For whatever reason, I hadn't read the synopsis of this book before buying it. I bought it because of vague things I'd heard of about the Darkli*1.5/5
For whatever reason, I hadn't read the synopsis of this book before buying it. I bought it because of vague things I'd heard of about the Darkling, the setting, and kvas. (Which are not alcoholic? right?) Also there was a sale, and I get irrational when it comes to book sales. So I bought the whole trilogy at once.
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So let's do what I should have done, and read the synopsis.
The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka. 'Swathe' is a nice word, isn't it? Also, this sounds intriguing. It's dark, there are flesh-eating monsters. This opening makes me want to delve into the impenetrable darkness of Ravka. To see the city, learn about its culture, its magic. And find out what monsters lie around the corner. The world building in this book wasn't the best. But everything I did learn was so interesting and intriguing. The magic system was unique, and there is the promise of so much more. However, there wasn't enough. And at no point did I feel any urgency about the shadow fold destroying Ravka. It was the furthest thing from the main characters mind.
Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom's magical elite - the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free? You could almost say she's as pale as a snowflake. A special snowflake. A special snowflake that's also a key. A snowflake freedom key.
The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfil her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him. Correction: The Darkling, a person with minimal charm, cool power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to be a snowflake freedom key, she must first unlock herself and face up to her out of nowhere attraction to him.
But what of Mal, Alina's childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can't she ever quite forget him? I havent a clue? He wasn't that memorable...
I felt two ways while reading this book: 1. Like I was drifting, being carried to what I was sure would be magic. Something spectacular around the cornI felt two ways while reading this book: 1. Like I was drifting, being carried to what I was sure would be magic. Something spectacular around the corner. Hints of it always sneaking away, teasing me into its depths.
First and foremost, this book is mysterious. The beautiful writing, the compelling characters, the magical setting and the mystery itself. All are mysterious, in a wonderfully consistent way. Reading the first page and the last, I felt that mystery. It was easy to be drawn into it. To be excited by what would come. The writing and awesome characters just drew me further in, until at times I felt like I was floating in just mystery.
2. Like I was tired, struggling. Trying to see what was in front of me. Hoping it was beautiful. Letting that motivated me to scrub at my eyes. Blinking and straining to see more clearly. And I would. It would unveil itself slowly. But too slowly. I was trying to see, and it was taking too long. I wasn't sure it was worth the struggle.
Second and aftmost, this book is too mysterious! The whole book was like an introduction to the premise, and how the characters fit into it. And I get that this is the first book, and things will slowly be revealed. But it was too slow. I felt frustrated at its slowness sometimes. Which is why it took me so long to get through it. That and also the very weak plot.
There was one moment though, where something is revealed, and it was magical. (view spoiler)[Finding out Noah is a ghost, killed by Whelk. (hide spoiler)] It fell into place so perfectly, like it was always there. I was so happy about it. There were all these hints of it, that I didnt see, and once I did, it was wonderful! Im looking forward to more moments like that in the rest of the series....more
This is how I feel right now
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YES! Just YES!
That was exactly the ending I was hoping f*review copy provided by Penguin*
This is how I feel right now
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YES! Just YES!
That was exactly the ending I was hoping for. It was such a fun ride. I loved spending time with Damen and Laurent. All the answers were given, all the hidden truths revealed. The development of the relationships, the romance, the political plotting. I loved reading this book. I am so happy right now! I cant wait to read another book. I cant wait to find myself in a new story, that will hopefully make me as excited, happy and satisfied as this one did....more
This was definitely not the story I was expecting, it had many flaws, and yet I still really enjoyed it. Which i2.5/5 *review copy provided by Penguin*
This was definitely not the story I was expecting, it had many flaws, and yet I still really enjoyed it. Which is why at the time of writing this, Ive already read the second book.
So, when I briefly looked up this book, I found: -People seem to love it/lots of positive reviews -is a fantasy -has an intense romance between two princes.
What I was not expecting, was the erotica/bdsm vibes of the story. I say 'vibes' for lack of a better word. Because I'm not actually sure If I could classify it in those genres. (is bdsm a genre? Im not sure)
The story is about a prince who is betrayed, sent to an enemy kingdom, and made to be a sex slave for the prince of that kingdom. His identity is hidden, so no one knows who he is. There's a hate-but-with-so-much-sexual-tension relationship between the two princes. Which develops and is the main aspect of the book.
The erotica/bdsm vibes come from the fact that the main character is held in a harem. Where a lot of sex/sexual stuff happens throughout the book. Also he is often restrained and tied up. (Because he's violent and might escape. Not because of other.. reasons...)
If you were expecting a simple romance. Just know, there's a lot of sexual content, some sexual violence. And also pedophilia, as one of the sex slaves is only 13.
The relationship between the two princes was definitely the best part of the book. They have a very slow building romance. If you hate insta-love, then this is the book for you. I really enjoyed their dynamic, how they both changed and grew, and how realistic the developments were.
This story is so easy to get into, and such a quick read. And I was really enjoying and interested in the story by the end. However there were quite a few problems. -lack of world building: It felt like the basic elements of a fantasy were there. But none of the added detail, or any unique additions. -cliche and unsurprising plot: nothing happened that really surprised me, and the beginning especially felt very cliched. -underdeveloped characters: except for the two main characters, everyone lacked depth -unpolished writing: At times it felt a little messy, also I felt as though some things were unnecessarily clarified or described.
Even with all these problems, by the end of the book I was immersed in the story. So much so that I started the second book immediately. Which was so much better than this one....more
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