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kayladaila's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: War
bookishflower'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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
anniereads221's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Violence, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
p_gonza2's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and War
Minor: Bullying, Death, and Kidnapping
ranjanireviewsreads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Fantasy: 5/5
Romance: 3/5
Writing: 3.5/5
Characters: 2.75/5
Let me clear in the beginning: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The cultural representation in it felt like home, the food descriptions made my mouth water, and the queer-norm made me ache for such a world to live in.
Here are some things that didn't quite hit the mark:
--> First and foremost, the writing. I believe it's the writing that truly brings the book together and, as is the case of many novels I've read, make the book better than it would have been otherwise.
The Ivory Key is not badly written. Raman clearly knows how to balance the languid descriptions of the world and its foods with the quick, snappy sentences necessary for fast action scenes.
However, the dialogue leaves much to be desired. It feels flat and unresolved and it left me wanting much longer conversations between the character. It lacked substance and this small thing really impacted the way I connected with the characters.
--> Speaking of the characters, this is where The Ivory Key really disappointed me. There premise and the book really built up my expectations for tensions between the siblings, maybe even some fights and venomous exchanges. But I was really disappointed. The switch between multiple POVs - one of my favourite yet most criticised things in fantasy novels - did not allow me to form a connection to a single character. Ronak especially infuriated me to no end. The sibling rivalry turned out to be nothing more than a petty squabble - which, given that the story portrays them as much older than they actually are is incredibly annoying. Vira is a maharani for crying out loud?! Surely her siblings would be afforded some mode of judgement and decision making? Ronak makes the stupidest decisions ever.
Maybe I just don't like him.
The speed of this book does not suit the characters it has.
--> The plot is very simple. It's your classic quest-to-save-the-world/country story with a few twists that are not hard to like. But given how fast the story progressed, there is not enough of the novel to hold it. I'm not sure if there was a limit on the page numbers or something or if it's just how Raman writes; I did not enjoy the fast-paced plot coupled with badly explored characters.
TL;DR: Disappoints with regards to character building and length of story. Great world building. Love the Indian fantasy.
Romance: 3/5
Writing: 3.5/5
Characters: 2.75/5
Let me clear in the beginning: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The cultural representation in it felt like home, the food descriptions made my mouth water, and the queer-norm made me ache for such a world to live in.
Here are some things that didn't quite hit the mark:
--> First and foremost, the writing. I believe it's the writing that truly brings the book together and, as is the case of many novels I've read, make the book better than it would have been otherwise.
The Ivory Key is not badly written. Raman clearly knows how to balance the languid descriptions of the world and its foods with the quick, snappy sentences necessary for fast action scenes.
However, the dialogue leaves much to be desired. It feels flat and unresolved and it left me wanting much longer conversations between the character. It lacked substance and this small thing really impacted the way I connected with the characters.
--> Speaking of the characters, this is where The Ivory Key really disappointed me. There premise and the book really built up my expectations for tensions between the siblings, maybe even some fights and venomous exchanges. But I was really disappointed. The switch between multiple POVs - one of my favourite yet most criticised things in fantasy novels - did not allow me to form a connection to a single character. Ronak especially infuriated me to no end. The sibling rivalry turned out to be nothing more than a petty squabble - which, given that the story portrays them as much older than they actually are is incredibly annoying. Vira is a maharani for crying out loud?! Surely her siblings would be afforded some mode of judgement and decision making? Ronak makes the stupidest decisions ever.
Maybe I just don't like him.
The speed of this book does not suit the characters it has.
--> The plot is very simple. It's your classic quest-to-save-the-world/country story with a few twists that are not hard to like. But given how fast the story progressed, there is not enough of the novel to hold it. I'm not sure if there was a limit on the page numbers or something or if it's just how Raman writes; I did not enjoy the fast-paced plot coupled with badly explored characters.
TL;DR: Disappoints with regards to character building and length of story. Great world building. Love the Indian fantasy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
abrich's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Blood, War, and Injury/Injury detail
l0streader's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
4.0
Rep: South Asian MCs, LGBTQIA+
This is the South Asian fantasy of my dreams! I absolutely fell in love with these characters, each of their stories and aspirations. With any book containing multiple POVs it can be hectic to keep track of them, but each of Raman’s MCs had a distinct voice and motive to obtaining The Ivory Key. I thought the family dynamic between all the siblings was fully fleshed out and realistic. I even have a really special place in my heart for one of the side characters, but we won’t dive too far into that.
The descriptions of the setting and the entirety of the atmosphere as a whole were immaculate. The scenery and foods were described with such lushness that I felt transported into Ashoka.
I didn’t know too much about the plot of the book prior to diving in and I’m glad I didn’t reveal too much to myself because I loved uncovering new things as I read and went on this adventure alongside these characters. I really appreciated that this fantasy book though expansive did not feel overwhelming as many fantasy books can feel initially. The world-building was done strategically so that the reader could learn more about the history, land, and people of Ashoka through the MCs conversations and quest.
I’m quite intrigued to see where the book will go from here. I have a feeling that I’m going to enjoy the sequel even more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a South Asian fantasy or anyone new to fantasy who wants to get their feet wet before diving headfirst into some of the denser fantasy books out there.
Characters: 9/10
Atmosphere: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Plot: 8/10
Intrigue: 8/10
Logic: 8/10
Enjoyment: 8/10
Rating: 8.3 or 4 stars
This is the South Asian fantasy of my dreams! I absolutely fell in love with these characters, each of their stories and aspirations. With any book containing multiple POVs it can be hectic to keep track of them, but each of Raman’s MCs had a distinct voice and motive to obtaining The Ivory Key. I thought the family dynamic between all the siblings was fully fleshed out and realistic. I even have a really special place in my heart for one of the side characters, but we won’t dive too far into that.
The descriptions of the setting and the entirety of the atmosphere as a whole were immaculate. The scenery and foods were described with such lushness that I felt transported into Ashoka.
I didn’t know too much about the plot of the book prior to diving in and I’m glad I didn’t reveal too much to myself because I loved uncovering new things as I read and went on this adventure alongside these characters. I really appreciated that this fantasy book though expansive did not feel overwhelming as many fantasy books can feel initially. The world-building was done strategically so that the reader could learn more about the history, land, and people of Ashoka through the MCs conversations and quest.
I’m quite intrigued to see where the book will go from here. I have a feeling that I’m going to enjoy the sequel even more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a South Asian fantasy or anyone new to fantasy who wants to get their feet wet before diving headfirst into some of the denser fantasy books out there.
Characters: 9/10
Atmosphere: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Plot: 8/10
Intrigue: 8/10
Logic: 8/10
Enjoyment: 8/10
Rating: 8.3 or 4 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Violence, Blood, Alcohol, and War
kindredbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
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? It's complicated
4.25
I received a copy of The Ivory Key by Akshaya Raman from Blue Slip Media in exchange for an honest review.
Family drama and secrets, magic, secret societies, puzzles and a search for the Ivory Key, as the novel is named - The Ivory Key by Akshaya Raman is a YA fantasy novel that is inspired by Ancient India. One of the main reasons why I was first drawn to this book was the idea of it centering around four siblings who are all estranged. They all have found different paths but a common interest and goal brings them back together. I thought that it was quite interesting to read this story told from all four of their perspectives - Vira, Riya, Ronak and Kaleb. I found each character to be quite charming in their own way - and while I may not have always agreed with their motivations, I did understand where they each stood. The character and world building in The Ivory Key is incredible and I truly felt like I was absorbed into this world and the lands of Ashoka. I really enjoyed the puzzles that were involved and a secret society is just extra fun on top of everything else in this book. The one thing that I had a little trouble with was the plot progression about a third into the novel where it felt like not much was happening. But the story does pick up especially once the siblings set off on their adventure. And finally, that ending - let's just say that the sequel, The Crimson Fortress, is high on my anticipated list as I truly need to know how The Ivory Key duology plays out.
Family drama and secrets, magic, secret societies, puzzles and a search for the Ivory Key, as the novel is named - The Ivory Key by Akshaya Raman is a YA fantasy novel that is inspired by Ancient India. One of the main reasons why I was first drawn to this book was the idea of it centering around four siblings who are all estranged. They all have found different paths but a common interest and goal brings them back together. I thought that it was quite interesting to read this story told from all four of their perspectives - Vira, Riya, Ronak and Kaleb. I found each character to be quite charming in their own way - and while I may not have always agreed with their motivations, I did understand where they each stood. The character and world building in The Ivory Key is incredible and I truly felt like I was absorbed into this world and the lands of Ashoka. I really enjoyed the puzzles that were involved and a secret society is just extra fun on top of everything else in this book. The one thing that I had a little trouble with was the plot progression about a third into the novel where it felt like not much was happening. But the story does pick up especially once the siblings set off on their adventure. And finally, that ending - let's just say that the sequel, The Crimson Fortress, is high on my anticipated list as I truly need to know how The Ivory Key duology plays out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and War