“Witches Steeped in Gold” by Ciannon Smart has caught my eye so many times because of the stunning cover but after reading the blurb I’m hesitant because the main characters’ motivation as revenge has never been the biggest intrigue for me in terms of plot … but here we go… check out the premise:
Iraya has spent her life in a cell, but every day brings her closer to freedom—and vengeance.
Jazmyne is the Queen’s daughter, but unlike her sister before her, she has no intention of dying to strengthen her mother’s power.
Sworn enemies, these two witches enter a precarious alliance to take down a mutual threat. But power is intoxicating, revenge is a bloody pursuit, and nothing is certain—except the lengths they will go to win this game.
I love that it started out with an explanation and breakdown of the Orders and their titles.
I’m grateful and relieved that the story started out in first person narrative because that’s my preference.
I immediately love the monster lizard, Joshial. The author does such a great job of inviting me to sensory experiences through words so I feel like I’m there using the sounds and imagery of the setting.
I’m not always sure who is talking which is important when introducing a scene and characters.
I felt both overwhelmed by the amount of politics and explanation given in the beginning, but also wanting a more clear picture of what exactly Jazmyne wants. Their political discussion felt a bit dry when I wanted more emotion and desperation for a desire of some kind. The story is more compelling when we learn the leader they’re plotting against is her birth mother. Will she accept the new role and step into power?
Then Ira has a point of view too, also in first person, trapped in prison.
… after reading a little bit I don’t have a great reason to explain my DNF other than it felt a little flat for me. The book wasn’t begging me to pick it up. I wasn’t going to sleep thinking about what the characters are doing and when I tried to remember what I last read, serials wouldn’t stick as if I wasn’t processing the words in the moment to stay to memory.
Empress Crowned in Red is the next in this series.