A review by emilysamsharrisreads
Empress Crowned in Red by Ciannon Smart
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
3.75
Smart is incredible at world-building! I really enjoyed this duology but unfortunately found the pacing of this book to be slower than its predecessor.
Additionally, while I really enjoyed how Iraya and Jazmyne were evenly matched in the first book, in this half of the duology there was such a wide gap in character development and depth. Iraya was portrayed as flawed but complex, constantly learning from her mistakes, taking the reigns and leadership opportunities in stride. She was cunning, tactful, strategic, while still demonstrating her love & care for the people around her. When she was hurt, the readers hurt along side her. Whereas Jazmyne seemed to get the short, short end of the stick. Her chapters felt more repetitive. Her character came off as whiny, naïve, entitled as heck, and just not particularly useful at times. Neither FMC could catch a break most of the time, but Jazmyne's story felt confusing and contradictory quite a bit. Jaz and Iraya's arguments felt over-done and somewhat shallow.
This felt particularly noticeable when at the end of the story, Jazmyne and Iraya have this tense stand off about who loves Kirdan. What?? Why! There is a war going on and you're being frosty about a man who the whole second book has been about I&K's romantic/sexual relationship. Why did Jazmyne have to come off as petulant, angsty, "wish-it-was-me" type?
Overall, this would still be a series/book to recommend, especially to YA fans.
Additionally, while I really enjoyed how Iraya and Jazmyne were evenly matched in the first book, in this half of the duology there was such a wide gap in character development and depth. Iraya was portrayed as flawed but complex, constantly learning from her mistakes, taking the reigns and leadership opportunities in stride. She was cunning, tactful, strategic, while still demonstrating her love & care for the people around her. When she was hurt, the readers hurt along side her. Whereas Jazmyne seemed to get the short, short end of the stick. Her chapters felt more repetitive. Her character came off as whiny, naïve, entitled as heck, and just not particularly useful at times. Neither FMC could catch a break most of the time, but Jazmyne's story felt confusing and contradictory quite a bit. Jaz and Iraya's arguments felt over-done and somewhat shallow.
Overall, this would still be a series/book to recommend, especially to YA fans.