_myliteraryobsession's review
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
breenanyx's review against another edition
3.5
The writing was ok at the beginning but definitely picked up. The plot was really interesting. I'm not sure I'm picking up the next book.
authorvperry's review
2.0
Hmm
I think the author has some potential. The story premise is unique and interesting but I have some major issues with the book. But it’s not anything that the author can’t improve upon in the future.
•The protag is extremely unlikeable. She’s rude, spoiled, and is everything she complains of in others. She’s just so bratty that I would expect her to be a 7 years old villain in this story, but even then I’ve never actually met a child that acts as she does. It’s way overdone, not believable, and character development is practically nonexistent.
•The “heightened emotions” issue is also overkill. It was a great idea! I’ll give the author that! It was just overused and did not help the issue of a poor protagonist. If the protagonist would’ve been written better and the “heightened emotions” issue used sparingly, it would have been incredibly intriguing.
•There are things explained in the story that don’t need explaining- readers can read between the lines. This makes much of what is written redundant and is almost patronizing to readers.
•The book is pretty predictable.
•I do like the author’s writing style.
•Again, the plot is unique.
I would say read the first few chapters. If you find yourself not enjoying them, then you’re not likely to enjoy the rest of the book. If you do enjoy them, then continue reading!
I think the author has some potential. The story premise is unique and interesting but I have some major issues with the book. But it’s not anything that the author can’t improve upon in the future.
•The protag is extremely unlikeable. She’s rude, spoiled, and is everything she complains of in others. She’s just so bratty that I would expect her to be a 7 years old villain in this story, but even then I’ve never actually met a child that acts as she does. It’s way overdone, not believable, and character development is practically nonexistent.
•The “heightened emotions” issue is also overkill. It was a great idea! I’ll give the author that! It was just overused and did not help the issue of a poor protagonist. If the protagonist would’ve been written better and the “heightened emotions” issue used sparingly, it would have been incredibly intriguing.
•There are things explained in the story that don’t need explaining- readers can read between the lines. This makes much of what is written redundant and is almost patronizing to readers.
•The book is pretty predictable.
•I do like the author’s writing style.
•Again, the plot is unique.
I would say read the first few chapters. If you find yourself not enjoying them, then you’re not likely to enjoy the rest of the book. If you do enjoy them, then continue reading!
talaratate_writes's review against another edition
4.0
This book really surprised me. It’s so full of different plot twists that I never knew what was going to happen next. I haven’t read a book like that in a long time! What a joy (no pun intended
haaales's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
lisam1973's review against another edition
3.0
Starts out with an interesting premise- there are multiple types of magic, a big secret, things aren't what they appear, some rapunzel vibes- but then the main love interests start talking more and they are both insufferable. The FMC is judgemental of her mother's tendency to show off her wealth when others live in poverty but she, herself, uses "peasant" as an insult twice within a very short span of time. She also objectifies the male guards like they are her personal play things. The MMC gives a really gross vibe and, other than being good looking, is not at all attractive. DNF at 20%
2nd2lastunicorn's review against another edition
4.0
Astrid is the Princess of Harkan and the Death Queen’s vessel that transfers the life force from one person to her every week to keep the Queen young and healthy. But when visiting royalty start to show Astrid that everything is not as it seems, her world is thrown into chaos and so is her magic.
A fantastic debut and I’m eager for more from this author!
A fantastic debut and I’m eager for more from this author!
kates_marie's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-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
4.75
gimmiiie's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
excel_spreadsheet_book_nerd's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0