jlynnelseauthor's review against another edition
3.0
I read Tosca Lee's stories in reverse order, The Legend of Sheba being the first and this prelude the second. Bummer. I think I would have liked it much better if I had not read Legend of Sheba.
The writing is good, the characters are set up, but the whole story feels cut short. Legend of Sheba was so rich, vivid, and thoughtful. While I was familiar with the setting already, I had hoped for a little more time spent on Ismeni's story. I think my expectations were too high because Legend of Sheba was so good! The story was predictable because I already knew how it would end, however, I was hoping for a few surprises. There is little substance here. After Ismeni was married, the rest of the story rushed to the ending. I definitely wanted more after Bilqis was born.
But again, I think this novella was lacking for me because Legend of Sheba is SO GOOD, and I read that one first. I'm glad Tosca Lee's writing is being so well received, and I hope readers follow up and purchase Legend of Sheba.
The writing is good, the characters are set up, but the whole story feels cut short. Legend of Sheba was so rich, vivid, and thoughtful. While I was familiar with the setting already, I had hoped for a little more time spent on Ismeni's story. I think my expectations were too high because Legend of Sheba was so good! The story was predictable because I already knew how it would end, however, I was hoping for a few surprises. There is little substance here. After Ismeni was married, the rest of the story rushed to the ending. I definitely wanted more after Bilqis was born.
But again, I think this novella was lacking for me because Legend of Sheba is SO GOOD, and I read that one first. I'm glad Tosca Lee's writing is being so well received, and I hope readers follow up and purchase Legend of Sheba.
angelwolf45's review against another edition
4.0
This was a good novella. It was a very quick enjoyable read. It was a great prequel.
I liked how Ismeni grew up and we saw how things worked in the politics of Sheba and the things that were happening.
The one thing that made me not like it as much was the ending. When I got there I was like where is the rest of the story. It was very abrupt but it was very ggod amd set up a lot that would happen in the Legend of Sheba.
Overall I really liked the story and Tosa's writting.
I liked how Ismeni grew up and we saw how things worked in the politics of Sheba and the things that were happening.
The one thing that made me not like it as much was the ending. When I got there I was like where is the rest of the story. It was very abrupt but it was very ggod amd set up a lot that would happen in the Legend of Sheba.
Overall I really liked the story and Tosa's writting.
cordiallybarbara's review
5.0
On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, Ismeni by Tosca Lee is one exquisite bite of a freshly ripened peach. Straight from the branch and warmed in the sun, that one bite of peach entices you to eat a whole bushel yourself. But can anything be better than that first bite?
Ismeni was born under an evil star. Despite the superstition, she is one of the most beautiful faces of her time. She spends her childhood hiding because she is blamed for the bad harvest, a dead horse, and so much more. But is she more than the girl born under an evil star?
A short story prequel to the The Legend of Sheba, Ismeni broke my heart and mended it together again within so few pages. Basically, Tosca Lee wrote a short story with multi-layered characters and interesting story line in such a short word count. I'll be thinking on this story for the rest of the day.
If you love strong female characters set in another time and place, Ismeni is definitely for you.
Ismeni was born under an evil star. Despite the superstition, she is one of the most beautiful faces of her time. She spends her childhood hiding because she is blamed for the bad harvest, a dead horse, and so much more. But is she more than the girl born under an evil star?
A short story prequel to the The Legend of Sheba, Ismeni broke my heart and mended it together again within so few pages. Basically, Tosca Lee wrote a short story with multi-layered characters and interesting story line in such a short word count. I'll be thinking on this story for the rest of the day.
If you love strong female characters set in another time and place, Ismeni is definitely for you.
themisscaitlin's review against another edition
5.0
This is just what I was waiting for. I finished "The Legend of Sheba" a few weeks ago, and I was really excited when I heard about this short prelude. It's the perfect length to read in one sitting. I love that she decided to tell Ismeni's story. The writing was incredible, as always. If you plan on reading "The Legend of Sheba", I recommend you start here!
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