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booksandladders's review against another edition
2.0
See this review and more on Books and Ladders!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.
DNF @ 29%
I was sorta enjoying this one but I'm just not 100% feeling it and I have so many other books I could be reading instead. This is purely historical, not historical fantasy like I was hoping, so I would caution those who are looking for more fantasy aspects in their novels to shy away from this one. As well, it was almost 30% into the book and I was just kinda bored. I think this will appeal to a specific type of person, but it's definitely not me.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.
DNF @ 29%
I was sorta enjoying this one but I'm just not 100% feeling it and I have so many other books I could be reading instead. This is purely historical, not historical fantasy like I was hoping, so I would caution those who are looking for more fantasy aspects in their novels to shy away from this one. As well, it was almost 30% into the book and I was just kinda bored. I think this will appeal to a specific type of person, but it's definitely not me.
ernis's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
An enjoyable read, although I definitely underestimated the mentions of torture, rape, and gore that the novel had (while not grotesque, more than I was expecting for a YA novel). I thought the clashing and different charcters' perspectives and opinions were compelling. I haven't read many novels in this time era and so that caught my attention as well. An intriguing adventure story!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture, Rape, Murder, War, and Sexual assault
bookwife's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book so much! This book is about a Christian prince(Conrad), the princess he was suppose to marry(Elaine) and the Muslim assassin(Rashid) sent to kill her. These three end up traveling to find out why Rashid was suppose to kill her. Of course nothing is ever that easy. They are sent on a separate quest to retrieve a letter.
I am obsessed with the characters and the friendship they formed. They all disliked each other at first. But they slowly grew to depend on each other. To trust that they would fight to save one another.
The history aspect of the story was very entertaining. The author, I think.. although I am no history buff, did a great job. Of course some things were changed but I think he did a great job at keeping the heart of the history true.
If you enjoy history and strong friendships then I highly recommend this book.
I am obsessed with the characters and the friendship they formed. They all disliked each other at first. But they slowly grew to depend on each other. To trust that they would fight to save one another.
The history aspect of the story was very entertaining. The author, I think.. although I am no history buff, did a great job. Of course some things were changed but I think he did a great job at keeping the heart of the history true.
If you enjoy history and strong friendships then I highly recommend this book.
alyram4's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/5 stars
This was such a fun read! The first line was hilarious and seriously just made me love Elaine!
Also, don't listen to the synopsis you see on the sites. They are seriously just not that great and don't give you a feel for what this book is about.
So speaking of loving Elaine, her strength and just wanting to be independent is goals. She strives to be her own person with her own rules, not "doing her duty" to obey a husband or men, even though she is the princess. The blend of Middle Easten and French themes and characters is so well done, and you do see a battle of Christian vs Muslim beliefs in here as well. I think it was well done, and the characers grow very well throughout. Elaine is a strong female character who doesn't let a man dictate how she behaves or speaks. Conrad is the betrothed of Elaine, and really he's an ass at the start. His character grows so much that, by the end, I actually really enjoyed his scenes and POV. Rashid has to be my fave though. I liked him from the start, and he plays such a huge role between the two different cultures.
The pacing is a bit slow at first, for about maybe a quarter of the way through, but then it picks up once Elain makes a decision to visit a certain someone. It goes uphill from there and was really fun to read! The reasoning for my rating is just that it does drag quite a bit at times, and we start to see POVs by characters I personally had no interest in. Usually side characters that you hardly know much about, and so their POV just doesn't do anything except to say "hey look! This is what I think of XYZ".
Also, why do the chapters not say what POV we're starting with? Like I get that this is all 3rd person, but seriously... Give me SOMETHING so I'm not having to reread the starting page for each chapter over again to make sure I know which character I'm following. This is DEFINITELY my biggest problem with this book.
Thanks to the publisher for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was such a fun read! The first line was hilarious and seriously just made me love Elaine!
Also, don't listen to the synopsis you see on the sites. They are seriously just not that great and don't give you a feel for what this book is about.
So speaking of loving Elaine, her strength and just wanting to be independent is goals. She strives to be her own person with her own rules, not "doing her duty" to obey a husband or men, even though she is the princess. The blend of Middle Easten and French themes and characters is so well done, and you do see a battle of Christian vs Muslim beliefs in here as well. I think it was well done, and the characers grow very well throughout. Elaine is a strong female character who doesn't let a man dictate how she behaves or speaks. Conrad is the betrothed of Elaine, and really he's an ass at the start. His character grows so much that, by the end, I actually really enjoyed his scenes and POV. Rashid has to be my fave though. I liked him from the start, and he plays such a huge role between the two different cultures.
The pacing is a bit slow at first, for about maybe a quarter of the way through, but then it picks up once Elain makes a decision to visit a certain someone. It goes uphill from there and was really fun to read! The reasoning for my rating is just that it does drag quite a bit at times, and we start to see POVs by characters I personally had no interest in. Usually side characters that you hardly know much about, and so their POV just doesn't do anything except to say "hey look! This is what I think of XYZ".
Also, why do the chapters not say what POV we're starting with? Like I get that this is all 3rd person, but seriously... Give me SOMETHING so I'm not having to reread the starting page for each chapter over again to make sure I know which character I'm following. This is DEFINITELY my biggest problem with this book.
Thanks to the publisher for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
deefinglee's review against another edition
3.0
This was really not my usual read which made it take me a little longer to finish but I did not completely hate it
alexperc_92's review
4.0
I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
One of the most accurate descriptions of the Crusades period and of Genghis Khan is presented in this thrilling adventure! I loved all the main characters especially Elaine who is strong for her time, a feminist even, as also how she tried to navigate through a man's world. This was a very enjoyable read.
One of the most accurate descriptions of the Crusades period and of Genghis Khan is presented in this thrilling adventure! I loved all the main characters especially Elaine who is strong for her time, a feminist even, as also how she tried to navigate through a man's world. This was a very enjoyable read.
emilyreadsfantasy's review against another edition
4.0
I love a good historical novel, especially one set ~1220 AD! It was full of adventure and exciting plot twists. My only complaint would be that the romance was much more minor than promised!
jjohans3's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed the beginning and the ending of this book. The reason I gave only 3 stars is because the middle was super difficult to get through. I actually put the book down for two months because I couldn’t get through it. However, if you can make it through that part, the book is worth the read!
I really enjoyed the character development for all three of the main characters. I loved the feminism in this book (absolutely love Princess Elaine!). I even ended up liking Conrad by the end, even though he’s still a little thick headed.
It was a fun historical fiction, set in a time period I don’t often read about. It was sometimes infuriating to think of people actually living this way, which gives credit to how well the author was able to portray the period.
I really enjoyed the character development for all three of the main characters. I loved the feminism in this book (absolutely love Princess Elaine!). I even ended up liking Conrad by the end, even though he’s still a little thick headed.
It was a fun historical fiction, set in a time period I don’t often read about. It was sometimes infuriating to think of people actually living this way, which gives credit to how well the author was able to portray the period.
livy22's review against another edition
3.0
3.25 stars
Going into this book, I really had no idea what to expect. The premise sounded intriguing - a Christian princess, a Muslim assassin, and a neighboring prince forced together on a quest that may leave them bonding despite their differences.
Robert Cochran's author bio says he was a co-creator of the show 24, which doesn't surprise me at all. The plot of this story reads like it could be written for TV. It's quick-paced, for sure - definitely not of the Tolkien variety - but still intricate. Though the plot moves like a high-speed train, the story still manages to explore a lot of interesting and relevant themes, especially when it comes to religion. The most important to me being: how do you view and treat others who have different beliefs than you?
There were a few aspects of the story that bothered me.
- Conrad's view of women for the first half of the book was irritating, though I know it's meant to reflect the time period.
- As far as the portrayal of religion, I'll preface by saying I'm a Christian, so I can't speak in-depth on the representation for the Muslim characters, but the Christianity depicted in this book was very surface level. (Which was obviously fine and as expected, since it's not a Christian book!)
- All of the characters could've used more fleshing out. Though I enjoyed our three protagonists, they felt a little like cardboard cutouts and never had my full emotional investment. Rashid was my favorite, though, if I had to choose.
Overall, this book was both fun and thought-provoking. The title The Sword & the Dagger also makes a lot of sense once you finish. I'm curious if this story will be a standalone or if a sequel is in the works!
Going into this book, I really had no idea what to expect. The premise sounded intriguing - a Christian princess, a Muslim assassin, and a neighboring prince forced together on a quest that may leave them bonding despite their differences.
Robert Cochran's author bio says he was a co-creator of the show 24, which doesn't surprise me at all. The plot of this story reads like it could be written for TV. It's quick-paced, for sure - definitely not of the Tolkien variety - but still intricate. Though the plot moves like a high-speed train, the story still manages to explore a lot of interesting and relevant themes, especially when it comes to religion. The most important to me being: how do you view and treat others who have different beliefs than you?
There were a few aspects of the story that bothered me.
- Conrad's view of women for the first half of the book was irritating, though I know it's meant to reflect the time period.
- As far as the portrayal of religion, I'll preface by saying I'm a Christian, so I can't speak in-depth on the representation for the Muslim characters, but the Christianity depicted in this book was very surface level. (Which was obviously fine and as expected, since it's not a Christian book!)
- All of the characters could've used more fleshing out. Though I enjoyed our three protagonists, they felt a little like cardboard cutouts and never had my full emotional investment. Rashid was my favorite, though, if I had to choose.
Overall, this book was both fun and thought-provoking. The title The Sword & the Dagger also makes a lot of sense once you finish. I'm curious if this story will be a standalone or if a sequel is in the works!
ikarichelle's review against another edition
5.0
*** Disclaimer: I received a free early access copy of The Sword and the Dagger by Robert Cochran from NetGalley and Tor/Forge for review purposes. Thanks so much!
What initially drew me to this book was the title and cover. Once I read the summary, the historical fiction aspect drew me in, especially since takes place during the Crusades which is a time period you just don't see much of in young adult fiction.
Elaine is the princess of Tripoli who is betrothed to the prince of Antioch, Conrad, in hopes of an alliance between the two countries during the time of the Crusades. As the last two Christian lands, their marriage is important for political reasons. Rashid is an Assassin which is an extremist Muslim sect. He's sent to kill Elaine for promises of going to Paradise.
Once the assassination attempt fails, Elaine decides to rescue Rashid in hopes to discover why and who wanted her dead. Conrad learns of their escape and joins them on their journey that is given to them by the Old Man, the leader of the Eagle's Nest. They are the find out about what is causing the deaths by whistling, feathered arrows.
First of all, this interested me because of the age old conflict of religion, specifically between the Christians and Muslims which is still very prominent in today's society. The mentions of Assassins as well as a brief mentions of Templars immediately brought the first Assassin's Creed game to mind. Something like that can be relevant to most people.
I loved the aspect of three people from extremely different backgrounds having to band together for a common cause. It's rather trope-y, but for this plot it's very appropriate. Despite the formula for a love triangle situation, there isn't one. For a majority of the story everything is strictly platonic.
Elaine is an extremely amazing character and I love how strong willed she was. For the time period it's more unheard of and I like that she's just as strong as the two men. The sacrifices she gives and her stubborn determination is relatable. While they all evolve, Conrad probably have the most character growth. Conrad has a shadow of his older brother hanging over him making that his weakness. His constant disagreement with Rashid is understandable and I like how they have those moments of agreement. I also really liked Rashid because he sticks to his values and fits the role of an assassin. He's careful and plans things out before jumping into action in contrast to Conrad and sometimes Elaine.
The story is predictable at times, but it's an easy read. It kept me interested because it showed the different POV from each character back to back so it wasn't jumping back and forth. I think it's a great novel for someone who is transferring from screenwriting to prose.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am totally recommending it!
What initially drew me to this book was the title and cover. Once I read the summary, the historical fiction aspect drew me in, especially since takes place during the Crusades which is a time period you just don't see much of in young adult fiction.
Elaine is the princess of Tripoli who is betrothed to the prince of Antioch, Conrad, in hopes of an alliance between the two countries during the time of the Crusades. As the last two Christian lands, their marriage is important for political reasons. Rashid is an Assassin which is an extremist Muslim sect. He's sent to kill Elaine for promises of going to Paradise.
Once the assassination attempt fails, Elaine decides to rescue Rashid in hopes to discover why and who wanted her dead. Conrad learns of their escape and joins them on their journey that is given to them by the Old Man, the leader of the Eagle's Nest. They are the find out about what is causing the deaths by whistling, feathered arrows.
First of all, this interested me because of the age old conflict of religion, specifically between the Christians and Muslims which is still very prominent in today's society. The mentions of Assassins as well as a brief mentions of Templars immediately brought the first Assassin's Creed game to mind. Something like that can be relevant to most people.
I loved the aspect of three people from extremely different backgrounds having to band together for a common cause. It's rather trope-y, but for this plot it's very appropriate. Despite the formula for a love triangle situation, there isn't one. For a majority of the story everything is strictly platonic.
Elaine is an extremely amazing character and I love how strong willed she was. For the time period it's more unheard of and I like that she's just as strong as the two men. The sacrifices she gives and her stubborn determination is relatable. While they all evolve, Conrad probably have the most character growth. Conrad has a shadow of his older brother hanging over him making that his weakness. His constant disagreement with Rashid is understandable and I like how they have those moments of agreement. I also really liked Rashid because he sticks to his values and fits the role of an assassin. He's careful and plans things out before jumping into action in contrast to Conrad and sometimes Elaine.
The story is predictable at times, but it's an easy read. It kept me interested because it showed the different POV from each character back to back so it wasn't jumping back and forth. I think it's a great novel for someone who is transferring from screenwriting to prose.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am totally recommending it!