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Divided Realms #1
Steel Maiden
In a land where magic is banned and where cruel High priests rule, Elena steals the most valuable jewel in the Empire in the hopes to sell it and start a new life. But she is caught, and the punishment for stealing is death. And yet in that moment she is given a choice—death or to become one of the High priests' champions in The Great Race.
Elena is catapulted without warning into the bloodiest race in all the realms, forced to compete with a man she hates while she develops a growing passion for another. She struggles to understand her special skills, her mysterious healing powers that she must keep secret. Within a world built on a religious sect and dangerous secrets, she becomes a woman torn between obligation and desire, between a man she supposedly hates and another.
As Elena comes to terms with her own secret, she discovers the truth behind the race and must stop the ancient, wicked evil that threatens all living things before it's too late.
Elena is catapulted without warning into the bloodiest race in all the realms, forced to compete with a man she hates while she develops a growing passion for another. She struggles to understand her special skills, her mysterious healing powers that she must keep secret. Within a world built on a religious sect and dangerous secrets, she becomes a woman torn between obligation and desire, between a man she supposedly hates and another.
As Elena comes to terms with her own secret, she discovers the truth behind the race and must stop the ancient, wicked evil that threatens all living things before it's too late.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2015
612 people are currently reading
2437 people want to read
About the author
Kim Richardson
205 books1,259 followersKim Richardson is the award-winning author of the bestselling SOUL GUARDIANS series. She lives in the eastern part of Canada with her husband, two dogs and a very old cat. She is the author of the SOUL GUARDIANS series, the MYSTICS series, and the DIVIDED REALMS series. Kim's books are available in print editions, and translations are available in over 7 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
October 3, 2015
4.5 stars!
Really enjoyed this one. I need more fantasy books like this one!
Really enjoyed this one. I need more fantasy books like this one!
June 30, 2020
DNF at 40%
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2016
A fantasy book, we follow the story of Elena who is caught stealing from the high priest. In order for her to not be prosecuted for her stealing and for the protection of her care taker, Elena agrees to participate in a race/competition. She also discovers secrets about herself.
Ok so I stopped reading a little before halfway through the book (42%) because it was not good at all.
To begin with, I felt like I was reading an inverted fanfic of Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. The description for this book did say that people who read Throne of Glass would enjoy reading this one too but honestly I did not enjoy it one bit because it read like fan fiction. It was written in a first person but past tense p.o.v and while I've read books like that, this one was just very weird. I found that the author overused the word "had" a lot of the times and the writing felt very repetitive. There were also A LOT of grammar mistakes and for an author who've won an award for her previous book, it just looked bad and I had a hard time going through and reading the whole thing. There was also nothing for me to sympathize with the character at all. Elena just didn't grasp me and I found nothing interesting with her. She also develops this feeling for two characters that we barely know but apparently all she can do is think about them and wonder whether or not they are angry at her. Rating this a 2 stars out of five. The concept of the book is nice but the execution in telling the story was not.
Ok so I stopped reading a little before halfway through the book (42%) because it was not good at all.
To begin with, I felt like I was reading an inverted fanfic of Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. The description for this book did say that people who read Throne of Glass would enjoy reading this one too but honestly I did not enjoy it one bit because it read like fan fiction. It was written in a first person but past tense p.o.v and while I've read books like that, this one was just very weird. I found that the author overused the word "had" a lot of the times and the writing felt very repetitive. There were also A LOT of grammar mistakes and for an author who've won an award for her previous book, it just looked bad and I had a hard time going through and reading the whole thing. There was also nothing for me to sympathize with the character at all. Elena just didn't grasp me and I found nothing interesting with her. She also develops this feeling for two characters that we barely know but apparently all she can do is think about them and wonder whether or not they are angry at her. Rating this a 2 stars out of five. The concept of the book is nice but the execution in telling the story was not.
February 5, 2017
....I am giving this book two stars, only because it was so much fun to relay to my friend as I was reading it.
Continuity errors! Please, someone, hire an editor over there and give this a once over.
That said, it was super predictable; the heroine came up JUST shy of Mary Sue-hood, the half-assed love triangle, the priest father... I liked the idea behind the story, and I did appreciate that the author didn't try too hard to be fancy. Although, that did mean bordering on 'unimaginative' at times, such as with the names of the countries. I also liked the horse. Horses are cool.
I'd say it was a good first effort, but apparently the writer has more books out, so... the whole thing sort of read like self-rewarding fan fiction, and I think it could have been handled better. I'm glad I only paid .99 for it, otherwise I would have been annoyed. As it is, I can be sort of melancholically amused.
Continuity errors! Please, someone, hire an editor over there and give this a once over.
That said, it was super predictable; the heroine came up JUST shy of Mary Sue-hood, the half-assed love triangle, the priest father... I liked the idea behind the story, and I did appreciate that the author didn't try too hard to be fancy. Although, that did mean bordering on 'unimaginative' at times, such as with the names of the countries. I also liked the horse. Horses are cool.
I'd say it was a good first effort, but apparently the writer has more books out, so... the whole thing sort of read like self-rewarding fan fiction, and I think it could have been handled better. I'm glad I only paid .99 for it, otherwise I would have been annoyed. As it is, I can be sort of melancholically amused.
August 20, 2017
Writing felt disjointed and forced at points. Was tempted to not finish it, but I'm a completist if anything.
September 8, 2015
Elena is a young woman who is from the pit. Taken care of by Rose, who was sworn to protect her, after her mother had died. There's something about Elena, that she can't even grasp. She knows how to throw with high accuracy and hand to hand combat comes easy. Though, she has never been trained.
Elena makes a decision to go after a crown. One that could help her and Rose get of the pit. No longer have to starve and live in filth. They fear the high priests, who have taken over all the kingdoms. Outlawing magic, saying it's evil. But as the story goes on you wonder about the High Priests. And what evil magic lies within them.
After Elena steals the crown for Mad Jack. She is taken to the one place, she never wanted to go. But they are giving her a chance and sending her on a Race for a stone that could change everything.
This book is not for the weak. It's creepy at times and Full of what could be demons, itching for your soul. The story has a richness and its not a normal read for me. But I caught on from the first page and was able to read within a day.
I really connected with Elena, a strong woman in a world, where women are considered weak. I had to laugh a little, at the way these people really thought of women. I'm pretty sure childbirth would take them down.
Even at the times she feels, that she won't win. She still has confidence. I loved Mad Jack as well, a character that you're not really sure about but obviously theres more of him to share.
Overall this is a strong story for its genre. With a lot of purpose. I can't wait to read book #2 in the series....Lissa
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Elena makes a decision to go after a crown. One that could help her and Rose get of the pit. No longer have to starve and live in filth. They fear the high priests, who have taken over all the kingdoms. Outlawing magic, saying it's evil. But as the story goes on you wonder about the High Priests. And what evil magic lies within them.
After Elena steals the crown for Mad Jack. She is taken to the one place, she never wanted to go. But they are giving her a chance and sending her on a Race for a stone that could change everything.
This book is not for the weak. It's creepy at times and Full of what could be demons, itching for your soul. The story has a richness and its not a normal read for me. But I caught on from the first page and was able to read within a day.
I really connected with Elena, a strong woman in a world, where women are considered weak. I had to laugh a little, at the way these people really thought of women. I'm pretty sure childbirth would take them down.
Even at the times she feels, that she won't win. She still has confidence. I loved Mad Jack as well, a character that you're not really sure about but obviously theres more of him to share.
Overall this is a strong story for its genre. With a lot of purpose. I can't wait to read book #2 in the series....Lissa
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November 7, 2015
Funny this is my first review ever and I think that goes to show how much I really really wanted to like this book. I DNF-d at 43% because I honestly couldn't go on anymore. Elena, a skin-and-bones beauty (who somehow wields a dagger better than grown strong men) born in the Pit is too busy holding grudges AND simultaneously gawking at two handsome guys to worry about what she should... SURVIVAL! For someone with her upbringing, Elena lacks street smarts and grit.
Another problem I had with this book is the world-building. It started off strong with the sorcerer's fire, the priests and their rise to power, the class divide, but then it dropped off sharply. Because obviously Elena is preoccupied with fluttery feelings for two men. smh
Another problem I had with this book is the world-building. It started off strong with the sorcerer's fire, the priests and their rise to power, the class divide, but then it dropped off sharply. Because obviously Elena is preoccupied with fluttery feelings for two men. smh
November 16, 2017
Ughhh. I really liked this book. I truly did. The story and characters grabbed me immediately. BUT...
I feel that the story has great bones, but is largely underfed. Needs WAY more!
I feel that the story has great bones, but is largely underfed. Needs WAY more!
July 4, 2017
Elena is beautiful, she is special and she grew up in the Pit with all the other very poor people. Usually girls with her beauty are taken by the priests, but she was hidden for years by her mother's friend. Elena makes a bad decision, one that she thinks will get her and Rose out of poverty, and sets several things into motion. Elena believes she is betrayed by Mad Jack. She ends up in a race, is supposed to bring back a stone and then the high priest will spare Rose and all the people in the Pit. There are many trials along the way and she isn't too sure who she can trust.
March 13, 2019
Me encantó!! Una historia muy bien lograda, en un mundo creado a la perfección y que aún así tienen sus conexiones con el nuestro sin quedar mal. Cuenta con protagonistas muy bien logrados, la femenina tiene un carácter fuerte pero aún así siempre está al borde de las lágrimas, y el Loco Jack, qué decir de él, lo amé desde el primer momento. Estoy ansiosa por leer la continuación que promete muchísimo.
February 25, 2017
Despite Elena being a little annoying in the beginning, I did enjoy this book, and will read the next in the series.
March 5, 2019
Le doy un tres debido a que el planteamiento y el desarrollo de la historia me gusta ,pero pienso que la autora no ha sabido plasmarlo en los diálogos de los personajes ni en su caracterización
January 12, 2025
Was habe ich mich auf Stahlmaid gefreut! Ein vielversprechender Klappentext, ein spannendes Setting – das klang nach einem echten Page-Turner. Aber jetzt, nach der letzten Seite, fühlt es sich an, als hätte ich mich durch zähen Stahl geackert.
Das größte Problem? Es war einfach zu viel auf einmal gewollt. Die Autorin versucht gefühlt, zehn Themen und Genres in eine Geschichte zu pressen, verliert sich dabei aber in Wiederholungen und Ungereimtheiten. Der Plot springt von einem Twist zum nächsten, ohne dass irgendetwas richtig ausgearbeitet wird. Statt Spannung bleibt nur Chaos zurück. Und am Ende fehlt der twist komplett.
Und dann diese Romanze. Junge. Plump trifft es ganz gut. Keine Chemie, keine Entwicklung – die Figuren stolpern eher in die Beziehung, als dass da echte Gefühle entstehen. Ich liebe gute Love-Storys, aber hier? Fehlanzeige.
Am meisten hat mich aber die Heldin frustriert. Ich wollte sie mögen, ehrlich. Aber ihre Entscheidungen waren oft schwer nachvollziehbar, und ihre inneren Monologe bestanden aus denselben Phrasen, die ständig wiederholt wurden. Ich habe irgendwann einfach nicht mehr mitfühlen können.
Dabei war da so viel Potenzial! Manche Ideen waren wirklich gut, aber alles bleibt an der Oberfläche. Stahlmaid hätte mit einer klareren Richtung und weniger Ballast richtig groß werden können. So aber bleibt es leider ein Buch, das mich mehr ermüdet als begeistert hat.
Schade. Ich habe mehr erwartet.
Das größte Problem? Es war einfach zu viel auf einmal gewollt. Die Autorin versucht gefühlt, zehn Themen und Genres in eine Geschichte zu pressen, verliert sich dabei aber in Wiederholungen und Ungereimtheiten. Der Plot springt von einem Twist zum nächsten, ohne dass irgendetwas richtig ausgearbeitet wird. Statt Spannung bleibt nur Chaos zurück. Und am Ende fehlt der twist komplett.
Und dann diese Romanze. Junge. Plump trifft es ganz gut. Keine Chemie, keine Entwicklung – die Figuren stolpern eher in die Beziehung, als dass da echte Gefühle entstehen. Ich liebe gute Love-Storys, aber hier? Fehlanzeige.
Am meisten hat mich aber die Heldin frustriert. Ich wollte sie mögen, ehrlich. Aber ihre Entscheidungen waren oft schwer nachvollziehbar, und ihre inneren Monologe bestanden aus denselben Phrasen, die ständig wiederholt wurden. Ich habe irgendwann einfach nicht mehr mitfühlen können.
Dabei war da so viel Potenzial! Manche Ideen waren wirklich gut, aber alles bleibt an der Oberfläche. Stahlmaid hätte mit einer klareren Richtung und weniger Ballast richtig groß werden können. So aber bleibt es leider ein Buch, das mich mehr ermüdet als begeistert hat.
Schade. Ich habe mehr erwartet.
April 12, 2022
Un nuevo mundo de fantasía se abre en este libro , al principio se me ha hecho pesado porque empezó muy lento y sin sentido pero según entras en la trama , empiezan a entender muchas cosas.
Puntos en contra: Elena es muy niña y espero que madure porque es muy pesada con los chicos ( y eso que según ella tiene experiencia con ellos)!
La traducción es malísima y ha hecho que pierda un poco el hilo de la trama , por falta de ortografía y palabras que no entendía yo que gracias al contexto he sido capaz de entender.
Puntos a favor: el universo que ha creado Kim y que promete bastante, espero que no se desinfle en el
Segundo libro.
Puntos en contra: Elena es muy niña y espero que madure porque es muy pesada con los chicos ( y eso que según ella tiene experiencia con ellos)!
La traducción es malísima y ha hecho que pierda un poco el hilo de la trama , por falta de ortografía y palabras que no entendía yo que gracias al contexto he sido capaz de entender.
Puntos a favor: el universo que ha creado Kim y que promete bastante, espero que no se desinfle en el
Segundo libro.
April 30, 2021
Que livro! Começa devagar, tem uma metade interessante, termina com um final intenso.
February 17, 2020
El estilo de esta autora no me convence. Siempre se pasa de "estupenda" con escenitas del tipo: una protagonista que lleva dos días sin dormir, uno sin comer ni beber, que la han golpeado y roto una costilla, además se ha torcido el tobillo en una caída y sin embargo es capaz de escaparse saltando un muro con las manos atadas.
Además se suma que la traducción es muy mala.
Otra cosa que no me gusta en las historias que pretenden denunciar (supongo que se trata de un intento de denuncia, aunque sea burdo) lo mal que se trata / ha tratado históricamente a las mujeres es que asumen el lenguaje masculino. A ver si se aclaran: las mujeres que son obligadas a tener actividad sexual y que encima no reciben paga alguna a cambio, no son putas, son esclavas. Fingir lo contrario no beneficia en nada a la causa de las mujeres.
Y para colmo de males los malos son de opereta, despiadados porque sí, malignos porque sí, intratables porque sí, viciosos y lascivos porque sí, solo para ser repulsivos, pero, como ya he dicho otras veces, tales malos me aburren muchísimo y me producen hastío. El caso es que son tan malísimos que de 5 de las 6 naciones solo participa un equipo en la carrera, en cambio de la sexta nación, la de los protagonistas, hay dos equipos: los malos y los peores, digo, los ricos pasotas que no se preocupan por nadie y los paupérrimos; e incluso hay otro equipo más que representa al imperio o al templo o a los sacerdotes o yo que sé, equipo formado por un solo miembro porque la prota no se junta con la plebe ni con los pasotas, para que todos la odien sin tener ella culpa alguna, puesto que está obligada por el malísimo de turno a participar. En serio, ¿por qué naranjas dejarían los malísimos de la muerte participar a la plebe a la que tan mal tratan si la nación ya está representada por los nobles pasotas que no ayudan a nadie?
Esta historia, además, tiene un serio problema de coherencia. Algo así como que hay uno que no quiere que le pase nada a una, en vista de lo cual le propone un reto imposible con el que solo puede acabar mal, como así sucede, pero tranquilos, que lo hace porque le ofrecen un montón de dinero a cambio de que engañe a alguien para que intente lo que es imposible. Aunque por supuesto ella consigue lo imposible pero igualmente la atrapan, porque él, tan preocupado por ella, la recibe en su guarida acompañado por los malos que la van a atrapar. Pero ojo, que lo hacce sin ninguna maldad, eh, que solo lo hace por dinero y preocupadísimo por ella. Y lo peor es que tal cual esto tan absurdo es lo que se plantea en los primeros diez capítulos, que son los que llevo leídos por ahora.
¡Ah,sí! Sospechaba que aparecería un triángulo amoroso: dos contendientes para disputarse la mano de la chica. Y aquí está, nada más llegar al capítulo 11 aparece el tercero en discordia y el siguiente detalle absurdo. Si tienes una carrera con más de setenta caballos, ¿harías que al comienzo de la carrera tuviesen que atravesar una puerta de muralla a ver si se formaba un tapón de la leche y unos cuantos caballos se chocaban contra el muro? Pues no te preocupes, en esta historia todos los caballos atraviesan la puerta sin problemas ni apelotonamientos, debía ser una puerta más grande que el hangar de un airbus.
Sigo avanzando por la historia como buenamente puedo y por fin llego a un capítulo en el que los buenos buenísimos acusan al tercero del triángulo amoroso de ser idiota por fiarse de los malos malísimos de opereta... ¡Pero si la primera que se ha fiado y ha hecho todo lo que los malos han querido ha sido la protagonista! ¿Acaso ella ha sido menos idiota? Debe ser que de porrazo en porrazo recibe tantos que en lugar de acabar lela del todo se vuelve menos idiota, porque de repente ve clarísimo que hay que evitar dar a los malos lo que quieren, cuando ella y solo ella ha sido la que ha hecho posible que los malos estén más cerca de conseguir eso que tanto desean. Y lo ha hecho con ayuda (o algo así) del otro bueno que también repentinamente ve la luz y entiende que nunca jamás hay que dar al enemigo lo que quiere. ¡Pues podía haberlo comprendido antes!
En resumen, una historia con escenitas absurdas y muy, muy mal traducida. Por cierto, por favor, que alguien le explique a la autora que la plata es un metal muy maleable, una espada de plata se doblaría y no sería un buen arma cortante.
Además se suma que la traducción es muy mala.
Otra cosa que no me gusta en las historias que pretenden denunciar (supongo que se trata de un intento de denuncia, aunque sea burdo) lo mal que se trata / ha tratado históricamente a las mujeres es que asumen el lenguaje masculino. A ver si se aclaran: las mujeres que son obligadas a tener actividad sexual y que encima no reciben paga alguna a cambio, no son putas, son esclavas. Fingir lo contrario no beneficia en nada a la causa de las mujeres.
Y para colmo de males los malos son de opereta, despiadados porque sí, malignos porque sí, intratables porque sí, viciosos y lascivos porque sí, solo para ser repulsivos, pero, como ya he dicho otras veces, tales malos me aburren muchísimo y me producen hastío. El caso es que son tan malísimos que de 5 de las 6 naciones solo participa un equipo en la carrera, en cambio de la sexta nación, la de los protagonistas, hay dos equipos: los malos y los peores, digo, los ricos pasotas que no se preocupan por nadie y los paupérrimos; e incluso hay otro equipo más que representa al imperio o al templo o a los sacerdotes o yo que sé, equipo formado por un solo miembro porque la prota no se junta con la plebe ni con los pasotas, para que todos la odien sin tener ella culpa alguna, puesto que está obligada por el malísimo de turno a participar. En serio, ¿por qué naranjas dejarían los malísimos de la muerte participar a la plebe a la que tan mal tratan si la nación ya está representada por los nobles pasotas que no ayudan a nadie?
Esta historia, además, tiene un serio problema de coherencia. Algo así como que hay uno que no quiere que le pase nada a una, en vista de lo cual le propone un reto imposible con el que solo puede acabar mal, como así sucede, pero tranquilos, que lo hace porque le ofrecen un montón de dinero a cambio de que engañe a alguien para que intente lo que es imposible. Aunque por supuesto ella consigue lo imposible pero igualmente la atrapan, porque él, tan preocupado por ella, la recibe en su guarida acompañado por los malos que la van a atrapar. Pero ojo, que lo hacce sin ninguna maldad, eh, que solo lo hace por dinero y preocupadísimo por ella. Y lo peor es que tal cual esto tan absurdo es lo que se plantea en los primeros diez capítulos, que son los que llevo leídos por ahora.
¡Ah,sí! Sospechaba que aparecería un triángulo amoroso: dos contendientes para disputarse la mano de la chica. Y aquí está, nada más llegar al capítulo 11 aparece el tercero en discordia y el siguiente detalle absurdo. Si tienes una carrera con más de setenta caballos, ¿harías que al comienzo de la carrera tuviesen que atravesar una puerta de muralla a ver si se formaba un tapón de la leche y unos cuantos caballos se chocaban contra el muro? Pues no te preocupes, en esta historia todos los caballos atraviesan la puerta sin problemas ni apelotonamientos, debía ser una puerta más grande que el hangar de un airbus.
Sigo avanzando por la historia como buenamente puedo y por fin llego a un capítulo en el que los buenos buenísimos acusan al tercero del triángulo amoroso de ser idiota por fiarse de los malos malísimos de opereta... ¡Pero si la primera que se ha fiado y ha hecho todo lo que los malos han querido ha sido la protagonista! ¿Acaso ella ha sido menos idiota? Debe ser que de porrazo en porrazo recibe tantos que en lugar de acabar lela del todo se vuelve menos idiota, porque de repente ve clarísimo que hay que evitar dar a los malos lo que quieren, cuando ella y solo ella ha sido la que ha hecho posible que los malos estén más cerca de conseguir eso que tanto desean. Y lo ha hecho con ayuda (o algo así) del otro bueno que también repentinamente ve la luz y entiende que nunca jamás hay que dar al enemigo lo que quiere. ¡Pues podía haberlo comprendido antes!
En resumen, una historia con escenitas absurdas y muy, muy mal traducida. Por cierto, por favor, que alguien le explique a la autora que la plata es un metal muy maleable, una espada de plata se doblaría y no sería un buen arma cortante.
January 8, 2025
3.5⭐️ Elena, i love you. i read ebook for the first time and its great when you’re tired and you wanna read, but it had romance, and like in some scenes it made me uncomfortable and thats why it lost few stars but it was a great fantasy, and i mean it im not a fantasy reader
November 5, 2015
**We received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Reviewed by Jessica J
4.5 Stars!
We start with Elena who is a naturally gifted fighter, especially with weapons. She's had no training and has grown up in a place called the Pit. As you can imagine, it's the pits. :P Lured with a chance at freedom, and a drive of hunger, Elena attempts a high-risk theft. This gets her, and her loved one (a grandmother figure) Rose in trouble.
Coerced to retrieve a stone by the evil Priests, Elena comes to meet a handsome prince while at the same time being followed by a man she believes betrayed her. There's a traditional love triangle that actually turned out the way I wanted! (gif of dancing)
There was a lot of prep before Elena could make her journey, but once she was out of the gates and pinned against seasoned veterans and fighters, she starts to show some of her true colors and starts to get a bit of what she wants. And a bit of what I wanted when she was taken to healer. :D
The characters weren't all that unique, but they weren't unconvincing. I really liked the world building that the author put in place. It made it feel real and corrupted. You wanted the characters to succeed, though I did find the big revelation about the bad guys at the end was a bit predictable. Maybe there were too many hints, but I figured it out when they sent her off. The fun was seeing how Elena would get the stone.
CONCLUSION
There's romance, an adventure, action and a really neat world that felt cohesive. There's a bit of a cliffhanger but I really enjoyed the writing and how the characters revolved around this new world I was introduced to. I think fans of "Throne of Glass" might really enjoy this one, though it contains a few more mature situations.
Reviewed by Jessica J
4.5 Stars!
We start with Elena who is a naturally gifted fighter, especially with weapons. She's had no training and has grown up in a place called the Pit. As you can imagine, it's the pits. :P Lured with a chance at freedom, and a drive of hunger, Elena attempts a high-risk theft. This gets her, and her loved one (a grandmother figure) Rose in trouble.
Coerced to retrieve a stone by the evil Priests, Elena comes to meet a handsome prince while at the same time being followed by a man she believes betrayed her. There's a traditional love triangle that actually turned out the way I wanted! (gif of dancing)
There was a lot of prep before Elena could make her journey, but once she was out of the gates and pinned against seasoned veterans and fighters, she starts to show some of her true colors and starts to get a bit of what she wants. And a bit of what I wanted when she was taken to healer. :D
The characters weren't all that unique, but they weren't unconvincing. I really liked the world building that the author put in place. It made it feel real and corrupted. You wanted the characters to succeed, though I did find the big revelation about the bad guys at the end was a bit predictable. Maybe there were too many hints, but I figured it out when they sent her off. The fun was seeing how Elena would get the stone.
CONCLUSION
There's romance, an adventure, action and a really neat world that felt cohesive. There's a bit of a cliffhanger but I really enjoyed the writing and how the characters revolved around this new world I was introduced to. I think fans of "Throne of Glass" might really enjoy this one, though it contains a few more mature situations.
October 30, 2015
This book was miles better than I expected it to be from the blurb. The plot is very well constructed and enjoyable, a magic-based, world-building tale.
I found most the characters to be believable and their actions always made sense.
The romance brewing throughout is at a steady simmer, rushing to boil near the finale. The main romantic interest is dark, mysterious and strong. Just my shot of bourbon ;)
The dialogue, however, could be better. In many instances it feels over the top or unrealistic and stilted for speech, especially as the main character should be growing more mature in her late teens. This does not distract too much, but it is noticeable.
In addition, I did not like the secondary romantic character. I struggled to understand why the main character was interested in them but beyond their ken-like good looks, there wasn't much I jived with.
All in all, a solid fantasy tale. There's magic, magical oppression, slums and witchy havens. A great quest in which to spend a couple of evenings, living through the pages.
I found most the characters to be believable and their actions always made sense.
The romance brewing throughout is at a steady simmer, rushing to boil near the finale. The main romantic interest is dark, mysterious and strong. Just my shot of bourbon ;)
The dialogue, however, could be better. In many instances it feels over the top or unrealistic and stilted for speech, especially as the main character should be growing more mature in her late teens. This does not distract too much, but it is noticeable.
In addition, I did not like the secondary romantic character. I struggled to understand why the main character was interested in them but beyond their ken-like good looks, there wasn't much I jived with.
All in all, a solid fantasy tale. There's magic, magical oppression, slums and witchy havens. A great quest in which to spend a couple of evenings, living through the pages.
July 7, 2016
Good story, character development, action and romance. The main protagonist is a young woman with the special ability to heal herself. The land she lives in is ruled by evil priests. A race is run by nobility, peasants, royalty, and this special woman to obtain a special stone by overcoming drastic and overwhelming odds. The winner must return it to the high priest. The plot thickens from there.....
July 20, 2016
I stumbled upon this book while going through free YA books on Kindle.
There is a story here. Elena lives a life worse than that of scavengers at a time when priests plunder and eat everything there is. She steals a crown to fulfill a dare and this gets here before the High priest who insists that she has to join a race to win a stone for their realm.
Like I said, there is a story here.
I am not a YA Fantasy buff, but I'm glad I had something to read during my work break.
There is a story here. Elena lives a life worse than that of scavengers at a time when priests plunder and eat everything there is. She steals a crown to fulfill a dare and this gets here before the High priest who insists that she has to join a race to win a stone for their realm.
Like I said, there is a story here.
I am not a YA Fantasy buff, but I'm glad I had something to read during my work break.
July 29, 2016
just finished it and give it four and half stars, will have to get book 2 when it comes out to see what happens next .
March 29, 2019
El libro es una historia típica de fantasía épica, muy al estilo Graceling de Kristine Cashore o Trono de Cristal de Sarah J. Maas pero no lo suficientemente malo para parecerse a Lesath de Tiffany Calligaris.
En si la historia gira en torno a Elena Mildegard y su interacción con Landon y el Loco Jack. Todos tienen que ir en busca de un objeto mágico de incalculable valor y por ahí surgen poderes mágicos inesperados.
Elena es muy típica mujer de mundo de fantasía, criada en un lugar horroroso, quien está en contra del poder central de su mundo y con habilidades sobrehumanas; sin embargo me ha gustado mucho que Kim Richardson la creo como un ser que está consciente de sus miedos, sus limitaciones y de que muchas cosas que pudieron evitarse sucedieron por su terquedad y momentánea estupidez.
El Loco Jack es un "chico malo" que se quedó a medio camino de cumplir al pie de la letra con el arquetipo, en realidad es un personaje que no se llega a conocer del todo y cuyas motivaciones (además de proteger a su mujer de ensueño) no quedan del todo claras. Es decir, que si, también está harto de vivir en un agujero inmundo y de que los malos sean muy malos pero (SPOILER)
¿Como es posible que pueda codearse con la antigua nobleza? ¿Cual fue el detonante que lo hizo unirse a la rebelión? (FIN DE SPOILER)
Hay varios agujeros en cuanto a la trama de su vida.
Landon pues es guapo, es un príncipe rubio, resulta ser un tonto, un doble cara y un hijo de mala madre. Así de fácil se resume.
Quizá lo que más me molestó de esta historia fue el amor instantáneo y la comparación constante con los hombres. Me explico:
Elena en algún momento se sentía atraía hacia el sujeto A, pero este hace algo muy malo y entonces lo odia, luego se cruza con sujeto B y ya se imagina corriendo por la pradera tomada de la mano con el, pero entonces resulta que B la traiciona y se muere el amor. Entonces A la salva y en cuestión de pocas horas se enamora de este con locura, al grado de que no pude vivir sin el.
En cuanto a lo otro, me molestó muchísimo que toda la novela se la pasaran haciendo comparaciones del tipo "era tan fuerte como un hombre", "las guerreras parecían hombres" o "luchaba como hombre". Vamos, que sentí un tirón enorme al retroceso en cuanto a la equidad de género.
Aun así, y a pesar de los fallos, la historia me gustó mucho y logró mantenerme enganchada, con ganas de saber que va a pasar a continuación. Sobre todo me gustó la división de las brujas que Kim Richardson hizo y de que imaginara un clan de brujas especialistas en combate.
Sin duda esta es una de las mejores descargas gratuitas que me tenido la fortuna de encontrar.
En si la historia gira en torno a Elena Mildegard y su interacción con Landon y el Loco Jack. Todos tienen que ir en busca de un objeto mágico de incalculable valor y por ahí surgen poderes mágicos inesperados.
Elena es muy típica mujer de mundo de fantasía, criada en un lugar horroroso, quien está en contra del poder central de su mundo y con habilidades sobrehumanas; sin embargo me ha gustado mucho que Kim Richardson la creo como un ser que está consciente de sus miedos, sus limitaciones y de que muchas cosas que pudieron evitarse sucedieron por su terquedad y momentánea estupidez.
El Loco Jack es un "chico malo" que se quedó a medio camino de cumplir al pie de la letra con el arquetipo, en realidad es un personaje que no se llega a conocer del todo y cuyas motivaciones (además de proteger a su mujer de ensueño) no quedan del todo claras. Es decir, que si, también está harto de vivir en un agujero inmundo y de que los malos sean muy malos pero (SPOILER)
¿Como es posible que pueda codearse con la antigua nobleza? ¿Cual fue el detonante que lo hizo unirse a la rebelión? (FIN DE SPOILER)
Hay varios agujeros en cuanto a la trama de su vida.
Landon pues es guapo, es un príncipe rubio, resulta ser un tonto, un doble cara y un hijo de mala madre. Así de fácil se resume.
Quizá lo que más me molestó de esta historia fue el amor instantáneo y la comparación constante con los hombres. Me explico:
Elena en algún momento se sentía atraía hacia el sujeto A, pero este hace algo muy malo y entonces lo odia, luego se cruza con sujeto B y ya se imagina corriendo por la pradera tomada de la mano con el, pero entonces resulta que B la traiciona y se muere el amor. Entonces A la salva y en cuestión de pocas horas se enamora de este con locura, al grado de que no pude vivir sin el.
En cuanto a lo otro, me molestó muchísimo que toda la novela se la pasaran haciendo comparaciones del tipo "era tan fuerte como un hombre", "las guerreras parecían hombres" o "luchaba como hombre". Vamos, que sentí un tirón enorme al retroceso en cuanto a la equidad de género.
Aun así, y a pesar de los fallos, la historia me gustó mucho y logró mantenerme enganchada, con ganas de saber que va a pasar a continuación. Sobre todo me gustó la división de las brujas que Kim Richardson hizo y de que imaginara un clan de brujas especialistas en combate.
Sin duda esta es una de las mejores descargas gratuitas que me tenido la fortuna de encontrar.
October 12, 2017
Where to begin? Well, quite honestly I'm a bit disappointed with this one. It's not often I find and read a book that I don't like, but this one seemed to nag at me. This author has so much potential! Which leads me to believe that it's the editors fault. There were countless and I mean COUNTLESS grammatical, syntactical, and plot development holes that stand out like sore thumbs, but they're still present. Being both an editor and a hardcore fantasy fan, I could envision so much more depth into characters and plot development than Kim gives us, mainly because she wasn't receiving proper feedback from her editors. Which is sad.
Some of it's borderline ridiculous or just cliche. I mean the first few fights Elena's in go fairly well, and readers can tell she's good with weapons and quick on her feet when forced into a corner. But as the story progresses, she's constantly, like a tic, being hit in the back of the head or from behind by men and attackers who obviously are bigger and stronger so they'd have no need to do this. Only fighters at a disadvantage would try to use stealth in this way to make up for their lack of brute strength with a sword. Which isn't the case because Kim clearly has Elena describe how brutish and strong these combatants are when advancing on her. Which leads me to believe that Kim has no REAL knowledge of fighting or the genre. A sad thing.
Another part that really bothered me was the villain laughing evilly when he got the stone. It's so Disney cliche. Like Jafar finally turning Princess Jasmine into his slave-queen-to-be. It's clear from the get go that Kim is trying to introduce a realistic world where readers can embrace the ideas of magic being possible and probable. The suspension of belief is horrifyingly waterlogged with fairytale fantasticism. I'm sorry but I saw Elena falling for Prince Landon and his betrayal at the start of the book because it's so Prince Hans and Princess Anna. And while Jon is no Kristoff, it still reads like a wannabe Disney fairytale.
Like I said before, I had high hopes for this book and series, but alas I think I'm putting the foot down on this one. I don't really care what happens to Jon because I don't really see why he loves Elena and why Elena loves him besides the vague surface features that's constantly mentioned as a way to excuse the fact that she has to love him because he loved her first--blah. Just blah. Just because someone loves you doesn't mean they're right for you or you can just magically love them overnight.
That's the end of my deluge. 2 stars
Some of it's borderline ridiculous or just cliche. I mean the first few fights Elena's in go fairly well, and readers can tell she's good with weapons and quick on her feet when forced into a corner. But as the story progresses, she's constantly, like a tic, being hit in the back of the head or from behind by men and attackers who obviously are bigger and stronger so they'd have no need to do this. Only fighters at a disadvantage would try to use stealth in this way to make up for their lack of brute strength with a sword. Which isn't the case because Kim clearly has Elena describe how brutish and strong these combatants are when advancing on her. Which leads me to believe that Kim has no REAL knowledge of fighting or the genre. A sad thing.
Another part that really bothered me was the villain laughing evilly when he got the stone. It's so Disney cliche. Like Jafar finally turning Princess Jasmine into his slave-queen-to-be. It's clear from the get go that Kim is trying to introduce a realistic world where readers can embrace the ideas of magic being possible and probable. The suspension of belief is horrifyingly waterlogged with fairytale fantasticism. I'm sorry but I saw Elena falling for Prince Landon and his betrayal at the start of the book because it's so Prince Hans and Princess Anna. And while Jon is no Kristoff, it still reads like a wannabe Disney fairytale.
Like I said before, I had high hopes for this book and series, but alas I think I'm putting the foot down on this one. I don't really care what happens to Jon because I don't really see why he loves Elena and why Elena loves him besides the vague surface features that's constantly mentioned as a way to excuse the fact that she has to love him because he loved her first--blah. Just blah. Just because someone loves you doesn't mean they're right for you or you can just magically love them overnight.
That's the end of my deluge. 2 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2017
I'm normally a little wary of cheap books on Google Play, but when I checked the Goodreads reviews, I thought Steel Maiden would have something of substance to offer--I'm not someone who needs every book I read to be an epic, poignant tale, and I'm more than willing to dial the critical thinking down in favor of some fun. I thought Steel Maiden would be an easygoing, light summer read. Instead, it was just... bad.
The writing itself is bland. Based on the graphic violence, threats and implications of sexual violence, and some heavy petting, I'm guessing this is intended for the young/new adult age group, but the prose is so basic it almost reads more like a book written for pre-teens; it's a cliche, but there's a whole lot of telling instead of showing. At best, it comes off like an early draft for a story that could potentially have some soul to it after some serious editing and a few more re-writes.
The world is a standard, underdeveloped European-inspired fantasy world with just the bare bones of a magical system and complete with misogyny and sexual abuse against women. Although Steel Maiden doesn't glorify the rape and abuse women face in this society, the frequency with which Elena encounters sexist epithets and threats of sexual violence is gratuitous. I'm personally so tired of fantasy worlds that insist on building this kind of sexism into their worlds; it is possible to create an interesting, conflict-driven world that doesn't depend on a heroine being called "whore" every time she fights.
The characters themselves have no depth, nor do their relationships (aside from Elena's love for her horse, Torak). The dialogue is often awkward and unnatural. There is a love triangle, and both partners are pretty awful to her; of course, they have "good reason" for it, but Elena is willing to forgive extremely easily. And to top it all off, this book doesn't even have a true conclusion. It just stops right in the middle of the action with a cliffhanger obviously intended to get readers into the next book. I'll pass.
Normally, I reserve one-star ratings for books I don't finish, but if this hadn't been so quick to read through, it would have ended up in that pile.
The writing itself is bland. Based on the graphic violence, threats and implications of sexual violence, and some heavy petting, I'm guessing this is intended for the young/new adult age group, but the prose is so basic it almost reads more like a book written for pre-teens; it's a cliche, but there's a whole lot of telling instead of showing. At best, it comes off like an early draft for a story that could potentially have some soul to it after some serious editing and a few more re-writes.
The world is a standard, underdeveloped European-inspired fantasy world with just the bare bones of a magical system and complete with misogyny and sexual abuse against women. Although Steel Maiden doesn't glorify the rape and abuse women face in this society, the frequency with which Elena encounters sexist epithets and threats of sexual violence is gratuitous. I'm personally so tired of fantasy worlds that insist on building this kind of sexism into their worlds; it is possible to create an interesting, conflict-driven world that doesn't depend on a heroine being called "whore" every time she fights.
The characters themselves have no depth, nor do their relationships (aside from Elena's love for her horse, Torak). The dialogue is often awkward and unnatural. There is a love triangle, and both partners are pretty awful to her; of course, they have "good reason" for it, but Elena is willing to forgive extremely easily. And to top it all off, this book doesn't even have a true conclusion. It just stops right in the middle of the action with a cliffhanger obviously intended to get readers into the next book. I'll pass.
Normally, I reserve one-star ratings for books I don't finish, but if this hadn't been so quick to read through, it would have ended up in that pile.
November 10, 2021
Un libro perfecto para amantes de fantasía juvenil. Tiene muchos clichés del género, pero está escrito y desarrollado de manera hermosa y es fácil engancharse y amarlo.
Tenemos a Elena, una chica que vive en La Fosa, el lado más marginado de la ciudad, en un mundo controlado por Sacerdotes que someten a todas las personas. Un mundo machista, degradante, cruel, vil y desolador.
Elena intenta robar una de las joyas de los Sacerdotes para venderla y poder irse de La Fosa con Rose, la mujer que la crió desde niña. Sin embargo, es atrapada por los Sacerdotes y obligada a participar en una competencia cuyo objetivo es traer una piedra mágica de un lugar muy lejano.
El libro es la travesía de Elena para llegar a ese lugar, el descubrimiento de sus habilidades especiales y claro, la pizca de romance (y triángulo amoroso) digno de una chica de su edad que quiere jugar a salvar —o destruir— el mundo.
Es una historia muy entretenida. Tiene su buena dosis de acción, de magia y su protagonista es excelente. Tiene valor y coraje, aunque no la estupidez —bueno, no toda— que suele caracterizar a muchas protas en estos tipos de libros.
Como inicio de trilogía me pareció genial. Deja mucha expectativa por el desarrollo del conflicto, la expansión del worldbuilding, la magia, el mal y la naturaleza en sí de Elena.
No es una historia que tenga nada novedoso. Sus giros de trama son predecibles porque han sido escritos en cientos de libros de este tipo, donde una adolescente que viene de la miseria (pero de ascendencia de algún modo mágica o espectacular) debe buscar un tesoro que los malvados usarán para crear caos, y luego esa adolescente debe intentar derrocar a esos malvados con sus recién descubiertos poderes y salvarlos a todos.
Todo esto mientras se enamora del galanazo de turno.
Como dije, cliché, peeero con su toque de originalidad para enganchar.
A mí es que estos libros me encantan. De vez en cuando voy a fantasía pesada y novedosa, pero me gusta regresar a estos tropos, a estos libros donde encuentro mi lugar feliz y leo rápido porque la narración es liviana, el mundo fácil de comprender y los personajes carismáticos.
Recomendado ♥
Tenemos a Elena, una chica que vive en La Fosa, el lado más marginado de la ciudad, en un mundo controlado por Sacerdotes que someten a todas las personas. Un mundo machista, degradante, cruel, vil y desolador.
Elena intenta robar una de las joyas de los Sacerdotes para venderla y poder irse de La Fosa con Rose, la mujer que la crió desde niña. Sin embargo, es atrapada por los Sacerdotes y obligada a participar en una competencia cuyo objetivo es traer una piedra mágica de un lugar muy lejano.
El libro es la travesía de Elena para llegar a ese lugar, el descubrimiento de sus habilidades especiales y claro, la pizca de romance (y triángulo amoroso) digno de una chica de su edad que quiere jugar a salvar —o destruir— el mundo.
Es una historia muy entretenida. Tiene su buena dosis de acción, de magia y su protagonista es excelente. Tiene valor y coraje, aunque no la estupidez —bueno, no toda— que suele caracterizar a muchas protas en estos tipos de libros.
Como inicio de trilogía me pareció genial. Deja mucha expectativa por el desarrollo del conflicto, la expansión del worldbuilding, la magia, el mal y la naturaleza en sí de Elena.
No es una historia que tenga nada novedoso. Sus giros de trama son predecibles porque han sido escritos en cientos de libros de este tipo, donde una adolescente que viene de la miseria (pero de ascendencia de algún modo mágica o espectacular) debe buscar un tesoro que los malvados usarán para crear caos, y luego esa adolescente debe intentar derrocar a esos malvados con sus recién descubiertos poderes y salvarlos a todos.
Todo esto mientras se enamora del galanazo de turno.
Como dije, cliché, peeero con su toque de originalidad para enganchar.
A mí es que estos libros me encantan. De vez en cuando voy a fantasía pesada y novedosa, pero me gusta regresar a estos tropos, a estos libros donde encuentro mi lugar feliz y leo rápido porque la narración es liviana, el mundo fácil de comprender y los personajes carismáticos.
Recomendado ♥
March 4, 2017
It's not often I read a book I don't like - and despite all the negative reviews I read, I still decided to give this book a chance. Sadly, it didn't prove otherwise.
Steel Maiden read like a first draft. There were plotholes, repeated sentences and the way the paragraphs were divided made me very confused who was talking, and there were just too many things that bothered me to remember them all. A summary: it all felt fake. While I wouldn't have wanted this book to last longer than it did, I'm sure that if it was edited more and had been longer than 180, a lot of these problems could've been solved.
It was clear from the beginning that there was going to be a love triangle, but I hadn't expected to have a taste of both relationships in one book (especially not in 180 pages) and it felt too rushed. The only good thing I can say about Steel Maiden is that I loved how Mad Jack/Jon unconditionally loved Elena - but that's about it.
Things were too quickly accepted, the MC didn't think about things too much or question them like any sane person would have, she nearly has sex twice with two different people - while she hasn't show any other intimate affection before - and most characters felt flat to me. I'm bad at grasping this concept, but I think there was too much telling and too little showing in this book.
I had really hoped for Steel Maiden to speak against the bad reviews, especially since I'm a big fan of Throne of Glass and The Hunger Games, but it only made it worse. I feel like so much could've been written better and worked out and made this a really good book.
Steel Maiden read like a first draft. There were plotholes, repeated sentences and the way the paragraphs were divided made me very confused who was talking, and there were just too many things that bothered me to remember them all. A summary: it all felt fake. While I wouldn't have wanted this book to last longer than it did, I'm sure that if it was edited more and had been longer than 180, a lot of these problems could've been solved.
It was clear from the beginning that there was going to be a love triangle, but I hadn't expected to have a taste of both relationships in one book (especially not in 180 pages) and it felt too rushed. The only good thing I can say about Steel Maiden is that I loved how Mad Jack/Jon unconditionally loved Elena - but that's about it.
Things were too quickly accepted, the MC didn't think about things too much or question them like any sane person would have, she nearly has sex twice with two different people - while she hasn't show any other intimate affection before - and most characters felt flat to me. I'm bad at grasping this concept, but I think there was too much telling and too little showing in this book.
I had really hoped for Steel Maiden to speak against the bad reviews, especially since I'm a big fan of Throne of Glass and The Hunger Games, but it only made it worse. I feel like so much could've been written better and worked out and made this a really good book.
January 31, 2020
El concepto de la historia es muy bueno, me ha gustado el mundo creado por la autora pero su forma de escribir deja mucho que desear. Siento que las cosas pasaban solo por suceder, a veces era difícil centrarse en quien estaba hablando por qué los diálogos están entre comillas (error que quiero pensar es de la traducción) la historia romántica no fue bien introducida y no enganche con el personaje principal 🤷 igual siento que es un libro entretenido y de fácil lectura que a más de uno puede gustarle.
⏩ Elena a vivido toda su vida en la fosa, lugar donde vive la gente más pobre de Anglia. Un día se le da la oportunidad para poder salir de ahí junto a Rose, la persona más importante en su vida, y vivir en un lugar mejor, pero para ello debe robar una corona del arca de los sumos sacerdotes. Cuando es atrapada se ve obligada a participar en una carrera en la que podría morir pero donde descubre la historia de sus antepasados y su legado.
⏩ Elena a vivido toda su vida en la fosa, lugar donde vive la gente más pobre de Anglia. Un día se le da la oportunidad para poder salir de ahí junto a Rose, la persona más importante en su vida, y vivir en un lugar mejor, pero para ello debe robar una corona del arca de los sumos sacerdotes. Cuando es atrapada se ve obligada a participar en una carrera en la que podría morir pero donde descubre la historia de sus antepasados y su legado.
April 15, 2022
I give it 4 stars as there are some things that I really couldn't pass up.
First, although I like the protagonist a lot, as I have always liked strong and kick-ass protagonists, this one lets MANY things pass that are too obvious from the beginning such as...
And second, the love interest of the protagonist... let's talk about that. I couldn't connect at all with the couple. End of talk.
But seriously, almost nothing happens between them and suddenly they are on top of each other. I mean, what?
But leaving aside the bad things, the truth is that it has an interesting plot that keeps you moving practically the entire book and a protagonist with a lot of potential, I will definitely read the next book. I recommend it.
First, although I like the protagonist a lot, as I have always liked strong and kick-ass protagonists, this one lets MANY things pass that are too obvious from the beginning such as...
And second, the love interest of the protagonist... let's talk about that. I couldn't connect at all with the couple. End of talk.
But seriously, almost nothing happens between them and suddenly they are on top of each other. I mean, what?
But leaving aside the bad things, the truth is that it has an interesting plot that keeps you moving practically the entire book and a protagonist with a lot of potential, I will definitely read the next book. I recommend it.
December 23, 2023
Antes de escribir estas líneas he estado pensando largo y tendido que decir sobre este libro. No me gusta ser excesivamente duro con las obras y tampoco me gusta dejarlas a medias. Lo cual en este caso ha sido un problema y fuente de conflicto. No me ha gustado nada. La historia es demasiado previsible, la protagonista no crece durante la trama, parece que resuelve las cosas por pura suerte una tras otra. Las habilidades que tiene no se corresponden con su experiencia y pasa del bloqueo más absoluto a la acción más vertiginosa. Siendo una historia de heroína clásica, nuestra protagonista no progresa, el personaje es muy plano durante todo el relato. La prosa es repetitiva, con muchos errores en las frases, problema de la traducción espero, no de la autora. Pensé en darle una oportunidad como libro juvenil, pero es que no me parece adecuado ni para infantil.
Doncella de Acero. No lo recomiendo
Nota: 3
Doncella de Acero. No lo recomiendo
Nota: 3
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