senpai_no_lie's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
I found the concept very interesting, but the prose and execution weren't to my taste. Leda fluctuates between having agency and not almost every chapter, and a lot of the largest plot developments are other characters acting to harm or protect her. The plot happens To Leda, rather than she being a narrative force. Most of the characters were fairly one-dimensional, and any attempts at multifaceted characters were done through dialog.
courtneay1017's review against another edition
Incredibly dull and didn’t develop into anything
marmarreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-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
5.0
eventing_joy's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
melrkernan's review against another edition
4.0
A storyline I've never heard!! It's giving forbidden love, totalitarian government, daddy (and mommy?) issues, drug addiction, sibling rivalry, independent female protagonist. We're here for it. What a debut from Pyne!! I want more people to hear about this book!! Can't wait for the second installment!
rosered_reading's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Didn't really care about or believe the romance in this, but all the family dynamics were really engaging. I enjoyed her interactions with Azaria way more than with Pyrrhus tbh.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Physical abuse, and Death
professorhelmkenreads's review against another edition
5.0
Favorite quote:
“Because I want to save you, Leda!” he said, and he looked disgusted with himself. “As if I’m a knight from a fairy tale and you’re a damsel in distress. I want to get you away from here, and cure your illness and keep you safe, away from Azaria and your father. But that is not how life works!” He let out a shuddering breath.”
In this story, the girl choses herself.
I absolutely adored this read, and am so thankful to BookSirens, the publisher, and the author for my advanced reader copy. I loved Leda and her character development throughout the book. This read could be a hidden gem but instead I'm going to shout from the rooftops about it to everyone who will listen. This is such a refreshing fantasy world that feels new and yet familiar and I'm hooked. When can I get my hands on the sequel?
“Because I want to save you, Leda!” he said, and he looked disgusted with himself. “As if I’m a knight from a fairy tale and you’re a damsel in distress. I want to get you away from here, and cure your illness and keep you safe, away from Azaria and your father. But that is not how life works!” He let out a shuddering breath.”
In this story, the girl choses herself.
I absolutely adored this read, and am so thankful to BookSirens, the publisher, and the author for my advanced reader copy. I loved Leda and her character development throughout the book. This read could be a hidden gem but instead I'm going to shout from the rooftops about it to everyone who will listen. This is such a refreshing fantasy world that feels new and yet familiar and I'm hooked. When can I get my hands on the sequel?
cpence2017's review against another edition
4.0
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book shows so well how trauma can cause different reactions in different people. Leda is the daughter of one the king's mistress' and was paired with Azaria at birth, Azaria is the daughter of the king and queen.
Leda is Azaria's Counter Part, doomed to serve her half sister until Azaria become's the Kings favorite, at which time Azaria will kill Leda with the ceremonial axe, as all of the counterparts before her have.
Azaria has a mean streak, she is a cruel, even to her whole siblings when she is angry, no one is safe. Leda has been planning a means of escape and was secretly taught how to read which is banned for all counterparts.
Leda needs to learn who she can and cannot trust and how trusting and letting her siblings or other palace staff get close to her will either save her or doom her even more quickly.
This ends on a good cliff hanger that leaves you wanting to know what happens next, but without getting frustrated that you do have to wait until the next book comes out.
This was a fun read and I look forward to seeing how the next book comes.
You can buy your copy Here: https://www.amazon.com/Counterpart-Gemdark-Dynasty-Ella-Pyne/dp/B0BVF7CH4P/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?crid=3USDNTR6IGU4B&keywords=ella+payne+counterpart&qid=1677258525&sprefix=ella+payne+counterpart%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-1-fkmr2
This book shows so well how trauma can cause different reactions in different people. Leda is the daughter of one the king's mistress' and was paired with Azaria at birth, Azaria is the daughter of the king and queen.
Leda is Azaria's Counter Part, doomed to serve her half sister until Azaria become's the Kings favorite, at which time Azaria will kill Leda with the ceremonial axe, as all of the counterparts before her have.
Azaria has a mean streak, she is a cruel, even to her whole siblings when she is angry, no one is safe. Leda has been planning a means of escape and was secretly taught how to read which is banned for all counterparts.
Leda needs to learn who she can and cannot trust and how trusting and letting her siblings or other palace staff get close to her will either save her or doom her even more quickly.
This ends on a good cliff hanger that leaves you wanting to know what happens next, but without getting frustrated that you do have to wait until the next book comes out.
This was a fun read and I look forward to seeing how the next book comes.
You can buy your copy Here: https://www.amazon.com/Counterpart-Gemdark-Dynasty-Ella-Pyne/dp/B0BVF7CH4P/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?crid=3USDNTR6IGU4B&keywords=ella+payne+counterpart&qid=1677258525&sprefix=ella+payne+counterpart%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-1-fkmr2
facebehindabook's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked the twist in this book about how children of the kings mistress' were born to be counterparts to his wives children. Though the story is told through the view of one of these counterparts you learn so much about the other children, royal and counterpart alike.
The eye opening fact that being royal doesn't keep you safe is also a great storyline that you get snippets of as you continue reading.
The only thing I disliked was that justice, vengeance or revenge call it what you ike wasn't served on a bloody, torturous plate, lol.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The eye opening fact that being royal doesn't keep you safe is also a great storyline that you get snippets of as you continue reading.
The only thing I disliked was that justice, vengeance or revenge call it what you ike wasn't served on a bloody, torturous plate, lol.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
mxyski's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75