Scan barcode
what_ella_reads's review
3.5
My rating: 3.5 stars
"Guardians of Talons and Snares," is a pretty good installment in the Zheninghai Chronicles.
I really enjoyed the banter between Aranya and Kai, our two protagonists. If you enjoy the grumpy x sunshine trope, you'll probably enjoy it, too.
Speaking of protoganists, I do like both of them, but do have some issues with them as well. I like that Aranya doesn't comprise her values and is all in when she commits. Her stubbornness and rashness did make me shake my head sometimes, though. I like that Kai is protective of people he cares about and is trying to do what's right, even though his background makes it hard. His lack of communication and his selfish tendencies do frustrate me, however.
Because of my mixed feelings about Aranya and Kai, I had a bit of a hard time routing for their romance. I'm not sure if they compliment each other or make each other worse haha.
I did feel some solid chemistry between them at the end, which I hope continues to grow in the next book.
Romance and characters aside, one of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the mystery. The mystery that started in the first book has grown and I'm looking forward to seeing it unfold.
"Guardians of Talons and Snares," is a pretty good installment in the Zheninghai Chronicles.
I really enjoyed the banter between Aranya and Kai, our two protagonists. If you enjoy the grumpy x sunshine trope, you'll probably enjoy it, too.
Speaking of protoganists, I do like both of them, but do have some issues with them as well. I like that Aranya doesn't comprise her values and is all in when she commits. Her stubbornness and rashness did make me shake my head sometimes, though. I like that Kai is protective of people he cares about and is trying to do what's right, even though his background makes it hard. His lack of communication and his selfish tendencies do frustrate me, however.
Because of my mixed feelings about Aranya and Kai, I had a bit of a hard time routing for their romance. I'm not sure if they compliment each other or make each other worse haha.
I did feel some solid chemistry between them at the end, which I hope continues to grow in the next book.
Romance and characters aside, one of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the mystery. The mystery that started in the first book has grown and I'm looking forward to seeing it unfold.
cindeereads's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book it was a well written story with the start of a romance I am really looking forward to reading more soon. The characters were amazing I especially loved Aranya and Kai they had great chemistry even if they clashed on many other things looking forward to where that goes next. I liked Aranya for her tenacious will and her care for other people like the love she has for her grandfather I also like how strong she is in many ways but I like that the story doesn't make her too strong to need help. I liked Kai for how even if he tries his best to antagonize Aranya his concern for her shows through no matter what looking forward to reading more. I loved the story it starts with Aranya needing this appointment as a warden since she needs to take care of her grandfather she goes there finds another there named Kai they clash they go on patrols things go wrong they rescue a ungrateful girl so they go to find missing people many other things happen Aranya is hurt they now know where to head looking forward to reading more soon.
brittsbooknook's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Dual POV (primarily Aranya, some Kai)
Enemies/rivals to more
Likes: 👍
-Job rivalry
-Mysterious disapperances
-Aranya & Kai
-YeYe
Dislikes: 👎
-None!
Can't wait to continue Aranya & Kai's story in the next book!
Enemies/rivals to more
Likes: 👍
-Job rivalry
-Mysterious disapperances
-Aranya & Kai
-YeYe
Dislikes: 👎
-None!
Can't wait to continue Aranya & Kai's story in the next book!
small_alex's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Aaaa okay so I'm ngl, I wasn't super into this initially. Love the idea, but the writing style just felt a bit juvenile to me, and the FMC and all the shit she got handed were tough to read (not in a 'badly written way' but in like an 'ugh she cannot catch a single break but she's also kind of causing her own problems' way).
That said, the last like 80 pages made me change my mind. Absolutely LOVED the end portion. That shit was exactly what I needed. Kidnapping and torturing her because the man cares about her? Spectacular. Her being 100% in denial that he cares about her? Amazing. The torture methods that DID NOT BREAK HER because she was motivated by MORE than just loyalty to a man? UGH love love love that. And then ofc he saved her (AFTER she saved herself a bit). And the kiss omg. Bummer about his 'reasoning' but the bargaining beforehand made me laugh.
So yeah that whole section upped it by like an entire star for me. (I just don't really like YA, so I think that's why I didn't love this more). Despite the immaturity of the characters, I did really enjoy the banter, and I really loved the progression of how they all interacted over time. I just wish that she hadn't embarrassed herself quiteee so much, especially since the people she was with were so powerful. The noodles scene was so wholesome though, and I'll definitely be reading the next book (like immediately. Literally right now).
(ALSO the little extra scene with the nightmare from Kai's POV?? UGH amazing.)
In terms of tropes, this pretty much had everything popular (but not in an unnecessary trope-heavy way. It totally worked with the plot and the characters). We had slow burn romance with enemies/rivals to lovers (almost anyway... like I said, def slow burn), one bed, one horse, hurt/comfort, nightmare, forced proximity, and probs a few more I'm forgetting. I'm really surprised I've never seen anyone talk about this book on tiktok.
That said, the last like 80 pages made me change my mind. Absolutely LOVED the end portion. That shit was exactly what I needed.
So yeah that whole section upped it by like an entire star for me. (I just don't really like YA, so I think that's why I didn't love this more). Despite the immaturity of the characters, I did really enjoy the banter, and I really loved the progression of how they all interacted over time. I just wish that she hadn't embarrassed herself quiteee so much, especially since the people she was with were so powerful. The noodles scene was so wholesome though, and I'll definitely be reading the next book (like immediately. Literally right now).
(ALSO the little extra scene with the nightmare from Kai's POV?? UGH amazing.)
In terms of tropes, this pretty much had everything popular (but not in an unnecessary trope-heavy way. It totally worked with the plot and the characters). We had slow burn romance with enemies/rivals to lovers (almost anyway... like I said, def slow burn), one bed, one horse, hurt/comfort, nightmare, forced proximity, and probs a few more I'm forgetting. I'm really surprised I've never seen anyone talk about this book on tiktok.
bookwormkkj's review
5.0
I had so much fun reading this book! Ever since reading Maiden of Candlelight and Lotuses I have been intrigued by the work Blythe has created! It’s magical!
I love Blythe’s writing style. She is so descriptive she immerses you right into the world. There is action, suspense, and of course sweet and swoony romance. ☺️
I appreciate the cleanliness of the romance without making me uncomfortable by being too descriptive. I can swoon without feeling guilty.
I love Blythe’s writing style. She is so descriptive she immerses you right into the world. There is action, suspense, and of course sweet and swoony romance. ☺️
I appreciate the cleanliness of the romance without making me uncomfortable by being too descriptive. I can swoon without feeling guilty.
hillarysbookhaul's review
4.0
This story is about Kai and Aryana. They are on assignment after graduating the academy and are thorn together through a series of unfortunate events. This is a SLOOOOOW burn and the ending is quite abrupt but hopefully the next book picks right up where this one leaves off!!
kate_reads14's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0