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lostinagoodbook's review against another edition
2.0
Disclaimer: I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Katza is very young. She’s in her late teens. Completely unprepared to lead her kingdom of Russalka. Her father has left her completely in the dark about the kingdom, the web of intrigue around court life, the unhappiness of her subjects and her magical abilities. So once she gains some power, of course she mucks it all up.
Royally.
I’m not down on an anti-hero per se, but Katza was a little hard to take. She was obviously being manipulated by someone with ulterior motives (no spoilers so I won’t say who but it is very obvious). The magic she is using is also starting to influence her thoughts and feelings to a scary degree. She is becoming a danger to her own people. She needed to either snap the hell out of it or someone needed to put her down … yeah I said it … that’s how I felt, and that is a bad place for your heroine to be in.
The writing itself was not bad. The setting was interesting, but not inspiring. I know Russia is the trend right now, so the book was published with good timing. There were a few odd jumps forward that felt a little jarring. I was also left slightly confused by the end about the effects of the magical system. I’m not entirely sure if she was having the bad effects because of using the magic, or was it because of the outside influence? I’m not really sure. I know this is part of a series, but I’m not sufficiently interested in the character to come back again for a part two in order to find out the answers to my questions. Unfortunately, it is a no for me.
Katza is very young. She’s in her late teens. Completely unprepared to lead her kingdom of Russalka. Her father has left her completely in the dark about the kingdom, the web of intrigue around court life, the unhappiness of her subjects and her magical abilities. So once she gains some power, of course she mucks it all up.
Royally.
I’m not down on an anti-hero per se, but Katza was a little hard to take. She was obviously being manipulated by someone with ulterior motives (no spoilers so I won’t say who but it is very obvious). The magic she is using is also starting to influence her thoughts and feelings to a scary degree. She is becoming a danger to her own people. She needed to either snap the hell out of it or someone needed to put her down … yeah I said it … that’s how I felt, and that is a bad place for your heroine to be in.
The writing itself was not bad. The setting was interesting, but not inspiring. I know Russia is the trend right now, so the book was published with good timing. There were a few odd jumps forward that felt a little jarring. I was also left slightly confused by the end about the effects of the magical system. I’m not entirely sure if she was having the bad effects because of using the magic, or was it because of the outside influence? I’m not really sure. I know this is part of a series, but I’m not sufficiently interested in the character to come back again for a part two in order to find out the answers to my questions. Unfortunately, it is a no for me.
menshevixen's review
4.0
An intricate and enticing introduction to a fresh fantasy world. The lush fantastic-Russia setting and court politics provide a backdrop of intrigue for Katza's development into tsarika, while her relationship with Ravin will appeal to fans of the Darkling and Kylo Ren. Personally, I'm excited for perhaps more exploration of Nadika and the Mozgai use of the Saints' blessings in the second book, as well as plenty of revolution and the evolution of the tension between Katza, Ulmarova, and the Russalkan people!
erinarkin20's review
3.0
2.5 - 3 stars
Web of Frost is the first book in the Saints of Russalka series by Lindsay Smith and as soon as I read the summary, I knew I wanted to get my hands on this book. I ended up having mixed feelings about this one and it may be because the books I love typically include characters that have me fully invested in them, but I wasn’t really a fan of anyone in this story. With that said, the story itself was interesting and kept me turning the pages.
This story is centered on a young princess who becomes a queen who is fully unprepared to lead her country. Having grown up as the younger daughter, Katza was never expected to lead and because of a vision she continues to have, she is afraid to use her magic to help. When she meets a young prophet named Ravin who has a questionable reputation, she begins to trust in her powers and question the rules.
Katza was so wishy washy from the start that I just didn’t know what to think about her. And then once she started spending time with Ravin and embracing her power in conjunction with leading the empire, she was someone completely different. While I suppose it was growth, it just felt like she was trying to be someone she wasn’t really comfortable with and it was really only because Ravin was nudging her to do it, not because she thought she could.
I found Ravin to be interesting. While he definitely had ulterior motives, he was the only one who encouraged Katza to embrace her role and he power that comes along with her bloodline. I can’t say I liked him or what he was trying to get her to do, but it was his storyline that kept me turning the pages as I wanted to know what he was up to and why.
I thought the story itself had a lot of promise and I loved that it had a Russian feel to it. As the empire faces a rebellion from the very people it is there to protect, Katza has to figure out how to quell the anger as well as keep her strength and power through her reign. She definitely has to make some concessions and it will be interesting to see where Smith takes the rest of the story.
As I mentioned, I am on the fence with this book due to the characters, but I am thinking it was because I couldn’t connect with any of them. I might check out the next book to see what happens next but I’m not sure yet…we’ll have to see.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Web of Frost is the first book in the Saints of Russalka series by Lindsay Smith and as soon as I read the summary, I knew I wanted to get my hands on this book. I ended up having mixed feelings about this one and it may be because the books I love typically include characters that have me fully invested in them, but I wasn’t really a fan of anyone in this story. With that said, the story itself was interesting and kept me turning the pages.
This story is centered on a young princess who becomes a queen who is fully unprepared to lead her country. Having grown up as the younger daughter, Katza was never expected to lead and because of a vision she continues to have, she is afraid to use her magic to help. When she meets a young prophet named Ravin who has a questionable reputation, she begins to trust in her powers and question the rules.
Katza was so wishy washy from the start that I just didn’t know what to think about her. And then once she started spending time with Ravin and embracing her power in conjunction with leading the empire, she was someone completely different. While I suppose it was growth, it just felt like she was trying to be someone she wasn’t really comfortable with and it was really only because Ravin was nudging her to do it, not because she thought she could.
I found Ravin to be interesting. While he definitely had ulterior motives, he was the only one who encouraged Katza to embrace her role and he power that comes along with her bloodline. I can’t say I liked him or what he was trying to get her to do, but it was his storyline that kept me turning the pages as I wanted to know what he was up to and why.
I thought the story itself had a lot of promise and I loved that it had a Russian feel to it. As the empire faces a rebellion from the very people it is there to protect, Katza has to figure out how to quell the anger as well as keep her strength and power through her reign. She definitely has to make some concessions and it will be interesting to see where Smith takes the rest of the story.
As I mentioned, I am on the fence with this book due to the characters, but I am thinking it was because I couldn’t connect with any of them. I might check out the next book to see what happens next but I’m not sure yet…we’ll have to see.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
darquedreamer's review
5.0
Web of Frost will immerse you in a world of mysticism and folklore. With its elegant prose, and vivid imagery, it feels like a dream. For those who love enchanting stories full of Russian folklore and stunning twists, you will not be disappointed.
I was absolutely stunned at how much I enjoyed this one. Lindsay Smith enchanted me right from the start. I could see everything in my mind so clearly as if I was watching a movie set in a fantasy world.
Web of Frost introduced me to an incredible world cloaked in folklore and magic. I never felt lost or confused. The world was highly developed and I loved the flow of the story and the way the saints were incorporated in to the every day life of the characters.
I loved the fact that Katza was not the typical strong willed ya character. She was actually quite gullible, and weak at times. But, she fit the story and emanated grief at having suffered loss while her kingdom was on the bring of falling from a rebellion. She also had powerful moments of fierceness when using her gifts.
Ravin was dark and mysterious. It was no surprise as to the role he played in tempting Katza's heart. He was a tempestuous influence on Katza and he added intrigue to the story.
This story felt like a Russian folk tale. It had a mildly slow pace, but was fascinating as far as its development and depth. With the amount of world building Lindsay did, I was quite surprised to learn that the saints were, in fact, fiction. The mythology and folklore entwined in the tale felt genuine and captivated my mind and my heart. This one had me so entranced that I have already decided to pre-order book two the minute it is announced!
I was absolutely stunned at how much I enjoyed this one. Lindsay Smith enchanted me right from the start. I could see everything in my mind so clearly as if I was watching a movie set in a fantasy world.
Web of Frost introduced me to an incredible world cloaked in folklore and magic. I never felt lost or confused. The world was highly developed and I loved the flow of the story and the way the saints were incorporated in to the every day life of the characters.
I loved the fact that Katza was not the typical strong willed ya character. She was actually quite gullible, and weak at times. But, she fit the story and emanated grief at having suffered loss while her kingdom was on the bring of falling from a rebellion. She also had powerful moments of fierceness when using her gifts.
Ravin was dark and mysterious. It was no surprise as to the role he played in tempting Katza's heart. He was a tempestuous influence on Katza and he added intrigue to the story.
This story felt like a Russian folk tale. It had a mildly slow pace, but was fascinating as far as its development and depth. With the amount of world building Lindsay did, I was quite surprised to learn that the saints were, in fact, fiction. The mythology and folklore entwined in the tale felt genuine and captivated my mind and my heart. This one had me so entranced that I have already decided to pre-order book two the minute it is announced!
sabrinainbookland's review against another edition
3.0
3/5 stars
The story is so good and entertaining.
There's so much politics involved in this book, I was not expecting that (I really liked that).
I really liked the magic system and the world.
This was a very surprising read.
The main character I did not like very much, half of the book I kept thinking "Why?/OMG/ No".
She made very rash decisions (some of them I understand) always saying it was the best for her people and her "obsession" and need for Ravin it’s just annoying.
Yes, she was a girl with a power she did not understand, couldn't control and fear it, and then had to become ruler of an entire country (that she really didn't know anything about), everything was new to her.
The other characters in this book I like more then the main character.
the end was a cliffhanger and I will definitely read the sequel to know was going on.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
ania_star's review
4.0
Web of Frost is high-fantasy novel with very unique and intriguing setting. Is the world where power/magic is received from Saints, if you are lucky enough to be blessed and highly controlled by the Church. The magic system is very thought out, with good take on religion. You can draw a lot of parallels with history.
Katza is afraid of her powers, because of horrible vision. She doesn't use them. Being second in line for the throne, she didn't though she will have to. After untimely deaths, when she is in charge, she relies heavily on Ravin to guide and teach her.
I like the way Ravin guided her, not telling her what to do, but encouraging her to listen to herself, empowering her.
Received from in exchange for honest review
I really like his characters, it's very complex and mysterious.
The start was a bit slow, but after about third of the book, it's get really intense and I couldn't put it down.
I didn't like her at first didn't like her at first, she din't have a spine or opinions. I loved to see her grow, to see her growing a spine, growing into her role and her powers. I love her strength at the end and determination
She went from no voice, to the total opposite of it, and it took a lot to find her own self and the right thing to do.
Katza is afraid of her powers, because of horrible vision. She doesn't use them. Being second in line for the throne, she didn't though she will have to. After untimely deaths, when she is in charge, she relies heavily on Ravin to guide and teach her.
I like the way Ravin guided her, not telling her what to do, but encouraging her to listen to herself, empowering her.
Received from in exchange for honest review
I really like his characters, it's very complex and mysterious.
The start was a bit slow, but after about third of the book, it's get really intense and I couldn't put it down.
I didn't like her at first didn't like her at first, she din't have a spine or opinions. I loved to see her grow, to see her growing a spine, growing into her role and her powers. I love her strength at the end and determination
She went from no voice, to the total opposite of it, and it took a lot to find her own self and the right thing to do.
bearteddington's review
4.0
Neat
I like the kind of flowery language in this writing. It rly works well with the vibe of the world and the setting. It was sometimes a little bland but I kept reading because I wanted to see what was gonna happen; the politics are very relevant in These Sinful Days but also its its super interesting to see basically the other side of the revolutions where the ruler isn’t a mustache twirling villain
The magic was also super good. I really like the world building around the blessings and saints and there being deeper magic etc etc so! I’ll def be on the lookout for book two
I like the kind of flowery language in this writing. It rly works well with the vibe of the world and the setting. It was sometimes a little bland but I kept reading because I wanted to see what was gonna happen; the politics are very relevant in These Sinful Days but also its its super interesting to see basically the other side of the revolutions where the ruler isn’t a mustache twirling villain
The magic was also super good. I really like the world building around the blessings and saints and there being deeper magic etc etc so! I’ll def be on the lookout for book two
harmony's review
2.0
For the fact that the main character survives a revolution, not much really seems to happen. In a thinly disused alternate Russia (Rusalka), the main character goes from spare princess to whoops!queen after her father's death. The kingdom is in disarray and she starts using too much magic at the urging of a bad prophet, then karma her lesson and uses less magic. In the background, there is an uprising as well as the threat of a foreign invasion, but neither actually seems to bring any much-needed tension to the shambling plot.
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