Reviews

Rise of the Vicious Princess by C.J. Redwine

sarahrmid's review

adventurous lighthearted 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? Yes

3.25

lavdisy's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

What a book!!! I didn't have high expectations and I didn't read any reviews beforehand, but after reading it, I was left with a very relieved feeling. Not because the book was bad; on the contrary, it was so good. The plot, especially with its political intrigue, is immaculately executed. I like how every thread connects to another, slowly uncovering the connections between these two kingdoms and the others surrounding them. The depth of the problem really made me feel like I was there, discussing it with them, which I found very entertaining. The world-building is also noteworthy. It's not perfect in its descriptions, but it comes close. Scenes like the ball make the kingdom's atmosphere more alive. This book also shelved as pirates but not really that "pirate" since only the main characters spending some time as captains of ships for investigating. Despite all these good things, I also felt there were some missing points in the plot. Additionally, it is packed with slow pacing, which made it hard to be fully hooked by the storyline. There is a lot of repetition and mention of unnecessary things. Also, the fact that the main character cares about her kingdom but rarely visits it confused me. I thought she was going undercover or something to visit them, but she didn’t, so I guess she needs to learn a lot.

The romance is one of my favorite parts, not just the slow-burn but also their dynamics, which I adore. In the beginning, the love interest focuses on describing how their friendship and understanding grow, so I didn't see much romantic closeness initially. Then, halfway through the book, this closeness starts to turn into a more intimate relationship, revealing their true feelings towards each other. Their longing stares melted my heart.

Then there’s the ending, which I actually guessed was going to happen. Something felt off about this character since that scene happened, so I just waited for the reveal, and the accident made for a very cliffhanger ending.

After finishing this book, I just wanted to jump to book 2 immediately because the ending made me want to read more. I hope the next book includes higher stakes and more detail in every corner of the storyline. Absolutely, I liked this and would recommend it to everyone since it’s so underrated.

stephalee4's review

adventurous emotional medium-paced

4.25

izzys_internet_bookshelf's review

2.0

2.5/5

At first I was into it but then the politics started to drag and it wasn’t until half way though the book when it got interesting and by the time I was hooked it was already almost over

scarlettreader's review

adventurous dark tense 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? No

4.75

l1brarygirl's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.75

All in all, my book slump is hopefully over! This was everything I was looking for - BA MC, bodyguard lover trope, political intrigue, morally gray characters...yay! 

I will say though, the synopsis says 

"By day, she is Calera’s formidable princess intent on forging an alliance with Montevallo. By night, she disguises herself as a smuggler and roams the sea with a trusted group of loyalists, hunting for their new enemies."

--- I was expecting this to be a major part of the book. I hope it isn't spoiling to say this doesn't even show up until 54% of the way into the book! So, I was a little peeved at that but if I hadn't known it was coming, I would say the pacing is spot-on. 

Narrator did an awesome job as well. 

jazzinbuns's review

5.0

This was a wonderful journey and introduction into the world of Charis Willowthorn

solafide's review

4.0

I knew it, I KNEW how the ending was going to end.

Tal, buddy, why?

I thought it was an excellent book. A book that shattered my heart.

Language: low, a few words
Romance: some kissing, forced marriage
Violence: medium, murders, in depth detail of blood, references of torture

thisbookishmom's review

5.0

Rating: 4.5/5

I was so happy to find out that CJ Redwine was finally coming out with a book this year. I have been checking in for years because I have really enjoyed her other novels. This one did not disappoint!

Charis is such a strong, fierce princess to everyone around her because she has been raised to show no weakness. I loved watching her slowly trust her bodyguard, Tal, and start to show him her vulnerability. The forced proximity, forbidden love, slow burn tropes were done well.

There was lots of political intrigue and I enjoyed trying to figure out who the traitor was and the mystery surrounding the sinking ships. Everyone was suspicious!

I saw one of the twists coming, but was happily surprised I got it right. The ending was so crazy and I am dying to know what happens next!

Content: Kissing

bookedoc's review

4.0

I got this book last minute and it wasn’t on my radar so I didn’t know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised! While the romantic aspect of this book is a frrrrrustratingly slow burn, it was more action packed and faster paced than I expected and I couldn’t put it down. To sum it up : a badass princess takes charge, kingdoms at war, political intrigue and a little mystery and betrayal. Looking forward to the second book: “Return of the Vengeful Queen”, releasing this June!