

The first installment in this series is just ok. It took me SO long to listen to, because I just did not care when I put it down. The world is interesting, I thought the planetary science woven into the fantasy was cool, and the magic system being based on sound is neat. But I did not love how the (few) female characters were written. The characters in general I just didn't really feel any connection to. I'm not sure I'll continue the series, definitely don't plan to just yet.
The first installment in this series is just ok. It took me SO long to listen to, because I just did not care when I put it down. The world is interesting, I thought the planetary science woven into the fantasy was cool, and the magic system being based on sound is neat. But I did not love how the (few) female characters were written. The characters in general I just didn't really feel any connection to. I'm not sure I'll continue the series, definitely don't plan to just yet.

A very solid YA low-fantasy romance book. The characters are all pretty realistic portrayal of teenagers and their behavior is not overly exaggerated (in my opinion). I also don't think the adults just going with Kestrels logic is very realistic, but I don't mind it since this *is* a YA book, and meant to be empowering and inspiring to young teens. It's fun to read about adults taking kids seriously as a teen! The writing is also very good, though the world building is a bit meh. Kestrel as a female main character is a breath of fresh air. She's smart and musically talented, instead of being an edgy assassin character. I haven't read the rest of the series yet, but this is one I plan to add to my shelves for my son to read when he's older!
A very solid YA low-fantasy romance book. The characters are all pretty realistic portrayal of teenagers and their behavior is not overly exaggerated (in my opinion). I also don't think the adults just going with Kestrels logic is very realistic, but I don't mind it since this *is* a YA book, and meant to be empowering and inspiring to young teens. It's fun to read about adults taking kids seriously as a teen! The writing is also very good, though the world building is a bit meh. Kestrel as a female main character is a breath of fresh air. She's smart and musically talented, instead of being an edgy assassin character. I haven't read the rest of the series yet, but this is one I plan to add to my shelves for my son to read when he's older!

I've read the first 3 books of this series before the more recent two books publ shed and just didn't really enjoy it. I love Throne of Glass, so I wanted to try re-reading to catch up on the series and I just can't get through this first book again. Maybe it's the audiobook, but I'm cringing even more on this second read through 😭😂
I've read the first 3 books of this series before the more recent two books publ shed and just didn't really enjoy it. I love Throne of Glass, so I wanted to try re-reading to catch up on the series and I just can't get through this first book again. Maybe it's the audiobook, but I'm cringing even more on this second read through 😭😂

Added to listBooktok with 50 books.

Added to listBooktok with 47 books.

I've read the first 3 books of this series before the more recent two books publ shed and just didn't really enjoy it. I love Throne of Glass, so I wanted to try re-reading to catch up on the series and I just can't get through this first book again. Maybe it's the audiobook, but I'm cringing even more on this second read through 😭😂
I've read the first 3 books of this series before the more recent two books publ shed and just didn't really enjoy it. I love Throne of Glass, so I wanted to try re-reading to catch up on the series and I just can't get through this first book again. Maybe it's the audiobook, but I'm cringing even more on this second read through 😭😂

The audiobook is phenomenal! I'm not familiar with the source fairytale, but I LOVE this book. I loved both Cordelia's and Hester's points of view. T.Kingfisher excels at weaving horror into her fairytales.
This one is written for everyone out there with a narcissistic and/or controlling parent, this book will have an extra oomph for you.
The audiobook is phenomenal! I'm not familiar with the source fairytale, but I LOVE this book. I loved both Cordelia's and Hester's points of view. T.Kingfisher excels at weaving horror into her fairytales.
This one is written for everyone out there with a narcissistic and/or controlling parent, this book will have an extra oomph for you.

Added to listBooktok with 45 books.

the first ~60% of the plot is so slow and nothing happens, just so that there's a ~slow burn~. also, the world building in first person POV in this book is horrendous. the character asks herself a million questions, and the few times she asks another character questions, they ignore her.
this was going to be a 1 star book for me, except the last ~1/4 of the book is actually really good. I'm so mad because this could've been such a great book, had most of the focus not been on trying to draw out a slow burn romance for *checks notes* no reason.
the first ~60% of the plot is so slow and nothing happens, just so that there's a ~slow burn~. also, the world building in first person POV in this book is horrendous. the character asks herself a million questions, and the few times she asks another character questions, they ignore her.
this was going to be a 1 star book for me, except the last ~1/4 of the book is actually really good. I'm so mad because this could've been such a great book, had most of the focus not been on trying to draw out a slow burn romance for *checks notes* no reason.