krisde's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
midwesternreads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this book.
Dual POV, which I love. Forbidden romance, all for it. War, planes, a little bit of espionage…sign me up. I so much about this. I grew so attached to the characters (which makes me real nervous for the fate of some of those side characters) and definitely found myself reacting out loud to all that was happening.
I honestly don’t remember adding this to my TBR, but grabbed the audio on a whim and am so glad I did. The narration was excellent and I truly felt like it was just playing out in front of me. I will definitely be trying to get book 2. Little mad Libby doesn’t have it for me, but we’ll see if I can find it elsewhere.
Dual POV, which I love. Forbidden romance, all for it. War, planes, a little bit of espionage…sign me up. I so much about this. I grew so attached to the characters (which makes me real nervous for the fate of some of those side characters) and definitely found myself reacting out loud to all that was happening.
I honestly don’t remember adding this to my TBR, but grabbed the audio on a whim and am so glad I did. The narration was excellent and I truly felt like it was just playing out in front of me. I will definitely be trying to get book 2. Little mad Libby doesn’t have it for me, but we’ll see if I can find it elsewhere.
americangirlemmie's review against another edition
3.0
Okay, y’all. This book was an unexpected hit for me. I went into it knowing very little about the plot, but having heard quite a lot of good things. And, I was not disappointed. I may have already found my favorite debut of 2019!
To start, this book has a lot of things I am not usually drawn to. This kind of complex, strategy based fantasy war plot is usually a bit too convoluted for me. I don’t dislike it, it just isn’t the kind of novel I usually feel engaged with. In addition, Dark of the West does have changing POVs which is not something I really like, well, ever. But, hear me out, it all worked in this book.
This novel’s writing was very fresh, very… well, young almost. The characters, who were pure and hopeful in a world where most of those in charge were cynical and corrupted, gave a new and refreshing view to the world around them. It allowed a kind of plot which can be very action heavy and dry, to be engaging and fresh, because the writing so fit the characters and their perspectives that it read incredibly naturally and was engaging from the beginning.
I did struggle at the start, especially as the novel began with two POVs that did not even overlap until a good third into the book. But, in this case, the shift was beneficial. In the style of Rosemarkedwe had two characters who were in very similar situations fundamentally, but who had been brought up with different perspectives (or, were on different sides, I should say). Having the changing POVs allowed a more whole understanding of the story line and the strategic aspects, all the while simplifying it. I believe that this formatting is a big part of why the world building and such did not take away from the characters.
Which, the characters were fascinating! I especially enjoyed Ali’s connection to her father, and how it related to her views on violence and her mother’s role in it. Now, I did have some questions on how this part of her character developed later on in the novel, but I believe that it is a plot that will be discussed more in the sequel. Athan also struggles with some related moral conflicts, but in the sense of how it relates to his family loyalties and self-worth. You all know that I love books that delve into the ever complex concepts of human morals, and this did just that.
All in all, I quite enjoyed this novel! I went in expecting little more than a fun fantasy novel, and left with story that was entertaining and complex, but also raised my heart rate significantly on more than one occasion (lol book nerd exercise). I am very glad to be a part of this tour, and hope you all make sure to check out Dark of the West!
To start, this book has a lot of things I am not usually drawn to. This kind of complex, strategy based fantasy war plot is usually a bit too convoluted for me. I don’t dislike it, it just isn’t the kind of novel I usually feel engaged with. In addition, Dark of the West does have changing POVs which is not something I really like, well, ever. But, hear me out, it all worked in this book.
This novel’s writing was very fresh, very… well, young almost. The characters, who were pure and hopeful in a world where most of those in charge were cynical and corrupted, gave a new and refreshing view to the world around them. It allowed a kind of plot which can be very action heavy and dry, to be engaging and fresh, because the writing so fit the characters and their perspectives that it read incredibly naturally and was engaging from the beginning.
I did struggle at the start, especially as the novel began with two POVs that did not even overlap until a good third into the book. But, in this case, the shift was beneficial. In the style of Rosemarkedwe had two characters who were in very similar situations fundamentally, but who had been brought up with different perspectives (or, were on different sides, I should say). Having the changing POVs allowed a more whole understanding of the story line and the strategic aspects, all the while simplifying it. I believe that this formatting is a big part of why the world building and such did not take away from the characters.
Which, the characters were fascinating! I especially enjoyed Ali’s connection to her father, and how it related to her views on violence and her mother’s role in it. Now, I did have some questions on how this part of her character developed later on in the novel, but I believe that it is a plot that will be discussed more in the sequel. Athan also struggles with some related moral conflicts, but in the sense of how it relates to his family loyalties and self-worth. You all know that I love books that delve into the ever complex concepts of human morals, and this did just that.
All in all, I quite enjoyed this novel! I went in expecting little more than a fun fantasy novel, and left with story that was entertaining and complex, but also raised my heart rate significantly on more than one occasion (lol book nerd exercise). I am very glad to be a part of this tour, and hope you all make sure to check out Dark of the West!
emily_dirkse's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
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? Yes
3.25
a_verthandi's review against another edition
1.0
Nope. Doooooon't care. Like Anakin and Padmé, except worse.
alyram4's review against another edition
3.0
3.25/5 stars
This was a tough book to rate. There's always a 50/50 in every aspect... characters, story etc. One thing I know for sure though, the final 3rd of this novel is just mwah. I couldn't get enough of it, and was sad to actually see it end.
Athan is like the anchor of this book. If Athan wasn't as developed and complex of a character, this book would probably tank. He was a fantastic MC, and I do wish there was more going on through his POV. Ali though... I didn't really like her at all. She felt bland, even though she does develop over the course of events. She just wasn't relatable to me, and I found myself slowing down considerably whenever it was her POV.
The love letters Athan writes are so swoony, and the only reason I can tolerate Ali being an MC. The love letters are everything, and the writing style in them is perfect. Everything else in the book was hit or miss. Some characters I liked, others intolerable, and others were simply meh. Same goes for the first 2 thirds of the book. Too many highs and lows for me. Just not very entertaining. It sucks though, because the final 3rd is amazing, but many people who get tired in the beginning would probably not reach it.
ARC received by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was a tough book to rate. There's always a 50/50 in every aspect... characters, story etc. One thing I know for sure though, the final 3rd of this novel is just mwah. I couldn't get enough of it, and was sad to actually see it end.
Athan is like the anchor of this book. If Athan wasn't as developed and complex of a character, this book would probably tank. He was a fantastic MC, and I do wish there was more going on through his POV. Ali though... I didn't really like her at all. She felt bland, even though she does develop over the course of events. She just wasn't relatable to me, and I found myself slowing down considerably whenever it was her POV.
The love letters Athan writes are so swoony, and the only reason I can tolerate Ali being an MC. The love letters are everything, and the writing style in them is perfect. Everything else in the book was hit or miss. Some characters I liked, others intolerable, and others were simply meh. Same goes for the first 2 thirds of the book. Too many highs and lows for me. Just not very entertaining. It sucks though, because the final 3rd is amazing, but many people who get tired in the beginning would probably not reach it.
ARC received by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
emiann2023's review against another edition
3.0
DNF.
I was really excited about this book when I heard the premise, so I picked it up soon after release.
I just...I couldn't do it. Part of my issue was the prologue. It was done in a really jarring, desolate kind of way, and I know logically that the prologue is probably not the end of the story, but the problem is it felt so desperate and sad that it made me not want to read - why would I want to read when there's such darkness ahead, and apparently no hope? Probably a lie, I know. But it just put me in the wrong mind set to watch two people fall in love when there's such doom and death ahead of them, and nothing that hints at alleviating that.
Arrin was an interesting character. His descriptions were beaufiful. His family drama felt overdone, but bearably so.
Aurelia felt like the most classically cut princess character ever. Naive. Doesn't want to marry intended suitor. Doesn't pay much attention to politics. Very bland and nothing that made me want to know more about her. I know she'll change, but the time it's going to take to get to that point feels like a long time to me.
Also, where are the badass female characters? Even if this is based off of WWII, I know for a fact there were a lot of badass women during that time. So how about something like that here?
I can't speak much to the romance, because I gave up before it really got going, but I get the impression there wasn't anything extraordinary involved.
Overall this book is really beautiful and descriptive. It's just not my kind of read.
I was really excited about this book when I heard the premise, so I picked it up soon after release.
I just...I couldn't do it. Part of my issue was the prologue. It was done in a really jarring, desolate kind of way, and I know logically that the prologue is probably not the end of the story, but the problem is it felt so desperate and sad that it made me not want to read - why would I want to read when there's such darkness ahead, and apparently no hope? Probably a lie, I know. But it just put me in the wrong mind set to watch two people fall in love when there's such doom and death ahead of them, and nothing that hints at alleviating that.
Arrin was an interesting character. His descriptions were beaufiful. His family drama felt overdone, but bearably so.
Aurelia felt like the most classically cut princess character ever. Naive. Doesn't want to marry intended suitor. Doesn't pay much attention to politics. Very bland and nothing that made me want to know more about her. I know she'll change, but the time it's going to take to get to that point feels like a long time to me.
Also, where are the badass female characters? Even if this is based off of WWII, I know for a fact there were a lot of badass women during that time. So how about something like that here?
I can't speak much to the romance, because I gave up before it really got going, but I get the impression there wasn't anything extraordinary involved.
Overall this book is really beautiful and descriptive. It's just not my kind of read.
ahyggelibrary's review against another edition
3.0
Promising series with amazing world building. I probably just have read too many rebellion focused YA recently to fully appreciate it. Might re-read it in the future.
boosreads's review against another edition
3.0
the prologue was so promising but the story did not pull through, or at least not yet. we shall see. there are still two books left, but that raises the question of will I be continuing? and if I do, when? now, or in a few months? we shall see.
amandasaraujo's review against another edition
3.0
Comecei a leitura desse livro sem saber muito o que esperar da história. Sabia, pela sinopse, que se tratava de um livro cuja temática envolvia a guerra e como as consequências de um conflito afetam a vida das pessoas envolvidas nele, mas não tinha detalhes sobre os personagens ou sobre como a história se desenvolveria. E, no geral, eu gostei do livro e pretendo continuar com a série!
Esse, que é o primeiro livro da série, mostra como são os personagens principais (Athan e Aurelia) antes da guerra começar, como começou o relacionamento entre os dois e os eventos que levaram ao início da guerra entre o Norte, Safira e o Sul. Como o livro foi escrito em primeira pessoa, nós acompanhamos esses eventos sob o ponto de vista do Athan e da Aurelia.
Confesso que, até a metade do livro, achei o ritmo um pouco lento para o meu gosto (o que me levou a dar 3 estrelas e não 4 para o livro, porque afinal estamos falando de 240 páginas bem lentas). Acho que isso aconteceu porque nessa primeira metade ainda estamos no ambientando ao mundo que a Autora criou (a história não se passa no nosso mundo, mas em um mundo completamente novo), e, por mais que o livro tenha um mapa no início, ainda fiquei um pouco perdida nos primeiros capítulos com todos os países e personagens que transitam na história e o relacionamento que existem entre eles.
Contudo, superados esses capítulos iniciais, a leitura fluiu bem, e os conflitos e revelações dos capítulos finais me fizeram devorar as últimas páginas e, para mim, fizeram todo o sentido considerando o que já tinha sido apresentado nos capítulos anteriores e deixaram um gancho para o próximo livro.
Em relação aos personagens principais, o Athan me conquistou de cara. Os dilemas que são apresentados para ele, a personalidade, a lealdade feroz que ele tem pelas pessoas que ama fizeram com que eu criasse uma conexão com o personagem. A Aurelia, por outro lado, demorou um pouco mais para me conquistar. Talvez porque a personagem que é mostrada no prólogo (que, pelo que entendi, se passa quando a guerra está em seu auge) não parecer ser a mesma que conhecemos nos primeiros capítulos e eu fiquei me perguntando o tempo todo como a menina inocente dos primeiros capítulos se tornou a sniper do prólogo e não consegui conciliar as duas. Confesso que não cheguei a me apegar à personagem, mas estou muito curiosa para acompanhar o que acontecerá com ela nos próximos livros.
Os personagens secundários também não deixam a desejar. Já deu para odiar os irmãos do Athan, saber que não se deve confiar no General, querer que Cyar (melhor amigo do Athan) seja protegido a todo custo e que Reni e a Rainha (irmão e mãe da Aurelia) possuem segredos que com certeza afetaram os rumos da guerra que está prestes a estourar.
Até a próxima!
Esse, que é o primeiro livro da série, mostra como são os personagens principais (Athan e Aurelia) antes da guerra começar, como começou o relacionamento entre os dois e os eventos que levaram ao início da guerra entre o Norte, Safira e o Sul. Como o livro foi escrito em primeira pessoa, nós acompanhamos esses eventos sob o ponto de vista do Athan e da Aurelia.
Confesso que, até a metade do livro, achei o ritmo um pouco lento para o meu gosto (o que me levou a dar 3 estrelas e não 4 para o livro, porque afinal estamos falando de 240 páginas bem lentas). Acho que isso aconteceu porque nessa primeira metade ainda estamos no ambientando ao mundo que a Autora criou (a história não se passa no nosso mundo, mas em um mundo completamente novo), e, por mais que o livro tenha um mapa no início, ainda fiquei um pouco perdida nos primeiros capítulos com todos os países e personagens que transitam na história e o relacionamento que existem entre eles.
Contudo, superados esses capítulos iniciais, a leitura fluiu bem, e os conflitos e revelações dos capítulos finais me fizeram devorar as últimas páginas e, para mim, fizeram todo o sentido considerando o que já tinha sido apresentado nos capítulos anteriores e deixaram um gancho para o próximo livro.
Em relação aos personagens principais, o Athan me conquistou de cara. Os dilemas que são apresentados para ele, a personalidade, a lealdade feroz que ele tem pelas pessoas que ama fizeram com que eu criasse uma conexão com o personagem. A Aurelia, por outro lado, demorou um pouco mais para me conquistar. Talvez porque a personagem que é mostrada no prólogo (que, pelo que entendi, se passa quando a guerra está em seu auge) não parecer ser a mesma que conhecemos nos primeiros capítulos e eu fiquei me perguntando o tempo todo como a menina inocente dos primeiros capítulos se tornou a sniper do prólogo e não consegui conciliar as duas. Confesso que não cheguei a me apegar à personagem, mas estou muito curiosa para acompanhar o que acontecerá com ela nos próximos livros.
Os personagens secundários também não deixam a desejar. Já deu para odiar os irmãos do Athan, saber que não se deve confiar no General, querer que Cyar (melhor amigo do Athan) seja protegido a todo custo e que Reni e a Rainha (irmão e mãe da Aurelia) possuem segredos que com certeza afetaram os rumos da guerra que está prestes a estourar.
Até a próxima!