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Birthright #4
misUnderstood
Chancery is counting on her older sister Melina to help her find the right path. The fate of the world rests on the outcome of that guidance. But not everyone wants the entire world to survive. As usual, the key to the future lies in the mistakes of the past.
In a world where perfection is mandatory…
Melina’s parents do not get along, not even a little bit. All Melina wants is to make her parents proud, to make them smile. But what brings joy to one causes the other to scowl. There’s only one thing they both agree upon—Melina must win in single combat at the Centennial Games.
A single flaw renders you useless.
Melodics requires complete understanding of your opponent. Melina has no trouble analyzing and comprehending the motivations of others, which makes her a force to be reckoned with. But as the end draws near, as success dangles just out of her grasp, she discovers she may not know herself as well as she thought. And the thing she has refused to accept might be the very cause of her downfall.
In a world where perfection is mandatory…
Melina’s parents do not get along, not even a little bit. All Melina wants is to make her parents proud, to make them smile. But what brings joy to one causes the other to scowl. There’s only one thing they both agree upon—Melina must win in single combat at the Centennial Games.
A single flaw renders you useless.
Melodics requires complete understanding of your opponent. Melina has no trouble analyzing and comprehending the motivations of others, which makes her a force to be reckoned with. But as the end draws near, as success dangles just out of her grasp, she discovers she may not know herself as well as she thought. And the thing she has refused to accept might be the very cause of her downfall.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2020
318 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 11, 2020
Melina's parents do not get along, not even a little bit. All Melina wants is to make her parents proud, to make them smile. But what brings joy to one causes the other to scowl. There's only one thing they both agree upon-Melina must win in single combat at the Centennial Games.
Melodics requires complete understanding of your opponent. Melina has no trouble analyzing and comprehending the motivations of others, which makes her a force to be reckoned with. But as the end draws near, as success dangles just out of her grasp, she discovers she may not know herself as well as she thought. And the thing she has refused to accept might be the very cause of her downfall.
I enjoyed this story, but maybe not quite as much as the other books in the series. That's mostly due to the fact that Melina isn't one of my favorite characters. After reading this, I did end up liking her more than I had before, but more importantly, I understood her.
This book also revealed some important things pertaining to the other books in the series, and there were some things revealed that I had been wondering about for a while. I especially appreciated getting insight into her parent's relationship. This was one thing that helped me understand Melina's motivations. After reading this I had more sympathy for her father, and more disdain for her mother. I'm not gonna lie, I really dislike that women.
Overall this was a good read and I'm looking forward to reading the next books in the series.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Melodics requires complete understanding of your opponent. Melina has no trouble analyzing and comprehending the motivations of others, which makes her a force to be reckoned with. But as the end draws near, as success dangles just out of her grasp, she discovers she may not know herself as well as she thought. And the thing she has refused to accept might be the very cause of her downfall.
I enjoyed this story, but maybe not quite as much as the other books in the series. That's mostly due to the fact that Melina isn't one of my favorite characters. After reading this, I did end up liking her more than I had before, but more importantly, I understood her.
This book also revealed some important things pertaining to the other books in the series, and there were some things revealed that I had been wondering about for a while. I especially appreciated getting insight into her parent's relationship. This was one thing that helped me understand Melina's motivations. After reading this I had more sympathy for her father, and more disdain for her mother. I'm not gonna lie, I really dislike that women.
Overall this was a good read and I'm looking forward to reading the next books in the series.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
September 23, 2021
I actually bought the boxset off of Google, and since I hate incomplete sets or worse having them on different platforms since I had already bought the first boxset on Amazon, I re-bought the first boxset on google as well.
This book is all from Melina's point of view, it starts off with a letter she wrote to Chancery but the next chapters all take place in the past. You see how she was raised, her fighting style, who she likes, how she met the partner she had in the previous books.
You get to know the father a little, and the reason why in Judica's story you seen how she heard her mother call their father "flawed" and that he passed the same issue to Melina. -
This was a great read and helps you figure out why Melina is the way she is in the novels. I really enjoyed reading this and am on to the next novel in the boxset soon.
This book is all from Melina's point of view, it starts off with a letter she wrote to Chancery but the next chapters all take place in the past. You see how she was raised, her fighting style, who she likes, how she met the partner she had in the previous books.
You get to know the father a little, and the reason why in Judica's story you seen how she heard her mother call their father "flawed" and that he passed the same issue to Melina. -
This was a great read and helps you figure out why Melina is the way she is in the novels. I really enjoyed reading this and am on to the next novel in the boxset soon.
October 12, 2022
Like everyone is saying in their review, don’t skip this. Love how the author is doing the change in POV. Author is showing us the phrase “there are two sides to every story” is so very true. This is Melina’s story. And how she came to be with Aline. This book 4 is another example of how mentally abused these Evian kids are! 😂 It’s like they have no one to talk to. Mystery poisoner person is revealed near the end of this one. Still like the story a lot. I feel like Noah is going to win out at some point which is making me cringe. Author has some work to do! ☺️
September 14, 2020
All of the books in this series are excellent, addicting, and full of surprises! This one, though, is easily the best as it goes deep, dark, and in depth as we learn about the past. Melina’s story explains far more than the previous books, answers some questions and creates many more.
Melina’s parents rarely get along and she’s stuck trying to please them both. Typical right? Not when she’s Heir. Melina adds an element to this series that was not there before. It makes everything more complex and takes the series in a new direction.
The details and depth to her story can not be overlooked. Both are amazing and few books or series are equal.
Must read yet start with book 1, Displaced.
Melina’s parents rarely get along and she’s stuck trying to please them both. Typical right? Not when she’s Heir. Melina adds an element to this series that was not there before. It makes everything more complex and takes the series in a new direction.
The details and depth to her story can not be overlooked. Both are amazing and few books or series are equal.
Must read yet start with book 1, Displaced.
March 4, 2023
I'm confused on why this book got such great reviews. The last book left off with a cliff hanger. Not only did this book not take up the story, but it spent an inordinate amount of time rehashing past Hx of Melina's. Yes, it was nice to get another perspective, but there was not any bringing forward of the story. Nothing new happened until the last chapter when we find out who it was who killed the cottage full of Melina's friends and family. And to top it off, the perp of such killings left us with the promise of telling why, but not right now. You will have to wait until the next book... or is that the one after that... to find out.
I do audiobooks, so I found myself tuning out on most of the book.. which is something I usually only do with those dratted overdone sex scenes from other books. Thank you Bridget for not doing that.
I do audiobooks, so I found myself tuning out on most of the book.. which is something I usually only do with those dratted overdone sex scenes from other books. Thank you Bridget for not doing that.
July 20, 2024
Loved getting to hear Melinas pov and realizing I don’t hate her character either. This is such an underrated series!
July 14, 2022
To be fair to Bridget, I enjoyed this book and recommend the series. She's done something interesting in the series (so far). (Fair to Bridget as I'm going to trash Goodreads who has earned a place in the trash can.)
The Birthright series is primarily about twins pitted against each other for control of the "Evian" Matriarchy (behind-the-scenes rulers of Earth.) Interesting take on that theory.
When I studied writing decades ago one of the first things I learned was that a story is: "Two dogs fighting over a bone." That's a concise and accurate a definition as any... and a good one. In this series Ms. Baker throws in a twist where the folks winning the bone usually do not want it, but were forced to fight for the bone, just the same.
This is book 4 and the second massive "side story". Since these "side stories" are full book-length stories and advance the overall story arc (in interesting ways), perhaps it is done by design. If that's the case, I recommend the series to writers in particular... as a study in plot advancement over multiple book series. I've seen it done regularly in novels, but not in series in this way. It has turned out to make the series and characters rich with depth while keeping the reader rethinking the events of previous books told from different viewpoints.
Congratulations Bridget. Excellent so far & I'm looking forward to the next 3 books. Also, kudos to Jennifer Jill Araya, who does remarkably well playing the voice of multiple characters with assorted personalities and attitudes
The series is "Christian" in nature but gives a healthy respect to all religions. The series was researched, as well. Since some of the characters have remarkably long lives, "history" becomes relevant in a number of places. More work than I care to do in a "Fantasy" series where it is easier to invent a world than fit a story into one already known by the reader. Ms. Rowling was excellent at doing this also. So, you're in good company Bridget!
--- misUnderstood.md
[**Reading Vault**](obsidian://open?vault=Reading&file=-Inbox%2F%7BBirthright%20Series%204%7D%20Misunderstood%20by%20Bridget%20E.%20Baker) - Read on Jul 13, 2022 📖 #read/start 🎧 #aread [(Birthright Series 4) Misunderstood](https://books2read.com/u/3Gdyg8) by [Bridget E. Baker](https://bridgetebakerwrites.com)
> << 05:30 AM to 15:15 PM >>
> Ch1/24 Page 1/237 0% 00:00:00/8:25:00, 8:25:00 remains
> to 📕 #read/fini
https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks... (ebook via library)
---
Regarding Goodreads:
I see Goodreads has stopped showing ratings and all other useful information they once shared on books. Way to go... another Bezo's failure. Well... not a failure for him, but a manipulation of readers making a once reader-friendly environment into another Bezo's manipulation machine. Seems it's what he likes to do, even more than Uncle Bill. The man is certifiable.
So what is there to do here? I was run off Amazon for honest reviews... now they've made ratings irrelevant, apparently, seems pointless. I'm withdrawing from my reading challenge. I've read 80 books and challenged 30 for the year, haven't written a single review, so, the destruction of Goodreads turns out to be a "get out of reviews free" card for me!
While I think ratings are mostly mind-sludge, they did have some rational purpose.
All books on my currently reading list are entirely read, reviews done.
Just give them all 5 stars (in your mind). I hadn't had time to put the finishing touches on reviews, spell and grammar check... I'll put it on my "to-do list"... find someplace useful to post the actual ratings and reviews.
I'll still get email updates from my 11 years of friends I've met here and will continue to enjoy what you share and will stop by to let you know I liked your reviews, recommendations, and such.
The Birthright series is primarily about twins pitted against each other for control of the "Evian" Matriarchy (behind-the-scenes rulers of Earth.) Interesting take on that theory.
When I studied writing decades ago one of the first things I learned was that a story is: "Two dogs fighting over a bone." That's a concise and accurate a definition as any... and a good one. In this series Ms. Baker throws in a twist where the folks winning the bone usually do not want it, but were forced to fight for the bone, just the same.
This is book 4 and the second massive "side story". Since these "side stories" are full book-length stories and advance the overall story arc (in interesting ways), perhaps it is done by design. If that's the case, I recommend the series to writers in particular... as a study in plot advancement over multiple book series. I've seen it done regularly in novels, but not in series in this way. It has turned out to make the series and characters rich with depth while keeping the reader rethinking the events of previous books told from different viewpoints.
Congratulations Bridget. Excellent so far & I'm looking forward to the next 3 books. Also, kudos to Jennifer Jill Araya, who does remarkably well playing the voice of multiple characters with assorted personalities and attitudes
The series is "Christian" in nature but gives a healthy respect to all religions. The series was researched, as well. Since some of the characters have remarkably long lives, "history" becomes relevant in a number of places. More work than I care to do in a "Fantasy" series where it is easier to invent a world than fit a story into one already known by the reader. Ms. Rowling was excellent at doing this also. So, you're in good company Bridget!
--- misUnderstood.md
[**Reading Vault**](obsidian://open?vault=Reading&file=-Inbox%2F%7BBirthright%20Series%204%7D%20Misunderstood%20by%20Bridget%20E.%20Baker) - Read on Jul 13, 2022 📖 #read/start 🎧 #aread [(Birthright Series 4) Misunderstood](https://books2read.com/u/3Gdyg8) by [Bridget E. Baker](https://bridgetebakerwrites.com)
> << 05:30 AM to 15:15 PM >>
> Ch1/24 Page 1/237 0% 00:00:00/8:25:00, 8:25:00 remains
> to 📕 #read/fini
https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks... (ebook via library)
---
Regarding Goodreads:
I see Goodreads has stopped showing ratings and all other useful information they once shared on books. Way to go... another Bezo's failure. Well... not a failure for him, but a manipulation of readers making a once reader-friendly environment into another Bezo's manipulation machine. Seems it's what he likes to do, even more than Uncle Bill. The man is certifiable.
So what is there to do here? I was run off Amazon for honest reviews... now they've made ratings irrelevant, apparently, seems pointless. I'm withdrawing from my reading challenge. I've read 80 books and challenged 30 for the year, haven't written a single review, so, the destruction of Goodreads turns out to be a "get out of reviews free" card for me!
While I think ratings are mostly mind-sludge, they did have some rational purpose.
All books on my currently reading list are entirely read, reviews done.
Just give them all 5 stars (in your mind). I hadn't had time to put the finishing touches on reviews, spell and grammar check... I'll put it on my "to-do list"... find someplace useful to post the actual ratings and reviews.
I'll still get email updates from my 11 years of friends I've met here and will continue to enjoy what you share and will stop by to let you know I liked your reviews, recommendations, and such.
March 18, 2020
More About the Alamecha Family and some.
This book answers many questions and explains the reasons behind the various family members attitudes and behaviour. Reading the previous books in this series, one takes the personalities as one reads them, feeling that that character is not a very pleasant person, or, why do they hate other people so much or how can they do that to another family member, where is the family feeling or love. This story delves into a number of the above characters and explains their behaviour and why they are as they are. One of the older sisters of Chancery, Melinda, is particularly targeted in this book along with other members but her in particular.
It becomes clear why she has become the person she is and her desire to live as she wanted to has prompted many of her decisions. She loved life and would have continued living in her home, however, an afficaton beyond her real feelings in her personality and who she was, meant it was not possible and she had to change to even just live. Her mother Enora, the powerful, was on the surface a hard vicious ruler without feeling because as she believed from her upbringing, this was the way things should be and if one did not comply the effects were rather grim and permanent in most instances-beheading was her answer. However, did she have another side to her personality she kept hidden from all. Maybe some of her sibling daughters, may have gotten to close which made her uncomfortable. To show she was unbending she often made decisions particularly about family that hurt her deep down but could not possibly let anyone know how she felt.
After the birth of her twins, she broke a cardinal rule that maybe indicated she was not as tough and hard as she made out, but this is expanded in this book and without this rule being broken we would not have had the previous stories.
Melinda is determined to be in the family and help her younger sister Chancery get to the truth of who murdered their mother who she still loved in spite of the treatment she had been dished out from her. She was concerned this person would target Chancery and Melinda was determined to help and protect the sister she had very little to do with while Chancery was growing up but loved her very much because she was her family.
There is numerous plots and events that continually keep you trying to anticipate where this tale is going and who is really the baddy. Also a true life piece of heinous crime that most of us witnessed is incorporated and adds to the plots of this story, also gives one a surprise that this has been incorporated. Some surprise too.
A number of the other personalities are explained in more detail and one can see why they act as they do because of circumstances and their will to continue living. Near the conclusion is a climax of a sort that really is a surprise in the story and this one really gets the mind going, didn't see this one coming for sure. It has laid the base for the next novel and we just have to wait for BB to get it on paper-please.
I really have thoroughly enjoyed all these books and find BB's imagination and story building quite superb, this is one of the most enjoyable story series I have read and look forward to reading the finals when they come out.
I could say much more regarding the book but do not want to reveal any plots etc that would spoil your read, so I urge you, if you have read any or all of the series leading up to this one and enjoyed them as much as I have, then get this story and read on, promise you will not be disappointed.
I have provided this review totally of my own doing without prompting or inducements from any person or company.
Alan Cameron (NZ).
This book answers many questions and explains the reasons behind the various family members attitudes and behaviour. Reading the previous books in this series, one takes the personalities as one reads them, feeling that that character is not a very pleasant person, or, why do they hate other people so much or how can they do that to another family member, where is the family feeling or love. This story delves into a number of the above characters and explains their behaviour and why they are as they are. One of the older sisters of Chancery, Melinda, is particularly targeted in this book along with other members but her in particular.
It becomes clear why she has become the person she is and her desire to live as she wanted to has prompted many of her decisions. She loved life and would have continued living in her home, however, an afficaton beyond her real feelings in her personality and who she was, meant it was not possible and she had to change to even just live. Her mother Enora, the powerful, was on the surface a hard vicious ruler without feeling because as she believed from her upbringing, this was the way things should be and if one did not comply the effects were rather grim and permanent in most instances-beheading was her answer. However, did she have another side to her personality she kept hidden from all. Maybe some of her sibling daughters, may have gotten to close which made her uncomfortable. To show she was unbending she often made decisions particularly about family that hurt her deep down but could not possibly let anyone know how she felt.
After the birth of her twins, she broke a cardinal rule that maybe indicated she was not as tough and hard as she made out, but this is expanded in this book and without this rule being broken we would not have had the previous stories.
Melinda is determined to be in the family and help her younger sister Chancery get to the truth of who murdered their mother who she still loved in spite of the treatment she had been dished out from her. She was concerned this person would target Chancery and Melinda was determined to help and protect the sister she had very little to do with while Chancery was growing up but loved her very much because she was her family.
There is numerous plots and events that continually keep you trying to anticipate where this tale is going and who is really the baddy. Also a true life piece of heinous crime that most of us witnessed is incorporated and adds to the plots of this story, also gives one a surprise that this has been incorporated. Some surprise too.
A number of the other personalities are explained in more detail and one can see why they act as they do because of circumstances and their will to continue living. Near the conclusion is a climax of a sort that really is a surprise in the story and this one really gets the mind going, didn't see this one coming for sure. It has laid the base for the next novel and we just have to wait for BB to get it on paper-please.
I really have thoroughly enjoyed all these books and find BB's imagination and story building quite superb, this is one of the most enjoyable story series I have read and look forward to reading the finals when they come out.
I could say much more regarding the book but do not want to reveal any plots etc that would spoil your read, so I urge you, if you have read any or all of the series leading up to this one and enjoyed them as much as I have, then get this story and read on, promise you will not be disappointed.
I have provided this review totally of my own doing without prompting or inducements from any person or company.
Alan Cameron (NZ).
January 28, 2024
Like every book in this series, it was filled with twists and turns that no one saw coming. While I loved hearing the new perspective of Melina, I am starting to feel that each character sounds the same when we hear from their own perspective, and that their true character personality fails to show in first person.
I also felt that this particular book had some insensitive mentions of situations such as 9/11 and the bombing of Hiroshima etc. These were real and devastating events that still affect people living today. It felt a bit out of touch to include them in a fantasy world in the way that they were included.
I also felt that this particular book had some insensitive mentions of situations such as 9/11 and the bombing of Hiroshima etc. These were real and devastating events that still affect people living today. It felt a bit out of touch to include them in a fantasy world in the way that they were included.
April 16, 2021
It was really interesting learning about Melina, a character that we’ve only seen through the eyes of those who’d never met her and trusted the words their mother used to describe her at face value. It gave an interesting perspective as to the whole “hero of your own story” thing and the motivations behind our actions. Plus plot twist! I was weary of that character to begin with but then as things went on I started thinking it was someone else and my suspicion reduced to “that persons probably the red herring” but I was wrong. Can’t wait to continue the series
July 19, 2021
This book focuses mostly on Melina and her story. It really brings her life, her struggles, her sorrows, and her choices into focus. I really feel terrible for what she has endured and how her reputation plummeted following her departure from the Alamecha world. She was truly loved by some, and gave freely of love herself. I liked learning more about her and about the pre-Chancery life their mother had. And wow, plot twist!!
October 8, 2020
I relate more to Melina than Chancery or Judica. She is such a well crafted character. Her struggles and desires are so understandable. And I think it’s very iconic of her to come out to her mother by stabbing her. Melina says gay rights!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2020
What an amazing book. I couldn't put it down. Melina is telling you her story in the birthright series. If you have been following along I hope you were just as excited as me. The daughter that got exiled. The one that did not reform to what is the 'norm'. I don't know about you but I would have some pretty negative thoughts towards my mother if she were to ban me to live in a foreign country away from her with no way to visit and travel. Bridget Baker does an amazing job in writing down how Melina feels about all of this and how Melina is trying to cope with everything she has done in the past. Is she going to be for or against Chancery in claiming the throne and fulfilling the mission of getting all the stones and ruling over the entire world as the one true Evian ruler; the descendant of the First Family who should have been in charge all along.
The character development is again flawless, with this book you will be able to truly understand Melina as the big sister of Chancery and what her visions and dreams are. The fact that she has her own book tells you just how important she is to the entire story. I have heard people grumbling over the fact why would a side character have their own story but is Melina truly a side character. Yes she is not the daughter that is supposed to rule. She is not the rightful heir to the throne but she used to be before she got replaced. She has insights that come from being older than chancery and a world view that is eye opening.
I am always amazed in the detail that comes forward in these books that are set in a world that is so much like our own yet so far away from everything. Bridget Baker is a genius in her way of describing this dystopian world to make you see both sides. Her writing style keeps you entertained because their are so many twists and turns that you never know what is coming next but it is not just entertaining. She gets you involved in the story and makes you want to fight with or against the characters from the story. I was grateful that by the time I read this I didn't have to wait for the next book in the series. So, I am off to see what Chancery got to tell me when it moves back to her in Book 5 called Disavowed.
The character development is again flawless, with this book you will be able to truly understand Melina as the big sister of Chancery and what her visions and dreams are. The fact that she has her own book tells you just how important she is to the entire story. I have heard people grumbling over the fact why would a side character have their own story but is Melina truly a side character. Yes she is not the daughter that is supposed to rule. She is not the rightful heir to the throne but she used to be before she got replaced. She has insights that come from being older than chancery and a world view that is eye opening.
I am always amazed in the detail that comes forward in these books that are set in a world that is so much like our own yet so far away from everything. Bridget Baker is a genius in her way of describing this dystopian world to make you see both sides. Her writing style keeps you entertained because their are so many twists and turns that you never know what is coming next but it is not just entertaining. She gets you involved in the story and makes you want to fight with or against the characters from the story. I was grateful that by the time I read this I didn't have to wait for the next book in the series. So, I am off to see what Chancery got to tell me when it moves back to her in Book 5 called Disavowed.
October 17, 2023
I got the first three of these books as a set from Amazon, and whizzed my way through them. I loved them.
I went back and bought this the 4th in the series, Melina has been mentioned (mainly in passing) in the other books, but not a lot is known about her. She is the one that was exiled by the Queen, her mother, the one who tried to kill one of the twins, Chancery, believing that the birth of the twins would bring about the prophesy to end the world.
However in this book we see her in a different light, and through her we also get to know a bit more about her father (and the father of the twins) which is good. He has studied the prophesy for many years and encouraged Melina to do so also with an open mind. Their belief in God is strong, and as their entire race are matriarchal, being descended from Eve herself, no one is really surprised when the prophesy leads them to the Garden Of Eden. Getting there is a different matter though, there are many clues to work out and battles to be fought.
There is also another intriguing twist at the end of this one that left us with another cliff hanger and sent me straight back to Amazon to order the next book.
A very, very good series of books.
I went back and bought this the 4th in the series, Melina has been mentioned (mainly in passing) in the other books, but not a lot is known about her. She is the one that was exiled by the Queen, her mother, the one who tried to kill one of the twins, Chancery, believing that the birth of the twins would bring about the prophesy to end the world.
However in this book we see her in a different light, and through her we also get to know a bit more about her father (and the father of the twins) which is good. He has studied the prophesy for many years and encouraged Melina to do so also with an open mind. Their belief in God is strong, and as their entire race are matriarchal, being descended from Eve herself, no one is really surprised when the prophesy leads them to the Garden Of Eden. Getting there is a different matter though, there are many clues to work out and battles to be fought.
There is also another intriguing twist at the end of this one that left us with another cliff hanger and sent me straight back to Amazon to order the next book.
A very, very good series of books.
October 20, 2025
So I really loved the start of this book series! I thought it was pretty cool and sweet. I’m a 30 year old woman with young kids. I appreciated the lack of vulgarity and sexual content.. but I looked up what age this book series is for, 13 years old. I wouldn’t want my kids thinking that God approves of homosexuality… I think it’s one thing for a book to have same-sex relationships and that’s perfectly okay in its lane, but I wouldn’t say 13 years old is mature enough for this content and its complexities. I feel the author tries to plant seeds that God is okay or even encourages same sex relations. It is interesting to me that the Father and Molina have “strong relationships with God and a greater respect and understanding for his word” but they’re the ones deliberately disobeying and not following Christ’s commandments. 😅 Talk about leading our young children astray!! Please don’t include God in things he does not support.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2025
I do love the way the books intertwine, and give us pieces of the puzzle. We learn each family member’s backstory, and see how that fits into the overall picture. What a tangled web! This is Melina’s story, and it’s a page-turner. You won’t see her in the same way again. I only gave it four stars instead of five, because I’m a bit conflicted about the theology piece. Melina is a lesbian who is married to Alina. The Bible is clear that God doesn’t approve of that. However, it’s also clear that Melina feels that she is following God’s will, in what she is doing. And that God will answer her prayers, even as they don’t follow His will - or, perhaps she perceives Him answering, where he doesn’t. Looking forward to the next book! The narration was top notch, as usual.
April 1, 2022
In this book you file Melina. Much if the book is in the past with only the last few chapters happening in the present.
You gain insight into the relationship between Enora (their Empress mother) and their father. There is also a lot of information given to shed light on Melina's motivations and development. Also, that issue I had about LGBTQ treatment in Evian culture? Well, you finally get to see it addressed more head on. (And even shift its progression)
I did feel like this was longer than it needed to be in places. Huge twist at the end…. Makes me wonder if the next book will follow Inara? 🤷♀️ I'll find out soon!
You gain insight into the relationship between Enora (their Empress mother) and their father. There is also a lot of information given to shed light on Melina's motivations and development. Also, that issue I had about LGBTQ treatment in Evian culture? Well, you finally get to see it addressed more head on. (And even shift its progression)
I did feel like this was longer than it needed to be in places. Huge twist at the end…. Makes me wonder if the next book will follow Inara? 🤷♀️ I'll find out soon!
October 21, 2024
This book made me angry, but not because it was poorly written or because the plot was dumb. I was extremely angry at Enora. She was the WORST. Seriously, I had a burning hatred for that woman, and it is crazy that in a way, she is (sort of) redeemed in book one. It highlights Bridget’s talent and skill; she is able to make a character likable and then completely destroy that. Likewise, she can make a character despicable and then make them a character I root for. I mean, wow.
Seriously, Bridget is a fabulous and talented writer to change my perspective and feelings towards so many different characters and in so many different ways!
Seriously, Bridget is a fabulous and talented writer to change my perspective and feelings towards so many different characters and in so many different ways!
July 16, 2020
I have to admit, I didn’t really know if I wanted to read this book. These books about the sisters are just side stories and sometimes I’m not into them.
However, since I enjoyed Judica’s story, I figured I would try out Melinas. I’m glad I did!
It gave a great back story on Melina and it explained more of the video Chancery saw in the 3rd book. I knew that there had to be a reason for it, but didn’t understand what it was. It was a great read.
Also... I kind of figured out the traitor😏 But I didn’t realize it until this book!
Can’t wait to read the rest!😍
However, since I enjoyed Judica’s story, I figured I would try out Melinas. I’m glad I did!
It gave a great back story on Melina and it explained more of the video Chancery saw in the 3rd book. I knew that there had to be a reason for it, but didn’t understand what it was. It was a great read.
Also... I kind of figured out the traitor😏 But I didn’t realize it until this book!
Can’t wait to read the rest!😍
November 11, 2020
Major Stab In My Reading Gut
Cruising along, suddenly my mind locks up. Why?
A sister walks into a room, and with no personal protection, releases a chemical that paralyzes everyone. She gives her sister half a dose of antidote and forces her to stagger out of the beach house. What happened to the dozen Motherless guards?
Sister wakes up in a chamber so dark she can’t “see” the difference in light if her eyes are closed or not, yet the describes her shirt and pants, with the visible blood spatters, by the color (she can’t see?).
Major fail for the Bets readers.
Cruising along, suddenly my mind locks up. Why?
A sister walks into a room, and with no personal protection, releases a chemical that paralyzes everyone. She gives her sister half a dose of antidote and forces her to stagger out of the beach house. What happened to the dozen Motherless guards?
Sister wakes up in a chamber so dark she can’t “see” the difference in light if her eyes are closed or not, yet the describes her shirt and pants, with the visible blood spatters, by the color (she can’t see?).
Major fail for the Bets readers.
February 6, 2023
The character development in this series keeps me coming back, and I thoroughly enjoyed Melina's perspective on the story. The milennial games, the strategy game itself, LGBTQ romance, more insight into the melodics style of fighting, the characters introduced, the expansion on the familial relationships, I enjoyed all that.
Without including spoilers... the idea that the society of Mary-sue superhumans is secretly controlling real geopolitical events isn't always done in a way I find tactful, which brought this down to 3 stars for me.
Without including spoilers... the idea that the society of Mary-sue superhumans is secretly controlling real geopolitical events isn't always done in a way I find tactful, which brought this down to 3 stars for me.
November 6, 2023
Tough love
Ms. Baker writes about a difficult subject with love. As per usual she shows multiple sides of her characters and changes the reader’s opinions. I’m a conservative Christian but I know several people, both relatives and friends who are gay. Their sexual preference doesn’t change who they are or how much God loves them. Ms. Baker is talented in showing the truth in how every human is flawed in one way or another. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Because He loves us.
Ms. Baker writes about a difficult subject with love. As per usual she shows multiple sides of her characters and changes the reader’s opinions. I’m a conservative Christian but I know several people, both relatives and friends who are gay. Their sexual preference doesn’t change who they are or how much God loves them. Ms. Baker is talented in showing the truth in how every human is flawed in one way or another. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Because He loves us.
August 30, 2020
I don't know how Ms Baker can consistently write masterpiece after masterpiece in this amazing series. She is truly an idol to aspiring writers everywhere, myself included. Let's divert back to the story itself. I absolutely loved seeing Melina's character grow and develop throughout the book. It gave some insight as to her upbringing and why she did what she had done in the past. Magnificently
Well written and engaging to the end, this is definitely one you do not want to miss!
Well written and engaging to the end, this is definitely one you do not want to miss!
February 12, 2024
After reading the first 3 books in a box set, I was hooked and purchased the rest of the series. Next up was this:
Melina’s lifestory is an important one, it holds a lot of insight despite I found myself with more questions than I had answers to.
Also, I found that I’d already created such a strong opinion on Melina based on what she’d done, that I wasn’t as interested in her story so struggled to get through it.. but that’s on me. She really was out there just misunderstood.
Melina’s lifestory is an important one, it holds a lot of insight despite I found myself with more questions than I had answers to.
Also, I found that I’d already created such a strong opinion on Melina based on what she’d done, that I wasn’t as interested in her story so struggled to get through it.. but that’s on me. She really was out there just misunderstood.
March 20, 2020
Bridget Baker’s fourth book in this series is fantastic! I really loved misUnderstood. Each different sister’s viewpoint has added so much to the overall story. Melina’s story is very good and I love the reassurance and understanding that she comes to that she is loved by God.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
August 21, 2020
Fantasy
An interesting series with lots of twists and turns. Wondering why no one suspect the villain when an obvious thing would have been one sister to ask the other about the discrepancy. How could the mother forget she insisted that the daughter swear a vow to her, and be angry when the kid tried to keep the vow.
An interesting series with lots of twists and turns. Wondering why no one suspect the villain when an obvious thing would have been one sister to ask the other about the discrepancy. How could the mother forget she insisted that the daughter swear a vow to her, and be angry when the kid tried to keep the vow.
September 2, 2020
What I like most about this book from Melina's POV is that it really helps you understand what life was like before Chauncery and Judica were born. You get to learn how Melina overcame the pressures of her family and the decisions she made to get where she is. And in the end we learn the biggest secret of all.
December 16, 2020
There are things I don’t personally agree with in the plot line of MisUnderstood but I enjoyed learning a lot of history for Chancery that has helped me to understand and brought more depth to the story. The author is an excellent writer and I enjoy reading her books. There are some swear words which I don’t like but no sex which I appreciate.
March 10, 2023
This was awful. I do not understand any of the positive reviews. 22 of the 24 chapters of this book was drawn out, pointless, backstory. We had 2 chapters that actually moved the plot forward and about 60% of those chapters were repetitive monologues. I hated every character in this book and can’t believe this was the best way the author thought of to tell this story.
April 5, 2023
This one wasn’t my favourite by far. I don’t like the way that Eamon is portrayed after the few hints we had been given about him in prior books. I also don’t like how you still don’t know Melina as an adult any better by the time the book ends. With 85% of the book being set in the past and an action sequence…… just a little frustrating.
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