jarjet's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
aehoward's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
ford0218's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
literaryluxe's review
4.0
This is a wonderful duology as The Frozen Crown was one of my favorite books this year! I for one really like how this author was able to give us the stories back to back instead of a long wait. It probably could have been one book, but this quick turn-around was so satisfying. The sequel picks up where the first book leaves off. There's no time-lapse or jumps anywhere. It just keeps going from The Frozen Crown's cliffhanger hence why I said it could have been one book. Still, do not skip book 1 thinking that they are separate entry points.
If you like books with political intrigue then this is definitely a book for you. It does have some slower moments (just like in book one) because the focus is on showing the political intricacies and in my opinion, this is especially true at the beginning of this book. However, Askia is still a likable heroine in this book. I think she acts appropriately for the circumstances she is in given her age. She doesn't know everything, but she is doing what she can. She is impulsive, but she learns from her mistakes. This includes exploring aspects of her power. She also learns how to maneuver without the full use of her powers and becomes a bit of a master mind which I personally loved seeing with her character development. Over if you liked book one, I seriously think you will like where this one goes. It is on my list of my favorite duologies. My only complaint would be that the ending did not feel complete. I thought there would be more clarity on what's happened at the end of the story. If Kelly ever decides to do a spin-off of this series, I would love to see her elaborate a bit more on that while also giving us a new story with different characters to read about. She definitely has the room to do so as the world she's created is very elaborate and detailed. I would 100% read a spin-off if she makes one.
If you like books with political intrigue then this is definitely a book for you. It does have some slower moments (just like in book one) because the focus is on showing the political intricacies and in my opinion, this is especially true at the beginning of this book. However, Askia is still a likable heroine in this book. I think she acts appropriately for the circumstances she is in given her age. She doesn't know everything, but she is doing what she can. She is impulsive, but she learns from her mistakes. This includes exploring aspects of her power. She also learns how to maneuver without the full use of her powers and becomes a bit of a master mind which I personally loved seeing with her character development. Over if you liked book one, I seriously think you will like where this one goes. It is on my list of my favorite duologies. My only complaint would be that the ending did not feel complete. I thought there would be more clarity on what's happened at the end of the story. If Kelly ever decides to do a spin-off of this series, I would love to see her elaborate a bit more on that while also giving us a new story with different characters to read about. She definitely has the room to do so as the world she's created is very elaborate and detailed. I would 100% read a spin-off if she makes one.
bluebleeder2001's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
star_tbr2020's review
2.0
Spoiler stuff ahead....
Sorta dragged but I still wanted to find out how it ended so kept reading. But ask me how the magic works and I couldn't tell you. Anyway, I wanted more of Askia and Illya and then a confirmed HEA but nope, for some reason the author decided not to give us that. There's a 'hope' for HEA later down the road but girl, this is the last book in your duology....your main character been dragged all over the land and practically died at the end and when she lives, she doesn't get to stay with the guy she's been in love with for the whole book?
Sorta dragged but I still wanted to find out how it ended so kept reading. But ask me how the magic works and I couldn't tell you. Anyway, I wanted more of Askia and Illya and then a confirmed HEA but nope, for some reason the author decided not to give us that. There's a 'hope' for HEA later down the road but girl, this is the last book in your duology....your main character been dragged all over the land and practically died at the end and when she lives, she doesn't get to stay with the guy she's been in love with for the whole book?
kaylamatz's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
erin_leightner's review
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
bumblehui's review
3.0
There were a lot of loose ends that didn’t get tied up or were very loosely resolved. Also a bit anticlimactic in parts. This was a decent duology for a debut and I look forward to seeing more from the author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Violence
Moderate: Sexual content