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flower_clouds's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
amy_j18's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
em14randa's review against another edition
4.0
This book was so good! I read the first one and loved it, but this one was definitely better. I liked the whole enemies-to-lovers trope, along with the one bed trope. It was such a good read and I enjoyed the romance more than anything, to be honest. It was more of a slow burn, but it was well-thought-out, and I could feel the connection between the characters. I also liked the whole on-going theme of belonging and fitting in. Ren’s story is sad and broken, but the ending was amazing and happy; I love happy endings. The plot was really good, as well, and I really enjoyed reading this book.
cmsmith's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
5.0
Love love loved this! I loved the mental health aspect, Renata finding herself, the Spanish touches, the way it made me question why I kept assuming every character with a title or strength was going to be a man. The first book had a slow middle, but this one had me enthralled the entire time!
mags83509's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
5.0
Quire honestly I am horrified at myself for not picking this up earlier… I read Incendiary in June of 2020 and just didn’t get around to reading this until almost 3 years after it came out?! I have had it bookmarked as to read in Libby since June of 2021 when it came out…. What was I thinking?
I loved this book so much. I rarely reviewed books in 2020 and I left a review I enjoyed Incendiary so much (and still loved it on the reread), but I think this book really is my favorite of the duology.
Leo is the friend we all want and need in our lives and I was so glad to see him reprise his role along with some new folks. It was so lovely to see Renata’s journey and see her come to terms with her past, develop some good relationships (side-eyeing some characters from Incendiary who definitely got off to easy for their “friendship”), and heal from everything. There is also just such a good representation of different people and life experiences- like marriage, divorce, widower, lgbtqia, different nationalities, different races, different skin tones, ages, and more alongside magic. It isn’t a main part of the story because it so well blended in the background and world building, but it really enriched the reading experience.
Micro-trope of I can’t sleep without you, chef’s kiss!
I would very much recommend the duology!
I loved this book so much. I rarely reviewed books in 2020 and I left a review I enjoyed Incendiary so much (and still loved it on the reread), but I think this book really is my favorite of the duology.
Leo is the friend we all want and need in our lives and I was so glad to see him reprise his role along with some new folks. It was so lovely to see Renata’s journey and see her come to terms with her past, develop some good relationships (side-eyeing some characters from Incendiary who definitely got off to easy for their “friendship”), and heal from everything. There is also just such a good representation of different people and life experiences- like marriage, divorce, widower, lgbtqia, different nationalities, different races, different skin tones, ages, and more alongside magic. It isn’t a main part of the story because it so well blended in the background and world building, but it really enriched the reading experience.
Micro-trope of I can’t sleep without you, chef’s kiss!
I would very much recommend the duology!
atrailofpages's review
5.0
This was a fantastic ending to the duology! I won’t say too much to avoid spoilers, but I will say that this is one of those books that I personally thought the sequel is better than the first book. It was soooo good!
The story and plot continued from where the first book left off. I love stories set at sea, and this one was primarily set at sea, and it was fantastic! It had adventure, treasure hunting, and pirates! We meet some new side characters who I fell in love with. I love all the characters, no one grated on me, everyone is unique and adds so much to the story. This duology also has one of my all time favorite sidekick characters, and that is Leo. He is an amazing character! He is an amazing friend and confidant to Renata, he’s flamboyant, dramatic, hilarious, and yet has a serious side to him and gives amazing advice. The last thing I’ll mention is the romance. One of the best romances I’ve ever read!
To see what I mean about this duology, just read it! I highly recommend it!
The story and plot continued from where the first book left off. I love stories set at sea, and this one was primarily set at sea, and it was fantastic! It had adventure, treasure hunting, and pirates! We meet some new side characters who I fell in love with. I love all the characters, no one grated on me, everyone is unique and adds so much to the story. This duology also has one of my all time favorite sidekick characters, and that is Leo. He is an amazing character! He is an amazing friend and confidant to Renata, he’s flamboyant, dramatic, hilarious, and yet has a serious side to him and gives amazing advice. The last thing I’ll mention is the romance. One of the best romances I’ve ever read!
To see what I mean about this duology, just read it! I highly recommend it!
emberash's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This book could've had more in it. I love Renata and watching her grow and change and become a strong woman.... beautiful
literary_steph's review against another edition
4.0
"Sometimes you return to a place, and it no longer feels familiar. Not because it's changed, but because you have, and there isn't anything you can do to get that feeling back"
Hollow Crown duology
The grittiness of the world building, the magic and political system made for a very complex plot, brimming with betrayal, deception, traveling in a Spanish Inquisition inspired world, rebel fighting, friendships and SWOON WORTHY romance. While I was able to predict some of the twists, I have to point out that Córdova does an excellent job creating doubt because I genuinely worried about the characters, their lives and their hearts and I was even surprised by some of the revelations! From Ren's self pity to discovering her inner light and strengths, I admired her character development and her "boys" that stuck by her side to the very end. In case you were wondering, Illusionary is where the romance is at!
Read if you like:
» childhood friends to lovers to enemies to lovers
» a bromance, lovable, loyal side characters and some you'll hate
» a kingdom brimming with magic, betrayal, corruption, & deception
» a heroine's journey of self worth, fate and hope
» the chosen one trope
» Spanish Inquisition inspired fantasy Ya duology
» swoon worthy romance, forced proximity and a possible love triangle (my lips are sealed) but you'll be very happy and satisfied. "No, Nati. When I kiss you again, truly kiss you, it will be to make you remember."
The first book didn’t really pull me in until the second half, but book 2, the conclusion, wow a lot better. Holy Cas man. He has my heart ❤️
Hollow Crown duology
The grittiness of the world building, the magic and political system made for a very complex plot, brimming with betrayal, deception, traveling in a Spanish Inquisition inspired world, rebel fighting, friendships and SWOON WORTHY romance. While I was able to predict some of the twists, I have to point out that Córdova does an excellent job creating doubt because I genuinely worried about the characters, their lives and their hearts and I was even surprised by some of the revelations! From Ren's self pity to discovering her inner light and strengths, I admired her character development and her "boys" that stuck by her side to the very end. In case you were wondering, Illusionary is where the romance is at!
Read if you like:
» childhood friends to lovers to enemies to lovers
» a bromance, lovable, loyal side characters and some you'll hate
» a kingdom brimming with magic, betrayal, corruption, & deception
» a heroine's journey of self worth, fate and hope
» the chosen one trope
» Spanish Inquisition inspired fantasy Ya duology
» swoon worthy romance, forced proximity and a possible love triangle (my lips are sealed) but you'll be very happy and satisfied. "No, Nati. When I kiss you again, truly kiss you, it will be to make you remember."
The first book didn’t really pull me in until the second half, but book 2, the conclusion, wow a lot better. Holy Cas man. He has my heart ❤️
karla_readslibros's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
entry_level's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
5.0