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tregina's review against another edition
4.0
Sometimes a book is exactly what you want to read at exactly the right time. This was comforting in that way, offering surprises and a compelling story, if no gut-wrenching moments or terrific shocks. It's the kind of read I'd been craving—fantasy, politics, interesting and diverse characters, action, and queer relationships—but didn't know where to find.
kivt's review against another edition
3.0
Way better than it has any right to be. The protagonist and his struggle with Cadeleonian culture are compelling, though there are more minor plots than necessary. I worry the second book will fall apart trying to resolve everything.
lanid's review
adventurous
dark
- 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
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Violence, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, and Homophobia
Minor: Classism, Xenophobia, Blood, Physical abuse, and Animal death
gillianw's review against another edition
4.0
My first Ginn Hale book and now I'm wondering why the hell I took so long to read this!
The first book in any fantasy series usually contains a ton of world building that can weigh a story down. It's necessary evil to be sure, but it can prevent you from really being to enjoy the characters and the story. That didn't happen here, at least not for me. I thought everything flowed together quite nicely and fit in really well with the plot. There wasn't really a dull moment here, nothing that took me out of the story. I felt invested in the characters and the story from the beginning which was a really nice surprise.
I'm eager to read Book 2 to see how all the mystery and intrigue plays out. 4 stars
The first book in any fantasy series usually contains a ton of world building that can weigh a story down. It's necessary evil to be sure, but it can prevent you from really being to enjoy the characters and the story. That didn't happen here, at least not for me. I thought everything flowed together quite nicely and fit in really well with the plot. There wasn't really a dull moment here, nothing that took me out of the story. I felt invested in the characters and the story from the beginning which was a really nice surprise.
I'm eager to read Book 2 to see how all the mystery and intrigue plays out. 4 stars
elfflame's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-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
4.0
a_reader_obsessed's review against another edition
4.0
4 Stars
I’ve yet to be disappointed with any of Hale’s works, and this was no different.
This contains quite a heady mix of complex world building, complete with two opposing cultures, religious fervor dealing with one’s salvation, and a magical bent, all with warring political machinations and betrayal against the backdrop of a school academy and young men on the brink of maturity and real life consequences.
Javier is cursed. He’s also cavalier, charismatic, and skilled in smarts, weapons, and fighting. He’s not only magical but his social standing is immense, making him fearsome and compelling all at the same time. Though he’s arrogant, he’s loyal and protective towards those he loves. Javier wants better for himself and his family, but the curse runs through his bloodline and there’s no way out.
Kiram is a foreigner, highly sheltered being from a prominent family. His race has been persecuted and deemed lesser, but his genius gets him a rare coveted spot in the Sagrada Academy. Circumstance puts him and Javier as roommates as they are outcasts for different reasons, and Kiram slowly realizes that Javier is a pawn in a sinister conspiracy that could enslave everyone.
Overall, this was not only a complex suspenseful mystery, but also a burgeoning love story between two people who are divided by class as well as foundational beliefs. I was never once bored as Hale knows how to expertly create an intricate alternate universe, knows how to do an exquisite slow burn. I look forward to the conclusion as to how she will make things right between “cursed” Javier and the idealistic Kiram. These two young men from different backgrounds will have to find a way to work together to defeat not only inherent prejudice and societal rules but the corrupt royalty and religious leaders of the highest hierarchy. Not an easy feat for sure, but I’m confident Hale will deliver with the ultimate satisfying win!
I’ve yet to be disappointed with any of Hale’s works, and this was no different.
This contains quite a heady mix of complex world building, complete with two opposing cultures, religious fervor dealing with one’s salvation, and a magical bent, all with warring political machinations and betrayal against the backdrop of a school academy and young men on the brink of maturity and real life consequences.
Javier is cursed. He’s also cavalier, charismatic, and skilled in smarts, weapons, and fighting. He’s not only magical but his social standing is immense, making him fearsome and compelling all at the same time. Though he’s arrogant, he’s loyal and protective towards those he loves. Javier wants better for himself and his family, but the curse runs through his bloodline and there’s no way out.
Kiram is a foreigner, highly sheltered being from a prominent family. His race has been persecuted and deemed lesser, but his genius gets him a rare coveted spot in the Sagrada Academy. Circumstance puts him and Javier as roommates as they are outcasts for different reasons, and Kiram slowly realizes that Javier is a pawn in a sinister conspiracy that could enslave everyone.
Overall, this was not only a complex suspenseful mystery, but also a burgeoning love story between two people who are divided by class as well as foundational beliefs. I was never once bored as Hale knows how to expertly create an intricate alternate universe, knows how to do an exquisite slow burn. I look forward to the conclusion as to how she will make things right between “cursed” Javier and the idealistic Kiram. These two young men from different backgrounds will have to find a way to work together to defeat not only inherent prejudice and societal rules but the corrupt royalty and religious leaders of the highest hierarchy. Not an easy feat for sure, but I’m confident Hale will deliver with the ultimate satisfying win!
blingping's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
joshhall13's review against another edition
3.0
Cute story. It didn't push any boundaries into notable fiction, but a nice enough story.
latoinombra's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
5.0