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rahoffm's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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
5.0
alliethegator's review
2.5
...dreams had a way of only making sense while you were having them.
I knew from 20% that this was not for me, but I persevered because the premise was extremely interesting. (And I'm trying to be better about finishing what I start for the sake of mindfulness.)
The good:
The premise, the ideas, the magic. It reminded me vaguely of Fullmetal Alchemist, which is, of course, fantastic. Lin was a great character.
The bad: None of the characters drew me in. There was vaguely a plot, but each character had something going for them, and most of it was disinteresting. I also guessed the Lin plot twist within the first 20%.
Unfortunately, this was just not for me and I likely won't continue the series.
alli_gator's review against another edition
Just didn’t vibe with the story or writing style
vicwhit17's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.0
abby_can_read's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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? Yes
3.0
📖
This was good. I liked the worldbuilding and the lore. I struggle to care about any of the characters and their plot lines. While I liked parts of this book, I did struggle to stay focused and engaged at times.
This was good. I liked the worldbuilding and the lore. I struggle to care about any of the characters and their plot lines. While I liked parts of this book, I did struggle to stay focused and engaged at times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Murder, Body horror, and Child abuse
Minor: Child death, Confinement, and Racism
deschenes571's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
4.0
obstinateheadstrongcurl's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This had the potential to be fascinating but fell a bit flat. The world and magic system are unique, but the story is so zoomed in on the individual characters that you don’t really get to enjoy the world. Despite this focus, the characters mostly felt flat, with the exception of Jovis, whom I really enjoyed. His plotline was the most interesting and action-packed of everyone’s, and as a character he was fleshed out with clear motivations. Unfortunately, only one character holding my interest isn’t enough to make me want to continue the series.
sundriedangel's review against another edition
4.0
I loved it! Introducing readers to a new world and following 4 different stories is a tall order, but Stewart shines. I love that more than one woman comes to terms with privilege and shows tremendous growth. Overall the story is filled with complex love of family, life, and partners. So many epic romances! I hope we find out more about the Poyer people as well. Also Fuck the creepy old emperor for making a daughter-wife. Nasty as fuck for that
sterlingprimerius's review against another edition
5.0
Yep, I’m doing it: 5 stars for this insanely powerful debut!
This book got a hold of me early on, and did not let go until the end. Or maybe it’s still holding on, because I feel that I need more, more Lin, more Jovis and especially more Mephi!! More crazy magic, more moving islands, more intrigue and more bad ass creatures, man made or otherwise. Just more!
This book does an excellent job building a world, building characters and a system of magic, one that I’m pretty sure we’ve only scratched the surface! I’ll be all for the rest of the ride and I can already see this ride branching out in to more stories, I’d love to read some prequels in this universe.
This book got a hold of me early on, and did not let go until the end. Or maybe it’s still holding on, because I feel that I need more, more Lin, more Jovis and especially more Mephi!! More crazy magic, more moving islands, more intrigue and more bad ass creatures, man made or otherwise. Just more!
This book does an excellent job building a world, building characters and a system of magic, one that I’m pretty sure we’ve only scratched the surface! I’ll be all for the rest of the ride and I can already see this ride branching out in to more stories, I’d love to read some prequels in this universe.