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lisagriffioen's review against another edition
5.0
This book is everything I want in a fantasy, I mean the dragons, the fairy tale vibe, the strong female and the unexpected plottwists.
I loved this book sooo much!!!
I liked the romance and that it wasn’t too present in the story. I loved the dragons, I even loved the villans in this book.
This will definitely be a all time favorite!
I loved this book sooo much!!!
I liked the romance and that it wasn’t too present in the story. I loved the dragons, I even loved the villans in this book.
This will definitely be a all time favorite!
ashtyn_0206's review
3.5
slow start (low key slow middle) it took over half way through to get interesting
jnishi's review
5.0
In her acknowledgements, Ciccarelli offers her readers this piece of knowledge and advice: "Never Forget: you are not what you've been told you are, you are what lies within you". Those wise words are what this entire novel is about. Asha has been told all her life that she is a monster and, as such, spends her life believing that she is unworthy of love and is corrupt and evil. I was worried that Asha was going to be whiney and all "Woe is me" but she isn't. She is badass and felt real to me. She wasn't some kind of emotionless robot with no feelings she feels things and dwells in her emotions without coming across as whiney. Usually, or so it seems, the romance in YA Fantasy literature seems forced and happens in an instant but Ciccarelli slowly crafts a star crossed romance that felt fated and honest. This is a story about stories, dragons, and fate. Ciccarelli's world building is great, her plot fast-paced without losing characterization, her writing is lyrical and juicy. All in all just a stunning book (in truth as stunning as that cover!)
sberatelkaknih's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
phoenix2's review
3.0
So, I'm one of those who seriously liked this one. I know that there are many who didn't, and that kind of put me off reading this, but thankfully I decided to give it a try and I wasn't disappointed. So, if you're wondering whether to read it or not, then I suggest that if you like fantasy-YA dystopian blend, then maybe you should too give it a try (and believe me, I'm not easily satisfied in general).
About the characters, I really loved Asha, though, I will agree with some other readers, that she was way too young for her character. If she was in early twenties, I would have been more convinced of her actions and way of thinking. But that wasn't really a deal breaker. The slave boy, moreover, was cute, but I did feel like he was more of a submissive second lead, as our leading lady was so strong willed that she kind of overshadowed him. So, I liked him, but not as much for the love interest. More like a good friend. Plus, I kind of pictured him more like a kid with his freckles. Now, the story was okay, had some well writen action and some twists (I didn't see them coming, cause I really, really believed that he loved Asha, so I'll leave it there) and the first part of the book was really interesting. Towards the ending, it couldn't help but fall into the cliche plot, but it was enjoyable so I can't complain.
Finally, the pace was pretty quick and the writing was nice enough. Plus, I liked the stories.
Don't know whether this one will have another book or not, but the story of the first one was nicely concluded for me, so I wouldn't mind if there wasn't another one. But we'll wait and see. But, for now, 3.5 out of 5.
About the characters, I really loved Asha, though, I will agree with some other readers, that she was way too young for her character. If she was in early twenties, I would have been more convinced of her actions and way of thinking. But that wasn't really a deal breaker. The slave boy, moreover, was cute, but I did feel like he was more of a submissive second lead, as our leading lady was so strong willed that she kind of overshadowed him. So, I liked him, but not as much for the love interest. More like a good friend. Plus, I kind of pictured him more like a kid with his freckles. Now, the story was okay, had some well writen action and some twists (I didn't see them coming, cause I really, really believed that he loved Asha, so I'll leave it there) and the first part of the book was really interesting. Towards the ending, it couldn't help but fall into the cliche plot, but it was enjoyable so I can't complain.
Finally, the pace was pretty quick and the writing was nice enough. Plus, I liked the stories.
Don't know whether this one will have another book or not, but the story of the first one was nicely concluded for me, so I wouldn't mind if there wasn't another one. But we'll wait and see. But, for now, 3.5 out of 5.
mweir710's review
4.0
Dragons, stories, and swords, oh my! I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars as it was more than I expected. The twists of political intrigue and the way the author weaved the old stories throughout the narrative made this a read worthwhile for me. I would highly recommend this book and can’t wait to continue the series!
itssimone's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
rays_reading_rainbow's review
5.0
This book was incredible. Old stories have power, dragons are being hunted, slaves eyes are cast down and a girl who changes it all. I feel honored to have read these pages.
annatherbook's review
4.0
Okay! This book was really good but I had some problems with some parts. I don't like time tropes, and by time tropes I mean you-only-have-x-amount-of-time-to-finnish-this-impossible-task trope. I do not enjoy it because it's extremely hard to make it good. But I really loved the storytelling part and the rich lore and political intrigue. So I'm definitely going to continue this series even if it wasn't perfect.