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1 star. DNF @ 49%. Spoiler free review!
Sadly wasn't loving this beauty even though I sooooo wanted to. I don't think this book was all bad per se, but it was just boring and definitely not for me.
I gave it as long as I was willing to before ultimately deciding to DNF it.
At nearly 50% in, I still didn't feel swept into the world. Maybe I needed more imagery, more context? I couldn't even picture the characters in my mind, face or clothes, if you asked me to.
Not enough history or culture. She kinda of just kept repeating the same 2 things about the Soothsayers, but didn't delve into it.
I couldn't connect to the characters, I didn't care what happened to them. They were all flat and had like one personality trait each. The main character felt too young and naive and there just wasn't anything to like about her. Then because I couldn't connect to anything, the plot didn't feel enticing at all. I had nothing to root for.
Not even a good romantic subplot to root for.
This was one of those "why am I feeling these feelings" kinda romances, and girl... I don't understand your feelings either because you literally don't know anything about this boy, you've exchanged like 5 conversations, and he's not even funny or charming.
Usually a good romance alone can make me want to continue reading, but oof.. not this one.
Nor was there even any friendship I felt particularly strong about, all the dialogue was just plain and simple and even infodumpy at times.
The villain was also really lame and some people in the palace were extra mean for no reason. Her mother? Why is she such a bitch for no reason?
Such a disappointing read. I'd be willing to give Joan He one more try if she comes out with a different fantasy or something else intriguing, but not a top priority author for me to pick up at the moment.
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