andrealinia's review against another edition
5.0
Mar 2012: Once again this book pulled me in and swept me away into the fictional world of Ixia. The first time you read this book you're drip fed information about her past that lead up to her being in the dungeon at the start of the novel and the second time through, despite knowing that history, was still a pleasure to read.
Part of the enjoyment of reading this book has to do with the relationship between Yelena and Valek and watching that develop but also seeing Yelena's perspective on things. I'm not usually a big fan on first-person perspective but the storyline and prose just seem magnified by the first-person, present tense.
The first time I read this book I felt as though I had to read the next one after finishing it. I didn't get the same sense of urgency the second time through but I believe that is because I already know the plot. I still really liked it the second time through and could easily read it again which makes it one of those I'm really glad I bought.
Dec 2015: I recently read this a third time and sped through all three in just over a week. The plot was just as good and appealing as ever and I couldn't put it down. I said back in 2012 that I thought knowing the plot took something away, I actually think it was more that I re-read this book not long after finishing it the first time. A third foray into Ixia was just as appealing and exciting as the first and I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who likes assassins, magic or fantasy fiction, or strong female lead characters.
Part of the enjoyment of reading this book has to do with the relationship between Yelena and Valek and watching that develop but also seeing Yelena's perspective on things. I'm not usually a big fan on first-person perspective but the storyline and prose just seem magnified by the first-person, present tense.
The first time I read this book I felt as though I had to read the next one after finishing it. I didn't get the same sense of urgency the second time through but I believe that is because I already know the plot. I still really liked it the second time through and could easily read it again which makes it one of those I'm really glad I bought.
Dec 2015: I recently read this a third time and sped through all three in just over a week. The plot was just as good and appealing as ever and I couldn't put it down. I said back in 2012 that I thought knowing the plot took something away, I actually think it was more that I re-read this book not long after finishing it the first time. A third foray into Ixia was just as appealing and exciting as the first and I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who likes assassins, magic or fantasy fiction, or strong female lead characters.
panicstation26's review against another edition
3.0
Would give it a 3.5 if possible, rounded up instead of down solely because it's the holidays and I'm in a good mood. Basic review below:
I like the writing style and pacing, and appreciate the subtlety of the "romance" in comparison to the main plot. The world and the magic system are interesting. Yelena is a decent lead, though occasionally slow to put things together. Can't complain about Valek (can anyone complain about an expertly trained assassin/spy/badass), and Ari and Janco (though honestly disposable imo) are alright as well. Intrigued and moved by the Commander's origins, pleasantly surprised this book is from 2005. Considering the rest of the series, but that remains to be seen.
I like the writing style and pacing, and appreciate the subtlety of the "romance" in comparison to the main plot. The world and the magic system are interesting. Yelena is a decent lead, though occasionally slow to put things together. Can't complain about Valek (can anyone complain about an expertly trained assassin/spy/badass), and Ari and Janco (though honestly disposable imo) are alright as well. Intrigued and moved by the Commander's origins, pleasantly surprised this book is from 2005. Considering the rest of the series, but that remains to be seen.
sejacobson14's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book in two days...I could not put it down. It is a great adventure story, with a little love, mystery, and fantasy. I love stories like this. I am soon going to read the sequel. This book is a great, fun read.
wanders52117's review against another edition
5.0
I hardly ever write reviews when I finish a book, but this book was amazing! It was action packed, mysterious, and I have never read anything like it before so it took me by surprise! ********************SPOILER**********************
I will admit that I wish there was a little more romance between Valek and Yelena, but maybe it will get better in the other books. Only one way to find out!!
I will admit that I wish there was a little more romance between Valek and Yelena, but maybe it will get better in the other books. Only one way to find out!!
stacyjenson's review against another edition
4.0
Fun! Parts I liked:
- Valek. He's basically a ninja and ninjas are awesome. And he sculpts little animal figurines for his friends. Sensitive!
- The emotional/moral ambiguities. Was I, the reader, supposed to approve of the Commander's coup? Are things really better post-coup? Can rule by military junta ever turn out well? I flip-flopped about this a lot. This aspect of the story was downplayed in favor of a light-hearted fantasy/adventure/romance romp, and you could point this out as a plot hole. But, the nagging feeling of whether I should be rooting for the guys in charge added some texture and depth to the story.
- The Commander's secret. Whaa? A little strange, a little random, but I'm putting it in the Like category.
- Dialogue. I sometimes find that romance-ish writers do not have their male characters talk in any way real living men really talk and interact with each other. (JD Ward, I'm looking straight at you.) I thought the interactions here were genuine.
Disliked:
- Some hackneyed fantasy tropes. The learning-to-fight scenes, a la Karate Kid. The friendly seamstress. The grumpy head servant.
- Aside from Yelena, the female characters were pretty 1-dimensional. Same for the bad guys.
- Setting. I'm not sure anything in the story required this to be set in the usual medieval fantasy world. The Commander and military districts reminded me of Handmaid's Tale, so I kept wondering how this story could've played out in the far future, post-civilization.
Minor complaints, though.
- Valek. He's basically a ninja and ninjas are awesome. And he sculpts little animal figurines for his friends. Sensitive!
- The emotional/moral ambiguities. Was I, the reader, supposed to approve of the Commander's coup? Are things really better post-coup? Can rule by military junta ever turn out well? I flip-flopped about this a lot. This aspect of the story was downplayed in favor of a light-hearted fantasy/adventure/romance romp, and you could point this out as a plot hole. But, the nagging feeling of whether I should be rooting for the guys in charge added some texture and depth to the story.
- The Commander's secret. Whaa? A little strange, a little random, but I'm putting it in the Like category.
- Dialogue. I sometimes find that romance-ish writers do not have their male characters talk in any way real living men really talk and interact with each other. (JD Ward, I'm looking straight at you.) I thought the interactions here were genuine.
Disliked:
- Some hackneyed fantasy tropes. The learning-to-fight scenes, a la Karate Kid. The friendly seamstress. The grumpy head servant.
- Aside from Yelena, the female characters were pretty 1-dimensional. Same for the bad guys.
- Setting. I'm not sure anything in the story required this to be set in the usual medieval fantasy world. The Commander and military districts reminded me of Handmaid's Tale, so I kept wondering how this story could've played out in the far future, post-civilization.
Minor complaints, though.
janeeein123's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.75
kendall_paigeee's review against another edition
5.0
Ella gave me this book to borrow, and it is amazing. I mean i was only 50 pages in and i was invested. It is so good and one of my favourite standalones! I don't want to give it back but next time i see her in person then i will give it back to it's rightful owner.
lemon_'s review against another edition
2.0
Holy moly this book is the definition of mediocre. I've never read a hard bound book that so screams "fan fiction" quality to me. The main character is a complete mary sue, and nothing is ever shown or unfolded naturally in the plot - the main character just kinda knows and every tiny little aspect is explained. There is no concept of "show, don't tell" in this book. The plot is fairly generic outside of the poison taster bit and it's thoroughly predictable. The world the book is set in is not fully formed and not particularly interesting. I hate to be harsh, but man this book was hard to finish.