This book was fun even if predictable, might read the sequel since it's a duology. The concept of the magic cards was new and interesting. Sadly, it wThis book was fun even if predictable, might read the sequel since it's a duology. The concept of the magic cards was new and interesting. Sadly, it wasn't anything memorable....more
Beautiful!! I grew to care and love the characters in this series considerably. Froi is definitely my favorite and glad we saw him a lot in this book.Beautiful!! I grew to care and love the characters in this series considerably. Froi is definitely my favorite and glad we saw him a lot in this book. However, and like many have already mentioned, for a book called "Quintana of Charyn" I definitely expected Quintana to have more spotlight. Instead, her role wasn't as a main as the rest.
This installment at the end was about tying the loose ends with the action part of the story ending around 80ish%. I didn't mind that at all honestly because I wanted more of the characters anyway. However, there was one thing that was supposed to be comical but it was honestly ridiculous (view spoiler)[Jasmina, for example, taking and hiding the letters. Yes because I am to believe that important correspondence for royals will be taken by a child left roaming around. And if that's the case, it's very irresponsible of the parents. Letters are mostly the only way of communication with other kingdoms. (hide spoiler)]
Anyhow, I felt a lot of emotions reading this book because of I am very fond of the characters now. I am glad I finally got to read the trilogy. I've always wanted to read it but it was never available in my book store. Even if I wanted to order, the covers are simply not pretty whatsoever, especially those of the second edition. I couldn't find the first edition anywhere.
Many young adults don't age well. This book is still as amazing as it was on its release in 2012. I would still highly recommend this trilogy to young-adult (and losing this term very loosely here) fantasy fans. It's definitely more complex than your usual YA....more
This was a fun short read, I hope to see Celie in the last installment. I honestly didn't remember anything about her in the previous two books. RecomThis was a fun short read, I hope to see Celie in the last installment. I honestly didn't remember anything about her in the previous two books. Recommended if you are reading the Lumatere Chronicles....more
This book was so much fun! I'll be looking out for more books centered around Clytemnestra and the keep an eye out for Casati's books. This book was so much fun! I'll be looking out for more books centered around Clytemnestra and the keep an eye out for Casati's books. ...more
Originally, I didn’t want to read this book. The premise sounded very familiar and the hype? Well, never trust the hype when it comes to NA + fantasy Originally, I didn’t want to read this book. The premise sounded very familiar and the hype? Well, never trust the hype when it comes to NA + fantasy stuff.
But.
Just like when it comes to almost every popular book out there, I caved. And I’m so glad I did.
I read the first 100 pages in one sitting. I randomly decided to read this book and then found myself unable to stop turning the page. I needed to know what’ll happen next… I also needed to sleep because I had to wake up early for work. But who cares about that when there’s this girl doing some dangerous things to be part of an “academy”? I can’t resist this trope.
And the book mostly didn’t slow down. It’s far from being perfect but it is so fun and hence my 4 stars rating.
I flew through this book while its previous took me weeks to finish. However, both are good in their own ways. Glad to hear that the third instalment I flew through this book while its previous took me weeks to finish. However, both are good in their own ways. Glad to hear that the third instalment mixed elements from the first two books since they are vastly different. The first book focused on military operations while the second was centered in the city around protests and politics. ...more
Untethered Sky truly standalone as a fantasy novella. There was something special about it. It flowed so naturally like a breeze. The writing style, tUntethered Sky truly standalone as a fantasy novella. There was something special about it. It flowed so naturally like a breeze. The writing style, the characters, the story, everything felt just right.
It can be easily finished in one sitting. The premise was interesting and Lee certainly delivered. By the last page, I found myself wanting more of the characters. The ending was bittersweet and again, very suitable for the story line.
I highly enjoyed reading the book and would recommend it to all fantasy fans. It's not the most complex. The characters don't necessarily stand out. However, it gives these magical vibes that transport you to another place at another time. ...more
I still haven’t decided what to think about this book. The writing is gorgeous. Numerous quotes you can get from this book. Solid idea. A wel3.5 stars
I still haven’t decided what to think about this book. The writing is gorgeous. Numerous quotes you can get from this book. Solid idea. A well architected world. Also a book that is truly about books, how exhilarating is that.
But The pace was off. I didn’t mind the slow pace during the middle part unlike many but I’m contrast to the end, the revelations could’ve been better styled. It’s like I was running at the end from a reality to another and not in a very smooth way. The characters were decent but the romance wasn’t good. It would’ve been so much better if the link was friendship and then later on a romance developed. I won’t say much about this because it’s linked to major spoilers but the idea remains that it wasn’t well executed. Or even needed....more
I honestly debated whether to rate this book 4 or 5 stars but when was the last book that managed to actually laugh? (Not just mentally) The writing iI honestly debated whether to rate this book 4 or 5 stars but when was the last book that managed to actually laugh? (Not just mentally) The writing is simply so clever.
This might be the book with the least going action wise but featured a lot of political intrigue in the Attolian court. I loved reading from Costis perspective, which worked pretty well for the book. I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy this book so much especially since I appreciated the last two instalments but didn’t love them. Turner’s writing style, characterisation, chain of events, all worked perfectly in this novel.
This was honestly a delight to read, Gen has so much depth to his character, his chemistry with Irene was palpable and I was like everyone in court, dying for the gossip and to learn more about their relationship.
This novel also sets up the scene for the upcoming novels, war might be on the horizon and I’m curious the politics within Attolia & Eddis will play out. ...more
This book was soo good!! I honestly liked it better than the first. The Quintana of Charyn is the first sequel I’m looking forward to reading4.5 stars
This book was soo good!! I honestly liked it better than the first. The Quintana of Charyn is the first sequel I’m looking forward to reading in a long time. ...more
II had heard so much about this series before finally picking up Malice in 2021. I read The Shadow of the Gods but wasn’t impressed; however, its sequII had heard so much about this series before finally picking up Malice in 2021. I read The Shadow of the Gods but wasn’t impressed; however, its sequel, The Hunger of the Gods was better on every level. I assumed the same would apply here: if I wasn’t a fan of Malice, maybe Valor would be an improvement, just like with his other series. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
And I have no excuse for not liking this book. I was on a high-fantasy reading roll, eager for more of the genre. I wasn’t feeling burnt out, I had the time, and I was in the right mindset, so no—it’s not me.
Sometimes, I try to come up with reasons for why a book didn’t click with me, but honestly, I can’t understand why everyone is so in love with this series from the start. There. I said it. It’s not bad, just overhyped so far.
Minor spoilers ahead, scroll down for the spoiler free part
Let’s start with the characters. Corban? Is this really the main lead I’m supposed to root for? He was so underwhelming—bland and one-dimensional. I couldn’t bring myself to care about him. Sure, he’s well-raised and good with a sword, but I wasn’t impressed (and I even liked Rand from book one, despite his constant complaining). Things kept happening to Corban, and he never really took charge—though I’m sure he will later. I wanted to see more growth in his character in this instalment. I’m usually pretty easy to win over with young protagonists destined to save the world, characters I want to protect from every bad thing. But Ban never made me feel that way.
Then there’s the forced romance with Coralen. As one of the only three female characters with her own POV in this book, she didn’t impress me at all. I understood what Gwynne was trying to do with her character, but it felt forced. She tried too hard to come off as a badass.
Edna was unimpressive, and aside from a couple of scenes, she wasn’t fully stepping up to her status as queen. I would have preferred to see her take more decisive leadership actions. I understand she had just survived a traumatic experience, but she should have shown more strength, at least for the sake of her company.
That said, I did grow fond of some characters and looked forward to their chapters. Maquin was my favorite—I wanted him to find peace, but Gwynne didn’t give him a break. Cywen, who I liked from the first book, also stood out (and yes, I totally ship her with Veradis; that pairing would work much better). Fidele's chapters, although brief, also interested me for we could see her trying to do what was right. I'm curious how her subplot will develop in Ruin.
end of the minor spoilers
As for the writing, the battle scenes were well done. Yet despite the constant action, I found myself getting bored around the middle of the book, as it felt like the main characters weren’t making any real progress. My main issue was with the middle section, where I simply lost interest (except for Maquin, Cywen, and Tukul’s chapters). Some chapters felt unnecessary, and the information could’ve been conveyed through another character’s perspective. While it was a relief at times that certain characters' perspectives were brief, the short chapters also detracted from character development for most. Nonetheless, I can see why this series would make for good TV with all its action-packed content.
As I mentioned, this book was packed with action, but it didn’t become truly interesting until the last 200 pages. Then, except for the few perspectives I didn't care about, the book became actually good and I finished that part rather quickly compared to the rest of the book.
In sum, I was disappointed by Valor but the last 25% redeemed the book but not enough to rate it 4 stars. I will persevere and read Ruin since this book has set up a lot of events, and (view spoiler)[ I’m especially curious to see how Nathair will handle learning the truth (hide spoiler)]. What I won’t do, however, is wait too long to read it, as my interest will likely fade by then. If you liked Malice, you’ll probably enjoy this more. If you didn’t, don’t bother with this installment. But if you’re on the fence, give it a shot—just keep your expectations in check.
The Wheel of Time is a series I started around 7 years ago and I have only finished book 6 now. It’s a series that I love but carries the “duty” feeliThe Wheel of Time is a series I started around 7 years ago and I have only finished book 6 now. It’s a series that I love but carries the “duty” feeling with the start of a new book. But it is so worth it.
The Lord of Chaos is a great book and I’m not using the word lightly. It’s like the mountain peak, once you reach the top, all of the difficult times you had on the journey seem to be inconsequential. Instead you feel the rush (i mean especially with the last 150 pages) and look forward to the next journey (that you know you wont take anyway just yet).
To be honest, I was bored a lot reading this book. So much detail I can do without. So little action in most of the book. Women’s characterisation was getting on my nerves more and more. And then, it starts getting better, probably around 65%. And then, we have the last 150 pages. I was unable to put my kindle down. I couldn’t stop reading. I just needed to know what will happen next. It’s one of the things I love the most about reading. Being so enthralled in the story that little else matters. You care so much about the characters that you can’t not know what will become of them. There’s no choice but to turn the next page (and who cares about sleep? -I’ll regret this tomorrow morning). It’s one if the things I rarely ever feel anymore. But the 6th wheel of time book was definitely a strong instalment. While not my favorite, I can say I highly enjoyed reading it.
Don’t get me wrong, the flaws are still there and they disappoint (and withhold me from giving a 5 stars rating). But all in, I am looking forward to start the books I dread reading the most in this series (7.8.9.10)!...more
I couldn’t care about the book, its story or its characters. At all. Not in the slightest. Not one bit. It’s a very amateur novel for a publi1.5 stars
I couldn’t care about the book, its story or its characters. At all. Not in the slightest. Not one bit. It’s a very amateur novel for a publishing house like Harper Voyage. I didn’t want to read Godkiller but it was the pick of the month in the book club I’m in so I thought "just 300 pages so it is not a big deal". Unfortunately, it proved to be a real struggle to finish. The only interesting thing about it was that prologue.
It didn't manage to hold my attention, I had a difficult time reading it, and I couldn’t connect even remotely to the characters. My friends liked it at least. Unfortunately, I felt like I wasted my time. I know many disagree but I’m tired of being sorry when I don’t like a book. Or well, sorry in general. I rarely give 1 star ratings anymore always leaving the book some benefit of the doubt but I’m tired of doing that even. This book wasn’t my thing. It might be yours and if so great! But in all cases, I only recommend it if you want some basic fantasy. It is a waste though, the diversity and the inclusion were great. The MC had a disability + several LGBT characters....more
I started this book with a lot of skepticism. In the past few years, I've read several NA fantasy novels that ended up being cheesy, boring, and meh aI started this book with a lot of skepticism. In the past few years, I've read several NA fantasy novels that ended up being cheesy, boring, and meh at best. this book was different. Once the trial started, I couldn't put the book down. I'll write a review later. Hopefully....more
