lolasreviews's review against another edition
I DNF'd this for now
I think it's the narration that isn't working for me or maybe it's my weird reading mood. I do like the world the author has created, but the way the narrator makes the characters sounds doesn't quite work for me. I do like how she made everyone sound different and how she did some of the demons, but I didn't like how the main character and the two love interests sounded.
I think it's the narration that isn't working for me or maybe it's my weird reading mood. I do like the world the author has created, but the way the narrator makes the characters sounds doesn't quite work for me. I do like how she made everyone sound different and how she did some of the demons, but I didn't like how the main character and the two love interests sounded.
toastedbagel's review against another edition
3.0
I'm disappointed to say that I can't seem to get into this one. I've really enjoyed the rest of her works, but unfortunately this isn't cut out for me.
I started on the Spell Weaver series before this, but due to the Steel & Stone being written way before Spell Weaver, and being one of the author's early works, the contrast in writing and characters is jarring. I can't help but to compare Piper to Tori from the Guild Codex series, who I initially had a distaste for because of the combination of stubbornness and helplessness. Why insist on going into a fight that you are defenceless against?
One thing that Annette Marie has consistently done well though, is world building. Her meticulously crafted universe and its castes still intrigue me, but the mystery and characters - I just wasn't interested in. Still packed with action and good development, just not for me. Would be good for anyone interested in a solid YA fantasy.
I started on the Spell Weaver series before this, but due to the Steel & Stone being written way before Spell Weaver, and being one of the author's early works, the contrast in writing and characters is jarring. I can't help but to compare Piper to Tori from the Guild Codex series, who I initially had a distaste for because of the combination of stubbornness and helplessness. Why insist on going into a fight that you are defenceless against?
One thing that Annette Marie has consistently done well though, is world building. Her meticulously crafted universe and its castes still intrigue me, but the mystery and characters - I just wasn't interested in. Still packed with action and good development, just not for me. Would be good for anyone interested in a solid YA fantasy.
feelingferal's review against another edition
3.0
Actual rating: 2.5
A real thing I said while reading this book that sums up my thoughts:
I don’t like this book. But I don’t hate it....and I’m halfway done so....I guess I’ll keep going
A real thing I said while reading this book that sums up my thoughts:
I don’t like this book. But I don’t hate it....and I’m halfway done so....I guess I’ll keep going
_fallinglight_'s review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
spiringvenus's review
3.0
3.5 stars - very interesting world building and the creatures and humans within it - fast paced plot with heroes and heroine who were intelligent and likeable. I’d like to read the next in the series!
kblincoln's review against another edition
4.0
Borrowed this for free under the Prime Kindle lending program-- and liked it so much I am considering buying the second in the series.
This is an alternate-present world where daemons have come out of the closet after an apocalyptic type event. Now the remains of humanity try to go on business as usual in the half-abandoned cities "protected" by half human half daeman (haemons-- and that word always made me want to giggle) "consuls" who are half-warrior, half judge, half-diplomat, etc.
Piper's father is a Head Consul, and apparently (not explained in the book) he used his influence to get his daughter training as a consul despite Piper apparently lacking magic.
A big weakness when confronted with magic-wielding daemons of all kinds.
but that doesn't stop Piper (and there are some admittedly funny and exciting fight action scenes-- including a gladiator-ring style one-- where Piper uses others' reliance on magic to good effect) from getting involved with Lyre, an incubus, and Ash, a mysterious, glowery, bad-ass demon when her father is kidnapped and the Consul invaded.
This is a fun book. So there's unanswered questions, and some world-politics stuff that didn't always make sense, and Piper sometimes seems a bit clueless, but there are giant Chthlulu-esque monsters to fight off, Lyre to be attracted to, Ash to be squashed up against in a closet when hiding from the bad guys, Piper's secret specialness, parental betrayal, and the age old question of who she likes better :) The three main characters also come across as quite young adult, despite the inference that Lyre and Ash have had tons of life experience.
Heavy on the action, light on the romance, a romp of an alternate-world urban fantasy
This is an alternate-present world where daemons have come out of the closet after an apocalyptic type event. Now the remains of humanity try to go on business as usual in the half-abandoned cities "protected" by half human half daeman (haemons-- and that word always made me want to giggle) "consuls" who are half-warrior, half judge, half-diplomat, etc.
Piper's father is a Head Consul, and apparently (not explained in the book) he used his influence to get his daughter training as a consul despite Piper apparently lacking magic.
A big weakness when confronted with magic-wielding daemons of all kinds.
but that doesn't stop Piper (and there are some admittedly funny and exciting fight action scenes-- including a gladiator-ring style one-- where Piper uses others' reliance on magic to good effect) from getting involved with Lyre, an incubus, and Ash, a mysterious, glowery, bad-ass demon when her father is kidnapped and the Consul invaded.
This is a fun book. So there's unanswered questions, and some world-politics stuff that didn't always make sense, and Piper sometimes seems a bit clueless, but there are giant Chthlulu-esque monsters to fight off, Lyre to be attracted to, Ash to be squashed up against in a closet when hiding from the bad guys, Piper's secret specialness, parental betrayal, and the age old question of who she likes better :) The three main characters also come across as quite young adult, despite the inference that Lyre and Ash have had tons of life experience.
Heavy on the action, light on the romance, a romp of an alternate-world urban fantasy
kasperin's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
It's a great start for the series! fast paced and fun, I think the world building needs a little more work but I hope we can see more of it in the next books.
It's a great start for the series! fast paced and fun, I think the world building needs a little more work but I hope we can see more of it in the next books.
amandaj6's review against another edition
5.0
Just as good
Just as good as I remembered. I read this book when it first came out but then never kept up or life just got in the way. But I have made my way back to Piper, Ash, and Lyre and I’m so dang happy!
Just as good as I remembered. I read this book when it first came out but then never kept up or life just got in the way. But I have made my way back to Piper, Ash, and Lyre and I’m so dang happy!
that1creativelady's review against another edition
2.0
Book Review
Humor:
Dry AF✔
Chuckled a bit
Hilarious
LOL/Side-eyed by strangers
Pace:
Snail
Turtle✔
Horse
Rocket
Romance:
Frigid
Luke Warm✔
Sizzling
3rd Degree Burns
Character Depth:
Spilled cup of water
Puddles✔
Lakes
Oceans
Audio Narration:
Monotone
A for Effort✔
Believable
Oscar Worthy Performance
Way toooo much info dumping and not enough world building.
Humor:
Dry AF✔
Chuckled a bit
Hilarious
LOL/Side-eyed by strangers
Pace:
Snail
Turtle✔
Horse
Rocket
Romance:
Frigid
Luke Warm✔
Sizzling
3rd Degree Burns
Character Depth:
Spilled cup of water
Puddles✔
Lakes
Oceans
Audio Narration:
Monotone
A for Effort✔
Believable
Oscar Worthy Performance
Way toooo much info dumping and not enough world building.
geminiunicorn_6890's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0