Michelle G

Michelle GOverall I liked the story and I kept reading because I wanted to know why all of the king's brides had to die. But like a lot of YA books, I liked all the characters except the MC<br/><br/>Why didn't Shavi have a plan to kill him before marrying him? She had resources and opportunities, but the best she went in with was a story. The characteristic that everyone likes about her is her brutal honesty. I like characters that are a little mouthy, but I could do without the entitlement, selfishness and general brattiness. Of course she's 16, but it's a bit much. It got really tiring every time she said "How dare you.... (insert action that she doesn't agree with)." The love connection was also a bit too soon. She was attracted to him before she realized there was more to what the rumors said. But she didn't forgive easily and didn't make excuses for his actions either which I found to be unique and well done. <br/><br/>Khalid is the best character. Jalel is second best.

Michelle GDid I see how the ending would play out from a mile away? Yes.<br/>Did I love this book? Also yes.<br/><br/>But how can that be?<br/><br/>Lara's fierce and the tense scenes kept me from putting this down. Like when she lifted her dress, put her bare foot on MMC's chest and shoved him as she said to stick his bridge up his ass. And the scene on snake island. And the scene where she was disguised as a boy and met her husband's former lover. And most of her spying scenes, and battle scenes, and the heartbreaking ones... Ok you get the picture.

Michelle G2.5 stars <br/>Don't be deterred, I did enjoy this but there are some issues I'll address. Maybe the writing style is an acquired taste, but the biggest issue I had with this was all the info dumping, filler words and so much unnecessary verbiage that the points were often was lost on me. <br/><br/>There was a good plot twist halfway through, but it took a long time for it to unfold. This took off at a very slow pace. Another plot twist towards the end that was sadly obvious. Then a series of horrifyingly twisted, plot twists, which were well executed. <br/><br/>Of course we have instalove which I am not a fan of but I understand some people don't mind. This WAS a Cinderella retelling afterall, so maybe I'm being unfair. You can determine for yourselves if this is really so bad.<br/><i>"Would he forever compare all others to her? Would anyone else ever make him feel as much? And if not, would he be cursed forever to live only a half-life, a life of quiet acquiescence, of unfulfilled expectations? Was it worse, he wondered, to never know what you might have— or worse to have it snatched away before you might have it?"</i> <br/>A hopelessly romantic prince. *Swoon* As long as I overlook the fact that he met her TWO DAYS beforehand. On top of that, Kamran is a hot headed, arrogant, impulsive, spoiled prince who constantly complains about his silk shirts being too stiff. Probably my least favorite person in the book.<br/><br/>I wanted to like Alizeh, but there just wasn't much to like. The thing that stood out most to me was her poor judgement in character. Even with a magical, lie detecting object in her possession, she still manages to misjudge.<br/><br/>Of course the very best character was introduced at the end. I fell in love with him ✨instantly✨ and yes I know I'm a hypocrite. I'm definitely reading the second book. This first installment seems to exist just to set the stage for a good series anyways. My fingers are crossed for the second book to be a Beauty and The Beast retelling. <br/><br/>Nevertheless this did have some pretty quotes among all the over the top writing. One of my favorites despite it being from Kamran. <br/><i>"I grow tired," he said, trying to breath, "of being in my right mind. I much prefer this kind of madness."</i>

Michelle GThis was a wonderful story, watching the events unfold had me on my toes. The tea was always hot and I kind of understand the antagonists for that. Lol<br/><br/>I didn't mind that one of the biggest plot twists was seen right from the start. Some handsome new stranger shows up and refuses to give his real name? Definitely sus, but good sus. <br/><br/>The characters lacked depth and appear to all be cut from the same mold. The plot and suspense is definitely what drives this story along, until the end which felt insanely rushed. The ending leaves some questions unanswered which was a bit unsatisfying when there's no sequel to follow up with. <br/><br/>Overall a good story, it was thrilling for sure.

Michelle GHolly Black, things can't keep ending like this. It's not me, it's you. <br/><br/>I was convinced I knew what the huge plot twist was going to be. The clues were so obvious and I was right. I was 100% right about Vince. Which left me feeling kind of disappointed that this book was so predictable. <br/><br/>But then you conned me. A book about an actual con artist and you managed to con me in those last two pages. You gave me a false sense of achievement, made me think I had the whole story figured out and then you pulled the rug right out from under my feet. Well done.<br/><br/>The only piece of criticism I have to offer is the logic was often really confusing, I felt as though it could have been explained better.