bookslesstravelled's review against another edition
4.0
Cover: Stunning!
Rating: 4 Stars
Overall: When Ana is forced to flee her home at the palace, she was alone and frightened. Does she have what it takes to survive, and will she even find the truth in time?
Characters: Well written with a brilliant array or morally gray and so many interesting personalities!
Plot: Ana must find a killer, and the truth before those who know the truth are able to make her disappear forever!
Page Turner: Yes.
Series Cont.? Yes!
Recommend: Yes.
Favorite Character(s): Jonah, Ramson, Ana, Linn, Yuri, The Yeager? (you'll know the one ;D) And Luka...
Source: I own
I switched from my Kindle App on my phone, to another reader app, then to my new tablet with this one, so I didn't get to take many notes, as I kept switching after a few chapters, trying to find something to work, while attempting to use the kindle app less...Anyway.
I've wanted to read this one for a while...as in January of the year it was first available in eARC on Netgalley, since I was granted an eARC like a week before the fiasco that got it pulled temporarily ...Oops! Still, I mentioned my excitement for the story and how I hated to see such negativity at the time, and I mean it more so now! I loved it! (Also, if you hate/want something to fail, a bit of advice, IGNORE IT! Talking about it, media of ANY KIND is still advertising! Why do you think only the BAD crimes get reported? Hmm? Media is all about sensationalism, and Social Media even more so! ((NO I don't want this book, or any book or art to be 'lesser' just because of a few large outlets, but if you ignore something, anything as in don't give it power by mentioning or talking about it at all unless sit's to clear something up or to speak out in a way to actually HELP people, forget it. Remember all those 80's/90's trends that no one else seems to remember/know about? Yeah, like that people will forget if it's not constantly a heavy topic!)) I'm not at all impressed with the trend to say one person's 'privilege' is more valid than another, if Person A does something and it's fine because they are well liked, but Person B does same/similar but it bashed for being New or not a well liked, IT'S PETTYNESS! Not 'privilege')
Sorry about that, but still! It's shameful how people are treated now days, and this cancel culture isn't a good look on anybody. It's a FORM OF SLAVERY AND OPPRESSION! Funny, since this book has a heavy focus on such topics and how harmful and degrading they are on society and the people living under the heavy handed rulers! I try not to rant about unrelated issues in a book review, but that issue I found highly ironic!
So, for my actual review shall we? We shall. I was pleasantly surprised by this book in several ways. First that I noticed is that I quickly found myself liking many of the side-characters from early on in the story. I didn't care about the main characters until their personality and thinking/motives became a little more clear, and I (no surprise really) found myself liking Ramson first of the two, but even he had to grow on me a bit first. It was around 40% before I was completely hooked, but from that moment on I was in-love with everything about the story, and was on the edge of my seat through much of it!
Pros:
*Characters -I mentioned I liked several of the side characters as well as the main 'couple', but sadly since many are more important later in the story, I'm not able to mention exact characters here without potential spoilers. Still, I will say that many that play an important role in Ana's life, plus one of Ramson's close friends are definitely on my favorite's list!
I also grew to really like Ana and Ramson's characters, and can't wait to read Red Tigress soon! I also loved how there are so many personality types, and many of the characters are unique and complex in ways that really add depth and excitement to the story!
*Plot - While the plot itself isn't new, I really enjoyed the many layers and mystery to the plot in this story. I felt it was well done, and even done in a unique way that makes me intrigued and excited to see what happens in the sequel(s)! I loved how the magic system plays into the plot as well, and also look forward to learning more about that as well!
*Themes/Approach - As mentioned, this book does deal with themes of slavery, oppressive corrupt ruling classes, and even touches a bit on trafficking, yet not directly or as openly as the other topics. The characters a broken into those with powers, and those without, yet it's not as simple as it may first appear, as Ana quickly finds out. There are many layers, and even more deceptions than it would seem, and tensions are brewing on multiple fronts! These themes are so timely, and need to be mentioned, and I thought this was a creative and ingenious way to bring up these topics, while keeping the story firmly a fantasy it also sheds light on a dangerous and dark time in our stories as well, something that many shy away from or refuse to approach in writing or otherwise.
*Unique World-Building and Setting - This ties in to the other points above, but as mentioned I loved the magic system and hope to know more about that in the following installments. I also really liked the myth/lore side and the mention of the Deities. While I don't agree with their motto or approach as characters to these Deities, I do like how they play subtle roles and seem to inspire the characters to act just when they need it most! I'm hoping we learn more about them as well, and get to know more about the countries and their past along the way.
Cons:
*Slightly Slow To Start - Not action wise, and this one is likely mostly me. While I enjoyed the story from the start, I wasn't truly hooked or invested until closer to 40%. The story itself was well done and the action kept me reading, but it seemed to take longer than expected to like the characters, and this may be why I didn't feel invested in the story, since it's very character driven.
Still, I'm so glad I stuck with it, and actually pushed to finish instead of setting it to the side for a while, and having to restart since I'd have probably forgotten it by the time I returned. (Sadly, that happens often when starting new series lol) I have an eARC of the sequel, which is why I wanted to read this one so bad, and I'm so excited I did!
*Pacing and Action Level - This may sound counter to what I just mentioned, but there were a few scenes that while I was able to follow them, I felt there were subtleties and hints that I likely missed in all the action and commotion .... This makes for a great reread, but it's an odd feeling for me. I was able to picture the scenes fine, and understand enough for them to be smooth as I read, but there were a few times when I felt as if the action was just slightly too fast for the story and that some of the details may have been lost in the moment? Again, probably totally just me.
*Age Level? -Eh, this one has been a reoccurring theme. Ever since SJMaas' two series hit shelves, there's been YA/NA and while many books fall easily in one of the other for me, this one is a bit harder. Granted, violence wise this brings to mind Hunger Games in some ways, but with a slightly older tone and some pretty grewsome scenes that are at time repeated in mention or flashbacks, I'm torn on where to rank this. The characters are 18-20ish so firmly between the two and fit into either option. As Ana controls blood, there's several mentions of blood and even a good handful of times this actually results in violence, as well as past violence being brought up in a couple of instances.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story, and can't believe I waited to long! Still, I can't wait to read the sequel, Red Tigress, later this month! I really enjoyed the characters and story, and felt like this was a fun and well laid out fantasy, and depending on how the sequels hit, can easily be a must read series!
Rating: 4 Stars
Overall: When Ana is forced to flee her home at the palace, she was alone and frightened. Does she have what it takes to survive, and will she even find the truth in time?
Characters: Well written with a brilliant array or morally gray and so many interesting personalities!
Plot: Ana must find a killer, and the truth before those who know the truth are able to make her disappear forever!
Page Turner: Yes.
Series Cont.? Yes!
Recommend: Yes.
Favorite Character(s): Jonah, Ramson, Ana, Linn, Yuri, The Yeager? (you'll know the one ;D) And Luka...
Source: I own
I switched from my Kindle App on my phone, to another reader app, then to my new tablet with this one, so I didn't get to take many notes, as I kept switching after a few chapters, trying to find something to work, while attempting to use the kindle app less...Anyway.
I've wanted to read this one for a while...as in January of the year it was first available in eARC on Netgalley, since I was granted an eARC like a week before the fiasco that got it pulled temporarily ...Oops! Still, I mentioned my excitement for the story and how I hated to see such negativity at the time, and I mean it more so now! I loved it! (Also, if you hate/want something to fail, a bit of advice, IGNORE IT! Talking about it, media of ANY KIND is still advertising! Why do you think only the BAD crimes get reported? Hmm? Media is all about sensationalism, and Social Media even more so! ((NO I don't want this book, or any book or art to be 'lesser' just because of a few large outlets, but if you ignore something, anything as in don't give it power by mentioning or talking about it at all unless sit's to clear something up or to speak out in a way to actually HELP people, forget it. Remember all those 80's/90's trends that no one else seems to remember/know about? Yeah, like that people will forget if it's not constantly a heavy topic!)) I'm not at all impressed with the trend to say one person's 'privilege' is more valid than another, if Person A does something and it's fine because they are well liked, but Person B does same/similar but it bashed for being New or not a well liked, IT'S PETTYNESS! Not 'privilege')
Sorry about that, but still! It's shameful how people are treated now days, and this cancel culture isn't a good look on anybody. It's a FORM OF SLAVERY AND OPPRESSION! Funny, since this book has a heavy focus on such topics and how harmful and degrading they are on society and the people living under the heavy handed rulers! I try not to rant about unrelated issues in a book review, but that issue I found highly ironic!
So, for my actual review shall we? We shall. I was pleasantly surprised by this book in several ways. First that I noticed is that I quickly found myself liking many of the side-characters from early on in the story. I didn't care about the main characters until their personality and thinking/motives became a little more clear, and I (no surprise really) found myself liking Ramson first of the two, but even he had to grow on me a bit first. It was around 40% before I was completely hooked, but from that moment on I was in-love with everything about the story, and was on the edge of my seat through much of it!
Spoiler
It was around the Playpen scene, or perhaps when Ramson talks to Bogden when I became truly invested in the story, but it was instant when it hit! <3 I think my love for Ana truly formed either in her rescue attempt of May, or just after at the unseer's house.Pros:
*Characters -I mentioned I liked several of the side characters as well as the main 'couple', but sadly since many are more important later in the story, I'm not able to mention exact characters here without potential spoilers. Still, I will say that many that play an important role in Ana's life, plus one of Ramson's close friends are definitely on my favorite's list!
I also grew to really like Ana and Ramson's characters, and can't wait to read Red Tigress soon! I also loved how there are so many personality types, and many of the characters are unique and complex in ways that really add depth and excitement to the story!
*Plot - While the plot itself isn't new, I really enjoyed the many layers and mystery to the plot in this story. I felt it was well done, and even done in a unique way that makes me intrigued and excited to see what happens in the sequel(s)! I loved how the magic system plays into the plot as well, and also look forward to learning more about that as well!
*Themes/Approach - As mentioned, this book does deal with themes of slavery, oppressive corrupt ruling classes, and even touches a bit on trafficking, yet not directly or as openly as the other topics. The characters a broken into those with powers, and those without, yet it's not as simple as it may first appear, as Ana quickly finds out. There are many layers, and even more deceptions than it would seem, and tensions are brewing on multiple fronts! These themes are so timely, and need to be mentioned, and I thought this was a creative and ingenious way to bring up these topics, while keeping the story firmly a fantasy it also sheds light on a dangerous and dark time in our stories as well, something that many shy away from or refuse to approach in writing or otherwise.
*Unique World-Building and Setting - This ties in to the other points above, but as mentioned I loved the magic system and hope to know more about that in the following installments. I also really liked the myth/lore side and the mention of the Deities. While I don't agree with their motto or approach as characters to these Deities, I do like how they play subtle roles and seem to inspire the characters to act just when they need it most! I'm hoping we learn more about them as well, and get to know more about the countries and their past along the way.
Cons:
*Slightly Slow To Start - Not action wise, and this one is likely mostly me. While I enjoyed the story from the start, I wasn't truly hooked or invested until closer to 40%. The story itself was well done and the action kept me reading, but it seemed to take longer than expected to like the characters, and this may be why I didn't feel invested in the story, since it's very character driven.
Still, I'm so glad I stuck with it, and actually pushed to finish instead of setting it to the side for a while, and having to restart since I'd have probably forgotten it by the time I returned. (Sadly, that happens often when starting new series lol) I have an eARC of the sequel, which is why I wanted to read this one so bad, and I'm so excited I did!
*Pacing and Action Level - This may sound counter to what I just mentioned, but there were a few scenes that while I was able to follow them, I felt there were subtleties and hints that I likely missed in all the action and commotion .... This makes for a great reread, but it's an odd feeling for me. I was able to picture the scenes fine, and understand enough for them to be smooth as I read, but there were a few times when I felt as if the action was just slightly too fast for the story and that some of the details may have been lost in the moment? Again, probably totally just me.
*Age Level? -Eh, this one has been a reoccurring theme. Ever since SJMaas' two series hit shelves, there's been YA/NA and while many books fall easily in one of the other for me, this one is a bit harder. Granted, violence wise this brings to mind Hunger Games in some ways, but with a slightly older tone and some pretty grewsome scenes that are at time repeated in mention or flashbacks, I'm torn on where to rank this. The characters are 18-20ish so firmly between the two and fit into either option. As Ana controls blood, there's several mentions of blood and even a good handful of times this actually results in violence, as well as past violence being brought up in a couple of instances.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story, and can't believe I waited to long! Still, I can't wait to read the sequel, Red Tigress, later this month! I really enjoyed the characters and story, and felt like this was a fun and well laid out fantasy, and depending on how the sequels hit, can easily be a must read series!
egoodin's review against another edition
4.0
About 4.25 stars. I actually really enjoyed this once I got past the initial introduction of the characters, affinities, world building, etc. I’ll be excited to see what book two has in store.
elliephantx's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
marylee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
3.75
seryuginan's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5 despite all the controversy, i enjoyed this book just fine although it didn’t captivate me quite as much as i thought it would. and while i had some issues with the ending (and the repetition part), it was still however a good start and debut for the trilogy.
blackstar88's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
4.5
ivshadowsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
3.0
Имаше потенциал, но някак не ме впечатли достатъчно. Интересна идея, доста добър стил, но не ме развълнува. Успях да я прочета след голямо дъвчене и в началото си мислех, че краят е доста добър и заради това първаначалната ми оценка беше по-висока. Обаче няколко дни си мислих за нея и започнах да виждам проблеми. Все едно историята беше писана по калъп и без никаква "душа" в по-голямата си част. Исках да се влюбя в героите, но тъкмо да се получеше и някаква тяхна реакция или действие ме откъсваше. После прочетох 100 страници от втората книга и буквално се предадох. За съжаление с тази трилогия нещата не ми се получиха да се развълнувам и да искам да разбера какво ще се случи нататък.