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amybraunauthor's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't know what to expect from this book, a weird mix of fantasy, sci-fi, and steampunk. But once I got started, once I met the characters and became enthralled by their exploits and spying. The world building is really good and though there isn't a ton of action, the intrigue is just as compelling. But what sold me was the characters. Lynx is AWESOME, a warrior princess who could give Xena a run for her money. Axel draws you to him like a magnet, and I'm halfway in love with that guy. And Tao, though a minor character, is so kind and strong and loveable that I just want to bundle him up and protect him from everything evil. That said, there were a couple characters I absolutely loathed. Lukan is a whiny asshole and I wanted to slap Kestrel every time she opened her mouth, but those were both likely intentional character traits. None of it diminished my enjoyment of the story where everyone is working for and against each other, where everyone has their own agenda, and where the possibilities are endless. This really is a fantastic start to what I expect will be a great series, and I intend to buy the rest of the books to see what happens next.
auburnedge's review
3.0
The good, the bad, the epilogue
The Good: The characters and their trials are relatable and make you feel for the people. Add to that the forbidden romances and you have yourself a good start to a series.
The bad: Lynx is by far a bad ass but her sister annoys me with her need to fit in. I also did not enjoy the way the story began, bringing us into that society and then not really expanding enough. Hopefully the next books show more.
The epilogue: Steampunk and dystopian fans will enjoy this series and the bad ass characters in it. Lynx is a warrior woman in her own right.
The Good: The characters and their trials are relatable and make you feel for the people. Add to that the forbidden romances and you have yourself a good start to a series.
The bad: Lynx is by far a bad ass but her sister annoys me with her need to fit in. I also did not enjoy the way the story began, bringing us into that society and then not really expanding enough. Hopefully the next books show more.
The epilogue: Steampunk and dystopian fans will enjoy this series and the bad ass characters in it. Lynx is a warrior woman in her own right.
beardybot's review against another edition
5.0
It takes less than a few pages for Gwynn to unleash a wholly realised world. I knew I was in for something special straight away, and rebel's honor went above and beyond. Fantastic.
anika's review
2.0
It was an interesting read, well written - no clangers to drag me out of the story but there was a bit too much going on for my liking. I get this is the first book in the series but I felt a bit overwhelmed at times. It also didn't help that I didn't like the characters I was supposed to like and was more interested in the characters I wasn't supposed to like.
I am starting to wonder if Lynx isn't something of a Mary Sue. An awesome (spoilt) Warrior Princess, who seems to be able to wrap everyone round her little finger. Is forced into a marriage she doesn't want, so on the way to the wedding manages to fall in love with her future husband's cousin. Who just happens to be the most awesome General in the kingdom (and the guy who should be the heir to the thrown the book heavily hints). The crown prince is a spineless weakling who makes her feel cold, so there is conveniently a prophecy about the destruction of the kingdom. And wouldn't you know it she and the crown prince have staring roles.
Unfortunately the author did a really good job of making me feel sorry for the Crown Prince. I don't know about you but if I got told the woman I was due to marry would give birth to the man who would kill me and destroy my kingdom, I'd become a little unsettled. Add to that the Crown Prince's uncle is trying to get the kingdom for his son by causing his brother and nephew to hear voices and descend into madness. It seems like the odds were stacked against the Crown Prince from the start and no matter what he did, he would always end up as the villian of the peace.
The rest of the series looks like it is all about the fulfillment of the prophecy, and I don't think there will be any deviation. I can imagine what's going to happen so I think I'll bail now. Not really interested in all the politicking and bloodshed that will come between now and the end of the prophecy.
I am starting to wonder if Lynx isn't something of a Mary Sue. An awesome (spoilt) Warrior Princess, who seems to be able to wrap everyone round her little finger. Is forced into a marriage she doesn't want, so on the way to the wedding manages to fall in love with her future husband's cousin. Who just happens to be the most awesome General in the kingdom (and the guy who should be the heir to the thrown the book heavily hints). The crown prince is a spineless weakling who makes her feel cold, so there is conveniently a prophecy about the destruction of the kingdom. And wouldn't you know it she and the crown prince have staring roles.
Unfortunately the author did a really good job of making me feel sorry for the Crown Prince. I don't know about you but if I got told the woman I was due to marry would give birth to the man who would kill me and destroy my kingdom, I'd become a little unsettled. Add to that the Crown Prince's uncle is trying to get the kingdom for his son by causing his brother and nephew to hear voices and descend into madness. It seems like the odds were stacked against the Crown Prince from the start and no matter what he did, he would always end up as the villian of the peace.
The rest of the series looks like it is all about the fulfillment of the prophecy, and I don't think there will be any deviation. I can imagine what's going to happen so I think I'll bail now. Not really interested in all the politicking and bloodshed that will come between now and the end of the prophecy.
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