Krystal's Reviews > The Affiliate

If I'd been paying attention this might have been a 4-star, but I think it's more likely it would have been a 2-star. So just gonna settle on 3.

I listened to this one, which means I started with a low commitment to it. I did really enjoy this narrator and I'm sure she's done a few others I've enjoyed. Very easy to listen to.

The story starts with Cyrene getting chosen as an affiliate - and if there was an explanation for why this role is such a big deal I missed it. I didn't miss the part where she gets a super special role because she flirted with the king, though.

I feel like there were a lot of clichés in this story but I thankfully missed a lot of them because I was only half tuned in. The times I was paying attention there were some really cringe-worthy moments but on the whole I enjoyed the overall story so maybe it's a good thing I missed all the little details.

Cyrene is of course a classic, YA 'Special One' - the one with powers that haven't been seen in years and everyone is obsessed with her and everything happens because of her but of course she's in denial the entire time because she's ever so humble. It's a trope I'm really, really tired of.

There's a supporting cast that seemed better - I liked Maelia - but I'd like to re-read to properly understand why they're all getting involved. Ahlvie seemed like a cool dude at times but then he does some really questionable things later?

I also really hated what I heard of the Cyrene/Prince (I don't remember his name - K-something) relationship. Like he's super skeezy straight up and then later she's (view spoiler)[fake-seducing him? And he falls for it?!?! (hide spoiler)] WHY. Stuff like that is DUMB and why I suspect a re-read will drop it a star.

But there was also a mystery related to dead bodies turning up so that had me intrigued.

Honestly, I'll probably listen again. It was interesting enough to me that I wanted to go back and listen properly so I may just do that. Orrrr I may just move on to the second and see what happens. *shrug*

Love this narrator, though. She reads it well!