If you're a fan and wondering if you should invest in the Andy Serkis audiobook version or new to the story and confused about which format to get, thIf you're a fan and wondering if you should invest in the Andy Serkis audiobook version or new to the story and confused about which format to get, this edition is the to rule them all, I promise you!...more
I'm so thankful for the opportunity to read this early! I received an e-ARC as a part of a blog tour by Caffeine Book Tours.
✨ Reasons to Love ✨ ✔ 1920sI'm so thankful for the opportunity to read this early! I received an e-ARC as a part of a blog tour by Caffeine Book Tours.
✨ Reasons to Love ✨ ✔ 1920s Shanghai setting ✔ Enemies-to-lovers trope ✔ Romeo and Juliet-inspired ✔ Rival gangs and blood feuds ✔ Themes of colonialism
✨ Characters ✨ I'm partial to Juliette myself because of her headstrong and decisive nature. Roma, on the other hand, is the calmer, level-headed one and despite the act he puts on, he's very caring and gentle underneath. The tension of the unresolved conflict in the past between them is palpable in every interaction, which adds spice to the romance aspect.
✨ Plot ✨ This is the only part of the book that didn't quite live up to my expectations. While the plot is solid and there are multiple threads that take the story in interesting directions, it didn't add up to a cohesive whole. The whole madness situation felt a touch too unrealistic and convenient in terms of plot to me.
✨ Writing ✨ As this is a debut novel, the level of craft and sheer talent is absolutely amazing. Even though Juliette isn't an immigrant, her struggle with identity and belonging will surely resonate with diaspora readers. Another main theme that runs throughout the story is that of colonialism and the creeping influence of the West on a fractured nation.
✨ Verdict ✨ This is a promising new start to a YA historical low fantasy duology that borrows elements from the Shakespearean classic. It has great characters and fans of angsty enemies-to-lovers trope will certainly enjoy this one. With great atmospheric writing and an entertaining plotline, this deserves to be the next big thing in YA.
I'm so thankful for the opportunity to read this early! I received an e-ARC as a part of a blog tour by Caffeine Book Tours.
✨ Reasons to Love ✨ ✔ ComplI'm so thankful for the opportunity to read this early! I received an e-ARC as a part of a blog tour by Caffeine Book Tours.
✨ Reasons to Love ✨ ✔ Complex politics ✔ Strong women ✔ F/F romance ✔ Moroccan-inspired world ✔ Beautiful prose
✨ Characters ✨ The cast of characters was expanded in this book and every new side character introduced leapt off the page. Maram’s redemption arc was crafted perfectly and I could sympathise with her so much more. Amani and Maram’s relationship developed into a beautiful sisterly bond, which I appreciated a lot.
✨ Plot ✨ It really fulfilled the aspect of escapism I look for in SFF books because of how vividly everything came alive in my mind while reading it. This book also delved more into the political and power structures, which added to the world-building that was presented in Mirage. The world feels rich, complex and incredibly real because of the level of detail the author goes into.
✨ Writing ✨ Court of Lions covers such a broad variety of themes that it would be impossible for me to provide my opinion on all. What struck me was that the female characters showed every kind of strength from brave warriors to clever politicians. The world-building leaned into a system that favours matriarchy and women in power, which was a breath of fresh air.
✨ Verdict ✨ The duology is perfect for anyone who loves world-building in SFF. While it is definitely on the slower side in terms of plot than I typically see in YA, it has excellent characterization and really good writing. This is a Moroccan-inspired series with an F/F romance, so anyone looking to diversify their shelves should definitely add it to their TBRs!
I'm so thankful for the opportunity to read this early! I received an e-ARC via Net Galley from Solaris.I'm so thankful for the opportunity to read this early! I received an e-ARC via Net Galley from Solaris....more
I'm so thankful for the opportunity to read this early! I received an e-ARC via Net Galley from Orbit.I'm so thankful for the opportunity to read this early! I received an e-ARC via Net Galley from Orbit....more
I'm so thankful for the opportunity to read this early! I received an e-ARC via Net Galley from JABberwocky Literary Agency, Inc.I'm so thankful for the opportunity to read this early! I received an e-ARC via Net Galley from JABberwocky Literary Agency, Inc....more
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