Reviews

The Rejected King, by Kortney Keisel

jcika's review

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4.0

A quick, light book to read. The world building could have used more development, but the dialogue was excellent and the book had a fun, match making type of story.

bellebookcorner's review

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4.0

It was cute, fun, and simple. This one is perfect for you if you wanted to go with a quick and light fantasy romance reading. After reading so many thick books and book series, this one felt refreshing for me.

The plot was simple and seem predictable but I find myself didn't mind about it at all.
The pacing was great, not too fast or too slow.
I love the characters of Emree and Davin especially their adorable banter with a bit of flirting. It was funny and had me smiling from the beginning until the end of the book.

I couldn't put it down and finished it in a couple hours. I was happy to find out that there's another book in the same universe, I will definitely pick that up since I enjoyed this one so much.

heymama_755's review

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4.0

This read similar to “The Selection”, but these characters were more likable. It’s a sweet story and a quick, easy read.

bookswithnopictures's review

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3.0

This book and author are hyped in my IG bookclub circle. Hyped books generally don't do it for me as my expectations become rather unrealistic, but I also need to know what the fuss is all about. I can see why it's well loved and that Kortney has potential to knock it out of the park.
I think that if you are looking purely for a relationship centric, sweet romance within a dystopian setting, this book would more than satisfy. If you're wanting more than that I would temper that expectation into this read or choose something else.
I personally read a lot of romance and a lot of YA fantasy so my expectations for this genre mash-up is likely different than the intended audience. What would have worked more in its favor for me is a deeper exploration of world-building and either fewer similarities to The Selection (it's a love triangle with a king and guard AND it's a bachelor-style search for "the one") or leaning harder into it like a retelling would. For example, the king loans books to Emree and instead of the first being Hunger Games (#teamPeeta) I would have loved the irony of The Selection.
While I didn't love this book, I find that it left me with an interest to find out more about this world Kortney has created and how she will grow and mature as an author in the other books she has released.

robertsonreads817's review

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5.0

If you need something fun, wholesome, and quick to read this is a good book. It was a great story. I loved how Emree and Davin met. I mean, who wouldn't want to be woke up by a kiss so good you thought you were dreaming? I love Davin's forward thinking and the changes he wants to make as king to better his kingdom. I think him and Emree are going to change the world and I can't wait to keep reading the series.

nov_reads95's review

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2.0

Very cute story! Dystopian Fairytale that was easy to follow. I enjoyed being able to read it from both perspectives. A little predictable, but most standard fairytales are. Doesn't make it any less of a good read! It's a nice feel good read!

hayslibrary's review

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5.0

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!!

librarylyss's review

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5.0

Oh, just another brilliant five star read from Kortney Keisel. Her writing is so phenomenal, I cannot praise or recommend it enough. If you’re looking for something to read, I can wholeheartedly back up my recommendation of literally anything she’s ever written.

I loved this dystopian read. It pulled me in right from the beginning. Talk about a meet cute

claire_bear_the_bear's review

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Super fast read and lighthearted.

the_reading_pantry's review

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5.0

I’ve read some great reviews and some not so great for this one. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I’m so glad I picked up this book. Any sort of post-apocalyptic book is new for me so I had no expectations or guidelines for how the book “should” go. I think that helped a ton. I was just excited for the chemistry and the friendship between Davin and Emree.

In my opinion, it really was a clean book. The first big scene I wasn’t sure and then it wasn’t even a thing. Plus, physical attraction is important in a relationship. Especially if an emotional connection is built upon that.

10/10 in my book!