This book had been on my TBR for a very long time, and I'm thinking, why the hell did I wait so long to read it? I absolutely loved every bit of it!
TThis book had been on my TBR for a very long time, and I'm thinking, why the hell did I wait so long to read it? I absolutely loved every bit of it!
The characters were well-written with a lot of depth. Naime was a headstrong, independent woman who not only did her best to survive the people who tried to bring her down but also fiercely protected the ones who needed her. Makram was broken yet easygoing and tried to build better relationships with others. I liked the way they balanced each other out.
The supporting characters were also great. I loved Samira and Tareck and their relationship with the protagonists. I especially loved Tareck and Makram's banter more than anything.
The political maneuvering, conflicts, mental games were so masterfully crafted. At every point I kept waiting to see how Naime would tackle all the obstacles placed before her.
The magical system was interesting, and I liked the abilities of the various mages and how they were divided into houses. From the writing, I can say the author had thought out every detail and explained it well.
The romance between the protagonists was also good. It's tough to build a connection between two people in the course of one book as there's a risk of rushing it, but the author managed it well.
Overall, this book was a masterpiece. I can't wait to read the others and see how things turn out. Although every book focuses on a different couple, I'm hoping to see more of Naime and Makram in them, and most importantly, I want Tareck. I recommend it to all fantasy lovers who enjoy strong heroines, spicy romance, and political intrigue....more
I have limited experience when it comes to urban/contemporary fantasy novels. I usually read books set completely in the fictional realm as it helps mI have limited experience when it comes to urban/contemporary fantasy novels. I usually read books set completely in the fictional realm as it helps me disconnect with the real world. But when I first came across this book, the blurb made me want to read it. All the positive reviews further encouraged me to pick it up, and I'm so glad I did.
This was a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, and I enjoyed every bit of it. The mystery behind Aspen's identity, her memory loss, the discovery of her powers were unravelled perfectly. The author had sprinkled all the details throughout the book so as to hold the reader's interest without leading to an information overdose.
I loved the characters. Aspen was a headstrong and independent woman, while the love interest, Aiden, was supportive, intelligent and not to mention, handsome. They complemented each other well. I'm eager to see their relationship develop in the coming books.
The supporting characters were also well written. I hope Ori and Eileen are the good guys and end up helping Aspen in her mission. Evelyn and Aspen's relationship was the best part about the book. Their interactions warmed my heart.
The elemental magic was described beautifully. The abilities of each individual element at different levels, their blend with a person's other elemental abilities, the various tests designed to assess them was all well thought-out and explained. For someone like me, who has limited knowledge of science, this was a huge help.
The writing style was great, and the story flowed smoothly. Even the conversations seemed natural and helped me connect with the story. I'm also very satisfied with the way things ended. The author made sure that the reader has answers to all the immediate important questions so as to not make them feel like something's incomplete. At the same time, it brought up some more questions so that we can look forward to them in the coming books.
Overall, this was an amazing adventure. I highly recommend it to all fantasy lovers if you love urban settings, elemental magic, mystery involving a cult and strong heroines....more
A great mashup of Rumplestiltskin and Rapunzel! The story had me hooked from the first page itself. The author had masterfully crafted the mystery aroA great mashup of Rumplestiltskin and Rapunzel! The story had me hooked from the first page itself. The author had masterfully crafted the mystery around the characters and unravelled them piece by piece throughout the book.
The writing style was beautiful, and the story flowed smoothly. There was never a dull moment. I would push myself to stay awake late at night because I wanted to know what happened next and also be eager to get back home after work so that I could continue the story.
The worldbuilding was also great, and I liked how the history of the characters was explored that led to the current events. The magic and its rules were well thought out and explained. It helped me understand how the deals worked and the consequences of breaking it.
My only issue with the story was with the characters' behaviours. They seemed snappish and angry almost all the time. I totally understand being traumatized, but some of the things they said to each other was uncalled for. I especially had an issue with the way Sandor treated Lorraine. Aurelia made terrible decisions and blamed others for it.
I liked Hakim though; he was the best character. He needs his own story. Overall, I think this was an enjoyable read, and if you can overlook the characters' flaws, it'll be even more awesome. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy fairytale retellings with a lot of twists, secrets and some romance....more
This book had a lot of potential, but it severely lacked in execution. I picked it up because of the blurb and the cover, and I'm left disappointed. TThis book had a lot of potential, but it severely lacked in execution. I picked it up because of the blurb and the cover, and I'm left disappointed. The writing did not flow well, and at times I felt like the chapters ended abruptly. The conversations felt forced, and the characters failed to understand the simplest things the other person was trying to say.
The characters could have been more fleshed out. The female protagonist was toxic. I was sympathetic towards her in the beginning because of her disability, but then she constantly blamed others for every little thing she couldn't do. She gave her twin sister a lot of grief for being protective or trying to help, but the handsome male character was allowed to do it. When the MMC does it, it's out of care but when the sister does it, it's because she sees her as inadequate.
The book was supposed to be about women empowerment, but all Kennara did was fall, cry and complain. The overuse of phrases like she fell, tumbled, tripped, slipped and he/she cried, sobbed, had water in his/her eyes, tears in the eyes, after every 2 pages got exhausting.
Throughout the book the characters only travelled from one place to another. They set up camp, cooked, ate, packed, enjoyed time at an inn with a few minor incidents sprinkled in with some action. And this was when Kennara wasn't doing her usual falling and crying.
The characters also desperately needed to learn how to keep secrets. There were eight characters, and they all coupled up but not a single one had any chemistry.
The ending was anti-climactic and made no sense. The powerful, cruel king cried like a baby within minutes. The right hand guy was also disarmed in no time. There was a dramatic exchange of some dialogues and then the book was over.
The book had too many errors - grammar, spelling and punctuation. I'm not someone who pays attention to these things because English is not even my first language, but it felt like I was reading an unedited version.
I should have stopped reading ages ago, but some of positive reviews had me believing that it would get better....more
I can't remember the last time a book made me ugly cry. It was beautifully written, and the story flowed effortlessly. I felt like I was watching AliwI can't remember the last time a book made me ugly cry. It was beautifully written, and the story flowed effortlessly. I felt like I was watching Aliwyn and Aelfric's life play before my eyes, but there was nothing I could do to help ease their struggles, and it broke my heart.
All the characters were written well. They had depth and elicited a variety of emotions from me. Aliwyn's perseverance and strength were commendable. It would have been so easy for her to be selfish and give up, but she kept going despite everything. Aelfric's support and protectiveness towards her and Godwin warmed my heart.
This is a historical fantasy, and while my knowledge of history is terrible, I've heard that the worldbuilding is highly accurate. I also liked the descriptions of places, the different factions of people, their customs and cultures. The author clearly has done a lot of research.
I'm so relieved the book had a happy ending. I finished it in less than a day, and I cried through most of it. My poor heart wouldn't have been able to handle if things hadn't worked out. This is just the prequel to the main series, and I can't wait to read Book 1.
I recommend it to fantasy readers who enjoy historical settings, coming-of-age stories, themes of friendship, faith, forgiveness and healing. This book is a gem, and if you don't pick it up, you're definitely missing out....more
This is only my second experience with a humourous fantasy book, and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked the bDelightful, entertaining, funny!
This is only my second experience with a humourous fantasy book, and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked the blurb so I decided to give it a try, and while the beginning seemed a bit slow, it quickly picked up the pace and kept getting better with every chapter.
The characters were amazing and relatable. Their daily life struggles, mental health issues, and coping mechanisms were detailed which added a sense of depth to them. It made me want to keep reading because I could connect with everything they felt.
Though it was supposed to be a fun story, it covered some important topics like gender-based discrimination, depression, ADHD, the plight of the poor as they starved while the privileged wasted food. It broke my heart everytime I read about it.
Coming to the humour part, I loved Rubella's antics and all the ridiculous things that came out of her mouth. I also liked all the teasing and jokes shared by Cemre's chef friends. The best part was the climax. I snort-laughed at the revelation; it was shocking and hilarious at the same time.
The romance was sweet and heart-warming. Massimo's gestures towards Cemre made me melt. He was thoughtful and considerate, and I wanted to keep reading about their interactions.
The ending was highly satisfying. Overall, this was a great book, and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy fantasy with sweet heroes, strong frienships, food, humour, mental health struggles and fairytale retellings....more
Here's the thing about me: I'm a binge-reader, and I prefer reading books in a short span of time so that I don't lose interest. However, I had a veryHere's the thing about me: I'm a binge-reader, and I prefer reading books in a short span of time so that I don't lose interest. However, I had a very different experience with this book. It took me a while to finish due to my hectic work schedule, but everyday I'd wait to be done with work just so I could get around 45 mins of uninterrupted reading. I can gladly say that I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it.
The best part for me were the characters. Each one was beautifully crafted and their storylines were masterfully interweaved throughout the book. I love how the author took her time with each one of them and explained their backgrounds, motives, abilities, thought processes and nature. My favourite was obviously Pight. Though he was a supporting character, I enjoyed his mischief as well as resourcefulness. The character interactions were also great and seemed natural.
Another thing I loved about the book was the secrecy. Everyone had something to hide and though I could see their actions, there was more than what was being portrayed. At this point, it's difficult to say whose side I'm exactly on and hence, I'm eager to read the rest of the series.
The worldbuilding was amazingly detailed. The locations, history, magical abilities, political situation were all covered well.
I believe this book deserves a lot more love because it's a masterpiece. I recommend it to readers who enjoy dark and epic fantasy with complex storylines, morally grey characters and mystery....more
The first line of the blurb said 'Bridgerton meets Pirates of the Caribbean' so I obviously had to request the ARC because I absolutely love both. I cThe first line of the blurb said 'Bridgerton meets Pirates of the Caribbean' so I obviously had to request the ARC because I absolutely love both. I can happily say the book surpassed all my expectations. Unfortunately, I do not know what to do with myself now that I've finished it. I need more!
I adored the characters, especially Aurelia because I saw so much of myself in her. The books she read, the daydreaming, creating scenarios in her head, longing for adventure and wanting a different life - I could relate to it all. I felt every emotion and cried, laughed and loved with her. It's been a while since a character made me feel that way.
The other characters were unique and equally amazing and each one made the story interesting. From Aunt Clara to the Kingswoods to the pirates, every single one of them was well written. My favourite was Bartholomew, and even though he had a small role to play, I enjoyed his banter with his brothers. I hope to see more of him in the sequels.
The story was fast-paced and action-packed; there wasn't a single dull moment throughout. I was hooked from the first page itself. The twists and turns kept coming one after another. I liked the setting with a little bit of history, legend and magic sprinkled in.
The romance between Aurelia and William was swoon-worthy. Their chemistry was great and felt natural. I liked the built-up, and when they finally confessed how their feelings, it was perfect!
I don't think my review can do justice to the book. You'd have to read it yourself to know how awesome it is. I'm so thankful to the author for sending me the ARC. I highly recommend it to fantasy readers who enjoy romance, adventures, strong female MCs, and morally grey pirates. Don't miss out on this gem....more
The Arabian Nights stories hold a special place in my heart. I'm from India, and I have fond memories of reading the book and watching tv adaptations The Arabian Nights stories hold a special place in my heart. I'm from India, and I have fond memories of reading the book and watching tv adaptations as a child. So I usually have high expectations when I come across a retelling of any of the stories. I'm so glad this book exceeded them all.
Right from the first page there's an air of mystery to it, and as I kept reading, the secrets began to unravel in an interesting manner. If not for my hectic work schedule and constant interruptions, I would have finished this book in one sitting.
The characters were amazing. I loved Nahlah; she was a headstrong, independent woman who fiercely protected the people she loved. Rami, on the other hand was powerful and vulnerable at the same time. The author beautifully captured the contrast in his personality and gave an insight into his plight. The supporting characters were equally well written and had an important role to play even though they had limited time in the book. I wanted more of Vee, and I hope the author writes a spin-off about him in the future.
The worldbuilding was detailed, and I liked reading about the magical abilities. I also enjoyed the quest and the developing relationship between the main characters.
I found certain references and terms to be whimsical as the author had given her own twist to them. One example was that Nahlah's favourite book was Pride and Prejudiced Pixies by Jane Austenova. The book had a couple of those sprinkled around.
The ending was great - the climax as well as the epilogue that followed. Overall, this book was an enjoyable read, and I recommend to all fantasy readers who enjoy romance with a little spice, books inspired by Arabian Nights, Middle-Eastern settings, and adventure....more
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