The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
maheandco's review against another edition
5.0
fae - sinister sorcery - fantasy
"The obstacle is the Way and Ego is the Enemy."
"The obstacle is the Way and Ego is the Enemy."
urbanesunset's review against another edition
Boring and super confusing. How am I 50% in and still have no idea what’s happening?
percyb0t's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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
3.75
That gayboy rags was my favorite. The sexy lizard was my least favorite
user_906242's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
4.25
merc_birb's review against another edition
2.0
DNF 60% - Preface by saying that this review relates to the audiobook edition. If I'd been reading a text-based edition, I might have had a higher possibility of finishing. I might come back to it when I'm in a place to focus on physical books again.
I really wanted to like this story. But... the narrator is NOT great for this book. It has gotten to the point where I'm forcing myself to listen to it. Most of the character voices would be indistinguishable from one another if the text didn't point out who was speaking. And while I understand that Shining Talon is supposed to fairly lacking in emotion, that doesn't mean he should sound like a robot. Also, her readings of the lines often seemed off for the context, the emotions coming off strangely.
My disappointment with the narrator aside, the story is... okay? Praise for the magic system, the mirror-craft magic is really cool and I haven't seen anything like it before. :D And the concept of the story is good, though the plot so far is kind of overdone with every sentai show or team-based comic in existence. First member found by magical guide, hunt for next member, fight some monsters, repeat. The antagonist is just generally, generically evil and that's the only reason given that they Must Be Stopped.
Actually, that's a bit of a gripe, too. Other than the sorcerers being sketchy-af (and I did listen far enough to find out where they get their powers and how horrible it is) WHY should I care about opposing the queen? There's no sense of urgency in the journey, no anticipation of reaching a goal. Even finding the next team member feels sort of routine.
The characters are fine, Rags is a true delight and I appreciate Inis's determination, but even they are very... two dimensional. Maybe it's because of the author trying to juggle an ensemble cast, maybe it's just my problems with the narration tainting my appraisal of the characters.
Overall, not the worst book I've set aside, but if I come back to it, it won't be via audiobook.
I really wanted to like this story. But... the narrator is NOT great for this book. It has gotten to the point where I'm forcing myself to listen to it. Most of the character voices would be indistinguishable from one another if the text didn't point out who was speaking. And while I understand that Shining Talon is supposed to fairly lacking in emotion, that doesn't mean he should sound like a robot. Also, her readings of the lines often seemed off for the context, the emotions coming off strangely.
My disappointment with the narrator aside, the story is... okay? Praise for the magic system, the mirror-craft magic is really cool and I haven't seen anything like it before. :D And the concept of the story is good, though the plot so far is kind of overdone with every sentai show or team-based comic in existence. First member found by magical guide, hunt for next member, fight some monsters, repeat. The antagonist is just generally, generically evil and that's the only reason given that they Must Be Stopped.
Actually, that's a bit of a gripe, too. Other than the sorcerers being sketchy-af (and I did listen far enough to find out where they get their powers and how horrible it is) WHY should I care about opposing the queen? There's no sense of urgency in the journey, no anticipation of reaching a goal. Even finding the next team member feels sort of routine.
The characters are fine, Rags is a true delight and I appreciate Inis's determination, but even they are very... two dimensional. Maybe it's because of the author trying to juggle an ensemble cast, maybe it's just my problems with the narration tainting my appraisal of the characters.
Overall, not the worst book I've set aside, but if I come back to it, it won't be via audiobook.
laurasl's review against another edition
5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Excuse me while I stare into the void trying to figure out what to do with my life until the next book is released.
All jokes aside, I love all these characters so much I would gladly read 1000 pages of them and their shenaningans and I also want to see the bad guys destroyed, but the place the story ends has left me strangely satisfied.
Give it a try if you can,it will not disappoint
Excuse me while I stare into the void trying to figure out what to do with my life until the next book is released.
All jokes aside, I love all these characters so much I would gladly read 1000 pages of them and their shenaningans and I also want to see the bad guys destroyed, but the place the story ends has left me strangely satisfied.
Give it a try if you can,it will not disappoint
larijuni's review against another edition
adventurous
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
eggcatsreads's review against another edition
5.0
I. Will. Kill. For. A. Sequel.
This book felt like a combination of Realm Breaker and Crier's War (both of which I loved) and I was ENTHRALLED the entire time. I need more. This was phenomenal.
This book felt like a combination of Realm Breaker and Crier's War (both of which I loved) and I was ENTHRALLED the entire time. I need more. This was phenomenal.
jleeanderson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Did I absolutely love this book? Yes I sincerely hope a sequel is on its was and I think they did an amazing job setting up this world and making me care for the characters however I wish there was more interaction between the main group I understand in because of the mirror craft we weren't able to see a lot of candid convos about escape but some random convos to tie them together more would be nice in the same vein I feel like some of the character development should have been shown to us more then told to us. I really hope to see the 'reality' of the romantic developments mid revolution as they seem to be very good at writing how something good can feel during dark times <Spoiler> I actually liked the switching povs which I normally do not and I am wishing for a sequel for Christmas lol