misterintensity's review against another edition
2.0
When Ara is kidnapped while working her forge, she discovers the tales her grandmother told about her greater destiny are true. To claim her destiny she must go on a dangerous journey. Ara's kidnappers turn out to be the exiled princess and prince of Saetlund who are looking to reclaim the throne from the Vokkans who have conquered it fifteen years ago. They start a quest to claim the power of the Loresmith for Ara, which may be one of the keys to help them claim the throne. Along the way they are joined by a third, Teth, and his fox companion. The journey these characters undertake is described in picturesque detail. Robertson takes her time with the scenarios she puts her characters through. The story is told in third person from Ara's perspective which may be confusing to some readers who are used to either a first person or an omniscient perspective. Personally I found that narrative decision distanced me from the narrative. It doesn't help that the characters are basically defined by one or two characteristics. The relative slow pacing compounds this since typically a quicker pace often makes up for a lack of character depth. The system of magic is interesting but there's a sense there's more to it but it's likely won't be seen until the next book. There are a few interludes from the Vokkans' perspective that while provide some understanding about them, also potentially spoil a major twist. Readers of An Ember in the Ashes series would enjoy this book.
Thanks Edelweiss+ for providing an ARC for this book.
Thanks Edelweiss+ for providing an ARC for this book.
carsonbailey's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
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
helenamt's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
the_immortal_library's review against another edition
3.0
Uh.... I mean it wasn’t the best. The story was ok, but it took so long with exposition. Ara has a destiny waiting for her and when the lost heirs of the throne come and “knock” on her door her destiny comes to her. Princess Nimhea and Prince Eamon are on a mission to retake the throne and help Ara return to her place as the legendary loresmith, the blacksmith that forged legendary weapons that has served alongside the kings and queens of saetlund. Along the way they meet a thief and a summoner and the rebels. Can they beat the empire and gain their freedom and achieve their destiny.
khaleesirose's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
juliakohlert's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
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? No
3.5
ericadeb's review against another edition
3.0
I like the story and the concept. The characters were good and I loved Fox. But the pace was slow and as I got more than halfway through, it became very obvious that this was a set up for a series. That always kind of bums me out. I would rather have a nice, complete story than a lot of laying of the groundwork. Hopefully the next one will further the story a little more.
kaylieraye's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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
4.0