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ngreader's review against another edition
1.0
I wanted to like this one.
But by the time I finished it, I was confused and felt like I had read 450 pgs of set-up for something that I didn't understand in a world that I didn't understand with a character that I didn't understand.
But by the time I finished it, I was confused and felt like I had read 450 pgs of set-up for something that I didn't understand in a world that I didn't understand with a character that I didn't understand.
milit0's review against another edition
3.0
Buena historia, pero le faltaba algo!
No se entiende del todo la trama, hay terminos que no se explican y que te hacen sentir confundida mientras vas leyendo.
Los personajes ni terminan de convences y no terminan de desarrollarse, bastante planos.
No se llega a simpatizar con la protagonista
No se entiende del todo la trama, hay terminos que no se explican y que te hacen sentir confundida mientras vas leyendo.
Los personajes ni terminan de convences y no terminan de desarrollarse, bastante planos.
No se llega a simpatizar con la protagonista
billblume's review
4.0
I just finished this book, and I loved it. This fantasy world that Heidi has created doesn’t fit the typical mold. She draws on a lot of real world influence, but manages to create something totally different.
Her handling of Jetta’s bipolar disorder is elegantly done. That she manages to convey it without explicitly naming it is perhaps the most impressive part.
The pacing for most of the book is slower than the typical young adult novel, and I suspect that will turn off some readers. The story is carefully crafted, though. I can’t wait for the sequel.
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of this book is how Heidi plays with the structure. Some scenes are written in the traditional first person method, but other portions are letters, telegraph messages, script format, and songs.
I read this, going back and forth between the audiobook and my hardback copy. For the audiobook fans out there, this includes an added treat. The reader, Emily Woo Zeller, sings the songs included in the book with no background music, and she does a damn good job.
Her handling of Jetta’s bipolar disorder is elegantly done. That she manages to convey it without explicitly naming it is perhaps the most impressive part.
The pacing for most of the book is slower than the typical young adult novel, and I suspect that will turn off some readers. The story is carefully crafted, though. I can’t wait for the sequel.
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of this book is how Heidi plays with the structure. Some scenes are written in the traditional first person method, but other portions are letters, telegraph messages, script format, and songs.
I read this, going back and forth between the audiobook and my hardback copy. For the audiobook fans out there, this includes an added treat. The reader, Emily Woo Zeller, sings the songs included in the book with no background music, and she does a damn good job.
_hijabibookgirl_'s review against another edition
5.0
I read this series last year despite not many people hearing of it.
It is by far the best thing you will ever pick up. History, romance, magic and talent combined gives a stunning debut to The Shadow Players trilogy in the most amazing, beautiful way.
It is by far the best thing you will ever pick up. History, romance, magic and talent combined gives a stunning debut to The Shadow Players trilogy in the most amazing, beautiful way.
sagittariusreads_'s review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
lookingforamandaa's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book. I put it off for so long because it’s a pretty thick book. But I’m mad at myself for waiting. I enjoyed the hell out of this story.
Jetta is a shadow player. But she’s more than that. She has a magical ability that is forbidden. She’s trying to help her family get a better life by showcasing their talent as shadow players to gain a place on a ship. I loved Jetta. She wanted to do more. But she was scared because her mother trained her that she’s never to show or tell about her abilities. But when they’re present when the rebels attack, she chooses to help instead of hiding. I liked her because she almost always tried to do what was best for her family, even if that meant defying them and making hard choices.
I loved all the other characters too. They were complicated and not a single one of them was one thing. They were so complex and well developed. I am dying for the next book to see what’s going to happen in this world.
The world was so interesting. There’s an author’s note in the back of the book that explains it’s not supposed to be historical. But it’s drawn from both Asian and French culture. I really thought this was so interesting. The French was a bit tough only because I don’t speak it, but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story at all. The world was so interesting and well developed. The world is large but has many issues. The politics were fascinating and took turns I wouldn’t have seen coming a million miles away. I loved that I was surprised and I loved the intricacies of the world and politics.
Overall, I was easily sucked into this world. I’m craving to know more about the magic and the history. I also am dying to know what will happen with all the chaos that Jetta has created. I love this book and I wish more people were talking about it.
Jetta is a shadow player. But she’s more than that. She has a magical ability that is forbidden. She’s trying to help her family get a better life by showcasing their talent as shadow players to gain a place on a ship. I loved Jetta. She wanted to do more. But she was scared because her mother trained her that she’s never to show or tell about her abilities. But when they’re present when the rebels attack, she chooses to help instead of hiding. I liked her because she almost always tried to do what was best for her family, even if that meant defying them and making hard choices.
I loved all the other characters too. They were complicated and not a single one of them was one thing. They were so complex and well developed. I am dying for the next book to see what’s going to happen in this world.
The world was so interesting. There’s an author’s note in the back of the book that explains it’s not supposed to be historical. But it’s drawn from both Asian and French culture. I really thought this was so interesting. The French was a bit tough only because I don’t speak it, but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story at all. The world was so interesting and well developed. The world is large but has many issues. The politics were fascinating and took turns I wouldn’t have seen coming a million miles away. I loved that I was surprised and I loved the intricacies of the world and politics.
Overall, I was easily sucked into this world. I’m craving to know more about the magic and the history. I also am dying to know what will happen with all the chaos that Jetta has created. I love this book and I wish more people were talking about it.
read_withtay's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars.
QUICK THOUGHTS:
• I really didn’t know what to expect with the plot of this book? I feel like the cover didn’t really fit the story at all. I thought it was about dragons lol.
• I always appreciate French culture/language/undertones in a novel since I’m a French snob.
• Jetta was an ok main character. I feel like she was attempting to be made out to this huge rebellion leader and her personality wasn’t that strong for me.
• I enjoyed the way the book was told—partly letters, screenplay and narrative format. It was a nice way to break it up and showcase something unique.
• I didn’t feel a true connection to the story and I wanted to know more about the mysterious Le Trépas and Les Chanceaux. I put a lot of value in creations like that.
QUICK THOUGHTS:
• I really didn’t know what to expect with the plot of this book? I feel like the cover didn’t really fit the story at all. I thought it was about dragons lol.
• I always appreciate French culture/language/undertones in a novel since I’m a French snob.
• Jetta was an ok main character. I feel like she was attempting to be made out to this huge rebellion leader and her personality wasn’t that strong for me.
• I enjoyed the way the book was told—partly letters, screenplay and narrative format. It was a nice way to break it up and showcase something unique.
• I didn’t feel a true connection to the story and I wanted to know more about the mysterious Le Trépas and Les Chanceaux. I put a lot of value in creations like that.
lisamparkin's review against another edition
The initial set-up of the book was pretty confusing. There is a lot of terminology and a lot of people to keep track of. Although I liked the mash-up of French words in an Asian-style setting, I did find the storyline behind this blurry and odd, at times.
I just couldn't connect with the characters or the plot. Putting this down for now.
I just couldn't connect with the characters or the plot. Putting this down for now.
bilquis_doter's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
chelsbells1994's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25