This could have been great, there were so many parts of this book I really liked but that writing I hated it. Like I heard this has been optioned for This could have been great, there were so many parts of this book I really liked but that writing I hated it. Like I heard this has been optioned for a movie and like in that format when this writing won't be present sounds like it will be amazing because take the writing style away and I'll love it.
Writing- 1.5 It's complicated, confusing and sometimes doesn't make sense-a lot of it talked itself into circles upon circles that completely lost me. I legit didn't get why it was written in such a way, like there's going to be plenty who are going to hate this style of writing so why limit your readers by writing in such a way? What's the point? Because it's frustrating that if it weren't for the writing, this could have been epic. Dialogue was the only good thing about the writing and even then, that writing style would affect the dialogue too and what they talking about then, I don't know. And the pace, like the narration would jump forward some years without making it clear so that it takes a while to realise something has changed.
Characters -3 The women in this weren't great, like at all as in they were all painted as like the bad guys and those who weren't were raped and then killed. However the main character and the guys he travels with, they were the best part about this novel.
Relationships-4 The romance loved, with Leopard and then with Mossi, amazing. The family they made with the kids. Tracker and Sadogo, their friendship. The overall guys friendship was real and so there and so lovely. (view spoiler)[ except they are all dead now. Sadago, him not being able to live with being made to kill that man, like honestly Sadago was so sweet and like all he once knew was to be a killer and the guilt he carried over from that to finally having these guys who loved him and then evil creature makes him back into that monster and he just can't cope with it, heartbreaking. Mossi and the kids, the fact that Tracker got to spend who knows how long with the love of his life and the kids was adorable but then one day he returned home and they were all dead and it was so sad. And Leopard, the one guy I thought might make it and he didn't. Like I don't see myself continuing, after not being able to stand the writing style and having the characters I like all gone, there's just nothing leading me to want to continue. (hide spoiler)]
Enjoyability-3.5 Not once was I bored, it kept my interest from start to finish. The writing and the constant graphic assault scenes definitely brought the story down for me though.
World Building-2.5 The mythology, history and the creatures along with some of the setting well done, if not necessarily written greatly. Yet there was still a lot missing to make the world even richer.
Plot -2.5 Sometimes it maundered like the writing did, there were parts not really needed and some long winded passages that really could have been cut down.
Originality-3 It was for sure unique just not unique in the way I am looking for. For a total of 2.85 rounded to 3.
Woman is supposed to look at this has a natural course of events. Man, he falls on his knees and screams what a horror, what a debasing. -Tracker
The ogo went right up to the leopard and picked him up. "I like you more than most cats." "How many cats do you know Sadogo." "Only one." Leopard touched his face. -Leopard and Sadogo.
Sadago. He could never face such a life of knowing he killed the old man with such wickedness, even if it was not him. Not truly. -Tracker
**spoiler alert** 2.5 Like I quite liked it even though it's about sex slaves and one of them is forced into it. It's not exactly the master/slave I w**spoiler alert** 2.5 Like I quite liked it even though it's about sex slaves and one of them is forced into it. It's not exactly the master/slave I was looking for as in there's no chemistry/tension between the two and I feel the captured prince was unutilized in the story for what he could have been. I was much more invested in the guy's friend and his slave-now their relationship I would love to see a backstory on.
Also are Gaius and Allerix supposed to be endgame because I don't get it, they barely spent together in this, Allerix only slept with Gaius in the end as a step in the direction to get out of his situation and before that he was being forced into it, that combined with their complete lack of chemistry between them and I just don't really see how that will be turned around.
I won't be continuing. I just didn't care enough to want to even though it did end on a cliff-hanger. ...more
**spoiler alert** Romance- 3 I actually liked the main couple, they're not an opt for me but I like them as a couple. And so glad it didn't go the typ**spoiler alert** Romance- 3 I actually liked the main couple, they're not an opt for me but I like them as a couple. And so glad it didn't go the typical route. The side ship was okay too. My fave was probably the baker couple that appeared like a couple times, them two I really liked for as little as we got of them.
Characters-3 They were alright, I liked them fine enough, I just didn't love anyone with the exception of that one animal of course because animals will always capture my heart.
Enjoyability-4 A little slow past the prologue and not a lot happened action wise yet I quite enjoyed it and had to read the last 100 pages straight through.
Plot-3 Like it's nothing new and could have done with a bit more information of how the empire seized control.
Writing-3.5 The setting was written well, I could really imagine it. Nothing stood out to be though.
Originality-3.5 I always love a fantasy world that decides that sexism and homophobia isn't needed. Women can do anything, if you're gay you're gay and no one bats an eye. That's what I always ask for in fantasy and am rarely given so I'm happy. Also the crow aspect is interesting and different.
World Building-3.5 So each country was detailed quite well with rich history and customs. Yet I felt there could have been a little more to really set the world up.
For a total of 3.35 rounded to 3.5. As for the future, I would like to see more then Anthia's perspective although considering this was her pov in first person I hardly doubt it but I think I would like it more if it did because some of the secondary characters have the potential but being in Anthia's head only I can't really feel much of a connection to them. ...more
Characters 2 I just didn't find any of the characters that interesting. I liked the animals of course but the humans Romance 1.5 Typical and lacking.
Characters 2 I just didn't find any of the characters that interesting. I liked the animals of course but the humans were all very meh and when you don't care about the characters, what is to care about?
Enjoyability 2.5 I don't know whether reading about someone climbing a mountain is just not that fun or something else was missing but the constant mountain climbing never seemed to change or be anything different. It was a little repetitive.
Plot 2.5 Expedition race to save the world sounds more exciting then the book actually delivered.
Writing 2.5 The mountains I felt could have been written to be a bit more interesting considering they were the entire backdrop.
Originality- 2 I liked that we were shown this mountain culture but that's pretty much where it stops.
World Building-2.5 While it was there, I didn't get a sense of the world as a whole. For a total of 2.21 rounded down to 2....more
Characters- 2.5 The dragons were the best. The humans were just okay. I want to care, I love to love characters but there was nothing there for me. PlCharacters- 2.5 The dragons were the best. The humans were just okay. I want to care, I love to love characters but there was nothing there for me. Plot- 3.5 I didn't see all the twists coming and the whole hunting dragons to respecting them I really liked. Romance-2 Was going okay until a certain part (view spoiler)[ turns out they were destined to be together from the start which is a trope I detest (hide spoiler)] but even before they're not a couple I would ship but if they want to be together then I'm fine with it. Enjoyability-3.5 It really picked up after the 200 page World Building- 2 There's a backstory and folklore but there's hardly anything in the present, the culture of the kingdom had very bare bones and who knows what exists outside of it because it was never mentioned. Originality- 2 The way the dragons and story's tied in was something unique. Writing-2 It was very simplified and kinda dry. For a total of 2.5.
The format of the book (has no bearing on this review whatsoever but it annoyed me) Its a very narrow hardback that is the smaller hardback that most YA books are yet doesn't match their exact size so it looks odd on the bookshelf. ...more
**spoiler alert** Relationships -2.5 From a villainous perspective I liked how Xifeng's relationship with the Emperor and with Kang bounced off one an**spoiler alert** Relationships -2.5 From a villainous perspective I liked how Xifeng's relationship with the Emperor and with Kang bounced off one another- they all have their own greedy ambitions and the Emperor knows she's a snake as much as she knows he is one and their attitude becomes snakes stick together, same as with Kang.
Characters-2 I liked Xifeng for a villain but I still felt she was going along with what the Serpent God wanted more then what she did-I just felt her agency wasn't all there and I like my villains to be driven by the evil within them rather then by another hand.
That Isao solider, he pissed me off because there's this warrior women and he's like 'if you married them off, they'd stop their nonsense' ('their nonsense' because of course when a woman fights it's nonsense but when you do it, it's your right and men can save women from being strong willed warriors as fucking if mate) and 'they're only called the crimson army because they're stirred to anger once a month when they're on their period' (which by the way Lol but also, screw you) What a ultimate douche. He was killed, thankfully though.
And that Wei, being like your aunt controls you and I want to get you away from her control which great, only turns out he wants to control her. And when she complains he is like- let you speak your mind, be thankful. Like, screw you dude. I was glad he got his heart broken, hypocrite. And that Lady Sun who acts like a bratty child, what did the Emperor see in her? She died,it was great. The right characters got dealt with, it had that going for it. I was so glad when that happened but overall, there were no characters I really cared about.
Enjoyability-3 Pacing was slow but it managed to keep my interest. Plot-3 I just wish more focus was on the meetings and events that Xifeng attended rather then the petty but dramatic harem dramas. Writing-3.5 Quite beautifully written and kept the flow going. However it wasn't all there for me. Originality-2 An Asian setting but still nothing too new.
World Building-2 We get mythology and how things work in court with some kingdom name dropping but that's it. Where's the culture of this entire world? What exists beyond Feng Lu? What are the attitudes towards religion and magic and identity and sexuality? How are women treated outside of the Forest Kingdom-I know there's queen rulers but it is because there's no males to rule in their place or are they seen as equals or betters? What's society like outside of villages and the imperial city? What exactly is the magic in this world and how aware of it are others?
And does blood mean anything when it comes to ruling because I couldn't get a clear picture-I don't get how the Emperor who is a very distant relative can still hold the throne after his direct descent of the Dragon Lord wife died. It's mentioned the previous Emperor gave him the title as well as his wife which is why he holds it but surely the children borne of the direct descent hold more right yet even the crown prince when of age couldn't take it and then especially with a child of Xifeng and Jun taking precedence over the direct heir-Princess Jade. Like surely the last descent of the dragon lord should be the next emperor before a child of Xifeng and Jun. I wish it could have been made more clearer.
For a total of 2.57 so round up to 3 but feels most to me as a 2.5. I think the book missed the potential it could have been. I may read the sequel....more
This book was so hard to get through and I'm not sure of continuing because I found the way it was written made it difficult for me to like much aboutThis book was so hard to get through and I'm not sure of continuing because I found the way it was written made it difficult for me to like much about the book. And there is so much going for this fantasy that it's a shame I couldn't get into it the way I wanted to. Their is a lot of world building, setting and characters and the way it's written makes it hard to grasp any of it. It is refreshing to have a non sexist, extremely diverse high fantasy though....more
Romance -2.5 It was just fine really. Characters-2.5 I liked the main lead and a few characters but gonna take me longer to warm up to them. EnjoyabilitRomance -2.5 It was just fine really. Characters-2.5 I liked the main lead and a few characters but gonna take me longer to warm up to them. Enjoyability-4.5 Was never slow and was interesting throughout. Plot-3 Liked it but nothing new. World Building-1.5 Honestly the weakest thing about this novel. I know only the very bare basics of this world. Writing-2.5 Just okay again. Originality-2 There were arabic origins but typical in every other way. For a total of 2.64 rounded up to 3....more
Much prefer the Age of Dread, way more original and enjoyable then this one. That said I don't know about dnfing the series because book 2 follows difMuch prefer the Age of Dread, way more original and enjoyable then this one. That said I don't know about dnfing the series because book 2 follows different characters and a different plot that's better sounding so may continue but this one was just boring, following a typical war with meh characters with nothing new added to the high fantasy genre whatsoever. ...more
Romance - 1 Insta love, plain and simple. Also gag worthy. Originality - 1.5 A lot of it was the typical stuff and nothing much new was brought to the Romance - 1 Insta love, plain and simple. Also gag worthy. Originality - 1.5 A lot of it was the typical stuff and nothing much new was brought to the table. Plot - 2 Would have worked much better had the protagonist not be the only narrator. Characters - 1 Not one stood out. Enjoyability - 2 There were a few dull parts but it kept my interest somewhat. Writing - 2 Just okay. Nothing special. World Building - 2 Subpar world, I liked the land and nature having this great power but other then that nothing else was given much thought, just the run of the mill medieval fantasy world. For a total of 1.64 so round to 1.5.
So the main character. One minute she's all like my hometown is evil yet it doesn't take her long to change her mind. I expected her to hold on to her values for just a bit longer. It was constant, her changing her mind. First she doesn't want to use her magic but then doesn't protest the next second. One sec, this person's evil then it's oh no this person is actually good. On the way to the kingdom she puts her foot down and says there is no way I am coming but then for no reason whatsoever, like one of the dudes taking her there reminds her of this story she used to know and then she's alright with going just like that. Who can change their opinion that quickly? It's just not natural how quickly she changes. And she's always repeating herself. She's back and forth, back and forth all the time and it's so annoying. Plus she just goes along with shit so easily. And beyond that, she's just as dull as the rest of the cast.
The plot really could have been seen better through other eyes as Elanna's monologue fills up more pages then anything else and her mind is not a place I like to be stuck in. One point I didn't get was how her hometown were perceived as backwards people because there was zero difference other then how they felt about magic between the two nations, all of the nations were backwards in their beliefs. Also visually, nothing felt different between any of the places, they were all so similar. As for the mountain people, they were the only original thing there.
The romance is just cliché as all insta love romance is. I see no reason why they even love one another, they barely got to know one another before they're confessing love. And when they have zero chemistry too, it's just bad....more
Romance - 1 Originality - 2 Plot - 2 Characters - 2 Enjoyability - 2.5 Writing - 1.5 World Building - 1.5 For a total of 1.78 so round up to 2.
Likes: That Romance - 1 Originality - 2 Plot - 2 Characters - 2 Enjoyability - 2.5 Writing - 1.5 World Building - 1.5 For a total of 1.78 so round up to 2.
Likes: That ending like it was such a page turner, I spoiled myself for the reveal but in a way it made it fun because I was like oh this is where this is going to happen and how is this going to come out. I really enjoyed it at the end. The schemes being cooked up. Luke, such a darling though he was hardly there. Loyalty and friendship in regard to Jude and Elizabeth.
The problem: Writing-So very basic not in the dry/bland way, more so in the simple way. Also POV hopping is the worst.
World building - First up, why are these future rulers being treated so poorly? Katherine is being abused, Mirabella is given zero agency. They are going to be your future rulers, give them a little bit of respect. Secondly, based on the lack of anything different to our world other then the magic and things said about the mainland its more like a magical island in our world then a magical island in a fantasy world. Thirdly, nothing is explained for the way things are/became. Fourthly, there was just no vivid imagery to this place.
Romance- Billy was the only reasonable, decent love interest. Poor Bily, being the only one yet so very dull. Joseph, I don't even think the guy himself knows what he's doing or what he wants because he's bizzarly all over the place. Then there's Pietyr who's just a very fucked up dude.
The triplets-Katherine was the worst. Think of the weakest, dumbest, most idiotic person and you have Katherine. However (view spoiler)[ she got threw down a pit which she surived which seems to have knocked her entirely personality out of the park which thank god by the way so potentially, there's still hope. (hide spoiler)] Mirabella wasn't bad, just very meh. She was out of all of them, the most grown up though. Arsinoe was my favourite though I wish she wasn't so child-like because it ruined everything else she had going for her.
The future: I will continue as that ending was great and I see some potential so I will give the second book a go and then see whether this series is worth it. (view spoiler)[ Jules is like so powerful, was there a swap at birth or something because I'm guessing Katherine is the naturalist and like her fucking pet died on her so I don't see her being a great one and like nothing can match Jules in that area, so why else would she be so powerful? And what is Pietyr's deal? I mean, I didn't like Katherine but throwing her into a pit and using love as an excuse, what the fuck? (hide spoiler)]...more
Some 1 star books are because I loathe them or I find them offensive. This book is just bland and boring.
Relationships - 1 Originality - 1 Plot - 1.5 ChSome 1 star books are because I loathe them or I find them offensive. This book is just bland and boring.
Relationships - 1 Originality - 1 Plot - 1.5 Characters - 1.5 Enjoyability - 1.5 Writing - 2 World Building - 1 For a total of 1.35 so round down to 1. ...more
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