Review #407
Warning, there are spoilers.
I believe this is a standalone within a series of other retellings featuring different couples. by CJ Redwine.
I had a hard time rating this one (see why below) but will settle on 4.2/5 stars for this YA fast paced fantasy with lots of action.
I love that it’s about the most powerful instead of the most beautiful. “Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the most powerful of them all?”
Oooh I like Trugg …
What are the mardushkas powers that a dragon would be afraid of?
Sometimes the action scenes feel a little too long winded.
End of chapter 12… strange timing for this huge thing to happen
Irina’s magic feels too strong. Why is she able to know their location so easily and easily based off touch?
This book is better than expected so far. It’s a really good example of giving heroes choices. And making no choice a good one. I’m trying to figure out why it feels different than other similar books. But the stakes feel so much more dire. The young hero has to choose between saving his kingdom and going against his morales but hunting “snow white.” The heroine has to choose between saving her father figure or her brother. And it’s still so early on. It has felt like a climatic moment every other chapter which is surprising.
And it feels more -not gruesome. Not gory but maybe more “violent?” than usual YA books. It’s not detailed or gross or descriptions, but moreso the impactful concept of what’s being done.
At the halfway mark I’m glad that Gabril told his sentimental story because it helps the reader believe that she can continue on fighting after the events that just enfolded.
Again Irina feels too powerful. The collar apparently can do exactly what she wants it to oh and she can rip hearts out through chests? Why doesn’t she just go after Lorelai herself? Yes she says the dragon can follow the scent better, but since she seems so all-powerful I’m having a hard time believing that Irina can’t overcome that too.
After chapter 23 I’m realizing why I feel so exhausted while reading this book. There are no emotional breaks from the high stakes turmoil. Many would see that as a good thing but I feel like I need a little space to breathe.
When he’s a raging dragon it didn’t feel believable or impactful enough. Also things are starting to get a little repetitive.
And why can’t he talk without his human heart? He still has a human brain.
I do love how he’s fighting against Irina’s control.
The bridge scene was awesome.
C.J. Redwine does an amazing job of keeping her grief over Leo feel realistic and ever-present.
I like when things have switched and they’re working as a team.
It’s brilliant to show the villain’s uncertainties and doubts.
They had their first kiss, then WHIPLASH.
If anything happens to Sasha I’ll be furious
I think I figured out what’s been bothering me. This book is planned really well with so many perfect concepts. There is a LOT of action and I noticed I started skimming over it because the sentences were too long and cumbersome for action scenes.
I’m having a hard time rating this one. Half of me thinks it’s a perfect example to be used for other authors to learn certain types of crafts and model after CJ Redwine but the other half of me keeps questioning why I took so many breaks and was struggling through it. When it’s all laid out on paper there are so many strengths: the story being a unique reimagining, the characters being likable, clear goals and obstacles shown, exciting and original challenges, plus … dragons! It has what all books need, but I can’t put my finger on the missing puzzle piece.