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amybraunauthor's review
4.0
For the most part, I really, truly enjoyed the world. The paranormal element really enthralled me and I wished I could see more of it. It's been a while since I read an underwater realm like the on featured in this cold world.
The characters are complex and aside from Inkar, certainly not anyone I would consider to be "good." Ekata had a sour streak to her, but I never really felt like she was difficult to relate to or understand. I questioned her choices and logic and manners at some points, but I did enjoy her journey. I also wanted to see more of Inkar, who was an absolute treasure.
Most of the story elements focused on the political drama, espionage, betrayal, and intrigue. I expected a little more from the trials, but there were some intense moments. The romance didn't have as much depth as I hoped, but the personalities involved made for a realistic romance.
All in all, I don't know if this was quite for me, but it was well written and would easily enthral a reader who likes political drama, a dark atmosphere, and a great lesbian romance.
miraileah's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death of parent and Terminal illness
Moderate: Medical content and Violence
boundbyemily's review
3.0
thebooklovingpanda's review against another edition
5.0
I picked up the tiara and slid it onto my head. Strength. Pride. Rage. This was the legacy of my family, and if I had to use it to win, I would.
One of my favourite covers and favourite reads of 2020!
This was engrossing from start to finish and I was sorry to turn the last page. (Well, technically click the last page on my Kindle, but same difference.) An excellent court intrigue-centred YA fantasy, filled with dramatic betrayals and subtle double-dealing. I also found it really satisfying how all the players in the game had a wide range of motives that made everything just that much more believable. Alliances are only temporary - the path to each goal may meet, but they will always diverge eventually. I was suspicious of everyone and I'm pleased to report that the source of the curse was completely unexpected!
I really liked the protagonist Ekata. She's essentially a nerdy sixteen-year-old middle child, who keeps mostly to herself and her books, and the only interest she takes in politics is to avoid being murdered by her cutthroat family. The way Ekata is plunged into the viper's next of the royal court (akin to being dropped into the freezing waters of the moat and Kylma Below) was utterly convincing.
Urso looked at me. Eirhan looked at me. I tried to look clever.Ekata is clever, no doubt, but it takes time for her to learn how to turn that cleverness from navigating academic pursuits to navigating two-faced people, the threat of marriage, and a curse that's slowly drowning her family.
I didn't want to run away. I wanted to run toward, toward finding a cure for this illness, toward saving myself and others.Her development was great to follow and kept me rooting for her - it helped that I really enjoyed her narration and sense of humour!
Sigis looked at the pearl of magic as though he wanted to kiss it. Maybe he could marry the magic and leave me alone.
The writing is lovely and really helps to build the icy world of Kylma Above and the dangerous depths of Kylma Below. There wasn't much focused on other places, but we hear enough about them through foreign delegates and anecdotes that this world doesn't feel half-baked. I also appreciated the condemnations of sexism, xenophobia and nationalism through Sigis' character. What an unpleasant man.
2020 has seen a streak of great sapphic stories and this did not disappoint on that front. The romance itself wasn't the main focus, but it's still integral to the plotline and I found it to be a very sweet slow-burn. There are several queer folk in powerful roles and none of their stories hinge on their being queer, nor does their identity ever seem to be a point of contention. Ekata's older brother Lyosha is bisexual or pansexual, one of the court ministers is non-binary, Ekata is a lesbian and I think Inkar is too.
Pick this up if you're looking for a compelling court intrigue with high stakes, wintry magic (plus sort-of merfolk!) and queer rep.
Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for the eARC for an honest review.
ash24314's review
- 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
smytester's review
2.0
felt a little all over the place. i can see the author had a lot of cool ideas, but in the end a lot of them just kind of fell off or didn't get completely resolved. additionally, some of the twists felt like a result of these forgotten plot points.
however, i did definitely appreciate the normalization of queer people just existing in a fantasy setting! that was refreshing :)
ticvoria_'s review against another edition
16rebecca12's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0