Scan barcode
kyliereads341's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
The plot was a bit formulaic, but the characters and their relationship dynamics made me overlook this as their stories and how they intermingle play into my two favorite things: political intrigue and family drama/trauma. I look forward to the next one and enjoyed the world building/magic system that was easy to understand.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, War, Blood, and Confinement
Minor: Racism
eleanorshellshtrop_mybeloved's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Gun violence
Moderate: Racism
anniereads221's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Violence, Racism, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, Misogyny, and Death
originstory's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ok so i feel like i might be biased bc its an indian book, but i really liked it. the characters, (even though they're siblings) are all really different from each other, and when i was reading i was able to easily tell their povs apart. the world omg. it was so rich and it was pretty different than other fantasy books, i was pretty hooked on the plot. one thing i thought was that some of the pov changes were kinda abrupt and i wish some parts were longer. overall, read this book i really enjoyed reading it
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Racism
there is violence and murder, but not too graphically described.l0streader's review
adventurous
fast-paced
4.0
Rep: South Asian MCs, LGBTQIA+
This is the South Asian fantasy of my dreams! I absolutely fell in love with these characters, each of their stories and aspirations. With any book containing multiple POVs it can be hectic to keep track of them, but each of Raman’s MCs had a distinct voice and motive to obtaining The Ivory Key. I thought the family dynamic between all the siblings was fully fleshed out and realistic. I even have a really special place in my heart for one of the side characters, but we won’t dive too far into that.
The descriptions of the setting and the entirety of the atmosphere as a whole were immaculate. The scenery and foods were described with such lushness that I felt transported into Ashoka.
I didn’t know too much about the plot of the book prior to diving in and I’m glad I didn’t reveal too much to myself because I loved uncovering new things as I read and went on this adventure alongside these characters. I really appreciated that this fantasy book though expansive did not feel overwhelming as many fantasy books can feel initially. The world-building was done strategically so that the reader could learn more about the history, land, and people of Ashoka through the MCs conversations and quest.
I’m quite intrigued to see where the book will go from here. I have a feeling that I’m going to enjoy the sequel even more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a South Asian fantasy or anyone new to fantasy who wants to get their feet wet before diving headfirst into some of the denser fantasy books out there.
Characters: 9/10
Atmosphere: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Plot: 8/10
Intrigue: 8/10
Logic: 8/10
Enjoyment: 8/10
Rating: 8.3 or 4 stars
This is the South Asian fantasy of my dreams! I absolutely fell in love with these characters, each of their stories and aspirations. With any book containing multiple POVs it can be hectic to keep track of them, but each of Raman’s MCs had a distinct voice and motive to obtaining The Ivory Key. I thought the family dynamic between all the siblings was fully fleshed out and realistic. I even have a really special place in my heart for one of the side characters, but we won’t dive too far into that.
The descriptions of the setting and the entirety of the atmosphere as a whole were immaculate. The scenery and foods were described with such lushness that I felt transported into Ashoka.
I didn’t know too much about the plot of the book prior to diving in and I’m glad I didn’t reveal too much to myself because I loved uncovering new things as I read and went on this adventure alongside these characters. I really appreciated that this fantasy book though expansive did not feel overwhelming as many fantasy books can feel initially. The world-building was done strategically so that the reader could learn more about the history, land, and people of Ashoka through the MCs conversations and quest.
I’m quite intrigued to see where the book will go from here. I have a feeling that I’m going to enjoy the sequel even more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a South Asian fantasy or anyone new to fantasy who wants to get their feet wet before diving headfirst into some of the denser fantasy books out there.
Characters: 9/10
Atmosphere: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Plot: 8/10
Intrigue: 8/10
Logic: 8/10
Enjoyment: 8/10
Rating: 8.3 or 4 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Blood, Death, Racism, Violence, and War
kindredbooks's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I received a copy of The Ivory Key by Akshaya Raman from Blue Slip Media in exchange for an honest review.
Family drama and secrets, magic, secret societies, puzzles and a search for the Ivory Key, as the novel is named - The Ivory Key by Akshaya Raman is a YA fantasy novel that is inspired by Ancient India. One of the main reasons why I was first drawn to this book was the idea of it centering around four siblings who are all estranged. They all have found different paths but a common interest and goal brings them back together. I thought that it was quite interesting to read this story told from all four of their perspectives - Vira, Riya, Ronak and Kaleb. I found each character to be quite charming in their own way - and while I may not have always agreed with their motivations, I did understand where they each stood. The character and world building in The Ivory Key is incredible and I truly felt like I was absorbed into this world and the lands of Ashoka. I really enjoyed the puzzles that were involved and a secret society is just extra fun on top of everything else in this book. The one thing that I had a little trouble with was the plot progression about a third into the novel where it felt like not much was happening. But the story does pick up especially once the siblings set off on their adventure. And finally, that ending - let's just say that the sequel, The Crimson Fortress, is high on my anticipated list as I truly need to know how The Ivory Key duology plays out.
Family drama and secrets, magic, secret societies, puzzles and a search for the Ivory Key, as the novel is named - The Ivory Key by Akshaya Raman is a YA fantasy novel that is inspired by Ancient India. One of the main reasons why I was first drawn to this book was the idea of it centering around four siblings who are all estranged. They all have found different paths but a common interest and goal brings them back together. I thought that it was quite interesting to read this story told from all four of their perspectives - Vira, Riya, Ronak and Kaleb. I found each character to be quite charming in their own way - and while I may not have always agreed with their motivations, I did understand where they each stood. The character and world building in The Ivory Key is incredible and I truly felt like I was absorbed into this world and the lands of Ashoka. I really enjoyed the puzzles that were involved and a secret society is just extra fun on top of everything else in this book. The one thing that I had a little trouble with was the plot progression about a third into the novel where it felt like not much was happening. But the story does pick up especially once the siblings set off on their adventure. And finally, that ending - let's just say that the sequel, The Crimson Fortress, is high on my anticipated list as I truly need to know how The Ivory Key duology plays out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Death of parent, Blood, War, and Racism
More...