sidrasidd's review
4.0
I loved this book overall!
There was an interesting plot, and I absolutely adored most of the characters. I found myself loving all of the side characters as well. Everyone in this story was very well rounded and fleshed out. They each had their own personalities and their own faults. Definitely no boring Mary Sue characters here!
The one thing I didn't like was how the main characters instantly fell in love. We didn't get to see any progression. I get that they are "soul mates" but watching two characters fall in love is usually my favorite part of YA books!
Besides that this book was a fantastic fantasy and definitely worth reading!
There was an interesting plot, and I absolutely adored most of the characters. I found myself loving all of the side characters as well. Everyone in this story was very well rounded and fleshed out. They each had their own personalities and their own faults. Definitely no boring Mary Sue characters here!
The one thing I didn't like was how the main characters instantly fell in love. We didn't get to see any progression. I get that they are "soul mates" but watching two characters fall in love is usually my favorite part of YA books!
Besides that this book was a fantastic fantasy and definitely worth reading!
trudywoo's review
3.0
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for a review through the I <3 YA books group.
The book started out great! Exciting things started happening quickly and with suspense. I liked the story and the world Dearen created, and I'm always a sucker for a fated/soulmate love story.
So, how did my rating go down from a 4 or 5 to a 3?
Twice, Alora made a comment or had a thought that really rubbed me the wrong way. She bashed herself for being an emotional girl. Um, no. She was experiencing extraordinarily unusual and traumatic life-changing events. Don't belittle us girls for feeling emotional.
Finally, it seemed a little forced and unrealistic that the author was "matching up" all the characters. Not every character needs to be hooked up, especially in a first book. It just felt too convenient and simplified.
Spoilers aside, I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more.
The book started out great! Exciting things started happening quickly and with suspense. I liked the story and the world Dearen created, and I'm always a sucker for a fated/soulmate love story.
So, how did my rating go down from a 4 or 5 to a 3?
Spoiler
Reading repeatedly that the adults just don't think it's possible that Alora and Kaevin were soul mates got a bit tiring. Maybe that's not fair for me; I think a teen reader would better empathize with adults not understanding. I'm just getting too old to relate, I guess.Twice, Alora made a comment or had a thought that really rubbed me the wrong way. She bashed herself for being an emotional girl. Um, no. She was experiencing extraordinarily unusual and traumatic life-changing events. Don't belittle us girls for feeling emotional.
Finally, it seemed a little forced and unrealistic that the author was "matching up" all the characters. Not every character needs to be hooked up, especially in a first book. It just felt too convenient and simplified.
Spoilers aside, I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more.
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