Member Review
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Bookseller 954294
Book Review: The First of Their Kind by Iolanda R. Santos
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The First of Their Kind, and I must say, this book was a thrilling ride from start to finish. Set in a world where magic is outlawed, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the characters, and I found myself completely absorbed in their struggles.
Ashe, the skilled assassin with a forbidden power, immediately captured my attention. Her determination to find her sister despite the risks involved made her a compelling protagonist. I appreciated how Santos crafted Ashe's character; she’s tough yet vulnerable, constantly wrestling with her morals while navigating a dangerous landscape.
On the other side, we have Eleanora, the princess raised to disdain anything non-human. Her journey of self-discovery as a shapeshifter is both poignant and gripping. I loved how her character evolves, challenging her ingrained beliefs and learning to embrace her true identity. The dual perspectives of Ashe and Eleanora not only added depth to the story but also highlighted the complex nature of their world.
The world-building is richly detailed, painting a vivid picture of Atjas and its dark, oppressive atmosphere. Santos has a talent for immersing readers in her settings, making it easy to feel the tension and fear surrounding magic in this kingdom. The themes of betrayal and alliance are expertly woven into the plot, keeping me on edge as I turned each page.
I also enjoyed the budding relationships throughout the story. The dynamics between the characters, especially between Ashe and the judgmental Mage, brought an interesting layer of tension and humor. Their interactions were not only entertaining but also added depth to their development as they faced external and internal challenges.
While the pacing felt a bit uneven at times, with some sections dragging while others flew by, the overall journey was rewarding. The twists and turns kept me guessing, and I appreciated how Santos skillfully balanced action with character growth.
Overall, The First of Their Kind is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and moral dilemmas. I
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The First of Their Kind, and I must say, this book was a thrilling ride from start to finish. Set in a world where magic is outlawed, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the characters, and I found myself completely absorbed in their struggles.
Ashe, the skilled assassin with a forbidden power, immediately captured my attention. Her determination to find her sister despite the risks involved made her a compelling protagonist. I appreciated how Santos crafted Ashe's character; she’s tough yet vulnerable, constantly wrestling with her morals while navigating a dangerous landscape.
On the other side, we have Eleanora, the princess raised to disdain anything non-human. Her journey of self-discovery as a shapeshifter is both poignant and gripping. I loved how her character evolves, challenging her ingrained beliefs and learning to embrace her true identity. The dual perspectives of Ashe and Eleanora not only added depth to the story but also highlighted the complex nature of their world.
The world-building is richly detailed, painting a vivid picture of Atjas and its dark, oppressive atmosphere. Santos has a talent for immersing readers in her settings, making it easy to feel the tension and fear surrounding magic in this kingdom. The themes of betrayal and alliance are expertly woven into the plot, keeping me on edge as I turned each page.
I also enjoyed the budding relationships throughout the story. The dynamics between the characters, especially between Ashe and the judgmental Mage, brought an interesting layer of tension and humor. Their interactions were not only entertaining but also added depth to their development as they faced external and internal challenges.
While the pacing felt a bit uneven at times, with some sections dragging while others flew by, the overall journey was rewarding. The twists and turns kept me guessing, and I appreciated how Santos skillfully balanced action with character growth.
Overall, The First of Their Kind is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and moral dilemmas. I
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