The thing I love most about this book is the couple! I adored those two! The unique writing style is also refreshing!

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for honest review

I devoured Girl With Three Eyes. In it, you will meet Kira and Ajay. They were completely adorable and I couldn't help myself from shipping these two together. If there is a second book, I wouldn't be mad if they were together (or not) but I do hope to see a bit more growth. Or maybe their view on some things to be important or the main focus? For example, the system that was mentioned in this book. I just want more of that in the next one.

Other than that, this book had so many twists and turns in it. All the mystery kept this a page turner for me because I just wanted to know more and see how this was going to end. Ugh, definitely hope there's going to be another book after that ending.

I gave it a try, but eventually it ended up on my DNF-pile. The writing style wasn't my cup of tea. I wasn't able to make a connection with the characters.

This fun YA romp had just about everything I could ask for when your looking for a literary pick-me-up: a strong protagonist with some serious emotional wounds, a sweet n' awkward love interest, a house-based school system, high stakes intrigue, deep friendships, a thrilling new school sport that's a delightful cross between between boardercross and jousting, and more than few characters that you'll love to hate.

All together... Chef's kiss.  

It's pretty clear that Kira Shine is the chosen one from the opening pages - we know that she's low-born, a talented athlete, in possession of magical abilities, and that she has to hide her physical differences from others in order to avoid censure. Then along comes an event that changes everything and BAM! It's suddenly her job to Do The Thing™ and Save The People™ and this book if off the the races. 

I fell in love with Kira's voice in the first few pages as it is both young and believable. Her sayings and internalization are sheltered and more than a little naive - especially when it comes to romance - and this lead to a lot of laughs in those relatable 'I've been there' moments. She's awkward, inexperienced in forming friendships and romantic relationships, but still wants to be part of that world. In short, Kira embodies your average young lady trying to fit into a new setting and navigating some darned confusing emotions for the very first time. 

However, Kira's inexperience in social settings is balanced out by a cast of characters who were raised in the high-class, high-stakes setting of the court and the Raj Royal School. You have Sarita, the loveable general's daughters; Trace, the caustic but potentially loveable rich boy; and Ajay, the gorgeous love interest who just so happens to be a prince. They're all bound together through their involvement with the school's skyboarding team, and ultimately Kira's investigation into a string of assassination attempts. Together they make a balanced and dynamic group of teens, and I can't wait to see how they change and develop as the series progresses.  

But, if the characters doesn't draw you in, Ardis's writing is sure to do the trick. Her style light, imaginative and incredibly fast paced. The world building is both unique and gradual, painting the picture of a fragile empire laced through futuristic technology and myth-like magic. There are unique geographical regions, a defined class society, and the seeds of social revolution shaking the foundations of life as the characters know it. And then there's the matter of the investigative arc, with high stakes and dire consequences, carefully threaded throughout Kira's personal journey. There's an abundance of subtle clues and details that will allow for invested or seasoned readers to predict the ending, but no so many as to give all the twists away. I genuinely can't wait for the next book to be released! 

Finally, there's a lot of YA Fantasy out there that should really be classed as NA or adult - and believe me, I devour it with my whole heart - but Girl With Three Eyes is well and truly a YA book and this fills my heart with joy. The characters in it are in the 13-16 range and the embody the maelstrom of contradictions that come with that age. They are awkward and emotional, keep secrets and make impulsive decisions, and regularly blow inconsequential events out of proportion. But then on the next page they make intelligent and rational decisions, experience deep emotions and empathy, and navigate some very adult problems with an enviable and single-minded focus. In short, they are teenagers. And I'll be damned because they actually act like it. 

The result is that this book is an inviting bridge between the world of MG and YA fantasy. It's chalk full of the tropes that are beloved in the genre - it has a chosen one, an orphan falling in love with a prince, a house based school, complex and magical sports, an outsider protagonist with an impossible task, dramatically dysfunctional families, and more. Some might say that these tropes are over-used, but honestly, we keep reading them for a reason! They're relatable, there's an infinite number of ways in which an author can make them new and fresh (hence my love of this book!), and the fact that most readers enjoy a touch of the familiar when they delve into new and magical worlds. Having these tropes presented in a setting that is free from the adult responsibilities found in the later age ranges for YA helps to build knowledge without being overwhelming, and it's exactly the kind of book I would recommend for Junior High and High School Libraries.

This was an interesting read. Although it wasn't particularly my taste, it is a very neat concept. I didn't find myself really connecting with the protagonist, and I struggled with the worldbuilding throughout, but the plot was fast and engaging, and I really enjoyed the found family featured in this novel. I'll likely read the sequel if one comes out, as I am still quite intrigued to find out what happens next!

i never ended up downloading this, i've been reading other reviews on this and it sounds pretty good, so i might go get it~

**3.5 Stars**

Can I just mention how gorgeous the cover is and how it fits the story perfectly? Anyway, there was a lot going on in the story, I am not certain exactly how to classify the genre of the book. There were science fiction aspects to the story with futuristic technology such as a complicated snowboarding boards and ramps. But then it was also very fantasy with magical beings with third eyes,but then there was a royal family, knights and jousting (on a snowboard like thing) which made it feel almost historical. At times I was a little lost with the world building and the amount of details, making me disengage from the story at times.

The book overall had a kind of Harry Potter vibe to it with an orphan child, a boarding school and kids getting sorted into houses (with each house having an animal represent it) based on personality and achievement. There students receive rewards for good deeds and achievements and there is a very popular sport that all the school gets involved in, be it playing or cheering. My favorite part of the story was the found family, where the main character collects the best of people along the way and creates her own support system, with bickering and crushes included. and the ending of the book reminded me so much of the warm fuzzy feeling I get at the end of each HP potter book where the school year might be over but the headmaster and all the classmates reward your hard work (while being injured in a hospital wing).

And speaking of endings, this wrapped up satisfying enough while at the same time hooking my interest with all the loose ends and hints at what is to come. This is most certainly a series and I will look forward to the next book to come out. Girl With Three Eyes is the perfect choice for fans of fantasy, high stress situations be it extreme sporting or dangerous encounters, found families and court politics.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.

I have mixed feelings about this novel. I quite enjoyed it, however, the world building was terribly weak and the overarching story of this political intrigue and failed coup all seems to hinge on an almost Olympic level competition of......snowboarding and jousting. Ummm, what? It was just really confusing as to why a high school team is so important for the COUNTRY to run well and be strong. It was super hard to even fully understand the sport because there was so much detail when something was occurring, however, not a lot of detail of what the hell this game entailed! Just a lot of confusion. There was a huge build up for the novel, some CRAZY surprises that I did not see (and totally loved) and then it seemed like a simple resolution and wrapped it up nicely, however, still didn't answer a lot of questions. Also, is this supposed to be a series? Duology? More to the story? There were a lot of open questions by the end of the novel and it seemed like it was going to be more open....and then the novel says The End so.....no more?

On a positive note, it was an enjoyable novel and I was never bored. A lot of fun action and the magic was super neat and would have been cool if that could have been more explored and given more answers. As the novel went on it was feeling like this was going to have another novel and hopefully give us more of those answers, the ending leaves that to be determined I suppose.

Overall, I did rather enjoy the novel, it just left a great deal of wanting for me. I have so many questions about so many things with this novel and it felt very simplistic and that makes it a little disappointing. If there was a second novel, I would likely pick it up hoping to get some answers and at the same time I would go in with very little expectations and realizing that the world is likely to continue to be weak but the story a fun, easy read.

Kira is born with a 3rd eye that can help mental health and feel peoples feelings.
She rescues the son of a lord.and gets shipped to the prestigious school has his body guard. Threats and plot twists happen.
I will read the 2nd book.

Sadly, this one was just missing something for me personally. I can't quite put my finger on it, but the story was solid I just couldn't keep going with the novel.

This book was super interesting. I'm not gonna lie it was a little young for me. The characters seem kind of young so this is definitely one of those books that straddle middle grade and young adult but other then some parts where they seem a little immature this book is great. I read a lot of YA and this one was very unique to me. I loved the blend of hindu culture into the story because while you see other cultures highlighted now, you never used to see them before. All in all I really enjoyed this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Priya Ardis for the chance to review this Advanced Reader's Copy. I loved this book!

Kira is the main character, who is the gifted teenage daughter of a drug addled father, who is using magic, drugs, and subterfuge to earn a living for her and her father. Kira is forced to serve as a bodyguard and spy for a noble, during which she is tasked with attending a noble elite prepatory high school.

I have to admit, early into the book, I had misgivings and concerns. OK, of the fantasy tropes, we have a gifted untrained youth who is having to learn to use her powers on her own... Check. Child who wants education and never dreamed of being able to attend such a school as this... Check. Snowboarding variant in for quiddich... check. Can't forget the poorly situated girl in a caste society falling for and securing a relationship with a prince... check. Despite ALL of these themes being used in the book, the reader still finds themselves being compelled to cheer on Kira as she navigates the various challenges and betrayals throughout the book. This has all of the feel of a Disney princess movie, but I still enjoyed it.

No graphic, gratuitous violence; no graphic sexual content. While drug use is referenced repeatedly, it is treated appropriately, as something requiring treatment and understanding, but not something to be glorified or encouraged. Enslavement is repeatedly referenced, as is kidnapping . There are references to a caste system, and economic and social status differences are openly discussed. I think this book offers the reader a chance to frankly compare and contrast this fantasy society with the model and the actual societies in which they are involved.

I would have no concerns about sharing this book with an adolescent. There is plenty of excitement, and the pace does not leave the reader's attention to wane. This will be on my Christmas shopping list for my nieces.

Girl with Three Eyes was an easy, Harry Potter meets Hindu culture meets SF novel, with just enough intrigue and worldbuilding to keep me reading. Since the success of Harry Potter, there have been countless novels in the same vein, and while very few manage to capture the wonder and excitement of the original series, some are able to be solid books on their own. Girl with Three Eyes is an easy, quick read for anyone who enjoys the coming-of-age in a private school type stories without much to challenge the reader.

This was ok. Some parts were kind of boring but otherwise a decent story. The characters are good and the world is interesting but could have expanded on more. Pretty decent all around.
Comment

Received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from the publisher, Vulcan Ink, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

I’ve genuinely lost the ability to compute. When I read the blurb and started this book, I wasn’t particularly sure what I was diving into. But my gosh, what a rush. I was the true embodiment of the GIF of that baby who looks like he’s going to fall into his book from reading so fast. Truly.

I enjoyed and loved all the Indian references–*giggle* they were all so cool–and I loved how well it was weaved into the story without seeming to be stressed on and at the same time not getting lost behind the plot line. It was natural and felt real like it would in real life. The culture of the world of Girl With Three Eyes unravelled organically and we start to come to understand everything rather fast and mostly because the script really takes off at one point and you’re racing straight into the centre of the world crafted by Priya Ardis.

Kira, I have to say, had some amazing one-liners that have you cracking up on the spot. She’s the protagonist and we see the world wholly from her perspective. Sometimes as I read, I felt gosh, this girl is too young to be going through this and having to think about all this. Her youth, and her maturity despite it, was written well and alternated rather naturally without feeling like the protagonist was too much of either, given that she’s only sixteen years old. Kira is caught in the web of her own destiny and is unaware of it and like most people who are adept at acclimating themselves to their environment to survive she’s up on her feet and running and working at the task that is handed to her pretty much at gun point.

GWTE has what feels like the makings of a strong ensemble cast and good God there isn’t anything better than that. There’s this newfound and precious love I’ve developed for an ensemble cast and how the connections grow between the characters and it isn’t any different in this book. The interactions just warm you up especially given the slight edge Kari’s power gives the reader. What I love is that each connection in this book has its own pace and each of them have their own connect with one another, as well as with the heroine. Trace, Ajay and Sarita had my heart. The best thing about an ensemble cast is that together they’re the strongest and they each bring something unique to the table, which is true to all four of them in this book as well.

The plot was not predictable to me at all until just before the moment that the big reveal happens and there are a few of them, believe me. This book may take a little bit of time to keep your attention wholly, hold your patience for just that little bit of time and the book does the rest I swear. Five stars for sure! ❤

Happy reading lovelies! I do hope you’ll are all safe and remain so!

I really love the world and plot of this book. It was very fast paced and a quick little read. I just really didn’t like the main character, who seemed a lot younger than a teenager, and who acted too immature and unsure. To be honest, because of this I felt no connection to anything in the book really, and skimmed quite a bit where her interactions and conversation was just too much. It’s a pity, because the world and details were very well done.

This was a very quick read. I started reading in the morning and finished it before sleeping. I loved the mysterious elements in the book. They made me so hooked to the story.
All the characters had their own personality and it was easy to know who was saying what. I was rooting for Kira and Ajay. They are so sweet! I liked Queen Alia's character. She's the only "good" queen I've read about in a while (very difficult for me to digest).
I liked the houses at their school (the Hindi names made me like them more). One thing I'd have liked was if the house grouping would have made more sense. I couldn't understand the distinctions between the different houses.
It was good to see the author shedding light on Caste-system (which is very much prevalent in India). I hope Kira takes more solid stand against this inequality in the second book.
The Girl with Three Eyes has a very unique concept and is very unpredictable. I was extremely shocked when I got to know who the villain was AND I DIDN'T EXPECT THAT!
The cliffhanger did what it was supposed to, I'm impatiently waiting for the book. Five Stars for Girl with Three Eyes!

This was a super cool futuristic read, and all of the unique elements made the story super fresh and interesting. I’m always a sucker for a “finding that hidden power inside me” story, and this book fell into that for me so I really enjoyed it. I felt frustrated with the main character at times, but I overall really enjoyed watching her grow and change. An exciting book for sure.

Okay, this was a disappointment. I love YA Fantasy but this was so poorly done. The cover makes me uncomfortable and then that first sentence made me want to close this book forever. I will not be purchasing this book for the library.

I found this book to be a surprisingly quick read. In all honesty, I was caught up in the plot and for the most part enjoyed the characters and the world building which was so vivid!! The ending was good and am planning to give the second book a try to see how it continues!!
I do hope Kira changes a bit more because at times, she felt a bit childish and it messes with the plot and the politics should be explained a bit more. The high-tech indian kingdom provides a unique twist to all the fantasy books that i've read in the past

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book and the author as well. This is my honest review in exchange for being able to read this book.