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A review by abby_ace_of_books
Prophecy: Fractured Kingdom, Book 1 by M.L. Fergus
4.0
Sometimes, you just need a quick little fantasy adventure with two snarky leads to get you through your day.
Prophecy is a low-fantasy adventure story filled with plenty of humor and romance. I've seen it compared to The Princess Bride, and while I haven't watched the whole movie, this book did remind me of some of the scenes I'd seen. I probably would have read this book in one sitting if I had the time, and it was refreshing to read due to its shorter length and quick pacing. I also really like the style of the prose, especially in the dialogue.
The fantasy elements in the story are relatively limited to the "prophecy" that foretells the importance of certain characters in the story. Otherwise, we follow Persephone, a slave longing for freedom, and Azriel, the thief who intends to grant that to her...although he may have ulterior motives. Like I said, the plot is very fast-paced. While the first part of the story is more adventure-focused, the second half has more politics and court intrigue. The story is fairly predictable, but there are some major plot twists at the end, and I didn't mind the familiar tropes. My only issue now is that I have to wait at least a year for a sequel.
The characters are very charming, and I think they're what drew me into the story. Persephone is a very intriguing main character, and I really liked her as a character. Azriel was my favorite (unsurprising, right) because snarky boys with possibly tragic backstories automatically win my favoritism. There are a handful of other characters with limited importance, but I'm excited to see more of Rachael, Tiny, and some of the other side characters.
Fantasy fans looking for a quick adventure story with plenty of twists and action will enjoy Prophecy.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
4.5/5
~~~~~~~~~~
Reread Update:
Lowering to 4/5 because it was enjoyable, but I think I was in a reading slump the last time I read it and also I don't think I realized how icky some of the romances make me feel. (Also, for some reason Azriel wasn't as cool this time?)
Also, I've watched The Princess Bride now and this book definitely gives those vibes.
Prophecy is a low-fantasy adventure story filled with plenty of humor and romance. I've seen it compared to The Princess Bride, and while I haven't watched the whole movie, this book did remind me of some of the scenes I'd seen. I probably would have read this book in one sitting if I had the time, and it was refreshing to read due to its shorter length and quick pacing. I also really like the style of the prose, especially in the dialogue.
The fantasy elements in the story are relatively limited to the "prophecy" that foretells the importance of certain characters in the story. Otherwise, we follow Persephone, a slave longing for freedom, and Azriel, the thief who intends to grant that to her...although he may have ulterior motives. Like I said, the plot is very fast-paced. While the first part of the story is more adventure-focused, the second half has more politics and court intrigue. The story is fairly predictable, but there are some major plot twists at the end, and I didn't mind the familiar tropes. My only issue now is that I have to wait at least a year for a sequel.
The characters are very charming, and I think they're what drew me into the story. Persephone is a very intriguing main character, and I really liked her as a character. Azriel was my favorite (unsurprising, right) because snarky boys with possibly tragic backstories automatically win my favoritism. There are a handful of other characters with limited importance, but I'm excited to see more of Rachael, Tiny, and some of the other side characters.
Fantasy fans looking for a quick adventure story with plenty of twists and action will enjoy Prophecy.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
4.5/5
~~~~~~~~~~
Reread Update:
Lowering to 4/5 because it was enjoyable, but I think I was in a reading slump the last time I read it and also I don't think I realized how icky some of the romances make me feel. (Also, for some reason Azriel wasn't as cool this time?)
Also, I've watched The Princess Bride now and this book definitely gives those vibes.