Reviews

Master of One by Danielle Bennett, Jaida Jones

gperna01's review against another edition

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3.0

I’d give this 3.5 stars. I am sad because this book has so much potential. I would read the next book if there was one because by the end I loved the characters. The story got better by 65% but I felt that this could’ve been a shorter book because half of it was a waste of time. I did appreciate the representation of people within the LGBTQ+ community.

arielwip's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

A lightly veiled and scathing critique on society and a call to arms for those of us who are marginalized by the ever-costly mainstream. I cannot put into words how much is means to see myself represented in media, and it's so rare, but I saw myself in more than one character in this book. And, yes, there is romance too, but it's in spite of the adventure, and not because of it. While it's a fantasy story set in a fantasy world, it's painfully real. I loved every second.

dorisxu's review against another edition

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4.0

i respect that they wrapped up the romantic plot lines fully in the book but not the overall goal

serru's review against another edition

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2.0

I hate to say it, but this book suffers from the exact same problems as two of the authors' previous novels, [b:Havemercy|2305862|Havemercy (Havemercy, #1)|Jaida Jones|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1428667976l/2305862._SY75_.jpg|2312276] and [b:Shadow Magic|5886131|Shadow Magic (Havemercy, #2)|Jaida Jones|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320488888l/5886131._SY75_.jpg|6058383]. It's a multi-POV story where I only really enjoyed 1 character's chapters and it's set in an interesting world with an intriguing premise. But after a strong start, the entire story plods on soooo slowly before ending in an action-packed final 80-100 pages. I wanted to like it but I was so bored for a good 70% of the book.

thebooklovingpanda's review against another edition

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4.0

"What does it mean?" the fae asked... "'Pissing balls of f***ing fire'? Is it your name?"

This got off to a walloping start with a shockingly violent prologue (think 'Game of Thrones' level) opening up for a Chapter One full of sass, gallows humour and a protagonist (Rags the thief) who simply leaps off the page.

Rags was my favourite character, especially when we learn a little more about his past. There were some unexpectedly heartwarming and wholesome moments too, especially near the end. The other characters were interesting too all with distinct narratives leading up to when their lives irrevocably merge together. I really liked (the human) Prince Somhairle in particular! I wish we'd gotten a POV from the fae prince himself...perhaps in the sequel? (Please.) I'd love to read him recollecting his first encounter with Rags. Absolutely iconic scene and one of my favourite human/fae meetings I've read.

I'd say that the blurb's comparison to 'Six of Crows' is fair. You've got definite found family dynamics, grudging alliances, sarcastic humour and an epic heist sequence full of booby traps and close calls. Very Indiana Jones.

indiana jones running from boulder gif

I really liked the high fantasy world, especially the names of the royal and noble houses. I'm intrigued - is there a specific reason why there are only (human) queens reigning, or is this whole society a matrilineal one? There's a whole variety of POV characters (gay, trans and disability rep), with a couple of characters of colour, though I'm pretty sure the vast majority of characters here are white. The fae I'm not sure about though!

The first 50% was super bingeable, flagged a bit in the middle as the POVs increased and the plot grew more complex, but it soon picked up again. I did sometimes get a little confused when the different POV chapters split focus during conflict scenes, as well as by the ever-growing cast, but overall it didn't really bother me.

There's less romance than I was expecting but I still shipped the main couple so much! Their budding relationship is sweet and earnest in a world full of nastiness, and peppered with cute and funny moments. I also really liked the platonic love in this. I don't want to spoil anything, so suffice to say that I had Eragon nostalgia and absolutely adored that aspect of this story.

Overall this was a fun, refreshing high fantasy romp and I'm really hoping for a sequel!

Thank you to TBR and Beyond Tours, HarperTeen and NetGalley for an eARC for an honest review.

akynn's review against another edition

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1.0

I'm surprised I finished this.

agayprince's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring tense fast-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

5.0

noxeden's review against another edition

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5.0

I truly enjoyed Master of One and I cannot wait for a sequel. Master of One has multiple different POVs that follow the main characters. There is a mlm slow burn, trans character, and so much more!!
I love seeing representation in fantasy and the world building was exquisite.
The tension between Rags and Tal are next level and i love the way that the authors addressed the power dynamic between them in regards to how it impacts their relationship.
This should be a must read for all of those who enjoy fantasy.

galaxiebot's review against another edition

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slow-paced

2.75

I think I would have really, really loved this book if the middle hadn't been quite as slow. I really wanted to like it, but I found the process of finding certain characters who were necessary for the plot to continue took a bit too long and casued the end of the book to be rushed. I mean, there's literally a new narrator introduced on page 497 of 544. 

That being said, the characters are quite lovable. I really enjoyed Rags and Inis, to the poin that I wish we'd spent a bit more time with them and less time with Somherlie. Because while I loved Somherlie, I don't think his early narration really added to my understanding of the plot. I would also like to say I loved Einan and would have liked to have much, much more of her narration. 

pannyrin's review against another edition

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2.0

The length of this book becomes frankly alarming as soon as you realize how dull it is, that it has already been dull for many pages, and that it is likely to continue being dull for the foreseeable future. Pitching the story as a heist is...misleading, considering how few of those pages actually involve any heist-like activity. All of the characters sound like they should be interesting from concept alone, but the execution doesn't ever quite get there. I was sold half on the sound of the main romance, but if anything, I cared about them least of all.

I did persevere and finish the book. After all that, the ending leaving several key questions unanswered and whole bunch of the plot points that had been built up unresolved was a real kick in the pants. So it wasn't worth it.