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astraios's review against another edition
4.0
I despise Andreus from the bottom of my heart.
That being said, I was enthralled by the story, the political stakes that were displayed and how human were the twins, with their own flaws and qualities. I was surprise that there was no magic in the realm, even though the seer and connections to the wind seem to be, but it only made the story a bit more interesting given that it was only relying on the characters personalities, not some otherwordly experiment. Andreus is a love-blinded, selfish bastard because he is, not because he's under some kind of spell.
That being said, I was enthralled by the story, the political stakes that were displayed and how human were the twins, with their own flaws and qualities. I was surprise that there was no magic in the realm, even though the seer and connections to the wind seem to be, but it only made the story a bit more interesting given that it was only relying on the characters personalities, not some otherwordly experiment. Andreus is a love-blinded, selfish bastard because he is, not because he's under some kind of spell.
pkpoppies's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sarahp85's review against another edition
4.0
Oooh this I liked. And that ending... I now need to read part 2 asap (sorry big tbr pile... you'll have to wait a little longer)
succeedead's review against another edition
3.0
Actual Rating: 3.5 for my girl Carys.
OKAY. So I had different expectations for this book, particularly with the characters and the Trials, but I can't say I didn't feel some emotions while reading this.
Honestly, I expected more challenge and intensity from the Trials. It sort of lacked the type of excitement I'm looking for when I hear "Trials," you feel? The way each challenge was described, as if they were extremely difficult and life-threatening, felt kind of trying-too-hard for me. I would have enjoyed the book more if I were catching my breath with every new challenge, but I merely found myself flipping to the next page without even batting an eyelash. That was such a big let down for me because I was looking forward to some intense twin-on-twin battles.
As for the characters, WELL. I particularly loved Carys, but ANDREUS. BOY, OH BOY, ANDREUS. I expected an intimidating, quick-witted, somewhat cold-hearted guy, but what I got was a hopeless little ass. I cannot believe how easy it was to manipulate him, and how stupid he can be during the most dire circumstances! He was so easily blinded by temptation and pride and greed, his morals were so weak I just couldn't handle his POV! He is everything his sister is not, which is why I sided so much with Carys the entire time.
There are some parts, I believe, that left me a bit confused. I'm not sure if it's because of the wording - it felt like the author was trying too hard to make the sentence complex even if it was irrelevant to the main thought - or because the world-building was a bit rushed and/or lacking. I did find myself tearing up during Carys's speech because of how nicely it flowed, like it was truly from the heart. Other than that, though, most of the emotions I felt was frustration and indifference.
I'm not sure if I would still read the sequel. I guess if I want to pass some time while waiting for more awaited book releases, I would, but I wouldn't consider it as my priority right now.
OKAY. So I had different expectations for this book, particularly with the characters and the Trials, but I can't say I didn't feel some emotions while reading this.
Honestly, I expected more challenge and intensity from the Trials. It sort of lacked the type of excitement I'm looking for when I hear "Trials," you feel? The way each challenge was described, as if they were extremely difficult and life-threatening, felt kind of trying-too-hard for me. I would have enjoyed the book more if I were catching my breath with every new challenge, but I merely found myself flipping to the next page without even batting an eyelash. That was such a big let down for me because I was looking forward to some intense twin-on-twin battles.
As for the characters, WELL. I particularly loved Carys, but ANDREUS. BOY, OH BOY, ANDREUS. I expected an intimidating, quick-witted, somewhat cold-hearted guy, but what I got was a hopeless little ass. I cannot believe how easy it was to manipulate him, and how stupid he can be during the most dire circumstances! He was so easily blinded by temptation and pride and greed, his morals were so weak I just couldn't handle his POV! He is everything his sister is not, which is why I sided so much with Carys the entire time.
There are some parts, I believe, that left me a bit confused. I'm not sure if it's because of the wording - it felt like the author was trying too hard to make the sentence complex even if it was irrelevant to the main thought - or because the world-building was a bit rushed and/or lacking. I did find myself tearing up during Carys's speech because of how nicely it flowed, like it was truly from the heart. Other than that, though, most of the emotions I felt was frustration and indifference.
I'm not sure if I would still read the sequel. I guess if I want to pass some time while waiting for more awaited book releases, I would, but I wouldn't consider it as my priority right now.
abbyl819's review
2.0
2.5 - 3 stars
I was not a big fan of this book. It felt like it took forever for anything to actually happen, and it’s pacing was super slow. It was such a drag to read, and took me a long time, even though it is such a short book. The synopsis was intriguing, but while reading it it really wasn’t that interesting. I’m a bit confused about why they have electricity and yet no other form of technology in the slightest. It doesn’t make any sense to me. The Trials didn’t actually start until at least halfway through, and they were not really full of much action or intense moments. They felt very laid back and it didn’t feel like it was even a real challenge because each one was so short and there was almost no build up or anticipation to them. The only mildly surprising thing that happened didn’t come until less than 50 pages from the end. Andreus is a terrible person and brother, and Carys was the only thing really keeping me interested.
I was not a big fan of this book. It felt like it took forever for anything to actually happen, and it’s pacing was super slow. It was such a drag to read, and took me a long time, even though it is such a short book. The synopsis was intriguing, but while reading it it really wasn’t that interesting. I’m a bit confused about why they have electricity and yet no other form of technology in the slightest. It doesn’t make any sense to me. The Trials didn’t actually start until at least halfway through, and they were not really full of much action or intense moments. They felt very laid back and it didn’t feel like it was even a real challenge because each one was so short and there was almost no build up or anticipation to them. The only mildly surprising thing that happened didn’t come until less than 50 pages from the end. Andreus is a terrible person and brother, and Carys was the only thing really keeping me interested.
lenaoknihach's review against another edition
3.0
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harleyrae's review against another edition
4.0
I love a good competition book! This was a lot of fun and I’m excited for the next one!
hibashakes's review against another edition
3.0
tldr; if this book just had Carys's POV, I would've given this book 5 stars. Andreas was an annoying little shit that I utterly despise.
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
3.0
Jaren geleden, toen ik aan het revalideren was en veel moest rusten op het bed in de woonkamer van mijn ouders heb ik de hele test-trilogie verslonden. En ook het boek tijdbom ging er in een sneltreinvaart doorheen en wist me op een hele mooie manier te verrassen. Dit boek kreeg echter zoveel gemixte reviews, dat ik het een tijdje op de plank heb laten staan. (Als ik zeg dat ik niet gevoelig ben voor reviews, is dat dus een leugen...)
Maar vandaag vond ik het een goed idee om dit boek weg te lezen. En weglezen, dat deed het zeker. Het boek is geschreven in de kenmerkende vlotte schrijfstijl van Charbonneau. De dialogen zijn kort en krachtig en er worden geen zinnen verspild aan zaken die niet echt van belang zijn. Dit rechttoe rechtaan schrijven is een kwaliteit, maar ergens ook een valkuil.
Want voor mijn gevoel miste dit boek een beetje ruggengraat en fundering. Het voelde alsof het verhaal, de personages en hun ontwikkeling niet goed genoeg verankerd waren. De world building voelde niet sterk en stevig genoeg aan. De weinige informatie die we hadden, zorgde er niet voor dat ik precies begreep wat er aan de hand is. En ook de personages leren we niet echt heel goed kennen, niet dusdanig dat hun beslissingen altijd goed te volgen zijn. Vooral Andreas had meer achtergrond nodig gehad om ECHT invoelbaar te worden.
Hierdoor komen de toffe elementen aan dit verhaal, de politieke intrige, het achterbakse gedrag, de gewetensvraag wie we nu wel en niet kunnen vertrouwen en wie de waarheid spreekt, niet helemaal lekker uit de verf. Ik kan soms de uitgebreide world-building en ellenlange aanloop om de personages te leren kennen van sommige schrijvers wel eens vervloeken, maar ik zie hier wat er gebeurt als hij ontbreekt.
Het is jammer, want ik denk dat er best potentie in het verhaal en de karakters zit. Er waren genoeg dingen die me intrigeerden. Ik weet alleen niet of het genoeg is om ooit het volgende deel op te pakken.
Maar vandaag vond ik het een goed idee om dit boek weg te lezen. En weglezen, dat deed het zeker. Het boek is geschreven in de kenmerkende vlotte schrijfstijl van Charbonneau. De dialogen zijn kort en krachtig en er worden geen zinnen verspild aan zaken die niet echt van belang zijn. Dit rechttoe rechtaan schrijven is een kwaliteit, maar ergens ook een valkuil.
Want voor mijn gevoel miste dit boek een beetje ruggengraat en fundering. Het voelde alsof het verhaal, de personages en hun ontwikkeling niet goed genoeg verankerd waren. De world building voelde niet sterk en stevig genoeg aan. De weinige informatie die we hadden, zorgde er niet voor dat ik precies begreep wat er aan de hand is. En ook de personages leren we niet echt heel goed kennen, niet dusdanig dat hun beslissingen altijd goed te volgen zijn. Vooral Andreas had meer achtergrond nodig gehad om ECHT invoelbaar te worden.
Hierdoor komen de toffe elementen aan dit verhaal, de politieke intrige, het achterbakse gedrag, de gewetensvraag wie we nu wel en niet kunnen vertrouwen en wie de waarheid spreekt, niet helemaal lekker uit de verf. Ik kan soms de uitgebreide world-building en ellenlange aanloop om de personages te leren kennen van sommige schrijvers wel eens vervloeken, maar ik zie hier wat er gebeurt als hij ontbreekt.
Het is jammer, want ik denk dat er best potentie in het verhaal en de karakters zit. Er waren genoeg dingen die me intrigeerden. Ik weet alleen niet of het genoeg is om ooit het volgende deel op te pakken.