hereiskir's review
adventurous
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
3.5
asimm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
3.0
alexabookish's review against another edition
4.0
4/4.5 stars. i liked the first book better, but i still loved being in this world with these characters again!
natcommon's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this more than the first. It built upon the first book, but also could be read as on its own. It was more intense and had higher stakes than the first. I would love to read another book in the series. It's fun and a great palette cleanser.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
pageturning578's review against another edition
dark
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
3 stars...
I read this book for spookopoly hosted by Becca and the Books. I stretched the book with Ravens or Birds prompt as this series is literally called the Ravens.
I read the first book at the beginning of my Bookstagram journey when it came out a few years ago and enjoyed it. Even with the first book I found the characters to be very young YA even tho they are supposed to be in college. Some of their decision making stills were lacking or just for selfish reasons. Unfortunately this trend continued into book 2.
For me personally I really wanted to vibe with this storyline but I just didn't feel connected to either of the main girls. When bad things started to happen again I thought that Scarlet should have reached out to the adults or alumni for help a lot sooner. Her motives for not wanting to loose the Presidency of the sorority were very selfish to me. Like clearly dark / evil things were happening that were out of her control! <spoiler >And I think loosing their magic could have totally been prevented by NOT doing magic from a book you've never seen! DUH!!!
Vivi was a whole other level (eye roll stupid decision making) this girl I swear had uncontrollable magic before she started reading the bad book. The authors never explained why evil spirits seem to be attracted to her and she seems to be obsessed with bad magic??? like what the heck girl... This character was very frustrating for me...I know she just wanted to feel loved and accepted but honey just be you...you don't need some sketchy book that actually harms you when you cast its spells.
As for the big reveal I just found the whole thing underwhelming - like oh it was the only other boy from the series that we didn't think was a suspect... I was just very meh about the ending... like after they closed the gate everything is miraculously going to be ok and each girl is back with their boyfriend? like really thats it? thats how you're going to end this...no consequences from the adults or prevention for future evil spirts?
Again I wanted to love this series but in the end it just didn't work for me... but I think I'm starting to branch away from YA at this point in my reading journey...
I read this book for spookopoly hosted by Becca and the Books. I stretched the book with Ravens or Birds prompt as this series is literally called the Ravens.
I read the first book at the beginning of my Bookstagram journey when it came out a few years ago and enjoyed it. Even with the first book I found the characters to be very young YA even tho they are supposed to be in college. Some of their decision making stills were lacking or just for selfish reasons. Unfortunately this trend continued into book 2.
For me personally I really wanted to vibe with this storyline but I just didn't feel connected to either of the main girls. When bad things started to happen again I thought that Scarlet should have reached out to the adults or alumni for help a lot sooner. Her motives for not wanting to loose the Presidency of the sorority were very selfish to me. Like clearly dark / evil things were happening that were out of her control! <spoiler >And I think loosing their magic could have totally been prevented by NOT doing magic from a book you've never seen! DUH!!!
Vivi was a whole other level (eye roll stupid decision making) this girl I swear had uncontrollable magic before she started reading the bad book. The authors never explained why evil spirits seem to be attracted to her and she seems to be obsessed with bad magic??? like what the heck girl... This character was very frustrating for me...I know she just wanted to feel loved and accepted but honey just be you...you don't need some sketchy book that actually harms you when you cast its spells.
As for the big reveal I just found the whole thing underwhelming - like oh it was the only other boy from the series that we didn't think was a suspect... I was just very meh about the ending... like after they closed the gate everything is miraculously going to be ok and each girl is back with their boyfriend? like really thats it? thats how you're going to end this...no consequences from the adults or prevention for future evil spirts?
Again I wanted to love this series but in the end it just didn't work for me... but I think I'm starting to branch away from YA at this point in my reading journey...
jenny_readss's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bibliotherapybliss's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? Yes
3.75
"The Monarchs," a sequel to "The Ravens," had big shoes to fill after my appreciation of its predecessor. While it didn't quite match the heights of the original, it remains a good read in its own right, offering a story that, while not as character-driven as the first book, still manages to captivate readers.
This installment picks up with Vivi and Scarlett as they navigate the aftermath of a year filled with loss and upheaval. Determined to move forward and prove that they're still a force to be reckoned with, they face the daunting challenge of preserving the sisterhood they cherish. Yet, as the new school year commences, an ominous darkness begins to infiltrate their idyllic world, leaving them scrambling to make sense of the unraveling mysteries.
While the first book placed significant emphasis on character development, "The Monarchs" leans more on its plot, making it a slightly surprising approach for a young adult novel. Despite this shift, the story doesn't shy away from highlighting the importance of found family and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood. While romantic love plays a more prominent role here than in the original, it's not overdone and fits well within the narrative.
One of the highlights of "The Monarchs" is its ability to deliver unexpected twists and turns, particularly in the final chapters. The book manages to keep readers on their toes, preventing them from guessing the culprit and eliciting genuine gasps of surprise.
Overall, "The Monarchs" may not surpass its predecessor, but it remains a good read, particularly for those seeking a casual autumnal story. The themes of sisterhood and a well-executed plot make it a worthy addition to the series, and it's certainly a recommendation I'd make to a friend in search of an engaging read.
hckilgour's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Who the bad guy was, totally didn’t see coming! Nor did I expect the ending for Jackson until Scarlett had the idea for it.
The first half of the book was a lot of set up and a little slow. The back half was definitely more action packed.
I do have a few small issues. The first one was that Scarlett was more or less on the drunker side of tipsy when she went to the bar after not even finishing one drink. It was just… unrealistic. Then when the snake bit her in the final battle it affected her immediately. Generally that stuff has at least a 30 minute time delay.
The book is also called The Monarchs, after the society of the women who have graduated from Kapa. But the monarchs were completely useless and there for all of… two chapters. So why call the book the monarchs?
I was also surprised Scarlett’s mom brushed her off when she started asking about the Hades gate. Like… oh my kids asking about this dangerous thing she shouldn’t know about, let’s shut that down. Like… do you not think she’s asking about it because she friggin found it?!
The first half of the book was a lot of set up and a little slow. The back half was definitely more action packed.
I do have a few small issues. The first one was that Scarlett was more or less on the drunker side of tipsy when she went to the bar after not even finishing one drink. It was just… unrealistic. Then when the snake bit her in the final battle it affected her immediately. Generally that stuff has at least a 30 minute time delay.
The book is also called The Monarchs, after the society of the women who have graduated from Kapa. But the monarchs were completely useless and there for all of… two chapters. So why call the book the monarchs?
I was also surprised Scarlett’s mom brushed her off when she started asking about the Hades gate. Like… oh my kids asking about this dangerous thing she shouldn’t know about, let’s shut that down. Like… do you not think she’s asking about it because she friggin found it?!