Scan barcode
nclcaitlin's review against another edition
3.5
Indiana Jones meets fantasy and incredible character work and great writing!
Expect gods, magical abilities, a hunt for powerful characters, pirates, and midnight rendezvous.
Eska de Caraval is an archeologist from a wealthy and educated family who becomes embroiled in politics after being framed, increasing the urgency of her mission and the stakes.
On the other hand, Manon’s magical abilities make her a source of distrust. Following a failed assassination attempt, Manon and her brother are thrown in prison. To restore her family’s name and her freedom, Manon must resort to desperate means.
There is also a pov from a bumbling scholar called Albus who I adored! I definitely want more interactions between him and Eska!
Fourteen pairs of eyes stared across the deck at Albus. Some were resentful, some fearful. All were making it abundantly clear that they did not trust Albus with their lives. And why should they? He was not of their crew. He was a stranger, a temporary passenger. Worst of all, he preferred the company of books to the company of people.
The opening of the book was incredibly fun! If I had any hesitancy listening to this audiobook after hearing nothing about it beforehand, I was quickly convinced and addicted.
The dialogue was a delight - funny, tense, and realistic; supplemented by a steady pace of tension and quieter important character moments.
Whilst the ending started to drag slightly and I did find myself yearning for the more fun, lightheartedness of the start, this could also be a result of me binging this in one day following an eye surgery stuck in a dark room.
With strong characters, an engaging premise, and with sharp enough to be wielded as a blade, this was a delight!
Expect gods, magical abilities, a hunt for powerful characters, pirates, and midnight rendezvous.
Eska de Caraval is an archeologist from a wealthy and educated family who becomes embroiled in politics after being framed, increasing the urgency of her mission and the stakes.
On the other hand, Manon’s magical abilities make her a source of distrust. Following a failed assassination attempt, Manon and her brother are thrown in prison. To restore her family’s name and her freedom, Manon must resort to desperate means.
There is also a pov from a bumbling scholar called Albus who I adored! I definitely want more interactions between him and Eska!
Fourteen pairs of eyes stared across the deck at Albus. Some were resentful, some fearful. All were making it abundantly clear that they did not trust Albus with their lives. And why should they? He was not of their crew. He was a stranger, a temporary passenger. Worst of all, he preferred the company of books to the company of people.
The opening of the book was incredibly fun! If I had any hesitancy listening to this audiobook after hearing nothing about it beforehand, I was quickly convinced and addicted.
The dialogue was a delight - funny, tense, and realistic; supplemented by a steady pace of tension and quieter important character moments.
Whilst the ending started to drag slightly and I did find myself yearning for the more fun, lightheartedness of the start, this could also be a result of me binging this in one day following an eye surgery stuck in a dark room.
With strong characters, an engaging premise, and with sharp enough to be wielded as a blade, this was a delight!
frogg983's review
Started it and it felt kinda flat but had enough intrigue to keep me reading to find out more. I stopped it to start a library book before the loan ended and when I came back to it I had trouble remembering the details and who was who and the intrigue was lost. Might restart it in the future but for now it's benched.
hindessm's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent multifaceted story with some brilliant characters. Looking forward to the next book already.
alwroteabook's review against another edition
5.0
A fun tale of magic set in a grim world trying to better itself featuring a wrongfully accused archaeologist trying to clear her name. The world is interesting, the story moves at a good pace and the characters are solid. I listened to the audio and the narrator did a good job keeping the story moving and bringing life to the characters.
tezzarudge's review against another edition
4.0
As some other reviews suggest, the front cover for this book might be a little misleading. If you are looking for this book to be a grimdark type novel, that's not what you get.
What you did get is an Indiana Jones types book, but with some pirates, magic and a sassy librarian.
The world building is the best feature of this book. The author does a great job in creating imagery and a thought provoking world. Which I found outshined a lot of books of similar topics .
The characters were pretty strong and there were some really well crafted arcs, weaved into the story.
The story and plot didnt particular do a lot for me. I didnt find myself desperate to keep reading for the story and the outcomes, whilst combating the fact I did really like the world and some of the main character. I almost felt the book could of been a bit more edgy and the elements of peril for the main characters could of been heightened.
However, another really strong SPFBO7 finalist
What you did get is an Indiana Jones types book, but with some pirates, magic and a sassy librarian.
The world building is the best feature of this book. The author does a great job in creating imagery and a thought provoking world. Which I found outshined a lot of books of similar topics .
The characters were pretty strong and there were some really well crafted arcs, weaved into the story.
The story and plot didnt particular do a lot for me. I didnt find myself desperate to keep reading for the story and the outcomes, whilst combating the fact I did really like the world and some of the main character. I almost felt the book could of been a bit more edgy and the elements of peril for the main characters could of been heightened.
However, another really strong SPFBO7 finalist
reliures's review against another edition
5.0
Such a good book. A fantasy twist of Indiana Jones, Lara Croft and The Mummy, as in adventurous archaeologists and treasure hunters and librarians making discoveries and trying to save the world.
Impeccable world building, paired with some great archeological and treasure hunting episodes; as somebody who studied art history these moments were some of my favourite to read.
and I just loved the characters! Eska and Manon are polar opposites but i just loved them equally. Also Perrin, Luca, Keleut and Albus were characters I particularly loved too.
The plot itself is great mix of adventure, mystery and political scheming.
The book was co-authored but the writing didn’t suffer from it at all, it’s was really well written and flowed perfectly. I love the little interludes that ranged from scientific reports to letters to newspaper articles, they really added to the world building in a very organic manner.
The ending, especially the future of three characters, makes me really anticipate the sequel to this wonderful book.
Impeccable world building, paired with some great archeological and treasure hunting episodes; as somebody who studied art history these moments were some of my favourite to read.
and I just loved the characters! Eska and Manon are polar opposites but i just loved them equally. Also Perrin, Luca, Keleut and Albus were characters I particularly loved too.
The plot itself is great mix of adventure, mystery and political scheming.
The book was co-authored but the writing didn’t suffer from it at all, it’s was really well written and flowed perfectly. I love the little interludes that ranged from scientific reports to letters to newspaper articles, they really added to the world building in a very organic manner.
The ending, especially the future of three characters, makes me really anticipate the sequel to this wonderful book.
kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition
4.0
Biggest Pros:
Female leads, and scientists too boot!
Amazing audio version as well
Biggest Flaw - It took me a while to fully form the characters in my head, and keep them apart from each other.
Once we learned more about them and their backstory I got fully sucked into the world and got a firm footing in the world. And the world is a rather big one! I loved all the history and cultures to be found. It never felt like just a backdrop for the story, but rather like you could lift every stone, and actually find more underneath it, or behind every horizon.
So despite taking a bit to get in, I really loved both our destitute and well off archaeologists, and I especially liked the friendship between Eska and Albus. I wish more books had a strong friendship as a bond, instead of always going for romance! More friends please! Once we saw more of each of them they quickly became well rounded and three dimensional characters, who I was more than happy to follow on their adventures!
Female leads, and scientists too boot!
Amazing audio version as well
Biggest Flaw - It took me a while to fully form the characters in my head, and keep them apart from each other.
Once we learned more about them and their backstory I got fully sucked into the world and got a firm footing in the world. And the world is a rather big one! I loved all the history and cultures to be found. It never felt like just a backdrop for the story, but rather like you could lift every stone, and actually find more underneath it, or behind every horizon.
So despite taking a bit to get in, I really loved both our destitute and well off archaeologists, and I especially liked the friendship between Eska and Albus. I wish more books had a strong friendship as a bond, instead of always going for romance! More friends please! Once we saw more of each of them they quickly became well rounded and three dimensional characters, who I was more than happy to follow on their adventures!
wtaylor1321's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
llmacrae's review against another edition
5.0
What a fun, fun read that was!
Indiana Jones meets renaissance Italy is how this book is described. Having never seen any of the aforementioned films (but having a passing familiarity with what they entail), I thought I had a decent idea of what to expect going in. It did well to set the scene and made this book particularly enjoyable.
Shadows of Ivory contains some of my very favourite tropes - ancient artefacts, powerful magic, and lots of unexplained, yet-to-be-uncovered treasures. As well as gods that may or may not interact with their subjects, and how people respond to their beliefs. So it immediately ticked boxes, and it was a thrilling adventure to be part of!
Mostly I love to read for escapism and exploring another world, however I really came to care for several of the characters in this book. Perrin had my heart from the first page we meet him (I just want to protect him, he’s too pure), but I also loved Albus. These two absolutely stole the story for me and I want to hug them both very tightly!
Of the main characters, I sympathised a lot with Manon. She’s at a disadvantage for starters, but also comes from a complicated, somewhat criminal family. It’s not to say that Eska’s family is any “purer” or “better,” however they have far more power and privilege which means they (and by extension, Eska) can get away with a lot more.
Manon’s resentment is completely understandable, along with trying to hide her own secrets as well as the burden of responsibility she has for her brother. Manon and Perrin have been completely let down by their families, by the people who are supposed to show up for them unconditionally, and been thrown into the deep end to, essentially, sink or swim.
I also sympathised with this fractured family and relationship Manon has with her father, as well as what the rest of her family might or might not have done. She is incredibly well-layered as a character, although I admit that I disagreed with many of her decisions (which made it difficult to root for her at times) but I found her story incredibly fascinating. She goes through an amazing journey and ends up in places I could not have predicted.
Eska has a good heart and is far less judgemental of others, which is admirable considering the environment she has grown up in. I could see why Manon thinks of her as spoiled and entitled, and she is to an extent, but Eska is incredibly likeable and carries herself with confidence (and unapologetic fierceness), which I absolutely respect. I never grew tired of seeing what she would do or say next, to get herself into or out of a sticky situation. She never gives up, rarely doubts herself, and really is the leader to her people. It’s easy to see why and how she inspires love and loyalty.
She is not without flaws, of course, and I love how much the world building fits into the characters’ journeys. As an example, Eska is reliant on harrow root powder, which for all intents and purposes, is a stimulant drug that heightens her senses, reflexes, and even sharpens her mind. There are some huge consequences to using this, which she often ignores. She ends up embroiled in difficult situation after difficult situation, and though it seems she runs a lot, she’s always moving forward to her next step.
Carriers are the name given to those in this world who can use magic. I honestly feel we have only scratched the surface of what this is and the depths of power we’ll be able to see. We meet two Carriers, one of fire and one of water, and there are other types discussed and hinted at. I imagine we get to explore this in later books, which is incredibly exciting, and one thing I am really looking forward to in the sequel. Additionally, there are other powders and substances that can increase the power of a Carrier’s magic, which gives the magic system some fluidity and rules that will no doubt be bent or broken.
I also really loved the interludes, which added a bit of extra world building or dialogue between characters to flesh everything out a bit more while adding a break from heavier story beats. They also were brilliant at hinting some things to come in the future or what had occurred in the past, which goes a long way to show how alive this world is.
Underlying this entire story is a vast amount of history, which really brings everything to a cohesive whole. Most of the political issues, culture classes, desperation for revenge etc. are driven by hundreds or thousands of years of history. War and oppression runs deep, and whether it’s a skeleton in the wrong place, a forgotten city trying to rise up, or a pirate captain trying to “fix” things before she dies, it is clear a huge amount of work has gone into building this world up into the stunning read it is now.
Shadows of Ivory is very well-written, and the world building is absolutely incredible. I would have loved a map or an encyclopaedia to study as much as Eska studies her dig sites!
Highly recommend if you want a fresh fantasy not set in typical medieval-style locations, full of brilliantly-written female characters and a treasure trove of world-building and history (both ancient and recent) to devour!
Indiana Jones meets renaissance Italy is how this book is described. Having never seen any of the aforementioned films (but having a passing familiarity with what they entail), I thought I had a decent idea of what to expect going in. It did well to set the scene and made this book particularly enjoyable.
Shadows of Ivory contains some of my very favourite tropes - ancient artefacts, powerful magic, and lots of unexplained, yet-to-be-uncovered treasures. As well as gods that may or may not interact with their subjects, and how people respond to their beliefs. So it immediately ticked boxes, and it was a thrilling adventure to be part of!
Mostly I love to read for escapism and exploring another world, however I really came to care for several of the characters in this book. Perrin had my heart from the first page we meet him (I just want to protect him, he’s too pure), but I also loved Albus. These two absolutely stole the story for me and I want to hug them both very tightly!
Of the main characters, I sympathised a lot with Manon. She’s at a disadvantage for starters, but also comes from a complicated, somewhat criminal family. It’s not to say that Eska’s family is any “purer” or “better,” however they have far more power and privilege which means they (and by extension, Eska) can get away with a lot more.
Manon’s resentment is completely understandable, along with trying to hide her own secrets as well as the burden of responsibility she has for her brother. Manon and Perrin have been completely let down by their families, by the people who are supposed to show up for them unconditionally, and been thrown into the deep end to, essentially, sink or swim.
I also sympathised with this fractured family and relationship Manon has with her father, as well as what the rest of her family might or might not have done. She is incredibly well-layered as a character, although I admit that I disagreed with many of her decisions (which made it difficult to root for her at times) but I found her story incredibly fascinating. She goes through an amazing journey and ends up in places I could not have predicted.
Eska has a good heart and is far less judgemental of others, which is admirable considering the environment she has grown up in. I could see why Manon thinks of her as spoiled and entitled, and she is to an extent, but Eska is incredibly likeable and carries herself with confidence (and unapologetic fierceness), which I absolutely respect. I never grew tired of seeing what she would do or say next, to get herself into or out of a sticky situation. She never gives up, rarely doubts herself, and really is the leader to her people. It’s easy to see why and how she inspires love and loyalty.
She is not without flaws, of course, and I love how much the world building fits into the characters’ journeys. As an example, Eska is reliant on harrow root powder, which for all intents and purposes, is a stimulant drug that heightens her senses, reflexes, and even sharpens her mind. There are some huge consequences to using this, which she often ignores. She ends up embroiled in difficult situation after difficult situation, and though it seems she runs a lot, she’s always moving forward to her next step.
Carriers are the name given to those in this world who can use magic. I honestly feel we have only scratched the surface of what this is and the depths of power we’ll be able to see. We meet two Carriers, one of fire and one of water, and there are other types discussed and hinted at. I imagine we get to explore this in later books, which is incredibly exciting, and one thing I am really looking forward to in the sequel. Additionally, there are other powders and substances that can increase the power of a Carrier’s magic, which gives the magic system some fluidity and rules that will no doubt be bent or broken.
I also really loved the interludes, which added a bit of extra world building or dialogue between characters to flesh everything out a bit more while adding a break from heavier story beats. They also were brilliant at hinting some things to come in the future or what had occurred in the past, which goes a long way to show how alive this world is.
Underlying this entire story is a vast amount of history, which really brings everything to a cohesive whole. Most of the political issues, culture classes, desperation for revenge etc. are driven by hundreds or thousands of years of history. War and oppression runs deep, and whether it’s a skeleton in the wrong place, a forgotten city trying to rise up, or a pirate captain trying to “fix” things before she dies, it is clear a huge amount of work has gone into building this world up into the stunning read it is now.
Shadows of Ivory is very well-written, and the world building is absolutely incredible. I would have loved a map or an encyclopaedia to study as much as Eska studies her dig sites!
Highly recommend if you want a fresh fantasy not set in typical medieval-style locations, full of brilliantly-written female characters and a treasure trove of world-building and history (both ancient and recent) to devour!