Scan barcode
cobaltbookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
This book sets up world good for for sequels / series.
Two main characters are very likeable especially Edan, he was charming.
I will definitely read sequel.
Two main characters are very likeable especially Edan, he was charming.
I will definitely read sequel.
havenrose06's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
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
4.0
atoirati's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
nasalle2842's review against another edition
3.0
I give this 3.5 stars. I debated on rounding down to 3 or rounding up to 4 bc it really is a solid 3.5 for me, but I think 3 stars is fair.
While I did enjoy the story, I think some elements were a bit outdated - being “the chosen one”, “falling in love” with a boy while on a journey (seems more like trauma bonding), and the whole “the boy must protect the girl/the girl must rescue the boy from his so-called chains” feels very 2012-2014. I do still read and enjoy books with these tropes, but something about it’s execution just wasn’t doing it for me - I even cringed a few times.
I think if high school me read this ten years ago, she would’ve eaten it up and created a whole tumblr dedicated to this book, but we’re in a new era of YA literature and I think this missed the mark.
While I did enjoy the story, I think some elements were a bit outdated - being “the chosen one”, “falling in love” with a boy while on a journey (seems more like trauma bonding), and the whole “the boy must protect the girl/the girl must rescue the boy from his so-called chains” feels very 2012-2014. I do still read and enjoy books with these tropes, but something about it’s execution just wasn’t doing it for me - I even cringed a few times.
I think if high school me read this ten years ago, she would’ve eaten it up and created a whole tumblr dedicated to this book, but we’re in a new era of YA literature and I think this missed the mark.
infinite_kay's review against another edition
4.0
3.5? I enjoyed the first part much more than the second, but still had a great time with this magical story. Looking forward to book 2!
itserisbby's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
takinreads's review against another edition
5.0
BAGUS BANGET BUKUNYA WOY. jalan ceritanya oke, world building nya mantep, bucinnya mantep wkwkwkwk. baru nemu buku fantasy tentang jait-menjait pakaian gtu. I GIVE 5/5 STARS FOR THIS BOOK, can't wait for read buku keduanya
aarustin's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
rubihoskins's review against another edition
3.0
I truly wish I loved the book more than I did. After reading the blurb, I was extremely intrigued. The concept of the story itself is unique. For me it slightly reminded me of the story of Mulan mixed with project runway. The beginning (part 1) of the story sucked me in straight away. The writing style is intoxicating and creates such vivid imagery of the world it’s set in. I loved reading about Maia’s passion for sewing and for her family. However, once it moved onto her journey with Edan I felt like everything which made the first section unique kind of fizzled out. Personally I didn’t believe in Edan and Maia’s relationship. I thought it felt forced. I would have loved to have seen a friendship form rather than another unneeded couple. Sometimes, I felt like the magic was too unbelievable.
I really liked Maia’s character. I felt her passion through the pages in the first section of the book. Her unwavering love for her family and Edan had me swelling up inside. (Although I still would have preferred Edan as a friend).
I hope in the second book we get to explore more of the side characters. I’m intrigued by Lady Sarnai. How does she resist the emperors charms? The ending was left on a slight cliff hanger so I will be reading on.
Overall, I did enjoy this book especially the setting and initial concept of the story. I do want to read on and I have hope for the second book.
I really liked Maia’s character. I felt her passion through the pages in the first section of the book. Her unwavering love for her family and Edan had me swelling up inside. (Although I still would have preferred Edan as a friend).
I hope in the second book we get to explore more of the side characters. I’m intrigued by Lady Sarnai. How does she resist the emperors charms? The ending was left on a slight cliff hanger so I will be reading on.
Overall, I did enjoy this book especially the setting and initial concept of the story. I do want to read on and I have hope for the second book.