I have to admit, I read this one because of the hype. Divine Rivals was on all the lists, all over Booktok, and seemed to be one of those 'must reads', and I had a bit of FOMO. When I read DR, I found it anticlimactic to the hype. This one was no different. Don't get me wrong...it was good. The world building and the stakes and the love story were enchanting, overcoming odds that you weren't sure were possible. But just like with DR, I was left wondering...why bother including the fantasy aspect of the Gods? The entire plot could have been exactly the same without that fantasy element. With the 1940's feel in the settings and demeanours, it could have easily been WWII rather than a Gods War. In fact, I think I would have liked it better if that had been the case. The Gods inclusion felt shoehorned in, completely without purpose other than for a sense of originality. All the war elements were the same...shrapnel, losing loved ones, fleeing homes and torn apart lovers. I adored the journey of Iris and Roman, each of them striving to overcome their respective odds and find their way back to each other. The supporting characters were fleshed out and nuanced, and really built the story. In reality, if the Gods had been left out, I probably would have given this a full five stars, but I just couldn't get over the sense that they were unnecessary. Overall, just like with DR, it was a good, original read and I do recommend it for those who love distant love, rivals to lovers, and all the longing of war stories.
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I love Natasha Preston. I've read everything she's written, and her ability to weave twisty thrillers with dramatic endings is unparalleled. So when I found out she was releasing two new YA thrillers this year, I was super excited. The Dare is from the POV of Marley, a typical high school girl weeks from graduation. She can't wait for college, to move to LA with her boyfriend, and start a new chapter. But before she can, she has to survive 'the dares' handed out by friend turned rival, Rhett. A tradition in their school, senior pranks turn wild with increasing intensity. But after devastating results in previous years, Marley and her friends vow to not do anything too reckless. Unfortunately, they are dared to drive around a treacherous stretch of road without their headlights, and their pact quickly gets forgotten by the domineering Jesse. And it all does down hill from there. Think I Know What You Did Last Summer but twistier, without the gore. You know who is behind much of the drama, but it still keeps you guessing. And that ending...I literally gasped when it all turned on its head. I can't say I like what happened (which is why I 4 starred it) but I definitely didn't see it coming. If you love easy, quick reads with twists and gasp-rendering endings, check this one out. I don't know what it is about SJM's books, but I devour them faster than any other. Granted, I listen to the audiobooks, and Elizabeth Evan's is nothing short of an artist in weaving the characters and giving each voice their own quality. After Empire of Storms, when I read the blurb for Tower of Dawn and say it was Chaol's story, I will admit I hesitated. Not because I dislike the character, but because of the cliffhanger that EoS left us hanging on. But I knew I couldn't skip ToD, so charged on, and I'm glad I did. I know a lot of readers dislike Chaol, but I honestly don't. I get part of why he acted as he did, but chalked it up to SJM's habit of taking the original love interest and making them the villain to force readers to love the new love interest (case and point, Tamlin in ACOTAR). I had a feeling the story would bring in important twists that were essential for the final book, and I was right. Yrene is fiesty and strong, and I loved her character. I never really jived with the Nesrin and Chaol relationship, so wasn't too upset to see them each find someone better suited fairly early. The court intrigue and sibling rivalries of the new characters made for excellent forward motion, as did the mystery of who the valg had infiltrated. I'll admit, I never thought of that character when it was revealed, but in hindsight, it was brilliant. Chaol's journey was spectacularly done, giving his character the depth and emotional growth that was lacking in the previous books. The inclusion of new characters rounds out the cast well, and the reveal that changes the game was one I'm kicking myself for not realizing sooner. Bascially, another win for SJM, and I can't wait to get my next Audible credit so I can start Kingdom of Ash. |
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