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frenchlits's review against another edition
5.0
I received a copy of this omnibus from the author.
This book series surprised me in the best of ways. A very refreshing fantasy story that kept me at the edge of my seat, and my stomach in knots. This is not a "Chosen One" who takes on a quest, and it makes for the best adventure! Very polished YA fantasy that is far from juvenile.
The characters feel genuine with their flaws and the mistakes of their past. I truly connected with each and every one of them, although there is a special place in my heart for the POV characters Bleak, Swinton, Henri, and Dash. There is so much depth to each and every one of them. Through her skilled writing, the author conveyed their emotions precisely and was able to make me experience them along with the characters.
The author has a knack for worldbuilding and she created a one of a kind magic system. The sumptous writing immersed me in this grand story. Although they are lenghty novels, the pacing is incredible, and no detail felt superfluous.
This whole series was one of the best I have read in a long time. I am recommending it to anyone who is looking for something different than the typical YA fantasy.
This book series surprised me in the best of ways. A very refreshing fantasy story that kept me at the edge of my seat, and my stomach in knots. This is not a "Chosen One" who takes on a quest, and it makes for the best adventure! Very polished YA fantasy that is far from juvenile.
The characters feel genuine with their flaws and the mistakes of their past. I truly connected with each and every one of them, although there is a special place in my heart for the POV characters Bleak, Swinton, Henri, and Dash. There is so much depth to each and every one of them. Through her skilled writing, the author conveyed their emotions precisely and was able to make me experience them along with the characters.
The author has a knack for worldbuilding and she created a one of a kind magic system. The sumptous writing immersed me in this grand story. Although they are lenghty novels, the pacing is incredible, and no detail felt superfluous.
This whole series was one of the best I have read in a long time. I am recommending it to anyone who is looking for something different than the typical YA fantasy.
katiedarmer's review
5.0
Sucks you in and you never want to leave
Helen is such an amazing author, he ability to create a world and suck you in is unmatched! The characters in this book are amazing, she constantly keeps you guessing. I never wanted these books to end.... But eventually they did and now hold a special place in my heart.
Helen is such an amazing author, he ability to create a world and suck you in is unmatched! The characters in this book are amazing, she constantly keeps you guessing. I never wanted these books to end.... But eventually they did and now hold a special place in my heart.
angelaann88's review
4.0
I loved Bleak's story and evolution. I did like getting to know other characters like Fi and Dash, and Sahara. At times, the multiple POVs didn't do it for me. There were some chapters I dragged myself through, but I loved the story enough to keep going.
constant2m's review
5.0
A girl with a hidden past is turned over to the king's men for reasons unknown to her. She is rescued by a tribe of female warriors. The soldiers return to the king and are sent back to recapture her. The blind princess and her best friend, the son of the king's stable master are about to be separated. Magic is everywhere, and it's uncertain whether that is good or bad. And a deadly mist is creeping in from all sides. And that's just the beginning of the story.
These books were my introduction to the writing of Helen Scheuerer, and I'll admit, I started out not liking A LOT of the characters. They were selfish, drank too much, cursed too much, partied too much, etc. But despite the many flaws, they all had redeeming qualities that began to show through as the books continued. At the beginning, magic was seen as a curse, but as the story progressed, the unique magical abilities were shown as being the driving force of the story.
It's a strange world that Helen created, but it's an intriguing one as well. The world is a mystery to its inhabitants and each region is ruled differently - I loved exploring so many of them. As others have pointed out, the children were the best (and most likable) characters. Each of them stepped into their roles regardless of their ages. There were tons of unhealthy relationships, yet there was also loyalty, family, and pride in cultural identities. These books made me feel.
I was given a free copy of the series by the author and have reviewed it willingly.
These books were my introduction to the writing of Helen Scheuerer, and I'll admit, I started out not liking A LOT of the characters. They were selfish, drank too much, cursed too much, partied too much, etc. But despite the many flaws, they all had redeeming qualities that began to show through as the books continued. At the beginning, magic was seen as a curse, but as the story progressed, the unique magical abilities were shown as being the driving force of the story.
It's a strange world that Helen created, but it's an intriguing one as well. The world is a mystery to its inhabitants and each region is ruled differently - I loved exploring so many of them. As others have pointed out, the children were the best (and most likable) characters. Each of them stepped into their roles regardless of their ages. There were tons of unhealthy relationships, yet there was also loyalty, family, and pride in cultural identities. These books made me feel.
I was given a free copy of the series by the author and have reviewed it willingly.
keeperofthesheets's review
4.0
First off : There is a map! A Map!! I love so much when authors makes maps for their books.
I really liked how the story began with Bleak.
Usually I am not really fond of third person but i liked it in this one.
In the first book I wasn't fond of Henri nor of the other Valia but she grows more on me in the later books ( although out of the four main characters she was my least favorite.)
Dash and Swinton were my favs. (Poor Swinton
I really liked how the story began with Bleak.
Usually I am not really fond of third person but i liked it in this one.
In the first book I wasn't fond of Henri nor of the other Valia but she grows more on me in the later books ( although out of the four main characters she was my least favorite.)
Dash and Swinton were my favs. (Poor Swinton
bookdragonstbr's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I loved this series. The characters are so very well drawn out and grow throughout the story. The cast of characters are diverse. So many different groups of people - the Kings army, the Valian Warriors, the servants and so many more. The story switches between the main characters but doesn't ever get confusing. The magic system is intricate and unique, keeping the story flowing beautifully. It's so very hard to put down, I flew through the series.
This is my first time reading Scheuerer's work and she has a new fan in me. I'll definitely be checking out her other books now.
This is my first time reading Scheuerer's work and she has a new fan in me. I'll definitely be checking out her other books now.
shereadsontrains's review
5.0
I am beyond impressed with this series. The world building is fast paced and just enough to set you firmly in the world. The intermingling of multiple points of view are flawlessly woven into a brilliant tapestry of a story The characters are rich and complex and their motivation for their actions is clear.
Really just a stunning example of epic fantasy.
I was gifted a review copy for an honest review. Opinions are my own
Really just a stunning example of epic fantasy.
I was gifted a review copy for an honest review. Opinions are my own