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tessa_talbert's review
1.0
**My thanks to the Author and Publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. **
Sisters of the Perilous Heart is a multi-POV Fantasy/Sci-Fi where we are introduced to Vivian, a newly crowned queen who made it all of two minutes into her coronation before an almost assassination infects her with what they call the Immortality Virus, and an orphan by the name of Carina who is on the run from people who wish to kill her as well.
The story is interspersed with news articles and logs and diary clippings, which were all very creative in their own way and lent some idea to the world. That was desperately needed, as Kelper, the world itself, came off as an oxymoron more often than not. There was an emphasis on royalty and titles, yet had very modern elements that did not fit with that aspect. It was hard to enjoy the protagonists as they came off as spoiled and self-centered. Vivian spent her introduction both dying and judging everyone around her—as those could have very well been her last thoughts ever, it was sad to see how that was what she chose to focus on and did not endear her to me. Even her brothers, who were attempting to help her. Carina had a one-track mind that did not serve her or her sister well and would often ignore the poor thing as a result, even though, again, she was trying to help her.
While imaginative, the plot fell flat for me. Threads were created and promptly dropped, or simply not followed to fruition. The intertwining plots alone would drag through and I believe part of the issue was simply a lack of focus as to what the plot should have come to. Bas and Nate were by far my favorite characters and their dynamic was truly interesting, even if I thought Nate was ill-treated. Unfortunately this book was too discordant for me overall.
Sisters of the Perilous Heart is a multi-POV Fantasy/Sci-Fi where we are introduced to Vivian, a newly crowned queen who made it all of two minutes into her coronation before an almost assassination infects her with what they call the Immortality Virus, and an orphan by the name of Carina who is on the run from people who wish to kill her as well.
The story is interspersed with news articles and logs and diary clippings, which were all very creative in their own way and lent some idea to the world. That was desperately needed, as Kelper, the world itself, came off as an oxymoron more often than not. There was an emphasis on royalty and titles, yet had very modern elements that did not fit with that aspect. It was hard to enjoy the protagonists as they came off as spoiled and self-centered. Vivian spent her introduction both dying and judging everyone around her—as those could have very well been her last thoughts ever, it was sad to see how that was what she chose to focus on and did not endear her to me. Even her brothers, who were attempting to help her. Carina had a one-track mind that did not serve her or her sister well and would often ignore the poor thing as a result, even though, again, she was trying to help her.
While imaginative, the plot fell flat for me. Threads were created and promptly dropped, or simply not followed to fruition. The intertwining plots alone would drag through and I believe part of the issue was simply a lack of focus as to what the plot should have come to. Bas and Nate were by far my favorite characters and their dynamic was truly interesting, even if I thought Nate was ill-treated. Unfortunately this book was too discordant for me overall.
fiction_gryphon's review
2.0
I really wanted to like this book... truly I did. I'm not one to DNF a book, but this was a close call; I had a difficult time finishing it. Some elements of the story were interesting, but overall, it fell flat for me. The biggest issue I had was the pacing and the amount of characters you need to follow. Overall, if I had to describe the book in one word it would be: inconsistent. Sometimes the author sensors out swear words and the next chapter uses said curses. Sometimes characters behave in the way that they are described to do, but then completely turn their actions around in a way that doesn't make sense by the next page. We get glimpses into moments of the past that should have meaningful impact to the storyline, but they don't seem to connect any of the dots. We start out with a concept that is fresh and unique, but then they lapse into overplayed cliches.
There are so many points of view going on, and the story is constantly bouncing between present, past, textbook entries/mission logs, flashbacks and dream-like states. The textbook entries and past mission logs were particularly disconnected from the story and often left me feeling like I was jolted out of place before being thrown back in again, with more questions than answers. A lot of the information gleaned from these sections would have been better suited to explanation by characters in the present set of the story, and it may have helped things flow more smoothly.
The emblems at the top of each chapter help somewhat with differentiating where you are and with whom you're with, but again, the amount of characters was giving me whiplash. I had a hard time connecting to any of these characters because they seemed so disingenuous. The only character I truly liked by the end was Captain Brandon Thurlow, a royal guard that had a very minor role (at least to the extent of this installment).
I had a particularly hard time wrapping my brain around the time period/setting. We're on an alien planet, clearly far into human future, and yet one group resorts to using swords and bows with arrows while another has televisions, cars and guns? I just couldn't stay routed in the story because I didn't feel a definitive sense of space or time. I understand that this is only a first installment in a series, but there really wasn't any progression to the story line. We get one big revelation by the end of the book, but it still doesn't explain the majority of the book's events, and doesn't exactly entice me to come back for more in a second book.
I absolutely hate giving books negative reviews because all books, all writing, has purpose and value. The author independently published her work and put it out into the world and I wholeheartedly respect and admire that. It takes a lot of courage! Based on the other reviews I see here, there are plenty of others who enjoyed the story and that's awesome. I'm simply putting this out there in case any of the issues I described above bother any of you personally, as a reader, because then this one may not be for you.
There are so many points of view going on, and the story is constantly bouncing between present, past, textbook entries/mission logs, flashbacks and dream-like states. The textbook entries and past mission logs were particularly disconnected from the story and often left me feeling like I was jolted out of place before being thrown back in again, with more questions than answers. A lot of the information gleaned from these sections would have been better suited to explanation by characters in the present set of the story, and it may have helped things flow more smoothly.
The emblems at the top of each chapter help somewhat with differentiating where you are and with whom you're with, but again, the amount of characters was giving me whiplash. I had a hard time connecting to any of these characters because they seemed so disingenuous. The only character I truly liked by the end was Captain Brandon Thurlow, a royal guard that had a very minor role (at least to the extent of this installment).
I had a particularly hard time wrapping my brain around the time period/setting. We're on an alien planet, clearly far into human future, and yet one group resorts to using swords and bows with arrows while another has televisions, cars and guns? I just couldn't stay routed in the story because I didn't feel a definitive sense of space or time. I understand that this is only a first installment in a series, but there really wasn't any progression to the story line. We get one big revelation by the end of the book, but it still doesn't explain the majority of the book's events, and doesn't exactly entice me to come back for more in a second book.
I absolutely hate giving books negative reviews because all books, all writing, has purpose and value. The author independently published her work and put it out into the world and I wholeheartedly respect and admire that. It takes a lot of courage! Based on the other reviews I see here, there are plenty of others who enjoyed the story and that's awesome. I'm simply putting this out there in case any of the issues I described above bother any of you personally, as a reader, because then this one may not be for you.
ashleykwbooks's review
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers of this book for sending me a free copy for an honest review.
Sisters of the Perilous Heart follows to point of views. One is Queen Vivian and the other is Carina, an orphan girl and then throughout the story there are excerpts from logs, journals, poems, etc. that give context to the world of Kepler.
Very quickly you realize this world is not Earth but a planet called Kepler that years ago people from Earth traveled to. There is a virus called the Immortality Virus that many humans took back on Earth but quickly realized it causes red eyes and lack of empathy that turned people into violent versions of themselves. On the planet of Kepler humans adapted and some gained magic.
The magic system in this book was the best part. It was very interesting and fun to read. Especially since you are basically learning about magic with Carina who has lived most of her life not knowing how to use her gifts while in contrast reading about Queen Vivian and her two brothers who have very good grasps on their magic.
Okay but let’s talk about the story in general and why I did not really care for it and only gave it three stars instead of two which it would have been given if not for the last two chapters of the book and the magic system.
Overall this YA fantasy novel read more middle grade. The world, while an interesting concept, was lacking and the characters mindlessly wandered and were a bit lackluster.
Let’s start with the world. I felt so confused about this place. For part of the book these people are using carriages, horses, swords but then other parts of the book there are trucks, TVs, and guns and it is only explained way later why this is and not even very clearly but it’s something to do with a mortal commitments that state taking care of the planet, or something like that. Really all it seemed to do was make for a confusing setting that wanted to be modern but with an old-times vibe.
The wandering plot line.
The whole story could have been resolved halfway through the book if the characters would just talk to each other. I don’t want to give any spoilers away but let’s just say that I am not a fan of “keeping pointless secrets”. This causes a boring, pointless, story line in my opinion. However sometimes it can be really well done, this was not one of those times. Carina even states in the last chapters that if she had known she could have done more.
Overall I was very bored and put the book down multiple times. I even found myself thinking why is this happening multiple times.
The characters.
This is the part I had the biggest problem with. I can be fine with a wandering plot line in a world that could use a little more work if the characters are great. These ones were not. Their was a lot of unneeded “sibling rivalry” that felt more like he is stupid and that is that. And a lot of “she doesn’t love me enough” or “your my favorite” it was all just very petty.
The romance was also very hard to read. I never fell in love with any of the characters. The romance felt forced because it’s YA and there has to be romance I guess? I don’t like being told “they made out”. I guess the big problem was the description was more telling versus showing.
Anyway, I don’t know that I can really convey my thoughts without someone having read it. But honestly I wouldn’t recommend unless you like middle grade or that Graceling book... this felt similar to that which I also did not care for much.
But just because something wasn’t for me doesn’t mean you won’t like it. Give it a chance if you want and be sure to leave a review for others so they know your opinion.
Sisters of the Perilous Heart follows to point of views. One is Queen Vivian and the other is Carina, an orphan girl and then throughout the story there are excerpts from logs, journals, poems, etc. that give context to the world of Kepler.
Very quickly you realize this world is not Earth but a planet called Kepler that years ago people from Earth traveled to. There is a virus called the Immortality Virus that many humans took back on Earth but quickly realized it causes red eyes and lack of empathy that turned people into violent versions of themselves. On the planet of Kepler humans adapted and some gained magic.
The magic system in this book was the best part. It was very interesting and fun to read. Especially since you are basically learning about magic with Carina who has lived most of her life not knowing how to use her gifts while in contrast reading about Queen Vivian and her two brothers who have very good grasps on their magic.
Okay but let’s talk about the story in general and why I did not really care for it and only gave it three stars instead of two which it would have been given if not for the last two chapters of the book and the magic system.
Overall this YA fantasy novel read more middle grade. The world, while an interesting concept, was lacking and the characters mindlessly wandered and were a bit lackluster.
Let’s start with the world. I felt so confused about this place. For part of the book these people are using carriages, horses, swords but then other parts of the book there are trucks, TVs, and guns and it is only explained way later why this is and not even very clearly but it’s something to do with a mortal commitments that state taking care of the planet, or something like that. Really all it seemed to do was make for a confusing setting that wanted to be modern but with an old-times vibe.
The wandering plot line.
The whole story could have been resolved halfway through the book if the characters would just talk to each other. I don’t want to give any spoilers away but let’s just say that I am not a fan of “keeping pointless secrets”. This causes a boring, pointless, story line in my opinion. However sometimes it can be really well done, this was not one of those times. Carina even states in the last chapters that if she had known she could have done more.
Overall I was very bored and put the book down multiple times. I even found myself thinking why is this happening multiple times.
The characters.
This is the part I had the biggest problem with. I can be fine with a wandering plot line in a world that could use a little more work if the characters are great. These ones were not. Their was a lot of unneeded “sibling rivalry” that felt more like he is stupid and that is that. And a lot of “she doesn’t love me enough” or “your my favorite” it was all just very petty.
The romance was also very hard to read. I never fell in love with any of the characters. The romance felt forced because it’s YA and there has to be romance I guess? I don’t like being told “they made out”. I guess the big problem was the description was more telling versus showing.
Anyway, I don’t know that I can really convey my thoughts without someone having read it. But honestly I wouldn’t recommend unless you like middle grade or that Graceling book... this felt similar to that which I also did not care for much.
But just because something wasn’t for me doesn’t mean you won’t like it. Give it a chance if you want and be sure to leave a review for others so they know your opinion.
alyram4's review
4.0
Rounding up to 4 stars because I enjoyed it a lot despite the issues I had with it. The world building was what got me the most, as I would've loved to see it developed further. Character development was also really solid!
emmarj's review
4.0
I received this ARC free in exchange for my honest review.
I'm on a roll with ARCs!! I really, really enjoyed Sisters of the Perilous Heart. The pacing is great and while lacking in twists, the book leaves plenty of secrets to be unraveled in the next installment.
The theme is so diverse and different. It's like medieval fantasy set super far into the future so it's a little SciFi but it's also magicky but it's also got some chosen one stuff peeking through. As I said, very different and in a refreshing sort of way.
The writing is smooth and well edited. It does not feel bogged down or self serving, an issue I find commonly in YA fantasy. The relationships between characters are complex and intriguing as well as evolving throughout the book.
One thing I did dislike is that the two sort of POVs we're told the story through seemed a little too parallel to me. Like one group meets mysterious boy and then the other group meets mysterious boy. And it goes on from there but I can't talk about it because spoilers. :) Maybe that's thematic as well, to be revealed in a later book but I do have to mark it down for now.
All in all, a successful read for me. 4 stars and book 2 IS going on my TBR! Yay!
I'm on a roll with ARCs!! I really, really enjoyed Sisters of the Perilous Heart. The pacing is great and while lacking in twists, the book leaves plenty of secrets to be unraveled in the next installment.
The theme is so diverse and different. It's like medieval fantasy set super far into the future so it's a little SciFi but it's also magicky but it's also got some chosen one stuff peeking through. As I said, very different and in a refreshing sort of way.
The writing is smooth and well edited. It does not feel bogged down or self serving, an issue I find commonly in YA fantasy. The relationships between characters are complex and intriguing as well as evolving throughout the book.
One thing I did dislike is that the two sort of POVs we're told the story through seemed a little too parallel to me. Like one group meets mysterious boy and then the other group meets mysterious boy. And it goes on from there but I can't talk about it because spoilers. :) Maybe that's thematic as well, to be revealed in a later book but I do have to mark it down for now.
All in all, a successful read for me. 4 stars and book 2 IS going on my TBR! Yay!
misscroft's review
Not the book for me...
Characters are interesting, story is intriguing; but I'm losing interest. DNF
Characters are interesting, story is intriguing; but I'm losing interest. DNF
carola84's review
2.0
Thank you Mortal Ink Press, LLC and NetGalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own and not influenced by others.
This book got my attention because of the cover which I like very much, the description sounded good so I was eager to start reading. However, after several times trying to read this book, I finally decided to DNF it.
I coudn’t get into this story, I found it confusing from the beginning, there was no connection that I was feeling with any of the characters and to be honest, I got frustrated by reading this book.
This book got my attention because of the cover which I like very much, the description sounded good so I was eager to start reading. However, after several times trying to read this book, I finally decided to DNF it.
I coudn’t get into this story, I found it confusing from the beginning, there was no connection that I was feeling with any of the characters and to be honest, I got frustrated by reading this book.
monikasbookblog's review
4.0
Planet Kepler - Two young protagonists - Vivian, new Queen to the throne, who needs magic to save herself from the Immortal Virus and Carina, an orphan girl forbidden to use magic and bought up hidden in a convent! Their paths are bound to cross and unforgettable things will happen along the way...
I really liked the history of planet Kepler and the forgoing rival between Kepler Mortals and the Immortals. The world building is a fine mix of virus, immortality, dystopia, sci-fi, space travel and fantasy, it doesn’t stop and develops with the story. For first few chapters, the story was slow paced and the characters other than Vivian and Carina were often morally confusing in whom to trust. But as a reader I stuck with it and honestly I got more involved in the twists, betrayals and adventures!! I think I’ll read the next book just to confirm my thoughts about the characters.
Thank you Netgalley, Sandra L Vasher, Mortal Ink Press for the ARC!
I really liked the history of planet Kepler and the forgoing rival between Kepler Mortals and the Immortals. The world building is a fine mix of virus, immortality, dystopia, sci-fi, space travel and fantasy, it doesn’t stop and develops with the story. For first few chapters, the story was slow paced and the characters other than Vivian and Carina were often morally confusing in whom to trust. But as a reader I stuck with it and honestly I got more involved in the twists, betrayals and adventures!! I think I’ll read the next book just to confirm my thoughts about the characters.
Thank you Netgalley, Sandra L Vasher, Mortal Ink Press for the ARC!
malligal's review
4.0
Sisters of the Perilous Heart takes place on a planet that has been inhabited by settlers from Earth some of which have been injected with an immortality ‘virus’. Sisters of the Perilous Heart takes place thousands of years after the first settlements arrived on Kepler.
Sisters was an imaginative sci-fi story that explored a ton of different ideas. It honestly took me a while to absorb everything I read, and I’m not really sure that I even got it all. This one will most likely be a reread for me. I love rereading stories and picking up on things I missed the first time around, and I’m pretty sure there will be a lot of things I missed in this one.
Vasher built the world and the history of Kepler extremely well. She included the information that the reader needed without bogging the story down with minute details. Although, I really would have loved to learn more about the native Keplers. They seemed so interesting!
The character building was done well too. The depth of characters and their relationships with each other were both extremely developed and, for the most part, believable. The one issue I had with a character is a completely personal one. I found Carina entirely selfish, annoying and unrelatable. As an older sibling, there’s not much that I wouldn’t do to make my younger sister happy, but Carina is constantly getting mad at Miguela for not going along with her plans and for being cautious and wanting to stay safe. It seemed like the sibling roles were reversed. Miguela exuded an older sibling vibe while Carina was more reckless and self-centered. The whole relationship made me cringe constantly. In the end, I can honestly say that I have never been so confused and disoriented regarding which characters to trust while reading a story! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
I received a free e-copy of Sisters of the Perilous Heart from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sisters was an imaginative sci-fi story that explored a ton of different ideas. It honestly took me a while to absorb everything I read, and I’m not really sure that I even got it all. This one will most likely be a reread for me. I love rereading stories and picking up on things I missed the first time around, and I’m pretty sure there will be a lot of things I missed in this one.
Vasher built the world and the history of Kepler extremely well. She included the information that the reader needed without bogging the story down with minute details. Although, I really would have loved to learn more about the native Keplers. They seemed so interesting!
The character building was done well too. The depth of characters and their relationships with each other were both extremely developed and, for the most part, believable. The one issue I had with a character is a completely personal one. I found Carina entirely selfish, annoying and unrelatable. As an older sibling, there’s not much that I wouldn’t do to make my younger sister happy, but Carina is constantly getting mad at Miguela for not going along with her plans and for being cautious and wanting to stay safe. It seemed like the sibling roles were reversed. Miguela exuded an older sibling vibe while Carina was more reckless and self-centered. The whole relationship made me cringe constantly. In the end, I can honestly say that I have never been so confused and disoriented regarding which characters to trust while reading a story! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
I received a free e-copy of Sisters of the Perilous Heart from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
squeegybeckinheim's review
4.0
Sisters of the Perilous Heart is a fun fantasy/sci-fi adventure. The story was paced well, and the characters were interesting. The ending left me a little confused, but I imagine future installments will clarify things. I'm left with so many questions about this world. I'd love to know more about the magic system and the Red-Eyed Ones. This feels like a solid introduction to the world that Sandra Vasher is building. I very much look forward to reading future additions. Thank you to Mortal Ink Press for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.