Reviews

Celestl by H.R. Moore

itslorei's review against another edition

2.0

First things first, the premise is interesting, I admit. I have expectations that weren't fulfilled. I think my major problems in this book are probably the writing and the smoothness of the execution.

I don't think I'll be continuing this given my feelings in this book. I wasn't just able to connect and care in the overall of this book.

tuufa's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

mbooksbycandlelight's review

slow-paced

2.0

pheereadsbooks's review

adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

I was given an advanced copy by the author for an honest review. 

The first chapter I was like... ??? 
I was confused and felt like something wasn't clicking between the characters on the page (but upon finishing the book, maybe this was intentional?). That being said, after the first chapter, I was in. I loved the strong female characters. 

The dual perspectives make the book go back so fast. I devoured this book in what felt like no time, and it honestly felt like I was flying through the pages. 

I liked this book for the likeable characters, arranged marriages trope, badass females, and political alliances. 

Will definitely be picking up the sequel when it is published! 

psyckers's review

adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.5

I was blessed with the chance to read this in advance before its release to the world.
I found this book has a lot of things happening in it, that you may need to read it at least twice (like I did) to absorb everything that is going on. Centred around an arranged marriage to a Black Prince, whose reputation is entangled into a number of political, mysteries, magic, and other 'irregularities' that often embellishes the truth. As you would imagine there is enough intrigue, scheming, and action to fill at least a saga of books, let alone just the first one.
Yet it all works, the book is an easy read, it is well balanced with character introductions and development, world building and the political environments, mystery, 'spice', and a bit of magic as well. You genuinely get drawn into the story, just by the well written characters alone, the hook is really the intrigue surrounding them all and the story that unfolds.
You are captivated by the story the whole way through, and even after two readings, I have found more mysteries and other nuances that make you wish to read the next book of the saga.
It is definitely worth reading and you will find though it is an easy ready, reading it again and perhaps studying between the lines, enriches the experience. I cannot wait for the next book for the saga to come out in 2025.

honeydipped229's review

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This was like two really good books in one. With each
chapter, you keep wondering if will this be the chapter
where Maria and Ava's paths would cross. Each woman
was dealing with so many difficulties but both wanted
to be loved and secure in their lives. I felt every
emotion possible while read this book. I neeeeeed the
next book asap to know what happens next.

kvesper12's review

adventurous emotional hopeful 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

whitney0498's review

5.0

 

I have been provided with a review copy of Celestl from the author and I am voluntarily leaving an impartial review. Celestl is the first book in the brand-new Rules of Atlas Magic series and this was just a wonderful way to start off a new series. This story follows two separate female main characters' lives and it goes back and forth between them. Each character has very compelling stories and each of them have led very different lives with hardships of their own. Maria’s story is all within the same timeframe so each chapter picks up immediately where you left off. Ava’s story is different in that it spans a few years so the first few of her chapters some time had passed. I can see where both lives could possibly lead in the future, but as of right now I believe this story could have been broken up into the two main characters' stories. That way you weren’t having to wait between the other characters' chapters. I don’t think anything major would have been spoiled by them each having their own story. Other than that opinion this was just a great book and I would highly recommend it to anyone to read. I’m so curious to see what the future holds for these characters. 

 

elsam13's review

challenging mysterious reflective tense 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

4.25

I could not stop reading this book. At first I was confused with the POVs, hoping it would tie up but I soon forgot about it because both plots in Maria’s world and Ava’s world were captivating. 

First, we meet Maria who soon will be in an arranged marriage to keep the peace in Celestl between the Blades. But the Claws are excluded and she tries to help them but they deny her help. The Blades might control the water but the Claws built the pipes and turbines to direct the water. So Maria has to marry the Black prince and hope he is not like her uncle, who wants to get rid of the Claws. Maria and Elex’s relationship was a surprise to follow and I really enjoyed it.

Then, we meet Ava. Who was orphaned at the age of 6 and has had a rough life trying to survive by working at a tavern. She needs to fend for herself the whole time and then she meets Kush. She is immediately intrigued by him, something connects them. At some point, Kush starts visiting Ava and slowly they start a friendship. But Kush has so many secrets and Ava wants to know. When Ava turns 18, she learns about her family and who she is and Kush is part of it. Kush is able to travel to different worlds and somehow Ava is part of that and gets sucked in.

These two plot are quite big and a bit complex but you will be sucked in every time you start a new chapter. I know these two timelines will tie up nicely at the end and I just hope it makes all these characters meet up.

tfrance's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

5.0

Song: Sound of War by Tommee Profitt feat. Fleurie
Quote: “I would respectfully suggest the only reason you have been able to do so is because they are too self-absorbed to notice. I, on the other hand, am quite absorbed in you.”

I read this book in one day. I could not put it down. This is a masterpiece as it is two stories happening simultaneously. Maria is a very sassy mmc and really holds her own even though she is honor bound by her duty. Elex also calls her “hell cat” so if you are a sucker for a good nickname this book has you covered.

Ava and Kush have a very interesting relationship and I am dying to know what becomes of them in the next book. Their relationship spans over years and is such a slow burn with lots of secrets.

I am dying for book 2 already and will be first in line as soon as it is available. Thank you so much for allowing me to be apart of your arc team!