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amethystbookwyrm's review against another edition
3.0
Thanks to Emily Wibberley for giving me this book to review.
15 year old Clio has always disliked the Oracle of Sheehan, her mother, and the things that she has made her sister’s do, and therefore has never wanted to be a part of that life. However, when her mother and two eldest sisters are murdered by the king’s advisor, Mannix, the Oracle’s powers are passed on to her. Clio decides to leave her childhood friend, Prince Derik, and goes to the empire to rescue her sister Ali. However, she is enslaved and sentenced to be sacrificed and Clio’s only change of escape is to get close to Commander Riece, but as he hates all oracles will she be able to survive?
Sacrificed is an enjoyable YA fantasy book, it had a bit of a slow start but quickly picks up. It has action, suspense, romance, although it is a love triangle, and is quite dark and gritty.
Clio is a headstrong girl who changes a lot in this book, at the start she is a bit weak but very nice, but as the book progressed she becomes stronger but also darker. Even though we did not get to know Derik very well, I preferred him more than Riece as I don’t like cocky guys much, and Derik seemed to really care about Clio even if he could not be with her.
This is a likeable book and I looking forward to reading the next book. I would recommend Sacrificed to fans of dark YA fantasy novels.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
15 year old Clio has always disliked the Oracle of Sheehan, her mother, and the things that she has made her sister’s do, and therefore has never wanted to be a part of that life. However, when her mother and two eldest sisters are murdered by the king’s advisor, Mannix, the Oracle’s powers are passed on to her. Clio decides to leave her childhood friend, Prince Derik, and goes to the empire to rescue her sister Ali. However, she is enslaved and sentenced to be sacrificed and Clio’s only change of escape is to get close to Commander Riece, but as he hates all oracles will she be able to survive?
Sacrificed is an enjoyable YA fantasy book, it had a bit of a slow start but quickly picks up. It has action, suspense, romance, although it is a love triangle, and is quite dark and gritty.
Clio is a headstrong girl who changes a lot in this book, at the start she is a bit weak but very nice, but as the book progressed she becomes stronger but also darker. Even though we did not get to know Derik very well, I preferred him more than Riece as I don’t like cocky guys much, and Derik seemed to really care about Clio even if he could not be with her.
This is a likeable book and I looking forward to reading the next book. I would recommend Sacrificed to fans of dark YA fantasy novels.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
lrwlee's review against another edition
4.0
I have very mixed feelings about this book. Despite the buildup of reading the synopsis, the beginning dragged for me: it's clear Clio, the child-to-be-oracle, hates her mother and lives in a very sterile environment of a temple without love. But this beginning somehow did not make me care deeply about her and her future. I think this is what killed the rest of the book for me...somehow I didn't care deeply what happened to her.
She experiences lots of conflict, but you know she will get out of the mess and sure enough she does...I guess it felt too prescriptive and predictable. I felt like we see her in various situations but they did not flow together. They just felt like a character being tested and I just didn't care...
Overall, the writing was pretty good, but I'd say the story arc needs a bit of work. For a debut novel, this was a good attempt and I know the author will improve with time.
She experiences lots of conflict, but you know she will get out of the mess and sure enough she does...I guess it felt too prescriptive and predictable. I felt like we see her in various situations but they did not flow together. They just felt like a character being tested and I just didn't care...
Overall, the writing was pretty good, but I'd say the story arc needs a bit of work. For a debut novel, this was a good attempt and I know the author will improve with time.
awebster92's review against another edition
5.0
Finally, a young adult heroine that I can love. I love Clio's character. I was afraid in the beginning because I felt her relationships would turn into the stereotypical teenage love triangle, but lo and behold it didn't! Emily Wibberley sure proved me wrong. I really enjoyed not only her character but the others as well. Both Derik and Riece had traits that I loved. Derik being soft and comforting - Clio couldn't do anything to make him turn his back. Riece being powerful yet attentive, He loved her though he hated oracles. As someone that doesn't enjoy the angsty young adult character, I was pleasantly surprised. The story had touches of romance, but it didn't overwhelm the story. Clio's growth throughout the book was fantastic. She didn't prance around the idea of being an adult! What a relief! She accepted what she had to do and ran at it with open arms! Along with great
Along with great heroines, Sacrificed had great villains. The idea of the 'Untouched' was so creepy. I mean honestly, what is more terrifying than an animalistic cannibal? oh...right...Mannix. Mannix was a great villain. Smart and had plenty of motive. I didn't see the ending coming. It wasn't even in the back of my mind. I am very excited to read the second. 5/5
Along with great heroines, Sacrificed had great villains. The idea of the 'Untouched' was so creepy. I mean honestly, what is more terrifying than an animalistic cannibal? oh...right...Mannix. Mannix was a great villain. Smart and had plenty of motive. I didn't see the ending coming. It wasn't even in the back of my mind. I am very excited to read the second. 5/5
caszriel's review against another edition
5.0
~Thank you to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review~
Sacrificed was an epic read, and I enjoyed every moment.
Clio and Riece were amazing characters. I loved their relationship, although I did feel that it was rather strange that it just started all of a sudden, and I didn't really feel a build up besides the synopsis. Besides that, I loved Sacrificed.
Sacrificed really developed, and during the book I got to see a lot of the characters, the plot, the storyline, and how it all fit together. I was quite surprised at the length of Sacrificed, and how much Emily Wibberley managed to cram into what I thought was quite a short book.
Overall, I definitely rate Sacrificed, and I recommend you reading it. I can't wait to continue the series and read Forsworn. I have high expectations, but I'm sure Emily Wibberley will fulfil them.
Sacrificed was an epic read, and I enjoyed every moment.
Clio and Riece were amazing characters. I loved their relationship, although I did feel that it was rather strange that it just started all of a sudden, and I didn't really feel a build up besides the synopsis. Besides that, I loved Sacrificed.
Sacrificed really developed, and during the book I got to see a lot of the characters, the plot, the storyline, and how it all fit together. I was quite surprised at the length of Sacrificed, and how much Emily Wibberley managed to cram into what I thought was quite a short book.
Overall, I definitely rate Sacrificed, and I recommend you reading it. I can't wait to continue the series and read Forsworn. I have high expectations, but I'm sure Emily Wibberley will fulfil them.
joliendelandsheer's review
3.0
Review on my blog, The Fictional Reader
Being a big fan of mythology, I am intrigued by any story revolving around an Oracle. As I am writing this, I’m still a bit unsure as to my rating. The main reason is this: I enjoyed reading this book and I sped through it. But there were several aspects I just couldn’t agree with, that hindered my enjoyment a bit.
WORLD
While I was reading, this never really crossed my mind. Usually, fantasy books need good world building, in my opinion. Otherwise, it’s just too hard to imagine anything about the surroundings of the main character. While I can come up with some characteristics of the world surrounding our Oracle story, I can’t come up with much. Yet somehow it didn’t really bother me while I was reading… It was only afterwards when I asked myself the question, that I noticed the lack of knowledge there.
What I do know is that Clio comes from Sheehan, a city which while being part of the Empire, still is under the rule of its own King. As events unfold, she flees/runs to Morek, in pursuit of a killer and family. Morek is the main city of the Empire (I believe). It is colorful, beautiful and houses a great pyramid inside. Because of the pyramid, I immediately envision an Egypt-like country. I have no clue whether this is accurate.
I think each city also has its own language, as in this novel certain people figured out Clio was from Sheehan by her accent. Maybe I didn’t pay enough attention, but I can’t recall ever reading in which language she communicated most of the time? Maybe I was just so engrossed in the story that I skimmed over those parts.
PLOT
As I mentioned before, the word that comes to mind here is “engrossing”. I was just sucked into the story and had to keep reading. It’s one of those fast-paced books that holds your attention until you realize you finished it in just a few hours. I read this in one sitting, which obviously means I enjoyed the story line. If I didn’t, I would’ve put it down at some point.
I do feel like the synopsis is too telling. I cut a certain part of the synopsis off, because I feel like the entire synopsis just reveals too much! You’re already quite a bit into the story before the events described in the synopsis happen. Which is kind of spoilery if you think about it.
The fact that this plot is so engaging, fast-paced and fun really “saved” this book for me. It’s the aspect I enjoyed most. And let’s be honest, a well executed plot is very important. It was a fun and quick read to me.
CHARACTERS
This aspect is where my main issues with the book are situated.
Let me first say that I did enjoy this read. For the most part, Clio is an interesting and fun main character. She is determined, capable and smart. However, as I was reading this something struck me. Can someone be too independent? I believe so, and I’ll write a full discussion post on this soon. What I mean is that I understand wanting to be independent. I do. Providing for yourself is important, and we should all strive to be independent. But there is nothing wrong with accepting help when you need it! Accepting help is NOT a flaw, or something to be ashamed of. You can’t know or be able to do everything. Yet Clio wanted to be SO independent she’d rather do everything herself and fail than to accept someone’s help. It’s ridiculous! You don’t have to do everything. It just annoyed me after a while.
There are several other interesting characters here. Riece, a warrior who lives in Morek. I do admire him. He could admit to being wrong, and adjusted his perception of someone accordingly. In a way, he was stereotyping a type of people, but changed his perceptions when confronted with reality. That is a quality to admire.
Then there is Derik, the prince of Sheehan. I don’t really have an opinion about him, because I barely know ANYTHING about him. I feel like he was just there to further the plot in this book. Maybe he’ll be of more use in book 2? I have no clue.
Here is something you should know about me. I don’t mind a love triangle if it is written well, and there for a reason. This love triangle was neither. First of all, WHY WAS THERE ONE? Clio hasn’t seen Derik in 5 years, so since she was 10. She literally just met Riece. I see no love interests anywhere in those sentences. Yet there they were. It was just there to create some tension in the story, in my opinion. And while I am a lover of romance, I wasn’t completely feeling it here. We’re constantly told how innocent Clio is: she doesn’t know when someone tries to kiss her, she blushes constantly at the faintest trace of flirtation and mentions it several times. I get it. She’s 15.
MY IMPRESSIONS
Like I said, I enjoyed the story-line of this book. It was a fun, quick and fast-paced novel that had me reading until I finished it. Yet I had some problems with the main character’s need for independence, and the “romance” present. I would recommend this book if you’re new to fantasy, or want to read more YA fantasy. The whole Oracle-angle is very interesting, and I haven’t read many books about it.
Being a big fan of mythology, I am intrigued by any story revolving around an Oracle. As I am writing this, I’m still a bit unsure as to my rating. The main reason is this: I enjoyed reading this book and I sped through it. But there were several aspects I just couldn’t agree with, that hindered my enjoyment a bit.
WORLD
While I was reading, this never really crossed my mind. Usually, fantasy books need good world building, in my opinion. Otherwise, it’s just too hard to imagine anything about the surroundings of the main character. While I can come up with some characteristics of the world surrounding our Oracle story, I can’t come up with much. Yet somehow it didn’t really bother me while I was reading… It was only afterwards when I asked myself the question, that I noticed the lack of knowledge there.
What I do know is that Clio comes from Sheehan, a city which while being part of the Empire, still is under the rule of its own King. As events unfold, she flees/runs to Morek, in pursuit of a killer and family. Morek is the main city of the Empire (I believe). It is colorful, beautiful and houses a great pyramid inside. Because of the pyramid, I immediately envision an Egypt-like country. I have no clue whether this is accurate.
I think each city also has its own language, as in this novel certain people figured out Clio was from Sheehan by her accent. Maybe I didn’t pay enough attention, but I can’t recall ever reading in which language she communicated most of the time? Maybe I was just so engrossed in the story that I skimmed over those parts.
PLOT
As I mentioned before, the word that comes to mind here is “engrossing”. I was just sucked into the story and had to keep reading. It’s one of those fast-paced books that holds your attention until you realize you finished it in just a few hours. I read this in one sitting, which obviously means I enjoyed the story line. If I didn’t, I would’ve put it down at some point.
I do feel like the synopsis is too telling. I cut a certain part of the synopsis off, because I feel like the entire synopsis just reveals too much! You’re already quite a bit into the story before the events described in the synopsis happen. Which is kind of spoilery if you think about it.
The fact that this plot is so engaging, fast-paced and fun really “saved” this book for me. It’s the aspect I enjoyed most. And let’s be honest, a well executed plot is very important. It was a fun and quick read to me.
CHARACTERS
This aspect is where my main issues with the book are situated.
Let me first say that I did enjoy this read. For the most part, Clio is an interesting and fun main character. She is determined, capable and smart. However, as I was reading this something struck me. Can someone be too independent? I believe so, and I’ll write a full discussion post on this soon. What I mean is that I understand wanting to be independent. I do. Providing for yourself is important, and we should all strive to be independent. But there is nothing wrong with accepting help when you need it! Accepting help is NOT a flaw, or something to be ashamed of. You can’t know or be able to do everything. Yet Clio wanted to be SO independent she’d rather do everything herself and fail than to accept someone’s help. It’s ridiculous! You don’t have to do everything. It just annoyed me after a while.
There are several other interesting characters here. Riece, a warrior who lives in Morek. I do admire him. He could admit to being wrong, and adjusted his perception of someone accordingly. In a way, he was stereotyping a type of people, but changed his perceptions when confronted with reality. That is a quality to admire.
Then there is Derik, the prince of Sheehan. I don’t really have an opinion about him, because I barely know ANYTHING about him. I feel like he was just there to further the plot in this book. Maybe he’ll be of more use in book 2? I have no clue.
Here is something you should know about me. I don’t mind a love triangle if it is written well, and there for a reason. This love triangle was neither. First of all, WHY WAS THERE ONE? Clio hasn’t seen Derik in 5 years, so since she was 10. She literally just met Riece. I see no love interests anywhere in those sentences. Yet there they were. It was just there to create some tension in the story, in my opinion. And while I am a lover of romance, I wasn’t completely feeling it here. We’re constantly told how innocent Clio is: she doesn’t know when someone tries to kiss her, she blushes constantly at the faintest trace of flirtation and mentions it several times. I get it. She’s 15.
MY IMPRESSIONS
Like I said, I enjoyed the story-line of this book. It was a fun, quick and fast-paced novel that had me reading until I finished it. Yet I had some problems with the main character’s need for independence, and the “romance” present. I would recommend this book if you’re new to fantasy, or want to read more YA fantasy. The whole Oracle-angle is very interesting, and I haven’t read many books about it.
blueluz's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my. I don’t even know where to begin with this review. I read the entire book in less than twenty-four hours. Oh, the feels. I just could not stop reading.
Clio is amazing. She changes so much through this book. She starts as a defiant, scared girl and ends so, so different. The choices she makes farther into the book, especially at the end, are not those she would have made at the beginning. She just changes so much. I love books where characters actually grow and change throughout the course of their story.
Derik and Riece. Well, they were both interesting characters. We know a whole lot more about Riece even though Clio knew Derik for much longer. Riece is a more complex character. I wasn’t sure what to make of him when we first met him. There were so many seemingly conflicting things that he did, though I did later understand most of them. Derik has just been in love with Clio for years and years and she was oblivious.
One of my favorite characters, after Clio, was Tirza. Tirza is Riece’s sister and they are the only family that each other has. Riece is way protective of her which is so sweet. We don’t actually know that much about her but I think she is pretty awesome.
The story is amazing. I love it so, so much. The ending was not what I was expecting at all. I just couldn’t put this book down. Again I repeat, amazing.
I recieved this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in Exchange for my honest review.
This review first appeared at CatholicAmanda.com.
Clio is amazing. She changes so much through this book. She starts as a defiant, scared girl and ends so, so different. The choices she makes farther into the book, especially at the end, are not those she would have made at the beginning. She just changes so much. I love books where characters actually grow and change throughout the course of their story.
Derik and Riece. Well, they were both interesting characters. We know a whole lot more about Riece even though Clio knew Derik for much longer. Riece is a more complex character. I wasn’t sure what to make of him when we first met him. There were so many seemingly conflicting things that he did, though I did later understand most of them. Derik has just been in love with Clio for years and years and she was oblivious.
One of my favorite characters, after Clio, was Tirza. Tirza is Riece’s sister and they are the only family that each other has. Riece is way protective of her which is so sweet. We don’t actually know that much about her but I think she is pretty awesome.
The story is amazing. I love it so, so much. The ending was not what I was expecting at all. I just couldn’t put this book down. Again I repeat, amazing.
I recieved this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in Exchange for my honest review.
This review first appeared at CatholicAmanda.com.
raven168's review
4.0
After a short bit of reading, this story really got good. It kept me reading on just to find out what happened next even when I should have been doing something else. The end though...I really didn't like how it ended.
Clio has grown up her whole life hating the Oracle of Sheehan (who was also her mother) because she took away everyone she loved one by one to make them serve her. She believes that everything her mother says and does is nothing but lies to keep herself in position of power she holds. That is until one night when everything is about to change. Running away from her cold mother and sisters after a fight, she finds herself running into prince Derik who was her childhood friend. It had been years since she had last seen him but the awkwardness didn't last long and Clio finds herself falling asleep in his arms atop their tree. It's then that she has her first vision of her mother and sisters being murdered in their sleep. All but Ali. Determined to save her, Clio races to Morek and poses as a slave girl to get inside. Only to get there too late and bear witness to what she hoped to stop. Locked up to be a sacrifice atop the Morek pyramid by their priest, she encounters Riece. A seventeen year old commander who holds a lot of power, he was my absolute favorite character and I loved him (my favorite parts of the book were always with him). Being forced to grow up much to fast in order to protect his sister, he has become an unbelievable warrior. But beneath that is an honorable man who does all he can to protect people. From the moment those two come in contact the sparks fly. Sparks of all sorts. Clio fights as much as she can in any way she can to free herself and the other girls, but at every turn it's Riece me who is there to stop her. So it comes as a surprise to her when it's him that saves her after she causes some serious chaos. Knowing that Riece hates Oracles (for good reason), Clio tries to hide that she has become one, but of course it comes out soon enough and she has to convince Riece that she really does feel something for him. This whole time, and evil guy named Mannix has been torturing people and searching for Clio. So when she has a vision of what he is doing in Sheehan she needs to do something about it. Lucky for her, Derik is coming to Morek for some royal party thing. Riece gets her in to see Derik, only for Mannix to show up and attack the three of them. After fighting their way free, they decide what they will do next. But another vision sends Clio literally running back to Sheehan. Right into a trap. Things go from bad to worse with every passing minute, but with Clio realizing something about being an Oracle and making sacrifices, the three of them manage to get out. They are certain that Mannix has not been defeated and are getting reading for that fight.
I found myself forgetting often that Clio was only 15. Almost everything she does or was put thru was something that just seemed like 15 was not old enough for. Riece being 17 seemed too young sometimes too, but that was easier to believe.
I hate love triangle. So that's why I really disliked how this book ended. Clio loves one, but chases him away after a vision only to have the other want to pretend that she does love him like she lied about. I really want her to end up happy with Riece though...
I want to say that I am looking forward to reading more of this series, but I am leery with this whole love triangle thing that will clearly be going on. But I'm sure I'll give it read if given a chance.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
Clio has grown up her whole life hating the Oracle of Sheehan (who was also her mother) because she took away everyone she loved one by one to make them serve her. She believes that everything her mother says and does is nothing but lies to keep herself in position of power she holds. That is until one night when everything is about to change. Running away from her cold mother and sisters after a fight, she finds herself running into prince Derik who was her childhood friend. It had been years since she had last seen him but the awkwardness didn't last long and Clio finds herself falling asleep in his arms atop their tree. It's then that she has her first vision of her mother and sisters being murdered in their sleep. All but Ali. Determined to save her, Clio races to Morek and poses as a slave girl to get inside. Only to get there too late and bear witness to what she hoped to stop. Locked up to be a sacrifice atop the Morek pyramid by their priest, she encounters Riece. A seventeen year old commander who holds a lot of power, he was my absolute favorite character and I loved him (my favorite parts of the book were always with him). Being forced to grow up much to fast in order to protect his sister, he has become an unbelievable warrior. But beneath that is an honorable man who does all he can to protect people. From the moment those two come in contact the sparks fly. Sparks of all sorts. Clio fights as much as she can in any way she can to free herself and the other girls, but at every turn it's Riece me who is there to stop her. So it comes as a surprise to her when it's him that saves her after she causes some serious chaos. Knowing that Riece hates Oracles (for good reason), Clio tries to hide that she has become one, but of course it comes out soon enough and she has to convince Riece that she really does feel something for him. This whole time, and evil guy named Mannix has been torturing people and searching for Clio. So when she has a vision of what he is doing in Sheehan she needs to do something about it. Lucky for her, Derik is coming to Morek for some royal party thing. Riece gets her in to see Derik, only for Mannix to show up and attack the three of them. After fighting their way free, they decide what they will do next. But another vision sends Clio literally running back to Sheehan. Right into a trap. Things go from bad to worse with every passing minute, but with Clio realizing something about being an Oracle and making sacrifices, the three of them manage to get out. They are certain that Mannix has not been defeated and are getting reading for that fight.
I found myself forgetting often that Clio was only 15. Almost everything she does or was put thru was something that just seemed like 15 was not old enough for. Riece being 17 seemed too young sometimes too, but that was easier to believe.
I hate love triangle. So that's why I really disliked how this book ended. Clio loves one, but chases him away after a vision only to have the other want to pretend that she does love him like she lied about. I really want her to end up happy with Riece though...
I want to say that I am looking forward to reading more of this series, but I am leery with this whole love triangle thing that will clearly be going on. But I'm sure I'll give it read if given a chance.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
sisareads2476's review
4.0
3.5- 4 stars
I was lucky enough that I've won all three books of the series at a Goodreads giveaway. I've added the first book in by TBR pile a long time ago because I find the synopsis interesting, unique and catchy.
Clio grew up hating everything about her Mother, the Oracle. She detest everything she represents, she believed that she's only a fraud and only done all thosee things to gain power. She hated her Mother because of the things she'd done to her sisters when they came of age, they were made into the Oracles " vessels" and came back hollow and never the same again. Soon, she discovered this was because, being the Oracles vessels, they were made to do unacceptable and horrible things.
But at the night she ran away, an unexpected Vision came to her. She " saw" how her family were murdered by a man she knows, and her sister taken to be given to the Emperor and to be sacrificed to gain favor of the Deities. And evethough she clearly despise everything about it, she inherit the power to "see", that night, the ability was passed on to her and she became the last of the Oracles. And because she wanted to save her remaining sibling and seek revenge, she then embark on a dangerous journey to a place where Oracles are forbidden. If she's found out, then she will be killed and sacrificed atop their pyramid.
This is where, it all became a bit confusing, though I love Clio's toughness and capability to adapt, I find it still unbelieveable that she suddenly possess this ability to fight, I mean, she was not introduced as a fierce warrior, but she still managed to single handedly fought trained soldiers and escaped , and the way most of the things just conviniently came her way, maybe it was sheer determination or comes with the perks of being an Oracle but I still find it a bit unrealistic.
Another thing that was slightly off -putting was the insta-love aspect. I find it ridiculous that someone who had pledge loyalty to his Emperor would suddenly have this urge to help and rescue someone he just recently met just because he was attracted to how different she was. And the love triangle angle was becoming too mediocre for me, I think it was unneccesary anyway, coz it was a bit predictable who would Clio choose, but I must admit that it somehow added spice to the story.
I still like the characters tho, how they seem to compliment each other, and the funny, snarky, frivoulous side of each of them. I would love to see how they would all turned out and developed as the story progresses.
I would definitely read the sequels because it was becoming more interesting and I would love to join Clio's journey all the way.
I was lucky enough that I've won all three books of the series at a Goodreads giveaway. I've added the first book in by TBR pile a long time ago because I find the synopsis interesting, unique and catchy.
Clio grew up hating everything about her Mother, the Oracle. She detest everything she represents, she believed that she's only a fraud and only done all thosee things to gain power. She hated her Mother because of the things she'd done to her sisters when they came of age, they were made into the Oracles " vessels" and came back hollow and never the same again. Soon, she discovered this was because, being the Oracles vessels, they were made to do unacceptable and horrible things.
But at the night she ran away, an unexpected Vision came to her. She " saw" how her family were murdered by a man she knows, and her sister taken to be given to the Emperor and to be sacrificed to gain favor of the Deities. And evethough she clearly despise everything about it, she inherit the power to "see", that night, the ability was passed on to her and she became the last of the Oracles. And because she wanted to save her remaining sibling and seek revenge, she then embark on a dangerous journey to a place where Oracles are forbidden. If she's found out, then she will be killed and sacrificed atop their pyramid.
This is where, it all became a bit confusing, though I love Clio's toughness and capability to adapt, I find it still unbelieveable that she suddenly possess this ability to fight, I mean, she was not introduced as a fierce warrior, but she still managed to single handedly fought trained soldiers and escaped , and the way most of the things just conviniently came her way, maybe it was sheer determination or comes with the perks of being an Oracle but I still find it a bit unrealistic.
Another thing that was slightly off -putting was the insta-love aspect. I find it ridiculous that someone who had pledge loyalty to his Emperor would suddenly have this urge to help and rescue someone he just recently met just because he was attracted to how different she was. And the love triangle angle was becoming too mediocre for me, I think it was unneccesary anyway, coz it was a bit predictable who would Clio choose, but I must admit that it somehow added spice to the story.
I still like the characters tho, how they seem to compliment each other, and the funny, snarky, frivoulous side of each of them. I would love to see how they would all turned out and developed as the story progresses.
I would definitely read the sequels because it was becoming more interesting and I would love to join Clio's journey all the way.
ashley_earley's review
4.0
This book caught my interest from the very beginning! The summary sounded good so I decided to give it a try, and ended up loving the book just as much as its synopsis! The cool book cover also caught my interest.
The writing was good, not amazing but pretty great. The characters were...genius! Riece is sexy and enticing and mysterious; yet open. Clio is tough, smart, and daring. And Mannix is evil beyond a doubt.
Derik is pretty nice too but he wasn't in the book very much so there wasn't much time to get a feel for who he was. I actually thought he was secretly siding with Mannix for a while, and was intending to betray Clio. That did not happen, thank goodness! Because now book two will have a very interesting love triangle (that, at the same time, isn't really a love triangle because Clio considers Derik as family).
I really liked how Clio grew up so dramatically. It's always refreshing to read about a character that evolves so strongly. I felt really sad for her in the beginning even though I knew what was going to happen to her family. I felt like the author captured Clio's pain pretty well considering that she didn't have a strong bond with her family. Clio cared about her family and grieved for them but it wasn't overdone.
Mannix. Everything about him was amazing! He was such a good villain! There was one thing about him that I hadn't seen coming though
(SPOILER AHEAD)...that he was Clio's sister!! I was totally caught off guard with that one! I figured he was an Untouched but I wasn't sure how since he still had his tongue. This detail was very believable for this book.
SPOILER FREE ZONE
The last 50 pages or so were so action-packed!! The whole book is pretty action-packed but the last pages had me on the edge of my seat! I could not put it down!
I am pretty excited about reading the sequel soon because I really want to know what will happen between Riece and Clio, Clio and Derik, and Mannix and Clio. I need answers!!! Where did Mannix go? What is he going to plan next? Will Clio go back for Riece? Will Riece take Clio after everything she said to him to drive him away? Will Derik make a move for Clio now that Riece is sort of out of the picture?
So many questions!! And I really need answers!
The writing was good, not amazing but pretty great. The characters were...genius! Riece is sexy and enticing and mysterious; yet open. Clio is tough, smart, and daring. And Mannix is evil beyond a doubt.
Derik is pretty nice too but he wasn't in the book very much so there wasn't much time to get a feel for who he was. I actually thought he was secretly siding with Mannix for a while, and was intending to betray Clio. That did not happen, thank goodness! Because now book two will have a very interesting love triangle (that, at the same time, isn't really a love triangle because Clio considers Derik as family).
I really liked how Clio grew up so dramatically. It's always refreshing to read about a character that evolves so strongly. I felt really sad for her in the beginning even though I knew what was going to happen to her family. I felt like the author captured Clio's pain pretty well considering that she didn't have a strong bond with her family. Clio cared about her family and grieved for them but it wasn't overdone.
Mannix. Everything about him was amazing! He was such a good villain! There was one thing about him that I hadn't seen coming though
(SPOILER AHEAD)...that he was Clio's sister!! I was totally caught off guard with that one! I figured he was an Untouched but I wasn't sure how since he still had his tongue. This detail was very believable for this book.
SPOILER FREE ZONE
The last 50 pages or so were so action-packed!! The whole book is pretty action-packed but the last pages had me on the edge of my seat! I could not put it down!
I am pretty excited about reading the sequel soon because I really want to know what will happen between Riece and Clio, Clio and Derik, and Mannix and Clio. I need answers!!! Where did Mannix go? What is he going to plan next? Will Clio go back for Riece? Will Riece take Clio after everything she said to him to drive him away? Will Derik make a move for Clio now that Riece is sort of out of the picture?
So many questions!! And I really need answers!