Scan barcode
lunarlibra's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
I was recommended this series by a friend who read it as a kid, so I went into it imagining how I would have liked it when I was younger. (Middle school me would have LOVED this.)
Many of the world-building aspects of the book were exciting and interesting to me, although I do think there are some parts that fall into typical fantasy orientalism (specifically with the Mistari, who only feature briefly on the book).
One thing that impressed me was the substantive cultural differences between the avians and the serpiente, which make sense for societies that have lived so separate and hostile to each other for so long.
I think there were aspects of the romance that felt very typical in a way that would put me off from it, but I also was able to recognize ways that the author tried to subvert that in places,particularly around sex and consent-- although that feels kind of undermined by the lack of consent involved in him visiting her bedroom while she sleeps without her knowledge. It really bugged me how that was addressed (or not).
Ultimately, whenever the book started to lose me I would remember that I had read that the author wrote this as a teenager, and honestly, that makes it a lot more impressive to me. It's a quick read with interesting world building (shape-shifters! magic! politics, kinda!). I feel like most of the character development happens off the page or in chunks of time that are glossed over, so the romance at the end felt slightly rushed, but not unbelievably so.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and immediately went to read the next book in the series.
Many of the world-building aspects of the book were exciting and interesting to me, although I do think there are some parts that fall into typical fantasy orientalism (specifically with the Mistari, who only feature briefly on the book).
One thing that impressed me was the substantive cultural differences between the avians and the serpiente, which make sense for societies that have lived so separate and hostile to each other for so long.
I think there were aspects of the romance that felt very typical in a way that would put me off from it, but I also was able to recognize ways that the author tried to subvert that in places,
Ultimately, whenever the book started to lose me I would remember that I had read that the author wrote this as a teenager, and honestly, that makes it a lot more impressive to me. It's a quick read with interesting world building (shape-shifters! magic! politics, kinda!). I feel like most of the character development happens off the page or in chunks of time that are glossed over, so the romance at the end felt slightly rushed, but not unbelievably so.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and immediately went to read the next book in the series.
shdnx's review against another edition
I had high hopes for this book: there is so much potential in the world and story outlined by the summary. Instead, all I got was the typical story of "forbidden love". *yawn*
The world imagined by the author is definitely colorful, but I feel it's unreasonable (unrealistic). For example, if the leaders of both parties in the war feel that they don't want the war, then how the earth did they manage to drag it out for hundreds of years? Also, no leaders in any war ever believe their own propaganda of "hate the enemy". That would be just silly.
Or consider the opposing forces: hawk shapeshifters, who can fly, versus snake shapeshifters with superior ground combat abilities. I can't see how the hawks could not win this war. The hawks' mobility is far superior to that of the snakes, which is a very major factor in winning a war. The snakes may be superior in a one-to-one combat, but they can't be everywhere at once. That means that they are forced to only defend, which is a losing position.
I could list all the other things that just don't make sense, but there's no point. The basic idea behind the book is okay, but in no way original. The implementation is also far from outstanding - at least, as far as I can tell. I have not finished the book, but I doubt the rest would be significantly different.
Such a disappointment. I really should have known better than to get my hopes up.
The world imagined by the author is definitely colorful, but I feel it's unreasonable (unrealistic). For example, if the leaders of both parties in the war feel that they don't want the war, then how the earth did they manage to drag it out for hundreds of years? Also, no leaders in any war ever believe their own propaganda of "hate the enemy". That would be just silly.
Or consider the opposing forces: hawk shapeshifters, who can fly, versus snake shapeshifters with superior ground combat abilities. I can't see how the hawks could not win this war. The hawks' mobility is far superior to that of the snakes, which is a very major factor in winning a war. The snakes may be superior in a one-to-one combat, but they can't be everywhere at once. That means that they are forced to only defend, which is a losing position.
I could list all the other things that just don't make sense, but there's no point. The basic idea behind the book is okay, but in no way original. The implementation is also far from outstanding - at least, as far as I can tell. I have not finished the book, but I doubt the rest would be significantly different.
Such a disappointment. I really should have known better than to get my hopes up.
thisbysvalentine's review against another edition
2.0
Wow— super quick read. Mostly because the lack of world building. It was intriguing but I have way too many questions. The writing was okay, but there were moments of jumpy dialogue and actions.
shewriteswithknives's review against another edition
4.0
I've read this book several times. Personally, I believe this book (and series) is vastly underrated. It's short so I will try not to give too much away but it packs a lot! I almost wish Amelia had spent more time on the series to really expand on the world and characters. It's an amazing story and Danica is one of my favorite female leads.
This is a story about shapeshifters but it is an interesting take on race and how people interact in even today's society. Together Zane and Danica are a powerful dynamic and their relationship and the bond they make for their people is underrated.
One of the best fantasy novels/series in my opinion. I highly recommend it. I've read this series three times now. The first was in middle school and the most recently being a few months ago.
This is a story about shapeshifters but it is an interesting take on race and how people interact in even today's society. Together Zane and Danica are a powerful dynamic and their relationship and the bond they make for their people is underrated.
One of the best fantasy novels/series in my opinion. I highly recommend it. I've read this series three times now. The first was in middle school and the most recently being a few months ago.
frannieman's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
karnivorous's review against another edition
adventurous
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? It's complicated
4.0
booksarebetter's review against another edition
5.0
I read this years ago, forgot how much I loved it, and picked it up on a whim because I was tired of the slump I was in. This was so heartfelt. War. Love. Death. Politics. Shapeshifting. It's impactful and strong in it's story of a girl just trying to survive after her brother is assassinated by the enemy. This is an enemy to lovers book, most definitely and I have realized that I don't remember the rest of the series at all. If I even read it. Though I feel like this is a better read for when it's near October, it's still a good read whenever if you want something short but good. Actual rating 4.5 stars rounded up.
zoe_m's review against another edition
4.0
I swear that this is my book just written by another person. I love reading it in a few hours just between books. Or when I'm sick. Or just when I need a comfortable, familiar story.