janessaalexis's review against another edition
4.0
Really really glad to have finally read this one!
I've owned this book for the past five years and wish I had picked it up sooner.
I've owned this book for the past five years and wish I had picked it up sooner.
gialuna2's review against another edition
3.5
This was fun and well written. A little on the slow mundane side at times. I wish Valek had more personality. It feels like she only likes him because he is handsome and good at fighting. I wanted something a bit more passionate. His declarations were just quite... boring
kelz31's review against another edition
3.0
Yelena was given the choice: hang for her crime, or be trained as the Commander's food tester. A guaranteed death, or a probable one. Now trained to detect any poison in food or drink, Yelena is dragged into the politics of a fledgling society where everyone is keeping secrets and at any moment, her life could be forfeit.
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would, though it's not a particularly strong YA book. It does have a good concept and some good execution, but it is, at the moment, unlikely that I will continue with the series.
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would, though it's not a particularly strong YA book. It does have a good concept and some good execution, but it is, at the moment, unlikely that I will continue with the series.
readinginvelaris's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
emilybriano's review against another edition
4.0
I don't normally notice weak writing, but I did with this book. The strange thing is that I didn't really care. I thought the characters were compelling and the plot wasn't as predictible as I thought it would be. Will I read the next one? You bet your Butterfly Dust!
heapofhay's review against another edition
3.75
Liked the beginning and loved the middle but the end felt too rushed
nataliesen's review against another edition
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? No
4.5
lmgonzal's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great introduction to the series. Engaging, fun and I couldn't put it down. I flew through the entire series in under two weeks. I highly suggest everyone give it a read!
maevebillings's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Violence, Physical abuse, Murder, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, and Vomit
Minor: Child abuse, Sexual harassment, Physical abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Blood, and Transphobia
franciscasreading_'s review against another edition
2.0
MAIN PROBLEMS:
This book is very VERY predictable I mean, even I could predict everything that was going to happen which is unusual to say the least. The pace of the romance is awfully done, they make you believe it's going to be a relative well made slow burn and then, at the end, all of the sudden, they rush into cheesy cringey confessions when they are both smelling like rats... C'mon Valek, thought you were gonna be better than that, smh.
CHARACTER-WISE:
Yelena also makes some stupid decisions for someone who is trying to keep themselves alive, I didn't dislike her, but she annoyed me.
I prefered Valek when we didn't know much about him, not sure if that is good. He seemed like a merge of hot characters typo. I did like him enough.
The Commander Ambrósio was my favorite at the beginning, but lost interest in him soon enough.
Ari and Janco are there for the sake of the heroine, Randall was annoying, Margarett was ok, I liked Dilana and Irys.
FINAL THOUGHT:
Anyway... This is a very mid book plot-wise, but keeps you entertained enough.
This book is very VERY predictable I mean, even I could predict everything that was going to happen which is unusual to say the least. The pace of the romance is awfully done, they make you believe it's going to be a relative well made slow burn and then, at the end, all of the sudden, they rush into cheesy cringey confessions when they are both smelling like rats... C'mon Valek, thought you were gonna be better than that, smh.
CHARACTER-WISE:
Yelena also makes some stupid decisions for someone who is trying to keep themselves alive, I didn't dislike her, but she annoyed me.
I prefered Valek when we didn't know much about him, not sure if that is good. He seemed like a merge of hot characters typo. I did like him enough.
The Commander Ambrósio was my favorite at the beginning, but lost interest in him soon enough.
Ari and Janco are there for the sake of the heroine, Randall was annoying, Margarett was ok, I liked Dilana and Irys.
FINAL THOUGHT:
Anyway... This is a very mid book plot-wise, but keeps you entertained enough.