Started reading: May 9th 2017
Finished the book: May 26th 2017
Pages: 688
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction
Published: April 26th 2017
Source: Netgalley
Goodreads score: 4.36
My score:
Morgan is a dreamer, change maker and art lover. She is a feisty, slightly preachy, romantic feminist full of contradictions and insecurities. Morgan uncovers a world where women have the power, and where magic is no longer just a figment of her wild imagination. Sounds like a dream, but it may, in fact, turn into a nightmare.
The world of the Ahe'ey challenges and subverts her views about gender, genes, and nature versus nurture.
The strong and uninvited chemistry between her and the dashing Gabriel makes matters even more complicated. His stunning looks keep short-circuiting her rational mind.
My thoughts
This is a true fantasy novel. The world and people living there all came out of the mind of the writer. This is a world that's unique, I've never read anything like it. The story was hard to understand at some points, but after a good explanation, I could appreciate Ahe'ey.
Pros
- Last few chapters: To my opinion, the last few chapters were the strongest. It made me give the book 4 apples and I could appreciate the story and the world even more. The ending was very strong as well, made me crave for more!
- Very unique world: The family tree, maps and different "tribes" in the story are all highly unique. The fact that this world is parallel to "our" world and you experience this new world together with a human is a strong part in this book. I've never read a book with such strong heroine females and actually all the characters play a great part and add different layers to the story.
- Thought through: Like I said, the book contains a family tree and a map. It was hard though, to take a peek at the family tree or the map, because I read the book on Kindle. So I would recommend you read the physical book, because those things really add to the story. Also; this book has a great deal of history before the story takes place and you also read about this. It's just very well thought through with no loose ends.
Cons
- Hard to get into: This book was really hard to get into for me. I just felt like I was dropped into this story with characters I've never heard of and a world I've never heard off. In the beginning of the story you read pretty important things that have an impact on the rest of the story. But I was so busy figuring everything out that I forgot the first part of the book at some point and I didn't feel like reading it again. All the names, places and tribes are just too much in the first part of the book.
- Explanation at 30%: I was like WHT?! There is an explanation somewhere around 30% in the book and I was like; "This should have been in one of the first chapters!" I really think the book would have been stronger if the explanation could have taken place sooner.
- Never felt real tension: If you read my posts often, you maybe have figured out that I like my bit of tension in a book. This book kinda lacked the tension for me. It goes on and on and on without that much tension. There is one chapter (which I will not spoil) that gave me the necessary action and I would've liked to see more of it!
Overall
If you're able to adapt to a whole new world and enjoy fantasy, then this is a book for you! The fact that the world is so unique and the book is thought through so well made me give the book 4 apples, despite the cons I also felt in the book. I actually felt that a second book could give me even more answers and I would love to know how my beloved characters are doing now...
Other opinions about this book
"In this romantic tale, a champion of women's empowerment stumbles on a hidden--and seemingly perfect--society. A bracing mix of emotionally and intellectually honest fantasy."
- Kirkus Reviews
"This book is a thoughtful look at empowerment for women. At the same time, it's a rollicking trip into a fantasy world complete with dragons, love and strength, and ideas that really get you thinking. This book is highly recommended for all ages."
- HUGEOrange
Memorable quotes from this book
"Who you are has little to do with how you look. You are what you know, what you can do, the impact you have delivered, and the collection of experiences in your meaningful life."
"Genes are not destiny. They may define some of your physical features and give you tiny head start on some things, but your lifestyle, your beliefs, and your hard work are much more important."
What is your opinion on my new "Coverlove" image? Does it add anything to my reviews? Where do you think this image should be in my review? (I'm not sure about the position yet)
