Victoria Moschou's Blog, page 35

BOOK REVIEW: A River of Royal Blood, by Amanda Joy ~

Hello awesome nerds, happy Thursday everyone and welcome to the review that could and should’ve been written almost a year ago.

Today I’m gonna share with you my thoughts and feelings about A River of Royal Blood, the first book in Amanda Joy’s new fantasy series.

[image error]

To begin with, this book is own voices for the African representation and it revolves around the intertwined lives of two sisters, who are destined to become rival heirs. In other words one must kill the other, if she wants to claim the throne.

But, let me just share the detailed synopsis with you:

“An enthralling debut perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone set in a North African-inspired fantasy world where two sisters must fight to the death to win the crown.

Sixteen-year-old Eva is a princess, born with the magick of marrow and blood–a dark and terrible magick that hasn’t been seen for generations in the vibrant but fractured country of Myre. Its last known practitioner was Queen Raina, who toppled the native khimaer royalty and massacred thousands, including her own sister, eight generations ago, thus beginning the Rival Heir tradition. Living in Raina’s long and dark shadow, Eva must now face her older sister, Isa, in a battle to the death if she hopes to ascend to the Ivory Throne–because in the Queendom of Myre only the strongest, most ruthless rulers survive.

When Eva is attacked by an assassin just weeks before the battle with her sister, she discovers there is more to the attempt on her life than meets the eye–and it isn’t just her sister who wants to see her dead. As tensions escalate, Eva is forced to turn to a fey instructor of mythic proportions and a mysterious and handsome khimaer prince for help in growing her magick into something to fear. Because despite the love she still has for her sister, Eva will have to choose: Isa’s death or her own.

A River of Royal Blood is an enthralling debut set in a lush North African inspired fantasy world that subtly but powerfully challenges our notions of power, history, and identity.”

[image error]

Before moving forward into the actual review, let me just say that this review will be SPOILER FREE and that all thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

And with that being said, let’s get to the review.

So, in terms of technicalities, the writing style was ok, just not my personal cup of tea. Although there were long descriptions and colourful scenes, something that I absolutely adore, the pacing felt extremely slow. Maybe this had to do with the fact that the characters, at least for the first half of the book felt really flat to me, with no development whatsoever. I didn’t manage to connect with the main protagonist, the “villains” of the book simply felt indifferent to me, and as for the assassination attempts, from a certain point onwards, they simply felt repetitive.

These are the main reasons why a) it took me so very long to finish this book, and b) I only ended up rating it with 3 out of 5 stars.

I know you’re gonna ask, “Then why didn’t you DNF it, Vic?” and my answer to this is gonna be, “Because my momma didn’t raise me to be a quitter!”.

I’ve come to realise that when a certain form doesn’t work for me, I try another one.

So, when I picked up A River of Royal Blood again, I tried to both listen to the audiobook, as well as physically read it. It turns out that this was the golden combination for me. I don’t know if this also had to do with the fact that the second half of the book felt COMPLETELY different and much more intriguing than the first half, but if this was the case for the entire novel, trust me, I would’ve loved it straight from the beginning.

I loved learning more about the different kinds of African magick, the backstories of certain characters, that I’m sure they’re gonna play a crucial role in the sequel, and I loved seeing these teenage love scenes, even if the relationship felt more like instant-love to me. What’s more, it truly came as a surprise to me that the finale wasn’t AT ALL what I expected it to be. That is the reason why I will give this series another shot and I will pick up the sequel when it comes out.

[image error]

What do you guys think? Have you read A River of Royal Blood? Without spoiling anything, if you could describe this book in one word, how would you describe it?

Thank you all so very much for stopping by once again. It truly means the world to me and I want you to know that I most certainly don’t take your presence here for granted.

Let me know in the comment section down below which is the next review you’d like to read here and what other posts you’d like to see on the blog in general.

Till next time… Toodles!

View more on Victoria Moschou's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on September 24, 2020 06:00

BOOK REVIEW: A River of Royal Blood, by Amanda Joy ~

Hello awesome nerds, happy Thursday everyone and welcome to the review that could and should’ve been written almost a year ago.

Today I’m gonna share with you my thoughts and feelings about A River of Royal Blood, the first book in Amanda Joy’s new fantasy series.

[image error]

To begin with, this book is own voices for the African representation and it revolves around the intertwined lives of two sisters, who are destined to become rival heirs. In other words one must kill the other, if she wants to claim the throne.

But, let me just share the detailed synopsis with you:

“An enthralling debut perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone set in a North African-inspired fantasy world where two sisters must fight to the death to win the crown.

Sixteen-year-old Eva is a princess, born with the magick of marrow and blood–a dark and terrible magick that hasn’t been seen for generations in the vibrant but fractured country of Myre. Its last known practitioner was Queen Raina, who toppled the native khimaer royalty and massacred thousands, including her own sister, eight generations ago, thus beginning the Rival Heir tradition. Living in Raina’s long and dark shadow, Eva must now face her older sister, Isa, in a battle to the death if she hopes to ascend to the Ivory Throne–because in the Queendom of Myre only the strongest, most ruthless rulers survive.

When Eva is attacked by an assassin just weeks before the battle with her sister, she discovers there is more to the attempt on her life than meets the eye–and it isn’t just her sister who wants to see her dead. As tensions escalate, Eva is forced to turn to a fey instructor of mythic proportions and a mysterious and handsome khimaer prince for help in growing her magick into something to fear. Because despite the love she still has for her sister, Eva will have to choose: Isa’s death or her own.

A River of Royal Blood is an enthralling debut set in a lush North African inspired fantasy world that subtly but powerfully challenges our notions of power, history, and identity.”

[image error]

Before moving forward into the actual review, let me just say that this review will be SPOILER FREE and that all thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

And with that being said, let’s get to the review.

So, in terms of technicalities, the writing style was ok, just not my personal cup of tea. Although there were long descriptions and colourful scenes, something that I absolutely adore, the pacing felt extremely slow. Maybe this had to do with the fact that the characters, at least for the first half of the book felt really flat to me, with no development whatsoever. I didn’t manage to connect with the main protagonist, the “villains” of the book simply felt indifferent to me, and as for the assassination attempts, from a certain point onwards, they simply felt repetitive.

These are the main reasons why a) it took me so very long to finish this book, and b) I only ended up rating it with 3 out of 5 stars.

I know you’re gonna ask, “Then why didn’t you DNF it, Vic?” and my answer to this is gonna be, “Because my momma didn’t raise me to be a quitter!”.

I’ve come to realise that when a certain form doesn’t work for me, I try another one.

So, when I picked up A River of Royal Blood again, I tried to both listen to the audiobook, as well as physically read it. It turns out that this was the golden combination for me. I don’t know if this also had to do with the fact that the second half of the book felt COMPLETELY different and much more intriguing than the first half, but if this was the case for the entire novel, trust me, I would’ve loved it straight from the beginning.

I loved learning more about the different kinds of African magick, the backstories of certain characters, that I’m sure they’re gonna play a crucial role in the sequel, and I loved seeing these teenage love scenes, even if the relationship felt more like instant-love to me. What’s more, it truly came as a surprise to me that the finale wasn’t AT ALL what I expected it to be. That is the reason why I will give this series another shot and I will pick up the sequel when it comes out.

[image error]

What do you guys think? Have you read A River of Royal Blood? Without spoiling anything, if you could describe this book in one word, how would you describe it?

Thank you all so very much for stopping by once again. It truly means the world to me and I want you to know that I most certainly don’t take your presence here for granted.

Let me know in the comment section down below which is the next review you’d like to read here and what other posts you’d like to see on the blog in general.

Till next time… Toodles!

View more on Victoria Moschou's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on September 24, 2020 06:00

BOOK REVIEW: A River of Royal Blood, by Amanda Joy ~

Hello awesome nerds, happy Thursday everyone and welcome to the review that could and should’ve been written almost a year ago.

Today I’m gonna share with you my thoughts and feelings about A River of Royal Blood, the first book in Amanda Joy’s new fantasy series.

[image error]

To begin with, this book is own voices for the African representation and it revolves around the intertwined lives of two sisters, who are destined to become rival heirs. In other words one must kill the other, if she wants to claim the throne.

But, let me just share the detailed synopsis with you:

“An enthralling debut perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone set in a North African-inspired fantasy world where two sisters must fight to the death to win the crown.

Sixteen-year-old Eva is a princess, born with the magick of marrow and blood–a dark and terrible magick that hasn’t been seen for generations in the vibrant but fractured country of Myre. Its last known practitioner was Queen Raina, who toppled the native khimaer royalty and massacred thousands, including her own sister, eight generations ago, thus beginning the Rival Heir tradition. Living in Raina’s long and dark shadow, Eva must now face her older sister, Isa, in a battle to the death if she hopes to ascend to the Ivory Throne–because in the Queendom of Myre only the strongest, most ruthless rulers survive.

When Eva is attacked by an assassin just weeks before the battle with her sister, she discovers there is more to the attempt on her life than meets the eye–and it isn’t just her sister who wants to see her dead. As tensions escalate, Eva is forced to turn to a fey instructor of mythic proportions and a mysterious and handsome khimaer prince for help in growing her magick into something to fear. Because despite the love she still has for her sister, Eva will have to choose: Isa’s death or her own.

A River of Royal Blood is an enthralling debut set in a lush North African inspired fantasy world that subtly but powerfully challenges our notions of power, history, and identity.”

[image error]

Before moving forward into the actual review, let me just say that this review will be SPOILER FREE and that all thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

And with that being said, let’s get to the review.

So, in terms of technicalities, the writing style was ok, just not my personal cup of tea. Although there were long descriptions and colourful scenes, something that I absolutely adore, the pacing felt extremely slow. Maybe this had to do with the fact that the characters, at least for the first half of the book felt really flat to me, with no development whatsoever. I didn’t manage to connect with the main protagonist, the “villains” of the book simply felt indifferent to me, and as for the assassination attempts, from a certain point onwards, they simply felt repetitive.

These are the main reasons why a) it took me so very long to finish this book, and b) I only ended up rating it with 3 out of 5 stars.

I know you’re gonna ask, “Then why didn’t you DNF it, Vic?” and my answer to this is gonna be, “Because my momma didn’t raise me to be a quitter!”.

I’ve come to realise that when a certain form doesn’t work for me, I try another one.

So, when I picked up A River of Royal Blood again, I tried to both listen to the audiobook, as well as physically read it. It turns out that this was the golden combination for me. I don’t know if this also had to do with the fact that the second half of the book felt COMPLETELY different and much more intriguing than the first half, but if this was the case for the entire novel, trust me, I would’ve loved it straight from the beginning.

I loved learning more about the different kinds of African magick, the backstories of certain characters, that I’m sure they’re gonna play a crucial role in the sequel, and I loved seeing these teenage love scenes, even if the relationship felt more like instant-love to me. What’s more, it truly came as a surprise to me that the finale wasn’t AT ALL what I expected it to be. That is the reason why I will give this series another shot and I will pick up the sequel when it comes out.

[image error]

What do you guys think? Have you read A River of Royal Blood? Without spoiling anything, if you could describe this book in one word, how would you describe it?

Thank you all so very much for stopping by once again. It truly means the world to me and I want you to know that I most certainly don’t take your presence here for granted.

Let me know in the comment section down below which is the next review you’d like to read here and what other posts you’d like to see on the blog in general.

Till next time… Toodles!

View more on Victoria Moschou's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on September 24, 2020 06:00

BOOK REVIEW: A River of Royal Blood, by Amanda Joy ~

Hello awesome nerds, happy Thursday everyone and welcome to the review that could and should’ve been written almost a year ago.

Today I’m gonna share with you my thoughts and feelings about A River of Royal Blood, the first book in Amanda Joy’s new fantasy series.

[image error]

To begin with, this book is own voices for the African representation and it revolves around the intertwined lives of two sisters, who are destined to become rival heirs. In other words one must kill the other, if she wants to claim the throne.

But, let me just share the detailed synopsis with you:

“An enthralling debut perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone set in a North African-inspired fantasy world where two sisters must fight to the death to win the crown.

Sixteen-year-old Eva is a princess, born with the magick of marrow and blood–a dark and terrible magick that hasn’t been seen for generations in the vibrant but fractured country of Myre. Its last known practitioner was Queen Raina, who toppled the native khimaer royalty and massacred thousands, including her own sister, eight generations ago, thus beginning the Rival Heir tradition. Living in Raina’s long and dark shadow, Eva must now face her older sister, Isa, in a battle to the death if she hopes to ascend to the Ivory Throne–because in the Queendom of Myre only the strongest, most ruthless rulers survive.

When Eva is attacked by an assassin just weeks before the battle with her sister, she discovers there is more to the attempt on her life than meets the eye–and it isn’t just her sister who wants to see her dead. As tensions escalate, Eva is forced to turn to a fey instructor of mythic proportions and a mysterious and handsome khimaer prince for help in growing her magick into something to fear. Because despite the love she still has for her sister, Eva will have to choose: Isa’s death or her own.

A River of Royal Blood is an enthralling debut set in a lush North African inspired fantasy world that subtly but powerfully challenges our notions of power, history, and identity.”

[image error]

Before moving forward into the actual review, let me just say that this review will be SPOILER FREE and that all thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

And with that being said, let’s get to the review.

So, in terms of technicalities, the writing style was ok, just not my personal cup of tea. Although there were long descriptions and colourful scenes, something that I absolutely adore, the pacing felt extremely slow. Maybe this had to do with the fact that the characters, at least for the first half of the book felt really flat to me, with no development whatsoever. I didn’t manage to connect with the main protagonist, the “villains” of the book simply felt indifferent to me, and as for the assassination attempts, from a certain point onwards, they simply felt repetitive.

These are the main reasons why a) it took me so very long to finish this book, and b) I only ended up rating it with 3 out of 5 stars.

I know you’re gonna ask, “Then why didn’t you DNF it, Vic?” and my answer to this is gonna be, “Because my momma didn’t raise me to be a quitter!”.

I’ve come to realise that when a certain form doesn’t work for me, I try another one.

So, when I picked up A River of Royal Blood again, I tried to both listen to the audiobook, as well as physically read it. It turns out that this was the golden combination for me. I don’t know if this also had to do with the fact that the second half of the book felt COMPLETELY different and much more intriguing than the first half, but if this was the case for the entire novel, trust me, I would’ve loved it straight from the beginning.

I loved learning more about the different kinds of African magick, the backstories of certain characters, that I’m sure they’re gonna play a crucial role in the sequel, and I loved seeing these teenage love scenes, even if the relationship felt more like instant-love to me. What’s more, it truly came as a surprise to me that the finale wasn’t AT ALL what I expected it to be. That is the reason why I will give this series another shot and I will pick up the sequel when it comes out.

[image error]

What do you guys think? Have you read A River of Royal Blood? Without spoiling anything, if you could describe this book in one word, how would you describe it?

Thank you all so very much for stopping by once again. It truly means the world to me and I want you to know that I most certainly don’t take your presence here for granted.

Let me know in the comment section down below which is the next review you’d like to read here and what other posts you’d like to see on the blog in general.

Till next time… Toodles!

View more on Victoria Moschou's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on September 24, 2020 06:00

BOOK REVIEW: A River of Royal Blood, by Amanda Joy ~

Hello awesome nerds, happy Thursday everyone and welcome to the review that could and should’ve been written almost a year ago.

Today I’m gonna share with you my thoughts and feelings about A River of Royal Blood, the first book in Amanda Joy’s new fantasy series.

[image error]

To begin with, this book is own voices for the African representation and it revolves around the intertwined lives of two sisters, who are destined to become rival heirs. In other words one must kill the other, if she wants to claim the throne.

But, let me just share the detailed synopsis with you:

“An enthralling debut perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone set in a North African-inspired fantasy world where two sisters must fight to the death to win the crown.

Sixteen-year-old Eva is a princess, born with the magick of marrow and blood–a dark and terrible magick that hasn’t been seen for generations in the vibrant but fractured country of Myre. Its last known practitioner was Queen Raina, who toppled the native khimaer royalty and massacred thousands, including her own sister, eight generations ago, thus beginning the Rival Heir tradition. Living in Raina’s long and dark shadow, Eva must now face her older sister, Isa, in a battle to the death if she hopes to ascend to the Ivory Throne–because in the Queendom of Myre only the strongest, most ruthless rulers survive.

When Eva is attacked by an assassin just weeks before the battle with her sister, she discovers there is more to the attempt on her life than meets the eye–and it isn’t just her sister who wants to see her dead. As tensions escalate, Eva is forced to turn to a fey instructor of mythic proportions and a mysterious and handsome khimaer prince for help in growing her magick into something to fear. Because despite the love she still has for her sister, Eva will have to choose: Isa’s death or her own.

A River of Royal Blood is an enthralling debut set in a lush North African inspired fantasy world that subtly but powerfully challenges our notions of power, history, and identity.”

[image error]

Before moving forward into the actual review, let me just say that this review will be SPOILER FREE and that all thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

And with that being said, let’s get to the review.

So, in terms of technicalities, the writing style was ok, just not my personal cup of tea. Although there were long descriptions and colourful scenes, something that I absolutely adore, the pacing felt extremely slow. Maybe this had to do with the fact that the characters, at least for the first half of the book felt really flat to me, with no development whatsoever. I didn’t manage to connect with the main protagonist, the “villains” of the book simply felt indifferent to me, and as for the assassination attempts, from a certain point onwards, they simply felt repetitive.

These are the main reasons why a) it took me so very long to finish this book, and b) I only ended up rating it with 3 out of 5 stars.

I know you’re gonna ask, “Then why didn’t you DNF it, Vic?” and my answer to this is gonna be, “Because my momma didn’t raise me to be a quitter!”.

I’ve come to realise that when a certain form doesn’t work for me, I try another one.

So, when I picked up A River of Royal Blood again, I tried to both listen to the audiobook, as well as physically read it. It turns out that this was the golden combination for me. I don’t know if this also had to do with the fact that the second half of the book felt COMPLETELY different and much more intriguing than the first half, but if this was the case for the entire novel, trust me, I would’ve loved it straight from the beginning.

I loved learning more about the different kinds of African magick, the backstories of certain characters, that I’m sure they’re gonna play a crucial role in the sequel, and I loved seeing these teenage love scenes, even if the relationship felt more like instant-love to me. What’s more, it truly came as a surprise to me that the finale wasn’t AT ALL what I expected it to be. That is the reason why I will give this series another shot and I will pick up the sequel when it comes out.

[image error]

What do you guys think? Have you read A River of Royal Blood? Without spoiling anything, if you could describe this book in one word, how would you describe it?

Thank you all so very much for stopping by once again. It truly means the world to me and I want you to know that I most certainly don’t take your presence here for granted.

Let me know in the comment section down below which is the next review you’d like to read here and what other posts you’d like to see on the blog in general.

Till next time… Toodles!

View more on Victoria Moschou's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on September 24, 2020 06:00