a_ab's review against another edition
4.0
As I am reading this soon after finishing books 1 and 2 of the Keepers of the Lost Cities series, I can't help but compare them, and this book is a very clear winner. While the broad structure is very similar, the characterizations, the atmosphere, the worldbuilding and the social constructs consistency are far superior in this book.
Having said that, there are some similar failings as well - there is too much telling instead of showing, too much specialness in the main character and get friends, too much rigid black vs white distribution between friends and enemies.
However, I really liked this story as a YA fantasy series beginning and am looking forward to the rest.
P.S. Note to self: actually, after reading some trigger warnings on the third book, I think this book is better treated as a stand alone, which I intend to do.
Having said that, there are some similar failings as well - there is too much telling instead of showing, too much specialness in the main character and get friends, too much rigid black vs white distribution between friends and enemies.
However, I really liked this story as a YA fantasy series beginning and am looking forward to the rest.
P.S. Note to self: actually, after reading some trigger warnings on the third book, I think this book is better treated as a stand alone, which I intend to do.
thecheryl's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
nightmane's review against another edition
4.0
Eine Geschichte, die auf der handwerklichen Seite nicht überwältigend ist, aber mich dennoch ziemlich in den Bann ziehen konnte. Ich sehe unschöne Dinge, aber finde wieder gute Gründe, darüber hinwegzusehen.
Außerdem: Magic horses!
Außerdem: Magic horses!
nobodywisdom's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
niamhdee's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
graff_fuller's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What a breath of fresh air.
I knew NOTHING about this book...when I started reading it. The ONLY thing I knew about it, was that one of my friends just picked it up...and I told myself that I wanted to read it TOO.
This is a coming of age story and a found family story...perfectly done. Talia's journey in this story is one that she takes with the reader. We are learning with her.
The friends and enemies that she attracts ones that we the readers want to share/rebuke (depending on which).
This is a trilogy. I will be reading the trilogy. I'm hooked.
I sure hope that Jade enjoys it as much as I did (when she finishes the book).
I knew NOTHING about this book...when I started reading it. The ONLY thing I knew about it, was that one of my friends just picked it up...and I told myself that I wanted to read it TOO.
This is a coming of age story and a found family story...perfectly done. Talia's journey in this story is one that she takes with the reader. We are learning with her.
The friends and enemies that she attracts ones that we the readers want to share/rebuke (depending on which).
This is a trilogy. I will be reading the trilogy. I'm hooked.
I sure hope that Jade enjoys it as much as I did (when she finishes the book).
mewsie's review against another edition
5.0
Talia wasn't like the rest of the members of her puritanical male-dominated Holderkin community in Sensholding, a small bordertown. She was a 13-year old girl who loved to read and learn and dreamt of becoming a Herald some day. However, her family had other things in mind and informed her that she was to be married since she reached the right age to bear children. When she heard of this, she ran away, not knowing where she was going but she did know that any place was better that staying in Sensholding. Then, she came across Rolan, a beautiful white horse-like creature that she knew from the Herald's tales was a Companion. She knew from these tales that the Companions have close ties with their Heralds, but she never knew that the Companions Choose who their Heralds will be. After a long, strenous journey in which Talia was taken to the capital of Valemar on the back on Rolan, she comes to discover that not only had Rolan Chosen her to be his Herald, but that she was to become the Queen's Own as well. The story covers her experiences from the time she runs away through her training at the Heraldic Collegium. Little does she know that some people don't like the idea of the Queen's Own being a young, frail girl and would rather have her out of the picture.
I really enjoyed this book and finished it in only two reading sessions as I couldn't put it down. Lackey weaves a lovely tale where the reader instantly sympathizes with the horrendous life Talia has before she is Chosen and it was so easy for me to relate with her problems at the Collegium. I highly recommend it.
I really enjoyed this book and finished it in only two reading sessions as I couldn't put it down. Lackey weaves a lovely tale where the reader instantly sympathizes with the horrendous life Talia has before she is Chosen and it was so easy for me to relate with her problems at the Collegium. I highly recommend it.
drwilldabeast's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This was a re-read so I already knew I enjoyed the book, but I felt some things much more strongly than the last time I re-read this book (5-6 years ago).
Spoiler
I really loved the relationship between Talia and Jadus. I teared up a bit at the line "Until now, when another heart as lonely as his had strayed to his door, and brought the world back with her." It really resonated with me for some reason.zainabsaba's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5