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kebreads's review
5.0
I enjoyed re-reading this book...and ended up reading the whole book in a day. It is such a good story with good surprises, though I remembered most of them. I enjoy the love stories this book contains.
Content: Clean - innuendo, some violence, a few swear words
Content: Clean - innuendo, some violence, a few swear words
kay34's review
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
aggressive_nostalgia's review
Very enjoyable. I have always wanted to write a story with a character who was physically unable to lie, but it wouldn't have occurred to me to write her a twin sister with exactly the opposite gift - to be unable to reveal a secret, no matter what she has to say to avoid it. I liked how the first half of the book was spent developing the world and the characters, before throwing the reader into the nonstop action: romance, mystery, and intrigue - of the second half. The characters were well-done - I like how Eleda isn't the typical somewhat quiet heroine - as were the romances (although I found it a little bit difficult, somehow, to picture Gregory as being as young as I think he was). Despite that some of the plot devices ought to have been somewhat obvious, the story was so well-written that I didn't see them coming. Excellent. I'll definitely check out some of Sharon Shinn's other books (especially since so many other reviewers here are so shamelessly endorsing The Safe-Keeper's Secret!).
jackiehorne's review
4.0
3.5 Guessed all the secrets very early on, but Shinn's writing and characterization make it worth the while even without the element of surprise.
cari1268's review
3.0
This was a sweet and quaint read. However, it was a little vague on the details and I felt confused at times. I never really got the need for truth tellers or safe keepers. Also, their powers were somewhat unclear to me. Wouldn't truth tellers be used more as fortune tellers than the person to tell you if they liked your dress? If it was me, I would ask truth tellers all kinds of yes or no questions about my future.
The characters were all right but pretty interchangeable. Also, I felt like both of the twins were slightly unlikeable just by virtue of their powers. Who wants a friend who only tells the truth or is super secretive and smug? The storyline was also a little bumpy. I felt like it truly started halfway through the book. And then, I could see the "surprise" from a mile away.
Despite all of that, there were still elements that I really enjoyed about this book. The scene was well-set and I loved the world's mood and feel. The romance was sweet enough to keep my attention.
3 Stars.
The characters were all right but pretty interchangeable. Also, I felt like both of the twins were slightly unlikeable just by virtue of their powers. Who wants a friend who only tells the truth or is super secretive and smug? The storyline was also a little bumpy. I felt like it truly started halfway through the book. And then, I could see the "surprise" from a mile away.
Spoiler
Hello prince!Despite all of that, there were still elements that I really enjoyed about this book. The scene was well-set and I loved the world's mood and feel. The romance was sweet enough to keep my attention.
3 Stars.
mamap's review
4.0
always a romance, but the story itself if interesting. her characters are alive and believable. what if you could only tell the truth and your sister would never tell a secret? still, i wouldn't forgive the father for his violence. medieval settings are fun. they have to do a lot of work!
singsthewren's review
5.0
This is another delightful, cozy read from Sharon Shinn. The small details of a life, and blossoming love, in a world where magic is real and lightly flavours the text. Lovely story!