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bookly68's review against another edition
5.0
This fantasy is filled with action, adventure, twists and turns, castles and treehouses and flowers that only open when you whisper a secret to them. A very detail rich world that is changing along the characters adventures. The characters are also very rich with details, which makes a large cast easy to follow. We also see their growth as the story progresses, and I’m sure we’ll see more in the next book. The plot moves along quickly, flows beautifully and kept me turning the pages.
I really enjoyed this story immensely! I fell in love with the characters, and the treehouse (haha). If you enjoy YA Fantasy and characters who find they have powers, and lots of shocking revelations, then pick up this book!!
I really enjoyed this story immensely! I fell in love with the characters, and the treehouse (haha). If you enjoy YA Fantasy and characters who find they have powers, and lots of shocking revelations, then pick up this book!!
abbieday01's review against another edition
3.0
quick read
Obviously this is the first book in a series so be ready to not have a real ending.
The book is decently written. Characters are good. Works building is a bit to swallow, lots of backstory that doesn’t quite fit yet and names of different people groups, kingdoms, ect.
Not a bad read all on all
Obviously this is the first book in a series so be ready to not have a real ending.
The book is decently written. Characters are good. Works building is a bit to swallow, lots of backstory that doesn’t quite fit yet and names of different people groups, kingdoms, ect.
Not a bad read all on all
atheina_vismark's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
It could have been way more better if it'd been 50 (at least) pages more, explaining things and introducing us to the world a bit more in terms of lore. Fast-paced can't even explain how fast things were done in this book.
What I really liked about this book was the magic here, the different types of magics these realms have. I even liked the tropes used, even if the plot became a bit too obvious after reading a few chapters.
But taking that out?
Chaotic, everything was way too much chaotic.
At times the time the characters talked in was too confusing: last night, then this morning, when it just couldn't make sense as the morning scene had come before. The timeline of events mixed up in a couple of occasions. The main problem from me wasn't even that, it was how fast the all things played, and at some parts the unrealistic things started playing out. Half of them met on the night of the ball, how can they all trust each other so blindly? For all they know they could be hiding a spy or a murderer and they would never even suspect it? After all this at's happened inside the book one would say they grew weary - in many moments it did not seem to be the case.
2.75/3 ⭐️ And I will read book two because I still want to know how this whole thing is going to end. And if the ship I saw will actually set sail.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Torture, and Blood
nbuchholz13's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
thebooksuccubus's review against another edition
5.0
Secrets was the perfect word selection to be in the title of this books. This book is truly brimming with secrets and not just from one character but main. The start of this book begins so light and fun and then everything goes sideways at the celebration ball. Where long forgot enemies come back for revenge. Mellana seems to be right in the middle of all this chaos and thrust onto this strange new path. She is now out to save her kingdom with friends and also unlikely people who must now all work together if they are to stay alive and complete the task that has been left to them. I was constantly wanting to know what would happen next and what knew knowledge would come to live. I am also so excited to the budding relationship I see happening.
shadeslayer327's review against another edition
4.0
Exciting fantasy with beautiful writing! I also have to shout out to the narrator for doing such an amazing job with the different voices on this audiobook, especially with the different POVs, very well done.
magneticice's review against another edition
5.0
I did get this copy for free and this review is all my own.
What I can I say, I loved this book. It was such a fun read and I sat down and read it in two days because I needed to see where it would go. I love how it starts off with a group of friends and then once the Ball starts out, all sorts of crazy happens shortly after. I loved the character growth of each of the different characters. Not to mention this once a one perspective so there is not a lot of jumping around which is perfect. Adina Chiles is so great at creating a new world and I am excited to start the second book to see how much more this world gets built.
What I can I say, I loved this book. It was such a fun read and I sat down and read it in two days because I needed to see where it would go. I love how it starts off with a group of friends and then once the Ball starts out, all sorts of crazy happens shortly after. I loved the character growth of each of the different characters. Not to mention this once a one perspective so there is not a lot of jumping around which is perfect. Adina Chiles is so great at creating a new world and I am excited to start the second book to see how much more this world gets built.
the_llewbrary's review against another edition
3.0
Ok so I hate hate hate that I am writing this right now because I feel like this storyline has so much potential and is actually a great concept. But I almost DNF'ed this arc because, well, keep reading to find out.
This is going to be a bit different than my usual posts, just because I want to talk more about my experience than the actual content. Like I mentioned before, the concept is great. Lots of tropes, sure, but its a YA fantasy book and that happens a lot. The style and pacing of the book just made it an unenjoyable read. When I read it I felt like it was unedited and a first draft. I understand that it was an arc and there are going to be some typos, but the writing itself made me feel icky. I know authors spend so much time on books, but I really wanted to be honest about how I felt. Anyways, like I said, lots of potential, but 5/10.
This is going to be a bit different than my usual posts, just because I want to talk more about my experience than the actual content. Like I mentioned before, the concept is great. Lots of tropes, sure, but its a YA fantasy book and that happens a lot. The style and pacing of the book just made it an unenjoyable read. When I read it I felt like it was unedited and a first draft. I understand that it was an arc and there are going to be some typos, but the writing itself made me feel icky. I know authors spend so much time on books, but I really wanted to be honest about how I felt. Anyways, like I said, lots of potential, but 5/10.
thebookishteacorner's review against another edition
4.0
I overall liked it very much. The powers we discover along the way are interesting and I want to see Mel develop hers more in the second book. The banter between some of the characters adds a little something to the adventure, but some characters still are a little mysterious and I am curious to know more about them. It just felt a bit long to get to the first kingdom/article (and the only one) in this first book and I can't wait to see much more of the other lands in the second book !
copyrightxcasey's review against another edition
4.0
I was provided a copy of this title for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
On the lookout for a super fast paced and engaging YA fantasy? Want a series starter featuring an epic quest, a broad cast of characters and a plot that goes from zero to one hundred in an instant?
You’ve found it. Adina Chiles did something with this book, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting my chance to return to this world.
On the lookout for a super fast paced and engaging YA fantasy? Want a series starter featuring an epic quest, a broad cast of characters and a plot that goes from zero to one hundred in an instant?
You’ve found it. Adina Chiles did something with this book, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting my chance to return to this world.