Series: The Beholder #1
Published by HarperTeen on June 4, 2019
Genres: Fantasy, Retellings, Young Adult
Pages: 435
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Publisher
Selah has waited her whole life for a happily ever after. As the only daughter of the leader of Potomac, she knows her duty is to find the perfect match, a partner who will help secure the future of her people. Now that day has finally come.
But after an excruciatingly public rejection from her closest childhood friend, Selah’s stepmother suggests an unthinkable solution: Selah must set sail across the Atlantic, where a series of potential suitors awaits—and if she doesn’t come home engaged, she shouldn’t come home at all.
From English castle gardens to the fjords of Norge, and under the eye of the dreaded Imperiya Yotne, Selah’s quest will be the journey of a lifetime. But her stepmother’s schemes aren’t the only secrets hiding belowdecks…and the stakes of her voyage may be higher than any happy ending.
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I almost missed out on this one because of the cover. To be honest, it looks more like it belongs on a nonfiction history book or a collection of ancient tales than a YA historical fantasy / romance. I know the saying tells us not to judge a book by its cover, but it didn’t make me feel excited to read the book. People kept lauding this book however, so I finally decided to keep a try. I’m glad I did.
Based on book one alone, the fantasy element seems to come more from the setting and not because of any magical elements. I’m not sure if this book is supposed to be alternate history or a fantasy world heavily based on real-world cultures. I would recommend this book more to readers interested in a romance set in a historical-sque setting with a blend of modern and historical values.
Fairytales and classics are a big part of this book. They’re real stories in the world, and various parts of Selah’s journey parallel these stories. Many chapters, especially the first ones, open with epigraphs from fairytales like “Cinderella,” “Snow White,” and “Baba Yaga,” and classic literature like Beowulf, The Odyssey, and Gawain and the Green Knight. While I didn’t pay much attention to the epigraphs, I can see readers making fun connections with Selah’s story, and they may help readers who aren’t familiar with the fairytales and classic works understand the references. Most, if not all, the crew members of the Beholder and some others beside are named after famous storytellers or characters from stories.
Though only two suitors are featured in this book, the romances felt rushed. I understand that Selah is on a time limit, but the speed with which she and her suitors fall for each other and become intimate stretched my disbelief. I do like how different kinds of love are portrayed. There’s the fast-burning first love/lust that ignores reason and hides from the public eye, the more companionable love that doesn’t need the same likes (hobbies and interests) but builds on the same loves (vision and values), and maybe even the unexpected dark horse that wasn’t on the list of suitors.
Too many YA stories feature teenagers finding the one based on pure chemistry, not on their values and vision for the future. While she makes some mistakes, Selah considers each suitor before coming to a decision on what to do next, and she learns more about who she is and what she wants to do through these experiences. I don’t agree with everything Selah says or does, but I like how she’s grows into a young woman capable of making her own decisions while enjoying a good romance and receiving support from her crew (because strong independent women don’t need to get through life alone).
I do wish that the secondary characters were more developed. As I mentioned earlier, this book focuses heavily on the romance. Once Selah gets on dry land, side characters that I grew to love during Selah’s journey across the ocean quickly fell on the wayside, along with the mystery and intrigue surrounding them. I understand that part of this is due to Selah’s ignorance and quite possibly her small interest in anything other than getting the guy, but given its impact on the plot of the second book, I wish that that intrigue was developed more in this one. Along with the secondary characters, I wish that the Imperiya was rounded out more. Everyone seems intimidated by it, but it’s not built up enough to feel like the major villain it’s turning out to be.
The Beholder is a predictable, straightforward read that didn’t feel like it had any real twists or turns. However, it’s a fast-paced entertaining read that has raised the stakes for book two. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a large dose of romance, a historical setting with modern ideals, and a high-stake mission.
Content
Kissing, making out
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Chat With Me
📚 What is a retelling that you’ve enjoyed?
📚 What are your thoughts on bringing modern ideals into historical settings in fiction?
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
Thanks for this thorough review—I really feel like I got a good sense of the positives and the negatives. The quickness of the relationships might end up being an issue for me, so it’s good to know about that for sure.
Crystal says
I’m happy to hear that, Nicole! Yes, the quick relationships have a very insta-love feel.
Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight says
If nothing else, I feel a cover should portray the genre and feel of a book, so I think it’s fair to judge books by them! This one doesn’t look like YA historical fantasy to me either. I’d probably get frustrated with the fast feelings, but I like the sound of the book showing different types of love. Glad you found this one entertaining 🙂
Crystal says
It is hard not judge a book by its cover. Thanks, Kristen! 🙂
Marie @ Drizzle & Hurricane Books says
Lovely review, thank you so much for sharing! I have been really curious about this book, the concept sounded lovely, but I think I might be turned off by the rushed relationships in this and almost insta-lovey kind of feelings, which always make me a little… mad haha. I’ll have to keep it in mind, but I’m in no rush to get to it. Thank you for the wonderful review 🙂
Crystal says
Thanks, Marie! I don’t enjoy rushed relationships and insta-love either, so I understand why you’re not in a rush to get to this one. I mostly picked it up because I kept hearing about it and was curious how the retelling elements get woven in 🙂
Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight says
It’s funny, because there are a lot of flaws in this book (like you mentioned, the rushed romances, the predictable plot), but I could not stop reading it, and I fell in love with it and shall forgive it its sins. I thought the world was really interesting too- like you said, it almost seems like an alternate history? But it was hard to tell, I am hoping there will be a bit more info in the next book too, which I will definitely be picking up ha. Great review, glad it was enjoyable for you too!
Crystal says
I had the same experience. There were things that bothered me as I was reading, but I was invested enough in Selah’s story and what was going on with her crew that I kept flipping the pages. I agree that it seems like an alternate history except that the countries’ names are different, which makes me think this is a fantasy world inspired by our own world.
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters says
It definitely looks like it’s non-fiction! I do like the antique vibe it has. This one sounds interesting but Idk if I would pick it up any time soon. Glad you enjoyed it!
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters
Crystal says
Yes, it wasn’t the cover that I’d expect from a YA fantasy. Thanks, Genesis!
Melissa (Books and Things) says
Even if it isn’t a wow, I may try it. I’ve been enjoying YA fantasy. Just not sure b/c it concentrates on the romance and sounds like it misses on character development. Will have to put it in the maybe pile!
Crystal says
The romance made me hesitant to pick this one up too. It does seem like a larger plot is in the works though. Hopefully we’ll see more of that in book 2!
Lindsi says
It’s sounds like a lot of insta-love, which I typically avoid. It makes the experience feel forced, even when the characters are on a time crunch. Realistically, most people don’t fall in love right away, or develop deep feelings until after an extended period of time.
As for the cover… I love it. I didn’t really think historical fiction when I saw it, but got antique-vibes. I’m not sure what that would mean in book terms, but it felt old without feeling historic. I hope that makes sense! 🙂
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
Crystal says
I agree that it’s pretty much insta-love. From my personal perspective, I don’t see this being realistic, especially since she was just jilted by the guy she loved or thought she loved. If I take the MC’s age into perspective, I get that she wants to find love and I can imagine her persuading herself that she’s in love.
I get what you mean about the cover. I like the antique vibes even if it’s the reason I didn’t initially pick up this book. (Since it really doesn’t look like the kind of cover I’d expect to find on a book like this…though I honestly would’ve been more reluctant to pick it up if it featured another girl in a pretty dress.)
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
I am so totally turned off by this cover that even with the positive reviews I’ve read I can’t do it. I’m actually okay with an author totally sticking to historical values or mixing modern values into a historical setting as long as it makes sense in the story. If a girl would be stoned to death for speaking up in her society and does so but doesn’t get stoned I want a really good reason why not. I’m glad you enjoyed this so much Crystal even with some of your reservations.
Crystal says
I totally understand why you aren’t picking up this book. It helped that I don’t have to look at the cover while reading on my Kindle. I also wouldn’t mind if an author sticks to historical values or mixes in modern ideals as long as it makes sense. It works in this book for the most part. My biggest reservations come from some of Selah’s actions. I understand why she gets angry for the way a girl is treated in another culture, but she jeopardizes her mission by speaking up and it’s a bit hypocritical given that she’s seeking to marry for political reasons as well.
Ethan says
I really like the sound of this one, especially the setting being the source of the fantasy instead of more traditional elements. The sense of place sounds amazing! I’m also all for more realistic depictions of choosing a suitor.
Crystal says
While I love a good fantasy with magical elements, it was refreshing to read one that feels more historical in nature – as if it could have taken place in our world. And yes, I love that the romance elements feel more realistic. It’s something I’d like to see more in YA.
Molly @ Molly's Book Nook says
I genuinely thought this book was about vikings because of that cover….so sad that it’s not! But it is funny we both got totally different things from that cover hahah. Sorry you didn’t fall in love with it but at least it was a decent one 🙂
Crystal says
Haha…yeah, I hadn’t thought of this as a viking book, but I can see where you’re coming from. The cover really isn’t what one would expect from a romance / retellings book. It’s a pretty good read once you know what to expect, better suited to readers who enjoy books that are heavier on the romance. (I would’ve liked to see more of the politics / quest elements.)
Melliane says
Why not, maybe one day.
Crystal says
I hope you enjoy this one if you get the chance to read it, Melliane! 🙂