auburnedge's review against another edition
4.0
Wow. This is one dark fantasy read. I appreciate that the author gave content warnings in the front of the book. It is one of my favorite things that authors are doing now. If I had gone in blind I don't think I would have made it past the first few pages.
The read follows Sasha who is torn between two places. Nightmares rule her sleep and seep over into her waking life. In these nightmares she is a slave and it is a cruel place. She remembers that she is a dancer and this is the thing that really helps to create a safe space in those cruel times. I would classify this as a dark fantasy and you can feel the oppression in the writing. It feels like a nightmare and if you aren't prepared to feel that way.
There is a slight off side romance that isn't crucial to the plot. The characters are more left to your imagination for how they look as well as the world building. A lot you need to fill in with the small details given. For a lot of the book it is great since it lets you imagine your own nightmare scene.
I would suggest this for those who enjoy a darker theme and to feel like they are in a nightmare. I would equate it to Ghost in the Shell.
The read follows Sasha who is torn between two places. Nightmares rule her sleep and seep over into her waking life. In these nightmares she is a slave and it is a cruel place. She remembers that she is a dancer and this is the thing that really helps to create a safe space in those cruel times. I would classify this as a dark fantasy and you can feel the oppression in the writing. It feels like a nightmare and if you aren't prepared to feel that way.
There is a slight off side romance that isn't crucial to the plot. The characters are more left to your imagination for how they look as well as the world building. A lot you need to fill in with the small details given. For a lot of the book it is great since it lets you imagine your own nightmare scene.
I would suggest this for those who enjoy a darker theme and to feel like they are in a nightmare. I would equate it to Ghost in the Shell.
lenoirleon's review against another edition
2.0
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The idea of this book-alternating between our world and a fantasy type world where docile, mindless "thralls" are kept as servants-is unique. However, I couldn't get engaged with the book or feel bad for the main character, so it was tough going to get through the book.
The idea of this book-alternating between our world and a fantasy type world where docile, mindless "thralls" are kept as servants-is unique. However, I couldn't get engaged with the book or feel bad for the main character, so it was tough going to get through the book.
chellseed's review against another edition
5.0
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Wow. This book took me on a wild ride. I went into this book not knowing what to expect.
The Chalice and the Crown is a book that gets very dark at times. Our main character is Sasha Nikolayeva, a ballerina following in her Mother, and Grandmothers footsteps. She has been chosen to be the lead in Swan Lake, and as pressure builds we see a bit of Black Swan style psychological pressure, as Sasha’s mind starts to unravel she struggles with memory loss and understanding what is real and what isn’t. She finds herself in a whole other world where she, and others like her are no more than slaves., or “Thralls” mindless, and obedient, these slaves exist solely to do the bidding of those that own them. The people in the City of Roses have no idea that underneath, these slaves are real people.
I really had a lot of feelings reading this book. First, I need to praise the author for a job well done, while reading this I really felt that fear, and terror while Sasha was breaking down. The tension felt so heavy. Throughout the book I felt like I was holding my breath through moments of suspense. I also want to mention that although this book started out by having subtle similarities of some of the themes found in Black Swan, it quickly transformed into something beautifully original. I would love to see more in this world!!
Wow. This book took me on a wild ride. I went into this book not knowing what to expect.
The Chalice and the Crown is a book that gets very dark at times. Our main character is Sasha Nikolayeva, a ballerina following in her Mother, and Grandmothers footsteps. She has been chosen to be the lead in Swan Lake, and as pressure builds we see a bit of Black Swan style psychological pressure, as Sasha’s mind starts to unravel she struggles with memory loss and understanding what is real and what isn’t. She finds herself in a whole other world where she, and others like her are no more than slaves., or “Thralls” mindless, and obedient, these slaves exist solely to do the bidding of those that own them. The people in the City of Roses have no idea that underneath, these slaves are real people.
I really had a lot of feelings reading this book. First, I need to praise the author for a job well done, while reading this I really felt that fear, and terror while Sasha was breaking down. The tension felt so heavy. Throughout the book I felt like I was holding my breath through moments of suspense. I also want to mention that although this book started out by having subtle similarities of some of the themes found in Black Swan, it quickly transformed into something beautifully original. I would love to see more in this world!!
danylle's review against another edition
2.0
I had a hard time finishing this book. The main character is hard to bond with, the plot is ok, the pace of the book is slower than it should have been and it jumps around too much.
nushreadsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book.
This was definitely an interesting book. I loved the uncertainty, the fear of descending into madness, the desperation to cling to life. It had a strong start but after a while my enthusiasm for this story petered out.
I think the progression of the plot was quite jumpy and abrupt - there were a few times that I thought that the characters would reveal a large plot point only to have the conversation or chapter end without a revelation.
Overall, this was a interesting book, but I needed the plot to have flown a lot more smother than it had.
This was definitely an interesting book. I loved the uncertainty, the fear of descending into madness, the desperation to cling to life. It had a strong start but after a while my enthusiasm for this story petered out.
I think the progression of the plot was quite jumpy and abrupt - there were a few times that I thought that the characters would reveal a large plot point only to have the conversation or chapter end without a revelation.
Overall, this was a interesting book, but I needed the plot to have flown a lot more smother than it had.
bibliophiliadk's review against another edition
4.0
DARK FANTASY THAT EXPLORES THE LINE BETWEEN MAGIC AND INSANITY
This was a hauntingly dark book that had me guessing a lot of the time. I am a fan of dark fantasy and this was probably some of the darkest I have read in a long time.
This was a hauntingly dark book that had me guessing a lot of the time. I am a fan of dark fantasy and this was probably some of the darkest I have read in a long time.
"Something dark, something dangerous has been stalking me from the shadows of sleep and it's getting closer"
- Sasha
nessietwihard02's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC!
A couple of things I want to note: I was really, really sucked into this world and I was beyond excited to get a copy of the eARC.
I’ve always been curious of the world of dance, and the ballet world is something I’m really in awe of. The discipline and the dedication that the dancers have is awe inspiring. I do think that they’re in a lot of pressure to do well and that leads to strained psychological health.
Reading this book is such an experience. The author paints a picture of the worlds that Sasha has been immersed in, and I thought that the world building (both of them), was really, really great. However, I did find myself confused in a few parts because I’m not as well versed in books with this much dark themes
A couple of things I want to note: I was really, really sucked into this world and I was beyond excited to get a copy of the eARC.
I’ve always been curious of the world of dance, and the ballet world is something I’m really in awe of. The discipline and the dedication that the dancers have is awe inspiring. I do think that they’re in a lot of pressure to do well and that leads to strained psychological health.
Reading this book is such an experience. The author paints a picture of the worlds that Sasha has been immersed in, and I thought that the world building (both of them), was really, really great. However, I did find myself confused in a few parts because I’m not as well versed in books with this much dark themes
tbhonest_uk's review against another edition
5.0
The Chalice and the Crown is a beautifully written. A dark and vivid read that takes your breath away with the sinister and deceptively beautiful world it creates.
A must read.
A must read.
rhodesbookshelf_'s review
5.0
The Chalize and the Crown tells the story of Sasha, a ballet dancer who suffers from awful nightmares that drag her into a world of violence and magic, and makes her slowly lose contact with reality.
Wow, that was incredible. I have no words.
It’s been a while since a read a book that left me in shock and sobbing. This story was so well written, so beautiful and raw and freaking interesting from page one. I couldn’t stop reading, it was THAT addictive. I love every character with my heart. What Sasha goes through, and the way her story is written, just dragged me into that world too. I definitely feel like even the villains are absolutely necessary for the actual background of the story.
So many scenes broke my heart, so many made me smile and so many made me sob like a baby, and even though I was expecting another ending to it, I wouldn’t change what happened. And the plot twists? WOW I was all the time trying to figure out what was happening and the meaning of certain scenes and characters, and still it all surprised me.
Am I sad that Sasha and Sadra didn’t end up together? Definitely. Am I happy with the final ships anyway? Hell yes.
Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, that was incredible. I have no words.
It’s been a while since a read a book that left me in shock and sobbing. This story was so well written, so beautiful and raw and freaking interesting from page one. I couldn’t stop reading, it was THAT addictive. I love every character with my heart. What Sasha goes through, and the way her story is written, just dragged me into that world too. I definitely feel like even the villains are absolutely necessary for the actual background of the story.
So many scenes broke my heart, so many made me smile and so many made me sob like a baby, and even though I was expecting another ending to it, I wouldn’t change what happened. And the plot twists? WOW I was all the time trying to figure out what was happening and the meaning of certain scenes and characters, and still it all surprised me.
Am I sad that Sasha and Sadra didn’t end up together? Definitely. Am I happy with the final ships anyway? Hell yes.
Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
popthebutterfly's review against another edition
3.0
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the tour company. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Chalice and the Crown
Author: Kassandra Flamouri
Book Series: Standalone?
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: Magic, Rebellion
Publication Date: June 5, 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (violence, assault, slavery, death, sexual abuse TW, physical abuse TW)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 364
Synopsis: Driven, talented, and determined to live up to her family's fame, Sasha Nikolayeva is ballet’s crown princess. But just when Sasha lands her most prestigious role yet, she falls prey to a host of disturbing neurological symptoms that threaten to end her career and her very life. As her mind and body deteriorate, Sasha spirals into a nightmare world where beauty and cruelty exist in the same breath and villains rule from the shadows.
In the glittering, sharp-edged City of Roses, Sasha is no princess. She’s a thrall, a slave. Thousands like her suffer in cursed silence while citizens enjoy the splendor of the City, blissfully unaware that their servants are anything more than living dolls enchanted to do their bidding. But the City's slavers know the truth, and they are always watching. One misstep could cost Sasha her life—or her soul.
Even as she endures the violence and indignity of captivity, Sasha can't help being drawn to the beauty of her nightmare world and the underground rebels who offer her friendship, shelter, even love. Before Sasha can break her chains for good, she'll need to choose between the life waiting for her at home and the countless lives she could save if she stays. To choose a nightmare over her real life, her future, would be madness...but maybe a little madness is just what it takes to change the fate of a city built on lies.
Review: For the most part this book was pretty good. The plot was interesting and the character development was really well done. I feel like the writing was also very well done and it made it easy to breeze through the novel.
However, this was an incredibly dark book and it was very hard for me to get through. I advise everyone to be careful reading this one.
Verdict: A good book, but so dark.
Book: The Chalice and the Crown
Author: Kassandra Flamouri
Book Series: Standalone?
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: Magic, Rebellion
Publication Date: June 5, 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (violence, assault, slavery, death, sexual abuse TW, physical abuse TW)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 364
Synopsis: Driven, talented, and determined to live up to her family's fame, Sasha Nikolayeva is ballet’s crown princess. But just when Sasha lands her most prestigious role yet, she falls prey to a host of disturbing neurological symptoms that threaten to end her career and her very life. As her mind and body deteriorate, Sasha spirals into a nightmare world where beauty and cruelty exist in the same breath and villains rule from the shadows.
In the glittering, sharp-edged City of Roses, Sasha is no princess. She’s a thrall, a slave. Thousands like her suffer in cursed silence while citizens enjoy the splendor of the City, blissfully unaware that their servants are anything more than living dolls enchanted to do their bidding. But the City's slavers know the truth, and they are always watching. One misstep could cost Sasha her life—or her soul.
Even as she endures the violence and indignity of captivity, Sasha can't help being drawn to the beauty of her nightmare world and the underground rebels who offer her friendship, shelter, even love. Before Sasha can break her chains for good, she'll need to choose between the life waiting for her at home and the countless lives she could save if she stays. To choose a nightmare over her real life, her future, would be madness...but maybe a little madness is just what it takes to change the fate of a city built on lies.
Review: For the most part this book was pretty good. The plot was interesting and the character development was really well done. I feel like the writing was also very well done and it made it easy to breeze through the novel.
However, this was an incredibly dark book and it was very hard for me to get through. I advise everyone to be careful reading this one.
Verdict: A good book, but so dark.