micaelamariem's review against another edition

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adventurous 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? No

3.0

I was drawn in by the pretty cover and convincing blurb. The writing style was so prosaic and beautiful at first that it had me hooked for a while. Then it kind of fell flat. I think my first disappointment was that for something that’s labeled a “dark fantasy” it really wasn’t all that dark. The characters made choices that rendered them more like YA characters than adult characters (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but I found it to be unbelievable for their experience and circumstances). I think the dialogue tags ruined the dialogue as well. Their spoken words alone were fine but when added with these adult women “grumbling” and “puffing” while trying fight against certain death, it just doesn’t feel like the right timing. 
Plus the book was full of cliches, I could practically guess what would happen next, at least with the love interest. But idk if it’s the book or if I’m just in some weird slump and hating everything. 
But I really do think the biggest thing is it needed to be darker. I’ve read YA fantasy’s not labeled as dark fantasy and they were darker than this. I probably unfortunately won’t continue the series. 

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bibliobetty's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.25

I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed this and would recommend to anyone that likes a closed door (or at least closed door adjacent) fantasy romance with a fun cast of characters, no miscommunication tropes, and a unique world. I especially liked the combination of dark (in theme/content, not romance) and light-heartedness. Looking forward to the sequels!

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ender24's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny lighthearted mysterious reflective sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

A entertaining and wonderful book. I’ve fallen in love with the world and it’s characters, and I can’t wait to read the next two books. I was not expecting the romance, but I feel like it did not impede the story in any way.

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