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nicolemhewitt's review
5.0
3.5/5 Stars
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Assassins: Discord follows Kindra, a teenage girl who's been raised as an assassin. Yeah, I know this sounds a tad bit far-fetched, but I was able to suspend disbelief for the most part---I mean, it's not that much stranger than crime families who raise their kids to be in the "business," right? If mom and dad are both assassins, it seems logical that they'd train up the kids to be a part of the action.
Kindra has learned never to question the job, but when things go wrong with her family's latest hit, she can't help but wonder why all the details don't seem to add up. And one question leads to another until Kindra is finding cracks everywhere in the foundation of her life. Once she starts looking too closely, she may not be able to go back to blissful ignorance.
What Fed My Addiction:
Morally gray MC.
Those of you who are fans of books with a main character who skirts that line between the light and the dark will LOVE Kindra. After all, she's an assassin. And she's not exactly unwilling. Kindra has been raised in a family of assassins and she's been taught that you don't question the job. You don't think about the moral implications of what you're doing---you just do what you need to do to get paid. Even when Kindra starts questioning that, she's not necessarily against doing what needs to be done. Her own survival comes first, even when there might be innocents caught in the crossfire. (Old habits die hard.) But even though Kindra has some definite character flaws, I never found her unlikable. I could see how she was a product of her environment and how she often felt driven into a corner she couldn't escape---without the use of weapons.
Trust and Betrayals.
This is the type of book where the main character doesn't know who she can trust. Kindra has spent her life depending on her family to back her up on the job, but can she truly trust them or will they sell her out if necessary? She's never really felt love or devotion, only dedication to the task. And now Kindra has found herself in a situation where she has to decide to put her life in other people's hands. Not only that, but she starts to have feelings for these people and she realizes that there might be more to life than the next mission. But things are complicated, and Kindra can't just jump into putting her faith into others---and she discovers that her life has been filled with more betrayals than she ever knew and that secrets lurk around every corner.
What Left Me Hungry for More:
Too much action? (For me)
This type of action/thriller isn't my typical style of read, and I have to confess that I sometimes tend to get bored with long action scenes. If you love actiony spy books, this will be right up your alley, but I sometimes wanted to get past the shooting and bombs exploding and get back to the hearts of the characters. That's just me.
Forced diversity?
Okay, this is one of those cases where I almost feel bad for mentioning it because I am a white hetero female who gets plenty of representation in books, but the LGBTQA diversity in this book felt just a little forced to me. I was happy for a main character who was bi, but then there were LOTS of other random orientations that almost felt thrown in - three gay/lesbian characters, an asexual character and an intersex character. It seemed awfully coincidental to me that so many sexual orientations turned up in this relatively small group of randomly assorted people. Still, I guess better to over-represent than under-represent?
Fans of action thrillers will find plenty to love about Assassins: Discord. Likewise, so will LGBT readers looking for a little excitement and variety in their reading. If I was more of a fan of the genre, I think I would have loved this book even more, but the book still gets an easy 3.5/5 stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Assassins: Discord follows Kindra, a teenage girl who's been raised as an assassin. Yeah, I know this sounds a tad bit far-fetched, but I was able to suspend disbelief for the most part---I mean, it's not that much stranger than crime families who raise their kids to be in the "business," right? If mom and dad are both assassins, it seems logical that they'd train up the kids to be a part of the action.
Kindra has learned never to question the job, but when things go wrong with her family's latest hit, she can't help but wonder why all the details don't seem to add up. And one question leads to another until Kindra is finding cracks everywhere in the foundation of her life. Once she starts looking too closely, she may not be able to go back to blissful ignorance.
What Fed My Addiction:
Morally gray MC.
Those of you who are fans of books with a main character who skirts that line between the light and the dark will LOVE Kindra. After all, she's an assassin. And she's not exactly unwilling. Kindra has been raised in a family of assassins and she's been taught that you don't question the job. You don't think about the moral implications of what you're doing---you just do what you need to do to get paid. Even when Kindra starts questioning that, she's not necessarily against doing what needs to be done. Her own survival comes first, even when there might be innocents caught in the crossfire. (Old habits die hard.) But even though Kindra has some definite character flaws, I never found her unlikable. I could see how she was a product of her environment and how she often felt driven into a corner she couldn't escape---without the use of weapons.
Trust and Betrayals.
This is the type of book where the main character doesn't know who she can trust. Kindra has spent her life depending on her family to back her up on the job, but can she truly trust them or will they sell her out if necessary? She's never really felt love or devotion, only dedication to the task. And now Kindra has found herself in a situation where she has to decide to put her life in other people's hands. Not only that, but she starts to have feelings for these people and she realizes that there might be more to life than the next mission. But things are complicated, and Kindra can't just jump into putting her faith into others---and she discovers that her life has been filled with more betrayals than she ever knew and that secrets lurk around every corner.
What Left Me Hungry for More:
Too much action? (For me)
This type of action/thriller isn't my typical style of read, and I have to confess that I sometimes tend to get bored with long action scenes. If you love actiony spy books, this will be right up your alley, but I sometimes wanted to get past the shooting and bombs exploding and get back to the hearts of the characters. That's just me.
Forced diversity?
Okay, this is one of those cases where I almost feel bad for mentioning it because I am a white hetero female who gets plenty of representation in books, but the LGBTQA diversity in this book felt just a little forced to me. I was happy for a main character who was bi, but then there were LOTS of other random orientations that almost felt thrown in - three gay/lesbian characters, an asexual character and an intersex character. It seemed awfully coincidental to me that so many sexual orientations turned up in this relatively small group of randomly assorted people. Still, I guess better to over-represent than under-represent?
Fans of action thrillers will find plenty to love about Assassins: Discord. Likewise, so will LGBT readers looking for a little excitement and variety in their reading. If I was more of a fan of the genre, I think I would have loved this book even more, but the book still gets an easy 3.5/5 stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
mcf's review against another edition
3.0
Actual rating: 3.5.
The last 35% or so of the book was a lot of fun, it just took a long time for interesting stuff to start happening. (Yay for f/f + badass teenager girls in YA, tho!)
The last 35% or so of the book was a lot of fun, it just took a long time for interesting stuff to start happening. (Yay for f/f + badass teenager girls in YA, tho!)
_camk_'s review against another edition
I thought I would love this book but I just didn't and found myself doing other things to not have to finish reading it.
There was nothing about it that made it bad - nothing wrong with stories or characters but I just couldn't get into it.
There was nothing about it that made it bad - nothing wrong with stories or characters but I just couldn't get into it.
morebedsidebooks's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Blood, Violence, Death, and Mass/school shootings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Confinement, Death of parent, Murder, and Grief
Minor: Infertility, Panic attacks/disorders, War, Racism, Suicide, Transphobia, and Car accident
This story deals with multiple instances of terrorism.janpd24's review against another edition
3.0
A story about a ruthless teenage girl-assassin? Sign me up right now! Kindra Weston has been trained from birth in the arts of hiding in plain sight and killing people without leaving a trace. It wasn't like she had any say in her occupation, but that doesn't mean she isn't good, dangerously good, at her job. When her father muffs an important assassination, it puts into motion a sequence of events that spirals her life out of control. Saying any more would be a spoiler.
While Assassins: Discord is a thrill-a-minute action-packed tale that takes off from the word go, it does take you a bit of time to get into it. Mostly because there are too many names, too many connections, too many details to get a handle on. Some of the descriptions are also unclear, so even though you know there is, say, an exciting car chase on, you're not sure exactly what is happening.
Kindra’s attraction to Dru Calver, the daughter of her family’s biggest rivals, forms one of the storylines, but the way it starts off isn’t exactly convincing. When you’re tied up, kidnapped and likely to be killed sooner rather than later, thinking about how “cute” your captor and would-be killer is hardly the sort of thing that runs through your mind. Also, the book seems to have set out with and agenda to include as many LGBTQ characters as possible. While this would be commendable, it seems to be forced in this case. Here’s the count: one bisexual, two gay/lesbian, one asexual, one intersex (and yes, one of them dies).
Overall, however, I did enjoy the book, once I got past the slow start and figured out (almost) what was going on. The Westons’ and Calvers’ unconventional ways of cursing was certainly imaginative and amusing.
(Review copy from NetGalley)
While Assassins: Discord is a thrill-a-minute action-packed tale that takes off from the word go, it does take you a bit of time to get into it. Mostly because there are too many names, too many connections, too many details to get a handle on. Some of the descriptions are also unclear, so even though you know there is, say, an exciting car chase on, you're not sure exactly what is happening.
Kindra’s attraction to Dru Calver, the daughter of her family’s biggest rivals, forms one of the storylines, but the way it starts off isn’t exactly convincing. When you’re tied up, kidnapped and likely to be killed sooner rather than later, thinking about how “cute” your captor and would-be killer is hardly the sort of thing that runs through your mind. Also, the book seems to have set out with and agenda to include as many LGBTQ characters as possible. While this would be commendable, it seems to be forced in this case. Here’s the count: one bisexual, two gay/lesbian, one asexual, one intersex (and yes, one of them dies).
Overall, however, I did enjoy the book, once I got past the slow start and figured out (almost) what was going on. The Westons’ and Calvers’ unconventional ways of cursing was certainly imaginative and amusing.
(Review copy from NetGalley)
janpd24's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars. Contrary to popular opinion, I found Nemesis a few notches below Discord, the first book in the series. The story takes off from where the last one ended, the Calvers on a mission to save the world from a dangerous, ruthless and extremely clever woman who, if she has her way, will destroy the world in her quest for power. This story is told from the perspective of Blake, the offspring of FBI agent Isaac Marks, as she hides out with the family of vigilante assassins, the Calvers.
As with the previous book, this one too packed in a lot of action. However, it's narration was somewhat undone by being from Blake's point of view. Blake tended to go off on various angst-filled tangents that took away the focus. I found it hard to get under Blake's skin, and the character felt rather bland to me. Much as I loved the fact that the protagonist was an intersex teen, when the most interesting thing about a character is their gender, I feel there's something wrong with a story. I also found the budding relationship between Daelan and Blake unconvincing. The plot was too complex, and definitely a muddle for anyone who hasn't read the first book.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a review copy.
As with the previous book, this one too packed in a lot of action. However, it's narration was somewhat undone by being from Blake's point of view. Blake tended to go off on various angst-filled tangents that took away the focus. I found it hard to get under Blake's skin, and the character felt rather bland to me. Much as I loved the fact that the protagonist was an intersex teen, when the most interesting thing about a character is their gender, I feel there's something wrong with a story. I also found the budding relationship between Daelan and Blake unconvincing. The plot was too complex, and definitely a muddle for anyone who hasn't read the first book.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a review copy.
roguewonder's review against another edition
3.0
2.99/5
- I’m just not into spy books as much as I thought I was bc although I think it was well written I just couldn’t ~Really~ get into it
- But I think if the description sounds intriguing, definitely give it a try!!
- I’m just not into spy books as much as I thought I was bc although I think it was well written I just couldn’t ~Really~ get into it
- But I think if the description sounds intriguing, definitely give it a try!!
chrisvigilante's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't know what I was getting into with this story but I must say I enjoyed it quite a lot. Not at first. I tried reading it a while back and wasn't able to get into it but I think now was the right time for it.
It's a crazy action packed story. We've got espionage and assassins galore. You really get thrown into it in the first chapter and need to read past there to allow things to settle before getting back into action. Blake is going through all of it pretty suddenly and just making their way through. We are along on the journey with them.
Blake is not an Assassin. I believe the first book followed someone raised to kill. That is not Blake. Blake is after the people who put the hit on their father but not fully ready for the harsh realities. The uncomfortableness when they first shoot someone is the first indicator of that. They continue to shy away from violence when the people around them are more prone to using it in missions. it was interesting to see these spy operations through Blake's perspective.
I liked that inclusions of talk about sexuality just happened. It's part of life. You don't need a reason to make Blake genderfluid or intersex.This book has an intersex protagonist without being about being intersex and I love that so much.They just are. We don't need to put too much more focus on it than that in this story. It's just part of Blake's life. I think that was the best way to go with a plot that had so much going on already. Staying committed to the plot and to the character by showing all that is a part of them.
Blake identifies as “mixed race, multiethnic, allergic to more things than I want to name, intersex because of partial androgen sensitivity syndrome, expressively genderfluid but mentally agender, and panromantic graysexual.” Blake states what her/his pronouns are at the time and we keep going. I like that a lot. Also, Daelen and the others asked so they wouldn't misgender her/him. They cared and it was really nice.
I was excited to see a romance blooming for a genderfluid character as well. I could ship Daelan and Blake. Not sure if I do ultimately but I could. I feel like the connection is surprisingly strong and well-written. They just meet right at the beginning of this and it works. It's really only a thing I've started seeing in books I read this year for genderfluid characters. It's also a romance with a gray ace character. I loved that so much. I felt like it was presented well. It made me so happy.
I loved the characters and the way that the author handled them in this so I'm really happy I've had the opportunity to read this. I fell like it's something I could reread. Also, I have to say that the Shakespeare nerd in me got real happy about some things in this book. Shakespeare references will get me every time.
It's a crazy action packed story. We've got espionage and assassins galore. You really get thrown into it in the first chapter and need to read past there to allow things to settle before getting back into action. Blake is going through all of it pretty suddenly and just making their way through. We are along on the journey with them.
Blake is not an Assassin. I believe the first book followed someone raised to kill. That is not Blake. Blake is after the people who put the hit on their father but not fully ready for the harsh realities. The uncomfortableness when they first shoot someone is the first indicator of that. They continue to shy away from violence when the people around them are more prone to using it in missions. it was interesting to see these spy operations through Blake's perspective.
I liked that inclusions of talk about sexuality just happened. It's part of life. You don't need a reason to make Blake genderfluid or intersex.This book has an intersex protagonist without being about being intersex and I love that so much.They just are. We don't need to put too much more focus on it than that in this story. It's just part of Blake's life. I think that was the best way to go with a plot that had so much going on already. Staying committed to the plot and to the character by showing all that is a part of them.
Blake identifies as “mixed race, multiethnic, allergic to more things than I want to name, intersex because of partial androgen sensitivity syndrome, expressively genderfluid but mentally agender, and panromantic graysexual.” Blake states what her/his pronouns are at the time and we keep going. I like that a lot. Also, Daelen and the others asked so they wouldn't misgender her/him. They cared and it was really nice.
I was excited to see a romance blooming for a genderfluid character as well. I could ship Daelan and Blake. Not sure if I do ultimately but I could. I feel like the connection is surprisingly strong and well-written. They just meet right at the beginning of this and it works. It's really only a thing I've started seeing in books I read this year for genderfluid characters. It's also a romance with a gray ace character. I loved that so much. I felt like it was presented well. It made me so happy.
I loved the characters and the way that the author handled them in this so I'm really happy I've had the opportunity to read this. I fell like it's something I could reread. Also, I have to say that the Shakespeare nerd in me got real happy about some things in this book. Shakespeare references will get me every time.
munleigh's review against another edition
4.0
Action right from the beginning that kept me at the edge of my seat. The mystery also kept me turning the pages. I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did but I'm glad I took the time to read this book.
Kindra blindly follows her parents' orders while Dru grew up in a loving family, opposite to how Kindra grew up. I enjoyed the few moments between Dru and Kindra and by the end of the book, I was left wanting more of their story.
I know Erica Cameron has a second book of the series out so I will probably pick that up so I can find out the rest of the story even though that Kinda and Dru are not the main characters in the book.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-Lf
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kindra blindly follows her parents' orders while Dru grew up in a loving family, opposite to how Kindra grew up. I enjoyed the few moments between Dru and Kindra and by the end of the book, I was left wanting more of their story.
I know Erica Cameron has a second book of the series out so I will probably pick that up so I can find out the rest of the story even though that Kinda and Dru are not the main characters in the book.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-Lf
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.