Not going to lie, when I first read the book description it seemed like it could be a confusing book trying to jam too much into it. But after reading the sample, it's clear the book is setting out to do what it's promised. I've actually found myself disappointed when I got to the end of the sample because I wanted to keep reading!
PROS
I found the main protagonist likeable. She definitely has flaws and is not a "good" person which I think is great (the only thing I found annoying about her is she also wants to prove she's not a good person all the time, which c'mon girl it just sounds like you're fronting.). Of course she's the best of the best when it comes to being a "dipper" (pickpocket) which can be annoying but she has a refreshing voice. I actually want to hear how the rest of HER story goes and I'm rooting for her even though she makes mistakes and does bad things.
World building. I didn't feel like I was reading a history book about Quadara, THANK GOD. Exposition is hard, especially when you have a rich world you want to share, but if you drop it all at once or in huge chunks it can be a major turn off. Characters and the world were hinted at of having a rich history and fun facts would be dropped here and there like little jewels.
Everything is moving at a steady pace. World building can slow stuff down, but we're getting straight into the action AND not missing out on any information that can help us.
It's a really interesting concept. 4 Sister Queens? Hell. Yes. I'm already predicting there's gonna be a huge war since (and we know this is going to happen, it's in the title!) all 4 are going to die and CONVENIENTLY don't have any heirs. I wonder what the process is for that because danggg someone should've been like "Hey, yeah, I know this isn't fun but like let's make a will maybe? Appoint an heir? Ya know?"
CONS (SPOILERS)
Kind of feel like everybody's got a sob story? Maybe this is to show that it's a dark world everyone's in, but it seems a little melodramatic for me? Like of course your parents died from a disease, (a disease I hope appears again considering how many times it's been referenced already), of course there was this mysterious accident with your father you feel responsible for, of course you have a death date, yada yada yada. This is where I started feeling like maybe we were throwing a little too much in?
Mack turning on Ker felt a little random? But I also think that's how Ker would have felt in the situation so maybe that's a good thing? I did enjoy all of the language talking about Mack's "darkness" but I wish we got more of Ker and Mack's relationship and maybe got to see more of this dual personality before the major turn on her.
Not gonna lie, kinda checked out during all of the Queens POVs because I just wanted to get back to Keralie (she's my girl!). But I also feel like the Queens were the ones providing heavy exposition so that can explain why I felt kinda meh about them.
QUESTION: Ok, is this supposed to be steampunk-esque? Or science fiction? Fantasy? All of the above? I kept imagining like your run of the mill fantasy with what sounded like Victorian-esque to Ewardian style but then DNA was mentioned and electricity. So..? Just wondering so we can get a better feel of their technology and the world in general.
THE VERDICT
Overall, I'm interested in reading more of this! If you like fantasy, strong female roles, intrigue, and a good ol' band of thieves, I recommend checking this out! I definitely would like to read more of this.
PROS
I found the main protagonist likeable. She definitely has flaws and is not a "good" person which I think is great (the only thing I found annoying about her is she also wants to prove she's not a good person all the time, which c'mon girl it just sounds like you're fronting.). Of course she's the best of the best when it comes to being a "dipper" (pickpocket) which can be annoying but she has a refreshing voice. I actually want to hear how the rest of HER story goes and I'm rooting for her even though she makes mistakes and does bad things.
World building. I didn't feel like I was reading a history book about Quadara, THANK GOD. Exposition is hard, especially when you have a rich world you want to share, but if you drop it all at once or in huge chunks it can be a major turn off. Characters and the world were hinted at of having a rich history and fun facts would be dropped here and there like little jewels.
Everything is moving at a steady pace. World building can slow stuff down, but we're getting straight into the action AND not missing out on any information that can help us.
It's a really interesting concept. 4 Sister Queens? Hell. Yes. I'm already predicting there's gonna be a huge war since (and we know this is going to happen, it's in the title!) all 4 are going to die and CONVENIENTLY don't have any heirs. I wonder what the process is for that because danggg someone should've been like "Hey, yeah, I know this isn't fun but like let's make a will maybe? Appoint an heir? Ya know?"
CONS (SPOILERS)
Kind of feel like everybody's got a sob story? Maybe this is to show that it's a dark world everyone's in, but it seems a little melodramatic for me? Like of course your parents died from a disease, (a disease I hope appears again considering how many times it's been referenced already), of course there was this mysterious accident with your father you feel responsible for, of course you have a death date, yada yada yada. This is where I started feeling like maybe we were throwing a little too much in?
Mack turning on Ker felt a little random? But I also think that's how Ker would have felt in the situation so maybe that's a good thing? I did enjoy all of the language talking about Mack's "darkness" but I wish we got more of Ker and Mack's relationship and maybe got to see more of this dual personality before the major turn on her.
Not gonna lie, kinda checked out during all of the Queens POVs because I just wanted to get back to Keralie (she's my girl!). But I also feel like the Queens were the ones providing heavy exposition so that can explain why I felt kinda meh about them.
QUESTION: Ok, is this supposed to be steampunk-esque? Or science fiction? Fantasy? All of the above? I kept imagining like your run of the mill fantasy with what sounded like Victorian-esque to Ewardian style but then DNA was mentioned and electricity. So..? Just wondering so we can get a better feel of their technology and the world in general.
THE VERDICT
Overall, I'm interested in reading more of this! If you like fantasy, strong female roles, intrigue, and a good ol' band of thieves, I recommend checking this out! I definitely would like to read more of this.