What do you think?
Rate this book
Star of Deliverance
Born a slave and outcast, the young healer Emi discovers an ancient disease spreading among her people. Desperate, she races to the Capital for a cure and unwittingly finds herself in a competition to win over the Crown Prince’s heart. Staying in the game provides time to search for a cure, but it may cost Emi her life—or her heart.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2014
8 people are currently reading
767 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Want to read
July 20, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/20/2019)! 🎁
February 11, 2023
I read this for book club and thought it was going to be a silly YA romance, but man, I could not put it down. I really enjoyed the story and how the characters, especially Emi, grew throughout the book. The story was propelling and I didn't want to stop reading. I was surprised and delighted by this book. I'd recommend it!
A couple of quotes I want to remember:
"Cen once told me that grief is the worst kind of pain, because it is not the pain of anger or fear or hurt. Grief is the pain of love."
"...often it is the courage of others that moves us to do something we don't think we can possibly do."
A couple of quotes I want to remember:
"Cen once told me that grief is the worst kind of pain, because it is not the pain of anger or fear or hurt. Grief is the pain of love."
"...often it is the courage of others that moves us to do something we don't think we can possibly do."
September 24, 2014
This was an interesting read! It resembles the story of Esther but is unique. Emi is a healer and there is a disease that is making its way around her village. She goes to the Capital to find a cure and becomes part of the competition to marry Prince Corban. She must stay there for a year and is closely guarded. It's difficult for her to find the answers she's searching for, much less get them to the people that need them back at her village. She manages to catch the Prince's eye but suspicions start mounting about who she really is and whether or not she belongs there.
Emi is easy to like. She's kind and big-hearted and willing to go to extreme lengths to save those she cares about. She bluffs her way through the competition, realizing how different she is from the other girls. She makes friends with one of them, Jessra, but her secrets eventually come between them. Before she came to the Capital, she overhead some soldiers discussing plans to wipe out her people but hoped it wasn't true. She learns more of the details and starts to feel overwhelmed. She's one girl up against someone evil and cunning so how can she possibly win?
I enjoyed the friendships she made in her quest for a cure. She learned that there were some good, caring people in the Capital who were willing to help her. I liked her relationship with Prince Corban. She was a breath of fresh air to him and found she liked him more than she thought she would. We don't get to know him as well as I would have liked, but we learn enough that I was satisfied.
This was a page turner for me and I had a hard time putting it down. The parallels to the story of Esther are quite evident and parts of it reminded me of The Selection series by Kiera Cass. It's a great read and is squeaky clean, which is another plus for me! I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Emi is easy to like. She's kind and big-hearted and willing to go to extreme lengths to save those she cares about. She bluffs her way through the competition, realizing how different she is from the other girls. She makes friends with one of them, Jessra, but her secrets eventually come between them. Before she came to the Capital, she overhead some soldiers discussing plans to wipe out her people but hoped it wasn't true. She learns more of the details and starts to feel overwhelmed. She's one girl up against someone evil and cunning so how can she possibly win?
I enjoyed the friendships she made in her quest for a cure. She learned that there were some good, caring people in the Capital who were willing to help her. I liked her relationship with Prince Corban. She was a breath of fresh air to him and found she liked him more than she thought she would. We don't get to know him as well as I would have liked, but we learn enough that I was satisfied.
This was a page turner for me and I had a hard time putting it down. The parallels to the story of Esther are quite evident and parts of it reminded me of The Selection series by Kiera Cass. It's a great read and is squeaky clean, which is another plus for me! I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
July 9, 2016
A wonderfully captivating read, with a strong female protagonist, well-delivered story and romance. The Star of Deliverance to me was similar to the Selection, but I enjoyed it more because the protagonist was similar to Yelena from Poison Study.
It follows, Emi, a healer's apprentice living in one of the outlying villages designed to house second-class citizens under servitude in the fictional Deshan. When a young boy is admitted into her clinic with a lethal disease that is potentially spreading among the Savians, Emi sees it as her duty as a healer to enter the Capital to search for a cure, despite the punishment she may face if her slave status is found out.
However when she enters the Capital, she unwittingly becomes part of a program of the nobility, where twenty-one girls compete win Prince Corban's heart and become the next queen of Deshan.
With the threat of death hanging over her as a slave impersonating a noblewoman and her secret pursuit of finding a cure for her people, she finds herself developing a relationship with Prince Corban and a chance to change the lives of her people.
The Star of Deliverance had me constantly flipping the pages with the mixture of court intrigue, the mounting suspicion over her identity and Emi discovering the underlying mystery of the disease. For me, Emi was the star of this book, she was a wonderful protagonist, who was equal parts brave, intelligent and kind, as well as scared, impetuous and reserved. She was a well-balanced character, who was impulsive and rational at the right moments, so there was never a time where I felt like hitting my head against a desk when she got herself into certain situations.
Prince Corban doesn't appear until a third of the way into the book, but I loved reading about his and Emi's encounters. It wasn't an insta-love, but one that begins with initial interest and a romance that develops from challenging each other. I liked seeing how he can at times be a product of his upbringing as a soldier and a upper class citizen, but not one who was unwilling to change.
Can I just say I love Corban's mother? Finally a royal story where there's no evil family member opposing their kid's love interest, but instead chooses to be supportive.
I loved Voisin's cast of characters, they were truly genuine and (except for maybe the villain) there was always a deeper layer to their personality. Even some of the random soldiers, who had there part in persecuting the Savians questioned their actions or had moments of kindness and weren't plain hate-filled, brainwashed minions.
The ending was great, but I feel like more than the plot this story focused more on the characters and how they each inspired change in each other; whether it was Emi's aristocratic best friend, the royal physician or Maddox, the poor orphaned slave boy that Emi initially tries to save.
Overall, a fantastic and quick read with a simple workspace, amazing characters and sweet romance. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
It follows, Emi, a healer's apprentice living in one of the outlying villages designed to house second-class citizens under servitude in the fictional Deshan. When a young boy is admitted into her clinic with a lethal disease that is potentially spreading among the Savians, Emi sees it as her duty as a healer to enter the Capital to search for a cure, despite the punishment she may face if her slave status is found out.
However when she enters the Capital, she unwittingly becomes part of a program of the nobility, where twenty-one girls compete win Prince Corban's heart and become the next queen of Deshan.
With the threat of death hanging over her as a slave impersonating a noblewoman and her secret pursuit of finding a cure for her people, she finds herself developing a relationship with Prince Corban and a chance to change the lives of her people.
The Star of Deliverance had me constantly flipping the pages with the mixture of court intrigue, the mounting suspicion over her identity and Emi discovering the underlying mystery of the disease. For me, Emi was the star of this book, she was a wonderful protagonist, who was equal parts brave, intelligent and kind, as well as scared, impetuous and reserved. She was a well-balanced character, who was impulsive and rational at the right moments, so there was never a time where I felt like hitting my head against a desk when she got herself into certain situations.
Prince Corban doesn't appear until a third of the way into the book, but I loved reading about his and Emi's encounters. It wasn't an insta-love, but one that begins with initial interest and a romance that develops from challenging each other. I liked seeing how he can at times be a product of his upbringing as a soldier and a upper class citizen, but not one who was unwilling to change.
Can I just say I love Corban's mother? Finally a royal story where there's no evil family member opposing their kid's love interest, but instead chooses to be supportive.
I loved Voisin's cast of characters, they were truly genuine and (except for maybe the villain) there was always a deeper layer to their personality. Even some of the random soldiers, who had there part in persecuting the Savians questioned their actions or had moments of kindness and weren't plain hate-filled, brainwashed minions.
The ending was great, but I feel like more than the plot this story focused more on the characters and how they each inspired change in each other; whether it was Emi's aristocratic best friend, the royal physician or Maddox, the poor orphaned slave boy that Emi initially tries to save.
Overall, a fantastic and quick read with a simple workspace, amazing characters and sweet romance. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
April 8, 2022
For my review, I’m utilizing the book club discussion prompts:
1. How does Emi’s character change from the beginning of the book to the end? How does she find her own voice?
Change? There’s probably more change in between my couch cushions than in Emi’s character.
In the beginning of the novel, Emi is willing to throw her life away for one Savian boy because he has this super sob story about his brother and whole village dying. By the end of the novel, she’s risking her life for the entire race of Savians. This is supposed to be more climatic but it isn’t because of her prior indifference for her self-worth. The second time she goes to throw her life away, she informs her adoptive father of her intentions but it’s not like it means her character is now more considerate, careful, or heaven forbid--cunning. On my “Most Obtuse Protagonists of All Time” list Emi takes second place...with her alias Larken, in first. Third place is Homer Simpson.
Physically, Emi loses her anemia. On her first night in the palace, she receives a head injury and a large gash on her arm after falling off the balcony and is unconscious for two days due to the significant blood loss. Later, while swimming in a pond, she catches her arm on a sharp hanging branch which rips through her tunic and suffers so much blood loss it gives her a headache. At the end of the novel, she skins her knee and miraculously does not wind up in a coma.
2. Courage is the theme of Star of Deliverance. Which characters besides Emi show courage?
Marley, the melodramatic loose-lipped villain. Someone like him has to have balls the size of grapefruits to go around asking the program girls if they’re willing to cooperate with his plans for mass genocide and to support his ability to manipulate the royal family.
3. Emi feels different from the other girls in the program. In what ways is she able to identify her own self-worth despite her differences?
I’m sure Emi feels different because Emi IS different. She was not meant to be a part of the program and right from the beginning of the novel she has low self-worth as evidenced by her disregard for her own life. I’m pretty sure the author included the interview/conversation scenes with the queen, prince, and the evil advisor because no one would know enough about Emi’s character to answer this question otherwise.
4. The Brockans and Savians have fought for many years. What advice would you give them in order to find long-lasting peace?
[This is a serious answer because I feel it shows how little effort the author put into developing a realistic political background for the novel besides just “freeing” the people.]
Strengthen their mutual dependencies by improving food production and distribution. We’re told that most of the food comes from Sansikwa, and yet most of the Savians are employed in the orchards and they’re always starving. By eliminating the middleman they can reduce the price mark up, increase economic commerce through more efficient production methods, and reduce poverty all around for happier-healthier slaves.
Secondly, the Brockans can achieve their desired expansion by recruiting Savians into the army. The Savians will get fed and receive training to improve their standard of living while demonstrating loyalty to the Brockan government.
Lastly, creating opportunities for economic growth amongst the Savians such as decreasing the market and travel regulations to keep them busy pursuing self-interests to the point they will have little desire to revolt or rebel.
5.Friendship is a theme in SoD. How is Emi a good friend? How are the other characters good friends?
I actually thought Emi was a terrible friend. She borrows everyone else’s clothes and usually ruins them. She’s always mooching food off her friend’s plate. She hurts her friends' feelings then doesn’t apologize for days. She lies to them.
She comforts a homesick girl (Jessra) on the balcony early in the novel but her motive is selfish—Emi just wants to get rid of her so she can focus on her escape.
Jessra is all, “You’re such a good friend, ” but you know what Emi did to earn her friendship? Nothing. Emi suddenly makes a bestie just by asking if the poor girl is homesick and telling her, “It’s hard, I know.” After hearing such inspiring words, Jessra cries herself out then apologizes for waking Emi up. Emi watches her go, doesn’t say anything, and is just relieved that now she gets to escape. Jessra has more of a backbone than Emi and defends her on multiple occasions and yet Emi acts like a coward when Jessra gets in trouble for defending her. Further, Emi refuses to confide her secrets in her friend and doesn’t trust her, promising that she’ll tell her the full truth later.
6. Emi is placed in a difficult situation when she finds herself in the program. How does she learn to overcome her fears?
She keeps singing a nursery rhyme to herself.
Ring out the bells,
Pull up your boots,
Sing out your voice
Steady and true.
Have heart in the fear
And faith in the new
Heaven’s stars are fighting
Their battles for you.
...And then she runs out of time to procrastinate and the story forces her to react to varying situations until everything ties itself up in a nice bow with a ridiculous amount of ease.
Other random issues:
*Twenty-one eligible princesses ended up in the program instead of the usual twenty and one of them obviously doesn’t fit in as well as the rest. No one decides to inform the guy in charge of the program and even when it’s clear she’s a fraud, no one sends her home packing.
*At the beginning of the novel we are given the impression that Emi only rides her horse around for emergency house calls or that she takes him to the well, which isn’t very far and that it’s been weeks since she rode him last. We soon find out though that this description is highly inaccurate. Not only is she proficient, but she is even better at riding than the prince! (Which shouldn’t be that surprising considering he never gets to leave the palace, but am I really expected to believe she’s better than the other girls who’ve had formal training?)
*Marley has a bunch of guards willing to fight for his cause and at one point he tells the palace healer that he can make him disappear, and that he’s even made people more important than him disappear. Sounds like he’s got a lot of connections and that he’s helped appoint several other advisors of his choosing. At the end of the novel, he’s suddenly the only single bad guy and everyone decides they’re just going to do what the prince says and they’ll be happy about it. The soldiers, who are brutal to the Savians, suddenly have no prejudices and the Brockan people just go along with it without complaint... The whole novel we’re missing a sense of how strong in number Marley’s followers are and much support Emi and the prince need to overthrow him.
*The soldiers were concerned that Emi was able-bodied and not working in the fields and yet she describes them as people who would kill a Savian for minor transgressions without trial. For a country that boasts a desire to expand, it seems counter-productive to slaughter their slave labor workforce without concern for their occupation.
*A soldier comes to Emi's clinic to have an infection treated from an incision site where he received a vaccine for some disease which he thinks is caused by something to do with bad water and feet. Emi suspects it’s Vox, the same disease Maddock has, but it seems her abilities as a healer are only to treat symptoms, not to do a full medical diagnosis on how a disease is spread or contracted. This disease wiped out Maddock’s entire village and not once does she wonder, “Gee, I hope that doesn’t happen here.” Or, “Maybe I’ll be at risk too for treating him?”
*Emi (the girl who can’t stop herself from helping someone injured or in need) learns how to swing a sword and decides she wants to be like the queens of old who go riding out into battle with the rest of the troops. The biggest joke perhaps was when she threatens a soldier at sword point—never once reflecting on the fact that she’s someone who has spent her whole life learning to save lives and stitch wounds.
*This book gives little description to differentiate the Savians from the Brockans besides economic status and that Emi has blue eyes and lighter skin and we are told that she passes for Brockan. I suppose that was the point of the story considering they’re all descended from the same brothers, but physical appearances aside, I have no idea what she loves about her race besides her litanies of “they’re my people.”
*Emi has terrible memory for everything but medical-remedies. In the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to several soldiers rejoicing over the fact that the current King has fallen ill and that a “plan” is now in motion. They drop Marley’s name at four times and yet when she meets him, she can’t remember what’s so significant about his position as the late King and prince’s advisor.
In Conclusion:
Loved the concept to rewrite the story of Ester and I would have liked to have given this more stars if the plot and character development hadn't been sacrificed for the sake of maintaining such strict story parallels.
1. How does Emi’s character change from the beginning of the book to the end? How does she find her own voice?
Change? There’s probably more change in between my couch cushions than in Emi’s character.
In the beginning of the novel, Emi is willing to throw her life away for one Savian boy because he has this super sob story about his brother and whole village dying. By the end of the novel, she’s risking her life for the entire race of Savians. This is supposed to be more climatic but it isn’t because of her prior indifference for her self-worth. The second time she goes to throw her life away, she informs her adoptive father of her intentions but it’s not like it means her character is now more considerate, careful, or heaven forbid--cunning. On my “Most Obtuse Protagonists of All Time” list Emi takes second place...with her alias Larken, in first. Third place is Homer Simpson.
Physically, Emi loses her anemia. On her first night in the palace, she receives a head injury and a large gash on her arm after falling off the balcony and is unconscious for two days due to the significant blood loss. Later, while swimming in a pond, she catches her arm on a sharp hanging branch which rips through her tunic and suffers so much blood loss it gives her a headache. At the end of the novel, she skins her knee and miraculously does not wind up in a coma.
2. Courage is the theme of Star of Deliverance. Which characters besides Emi show courage?
Marley, the melodramatic loose-lipped villain. Someone like him has to have balls the size of grapefruits to go around asking the program girls if they’re willing to cooperate with his plans for mass genocide and to support his ability to manipulate the royal family.
3. Emi feels different from the other girls in the program. In what ways is she able to identify her own self-worth despite her differences?
I’m sure Emi feels different because Emi IS different. She was not meant to be a part of the program and right from the beginning of the novel she has low self-worth as evidenced by her disregard for her own life. I’m pretty sure the author included the interview/conversation scenes with the queen, prince, and the evil advisor because no one would know enough about Emi’s character to answer this question otherwise.
4. The Brockans and Savians have fought for many years. What advice would you give them in order to find long-lasting peace?
[This is a serious answer because I feel it shows how little effort the author put into developing a realistic political background for the novel besides just “freeing” the people.]
Strengthen their mutual dependencies by improving food production and distribution. We’re told that most of the food comes from Sansikwa, and yet most of the Savians are employed in the orchards and they’re always starving. By eliminating the middleman they can reduce the price mark up, increase economic commerce through more efficient production methods, and reduce poverty all around for happier-healthier slaves.
Secondly, the Brockans can achieve their desired expansion by recruiting Savians into the army. The Savians will get fed and receive training to improve their standard of living while demonstrating loyalty to the Brockan government.
Lastly, creating opportunities for economic growth amongst the Savians such as decreasing the market and travel regulations to keep them busy pursuing self-interests to the point they will have little desire to revolt or rebel.
5.Friendship is a theme in SoD. How is Emi a good friend? How are the other characters good friends?
I actually thought Emi was a terrible friend. She borrows everyone else’s clothes and usually ruins them. She’s always mooching food off her friend’s plate. She hurts her friends' feelings then doesn’t apologize for days. She lies to them.
She comforts a homesick girl (Jessra) on the balcony early in the novel but her motive is selfish—Emi just wants to get rid of her so she can focus on her escape.
Jessra is all, “You’re such a good friend, ” but you know what Emi did to earn her friendship? Nothing. Emi suddenly makes a bestie just by asking if the poor girl is homesick and telling her, “It’s hard, I know.” After hearing such inspiring words, Jessra cries herself out then apologizes for waking Emi up. Emi watches her go, doesn’t say anything, and is just relieved that now she gets to escape. Jessra has more of a backbone than Emi and defends her on multiple occasions and yet Emi acts like a coward when Jessra gets in trouble for defending her. Further, Emi refuses to confide her secrets in her friend and doesn’t trust her, promising that she’ll tell her the full truth later.
6. Emi is placed in a difficult situation when she finds herself in the program. How does she learn to overcome her fears?
She keeps singing a nursery rhyme to herself.
Ring out the bells,
Pull up your boots,
Sing out your voice
Steady and true.
Have heart in the fear
And faith in the new
Heaven’s stars are fighting
Their battles for you.
...And then she runs out of time to procrastinate and the story forces her to react to varying situations until everything ties itself up in a nice bow with a ridiculous amount of ease.
Other random issues:
*Twenty-one eligible princesses ended up in the program instead of the usual twenty and one of them obviously doesn’t fit in as well as the rest. No one decides to inform the guy in charge of the program and even when it’s clear she’s a fraud, no one sends her home packing.
*At the beginning of the novel we are given the impression that Emi only rides her horse around for emergency house calls or that she takes him to the well, which isn’t very far and that it’s been weeks since she rode him last. We soon find out though that this description is highly inaccurate. Not only is she proficient, but she is even better at riding than the prince! (Which shouldn’t be that surprising considering he never gets to leave the palace, but am I really expected to believe she’s better than the other girls who’ve had formal training?)
*Marley has a bunch of guards willing to fight for his cause and at one point he tells the palace healer that he can make him disappear, and that he’s even made people more important than him disappear. Sounds like he’s got a lot of connections and that he’s helped appoint several other advisors of his choosing. At the end of the novel, he’s suddenly the only single bad guy and everyone decides they’re just going to do what the prince says and they’ll be happy about it. The soldiers, who are brutal to the Savians, suddenly have no prejudices and the Brockan people just go along with it without complaint... The whole novel we’re missing a sense of how strong in number Marley’s followers are and much support Emi and the prince need to overthrow him.
*The soldiers were concerned that Emi was able-bodied and not working in the fields and yet she describes them as people who would kill a Savian for minor transgressions without trial. For a country that boasts a desire to expand, it seems counter-productive to slaughter their slave labor workforce without concern for their occupation.
*A soldier comes to Emi's clinic to have an infection treated from an incision site where he received a vaccine for some disease which he thinks is caused by something to do with bad water and feet. Emi suspects it’s Vox, the same disease Maddock has, but it seems her abilities as a healer are only to treat symptoms, not to do a full medical diagnosis on how a disease is spread or contracted. This disease wiped out Maddock’s entire village and not once does she wonder, “Gee, I hope that doesn’t happen here.” Or, “Maybe I’ll be at risk too for treating him?”
*Emi (the girl who can’t stop herself from helping someone injured or in need) learns how to swing a sword and decides she wants to be like the queens of old who go riding out into battle with the rest of the troops. The biggest joke perhaps was when she threatens a soldier at sword point—never once reflecting on the fact that she’s someone who has spent her whole life learning to save lives and stitch wounds.
*This book gives little description to differentiate the Savians from the Brockans besides economic status and that Emi has blue eyes and lighter skin and we are told that she passes for Brockan. I suppose that was the point of the story considering they’re all descended from the same brothers, but physical appearances aside, I have no idea what she loves about her race besides her litanies of “they’re my people.”
*Emi has terrible memory for everything but medical-remedies. In the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to several soldiers rejoicing over the fact that the current King has fallen ill and that a “plan” is now in motion. They drop Marley’s name at four times and yet when she meets him, she can’t remember what’s so significant about his position as the late King and prince’s advisor.
In Conclusion:
Loved the concept to rewrite the story of Ester and I would have liked to have given this more stars if the plot and character development hadn't been sacrificed for the sake of maintaining such strict story parallels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2016
I don’t understand why this book has such a high rating on Goodreads. It felt highly unrealistic and the writing did not flow. The characters were cliché, some pathetic, and again - unrealistic. The writing was too structured and neat, that it didn’t grab the the reader’s understanding or empathy. I had many problems with this book, and had trouble finding interest in the text. A main thing that put me off was that the whole novel screamed Bachelor. I cannot stand the whole concept of The Bachelor - one guy and a bunch of girls, some desperado.
This novel follows the character of Emi, who is similar to Esther from the Bible. In Deshan (the setting), there is tension and unrest between the Savians and the Brockans, because the Brockans persecute and enslave the Savians. Emi is a Savian healer, who infiltrates into the Brockan Prince Corban’s group of ‘bachelorettes’ so that she can find a cure for Vox. Vox is a lethal disease that is spreading amongst the Savian villages. The royal healer knows the cure, but evil advisor Marley will not allow him to distribute it to the villages. Hence, brave Emi risks her life by entering the palace so that she can win Corban’s heart and persuade him to save her people.
Here comes problem one. Realistically, a palace should be guarded. Royalty should be heavily guarded so that there is no chance of assassination. In a world where the Savians are hated by Bockans and vice versa, wouldn’t there be a major risk of a Savian assassin coming to attack/overthrow Brockan royalty? Unfortunately, it isn’t in Deshan. No one seems to notice when Emi suddenly joins the group of 20 (now 21) female suitors, waiting outside the gate. Moreover, her dress is stained and she looks nothing like how an eligible, noble lady should. Once she enters the palace, it is clear that she holds none of the characteristics that a noble lady should. She doesn’t know her table manners, how to treat the servants, or how to dance. Her whole attitude blares FRAUD. She tells everyone that she is Larken from Canton, but the king’s advisor knows that there is no such contestant from Canton. Despite knowing she is a fraud, and hating her too, he does nothing about it. How does that make sense? Especially when he knows that she is ruining his important plans that will cause deaths of hundreds of Savians? Moreover, Emi gets so much attention from saving the Prince’s life, and rumours swirl that she is a Savian. Yet, no one does anything about it!
Mandy Voison repeats phrases a bit too much in the novel. Everyone seems to smile strangely at Emi, that I wonder if she has rice on her face.
“Ah,” Hendrik said with a strange smile.
After meeting Younda, the cliché mean girl of the Bachelorettes, she too can’t help but smile strangely.
Hortense clapped twice and cleared her throat behind Younda, who was smiling strangely at me.
Emi always seems to want to laugh in serious situations, it’s incomprehensible that she doesn’t show her sense of humour in her daily life.
If I weren’t so concerned about Jessra, I might have laughed.
Some of them held white handkerchiefs to their faces dramatically, and if I weren’t so embarrassed by public attention, I would have had difficulty controlling my laughter.
This book is too simple, innocent, and sweet to be realistic. I recommend it for people who like to read Christian fiction that is sweet and innocent. Otherwise, if you prefer authentic badass heroines like I do, then maybe Graceling is your book.
This novel follows the character of Emi, who is similar to Esther from the Bible. In Deshan (the setting), there is tension and unrest between the Savians and the Brockans, because the Brockans persecute and enslave the Savians. Emi is a Savian healer, who infiltrates into the Brockan Prince Corban’s group of ‘bachelorettes’ so that she can find a cure for Vox. Vox is a lethal disease that is spreading amongst the Savian villages. The royal healer knows the cure, but evil advisor Marley will not allow him to distribute it to the villages. Hence, brave Emi risks her life by entering the palace so that she can win Corban’s heart and persuade him to save her people.
Here comes problem one. Realistically, a palace should be guarded. Royalty should be heavily guarded so that there is no chance of assassination. In a world where the Savians are hated by Bockans and vice versa, wouldn’t there be a major risk of a Savian assassin coming to attack/overthrow Brockan royalty? Unfortunately, it isn’t in Deshan. No one seems to notice when Emi suddenly joins the group of 20 (now 21) female suitors, waiting outside the gate. Moreover, her dress is stained and she looks nothing like how an eligible, noble lady should. Once she enters the palace, it is clear that she holds none of the characteristics that a noble lady should. She doesn’t know her table manners, how to treat the servants, or how to dance. Her whole attitude blares FRAUD. She tells everyone that she is Larken from Canton, but the king’s advisor knows that there is no such contestant from Canton. Despite knowing she is a fraud, and hating her too, he does nothing about it. How does that make sense? Especially when he knows that she is ruining his important plans that will cause deaths of hundreds of Savians? Moreover, Emi gets so much attention from saving the Prince’s life, and rumours swirl that she is a Savian. Yet, no one does anything about it!
Mandy Voison repeats phrases a bit too much in the novel. Everyone seems to smile strangely at Emi, that I wonder if she has rice on her face.
“Ah,” Hendrik said with a strange smile.
After meeting Younda, the cliché mean girl of the Bachelorettes, she too can’t help but smile strangely.
Hortense clapped twice and cleared her throat behind Younda, who was smiling strangely at me.
Emi always seems to want to laugh in serious situations, it’s incomprehensible that she doesn’t show her sense of humour in her daily life.
If I weren’t so concerned about Jessra, I might have laughed.
Some of them held white handkerchiefs to their faces dramatically, and if I weren’t so embarrassed by public attention, I would have had difficulty controlling my laughter.
This book is too simple, innocent, and sweet to be realistic. I recommend it for people who like to read Christian fiction that is sweet and innocent. Otherwise, if you prefer authentic badass heroines like I do, then maybe Graceling is your book.
September 13, 2014
When I opened up the book I was surprised to see a scriptural reference, Ester 4:14. I didn't think this was a religious book. It didn't take long to figure out that the book is a twist on the story of Esther from the Old Testament. It isn't a religious book, but the story line has similarities to the Biblical version.
Star of Deliverance takes place in the fictional land of Deshan. In this verison the Savian people are enslaved by the Brockan's. They live in small village communities where they are poorly fed and provide food for the Brockan. Guards surround their villages and they may not travel from village to village without permission.
Emi is a Savian. She ventures to the capital to find a cure for an illness that is plaguing her people. Villages are dying. In desperation she joins a group of girls headed into the palace. She didn't realize that they were there as candidates to be chosen as the next Queen. She must live in the palace for one year until the Prince has made a decision. She cannot have communication with her mentor and father figure, Cen. She is in enemy territory.
I liked Emi and Prince Corban. Both took risks to be together. Their attraction and flirtations were fun to read. Corban singles her out early, but needs to be attentive to the other girls competing to become his Queen. Emi knows that if she is found to be a Savian, she will be executed, so she walks a fine line between her desire to be with Corban and her need to deflect his attention.
The evil adviser is calculating. He truly is a man to avoid at all costs. It was great to read Emi figure out his plot to eliminate her people.
I thought that the characters were well thought out, the story line was changed just enough to make it unique. I knew how it would end, but I enjoyed the process of reading Mandy Madson Voison's way of getting there.
This is a clean book that I would recommend to my teen daughter.
Star of Deliverance takes place in the fictional land of Deshan. In this verison the Savian people are enslaved by the Brockan's. They live in small village communities where they are poorly fed and provide food for the Brockan. Guards surround their villages and they may not travel from village to village without permission.
Emi is a Savian. She ventures to the capital to find a cure for an illness that is plaguing her people. Villages are dying. In desperation she joins a group of girls headed into the palace. She didn't realize that they were there as candidates to be chosen as the next Queen. She must live in the palace for one year until the Prince has made a decision. She cannot have communication with her mentor and father figure, Cen. She is in enemy territory.
I liked Emi and Prince Corban. Both took risks to be together. Their attraction and flirtations were fun to read. Corban singles her out early, but needs to be attentive to the other girls competing to become his Queen. Emi knows that if she is found to be a Savian, she will be executed, so she walks a fine line between her desire to be with Corban and her need to deflect his attention.
The evil adviser is calculating. He truly is a man to avoid at all costs. It was great to read Emi figure out his plot to eliminate her people.
I thought that the characters were well thought out, the story line was changed just enough to make it unique. I knew how it would end, but I enjoyed the process of reading Mandy Madson Voison's way of getting there.
This is a clean book that I would recommend to my teen daughter.
October 12, 2014
I can't believe the little girl I met years ago in Japan wrote this book. This family is so talented.
Great first book. Good characters and an interesting story line. Please check out this book.
Great first book. Good characters and an interesting story line. Please check out this book.
January 17, 2015
Loved it! Maybe even a five! And, it was so nice to read a stand alone book that had a true end.
March 26, 2015
A well delivered fantastical storyThis was a surprisingly good read. It reminded me a lot of The Selection, but not enough that I would call it a rip off. It had the whole girls trying to win the Prince's heart, but Emi, the protagonist, wasn't chosen. She snuck in with intend to find a cure for a friend. From there, you get to see a lot of political intrigue, beautiful friendships and a budding romance. This is truly an enjoyable read.
The writing was very good. I've never read a novel by this author so I don't know what her other works are like. I will say based on this story I'm very impressed. I was kept completely engaged throughout the entire novel.
I loved the plot. Anything that resembles The Selection is a must read for me. Court politics, racial issues, social status, there was just so many conflicts within this story. I found that everything was masterfully planned out. The disease and slavery of the Savian was interesting to read about. All I have to say is Emi is a little slow. Girl, I figured out what was going on way before you did. The ending was perfect too. Ah *swoon* it was just so cute :D
Emi was an amazing main character. She was tough and strong, but also afraid and overwhelmed. She was just a slave and a healer, yet, so many people expected her to do so much. She was her people's hope. That's a big burden for someone her age to carry, but I believe she did a great job. Emi wasn't perfect. She was just human. The other characters were great too. I loved Kirt. He took a big risk helping her out and for that I admire him. Hendrik and Cen were great too. Oh and Maddox. From the little we saw of him, he seemed to be a fighter. He wouldn't give up on anyone or anything. Of course I must mention the Prince. Oh sigh. Corban was an amazing guy. He was real and fun. You could tell he loved Emi and that for her he would do anything. Even though he made poor decisions and relied on Marley too much, Corban meant well for his country and will make an amazing king.
There is just one important negative thing I have to point out. This book was too perfect. Perfection? Bad? Sometimes it can be. What I mean is that the book resolves itself too easily. There's no betrayal or crazy plot twists. Everything works out perfectly. It's not a terrible thing, but it takes away from the authenticity of the story.
Overall, this story was a very decent read. I would recommend it to lovers of The Selection and those who just love fantasy. Enjoy :D
The writing was very good. I've never read a novel by this author so I don't know what her other works are like. I will say based on this story I'm very impressed. I was kept completely engaged throughout the entire novel.
I loved the plot. Anything that resembles The Selection is a must read for me. Court politics, racial issues, social status, there was just so many conflicts within this story. I found that everything was masterfully planned out. The disease and slavery of the Savian was interesting to read about. All I have to say is Emi is a little slow. Girl, I figured out what was going on way before you did. The ending was perfect too. Ah *swoon* it was just so cute :D
Emi was an amazing main character. She was tough and strong, but also afraid and overwhelmed. She was just a slave and a healer, yet, so many people expected her to do so much. She was her people's hope. That's a big burden for someone her age to carry, but I believe she did a great job. Emi wasn't perfect. She was just human. The other characters were great too. I loved Kirt. He took a big risk helping her out and for that I admire him. Hendrik and Cen were great too. Oh and Maddox. From the little we saw of him, he seemed to be a fighter. He wouldn't give up on anyone or anything. Of course I must mention the Prince. Oh sigh. Corban was an amazing guy. He was real and fun. You could tell he loved Emi and that for her he would do anything. Even though he made poor decisions and relied on Marley too much, Corban meant well for his country and will make an amazing king.
There is just one important negative thing I have to point out. This book was too perfect. Perfection? Bad? Sometimes it can be. What I mean is that the book resolves itself too easily. There's no betrayal or crazy plot twists. Everything works out perfectly. It's not a terrible thing, but it takes away from the authenticity of the story.
Overall, this story was a very decent read. I would recommend it to lovers of The Selection and those who just love fantasy. Enjoy :D
September 23, 2014
Enter to win a copy here.
3.5 Stars
Star of Deliverance was an enjoyable read. I liked the characters, the setting, and the plot. I loved that this story was based on the biblical story of Ruth, but was completely its own tale without the religious context. It was a story about a girl who was willing to try to save her people even if it meant losing her own life.
Emi was a fabulous main character! I loved that she had been trained as a healer under her adoptive father and that life was so important to her. I loved that she was herself even a midst the royalty and living at the castle. I really liked her friend, Jessra. I loved all the side characters who had various roles and differing personalities, some grating and some warm. I also really liked Prince Corban, although I would have liked to have seen his character developed more. He was brave and willing to do what he though he should, even if it wasn't right.
I liked the overall story. The author does drop quite a few hints as to what is occurring to Emi's people and Emi took a long time to piece things together. I would have liked things a little more mysterious as a reader so that I would find out things along with Emi instead of so much ahead of her. The ending also felt slightly rushed. I wanted more danger there and development. It was just a little too easy.
Star of Deliverance was a tale of friendship, sacrifice, bravery, and love. It was a sweet and beautiful story overall. I'm looking forward to seeing what this author writes in the future.
Content: Clean
Source: I would like to thank the publisher, Cedar Fort, for my complimentary copy, which did not affect my review in any way.
3.5 Stars
Star of Deliverance was an enjoyable read. I liked the characters, the setting, and the plot. I loved that this story was based on the biblical story of Ruth, but was completely its own tale without the religious context. It was a story about a girl who was willing to try to save her people even if it meant losing her own life.
Emi was a fabulous main character! I loved that she had been trained as a healer under her adoptive father and that life was so important to her. I loved that she was herself even a midst the royalty and living at the castle. I really liked her friend, Jessra. I loved all the side characters who had various roles and differing personalities, some grating and some warm. I also really liked Prince Corban, although I would have liked to have seen his character developed more. He was brave and willing to do what he though he should, even if it wasn't right.
I liked the overall story. The author does drop quite a few hints as to what is occurring to Emi's people and Emi took a long time to piece things together. I would have liked things a little more mysterious as a reader so that I would find out things along with Emi instead of so much ahead of her. The ending also felt slightly rushed. I wanted more danger there and development. It was just a little too easy.
Star of Deliverance was a tale of friendship, sacrifice, bravery, and love. It was a sweet and beautiful story overall. I'm looking forward to seeing what this author writes in the future.
Content: Clean
Source: I would like to thank the publisher, Cedar Fort, for my complimentary copy, which did not affect my review in any way.
February 16, 2015
Emi is an orphan, whose mother died shortly after she was born. Taken in by Cen, the healer in a village that delivered her, she is raised as his apprentice and as his daughter. They live a hard life, being second class citizens in a country that keeps their people as slaves.
Everything changes, however, when a boy comes to them with a strange disease. Emi goes to the capital to find a cure, and in her attempt to get to the palace healer, she finds herself in a group of girls that are being groomed to be the next queen. Dangerous does not even begin to describe her situation, but doing what she can to save her friend, and to help her people, is worth the sacrifice - and a grand sacrifice it may turn out to be.
I really enjoyed this book! Not only was it CLEAN - very rare in YA fiction now a days - but it was a great story with a strong heroine. I have gotten really tired of reading about self centered, whiny, teenage girls. Emi was a refreshing change. The story felt like a mix of the story of Queen Esther and the Princess Academy. Great book, and finally something I wouldn't mind my daughter reading :).
Everything changes, however, when a boy comes to them with a strange disease. Emi goes to the capital to find a cure, and in her attempt to get to the palace healer, she finds herself in a group of girls that are being groomed to be the next queen. Dangerous does not even begin to describe her situation, but doing what she can to save her friend, and to help her people, is worth the sacrifice - and a grand sacrifice it may turn out to be.
I really enjoyed this book! Not only was it CLEAN - very rare in YA fiction now a days - but it was a great story with a strong heroine. I have gotten really tired of reading about self centered, whiny, teenage girls. Emi was a refreshing change. The story felt like a mix of the story of Queen Esther and the Princess Academy. Great book, and finally something I wouldn't mind my daughter reading :).
October 9, 2014
Fans of Shannon Hale and of young adult fantasy will love this book! Based loosely on Queen Esther (whom I love), this book is a great read. Discussion questions at the back, too. Great first book by this author.
September 25, 2021
Meh.
Think The Selection or Princess Academy meets the Book of Esther. I liked it better than The Selection -- it didn't have the cheating garbage going on, but not as well as Princess Academy, which seemed to have more of a plot. I honestly don't know that I would have picked out the Esther motif if Voisin hadn't put a quote from the Book of Esther at the beginning of the book. It wasn't a "Christian" read per se, so someone not familiar with the Bible could read and enjoy the book, but if you know what she's going for, you can find it.
This was a book that I was able to read a chapter a night, and not feel compelled to continue reading, which is a good and bad thing. Good in that I was able to have something nice to read right before I went to bed that didn't keep me up all night; bad in that it means that it wasn't a captivating book. I just didn't really feel anything strong for any of the characters.
I also felt like suddenly racial tensions ending wouldn't ever happen (take a look at the United States today...) However, it did stop and make me wonder what "the rest of the story" was with Esther. How did people really feel long term about finding out that she was a Jew?
Anyway, it's not one I can say, I'm so glad I read this, but I didn't necessarily feel like it was a waste of hours that I can never get back either. It's just one I don't plan to keep because I have too many other things to read to want to read it again.
Think The Selection or Princess Academy meets the Book of Esther. I liked it better than The Selection -- it didn't have the cheating garbage going on, but not as well as Princess Academy, which seemed to have more of a plot. I honestly don't know that I would have picked out the Esther motif if Voisin hadn't put a quote from the Book of Esther at the beginning of the book. It wasn't a "Christian" read per se, so someone not familiar with the Bible could read and enjoy the book, but if you know what she's going for, you can find it.
This was a book that I was able to read a chapter a night, and not feel compelled to continue reading, which is a good and bad thing. Good in that I was able to have something nice to read right before I went to bed that didn't keep me up all night; bad in that it means that it wasn't a captivating book. I just didn't really feel anything strong for any of the characters.
I also felt like suddenly racial tensions ending wouldn't ever happen (take a look at the United States today...) However, it did stop and make me wonder what "the rest of the story" was with Esther. How did people really feel long term about finding out that she was a Jew?
Anyway, it's not one I can say, I'm so glad I read this, but I didn't necessarily feel like it was a waste of hours that I can never get back either. It's just one I don't plan to keep because I have too many other things to read to want to read it again.
March 7, 2017
**Spoiler alert** This was a good story, and I enjoyed it for the most part. There were a few things that bothered me though, such as the way she was a strong character, yet she burst into tears literally every other page. She also had the same epiphany like 10 times; she really can’t fall in love with the prince or her people will suffer—yet she does absolutely nothing to try to stop it. I also thought it was convenient that she was able to sneak out to meet the prince somehow, but had absolutely no opportunities to sneak out for months on end to get away from the palace.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2021
Worth reading
I really enjoyed this story. The story line was fast paced, intriguing, heartfelt. The characters were honest, caring, giving. I just the story should done more at the end but it was a page turner. I wanted the story to continue. I hope there will be more with this story in the future.
I really enjoyed this story. The story line was fast paced, intriguing, heartfelt. The characters were honest, caring, giving. I just the story should done more at the end but it was a page turner. I wanted the story to continue. I hope there will be more with this story in the future.
June 3, 2020
I loved the fact that one book tells the whole story and I don’t have to buys several to get the whole story. The hero and heroine were both admirable and likable. The story itself was a tale of right and wrong and how to overcome with love. Read it you won’t be disappointed.
November 16, 2020
My feelings on this book
I started this book not sure what it would be.But as I read on it became clear of how
Things may have been all those years ago and in our time in these days are we do different?
I started this book not sure what it would be.But as I read on it became clear of how
Things may have been all those years ago and in our time in these days are we do different?
July 10, 2021
With similarities to The Selection and the story of Esther, Emi is a strong heroine who wants to help heal people. She is courageous and kind, but is at the palace under false pretenses, and that dishonesty is a problem for her. I enjoyed watching her develop and find her bravery in all ways.
July 4, 2024
A fantastic quick read, I couldn’t put it down! Star of Deliverance created a whole world I completely fell in love with. Emi was a wonderfully portrayed character, not too whiny and perfectly lovable. Highly recommend!
March 29, 2020
A beautifully fantastical retelling of the biblical Esther story with a strong female lead who is admirable while still profoundly relatable, vulnerable, and fallible. This is a worthwhile YA read!
February 5, 2023
Finished this book by scanning the last hundred pages. Just so repetitive and no twists.
December 13, 2016
Well I liked it well enough. The plot was interesting and the main character wasn't too annoying. This book had quite a bit of predictability, I'm fine with predictability where the reader finds out something important before the main character does but only when it's something not obvious. The problem with this book was that what Marley (the bad guy) was doing was so blatantly obvious it made her look stupid to have not figured it out sooner. I was just pretty much waiting like half the book waiting for her to realize it. Good thing that there were other things going on in that time though so I wasn't too bored.
The writing was another issue I had with this book. She often repeated phrases like "the realization suddenly hit me" or "At that moment I knew" or "I a savian girl". oh man it was went on and on. Too much telling not enough showing. I'd say maybe half the book was her explaining stuff to the reader or sudden realizations that came to the main character.
I actually quite liked the setting, though I wished she had made it a bigger part of the book. Although sometimes it didn't seem quite authentic.
The historical authenticity also quite bugged me. Now I'm not like a historian nut or anything, I don't have to read books that are only historically accurate, but I do like to read books that have an authentic feel to them. This one didn't really. The way they spoke and the stuff they would say was not realistic. Terms like, "boyfriends" and "cute boys" was not something people in that time frame would say. Also the palace a a little too classy for realistic means. I mean I'm fine with fantasy palaces most of the time but this one was just a little too much.
The characters could've used a little more developing but I liked them pretty well. Hendrik was like mr. male model I felt but I was please to be right when I guessed that he was Savian.
At first I was thinking that it was pretty dumb that Kirt didn't figure out she was savian when her "brother" was obviously savian and it bugged me that she didn't think of that as being an issue. It worked out good though.
Corban was a good character but I thought that some of the scenes between them at the beginning were a bit awkward. Like when he would hold her hand it was kinda like....what??? A bit forward...when they hadn't really known each other that long.
Anyways despite all my complaining, I liked it, I just like to complain.
The writing was another issue I had with this book. She often repeated phrases like "the realization suddenly hit me" or "At that moment I knew" or "I a savian girl". oh man it was went on and on. Too much telling not enough showing. I'd say maybe half the book was her explaining stuff to the reader or sudden realizations that came to the main character.
I actually quite liked the setting, though I wished she had made it a bigger part of the book. Although sometimes it didn't seem quite authentic.
The historical authenticity also quite bugged me. Now I'm not like a historian nut or anything, I don't have to read books that are only historically accurate, but I do like to read books that have an authentic feel to them. This one didn't really. The way they spoke and the stuff they would say was not realistic. Terms like, "boyfriends" and "cute boys" was not something people in that time frame would say. Also the palace a a little too classy for realistic means. I mean I'm fine with fantasy palaces most of the time but this one was just a little too much.
The characters could've used a little more developing but I liked them pretty well. Hendrik was like mr. male model I felt but I was please to be right when I guessed that he was Savian.
At first I was thinking that it was pretty dumb that Kirt didn't figure out she was savian when her "brother" was obviously savian and it bugged me that she didn't think of that as being an issue. It worked out good though.
Corban was a good character but I thought that some of the scenes between them at the beginning were a bit awkward. Like when he would hold her hand it was kinda like....what??? A bit forward...when they hadn't really known each other that long.
Anyways despite all my complaining, I liked it, I just like to complain.
October 30, 2015
This book is a fictional take on the biblical story of Esther. Emi, a poor Savian orphan, was raised by Cen, the town healer. Chen raises Emi as his own daughter, and teachers her how to be a healer. When a near death boy named Maddock comes to their door, their whole life is turned upside down. He is slowly dying of Vox, and the only hope for a cure is to go to the capital of Deshan. Emi leaves on her own and leaves a note for Cen and Maddock to find. She gets to the capital wearing her best cloths, and finds herself stumbling into a group of young girls around her age who are going to be competing for a year for the Prince's heart and become the future Queen of Deshan. Thrust into a world of poise, fashion, and nobility, Emi creates a fake identity to protect herself. She only needed to get to the royal healer and ask him for his help in curing Maddock, and then she could make her escape. She soon realizes though, that it is not going to be so easy. She falls in love with the prince, and he with her, and gossip spreads about the possibility of a Savian in the running for Queen. Emi also has to protect her people from the late king's and now the prince's head advisor, Marely, who want to kill all the Savians. Will Emi make it out alive, possibly saving her entire people in the process?
This book is amazing! I love it so much! The writing flows and the emotion is so strong. I found myself caring for Emi and her predicament, and hoping she would find success. The one thing that even slightly bother me was that the ending seemed rushed to me. Besides that, it was a wonderful read, and is one of my favorite books to date. There is no foul language, no immorality, just pure perfection! I highly recommend this book to any and everyone! It is a fun twist on the classic Book of Esther.
This book is amazing! I love it so much! The writing flows and the emotion is so strong. I found myself caring for Emi and her predicament, and hoping she would find success. The one thing that even slightly bother me was that the ending seemed rushed to me. Besides that, it was a wonderful read, and is one of my favorite books to date. There is no foul language, no immorality, just pure perfection! I highly recommend this book to any and everyone! It is a fun twist on the classic Book of Esther.
March 25, 2016
Alright, I normally cannot stand the whole bachelor concept; one guy with a bunch of girls all competing for attention, however, this was a really creative spin on the idea. I adored Emi joining the program to save her village, and fighting her way through it just to survive. I also loved the touch of danger to her story, it always kept me waiting for the other shoe to drop.
The plot line, and world development were also lovely, but it seemed like there was a missed opportunity to really suck the reader in. I would have been overjoyed to read a little bit more about the history of the kingdom, Emi’s past, and the nefarious plot against Emi’s people, but it never came. For character development, it took a little while for the book to get started, and it was a little longer still, before I really believed Corban and Emi had anything real. Although, once the ball got rolling in their crazy relationship, it didn’t stop. Emi also had a lot going on outside of trying to win Corban’s heart, and yes, the story is about her, but some of those secondary characters, like Henrik, Cen, Jessra, Maddock and yes even Mr. Douche himself Marley, should have received more attention. I really wanted to know more about them; the story would have been well-rounded, and maybe those extra pages would have pushed the story into two books.
I gave this book 3/5 stars, because as much as I liked it, I just needed more. It was a creative and sweet read, but I needed more world and character development, I needed the ending’s downward spiral to match the slow climb it took to reach the climatic peak. In the end, I had so many unanswered questions, that I can’t really explain without spoilers, but I felt like the story ended much too soon, and if it had a little more length, with a little more detail, It would be one of my new favorites.
The plot line, and world development were also lovely, but it seemed like there was a missed opportunity to really suck the reader in. I would have been overjoyed to read a little bit more about the history of the kingdom, Emi’s past, and the nefarious plot against Emi’s people, but it never came. For character development, it took a little while for the book to get started, and it was a little longer still, before I really believed Corban and Emi had anything real. Although, once the ball got rolling in their crazy relationship, it didn’t stop. Emi also had a lot going on outside of trying to win Corban’s heart, and yes, the story is about her, but some of those secondary characters, like Henrik, Cen, Jessra, Maddock and yes even Mr. Douche himself Marley, should have received more attention. I really wanted to know more about them; the story would have been well-rounded, and maybe those extra pages would have pushed the story into two books.
I gave this book 3/5 stars, because as much as I liked it, I just needed more. It was a creative and sweet read, but I needed more world and character development, I needed the ending’s downward spiral to match the slow climb it took to reach the climatic peak. In the end, I had so many unanswered questions, that I can’t really explain without spoilers, but I felt like the story ended much too soon, and if it had a little more length, with a little more detail, It would be one of my new favorites.
September 16, 2014
It took me a couple chapters to get into this book and become invested but it definitely did happen. This book reminded me a little bit of The Selection series with the competition to win the prince's heart. The other thing that came to mind as I read this book was the story of Esther from the bible. As per the usual with me, I didn't read anything about this book going into it so after reading, I read the author comments and realized the connection to the story of Esther in the bible was completely on purpose. (of course it was!) It is a loose connection but still there.
I ended up loving Emi. She is so loyal to those she loves. And smart. She is so smart. I loved Emi's courage and her ability to make tough decisions. She has strength inner and outer that shine through as she makes personal sacrifices to help the lives of others.
This book had emotion and purpose. I enjoyed the adventure and was sad to see it end. There was plenty of resolution to satisfy me. When I got closer to the end I started expecting a cliff hanger but it didn't happen. I actually breathed a sigh of relief.
The other added bonus for me was that this book was clean. No swearing or sexual content. I've added this book to my older teenage daughter's reading list. I hope she will enjoy it as much as I did.
Here is my favorite quote from the book:
"Grief is the worst kind of pain, because it is not the pain of anger or fear. Grief is the pain of love."
I ended up loving Emi. She is so loyal to those she loves. And smart. She is so smart. I loved Emi's courage and her ability to make tough decisions. She has strength inner and outer that shine through as she makes personal sacrifices to help the lives of others.
This book had emotion and purpose. I enjoyed the adventure and was sad to see it end. There was plenty of resolution to satisfy me. When I got closer to the end I started expecting a cliff hanger but it didn't happen. I actually breathed a sigh of relief.
The other added bonus for me was that this book was clean. No swearing or sexual content. I've added this book to my older teenage daughter's reading list. I hope she will enjoy it as much as I did.
Here is my favorite quote from the book:
"Grief is the worst kind of pain, because it is not the pain of anger or fear. Grief is the pain of love."
October 31, 2014
I wasn't expecting this book to be related or based upon scripture, yet it was. Right from the beginning, Esther is quoted, yet this was not a religious book at all. Loosely based on the story of Esther, this story has a life all of its own. Another thing that took me by surprise was the point of view--first person. I wasn't expecting it and it really drew me into the story and made it more personable.
I'm a big fan of royalty stories. I've always been fascinated with princesses and princes. I thought it was interesting how Emi ended up at the palace. She is a healer, or being trained as one, by her adopted father Cen. There is an illness tormenting her people and she is determined to find a way to get a cure and stop it. She joins a group of girls going to the palace and is surprised to find herself as a candidate to be the future queen. I really enjoyed the story.
I loved the friendships made and the descriptions of the palace life. I loved the brave, strong character that Emi was. I don't know if I could do some of the things she did, including searching for a cure and ending up in the midst of enemies. She had so much courage!
Content: Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
I'm a big fan of royalty stories. I've always been fascinated with princesses and princes. I thought it was interesting how Emi ended up at the palace. She is a healer, or being trained as one, by her adopted father Cen. There is an illness tormenting her people and she is determined to find a way to get a cure and stop it. She joins a group of girls going to the palace and is surprised to find herself as a candidate to be the future queen. I really enjoyed the story.
I loved the friendships made and the descriptions of the palace life. I loved the brave, strong character that Emi was. I don't know if I could do some of the things she did, including searching for a cure and ending up in the midst of enemies. She had so much courage!
Content: Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
April 29, 2015
“There isn’t bravery without a little trembling.”
“It was shared courage. Something we have to use together, because often it is the courage of others that moves us to do something we don’t think we can possibly do.”
Is it bad that I’m a reader that prefers more action and suspense than romance, romance, and romance? This is what this book is about: ROMANCE. I do like romance, but not so much that it drives the book. This book is also about friendship, having courage, and standing your ground in what you believe and that’s what saved this book for me.
The world building is pretty good and was vivid. Readers can picture each scene in their minds which is a huge plus. The pacing is part of this books downfall for me. There was quite a bit of talking and not a lot of doing and putting things into action. Throughout the book the pacing would be quick while other times it would be slow and dragging. The characters are well rounded and each had their own voice, strength, and weaknesses.
Overall, it was a good book. I would recommend this book for those readers that love romance. Let’s just say that in this instance, this book isn’t for me. I’d rather read a mystery or action book with just a dash of romance in it.
“It was shared courage. Something we have to use together, because often it is the courage of others that moves us to do something we don’t think we can possibly do.”
Is it bad that I’m a reader that prefers more action and suspense than romance, romance, and romance? This is what this book is about: ROMANCE. I do like romance, but not so much that it drives the book. This book is also about friendship, having courage, and standing your ground in what you believe and that’s what saved this book for me.
The world building is pretty good and was vivid. Readers can picture each scene in their minds which is a huge plus. The pacing is part of this books downfall for me. There was quite a bit of talking and not a lot of doing and putting things into action. Throughout the book the pacing would be quick while other times it would be slow and dragging. The characters are well rounded and each had their own voice, strength, and weaknesses.
Overall, it was a good book. I would recommend this book for those readers that love romance. Let’s just say that in this instance, this book isn’t for me. I’d rather read a mystery or action book with just a dash of romance in it.
September 22, 2014
This book is so phenomenally written.
You will love the imagery, the royalty, and the training to be a princess.
A young woman who has a will of her own and a heart big enough that she will endanger her life to save another...
Emi joins a group of young women going into the palace.
As the tour progresses Emi realizes she is in the group of girls to be groomed so that Prince Corban may choose from them the next queen of the land.
Though trying desperately to escape, Emi is kept in the palace at all costs and finds herself being given the chance to take classes, going on hunting trips, and attending balls in order to be presented to the prince.
Emi just wants the cure for her patient that is in the royal healer's possession.
But what will happen to her if anyone finds out she is a slave from the city that one of the royal confidants is trying to destroy?
Can Emi save her patient and her people without losing her life..."or her heart."
You will SO LOVE this book!
A MUST-READ for any young woman OR anyone else :)
You will love the imagery, the royalty, and the training to be a princess.
A young woman who has a will of her own and a heart big enough that she will endanger her life to save another...
Emi joins a group of young women going into the palace.
As the tour progresses Emi realizes she is in the group of girls to be groomed so that Prince Corban may choose from them the next queen of the land.
Though trying desperately to escape, Emi is kept in the palace at all costs and finds herself being given the chance to take classes, going on hunting trips, and attending balls in order to be presented to the prince.
Emi just wants the cure for her patient that is in the royal healer's possession.
But what will happen to her if anyone finds out she is a slave from the city that one of the royal confidants is trying to destroy?
Can Emi save her patient and her people without losing her life..."or her heart."
You will SO LOVE this book!
A MUST-READ for any young woman OR anyone else :)
October 27, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this book! I first decided to read it because the summary reminded me of the Selection series: a girl entering a contest with a group of other girls to win the prince's heart and become queen). However, this story had a twist to it because she did not enter to win, she entered to save her people from genocide but she did not expect to fall in love during the competition either. In this story, she has a big decision to make for herself and for her country.
Even though I greatly enjoyed reading this novel, I did not give it 5 stars because I disliked how the author ended the book. There were too many loose ends that were never tied up and the ending was a little dull. The book began very well and was great throughout too; however, the ending did not live up to my expectations. But this is a great book that anyone who enjoys a Cinderella story with a twist should read!
Even though I greatly enjoyed reading this novel, I did not give it 5 stars because I disliked how the author ended the book. There were too many loose ends that were never tied up and the ending was a little dull. The book began very well and was great throughout too; however, the ending did not live up to my expectations. But this is a great book that anyone who enjoys a Cinderella story with a twist should read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews