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photogcourt's review
4.0
Pretty solid prequel novella. Not a requirement to read the trilogy, but nevertheless I think it adds a nice insight into Elisa's sister, Alodia, as well as adds the perfect touch of foreshadowing at the end.
emiann2023's review
3.0
Eh. I never liked Alodia in the main trilogy, so I'm not surprised I don'tlike her here. But Zito was the real highlight.
readingwithemmett's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this short story. The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is that I kept forgetting what I had read right before I went to read more of it. Overall, it was a really nice story and I am looking forward to reading the next one.
nytephoenyx's review
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Great little short where we get to see Elisa’s early years.
gabrielavmarques's review
4.0
Great short story! It's vivid and well-written. Definitely worth the read.
merlin_reads's review
4.0
So, I'm pretty much coming into this series blind. I had heard of The Girl of Fire and Thorns and it had been on my to-read list for a few years now, but I just never got around to reading it. Now that I'm starting it, I wanted to read the novellas first since they are the prequels.
I can already say that I love this world that Carson has created. From the religions to the landscape to the magic, it sucked me in and made me excited to know more. I'm not sure how any of these characters fit into the actual series and I quite like that I'm going to be surprised.
Wanting her father to see her as more than just the crowned princess, Alodia sets off to a far region for a wedding and hoping to secure her foundation as future Queen by allowing the people to see that her and the King still care. Also along for the journey is Alodia younger sister, Elisa. While Elisa will not be Queen, she has been blessed by God with the Godstone and I cannot wait to hear more about this.
The relationship between the sisters is strained, to say the least. Alodia feels that Elisa lacks any sort of drive to do, well, anything. But when they arrive at their destination and find that the lands have been plagued by what the town is calling a curse, Alodia may need her sister more than anything.
What a great introduction to this world and this series and I cannot wait to dive back in.
I can already say that I love this world that Carson has created. From the religions to the landscape to the magic, it sucked me in and made me excited to know more. I'm not sure how any of these characters fit into the actual series and I quite like that I'm going to be surprised.
Wanting her father to see her as more than just the crowned princess, Alodia sets off to a far region for a wedding and hoping to secure her foundation as future Queen by allowing the people to see that her and the King still care. Also along for the journey is Alodia younger sister, Elisa. While Elisa will not be Queen, she has been blessed by God with the Godstone and I cannot wait to hear more about this.
The relationship between the sisters is strained, to say the least. Alodia feels that Elisa lacks any sort of drive to do, well, anything. But when they arrive at their destination and find that the lands have been plagued by what the town is calling a curse, Alodia may need her sister more than anything.
What a great introduction to this world and this series and I cannot wait to dive back in.
yvo_about_books's review
3.0
Finished reading: August 20th 2018
“It’s a beautiful weed,” Elisa answers. “And the perfect flower for you to carry, for it is like the people of Khelia, strong and unstoppable, capable of blooming and thriving where nothing else can grow.”
Spoiler
I really enjoyed the first book despite a few little problems I encountered back in 2015, but somehow I never picked up the sequels. I was going to read book two originally, but then remembered I had a copy of the novellas as well, so I decided to read those first. The Shadow Cats is actually a prequel to the first book and focuses more on Elisa's older sister Alodia. I never really liked her, but if possible she comes over as even worse in this novella. Arrogant, aloof and speaking horribly about her sister... Yes, there isn't a lot to love about her. And what about her running off alone?? Elisa was quite annoying as well, with her answer to everything being she needs to pray more. I did really like Lupita's character though. The writing is solid as well and I loved the use of many Spanish words, both in names and other descriptions. Very creative!
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.