chrliesangel28's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mcfox5455's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was so cool! The world was a lot of fun to be in and learn about. I think the time jumps were used well and helped move the story along while still offering enough insight on the characters. Very excited to see how book two picks the ending up!
hydroxicacid's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
tense
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
5.0
mozdzenl1's review against another edition
2.0
I feel like I knew nothing about the world or the magic system even half way through the book. I barely felt like I knew Akeha and Mokoya. What was specifically so bad about the Protectorate? How did Mokoya fall in love with Thennjay so quickly? What is the Slack? Basically the magical force? What do the elements have to do with anything?
No explanation for why Akeha left besides being the spare. No inner motivation to pursue a different life - even though we're never really told what his life was like at the Protectorate.
We also see Akeha ask "what would Mokoya do" several times. But the reality is, the reader doesn't know what Mokoya would do. We have no insight into her character besides the fact that she's fierier than Akeha. But we don't know drives her. Is it a pursuit for justice and fairness? For revenge? For adventure?
Bottom line, so many questions and details missing that prevent me from becoming invested in the characters, the world, and the story overall. For the first book in a series, I feel there's nothing compelling me to keep reading.
No explanation for why Akeha left besides being the spare. No inner motivation to pursue a different life - even though we're never really told what his life was like at the Protectorate.
We also see Akeha ask "what would Mokoya do" several times. But the reality is, the reader doesn't know what Mokoya would do. We have no insight into her character besides the fact that she's fierier than Akeha. But we don't know drives her. Is it a pursuit for justice and fairness? For revenge? For adventure?
Bottom line, so many questions and details missing that prevent me from becoming invested in the characters, the world, and the story overall. For the first book in a series, I feel there's nothing compelling me to keep reading.
fawzul's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
mitzee's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Was appropriately short. Liked the short and concise story.
bluelemons's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5