esseastri's review against another edition
5.0
AAAAHHHHHH
AAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
That's all I got.
Okay, I got a tiny bit more:
I couldn't stop thinking about this book for several DAYS after I'd finished it. I love it. The characters are rich and full of beautiful vulnerabilities and empowering strengths. The setting is unique and fascinating--tell me everything about the empire and the revolution and the magic! the magic! The magic vs the technology! I loved Heidi Helig's first duology, but she's seriously leveled up with this book. Her prose is poetic and stunning, her characters are amazing, her world is absolutely to die for. I'm obsessed with this book, and I can't wait for more.
AAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
That's all I got.
Okay, I got a tiny bit more:
I couldn't stop thinking about this book for several DAYS after I'd finished it. I love it. The characters are rich and full of beautiful vulnerabilities and empowering strengths. The setting is unique and fascinating--tell me everything about the empire and the revolution and the magic! the magic! The magic vs the technology! I loved Heidi Helig's first duology, but she's seriously leveled up with this book. Her prose is poetic and stunning, her characters are amazing, her world is absolutely to die for. I'm obsessed with this book, and I can't wait for more.
peachywrites's review against another edition
5.0
I am so glad i picked up this book! So many twists and heart wrenching scenes. The writing is fantastic and i binged read this entire book in 2 days.
The ending leave you wanting more. i cant wait for the next one!
The ending leave you wanting more. i cant wait for the next one!
itnotmackenzie's review against another edition
5.0
I love Heidi Heilig!! Her last duology dealt with a mixed race Chinese/white protagonist which is the first time I've ever seen myself in a book! And in this book, the main character is bipolar which I have also never seen in many novels - certainly not fantasy novels. And some characters with PTSD it seemed like. I really really love her representation. I also like that this book had a lot to do with colonialism and racism - some of the scenes/emotions felt very relevant. The magic system (blood magic, binding spirits) is pretty cool. The world also seems quite beautiful. I really liked Leo's character. I wish there had been more of the girls (Cheeky, Tia) because they seemed really cool. I was a tad confused by the ending but nevertheless I can't wait for the sequel!
hboyd494's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
4.0
quotes
" No one knows anything, but everyone is sure of something, and they’re getting out before it’s too late. And though fear is invisible, there is a weight and size to it; it wraps round our necks, it drags at our feet, it sits on our backs like a sin, making every step a journey. But all we can do is carry on. "
" I have never abandoned hope, but at times, hope abandons me. I can feel it now, trying to escape, like the spark of my soul, all the light in me. I clench my fists as though I can hold it close, but it slips out in my protests, my pleas, and finally, my bitter laughter. One of the soldiers sneers down at me as though he knows I’m mad—but I have never felt more sane. It is the rest of the world that doesn’t make sense. "
" No one knows anything, but everyone is sure of something, and they’re getting out before it’s too late. And though fear is invisible, there is a weight and size to it; it wraps round our necks, it drags at our feet, it sits on our backs like a sin, making every step a journey. But all we can do is carry on. "
" I have never abandoned hope, but at times, hope abandons me. I can feel it now, trying to escape, like the spark of my soul, all the light in me. I clench my fists as though I can hold it close, but it slips out in my protests, my pleas, and finally, my bitter laughter. One of the soldiers sneers down at me as though he knows I’m mad—but I have never felt more sane. It is the rest of the world that doesn’t make sense. "
bright_night's review against another edition
3.0
Heilig's writing was very good and the story was as interesting. However, the interruption (letters, telegrams, play, music) kept pulling me out of the story.
kamjam's review against another edition
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
3.0
chwaters's review against another edition
4.0
Jetta and her family are the most talented shadow puppeteers in Chakrana, mainly due to Jetta's unique supernatural abilities. She is able to bind the souls of the dead to her puppets, creating spectacles never before seen. As impressive as her talents are, she must never let anyone outside of her family know what she can do since necromancy is illegal. Nevertheless, she and her family hope to parlay their increasing fame in shadow puppetry into a trip to Aquitan, the overseas seat of power. There, Jetta hopes to drink from the fabled spring that might cure her "malheur" (essentially, bipolar disorder) as it has been rumored to aid Aquitan's le roi fou (the Mad King). The family is well on their way to gaining royal favor when a rebel attack forces a significant change of plans.
I geniunely enjoyed this series opener, which was something of a relief since I had also enjoyed Heilig's previous duology and this plot seemed like it could be hit or miss. For me, it was a well-paced, well-plotted hit. Jetta is a sympathetic character, as are her parents. Jetta lives with a mental illness and it is one of the driving forces in the plot. Secondary characters, both villainous and virtuous, are intriguing and nuanced, in particular Leo and the ladies of La Perl. The magic system feels fresh, but not completely unfamiliar. Hand this one to readers looking for a fantasy that doesn't read or feel like any they've read before.
I geniunely enjoyed this series opener, which was something of a relief since I had also enjoyed Heilig's previous duology and this plot seemed like it could be hit or miss. For me, it was a well-paced, well-plotted hit. Jetta is a sympathetic character, as are her parents. Jetta lives with a mental illness and it is one of the driving forces in the plot. Secondary characters, both villainous and virtuous, are intriguing and nuanced, in particular Leo and the ladies of La Perl. The magic system feels fresh, but not completely unfamiliar. Hand this one to readers looking for a fantasy that doesn't read or feel like any they've read before.
elyse12's review against another edition
3.0
Honestly, I don’t know how to rate this book. I was listening to the audiobook and it literally went through one ear and out the other. My brain captured some parts but big pieces of the story are missing from it that I can’t process it correctly. I know I liked the characters, I know I liked the magic and the main character’s connection to it. What’s missing for is me is the world building and who we’re actually fighting and what are we fighting for? The main character and her family are trying to escape their country because she has a mental illness that she wishes to cure, they get a guy to help them, a lot of stuff goes down, then the end. I will leave my rating at 3 stars for now and will reread in the future.
angelcwrites's review against another edition
5.0
They used to mark places on maps with “here there be dragons.” A warning yes, but also an invitation of sorts for those who wanted to see for sure. It’s the same spirit that I found in FOR A MUSE OF FIRE, a story led by a character caught between the shadows and the fire, and feeling like she might be a bit of both. This is a book that expands the oeuvre of what YA fantasy can do and be for readers, and the worlds that we find ourselves remaking.
Full review to come closer to release date.
Full review to come closer to release date.