cebege's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
a_book_addict's review against another edition
3.0
I can honestly say that I am so glad to have finally finished this series.
This series was simply a let down to me, especially since I really enjoyed the Trylle Series. I kept reading each book, waiting and hoping for the plot line to get better, and for the writing to make me feel something but it never happened.
With each book I finished feeling let down and underwhelmed. This book was the same as the others in that once the ending came, it felt rushed. Everything seemed to happen way to easily and smoothly, and the book was leading up to this huge war that was over within 50 pages or so.
They were able to kill off the main bad characters with hardly any struggle at all, which I found to be so unrealistic. And I know, it's a fantasy, it's not meant to be real, but it should still not feel way to coincidental. I mean, we were practically waiting the whole series for these people to die, and it took a few paragraphs for the author to be rid of them.
I hated that the author pretty much decided that the best way to be able to quickly finish up the story that she didn't seem to have thought through fully, was by killing off a lot of the main characters! This made me so mad and I really feel like is a bit of a cheat on the authors behalf.
Now I could go on and on, but I think if you read my previous reviews on the other books you will find that my frustrations are still the same as they were with the other book.
I can see why some people may love this series, but for me it just wasn't thought out and was too underdeveloped and rushed, leaving me feeling like the whole series was pretty pointless.
This series was simply a let down to me, especially since I really enjoyed the Trylle Series. I kept reading each book, waiting and hoping for the plot line to get better, and for the writing to make me feel something but it never happened.
With each book I finished feeling let down and underwhelmed. This book was the same as the others in that once the ending came, it felt rushed. Everything seemed to happen way to easily and smoothly, and the book was leading up to this huge war that was over within 50 pages or so.
They were able to kill off the main bad characters with hardly any struggle at all, which I found to be so unrealistic. And I know, it's a fantasy, it's not meant to be real, but it should still not feel way to coincidental. I mean, we were practically waiting the whole series for these people to die, and it took a few paragraphs for the author to be rid of them.
I hated that the author pretty much decided that the best way to be able to quickly finish up the story that she didn't seem to have thought through fully, was by killing off a lot of the main characters! This made me so mad and I really feel like is a bit of a cheat on the authors behalf.
Now I could go on and on, but I think if you read my previous reviews on the other books you will find that my frustrations are still the same as they were with the other book.
I can see why some people may love this series, but for me it just wasn't thought out and was too underdeveloped and rushed, leaving me feeling like the whole series was pretty pointless.
joliendelandsheer's review against another edition
5.0
Review on my blog The Fictional Reader
Two days ago, I wrote my review on the second book in this trilogy, Ice Kissed, which I really enjoyed. Now it's time for me to review the third and last book in the trilogy... I can't believe this trilogy is over already. I read it in the span of two months -which may seem like a lot for some of you but I don't usually binge-read series. So, let's see what I have to say on this finale!
PLOT
I don't want to spoil you, so this may end up being a short section. This picks up the instant Ice Kissed leaves off. I mean, not a single minute has gone by. I actually quite liked that. I read Ice Kissed and Crystal Kingdom right after one another, so starting this one I just felt like I was still reading the same book. Like, it was all one big book? I don't know if I'm making any sense at all here.
As I said in my previous review, this trilogy kind of centers around a big scheme. So when I started this book, I was like: YES, SOME ANSWERS! And boy, did it provide them. While I have to admit I saw some of the reveals happen, others took me completely by surprise. It was a good mix of being able to guess what will happen and being completely blindsided. I quite like trying to guess what will happen in these kinds of mysteries because it keeps me engrossed in the story.
I felt like this finale was incredibly action-packed. Bryn was traveling all over the place, trying to figure the whole thing out. And then trying to solve it, obviously. It was just so captivating!
WORLD
If you've read my previous review, you'll know that I loved the fact that Bryn traveled to the Skojare as it allows you to learn more about a totally different tribe. In Crystal Kingdom, a lot of traveling happens as well. I was just so intrigued by each tribe, where they choose to live and how! I like that each of them had different cultures and wants. I don't want to say too much because that may accidentally spoil you but just trust me when I say that each tribe is intriguing -and scheming. It makes me wonder where I would want to live... I think I'd like to be a Trylle or a Kanin!
CHARACTERS
I like how each character develops throughout this series! Bryn is definitely facing an entirely different situation in this book and she adapts really well, using each trick her tracker training has taught her. She is really one of my favorite main characters. Why? Because she doesn't just depend on talent. She works so incredibly hard to get where she wants to be! She has trained for years, and squeezes in exercise whenever she can. Which in my opinion is much more believable and inspiring than just talent you were born with.
Again, I really liked Ridley, Ember and Tilda in this story. They are Bryn's best friends, but each face their own hardships as well. I really liked the letters Ember wrote because I felt like they finally gave me some more insight into her character! And Ridley just pulled my heartstrings in this one. I JUST WANT TO HUG YOU.
Of course, I can't forget about Konstantin. So much about him is revealed in this book! His story was so interesting -and definitely worth reading the previous books just to get to know him.
I liked that this story doesn't really have a love triangle. At one point, Bryn is attracted to someone else, but that one person is always on her mind and she never doubts how much she loves him. FINALLY. A good YA fantasy without an actual love triangle... I mean, there is a bit of attraction between her and the other guy but she never really considers him to be a love interest, I think? I don't know how to say this.
Guys, I really hope you will all pick this trilogy up if you haven't already. It makes me a bit sad to not see these books mentioned more! I really liked this finale. I think it wrapped the story up perfectly, but not in the every-single-person-is-happy-and-well-off kind of way? It's more "realistic". I can't recommend this trilogy enough.
Two days ago, I wrote my review on the second book in this trilogy, Ice Kissed, which I really enjoyed. Now it's time for me to review the third and last book in the trilogy... I can't believe this trilogy is over already. I read it in the span of two months -which may seem like a lot for some of you but I don't usually binge-read series. So, let's see what I have to say on this finale!
PLOT
I don't want to spoil you, so this may end up being a short section. This picks up the instant Ice Kissed leaves off. I mean, not a single minute has gone by. I actually quite liked that. I read Ice Kissed and Crystal Kingdom right after one another, so starting this one I just felt like I was still reading the same book. Like, it was all one big book? I don't know if I'm making any sense at all here.
As I said in my previous review, this trilogy kind of centers around a big scheme. So when I started this book, I was like: YES, SOME ANSWERS! And boy, did it provide them. While I have to admit I saw some of the reveals happen, others took me completely by surprise. It was a good mix of being able to guess what will happen and being completely blindsided. I quite like trying to guess what will happen in these kinds of mysteries because it keeps me engrossed in the story.
I felt like this finale was incredibly action-packed. Bryn was traveling all over the place, trying to figure the whole thing out. And then trying to solve it, obviously. It was just so captivating!
WORLD
If you've read my previous review, you'll know that I loved the fact that Bryn traveled to the Skojare as it allows you to learn more about a totally different tribe. In Crystal Kingdom, a lot of traveling happens as well. I was just so intrigued by each tribe, where they choose to live and how! I like that each of them had different cultures and wants. I don't want to say too much because that may accidentally spoil you but just trust me when I say that each tribe is intriguing -and scheming. It makes me wonder where I would want to live... I think I'd like to be a Trylle or a Kanin!
CHARACTERS
I like how each character develops throughout this series! Bryn is definitely facing an entirely different situation in this book and she adapts really well, using each trick her tracker training has taught her. She is really one of my favorite main characters. Why? Because she doesn't just depend on talent. She works so incredibly hard to get where she wants to be! She has trained for years, and squeezes in exercise whenever she can. Which in my opinion is much more believable and inspiring than just talent you were born with.
Again, I really liked Ridley, Ember and Tilda in this story. They are Bryn's best friends, but each face their own hardships as well. I really liked the letters Ember wrote because I felt like they finally gave me some more insight into her character! And Ridley just pulled my heartstrings in this one. I JUST WANT TO HUG YOU.
Of course, I can't forget about Konstantin. So much about him is revealed in this book! His story was so interesting -and definitely worth reading the previous books just to get to know him.
I liked that this story doesn't really have a love triangle. At one point, Bryn is attracted to someone else, but that one person is always on her mind and she never doubts how much she loves him. FINALLY. A good YA fantasy without an actual love triangle... I mean, there is a bit of attraction between her and the other guy but she never really considers him to be a love interest, I think? I don't know how to say this.
Guys, I really hope you will all pick this trilogy up if you haven't already. It makes me a bit sad to not see these books mentioned more! I really liked this finale. I think it wrapped the story up perfectly, but not in the every-single-person-is-happy-and-well-off kind of way? It's more "realistic". I can't recommend this trilogy enough.
bridgetembooks's review against another edition
5.0
just for the nostalgia I'm rating it five stars, but it is an incredible book and I really enjoyed it :)
fictionalkate's review against another edition
4.0
Bryn Aven has been exiled from her home, accused of horrible crimes and is now on the run for her life. Teamed up with an unlikely ally, Bryn and her new companion try to uncover just who is behind the problems the Kanin have been facing lately. As they travel the country looking for answers, they discover just how much danger their loved ones are in. Bryn must somehow defeat the mastermind behind the troll conflict before the world as they know it is destroyed.
Crystal Kingdom is a stunning conclusion to the Kanin Chronicles. Bryn has come into her own as she tries to expose the evil destroying the Troll race. This is a book which will capture your attention on the first page and leave you hooked until long after you have finished. Action, drama, adventure and suspense - this book has it all.
One of the highlights of this novel is how everything comes together. All the questions you may have asked in the previous two books are answered in a interesting and well thought out way. Everything falls into place in a way which makes sense yet not necessarily how you may have expected. Being a novel set during a war, there are sacrifices. The losses added to the suspense and whilst at times heartbreaking - they added to the sense of danger Bryn faced.
Bryn discovers many things whilst on her quest to clear her name. Learning more about the Trolls as she travels was interesting. There are many new characters who shed light on the Kanin's current situation as well as the troll-ish way of life. I loved learning more about the different tribes who co-exist in this world.
The romance in Crystal Kingdom plays out beautifully. It is lovely and understated not taking over the story yet adding an extra something special to the overall story. Bryn's softer side shows off when she interacts with her loved ones and shows there's more to Bryn than just the kick-arse warrior we have gotten to know.
I highly recommend the Kanin Chronicles to anyone who enjoys exciting stories about unusual supernatural beings. The characters are strong and interesting. There's action and romance both coexisting comfortably together. The plot twists and turns yet feels authentic to the overall story. IF you enjoyed Amanda Hocking's Trylle trilogy - I urge you to try the Kanin. You won't be disappointed!
Crystal Kingdom is a stunning conclusion to the Kanin Chronicles. Bryn has come into her own as she tries to expose the evil destroying the Troll race. This is a book which will capture your attention on the first page and leave you hooked until long after you have finished. Action, drama, adventure and suspense - this book has it all.
One of the highlights of this novel is how everything comes together. All the questions you may have asked in the previous two books are answered in a interesting and well thought out way. Everything falls into place in a way which makes sense yet not necessarily how you may have expected. Being a novel set during a war, there are sacrifices. The losses added to the suspense and whilst at times heartbreaking - they added to the sense of danger Bryn faced.
Bryn discovers many things whilst on her quest to clear her name. Learning more about the Trolls as she travels was interesting. There are many new characters who shed light on the Kanin's current situation as well as the troll-ish way of life. I loved learning more about the different tribes who co-exist in this world.
The romance in Crystal Kingdom plays out beautifully. It is lovely and understated not taking over the story yet adding an extra something special to the overall story. Bryn's softer side shows off when she interacts with her loved ones and shows there's more to Bryn than just the kick-arse warrior we have gotten to know.
I highly recommend the Kanin Chronicles to anyone who enjoys exciting stories about unusual supernatural beings. The characters are strong and interesting. There's action and romance both coexisting comfortably together. The plot twists and turns yet feels authentic to the overall story. IF you enjoyed Amanda Hocking's Trylle trilogy - I urge you to try the Kanin. You won't be disappointed!
monicaokta's review against another edition
4.0
gosh I'm so upset about the ending..... 4.5/5 stars.
trin_ney18's review against another edition
5.0
5/5
I just have so much to say about this book but overall this series has made it into my favorites and I think it's mostly because of this last book. The first two were great but this one really settled my feelings on the whole story.
+1
Just from the very beginning you're interested. You get the answers you've been waiting for but you still want to keep reading 'til the end to see the final resolution.
+1
Dialogue between characters was a lot funnier and something I didn't know I needed.
+1
I read it in two sittings. (it would've been one but apparently humans have to eat)
+1
The battle scenes were so fun and I honestly thought I was watching an action movie. I don't like action movies but I liked this one.
+1
Originally I was going to have a 4.5 rating for this because while it was good it didn't amaze me. But boy did I put my foot in my mouth because the ending made me change my tune. It was an ending that I didn't know if I could handle emotionally but an ending that was needed and realistic.
I wanna read a lot more Amanda Hocking. I wouldn't say her books have changed my life but they've done quite a bit for me these past few days. They've definitely gotten me out of my slump and reminded me why I love reading. The third and final book was the best. So for anyone starting the series I hope you find this review so that you'll want to read until the end like I did.
I just have so much to say about this book but overall this series has made it into my favorites and I think it's mostly because of this last book. The first two were great but this one really settled my feelings on the whole story.
+1
Just from the very beginning you're interested. You get the answers you've been waiting for but you still want to keep reading 'til the end to see the final resolution.
+1
Dialogue between characters was a lot funnier and something I didn't know I needed.
+1
I read it in two sittings. (it would've been one but apparently humans have to eat)
+1
The battle scenes were so fun and I honestly thought I was watching an action movie. I don't like action movies but I liked this one.
+1
Originally I was going to have a 4.5 rating for this because while it was good it didn't amaze me. But boy did I put my foot in my mouth because the ending made me change my tune. It was an ending that I didn't know if I could handle emotionally but an ending that was needed and realistic.
I wanna read a lot more Amanda Hocking. I wouldn't say her books have changed my life but they've done quite a bit for me these past few days. They've definitely gotten me out of my slump and reminded me why I love reading. The third and final book was the best. So for anyone starting the series I hope you find this review so that you'll want to read until the end like I did.
patriciawas's review against another edition
5.0
I'm so sad the story is over....
I absolutely fell in love with this one.
I recommend it to everyone who loves fantasy.
to be honest I recommend it to everyone.
I absolutely fell in love with this one.
I recommend it to everyone who loves fantasy.
to be honest I recommend it to everyone.
dani_bugz's review against another edition
2.0
Actual rating 2.5
This was definitely the worst of the three, which is a massive bummer... There was so little depth in this one, it was full of cliches and what the heck was with those letters strewn through? They did not fit whatsoever! I was also skipping paras and rolling my eyes a fair way through it, which for me is not a good sign.
I would still recommend finishing off the series, but it didn't resonate with me; I did not feel any of the feels!!!
This was definitely the worst of the three, which is a massive bummer... There was so little depth in this one, it was full of cliches and what the heck was with those letters strewn through? They did not fit whatsoever! I was also skipping paras and rolling my eyes a fair way through it, which for me is not a good sign.
I would still recommend finishing off the series, but it didn't resonate with me; I did not feel any of the feels!!!