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Birthright #1
Displaced
Bridget E. Baker begins a saga of shocking truths, deadly intrigue, and sisterly betrayal among the descendants of Eve.
My mom should have killed me the day I was born.
Being a twin complicates the Evian line of succession, but Chancery Alamecha is fine letting Judica inherit the throne. After all, she’s the stronger sister—the merciless fighter, the ruthless politician, and the groomed heir. But something unexpected happens when Chancery tries on her mother’s staridium ring, forcing her into a role that she never wanted: the prophesied queen who will prevent the destruction of Earth.
Now I have to kill my sister.
Judica, enraged by this turn of events, vows to do anything to reclaim her rightful place as empress. Including challenging Chancery to a battle to the death. While Chancery is away training, she gets a taste of the human world, where she can do whatever she wants without genetic obligations. Now torn between a life she was born into and one that makes her happy, she must confront her treacherous sister—or cause the end of the world.
My mom should have killed me the day I was born.
Being a twin complicates the Evian line of succession, but Chancery Alamecha is fine letting Judica inherit the throne. After all, she’s the stronger sister—the merciless fighter, the ruthless politician, and the groomed heir. But something unexpected happens when Chancery tries on her mother’s staridium ring, forcing her into a role that she never wanted: the prophesied queen who will prevent the destruction of Earth.
Now I have to kill my sister.
Judica, enraged by this turn of events, vows to do anything to reclaim her rightful place as empress. Including challenging Chancery to a battle to the death. While Chancery is away training, she gets a taste of the human world, where she can do whatever she wants without genetic obligations. Now torn between a life she was born into and one that makes her happy, she must confront her treacherous sister—or cause the end of the world.
484 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
February 23, 2021
DNF at 78%
Tl;dr: I would recommend Displaced if you enjoy gratuitous violence, overly emotional characters, and YA contemporary high school drama.
Thoughts:
-First off, the book really devolved as it went on. I thought that the main character, Chancery, was okay at first, but towards the end I genuinely hated her. Interestingly enough, some of the characters I didn't like at the beginning (Edam, for example) I started liking more as the story progressed.
-It talks about how Chancery is the oddity among the evians because she actually feels emotion and is merciful. Well, the evans in general *are* cruel, but Chancery annoyed me so much because she has no control over her emotions and bursts into tears ALL THE TIME. It's like someone took the worst INFP stereotypes and bundled them into a single character. Also, C. keeps talking about how terrible Judica is, but C. and her mom both treat Judica horribly, so... it feels like a case of the pot calling the kettle black. And C. literally threatens one of the girls on her cross country team because she tells C. that she should take off her necklace.
-Chancery doesn't love Edam! It's infatuation at best, lust at worst. Her feelings for him are purely based on his looks. At least he genuinely seems to somehow see something in her. And then another guy comes into the picture, and it's just a mess.
-Judica is... an interesting character. She is very much a stereotypical Evil Twin Sister- her dogs are literally named Death and Annihilation. (As opposed to Chancery's dog, Cookie, who, by the way, was the best character in the book.) However, we do see some vestiges of humanity (figuratively, she's completely evian) in her, but that is largely overshadowed by her viciousness.
-*SPOILERS* Cookie... The best character in the entire book... the faithful and loving dog... dies. *sobs* *END SPOILERS*
-I know this is explained multiple times in the book, that evians are direct descendants of Eve, but... Isn't everyone a direct descendant of Eve? C. even alludes to this at one point and it's not really addressed. Evians have "pure" blood and humans have "contaminated" blood, but what contaminated the human blood??
-Also, the Garden of Eden events are history in this world but after that it's pure mythology. I had mixed feelings about that- the mythology was interesting, and one of the stronger aspects of the worldbuilding, but at the same time I don't like the suggestion of mythologizing (is that a word?) the Bible. Also later on C. mentions some other religions... I don't know, it was confusing.
Content:
Violence: High. Judica stabs C. with a fork and it goes all the way through her hand and into the table (detailed). A character is beheaded (technically on-screen, but no details). A character's spinal cord is severed. Mention about the Heir having to undergo pain/torture training (*cough* no wonder Judica is messed up *cough*). C. snaps her own arm so she can show someone that yes, she really can heal herself. And I could go on. Violence usually doesn't bother me, but this is just excessive.
Romance Stuff: Mild/Light Medium: C. kisses a couple of guys and it's semi-detailed. C. decides to go swimming at a party and strips down to her undies.
Language: A handful of mild swear words.
Conclusion: I've never rated a book this low before. This is a harsh review, but in my opinion Displaced had a lot of flaws. To be fair, I did not finish the last 22%, so maybe the end improves significantly. One can always hope.
Tl;dr: I would recommend Displaced if you enjoy gratuitous violence, overly emotional characters, and YA contemporary high school drama.
Thoughts:
-First off, the book really devolved as it went on. I thought that the main character, Chancery, was okay at first, but towards the end I genuinely hated her. Interestingly enough, some of the characters I didn't like at the beginning (Edam, for example) I started liking more as the story progressed.
-It talks about how Chancery is the oddity among the evians because she actually feels emotion and is merciful. Well, the evans in general *are* cruel, but Chancery annoyed me so much because she has no control over her emotions and bursts into tears ALL THE TIME. It's like someone took the worst INFP stereotypes and bundled them into a single character. Also, C. keeps talking about how terrible Judica is, but C. and her mom both treat Judica horribly, so... it feels like a case of the pot calling the kettle black. And C. literally threatens one of the girls on her cross country team because she tells C. that she should take off her necklace.
-Chancery doesn't love Edam! It's infatuation at best, lust at worst. Her feelings for him are purely based on his looks. At least he genuinely seems to somehow see something in her. And then another guy comes into the picture, and it's just a mess.
-Judica is... an interesting character. She is very much a stereotypical Evil Twin Sister- her dogs are literally named Death and Annihilation. (As opposed to Chancery's dog, Cookie, who, by the way, was the best character in the book.) However, we do see some vestiges of humanity (figuratively, she's completely evian) in her, but that is largely overshadowed by her viciousness.
-*SPOILERS* Cookie... The best character in the entire book... the faithful and loving dog... dies. *sobs* *END SPOILERS*
-I know this is explained multiple times in the book, that evians are direct descendants of Eve, but... Isn't everyone a direct descendant of Eve? C. even alludes to this at one point and it's not really addressed. Evians have "pure" blood and humans have "contaminated" blood, but what contaminated the human blood??
-Also, the Garden of Eden events are history in this world but after that it's pure mythology. I had mixed feelings about that- the mythology was interesting, and one of the stronger aspects of the worldbuilding, but at the same time I don't like the suggestion of mythologizing (is that a word?) the Bible. Also later on C. mentions some other religions... I don't know, it was confusing.
Content:
Violence: High. Judica stabs C. with a fork and it goes all the way through her hand and into the table (detailed). A character is beheaded (technically on-screen, but no details). A character's spinal cord is severed. Mention about the Heir having to undergo pain/torture training (*cough* no wonder Judica is messed up *cough*). C. snaps her own arm so she can show someone that yes, she really can heal herself. And I could go on. Violence usually doesn't bother me, but this is just excessive.
Romance Stuff: Mild/Light Medium: C. kisses a couple of guys and it's semi-detailed. C. decides to go swimming at a party and strips down to her undies.
Language: A handful of mild swear words.
Conclusion: I've never rated a book this low before. This is a harsh review, but in my opinion Displaced had a lot of flaws. To be fair, I did not finish the last 22%, so maybe the end improves significantly. One can always hope.
June 2, 2021
I read all of it....I made it"} Really this book is a great idea! The plot and everything going on made a great story. The whole idea of what the book is trying to teach was awesome. I loved a lot of the one liners as she followed her heart. The problem was the characters! Uhg.... They just got worse the longer the story went on. Was she 17 or 14 cause she acted like a little girl and was really all over the place. The leading man who was in most of this story was a nice dark mystery who I wasn't sure I liked and didn't really feel like I got to know at all. He got a little better as the book went on. Then the love triangle was introduced and I almost put the book down. The new guy was so unappealing. Oh well.
This is a teen read. A few kisses. LOts of blood and violence but not too detailed. 13 and up
This is a teen read. A few kisses. LOts of blood and violence but not too detailed. 13 and up
August 17, 2021
So, I DNF this book.
Just within the first few pages I knew it wasn't for me. The writing itself is pretty bland and nondescriptive. The MC literally has a fork shoved into her hand and it feels so cartonish because there is no description whatsoever.
Then some *spoilers* gets beheaded and we don't even get a description of that. Why bother writing something if the audience can't even picture what's happening? And it's not even just the violent scenes - it's the whole book. The only description we get of the characters in the first few chapters is the love interest Adam. And I bet the only reason for that was to prove he is as hot as MC thinks he is. I have no idea what the rest of them look like.
Also, how many times do I have to hear internal monologue about how bad Judica treats her? How evil she is? And how Judica is meant to rule, not her? This was seriously overdone. I get it. The MC is not meant to rule. She doesn't belong. Blah, blah.
The mother is also supper confusing. She says and acts like she loves her daughter so much. Yet when Judica stabs her with a fork, she acts like it never happened. Then she gets upset when MC says she wants to leave and live elsewhere. Like, what exactly were you trying to achieve with this character. You're not even consistent.
I will not be reading on. I have too much respect for myself. If the author can't be bothered writing decent description of what is happening and characters who act appropriately, then I can't be bothered reading it.
1 star. That's all it gets.
Just within the first few pages I knew it wasn't for me. The writing itself is pretty bland and nondescriptive. The MC literally has a fork shoved into her hand and it feels so cartonish because there is no description whatsoever.
Then some *spoilers* gets beheaded and we don't even get a description of that. Why bother writing something if the audience can't even picture what's happening? And it's not even just the violent scenes - it's the whole book. The only description we get of the characters in the first few chapters is the love interest Adam. And I bet the only reason for that was to prove he is as hot as MC thinks he is. I have no idea what the rest of them look like.
Also, how many times do I have to hear internal monologue about how bad Judica treats her? How evil she is? And how Judica is meant to rule, not her? This was seriously overdone. I get it. The MC is not meant to rule. She doesn't belong. Blah, blah.
The mother is also supper confusing. She says and acts like she loves her daughter so much. Yet when Judica stabs her with a fork, she acts like it never happened. Then she gets upset when MC says she wants to leave and live elsewhere. Like, what exactly were you trying to achieve with this character. You're not even consistent.
I will not be reading on. I have too much respect for myself. If the author can't be bothered writing decent description of what is happening and characters who act appropriately, then I can't be bothered reading it.
1 star. That's all it gets.
November 19, 2019
My mom should have killed me the day I was born.
Being a twin complicates the Evian line of succession, but Chancery Alamecha is fine letting Judica inherit the throne. After all, she’s the stronger sister—the merciless fighter, the ruthless politician, and the groomed heir. But something unexpected happens when Chancery tries on her mother’s staridium ring, forcing her into a role that she never wanted: the prophesied queen who will prevent the destruction of Earth.
Now I have to kill my sister.
This is the first book in a new series by Bridget E. Baker. I've enjoyed everything she has written so far, and this one ended up being good as well. In the beginning I was a little unsure how much I was going to like it, but it ended up getting better and better as it progressed.
Chancery was easy to like and her sister, Judica was easy to hate. However, I was very conflicted about their mother. I was infuriated at her for some of the things she let Judica get away with, and I don't think Chancery's view of her mother is completely accurate. I kept thinking that Chancery would have some real issues with her mother over the things she lets Judica get away with. However after reading the book and seeing how brutal their culture could be, it made a little more sense why things were the way they were. I think the author is really good at showing how her characters feel, and why they feel that way, and there are definitely some layers that need to be peeled away from some of these characters. This being a series, I know it's not all going to happen in this book, so I can be patient.
I liked the romance in this book, even though the love triangle was slightly annoying. I think we all know who Chancery will end up with. I think the other guy was just thrown in to add some tension. The high school thing that was added late in the book wasn't one of my favorite parts either, even though I understand it was added to help Chancery figure out if she would want to live a human life. Other than those small things I liked this book very much.
I do have to add that there was a lot of blood in this. It wasn't really gory, just a bit descriptive, and it was shocking how brutal these people were. I'm not sure being next to immortal would make me less concerned about the kind of injuries that are inflicted in this book. I mean it still hurts! I would think they wouldn't want to repeat that too often, but clearly they are not like me. I also wondered why they didn't get sick of ruining their clothes and having to clean up all the blood. Practice swords are a thing, maybe they should try using them? 😂 Anyway, it's an interesting world and I plan on reading the sequels.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Being a twin complicates the Evian line of succession, but Chancery Alamecha is fine letting Judica inherit the throne. After all, she’s the stronger sister—the merciless fighter, the ruthless politician, and the groomed heir. But something unexpected happens when Chancery tries on her mother’s staridium ring, forcing her into a role that she never wanted: the prophesied queen who will prevent the destruction of Earth.
Now I have to kill my sister.
This is the first book in a new series by Bridget E. Baker. I've enjoyed everything she has written so far, and this one ended up being good as well. In the beginning I was a little unsure how much I was going to like it, but it ended up getting better and better as it progressed.
Chancery was easy to like and her sister, Judica was easy to hate. However, I was very conflicted about their mother. I was infuriated at her for some of the things she let Judica get away with, and I don't think Chancery's view of her mother is completely accurate. I kept thinking that Chancery would have some real issues with her mother over the things she lets Judica get away with. However after reading the book and seeing how brutal their culture could be, it made a little more sense why things were the way they were. I think the author is really good at showing how her characters feel, and why they feel that way, and there are definitely some layers that need to be peeled away from some of these characters. This being a series, I know it's not all going to happen in this book, so I can be patient.
I liked the romance in this book, even though the love triangle was slightly annoying. I think we all know who Chancery will end up with. I think the other guy was just thrown in to add some tension. The high school thing that was added late in the book wasn't one of my favorite parts either, even though I understand it was added to help Chancery figure out if she would want to live a human life. Other than those small things I liked this book very much.
I do have to add that there was a lot of blood in this. It wasn't really gory, just a bit descriptive, and it was shocking how brutal these people were. I'm not sure being next to immortal would make me less concerned about the kind of injuries that are inflicted in this book. I mean it still hurts! I would think they wouldn't want to repeat that too often, but clearly they are not like me. I also wondered why they didn't get sick of ruining their clothes and having to clean up all the blood. Practice swords are a thing, maybe they should try using them? 😂 Anyway, it's an interesting world and I plan on reading the sequels.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
September 26, 2020
Racism?
So this story is based on the premise that Adam and Eve were white? That doesn't work even in science fiction.
So this story is based on the premise that Adam and Eve were white? That doesn't work even in science fiction.
December 26, 2024
Just read Displaced for free on NOOK today! ☺️
July 29, 2021
Deliciously epic! The hostility and looming fight between the twin sisters creates fantastic tension, and the budding romances were totally swoony.
October 2, 2020
ok let's start here - this is the best self-published book I've read. And people tend to give them to me. I have a few complaints. And a good copyeditor should have caught them. But hey "twilight" got published and it's crap so maybe not.
Issue the first: the entire plot. ok, that sounds bad. But the entire plot is based around the line of succession being passed on to the youngest daughter. And there's a whole mythology behind why they do it that way but there is no way this system survives more than the first major generational transition before killing your younger sister becomes something of a rite of passage. When writing a fantastical novel you have to consider if your inheritance laws are more fantastical than the thought of a group of "pure" descendents of Eve who live for 900 years and think that passing the throne to an 18 year old make sense. Especially if they all have perfect recall of their lives from infancy. because that means that every non-youngest sister has memories of being the heir and then being shoved aside. Also, this particular case makes it so they effectively passed the throne to a five year old. Really they should be assigning a regent to rule for a hundred years or so. You think people in their 600's are going to be impressed by an 18 year old leading them...I have news for you. They aren't.
Issues the second: Chancery needs to decide if she wants to live in the human world. She has less than two weeks to decide. To help her make her decision...they enroll her in high school!? That makes no sense. That's not a good look into human life when if she stayed there she would have mere months before graduating and spending the next 900 years NOT in high school. (Minor complaint: the author has no idea what schooling for the rich is like. She makes a comment about how just memorizing stuff isn't a great education. That's poor people school. Rich people would learn via project and travel and have tons of extra curriculur options.)
Issue the third: Chancery is in a flirty maybe we'll get married this week maybe not relationship with Edam. THey send him to school with her to pretend to be the new pe teacher. Because he's in his mid-20's. So he's all weirdly familiar and flirty with her in front of anyone and it basically becomes a joke. Can we stop romanticizing unhealthy relationships? I understand that in their world the age gap isn't that big a deal. But having the human kids make cracks about it and Noah offering to hide what he SHOULD see as a predatory relationship sends a clear message that the situation isn't a big deal. And the background of the previous teacher having been fired for being with a student increases the sense that the author thinks the age gap is a joke.
Issue the fourth: For someone with perfect recall Chancery can't keep her story straight. She moved to NYC because her dad is head of a cosmetic company and strengthening their US division, they moved because her mom died, wait - both of her parents are dead. This is bizarre. Get your story straight. It's not like you forgot.
So...given all of these, the book isn't bad. Not sure I'll keep reading. I will say that the author did a good job of letting me know something is up with Noah and plant things to be followed up on in later books. And Judica got a raw deal. I'm glad her story is next. Because let's get real. Her mom sucked as a parent and since all I ever saw of her leading was planning parties and taking Chancery off to watch movies and have special treats while Judica was left to experience pain training I don't think she was a great empress either.
Issue the first: the entire plot. ok, that sounds bad. But the entire plot is based around the line of succession being passed on to the youngest daughter. And there's a whole mythology behind why they do it that way but there is no way this system survives more than the first major generational transition before killing your younger sister becomes something of a rite of passage. When writing a fantastical novel you have to consider if your inheritance laws are more fantastical than the thought of a group of "pure" descendents of Eve who live for 900 years and think that passing the throne to an 18 year old make sense. Especially if they all have perfect recall of their lives from infancy. because that means that every non-youngest sister has memories of being the heir and then being shoved aside. Also, this particular case makes it so they effectively passed the throne to a five year old. Really they should be assigning a regent to rule for a hundred years or so. You think people in their 600's are going to be impressed by an 18 year old leading them...I have news for you. They aren't.
Issues the second: Chancery needs to decide if she wants to live in the human world. She has less than two weeks to decide. To help her make her decision...they enroll her in high school!? That makes no sense. That's not a good look into human life when if she stayed there she would have mere months before graduating and spending the next 900 years NOT in high school. (Minor complaint: the author has no idea what schooling for the rich is like. She makes a comment about how just memorizing stuff isn't a great education. That's poor people school. Rich people would learn via project and travel and have tons of extra curriculur options.)
Issue the third: Chancery is in a flirty maybe we'll get married this week maybe not relationship with Edam. THey send him to school with her to pretend to be the new pe teacher. Because he's in his mid-20's. So he's all weirdly familiar and flirty with her in front of anyone and it basically becomes a joke. Can we stop romanticizing unhealthy relationships? I understand that in their world the age gap isn't that big a deal. But having the human kids make cracks about it and Noah offering to hide what he SHOULD see as a predatory relationship sends a clear message that the situation isn't a big deal. And the background of the previous teacher having been fired for being with a student increases the sense that the author thinks the age gap is a joke.
Issue the fourth: For someone with perfect recall Chancery can't keep her story straight. She moved to NYC because her dad is head of a cosmetic company and strengthening their US division, they moved because her mom died, wait - both of her parents are dead. This is bizarre. Get your story straight. It's not like you forgot.
So...given all of these, the book isn't bad. Not sure I'll keep reading. I will say that the author did a good job of letting me know something is up with Noah and plant things to be followed up on in later books. And Judica got a raw deal. I'm glad her story is next. Because let's get real. Her mom sucked as a parent and since all I ever saw of her leading was planning parties and taking Chancery off to watch movies and have special treats while Judica was left to experience pain training I don't think she was a great empress either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2020
Really good start to the series. I was actually quite surprise by the both simplicity and depth that the world building and backstory gave us here. Also, the author makes it a part of the storyline for the main character to reveal depth of the other characters which made the story all the more rich for me. This book is very YA for the moment, not sure if that will change or not but its been pretty clean so far.
I'm really loving the backstory of the Evians, and even better there is a prophecy.. takes a little of a back seat here in book one as things get jump started with death and betrayals to the max, but its there for the future. While for the most part Chauncey spends a lot of time wishy washy and back and forth.. I feel like she experiences tremendous growth for a character and its in such a way that doesn't leave the reader in disbelief. Like there is no "training montage" growth.. while there is a lot of training eventually Chauncey realizes what she really needs is to trust what she already knows and not bend to society's whims. This ends up making her stronger in the end.
I will say we have stepped off into some dreaded love triangle danger zone. I am more of a clear pick, or a why choose kind of gal. The teen angst is really starting to build, and of course there isn't a clear answer. I feel like there is still a lot that has to come to light before the romance aspect of this book takes a turn. I'm ok with a slower build but I'm hoping that we aren't made to suffer through the triangle long.
All in all this was a really enjoyable read. I'm excited about the series because it has a lot going for it. Not a cliffhanger really but definitely an abrupt ending leading the reader to want to dive right into book 2. If I wasn't already drowning in backed up reviews and such then I would probably head there now.
I'm really loving the backstory of the Evians, and even better there is a prophecy.. takes a little of a back seat here in book one as things get jump started with death and betrayals to the max, but its there for the future. While for the most part Chauncey spends a lot of time wishy washy and back and forth.. I feel like she experiences tremendous growth for a character and its in such a way that doesn't leave the reader in disbelief. Like there is no "training montage" growth.. while there is a lot of training eventually Chauncey realizes what she really needs is to trust what she already knows and not bend to society's whims. This ends up making her stronger in the end.
I will say we have stepped off into some dreaded love triangle danger zone. I am more of a clear pick, or a why choose kind of gal. The teen angst is really starting to build, and of course there isn't a clear answer. I feel like there is still a lot that has to come to light before the romance aspect of this book takes a turn. I'm ok with a slower build but I'm hoping that we aren't made to suffer through the triangle long.
All in all this was a really enjoyable read. I'm excited about the series because it has a lot going for it. Not a cliffhanger really but definitely an abrupt ending leading the reader to want to dive right into book 2. If I wasn't already drowning in backed up reviews and such then I would probably head there now.
June 18, 2020
Wow, I expected that this YA book was going to end up in the DNF rubbish-heap at the halfway point, but after I put it down for a couple of weeks, and after reading a handful of other books, I was finally able to pick this up and trudge the rest of way to the finish line! And oh yeah... my dislike ran high! I may have even yelled in frustration at our utterly idiotic, ditzy protagonist, more than a few times as events unfolded!
The whole premise is repugnant to me. It's about a race of snowflakes, better, stronger, more beautiful in every way... a race of people who are the "True" descendants of Eve, and they wouldn't dream of diluting their perfect DNA with mere mortals! They have been living hidden, but they've been orchestrating all of human civilization since humans were cast out of the "Garden. Yeah, that garden. Sheesh!
And don't even get me started about the twins. Two "Daughters of Eve" (Chancery and Judica), who've been pitted against each other since the moment of their births, vying for everything from their mother's attention, to inheriting her crown. Now on the cusp of their 18th birthday, Judica challenges Chancery, to a duel to the death! There's so stinking much teen angst in this story, it sickens me, but pimples weren't the problem. No, making intelligent choices was the problem... time after time, after Bloody time! "Ye gods, spare me!!!
I seriously wouldn't have made it to the end without the voice talent of Jennifer Jill Araya. She's perfect! Every time Judica spoke, I just wanted to slap the bitch-girl silly, that's how much I disliked her! JJ Araya can really do a Stuck-up, mean, spiteful girl. In fact, she's been Great at every bit of narration I've ever heard her do, and that's Lots and lots of narration! 😊👍
The whole premise is repugnant to me. It's about a race of snowflakes, better, stronger, more beautiful in every way... a race of people who are the "True" descendants of Eve, and they wouldn't dream of diluting their perfect DNA with mere mortals! They have been living hidden, but they've been orchestrating all of human civilization since humans were cast out of the "Garden. Yeah, that garden. Sheesh!
And don't even get me started about the twins. Two "Daughters of Eve" (Chancery and Judica), who've been pitted against each other since the moment of their births, vying for everything from their mother's attention, to inheriting her crown. Now on the cusp of their 18th birthday, Judica challenges Chancery, to a duel to the death! There's so stinking much teen angst in this story, it sickens me, but pimples weren't the problem. No, making intelligent choices was the problem... time after time, after Bloody time! "Ye gods, spare me!!!
I seriously wouldn't have made it to the end without the voice talent of Jennifer Jill Araya. She's perfect! Every time Judica spoke, I just wanted to slap the bitch-girl silly, that's how much I disliked her! JJ Araya can really do a Stuck-up, mean, spiteful girl. In fact, she's been Great at every bit of narration I've ever heard her do, and that's Lots and lots of narration! 😊👍
September 29, 2021
DNF
I just... I tried to like this. I gave it three attempts, mostly because I had a headache the first time. But I just... what is this book trying to be?
First off, my kindle had an estimated read time of ELEVEN HOURS. This book did not pull me in.
Everything about this cover says "YA Fantasy." Everything about the 5% I read says "YA Science Fiction." Chancery is whiny, and we've spent the first 5% whining about her life, despite her mother ruling the modern world, save for China, which her teenage sister wants to take over.
The BIGGEST PEEVE I have is the utter lack of worldbuilding. There is NONE. I have no idea what's happen, why, what kind of world we're in, why we're in it, or anything. But Chancery has a crush on her twin sister's boyfriend, which apparently is more important than, like, pretty much anything.
The writing goes between intelligent science fiction or whiny preteen, and I don't like it. The opening had me so confused at to WFT kind of world we're in. Like, are these girls androids? syths? Magic? I don't know by chapter 3, and it bothers me. There was so little insight into the world, other than her mother is in charge and almost 900 years old. The friend in the opening is apparently half-human - what's the other half?
Like...what? I need more. I need worldbuilding.
I just... I tried to like this. I gave it three attempts, mostly because I had a headache the first time. But I just... what is this book trying to be?
First off, my kindle had an estimated read time of ELEVEN HOURS. This book did not pull me in.
Everything about this cover says "YA Fantasy." Everything about the 5% I read says "YA Science Fiction." Chancery is whiny, and we've spent the first 5% whining about her life, despite her mother ruling the modern world, save for China, which her teenage sister wants to take over.
The BIGGEST PEEVE I have is the utter lack of worldbuilding. There is NONE. I have no idea what's happen, why, what kind of world we're in, why we're in it, or anything. But Chancery has a crush on her twin sister's boyfriend, which apparently is more important than, like, pretty much anything.
The writing goes between intelligent science fiction or whiny preteen, and I don't like it. The opening had me so confused at to WFT kind of world we're in. Like, are these girls androids? syths? Magic? I don't know by chapter 3, and it bothers me. There was so little insight into the world, other than her mother is in charge and almost 900 years old. The friend in the opening is apparently half-human - what's the other half?
Like...what? I need more. I need worldbuilding.
June 1, 2020
Somewhat interesting, but with holes
I didn’t hate this book, but I just kept coming across contradictions that BUGGED me and kept me from enjoying it.
One example: main character is described as watching human TV all her life. Then, when she gets to actually attend a human high school, she doesn’t know what the bell is? There were other things that she doesn’t know - but would if she’d watched ONE high school movie - and then she is back to knowing things about humans because she watched so much TV.
There were other similar things. The timeline and different family names were muddled to me, so when her mom talks about having witnessed wars fought over twins 500 years ago, and she has been ruling for 900 years... it didn’t feel to me like the author truly took the time to understand what a burden such a long life would be to society. Where is the opportunity for advancement if the man at the top is going to be in his position for 500 more years?
So, for me it was an interesting concept, but not interesting enough and not fleshed out enough to continue on with the series. And, I totally did NOT get the love triangle.
The person who read for the audiobook was good.
I didn’t hate this book, but I just kept coming across contradictions that BUGGED me and kept me from enjoying it.
One example: main character is described as watching human TV all her life. Then, when she gets to actually attend a human high school, she doesn’t know what the bell is? There were other things that she doesn’t know - but would if she’d watched ONE high school movie - and then she is back to knowing things about humans because she watched so much TV.
There were other similar things. The timeline and different family names were muddled to me, so when her mom talks about having witnessed wars fought over twins 500 years ago, and she has been ruling for 900 years... it didn’t feel to me like the author truly took the time to understand what a burden such a long life would be to society. Where is the opportunity for advancement if the man at the top is going to be in his position for 500 more years?
So, for me it was an interesting concept, but not interesting enough and not fleshed out enough to continue on with the series. And, I totally did NOT get the love triangle.
The person who read for the audiobook was good.
December 28, 2019
I picked it thinking it was a light YA Fantasy, but it surprised me by being much more than that!
February 18, 2024
I'm beyond words at this moment! This is one of the best books I've ever read and I've read a lot of books! Once I began reading, I couldn't put it down. This story was captivating. It has all the elements of a great book and every one was executed perfectly! I can't wait to gobble up the rest of this series!
Read
October 24, 2023I have given up on fantasy…
March 6, 2023
Definitely would’ve DNFed this one if I didn’t get so bored at work.
Also, I feel like the author just learned the phrase “bob their head” because they could barely make it a page without including it. Everyone was bobbing their heads nonstop and it made what was already insufferable somehow worse.
I’m super SUPER confused at the good reads reviews on this one, I can’t even blame it on different tastes. This book is bad. 1/5 stars. :(
Also, I feel like the author just learned the phrase “bob their head” because they could barely make it a page without including it. Everyone was bobbing their heads nonstop and it made what was already insufferable somehow worse.
I’m super SUPER confused at the good reads reviews on this one, I can’t even blame it on different tastes. This book is bad. 1/5 stars. :(
March 14, 2021
There' s a story here, just take it in small doses. Chancery was very hard to like, and that whole go to human school I could have done without. Even the Noah/Edam love thing was just forced, maybe forced is the wrong word but there was a lack of something...and that made me not care one way or another about either of them.
March 30, 2023
3.5/5
I did not enjoy this book in the beginning simply because I thought Chancery was too childish, but it grew on me, and I was really interested with the plot. I'm glad I decided to stick with this book, and I'm looking forward to seeing Judica's point of view in the second book.
I did not enjoy this book in the beginning simply because I thought Chancery was too childish, but it grew on me, and I was really interested with the plot. I'm glad I decided to stick with this book, and I'm looking forward to seeing Judica's point of view in the second book.
Read
April 25, 2024One of the free Stuff my Kindle offerings. I got to chapter 2 but it wasn’t grabbing me. Complicated world building going on alongside supernatural caste system and human govt world power manipulation. A mean twin and dumb laws. Oh yeah and hitting too close on a memory, a Cavalier King Charles pup named Cookie.
June 14, 2020
Solid YA fantasy which hooked me from the beginning and kept me all the way through. I listened to the audiobook and loved Jennifer Jill Araya's narration. Some of the world building isn't very subtle but definitely kept me engaged and attached to the characters. I will listen to the 2nd one for sure.
September 17, 2020
Boring
I'll save you a ton of time.
They both forgot the fight the whole book was about.
The rest is useless filler. I wish I hadn't wasted so much of my time reading her self putty and internal struggle BS.
I'll save you a ton of time.
They both forgot the fight the whole book was about.
The rest is useless filler. I wish I hadn't wasted so much of my time reading her self putty and internal struggle BS.
Want to read
August 17, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/17/2020)! 🎁
August 9, 2023
This was just a freebie book that I downloaded. I actually really liked this book! I wasn't expecting to and thought I would get bored with it. I was worried that it would be a little too much of a teenage vibes kind of book lol. I actually ended up really enjoying this book; the storyline was interesting and I enjoyed the world-building. I was sucked into the story quickly too which is sometimes hard for me to do. This was the first time in a while that I had been sucked into a story too. I look forward to continuing this series!
October 30, 2023
Did this book make me a fantasy fan?
I don't think I'll ever give up normal romance stories but I definitely won't shy from fantasy books by Bridget E. Baker. I lost sleep reading this book and sleeping is very important to me, I don't give it up easily.
Even for a fantasy virgin, I was able to follow and understand the world-building and complex storyline.
I fell in love with some characters and wished others, well, I'm too soft to put it in writing.
I think almost any human will like this story. I'm not so sure what Evians will think.
I don't think I'll ever give up normal romance stories but I definitely won't shy from fantasy books by Bridget E. Baker. I lost sleep reading this book and sleeping is very important to me, I don't give it up easily.
Even for a fantasy virgin, I was able to follow and understand the world-building and complex storyline.
I fell in love with some characters and wished others, well, I'm too soft to put it in writing.
I think almost any human will like this story. I'm not so sure what Evians will think.
June 6, 2024
This book had a good plot line so I was pretty invested especially because I didn’t predict the main plot twist. I was entertained throughout this entire book. However, you could definitely tell throughout that this book was written for a younger audience. Sad that we barely got to know anything about the main two love interests. It felt like we were blindly supposed to like them. I love a brooding boy more than anyone other person, but I need to know more about him than that he is just broody and mysterious. Her sister from New York’s backstory got me geeking BAHAHAHA. That shit came out of left field. It gave me a good laugh on my way home from work. Overall entertaining but execution of plot was mid. I needed a little bit more.
January 8, 2024
Opinione sulla serie nell’insieme: sì.
È un libro YA completamente privo di smut, sono più di mille pagine nel complesso. Mi ha ricordato molto, come esperienza, Divergent. È uguale? No. Ha lo stesso impatto? Evidentemente no.
Eppure è davvero carino, tanto che ho letto tutti e 7 i libri nell’arco di 3 giorni. I personaggi si sviluppano piuttosto bene, e ho apprezzato anche i libri dedicati al background (un po’ noiosi a tratti, ma ti aiutano a capire alcune scelte - volendo si possono saltare, non sono fondamentali ai fini della trama).
Consiglio di leggerlo, tra l’altro il primo libro è gratuito sia su Kindle che Apple Books. Non lasciatevi scoraggiare dalle copertine, che sono proprio bruttine, il contenuto è migliore
È un libro YA completamente privo di smut, sono più di mille pagine nel complesso. Mi ha ricordato molto, come esperienza, Divergent. È uguale? No. Ha lo stesso impatto? Evidentemente no.
Eppure è davvero carino, tanto che ho letto tutti e 7 i libri nell’arco di 3 giorni. I personaggi si sviluppano piuttosto bene, e ho apprezzato anche i libri dedicati al background (un po’ noiosi a tratti, ma ti aiutano a capire alcune scelte - volendo si possono saltare, non sono fondamentali ai fini della trama).
Consiglio di leggerlo, tra l’altro il primo libro è gratuito sia su Kindle che Apple Books. Non lasciatevi scoraggiare dalle copertine, che sono proprio bruttine, il contenuto è migliore
September 22, 2024
Audiobook. I was hooked by this one, listening to it even when I wasn’t driving. It has the melodrama of YA, but the plot is intriguing.
November 8, 2024
It was really cute! The chapters were REALLY long...
But I loved the storyline, and I'm looking forward to the next book!
But I loved the storyline, and I'm looking forward to the next book!
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