Ever since I first read Song of the Lioness, I’ve loved magical worlds with magical academy settings. I didn’t get into the Shadow and Bone craze. (To be honest, I wasn’t a huge fan of the original covers. They gave off more of a historical or Gothic vibe than a fantasy kingdom vibe.) However, many people have recommended this book, so I decided to give it a try. While it’s not my favorite fantasy book, it is an enjoyable read.
- Interesting world: While the magical kingdom/academy setting isn’t anything unique, depending on how it’s done, the world can be an interesting place to explore. The Grishaverse is a compelling world that offers much to explore (though it didn’t capitalize on the intrigue in the end).
- Stereotypical Characters: The characters fall into boxed stereotypes. While Alina’s vague understanding of certain characters has us wondering whether we can really trust certain persons, this lack of understanding also mean that these characters lack sufficient complexity for them to be more than a stereotype without depth.
- Characters that make you feel things (both good and bad): While I had some problems with the characters, their interactions drew me into the novel and had me feeling all sorts of emotions. Especially because of all the plot twists that led to new developments in relationships.
- Plot twist after plot twist: For the most part, this is a straightforward story. We know the main enemy (or problem), and we know our MC Alina is going to do something about it. However, twist after twist keeps us questioning who to trust.
- A largely unexplored world: There are suggestions of court intrigue, and we learn about the big problem lurking in the kingdom. However, for the most part, the story doesn’t capitalize on the intrigue or build the world outside of what we need to know for the story to take place.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read. I felt moved to flip through the pages and find out what will happen to Alina, her loved one(s), and the kingdom. While there wasn’t sufficient intrigue and character complexity to fully compel me with the characters and their world, I do have an interest in reading more of Alina’s story. I hope to see more character growth in the books to come.
CONTENT
Kissing
Making out
Violence and death
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE…
- Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier
- The Song of the Lioness by Tamora Pierce
- Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder
CHAT WITH ME
Between love and power, which would you choose?
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Kessie says
I was disappointed that the Darkling was bad. I wanted to see a hero with darkness powers who wasn't the inevitable cackling bad guy. Later on, when I found Black Magic Outlaw, it was so refreshing. Darkness powers … used for good!
Crystal says
I agree. I was hoping to see more complexity in his character, whether or not he turned out to be the villain in the end. Especially because I was hoping he'd be good!
Ethan says
This sounds like it is more basic than some of the other books in this genre, but the plot twists may help the reader get past all of that.
Crystal says
Yeah, the plot twists are what keep the story interesting. Since it's a debut novel, I'm also more inclined to give grace and keep an eye on how the author's writing develops over her career 🙂