I was really looking forward to reading this book for a variety of reasons: it was my first physical ARC, the cover is absolutely beautiful, it’s fantasy with lots of magic and it incorporates elements from classic fairytales. I cannot stop gushing about how much I enjoyed this book.
What I Liked:
- From the first page, the story hits the ground running. It’s fast paced and constantly exciting. There isn’t a “here’s the world” kind of beginning. Instead, everything is slowly revealed. This can be a bit disorienting at first but I honestly prefer it over information dumping in the first few chapters.
- The author includes parts of well known fairytales such as Sleepy Beauty and Cinderella. Growing up I was obsessed with Sleepy Beauty. I had a dress from the Disney movie and everything! The original and fairytale elements blend seamlessly. It’s not jarring or out of place at all. What could make it better? JANE AUSTEN! Bit parts from Emma were evident and I loved every second of it!
- The writing was great…no it was wonderful! The use of detail, the dialogue, the intrigue was perfect for a fantasy novel. The growth of the characters was natural and not forced. Even when characters are disguised as others their essence was still there and their personality shone through. So, you still got to hear that character’s voice but also believe they were someone else.
- All of the characters in the book felt real and completely believable. They were complicated and imperfect. The battle between good and evil wasn’t clear cut. Bristal had to make a lot of hard choices and her conflicted opinions made me love her even more.
- As I mentioned above, things aren’t always as they seem. As someone who has studied history, we know history is written by the victors. It’s what they want the masses to know. What if it was wrong? There’s always another side and I enjoyed how this book touched on it. “Evil” should never be clear cut and I adore books where you can empathize with the villain, even in a teeny tiny way.
-The book gets bonus points for it’s gorgeous cover and tree design at the beginning of each chapter. I love when those little details are added. My heart nearly burst when I opened up the book for the first time. So, so pretty!
What I Disliked:
- While the book was generally fast paced, Part Two slowed down a little bit. It focused mostly on a military group called the Realm Alliance and I wanted it to be more about the fairytale storylines. There is only so much weapons training and men slapping each other on the back that I can take. This was seriously the ONLY issue I had with the novel. So, when I say that I loved it, I really, really mean it!
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More like Kingdom of Ash and Briars: A Nissera Novel (The Nissera Chronicles Book 1)
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From the Publisher
"A world both terrifying and wonderful"
—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review of Kingdom of Ash and Briars
Brought to life by Hannah West's lyrical prose and allusions to fairy tales, myths, and magical creatures, the first book in Hannah West's Nissera Chronicles is a story of ancient magic, young love, and the power of sacrifice.
Kingdom of Ash and Briars introduced the realm of Nissera: a land once protected—and now threatened— by powerful magic known as Elicromancy, bestowed only upon those who prove themselves worthy.
Return to the Kingdom-- and rove beyond its borders. . .
A new generation of Elicromancers must confront ancient evils as the Nissera Chronicles continue.
A rich world full of magic, romance, and woven through with threads of favorite fairy tales awaits. . . .
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"One of the best books I've ever read."—C.J. Redwine, New York Times best-selling author of The Shadow Queen Sixteen-year-old Bristal finds herself in a gritty fairy tale gone wrong when she learns she has magic in her blood—and there are those who will stop at nothing to control her, and her power. |
"I could have stayed and played in this treacherous world for a long time."—Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Legendary Valory’s power is different—it’s dangerous, unruly, and destructive. Can she channel it to save the realm from chaos . . . or will her magic master her? |
"West continues to skillfully grow her original fantasy fairy tale"—Booklist With their magic under threat, two Elicromancer queens must ask themselves whether loyalty is worth their lives—and confront a terrifying darkness in their own ranks. |
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Reviews with images
Quite annoying...
I’m so damned pissed off on which driver delivered my package. Seriously who lets paper out in the rain? I hate when people are so damn stupid. I’m picky about having my books perfect. Why can’t people be more mindful of things!But about the story I already know I’m going to love it. I love the front cover despite the damn wetness. I love the bonus content authors give.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2016
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2022
I’m so damned pissed off on which driver delivered my package. Seriously who lets paper out in the rain? I hate when people are so damn stupid. I’m picky about having my books perfect. Why can’t people be more mindful of things!
But about the story I already know I’m going to love it. I love the front cover despite the damn wetness. I love the bonus content authors give.
But about the story I already know I’m going to love it. I love the front cover despite the damn wetness. I love the bonus content authors give.
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