alishreads's review against another edition
3.0
Name: Written in Starlight
Author: Isabel Ibanez
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Adventure, Drama, Magic
Rating: 3.5/5
Review:
Written in Starlight is story of a girl rediscovering herself after losing everything. It talks about seeing the bigger truth when one loses the sense of oneself.
The fallen Condesa, Catalina has lost everything, the war, her people, her throne, and her best friend. Now, she is left with two options, either accept Princess Tamaya as her queen or be banished in the jungle. Catalina knows that she hardly has any chance of surviving in the dangers of the jungle, but when a farmer's son, Manuel saves her. She thinks that she may have a chance. She ventures to find the lost city of gold and ask their support in her effort to reclaim her throne. Will she be able to survive the dangers? Will she be able to reclaim her throne?
This is a perfect companion to Woven in Moonlight. Isabel Ibanez returns with her mesmerizing storytelling, this time full of adventures, drama and actions. This book takes us on a journey through the dangers of the jungle, from the clasps of lurking animals into the arms of a handsome guard. The writing style is really good. Though, it is a sequel to Woven in Moonlight, this book gives a very different perspective from the former.
The character of Catalina was really unbearable at some points through the story. Even though, Manuel is doing his best to protect her, she is upset because he is not giving her attention. She seems really selfish as well. But I was glad to see some character development in her. The ending was totally unexpected. The chemistry between Catalina and Manuel was really good. The character of Manuel reminded me of Dimitri Belikov from Vampire Academy, in that sense, I can say Catalina did resemble Rose Hathaway as well.
This book is a must read, if you liked Woven In Moonlight. This book is aimed for the fans of fantasy, romance and adventure.
Author: Isabel Ibanez
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Adventure, Drama, Magic
Rating: 3.5/5
Review:
Written in Starlight is story of a girl rediscovering herself after losing everything. It talks about seeing the bigger truth when one loses the sense of oneself.
The fallen Condesa, Catalina has lost everything, the war, her people, her throne, and her best friend. Now, she is left with two options, either accept Princess Tamaya as her queen or be banished in the jungle. Catalina knows that she hardly has any chance of surviving in the dangers of the jungle, but when a farmer's son, Manuel saves her. She thinks that she may have a chance. She ventures to find the lost city of gold and ask their support in her effort to reclaim her throne. Will she be able to survive the dangers? Will she be able to reclaim her throne?
This is a perfect companion to Woven in Moonlight. Isabel Ibanez returns with her mesmerizing storytelling, this time full of adventures, drama and actions. This book takes us on a journey through the dangers of the jungle, from the clasps of lurking animals into the arms of a handsome guard. The writing style is really good. Though, it is a sequel to Woven in Moonlight, this book gives a very different perspective from the former.
The character of Catalina was really unbearable at some points through the story. Even though, Manuel is doing his best to protect her, she is upset because he is not giving her attention. She seems really selfish as well. But I was glad to see some character development in her. The ending was totally unexpected. The chemistry between Catalina and Manuel was really good. The character of Manuel reminded me of Dimitri Belikov from Vampire Academy, in that sense, I can say Catalina did resemble Rose Hathaway as well.
This book is a must read, if you liked Woven In Moonlight. This book is aimed for the fans of fantasy, romance and adventure.
jnlundy's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
dissociativephoenix's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lpip's review against another edition
2.0
Did I read a different book than everyone else? This was skimmable at best. I found Woven in Moonlight to be pretty juvenile but the concept at least intrigued me. This sequel added almost zero world building and nothing of substance to the story. My main gripes:
-oh you’re a seer and you can’t see well? Here’s one paragraph explaining why and WOW you’re cured.
-Manuel: Don’t touch anything in the jungle it’s all dangerous and will cause certain death.
*1 butterfly appears*
Manuel: pshh *eye roll* butterflies are butterflies don’t be dumb. Of course you can touch it.
-literal deus ex machina after 3 pages of pretty gory and not well explained action. The end!
-oh you’re a seer and you can’t see well? Here’s one paragraph explaining why and WOW you’re cured.
-Manuel: Don’t touch anything in the jungle it’s all dangerous and will cause certain death.
*1 butterfly appears*
Manuel: pshh *eye roll* butterflies are butterflies don’t be dumb. Of course you can touch it.
-literal deus ex machina after 3 pages of pretty gory and not well explained action. The end!
bookishbowen's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
kristina_24's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-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
3.5
popthebutterfly's review against another edition
1.0
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Written in Starlight
Author: Isabel Ibanez
Book Series: Woven in Moonlight Book 2
Rating: 1/5
Diversity: Indigenous Bolivian culture and people, but racist views and statements and misconceptions about the culture and religious aspects
Recommended For...: fantasy readers, ya readers
Publication Date: January 26, 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Pages: 368
Synopsis: If the jungle wants you, it will have you...
Catalina Quiroga is a Condesa without a country. She’s lost the Inkasisa throne, the loyalty of her people, and her best friend. Banished to the perilous Yanu Jungle, Catalina knows her chances of survival are slim, but that won’t stop her from trying to escape. It’s her duty to reclaim the throne.
When Manuel, the son of her former general, rescues Catalina from a jaguar, a plan forms. Deep in the jungle, the city of gold is hidden, home to the fierce Illari people, who she could strike an alliance with.
But the elusive Illari are fighting a battle of their own—a mysterious blight is corrupting the jungle, laying waste to everything they hold dear. As a seer, Catalina should be able to help, but her ability to read the future in the stars is as feeble as her survival instincts. While searching for the Illari, Catalina must reckon with her duty and her heart to find her true calling, which could be the key to stopping the corruption before it destroys the jungle completely.
Review: I'm DNFing this book at 1%. I'm disturbed by the reports I've heard and evidence I've seen about how the indigenous culture and people are mistreated and how the book has a white savior complex. I can't, in good faith, read this book right now. I might come back to it in the future, but right now there’s too much not being taken seriously about the valid concerns of people who are hurt by this book.
Verdict: I’m unsteady about this series from the concerns I read and what I remember from reading it myself. I’m also very concerned about the lack of a statement from the author and the amount of people who have attacked those who voiced their valid concerns about the book. The author isn’t doing anything to help the matter by remaining silent and letting people continue to attack those who voiced concerns and letting them continue to make racist remarks about the people and culture the books are based on.
Book: Written in Starlight
Author: Isabel Ibanez
Book Series: Woven in Moonlight Book 2
Rating: 1/5
Diversity: Indigenous Bolivian culture and people, but racist views and statements and misconceptions about the culture and religious aspects
Recommended For...: fantasy readers, ya readers
Publication Date: January 26, 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Pages: 368
Synopsis: If the jungle wants you, it will have you...
Catalina Quiroga is a Condesa without a country. She’s lost the Inkasisa throne, the loyalty of her people, and her best friend. Banished to the perilous Yanu Jungle, Catalina knows her chances of survival are slim, but that won’t stop her from trying to escape. It’s her duty to reclaim the throne.
When Manuel, the son of her former general, rescues Catalina from a jaguar, a plan forms. Deep in the jungle, the city of gold is hidden, home to the fierce Illari people, who she could strike an alliance with.
But the elusive Illari are fighting a battle of their own—a mysterious blight is corrupting the jungle, laying waste to everything they hold dear. As a seer, Catalina should be able to help, but her ability to read the future in the stars is as feeble as her survival instincts. While searching for the Illari, Catalina must reckon with her duty and her heart to find her true calling, which could be the key to stopping the corruption before it destroys the jungle completely.
Review: I'm DNFing this book at 1%. I'm disturbed by the reports I've heard and evidence I've seen about how the indigenous culture and people are mistreated and how the book has a white savior complex. I can't, in good faith, read this book right now. I might come back to it in the future, but right now there’s too much not being taken seriously about the valid concerns of people who are hurt by this book.
Verdict: I’m unsteady about this series from the concerns I read and what I remember from reading it myself. I’m also very concerned about the lack of a statement from the author and the amount of people who have attacked those who voiced their valid concerns about the book. The author isn’t doing anything to help the matter by remaining silent and letting people continue to attack those who voiced concerns and letting them continue to make racist remarks about the people and culture the books are based on.
cmsemonco's review against another edition
4.0
Loved it! It dove deeper into the magical side of the story and answered so many questions. Immediately pre-ordering it!!
womanon's review against another edition
3.0
This was really an enjoyable read! Although I read the first book 2 years ago, and didn't remember too much of it, this one was easy to get into. I got sufficient information to enjoy it, although I do think I might have liked it better had I done a reread of the first book. I especially loved that the story largely took place in the jungle. It made for a refreshing backdrop. All in all, I did find the story quite average. I enjoyed it, but it was nothing new for me.
jordb1213's review against another edition
3.0
Elements of this were original and thrilling, however the flaws in the first book's worldbuilding were really exacerbated here. Additionally, the plot arc was very very similar to that of Ximena in book 1.