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haileyannereads's review against another edition
5.0
I always say I'm not a fan of high fantasy, but maybe I just haven't been reading the right books because I absolutely devoured this book and OMG. I need more. Now.
The action starts right away, the story has plenty to keep you turning the page, and it was just so good.
I also really loved the portrayal of Ziva's anxiety. It is so real. As someone with anxiety, there were multiple passages I had to mark because I felt them in my soul.
The action starts right away, the story has plenty to keep you turning the page, and it was just so good.
I also really loved the portrayal of Ziva's anxiety. It is so real. As someone with anxiety, there were multiple passages I had to mark because I felt them in my soul.
kassidyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death and Blood
Minor: Death of parent
oliviabcb's review against another edition
4.0
I have never connected to a character more than I have with Ziva. I love Tricia Levenseller, all of her books are amazing!
johanna_b's review against another edition
5.0
Three quarters of the way through, I wasn't sure how I was feeling about this one. I was enjoying it sure, but I thought it was missing something. And then we arrived in Kellyn's hometown and met his family and suddenly everything just made sense! As the oldest of five, I have so much respect for a guy who loves his big family ❤ Anyways... I haven't enjoyed a fantasy this much in so long! The 'band of misfits on a journey' trope was so much fun and the author did a great job of keeping it interesting with equal parts banter and action, knowing exactly when a change of pace was needed.
I enjoyed getting to know Ziva's mind, especially as her character developed by her slowly opening herself up to her companions. The anxiety rep was on-point and I loved the sister dynamic between Ziva and Temra. The tension between having been alone for so long just the two of them quietly living out their lives together to then being thrust out into the world and situations completely out of their control was so palpable. I loved/hated the plot twist at the end but it definitely got me super excited for book two! Happy Reading :)
I enjoyed getting to know Ziva's mind, especially as her character developed by her slowly opening herself up to her companions. The anxiety rep was on-point and I loved the sister dynamic between Ziva and Temra. The tension between having been alone for so long just the two of them quietly living out their lives together to then being thrust out into the world and situations completely out of their control was so palpable. I loved/hated the plot twist at the end but it definitely got me super excited for book two! Happy Reading :)
chainofnovels's review against another edition
4.0
i felt that when one of the characters was silently crying while being forced to burn the pages from his book
yes, this haunts me more than the cliffhanger
RTC
____
after loving [b:the shadows between us|35702241|The Shadows Between Us|Tricia Levenseller|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1558027905l/35702241._SY75_.jpg|57195957] so much, im really excited for this hehe
buddy read with lauren!!
RTC
____
after loving [b:the shadows between us|35702241|The Shadows Between Us|Tricia Levenseller|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1558027905l/35702241._SY75_.jpg|57195957] so much, im really excited for this hehe
buddy read with lauren!!
elenacolombe's review against another edition
4.0
Well, I enjoyed it, and didn’t at the same time. I really was kind of over Ziva at the end… like, just came off whiny. Social Anxiety is one thing, but being ungrateful like she is - that’s another. Maybe because I did the audio book? But I appreciated her growth right up until the end and her attitude toward Kellin for saving her instead of Temra… just… GIRL.
seekerxr's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Magic weapons being the main focus of the book? Say no more.
I very much enjoyed this book. The only other Tricia Levenseller book I've read was The Shadows Between Us, and I liked this book just as much as that one, maybe even more. The characters were loveable, the plot was gripping and easy to follow, and the romance, even if it wasn't the focus and hasn't been developed too much, was very sweet.
My favorite part was the representation. As someone who struggles with anxiety and panic attacks myself, I can say that this was very well represented. I related to a lot of what Ziva goes through, and to see it depicted accurately while also not coming across as a huge weakness during the plot is really heartening. I feel like there isn't a lot of representation for chronic anxiety in fiction beyond momentary times of panic. I see one or two panic attacks plenty in books, but having a character who struggles with it daily is important to me. I really felt seen by this book.
I'll definitely be picking up the sequel!
I very much enjoyed this book. The only other Tricia Levenseller book I've read was The Shadows Between Us, and I liked this book just as much as that one, maybe even more. The characters were loveable, the plot was gripping and easy to follow, and the romance, even if it wasn't the focus and hasn't been developed too much, was very sweet.
My favorite part was the representation. As someone who struggles with anxiety and panic attacks myself, I can say that this was very well represented. I related to a lot of what Ziva goes through, and to see it depicted accurately while also not coming across as a huge weakness during the plot is really heartening. I feel like there isn't a lot of representation for chronic anxiety in fiction beyond momentary times of panic. I see one or two panic attacks plenty in books, but having a character who struggles with it daily is important to me. I really felt seen by this book.
I'll definitely be picking up the sequel!
snowsavior's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.25
thecontrarybookworm's review against another edition
3.0
I have never before read a book with a heroine so similar to myself. Ziva’s anxiety around people was so relatable to my own. That was, in my opinion, the best thing about this book. The world construction was also very well done, with interesting parallels to Earth. It was interesting to read about a world without racism, sexism, or homophobia but with discrimination based on magic ability instead. However, the romance ruined the book for me. (How many times have I written this sentence?!) The best qualities about Kellyn were his handsomeness and muscles.