Review #527
I give this YA fantasy romance by Alex Aster a 4.9/5 stars! it’s all in on point of view for Isla, in third person narrative. I purposefully waited to read this until the third book came out this week so I can binge them in a row.
There are lots of spoilers below during my random notes while reading live:
The opening scene is a bit confusing. Took a while to figure out Poppy & Terra weren’t friends her age. Also, how old is Isla?
Is she a royal? Is her crown real or is it a crown of her hair/braids? It referred to ruler… but she lives in a greenhouse? If so… odd.
Is the Eldress Wilding who died – her mom? Or a random one and why is the death Isla’s fault?
Where did she get this Starstick & how does it work and how does it relate to the Centennial and what are the rules of the portal hopping?
The writing style is unique… so far I’m wanting things to be more clear.
I like the different realms and how she already has a friend in Celeste. There’s something about the prose that I can’t pin that is bothering me. I keep having to reread sentences.
Who saved her from drowning and why?
Why are the fireplaces required to stay on?
How does she expect to win without powers? Feels a bit convenient for the plot since we assume there will be a love interest.
How do the 500 year olds not have one heir?
It’s arrogant that Terra & Poppy have the faith that Isla will make Oro fall in love with her when he hasn’t been in a relationship ever.
Im struggling with the writing style since there are sooo many fragments. Yes, it’s fine to bend rules, but in moderation, not every other sentence.
“I’m not sure what I enjoy more. Seeing the way you grip a sword… or the way your dress grips you.”
The scene with the terrain the mirror was brilliant but I wish we saw everyone’s.
The star stick seems to be an author tool for convenience only
Why is Oro dying?
I knew she’d be picked as strongest partner?
Where is the heart?
Where is the bond breaker?
What is this storm?
When will they find out she doesn’t have powers?
Are they misinterpreting the prophecy?
What are these ancient creatures?
At the halfway point I have a lot of predictions since it’s being set up for us to like Grim. Which means she’s gonna choose Oro later.
“What about staying away from me?”
“I gave it an honest effort,” he said. “But it turns out… I’m not that honest.”
Are the people in each realm also immortal?
How are they guessing the precise location the heart might be? And why are they so sure it’s not there if they don’t spot it immediately?
Omg chapter 54
Aash! That book was so good. I have lots of feelings and will be reading the next one immediately.
So many twists and betrayals! So much potential for the next story!