kimberlyallen011's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
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
4.0
jukieb's review
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Thought it was pretty slow but great spice?
haleeelaine's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
emmaroles's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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
5.0
poseyro's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
beccaannekent's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Another great book within this series.
Just as I thought I knew where this plot was heading, the rug is pulled beneath my feet and we get to explore even more of this beautiful world Roth has created.
Again, the secondary characters are exceptionally written - and we even get a few chapters from one of their POV’s! This made for an interesting change of dynamic within the book and gave us even more insight into the wonderful story this author is creating.
Just as I thought I knew where this plot was heading, the rug is pulled beneath my feet and we get to explore even more of this beautiful world Roth has created.
Again, the secondary characters are exceptionally written - and we even get a few chapters from one of their POV’s! This made for an interesting change of dynamic within the book and gave us even more insight into the wonderful story this author is creating.
bookswithjoviann's review against another edition
adventurous
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
4.5
little_miss_darkness's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-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
On the verge of finally becoming a Hesperine, Cassia finds out the truth that will shake up her world.
The special guest on her Gifting Night is one who has been long awaited in Orthros. Nike finally shows up, and offers Cassia final memories of her sister. Or not. It turns out Solia might still be alive after all these years. Not being able to bear the uncertainty, Cassia decides to delay her Gifting to find out what happened to her sister. But why is she feeling such relief?
Tracking her sister all the way to the Empire, they have to go covertly, as citizens of Cordium and Tenebra are not allowed within the Empire's borders. And until she has her Gifting, Cassia is not considered a citizen of Orthros yet.
On their journey they encounter the famous pirate captain Ziara (one of the many things they write Zoe home about as she is so excited at the famous woman privateer), a mercenary Monsoon who guides them all over the Empire to find Ukocha, the last one to have seen Solia. They encounter mythical Jinn who guard the Muqaal desert and the shadowy organization known only as 'Broken Stones' who seem to be targeting Cassia and have the uncanny ability to neutralize even Hesperine magic.
It is so fascinating to find out more about the Empire and different cultures and languages all over it. Vela Roth has a way of writing that makes you only thirsty for more, and I can't wait to read more and finally meet Solia, and see what became of her after all these years.
The special guest on her Gifting Night is one who has been long awaited in Orthros. Nike finally shows up, and offers Cassia final memories of her sister. Or not. It turns out Solia might still be alive after all these years. Not being able to bear the uncertainty, Cassia decides to delay her Gifting to find out what happened to her sister. But why is she feeling such relief?
Tracking her sister all the way to the Empire, they have to go covertly, as citizens of Cordium and Tenebra are not allowed within the Empire's borders. And until she has her Gifting, Cassia is not considered a citizen of Orthros yet.
On their journey they encounter the famous pirate captain Ziara (one of the many things they write Zoe home about as she is so excited at the famous woman privateer), a mercenary Monsoon who guides them all over the Empire to find Ukocha, the last one to have seen Solia. They encounter mythical Jinn who guard the Muqaal desert and the shadowy organization known only as 'Broken Stones' who seem to be targeting Cassia and have the uncanny ability to neutralize even Hesperine magic.
It is so fascinating to find out more about the Empire and different cultures and languages all over it. Vela Roth has a way of writing that makes you only thirsty for more, and I can't wait to read more and finally meet Solia, and see what became of her after all these years.
kimmiereadsalot's review
2.5
This one was rough. I’ve complained about “so much nothing” in these books before, but this one took it to a new level. The ending is the only saving it from a lower rating. The introduction of Monsoon as a character might bring just some much needed life to this story.
I’m still in it to the end. But I really wish this author had a better editor. Like take out all the endless, repetitive talk. Add a bit more action between the diplomacy. I like being able to count on the steadfastness of Lio and Cassia’s relationship, but I’m so tired of the endless talking, descriptions of menial things, and tedious conversations that circle the same talking points.
I’m still in it to the end. But I really wish this author had a better editor. Like take out all the endless, repetitive talk. Add a bit more action between the diplomacy. I like being able to count on the steadfastness of Lio and Cassia’s relationship, but I’m so tired of the endless talking, descriptions of menial things, and tedious conversations that circle the same talking points.