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ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Gravemaidens definitely started off with a bang..but like small one. It sucked me in and kind of reminded me of Hunger Games a bit. Mostly because of the whole saving her younger sister from being sacrificed. Again, this was definitely a page turner in my opinion because HG was a bit boring to me (the first 500 times I tried to read the first book).
In it, you will meet Kammani, Dagan, and Iltani. There are a bunch of other characters that I could name off but those are kind of the main three in my eyes. I loved everything about Dagan and Iltani. They gave this book life and I probably would've DNF'd this bad boy if they weren't in it. Speaking of DNFing, ugh - Kammani. It's not like I plotting her death or anything the entire book but she was beyond stubborn and frustrating. If I could reach into any book and bitch slap a character - it would be her hands down. Her little sister was no angel either - kind of a twat really. A dumb twat, which is probably worse. Together they were annoying as hell.. and if I was Kammani I would've said good riddance to Nanaea (little sister) the day she was chosen. Enjoy hell brat.
Other than that, I loved loved LOVED Dagan and Iltani. Those two deserve a better best friend. Also Dagan deserves to be treated a lot better than he was. Here's hoping that the next book will bring these two justice!
Gravemaidens definitely started off with a bang..but like small one. It sucked me in and kind of reminded me of Hunger Games a bit. Mostly because of the whole saving her younger sister from being sacrificed. Again, this was definitely a page turner in my opinion because HG was a bit boring to me (the first 500 times I tried to read the first book).
In it, you will meet Kammani, Dagan, and Iltani. There are a bunch of other characters that I could name off but those are kind of the main three in my eyes. I loved everything about Dagan and Iltani. They gave this book life and I probably would've DNF'd this bad boy if they weren't in it. Speaking of DNFing, ugh - Kammani. It's not like I plotting her death or anything the entire book but she was beyond stubborn and frustrating. If I could reach into any book and bitch slap a character - it would be her hands down. Her little sister was no angel either - kind of a twat really. A dumb twat, which is probably worse. Together they were annoying as hell.. and if I was Kammani I would've said good riddance to Nanaea (little sister) the day she was chosen. Enjoy hell brat.
Other than that, I loved loved LOVED Dagan and Iltani. Those two deserve a better best friend. Also Dagan deserves to be treated a lot better than he was. Here's hoping that the next book will bring these two justice!
kassidyreads's review against another edition
Don't like the sisters. Writing was weird at times. Couldn't get into it.
beastreader's review against another edition
3.0
I did like this book. The world that author, Kelly Coon created for this story is great. I instantly got a vivid picture of the world and the people. There are a handful of key characters. Although, I found the only one that really interesting was Kammani.
The three maidens including Kammani's sister were "sheep". They did not really think for themselves or were that interesting. The other characters were fine but had trouble in the beginning trying to keep them straight. They seemed similar.
Despite the fact that most of the characters were not that interesting, it was the pure factor of Kammani being on her "A" game and the magical world that this book took place in that had me keep reading. I do want to read the sequel.
The three maidens including Kammani's sister were "sheep". They did not really think for themselves or were that interesting. The other characters were fine but had trouble in the beginning trying to keep them straight. They seemed similar.
Despite the fact that most of the characters were not that interesting, it was the pure factor of Kammani being on her "A" game and the magical world that this book took place in that had me keep reading. I do want to read the sequel.
tesskrovetz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jenacidebybibliophile's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
thecultwitch's review against another edition
There was just a lot going on and I found myself to be uninterested.
curls's review against another edition
4.0
Hope was a wonderful, terrible thing. It could make you long for things you had no possibility of gaining.
Sacred Maidens are chosen to be buried alive with the ruler after he dies to serve as his wives in the afterlife. Kammani is trying to protect her younger sister after she is chosen to be a Sacred Maiden by trying to heal the current leader so there will be no need for a Sacred Maiden. Sacred Maidens are celebrated in this culture, her sister sees an opportunity for riches in the afterlife. But Kammani just sees it as unnecessary murder.
The world building in this book is richly detailed, based off of ancient Arabic culture. It was easy to get lost in the world the author created. While the world building was wonderful, there’s not a lot to the fantasy side. This feels more like an alternate history than a fantasy.
Kammani is a strong heroine, determined to be an excellent healer. I liked her relationship with her sister, they love each other but don’t understand the others choices. The mystery of the plot is fairly obvious, but it does take Kammani a ridiculously long time to figure it out, which makes you wonder if she’s not as smart as she thinks she is. She’s naive and impulsive, but she’s also sixteen, so that actually fits her character in a YA novel.
There’s not really much of a romance, the main character has too much going on. She’s very dismissive of a guy who is clearly into her, but she doesn’t really want him with someone else. Dagan was wonderful guy. I am curious on how things will play out after that ending.
There’s no cliffhanger, but there is a second book coming (this is a duology).
I think if you were a fan of Court of Fives you may like this book.
I would recommend this for fans of strong heroines who are wanting a detailed alternate history. I would not recommend if you are wanting a heavy romance or high fantasy YA.
I received this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Sacred Maidens are chosen to be buried alive with the ruler after he dies to serve as his wives in the afterlife. Kammani is trying to protect her younger sister after she is chosen to be a Sacred Maiden by trying to heal the current leader so there will be no need for a Sacred Maiden. Sacred Maidens are celebrated in this culture, her sister sees an opportunity for riches in the afterlife. But Kammani just sees it as unnecessary murder.
The world building in this book is richly detailed, based off of ancient Arabic culture. It was easy to get lost in the world the author created. While the world building was wonderful, there’s not a lot to the fantasy side. This feels more like an alternate history than a fantasy.
Kammani is a strong heroine, determined to be an excellent healer. I liked her relationship with her sister, they love each other but don’t understand the others choices. The mystery of the plot is fairly obvious, but it does take Kammani a ridiculously long time to figure it out, which makes you wonder if she’s not as smart as she thinks she is. She’s naive and impulsive, but she’s also sixteen, so that actually fits her character in a YA novel.
There’s not really much of a romance, the main character has too much going on. She’s very dismissive of a guy who is clearly into her, but she doesn’t really want him with someone else. Dagan was wonderful guy. I am curious on how things will play out after that ending.
There’s no cliffhanger, but there is a second book coming (this is a duology).
I think if you were a fan of Court of Fives you may like this book.
I would recommend this for fans of strong heroines who are wanting a detailed alternate history. I would not recommend if you are wanting a heavy romance or high fantasy YA.
I received this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
singsthewren's review against another edition
5.0
I was determined to do some book bingeing to make my to do read shelf smaller and this was the PERFECT choice for a book you want to sit down and read as quickly as possible! It was absolutely engrossing and dragged me along from scene to scene. The 'mystery' was a little obvious to me but she didn't drag it out long enough for it to get frustrating, and I really enjoyed the setting, which is based off of Sumeria. Really unique and so much fun to read! I cried a few times. Such a great book!
sarasbooktalk's review against another edition
3.0
For me the MC was just focusing on herself and it felt dragged out. The ending is usually rushed but this book felt too long.
Some interesting plottwists and side characters. I'm wondering whats gonna happen to Nasu, he was one of my favorite characters.
Didn't see the near end happening, Kammi is damn smart.
Didn't feel like I need to read the next book right now, I'll have to wait because it didn't fit my mood.
Some interesting plottwists and side characters. I'm wondering whats gonna happen to Nasu, he was one of my favorite characters.
Didn't see the near end happening, Kammi is damn smart.
Didn't feel like I need to read the next book right now, I'll have to wait because it didn't fit my mood.