Take a photo of a barcode or cover
smithsg42's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a good listen. The characters were well thought out. The end goal of the antagonist was unexpected but well played
maddie_6315's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-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
3.5
soniaballada's review against another edition
adventurous
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
In every person, there is light and shadow.
The setting had a lot of fun elements (magical types, different races, etc.) but nothing is explored in a depth that I felt satisfied with. All the information is just to be taken for granted with little room for inquiry.
The plot is nothing special or unexpected. Personally, I prefer the first half of the book much more than the second half.
In theory, the characters are interesting and lovable, especially with their traits presented at the beginning of the novel. Both the FMC and MMC do have changes of mind and heart, but from my perspective, it happened too quickly.
The setting had a lot of fun elements (magical types, different races, etc.) but nothing is explored in a depth that I felt satisfied with. All the information is just to be taken for granted with little room for inquiry.
The plot is nothing special or unexpected. Personally, I prefer the first half of the book much more than the second half.
In theory, the characters are interesting and lovable, especially with their traits presented at the beginning of the novel. Both the FMC and MMC do have changes of mind and heart, but from my perspective, it happened too quickly.
godkatesusall's review against another edition
2.0
Good world building. Roshan lives in a cool world but ultimately flounders in it. The ending is unsatisfying and too much space is taken up by the male protagonist. He makes everyone’s decisions for them. Kind of a let down. I’d read other stories that took place in this world though.
kimberly_apairofreaders's review against another edition
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the e-ARC!
I’ll start this (short) review by saying that the author’s writing is beautiful in how she tells the story. You immediately understand Roshan’s actions and mindset.
Unfortunately, this book just isn’t for me and has been DNF’d. It’s heavier on the political intrigue side than I had expected based on the description, and the pacing is slow. These are not necessarily bad things - just not my cup of tea. The magic system felt out of place to me, as though magic wasn’t really entirely necessary except to make it a magic fantasy, but maybe it makes more sense later on.
Based on what I read, it’s a solid 3.5-4 star YA novel if you don’t mind slower stories and political intrigue/class struggles with negotiations.
I’ll start this (short) review by saying that the author’s writing is beautiful in how she tells the story. You immediately understand Roshan’s actions and mindset.
Unfortunately, this book just isn’t for me and has been DNF’d. It’s heavier on the political intrigue side than I had expected based on the description, and the pacing is slow. These are not necessarily bad things - just not my cup of tea. The magic system felt out of place to me, as though magic wasn’t really entirely necessary except to make it a magic fantasy, but maybe it makes more sense later on.
Based on what I read, it’s a solid 3.5-4 star YA novel if you don’t mind slower stories and political intrigue/class struggles with negotiations.
j_the_human's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
slow-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
4.0
Pros:
- MAGIC SICKNESS IN THE LAND
- BANDITSSSSS
- IGNORANCE IS NOT AN EXCUSE
- one of the more realistic portrayals of "a rich person is confronted with the realities of the people" that I've read
- Roshan! I honestly really liked her and appreciated how her internal struggle felt very real and not forced
- I also, honestly, liked Navin! I thought he was very real and messy and could've used a hug
- the magic system! I always love a "magic takes a physical toll" book and this was no exception
- the opening newspaper clipping was really cool, I do wish it was carried further along into the book
Cons:
- the plot is a little meandering at points, and I do think it could've been a little tighter
- there is a "peak of the romance" scene in here that had me a little like "mmmmmm" but I'm a prude so
- speaking of the romance, I feel like there was a lot of build up and the pay off didn't feel as well done and I was :( about it cause they were so cute at the start
- I feel like we needed a little more of one of the later reveal "bad" characters on page and a little less Hemat
Overall:
This is a solid stand-alone fantasy novel that focuses mostly on banditry and how it can be the only thing keeping communities alive when their government has abandoned them. As always, I wanted a bit more from the romance, but the setting and the characters were a highlight here! It was very atmospheric and realistic, not shying from the harsh realities that the novel was based on, but at the same time retaining that very human core of hope. Definitely one of the more standout standalones I've read recently, and worth a shot if you like your high fantasy a little grittier.
- MAGIC SICKNESS IN THE LAND
- BANDITSSSSS
- IGNORANCE IS NOT AN EXCUSE
- one of the more realistic portrayals of "a rich person is confronted with the realities of the people" that I've read
- Roshan! I honestly really liked her and appreciated how her internal struggle felt very real and not forced
- I also, honestly, liked Navin! I thought he was very real and messy and could've used a hug
- the magic system! I always love a "magic takes a physical toll" book and this was no exception
- the opening newspaper clipping was really cool, I do wish it was carried further along into the book
Cons:
- the plot is a little meandering at points, and I do think it could've been a little tighter
- there is a "peak of the romance" scene in here that had me a little like "mmmmmm" but I'm a prude so
- speaking of the romance, I feel like there was a lot of build up and the pay off didn't feel as well done and I was :( about it cause they were so cute at the start
- I feel like we needed a little more of one of the later reveal "bad" characters on page and a little less Hemat
Overall:
This is a solid stand-alone fantasy novel that focuses mostly on banditry and how it can be the only thing keeping communities alive when their government has abandoned them. As always, I wanted a bit more from the romance, but the setting and the characters were a highlight here! It was very atmospheric and realistic, not shying from the harsh realities that the novel was based on, but at the same time retaining that very human core of hope. Definitely one of the more standout standalones I've read recently, and worth a shot if you like your high fantasy a little grittier.
madelinerossell's review against another edition
4.0
The overall narrative is an easy 4 stars. The romance, is a 3 but that's because of personal preferences.
vesper03's review against another edition
5.0
Roshan is incredible and I adore her.
On a more serious note, this book deals with some tough topics but while doing so remains really fun to read and enjoyable. The author has developed so much since I read her first fantasy book Hunted By the Sky and this book was absolutely amazing. So well written and the characters were so fun.
On a more serious note, this book deals with some tough topics but while doing so remains really fun to read and enjoyable. The author has developed so much since I read her first fantasy book Hunted By the Sky and this book was absolutely amazing. So well written and the characters were so fun.
lottie1803's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
3.75