is a book about pain, love and the many kinds of conflict. And of course, lots of magic!!!
I love the concept of flying ships being the main system of transport. I never thought racial diversity could be done so RIGHT until I read this book. The characters are all delightful and even the most hateful of characters expose the complicated nature of war and trauma. There is such fun witty dialogue! I mean, it's probably unrealistic for soldiers to be making sarcastic and snippy remarks during battle, but I am ALL HERE FOR IT 🤭
The alternate POVs really helps this book achieve its greatness. While the Night Empire is portrayed as the 'Big Bad Guy', following the narratives of dual leading characters had my heart aching for both sides and it shows the true complexities of a war built on propaganda, manipulation and no actual villain. The characters' conflicting, tormented emotions feel so real. Reading both Talasyn and Alaric's POVs - especially when it came to the duties of their positions vs their personal feelings/beliefs - felt like have a knife twist and turn in my chest. AND THE TENSION!!! The alternate POVs really amplified the repressed romantic and sexual tension between them (and like the messed-up soul I am, this gave me life). Both their stories are so painful, and this book may just be one of the most raw and poignant enemies-to-lovers fantasies I've ever read. The aching and pining and obvious attraction mixed with lies and secrets and impending betrayal is somehow exhilarating. Is this a drug? Because it feels like a drug.
While the building attraction between the main characters is a core feature, it does not overshadow the rest of the rich storyline. With a real slowburn (which is PERFECT for this context), the focus is less on the romance and more on the characters and story developments. Thea Guanzon wields the English language like a weapon. It takes great skill to make someone feel such BIG feelings and think such BIG thoughts by using nothing but the same 26 letters rearranged in different ways. This book is a work of art. And I am soooooo normal about it!
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
Minor: Child abuse and Physical abuse
zluvsreading's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Second read:
Infinity stars still. ♾️
Is there any way I will ever get over this book? No! Absolutely not!
There’s just something about this book that really like gets to me? Makes me feel things? And just is so great.
I’ve seen quite a bit of reviews where people feel as if the beginning is rough to get through, but I surprisingly did not have that issue??? Maybe I was just reading and not comprehending but NO I think it was easy for me to get through.
Maybe because I was reading it with the hardcover along with the audiobook? (10/10 recommend this method btw)
Idk, but this book just makes me so full. It fills a part of my heart that felt empty before.
First and foremost, this is about war and death and all things vile. It’s easy to see that Kesath is the enemy and the Night Empire is bad. They are wiping everyone out and that’s that.
Nenavar is like the youngest child, not wanting to get involved in the affairs of the oldest and middle child fights, in my opinion. Switzerland if that’s a better comparison.
This book deals with some heavy topics, but also has some romance interlaced in it as well, which I enjoyed.
It’s the sort of romance that rips your heart out and makes you want to sob, but romance all the same.
The relationship between Talasyn and Alaric is very strained, as expected when fighting on opposite sides of war. They represent everything they’ve been raised to hate.
However, like it’s said in the book,
Infinity stars still. ♾️
Is there any way I will ever get over this book? No! Absolutely not!
There’s just something about this book that really like gets to me? Makes me feel things? And just is so great.
I’ve seen quite a bit of reviews where people feel as if the beginning is rough to get through, but I surprisingly did not have that issue??? Maybe I was just reading and not comprehending but NO I think it was easy for me to get through.
Maybe because I was reading it with the hardcover along with the audiobook? (10/10 recommend this method btw)
Idk, but this book just makes me so full. It fills a part of my heart that felt empty before.
First and foremost, this is about war and death and all things vile. It’s easy to see that Kesath is the enemy and the Night Empire is bad. They are wiping everyone out and that’s that.
Nenavar is like the youngest child, not wanting to get involved in the affairs of the oldest and middle child fights, in my opinion. Switzerland if that’s a better comparison.
This book deals with some heavy topics, but also has some romance interlaced in it as well, which I enjoyed.
It’s the sort of romance that rips your heart out and makes you want to sob, but romance all the same.
The relationship between Talasyn and Alaric is very strained, as expected when fighting on opposite sides of war. They represent everything they’ve been raised to hate.
However, like it’s said in the book,
Hate is a kind of passion, is it not?
LAUGHING SO HARD. Laughing SO hard because of Talasyns reaction after that was said.
Talasyn is so funny to me. Her sense of humor is just like top tier. The banter between her and Alaric made me laugh OUT LOUD multiple times.
I would love to see more of the fantasy elements in the next book, but also not complaining if it’s more fantasy ROMANCE than romantic FANTASY.
CANT WAIT TO START AMR BR tmr!!!! SO READY!!!! ❤️🖤
First read: INFINITY STARS ✮
YALL!!!!! this book was my entire life and will continue to be my entire life as long as i live. the paperback needs to come out faster so i can buy it and mark it tf up!!!!!!
i read this in january but im always late writing reviews (i was withholding it during global strike week).
this book is truly the epitome of slow burn romantasy and it hurts my heart. the ending had me yearning for the second book like?!?!?!? my brain can’t comprehend it and I’m terrified.
ALSO CAN WE JUST TALK AB WHAT A BEAUTIFUL NAME TALASYN IS? like can we pls?? she’s the loml.
Although this book is pretty long, I felt myself wishing it was longer when it ended. I have a love-hate relationship with slowburns mostly because I'm impatient and just want the characters to get together already, but in this case, I was happy with the very very very VERY slowburn. It made sense with the story very well.
ok this is very disorganized but i cried laughed giggled screamed so i loved this very much! add on that it’s a debut? WHATTTTTTT!!! Thea Guanzon, you have my heart!
bye bye
-Z.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Violence, Blood, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Cursing, Physical abuse, and Sexual content
Minor: Vomit, Grief, and Death of parent
sarahyjackson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
4.75
It’s a little Star Wars derivative and I could have done with a bit more yearning in the first half BUT the second half was very fun, very spicy! I feel very invested in the political and personal dramas unfolding and will eager await the next installment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Death of parent, Abandonment, and War
Moderate: Physical abuse, Xenophobia, and Injury/Injury detail
soniajoy98's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Cursing, Death, Genocide, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Abandonment, Colonisation, and War
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Xenophobia, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal cruelty, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
memoirsofabooklover's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
i loved this book. the characters were well fleshed out and i loved that we got both perspectives so could see from both sides. their back stories got more complex and entangled as the story progressed, their conflict and contrast of their feelings politically and romantically, tinged with each of their childhood traumas was so well done. the tension weaved throughout was exquisite. i love the world this author created, so many beautiful sentiments and intriguing concepts in their cultures. i cannot wait for the next book to continue this story!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual content, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Dysphoria
Minor: Gun violence, Terminal illness, Alcohol, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
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