What do you think?
Rate this book
The Kingmakers' War #1
A Gift of Poison
Steampunk. Romance. Dragons. A new novel by bestselling author Kate Avery Ellison.
As the orphaned niece of a cruel lord, Briand is the scapegoat of the castle. She has few friends and even fewer options, and every day is a struggle to stay ahead of trouble caused by malicious guards and irritable castle servants.
Briand is set to be banished to the wildlands, a death sentence, when she when she accidentally unlocks a hidden power and involves herself in a rebel plot and her life abruptly changes.
Imprisoned in the company of a band of rebels, Briand must do what seems impossible: call up sleeping dragons in the north. But the fearsome Prince's assassins called Seekers are looking for her, Briand doesn't know if she can trust the mysterious, enigmatic rebel leader Kael, and there might be a traitor in the rebels' midst.
As the orphaned niece of a cruel lord, Briand is the scapegoat of the castle. She has few friends and even fewer options, and every day is a struggle to stay ahead of trouble caused by malicious guards and irritable castle servants.
Briand is set to be banished to the wildlands, a death sentence, when she when she accidentally unlocks a hidden power and involves herself in a rebel plot and her life abruptly changes.
Imprisoned in the company of a band of rebels, Briand must do what seems impossible: call up sleeping dragons in the north. But the fearsome Prince's assassins called Seekers are looking for her, Briand doesn't know if she can trust the mysterious, enigmatic rebel leader Kael, and there might be a traitor in the rebels' midst.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2014
975 people are currently reading
3198 people want to read
About the author
Kate Avery Ellison
82 books896 followersI've been making up stories since I was five years old, and now I'm thrilled to be able to do it as a full-time job. I have an obsession with dark fantasy, dystopian futures, and Pride and Prejudice-style love stories full of witty banter and sizzling, unspoken feelings. When I'm not writing, I'm creating digital art, reading funny blogs, or watching my favorite shows (which include TVD and BSG). I live with my geeky husband and our two bad cats in Atlanta, GA.
Click here to read the first chapter of THE CURSE GIRL!
Click here to read the first chapter of FROST!
Attention Book Bloggers ~ If you are interested in interviewing me or reviewing one of my books, send me a message. I'd love to hear from you! (Please note: I am currently not able to fulfill most requests for print copies at this time, but you can always ask. However, I am ALWAYS able and happy to provide e-copies or PDFs of my books in exchange for an honest review.)
If you're wondering why I categorize books as "breathless," "cake," or "amnesia," check out this blog post!
Click here to read the first chapter of THE CURSE GIRL!
Click here to read the first chapter of FROST!
Attention Book Bloggers ~ If you are interested in interviewing me or reviewing one of my books, send me a message. I'd love to hear from you! (Please note: I am currently not able to fulfill most requests for print copies at this time, but you can always ask. However, I am ALWAYS able and happy to provide e-copies or PDFs of my books in exchange for an honest review.)
If you're wondering why I categorize books as "breathless," "cake," or "amnesia," check out this blog post!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
November 28, 2014
Ok...I have very mixed feelings about this book. Like it's one of those books that could have been amazing but it just managed to slowly fall and fall until there was no hopes of putting it back together.
I mean I was so confused the entire book. This chick is supposed to be the savior of all these people and yet the men that are "protecting" her and keeping her alive treat her like shit. I'm not even kidding. They punch her around and call her names and pretty much tell her every minute of her life that she is worthless...ooooookay. Even the guy, her obvious future love interest, who is the man in charge of keeping her safe threatens to man handle her and tie her up like some animal.
And her "friends" on the trip? Her cousin and this random big guard who maybe, sometimes, if he feels like it, is nice to her, are completely worthless. I mean whenever she is in trouble or getting beaten around by "the men protecting her" they just stand on the sidelines and look ashamed and guilty. And then after she's been threatened both verbally and physically they swoop in and see if she's okay.
Another thing. The "good guys" of this trip? (Yes I'm getting tired of my own use of "" but they are needed, trust me!) If these guys are the "good guys" then why do they act like assholes that are slightly less douch-y than the "bad guys". I mean honestly I think that Briand would have been in better care with the "bad guys" than the "good guys".
And um...seriously, I don't know about some of you people out there but if some moody jerk threatens me and tosses me around like I'm a rag doll then I would gladly kick his stupid face in. But nooooooo, Briand decides by the end of this book that the Steward is kinda sorta attractive, and that he gives her a warm feeling. Ugggggggg.
The little dragon thing that Drune carried around...it was so random. Like dragons are suppose to be the main focus of this story and yet all we get is this little dragon thing that's not really a dragon and it just randomly starts liking her. Then it's dead. Hmmm, okay. Then (yesssssssssss, oh boy a real dragon!! We've been waiting this whole flipping book for a real big drag-wait where's it going, it was in the story for like a page....no dragon!!) YEP...that's about it.
The ending was way to rushed. I mean there are books where the ending is just "OH GOOD GOD HOW COULD THE AUTHOR LEAVE US AT SUCH A CLIFF HANGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!" and then there are the books where the ending is just like "Wow ok why are they doing this. Let's find out. What? Where's the rest of this totally random thought that made no sense and came out of no where?"
Sadly this book was the latter. You know what maybe I was a bit harsh and dramatic with my rating but after simply not putting the book down purely for the reason to see if it would get better (and it didn't) and being disappointed I'm in a pissed off mood. But I will now give you the things I found good in the story:I liked the plot (it just didn't lead anywhere). I liked the description of the dragon, she sounded really cool (it would've been better if she was in the story more than two specific mentions). I liked Reela (it would've been nice if Briand hadn't treated her like shit when Reela is the only actual person who was nice to Briand.)
Okay I'm done with the good things, I have to make one more point here...REELA! She was sweet and strong. She wasn't in the story long and yet I loved her so much more than Briand. Okay seriously here's what happens, Briand gets all frustrated because she has to take lessons and Reela wants to make her a dress, I mean I get it, school isn't my favorite thing in the world either and I'm not a big girly girl either. But Briand seriously says something's along the lines of "I wish she'd fallen on a knife"(I would look up the exact reference but I'm too fed up with this story) W.T.F. That is literally the most violent thing she's ever said throughout the book and she says it about the only person who has ever showed her a shred of kindness. Who has ever offered to serve her or do something for her. Who hasn't beaten her or called her cruel names. And then when (of course *cue dramatic eye roll*) Reela hears her say this Briand simply thinks about how in the case of Reela she feels truly guilty. As if that makes up for her being a bitch...I mean this chick knows what it feels like have someone be cruel to her and yet she does the very same thing to the one nice person in her life. I literally had to read the scene twice just to make sure that actually happened.
Basically a major headache. If you've read through my entire review (Sry I know it's basically me just having a tantrum but I needed to rant) then I must say this, this plot does have potential, so if you decide to read this and on some level agree with me then maybe just maybe hold out hope for the second book.
I mean I was so confused the entire book. This chick is supposed to be the savior of all these people and yet the men that are "protecting" her and keeping her alive treat her like shit. I'm not even kidding. They punch her around and call her names and pretty much tell her every minute of her life that she is worthless...ooooookay. Even the guy, her obvious future love interest, who is the man in charge of keeping her safe threatens to man handle her and tie her up like some animal.
And her "friends" on the trip? Her cousin and this random big guard who maybe, sometimes, if he feels like it, is nice to her, are completely worthless. I mean whenever she is in trouble or getting beaten around by "the men protecting her" they just stand on the sidelines and look ashamed and guilty. And then after she's been threatened both verbally and physically they swoop in and see if she's okay.
Another thing. The "good guys" of this trip? (Yes I'm getting tired of my own use of "" but they are needed, trust me!) If these guys are the "good guys" then why do they act like assholes that are slightly less douch-y than the "bad guys". I mean honestly I think that Briand would have been in better care with the "bad guys" than the "good guys".
And um...seriously, I don't know about some of you people out there but if some moody jerk threatens me and tosses me around like I'm a rag doll then I would gladly kick his stupid face in. But nooooooo, Briand decides by the end of this book that the Steward is kinda sorta attractive, and that he gives her a warm feeling. Ugggggggg.
The little dragon thing that Drune carried around...it was so random. Like dragons are suppose to be the main focus of this story and yet all we get is this little dragon thing that's not really a dragon and it just randomly starts liking her. Then it's dead. Hmmm, okay. Then (yesssssssssss, oh boy a real dragon!! We've been waiting this whole flipping book for a real big drag-wait where's it going, it was in the story for like a page....no dragon!!) YEP...that's about it.
The ending was way to rushed. I mean there are books where the ending is just "OH GOOD GOD HOW COULD THE AUTHOR LEAVE US AT SUCH A CLIFF HANGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!" and then there are the books where the ending is just like "Wow ok why are they doing this. Let's find out. What? Where's the rest of this totally random thought that made no sense and came out of no where?"
Sadly this book was the latter. You know what maybe I was a bit harsh and dramatic with my rating but after simply not putting the book down purely for the reason to see if it would get better (and it didn't) and being disappointed I'm in a pissed off mood. But I will now give you the things I found good in the story:I liked the plot (it just didn't lead anywhere). I liked the description of the dragon, she sounded really cool (it would've been better if she was in the story more than two specific mentions). I liked Reela (it would've been nice if Briand hadn't treated her like shit when Reela is the only actual person who was nice to Briand.)
Okay I'm done with the good things, I have to make one more point here...REELA! She was sweet and strong. She wasn't in the story long and yet I loved her so much more than Briand. Okay seriously here's what happens, Briand gets all frustrated because she has to take lessons and Reela wants to make her a dress, I mean I get it, school isn't my favorite thing in the world either and I'm not a big girly girl either. But Briand seriously says something's along the lines of "I wish she'd fallen on a knife"(I would look up the exact reference but I'm too fed up with this story) W.T.F. That is literally the most violent thing she's ever said throughout the book and she says it about the only person who has ever showed her a shred of kindness. Who has ever offered to serve her or do something for her. Who hasn't beaten her or called her cruel names. And then when (of course *cue dramatic eye roll*) Reela hears her say this Briand simply thinks about how in the case of Reela she feels truly guilty. As if that makes up for her being a bitch...I mean this chick knows what it feels like have someone be cruel to her and yet she does the very same thing to the one nice person in her life. I literally had to read the scene twice just to make sure that actually happened.
Basically a major headache. If you've read through my entire review (Sry I know it's basically me just having a tantrum but I needed to rant) then I must say this, this plot does have potential, so if you decide to read this and on some level agree with me then maybe just maybe hold out hope for the second book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2019
I'm running a giveaway for this amazing book and the next two in The Kingmakers' War series. If you'd like a chance to win, be sure to
sign up for my reader group!
I’ve been seeing Kate Avery Ellison’s name and books around for a while now, but FINALLY decided to pick up book 1 in The Kingmaker’s War. It looked like it might be the kind of epic I would enjoy, and I do love a scrappy heroine.
Briand definitely falls into the “scrappy” category. As an orphan living with a awful uncle, she’s barely scraping by. Nicknamed “Guttersnipe,” she’s made more enemies than friends, and is eventually banned from the castle.
Her banishment is the real beginning of Briand’s adventures. She gets caught up in the doings of a secret society of rebels, who are fighting to put the exiled “true” Prince on his rightful throne while battling the “evil” prince and his Seekers. It all starts to get twisty and exciting at this point! Especially since the rebel leader, Kael is . . . kinda intriguing . . .
The Seeker powers are varied—they can heal, read minds, etc. I enjoyed discovering more about this world, its politics, its magic. There are dragons. There are airships. There were thieves and battles and political drama. Briand discovers extraordinary powers (relating to dragons . . . no spoilers here), which prove key to saving the day. The romance is sloooooowburn . . . which I like!
Ultimately, a fun, exciting fantasy read, peppered with classic YA fantasy tropes, which I thought the author handled in fun and fresh ways. I definitely finished with a strong urge to go pick up book 2 . . .
I’ve been seeing Kate Avery Ellison’s name and books around for a while now, but FINALLY decided to pick up book 1 in The Kingmaker’s War. It looked like it might be the kind of epic I would enjoy, and I do love a scrappy heroine.
Briand definitely falls into the “scrappy” category. As an orphan living with a awful uncle, she’s barely scraping by. Nicknamed “Guttersnipe,” she’s made more enemies than friends, and is eventually banned from the castle.
Her banishment is the real beginning of Briand’s adventures. She gets caught up in the doings of a secret society of rebels, who are fighting to put the exiled “true” Prince on his rightful throne while battling the “evil” prince and his Seekers. It all starts to get twisty and exciting at this point! Especially since the rebel leader, Kael is . . . kinda intriguing . . .
The Seeker powers are varied—they can heal, read minds, etc. I enjoyed discovering more about this world, its politics, its magic. There are dragons. There are airships. There were thieves and battles and political drama. Briand discovers extraordinary powers (relating to dragons . . . no spoilers here), which prove key to saving the day. The romance is sloooooowburn . . . which I like!
Ultimately, a fun, exciting fantasy read, peppered with classic YA fantasy tropes, which I thought the author handled in fun and fresh ways. I definitely finished with a strong urge to go pick up book 2 . . .
July 16, 2018
I honestly don't get why Briand is so hated by pretty much everyone. The only person who is nice to her with seemingly no ulterior motive is her cousin who is for all intents and purposes useless. He never outwardly stands up for her, it's all secretive this and behind closed doors that. Don't even get me started on Mr. "but you took my last copper" you were going to. Get. Her. F*cking. Exiled. Essentially get her sentenced to a slow death because what, because you lost money no one forced you to bet?? And then he never even apologizes! She literally thought he was going to flipping rape her but oh he starts treating her like a decent human being because he's forced to so I guess it's fine? Same goes for Nath. He's a bloody tutor for god's sake yet he constantly belittles her for not knowing things he knows she couldn't possibly have been taught. How the f*ck is she supposed to learn anything when he as the teacher of the estate refuses to do anything but sneer at her, steal her food, and call her a guttersnipe.
The part that bothers me the most is that these men are supposed to be the good guys, fighting for the good of the kingdom and all that. Yet every single one of them decides it's fine to abuse this orphaned girl at their leisure. Use her as a punching bag, hurl insult after insult her way, remind her that she's at their mercy and that they will kill her if she doesn't do what they want. Not only do they pile all of this sh*t on her, they don't even have the decency to believe her when she tells them the truth, repeatedly ignoring logical arguments and rationale because... Well I don't even know! Because they don't like her for unnamed f*cking reasons! Then after all is said and done, she's finally won their respect and what passes for friendship, finally clawed her way up from being called a guttersnipe to being treated like an actual human being, they abandon her. They walk away with some half-baked promise to come back for her and leave her with a hermit she's barely had one conversation with for the foreseeable future.
There's also a few implications that her father, if not both parents died doing something treasonous. You don't really find out what they did and I guess it'll be explained later on but because her father died as a disgrace (I guess?), Briand's uncle gets to not only treat her like sh*t but also steal everything that should rightfully be hers (yeah yeah I get that inheritances probably pass on through male heirs but whatever), and somehow it's charity that he's still taking care of her. No one cares and no one likes her in her own damn home while everyone else is more or less trespassing. It boggles my mind that she can be treated the way she is in general and the author still gets to grin and say 'oh but some of the worst of the abusers are actually going to be fantastic friends!'. Nevermind that one of the worst people in the whole bloody book was a former slave himself and yet revels in torturing a basically defenseless girl. (Sure she can physically fight back but 1- he would beat her senseless if he actually had a mind to do more than passing snide remarks, and 2- if she tried to fight back on the estate she would be banished, as seen when she pulls a knife on someone she thinks is trying to. RAPE. HER.)
I finished the book and I guess some parts of it were okay if you don't think about it too hard but the further you analyze it the more screwed up it and the characters become.
Final thoughts:
Talk about Stockholm syndrome.
The part that bothers me the most is that these men are supposed to be the good guys, fighting for the good of the kingdom and all that. Yet every single one of them decides it's fine to abuse this orphaned girl at their leisure. Use her as a punching bag, hurl insult after insult her way, remind her that she's at their mercy and that they will kill her if she doesn't do what they want. Not only do they pile all of this sh*t on her, they don't even have the decency to believe her when she tells them the truth, repeatedly ignoring logical arguments and rationale because... Well I don't even know! Because they don't like her for unnamed f*cking reasons! Then after all is said and done, she's finally won their respect and what passes for friendship, finally clawed her way up from being called a guttersnipe to being treated like an actual human being, they abandon her. They walk away with some half-baked promise to come back for her and leave her with a hermit she's barely had one conversation with for the foreseeable future.
There's also a few implications that her father, if not both parents died doing something treasonous. You don't really find out what they did and I guess it'll be explained later on but because her father died as a disgrace (I guess?), Briand's uncle gets to not only treat her like sh*t but also steal everything that should rightfully be hers (yeah yeah I get that inheritances probably pass on through male heirs but whatever), and somehow it's charity that he's still taking care of her. No one cares and no one likes her in her own damn home while everyone else is more or less trespassing. It boggles my mind that she can be treated the way she is in general and the author still gets to grin and say 'oh but some of the worst of the abusers are actually going to be fantastic friends!'. Nevermind that one of the worst people in the whole bloody book was a former slave himself and yet revels in torturing a basically defenseless girl. (Sure she can physically fight back but 1- he would beat her senseless if he actually had a mind to do more than passing snide remarks, and 2- if she tried to fight back on the estate she would be banished, as seen when she pulls a knife on someone she thinks is trying to. RAPE. HER.)
I finished the book and I guess some parts of it were okay if you don't think about it too hard but the further you analyze it the more screwed up it and the characters become.
Final thoughts:
Talk about Stockholm syndrome.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2015
Thanks to Xpresso Book Tours for giving me this book to review.
Briand is the orphan niece of a cruel lord, she has very few friends and everyday her life is tormented by malicious guards and servants. Just before she is sent to the wildlands, practically a death sentence, she unlocks a hidden power and becomes involved in a rebel plot and her life changes forever. She is held by a group of rebels led by the enigmatic Kael, who want her to do the impossible and call up the sleeping dragons. With the usurper prince’s Seekers searching for her, is Briand able to know who to trust?
A Gift of Poison is a likeable fantasy novel with magic, adventure and a hint of romance. However, I did not find this book as engaging as other books by Kate Avery Ellison.
Briand is someone who wants attention but goes about it totally the wrong way and while everyone says she is brave and has spirit I could not see it, but she was likeable. Kael reminded me a bit of Valek from Poison Study but not as protective and more judgemental. I did not understand why the characters treated Briand so badly, especially at the end of the book, as she had proven herself and is destined to save everyone, everyone treated her as if she was worthless.
It had a bit of a rushed ending but I would recommend A Gift of Poison to fans of Ellison’s other books.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
Briand is the orphan niece of a cruel lord, she has very few friends and everyday her life is tormented by malicious guards and servants. Just before she is sent to the wildlands, practically a death sentence, she unlocks a hidden power and becomes involved in a rebel plot and her life changes forever. She is held by a group of rebels led by the enigmatic Kael, who want her to do the impossible and call up the sleeping dragons. With the usurper prince’s Seekers searching for her, is Briand able to know who to trust?
A Gift of Poison is a likeable fantasy novel with magic, adventure and a hint of romance. However, I did not find this book as engaging as other books by Kate Avery Ellison.
Briand is someone who wants attention but goes about it totally the wrong way and while everyone says she is brave and has spirit I could not see it, but she was likeable. Kael reminded me a bit of Valek from Poison Study but not as protective and more judgemental. I did not understand why the characters treated Briand so badly, especially at the end of the book, as she had proven herself and is destined to save everyone, everyone treated her as if she was worthless.
It had a bit of a rushed ending but I would recommend A Gift of Poison to fans of Ellison’s other books.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
April 15, 2021
This wasn’t amazing but it was good and a fast read. Briand was an ok character but I didn’t like her as much as I was hoping. Kael is that handsome, mysterious, broody male that you can’t help but adore. I find everything about this book extremely predictable which I am not a fan of cause I like to be surprised. You automatically know who the love interest is going to be and who falls in love with who... that gets old but 🤷🏻♀️ I will continue with the series since the books are short and the story is still enjoyable. 4 stars
January 3, 2020
Preface: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
Tl;dr: I would not recommend purchasing this story.
This book ain't good. I tried to give it the benefit of the doubt, as I'd already read another book by this author and didn't enjoy it, but ultimately that attempt fell through. This book has a lot of issues.
1) Briand is consistently mistreated by everyone around her for no real reason (or at least none that is explained). Her uncle hates her, presumably because he was in love with her mother, but that doesn't explain why literally everyone in her life treats her like crap. He's constantly upset about her running around doing mischievous things, but she wouldn't have to do literally any of it if she was taken care of (decent food, proper clothing, an education, etc.). The servants, guards, and everyone else in her life treat her like absolute scum for literally no reason, to the point of physical (and sometimes sexual!) violence.
2) Briand herself isn't particularly likable. She comes off as very immature and aggressive, even to people trying to be nice to her. There's a sweet girl that wants to be her friend and makes her gifts and things, but Briand repeatedly treats her terribly - again for no real reason. Her immaturity is especially weird since there's clearly a romance brewing between her and another much more mature character - it basically feels like an adult trying to court a child.
3) The other characters aren't well fleshed-out, for the most part. Kael and Nath get the most development (though Nath is still an unlikable jerk), but everyone else is pretty much nonexistent. The guards don't change or grow as people. Bran, who you would think is important, given he's one of the only people who's nice to Briand and is also her cousin, barely has any lines or presence. And the other character with them...woof. See #6.
4) The plot is pretty thin. This isn't a huge complaint, but the fact that the novel is already so short makes it a bit strange. It's under 300 pages, and most of that is journeying or taking time for Briand to train. None of the skills she works on really come to fruition later in the story, aside from her attempts at dragonsaying, so it just feels like a lot of dead air.
5) The conclusion is really abrupt and strange. We have our big climax, Briand summons a dragon that's...there for some reason, stuff gets nuts...and then Briand passes out and misses the whole end to the scene. Where did the dragon go afterwards? How did they avoid it eating them with their dragonsayer unconscious? Are all the minor villains dead, or what? We have no idea. Not that the story really gives you any reason to care about its flimsy characters and flimsier villains.
6) There's an informant in the group's ranks that's feeding the enemy information, and the reveal of who it is was so out of left field and stupid that I couldn't help but laugh. There's no real foreshadowing, and no reason for it to be this character aside from shock value. Their charade was literally perfect 100% of the time, but as soon as the reveal happens, they're suddenly a mustache-twirling villains, complete with cackling "you fools!" Complete crap. That's when any hope I had for this series completely evaporated.
7) This is the biggest, by far: Briand is suffering an extreme case of Stockholm Syndrome by the end of the story. Literally everyone around her has beat her, attacked her, looked down on her, and even /tied her up for days/ because they /thought/ she was trying to run at one point...and yet, in the end, she thinks of them all as her family. This is just so, so gross. Again, she's been treated like absolute garbage by these people all her life, they've been horrible to her throughout her journey, most of them have barely felt any remorse for this at all...and they're her /family./ She loves them. They feel like /home./ It's disgusting, and I don't think it's intentional. I think we're genuinely meant to like these other characters too, and appreciate their "growth" and all that, but I honestly hate almost all of them. Them leaving her at the end is supposed to be upsetting, but like...good?? She /should/ just run off and leave them all to die. What have they ever done for her? Why should any of us care what happens to her abusers?
So, yeah. Overall, when this novel isn't incredibly boring, it's gross and problematic. Would not recommend to any reader.
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
Tl;dr: I would not recommend purchasing this story.
This book ain't good. I tried to give it the benefit of the doubt, as I'd already read another book by this author and didn't enjoy it, but ultimately that attempt fell through. This book has a lot of issues.
1) Briand is consistently mistreated by everyone around her for no real reason (or at least none that is explained). Her uncle hates her, presumably because he was in love with her mother, but that doesn't explain why literally everyone in her life treats her like crap. He's constantly upset about her running around doing mischievous things, but she wouldn't have to do literally any of it if she was taken care of (decent food, proper clothing, an education, etc.). The servants, guards, and everyone else in her life treat her like absolute scum for literally no reason, to the point of physical (and sometimes sexual!) violence.
2) Briand herself isn't particularly likable. She comes off as very immature and aggressive, even to people trying to be nice to her. There's a sweet girl that wants to be her friend and makes her gifts and things, but Briand repeatedly treats her terribly - again for no real reason. Her immaturity is especially weird since there's clearly a romance brewing between her and another much more mature character - it basically feels like an adult trying to court a child.
3) The other characters aren't well fleshed-out, for the most part. Kael and Nath get the most development (though Nath is still an unlikable jerk), but everyone else is pretty much nonexistent. The guards don't change or grow as people. Bran, who you would think is important, given he's one of the only people who's nice to Briand and is also her cousin, barely has any lines or presence. And the other character with them...woof. See #6.
4) The plot is pretty thin. This isn't a huge complaint, but the fact that the novel is already so short makes it a bit strange. It's under 300 pages, and most of that is journeying or taking time for Briand to train. None of the skills she works on really come to fruition later in the story, aside from her attempts at dragonsaying, so it just feels like a lot of dead air.
5) The conclusion is really abrupt and strange. We have our big climax, Briand summons a dragon that's...there for some reason, stuff gets nuts...and then Briand passes out and misses the whole end to the scene. Where did the dragon go afterwards? How did they avoid it eating them with their dragonsayer unconscious? Are all the minor villains dead, or what? We have no idea. Not that the story really gives you any reason to care about its flimsy characters and flimsier villains.
6) There's an informant in the group's ranks that's feeding the enemy information, and the reveal of who it is was so out of left field and stupid that I couldn't help but laugh. There's no real foreshadowing, and no reason for it to be this character aside from shock value. Their charade was literally perfect 100% of the time, but as soon as the reveal happens, they're suddenly a mustache-twirling villains, complete with cackling "you fools!" Complete crap. That's when any hope I had for this series completely evaporated.
7) This is the biggest, by far: Briand is suffering an extreme case of Stockholm Syndrome by the end of the story. Literally everyone around her has beat her, attacked her, looked down on her, and even /tied her up for days/ because they /thought/ she was trying to run at one point...and yet, in the end, she thinks of them all as her family. This is just so, so gross. Again, she's been treated like absolute garbage by these people all her life, they've been horrible to her throughout her journey, most of them have barely felt any remorse for this at all...and they're her /family./ She loves them. They feel like /home./ It's disgusting, and I don't think it's intentional. I think we're genuinely meant to like these other characters too, and appreciate their "growth" and all that, but I honestly hate almost all of them. Them leaving her at the end is supposed to be upsetting, but like...good?? She /should/ just run off and leave them all to die. What have they ever done for her? Why should any of us care what happens to her abusers?
So, yeah. Overall, when this novel isn't incredibly boring, it's gross and problematic. Would not recommend to any reader.
June 30, 2022
It is an okay start to a new series, and I just noticed, that it is a long one! 10 books are out, I don't know whether there is a potential for more.
The writing reminded me of Maria V. Snyder's and it was joyful to read. There are a couple of things, that frustrated me a bit like
* Overusing the word 'guttersnipe'. It is like the author decided it is the word of the day (or the book!) and overused it - I'm not even kidding, I searched, and it has been used 23 times!
* Kael is dark and mysterious - we don't need to know more than that!
* Why introduce a cute little pet and then take it away. It seemed like great potential was being missed.
* While I understand everyone treated her like dirt (Harry Potter much!) but never understood the reason why?
* Briand has been described as scrappy from early on but God forbid she gets out of any sticky situation on her own. Later on, she becomes one but not a minute sooner.
But these are minor things I decided to ignore and I want to keep reading so I am getting #2, nothing to lose since the entire series is available on KU.
The writing reminded me of Maria V. Snyder's and it was joyful to read. There are a couple of things, that frustrated me a bit like
* Overusing the word 'guttersnipe'. It is like the author decided it is the word of the day (or the book!) and overused it - I'm not even kidding, I searched, and it has been used 23 times!
* Kael is dark and mysterious - we don't need to know more than that!
* Why introduce a cute little pet and then take it away. It seemed like great potential was being missed.
* While I understand everyone treated her like dirt (Harry Potter much!) but never understood the reason why?
* Briand has been described as scrappy from early on but God forbid she gets out of any sticky situation on her own. Later on, she becomes one but not a minute sooner.
But these are minor things I decided to ignore and I want to keep reading so I am getting #2, nothing to lose since the entire series is available on KU.
January 22, 2016
This and other reviews can be found on The Psychotic Nerd
I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for a honest review
MY THOUGHTS
I adore Kate Avery Ellison's books and she's one of my favorite indie authors, so I was quite happy to read another one of her books!
This book is about a girl named Briand. She lives with her uncle in his castle, and he hates her. In fact everyone seems to hate her and she's always getting into trouble. If she causes any trouble, she'll be banished and sentenced to death. After a trap is set for her, that's exactly what will happen.Except, she accidentally ends up unlocking an ability that can basically save their country from a tyrant rule. Now, she must travel with rebels, figure out this ability of hers, while all the while avoiding those who want her dead.
I've read The Season of Lightning, which takes place in the same universe, so some of this world was familiar. But this book was very different! First off, this book has dragons, so that right there is awesome. Also, this book focuses on different countries and just a completely different storyline. I thought the world was very developed and it felt like a very real fantasy world, if that makes any sense.
You can't but feel a little bit sorry for Briand, because she got all the short straws in life, but she would probably hate us feeling sorry for her. Despite her circumstances, and maybe because of her circumstances, she's very strong. Though, she knows to ask for help when she needs it. The other characters were interesting in how they interacted with her, mostly because they all hated her at first. I though it was interesting seeing them slowly loose their dislike towards her.
As for romance, there wasn't any! There were moments where it seemed like there would be moments that the romance would appear, but no. It never went anywhere.
My main pet peeve with this book is the ending. The ending felt rushed and then abrupt. It seemed like there should've been a bit more, at least. I'm kind of curious is any of the characters appear in The Season of Lightning, but I read it before this book and I really can't remember.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, I did enjoy this book, which didn't surprise me! This was a fantastic fantasy, and while I had issues with the ending, I enjoyed everything else! I really recommend any of Kate Avery Ellison's books and you bet I'll be reading more of her books!
I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for a honest review
MY THOUGHTS
I adore Kate Avery Ellison's books and she's one of my favorite indie authors, so I was quite happy to read another one of her books!
This book is about a girl named Briand. She lives with her uncle in his castle, and he hates her. In fact everyone seems to hate her and she's always getting into trouble. If she causes any trouble, she'll be banished and sentenced to death. After a trap is set for her, that's exactly what will happen.Except, she accidentally ends up unlocking an ability that can basically save their country from a tyrant rule. Now, she must travel with rebels, figure out this ability of hers, while all the while avoiding those who want her dead.
I've read The Season of Lightning, which takes place in the same universe, so some of this world was familiar. But this book was very different! First off, this book has dragons, so that right there is awesome. Also, this book focuses on different countries and just a completely different storyline. I thought the world was very developed and it felt like a very real fantasy world, if that makes any sense.
You can't but feel a little bit sorry for Briand, because she got all the short straws in life, but she would probably hate us feeling sorry for her. Despite her circumstances, and maybe because of her circumstances, she's very strong. Though, she knows to ask for help when she needs it. The other characters were interesting in how they interacted with her, mostly because they all hated her at first. I though it was interesting seeing them slowly loose their dislike towards her.
As for romance, there wasn't any! There were moments where it seemed like there would be moments that the romance would appear, but no. It never went anywhere.
My main pet peeve with this book is the ending. The ending felt rushed and then abrupt. It seemed like there should've been a bit more, at least. I'm kind of curious is any of the characters appear in The Season of Lightning, but I read it before this book and I really can't remember.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, I did enjoy this book, which didn't surprise me! This was a fantastic fantasy, and while I had issues with the ending, I enjoyed everything else! I really recommend any of Kate Avery Ellison's books and you bet I'll be reading more of her books!
November 18, 2014
I loved this book. Great characters and loved the chemistry between them all. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed and I do hope that in the following books, more history of the land will be revealed. Definitely an author to follow - cannot wait for more of her books, in particular, the next story Briand!
Read
September 13, 2018I won't star rate this because it's legible and I DNFd at 3% so I can't say I gave it enough of a chance to rate it. But I was so bored. I didn't care about this rude bitch. The protag commits dire crimes that are portrayed as cute Lil Dennis the Menace joshing and then you're supposed to be shocked that everyone hates her. Well, I hated her too and couldn't be arsed to keep going because it's generic and unlikeable.
December 16, 2019
Somewhat entertaining, but I won’t be continuing on with the series.
February 13, 2018
I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, as part of the Read It and Reap Program. This book was quite frustrating to read, because you can tell the author is on the right track to creating a wonderful, fantasy world, but she doesn’t quite get there. Our main character is Briand, a tomboyish orphan who lives in her Uncle’s castle and is reviled by everyone(which we never really find out WHY everyone hates her so much). Briand is discovered to be a dragonsayer, someone who can speak to dragons. Briand’s magic can help the true prince regain his throne, so she sets off for a kingdom-saving adventure with her motley group of companions.
My main issue with this book is the characters and plot development. Except for Kael, who is being worked up to be the savior/love interest, all of the characters, including Briand, are one-dimensional. Briand is depicted as the predictable tomboy rapscallion, and there’s also a scathing tutor, a wise old man, a meek cousin and a giant guard who kind of helps Briand out at times. All of the characters simply fill the fantasy world-building trope, there was nothing to make me care about any of them, and one of them was a traitor, and it was obvious who it was from the moment it was mentioned.
The plot was incredibly loose, and there is literally no background given for Briand, how she came to be with this Uncle who hates her, why he hates her(it’s mentioned very briefly but it’s so lame I refuse to believe that’s it), or why she would even want to save this kingdom. With the way she’s been treated, I would have told them all to kick rocks. Also, there’s no real villain, and while the author tries to give the antagonists an aura of terror, they’re not fleshed our enough for the reader to truly feel a sense of foreboding when they are mentioned.
This author has great potential, as her descriptions of the landscape and the world around the characters was the best part of the book. And I think the premise of the book is interesting, but she would benefit from having an editor who can really help her flesh out the plot and hone in on those details that takes characters from flat to 3D.
My main issue with this book is the characters and plot development. Except for Kael, who is being worked up to be the savior/love interest, all of the characters, including Briand, are one-dimensional. Briand is depicted as the predictable tomboy rapscallion, and there’s also a scathing tutor, a wise old man, a meek cousin and a giant guard who kind of helps Briand out at times. All of the characters simply fill the fantasy world-building trope, there was nothing to make me care about any of them, and one of them was a traitor, and it was obvious who it was from the moment it was mentioned.
The plot was incredibly loose, and there is literally no background given for Briand, how she came to be with this Uncle who hates her, why he hates her(it’s mentioned very briefly but it’s so lame I refuse to believe that’s it), or why she would even want to save this kingdom. With the way she’s been treated, I would have told them all to kick rocks. Also, there’s no real villain, and while the author tries to give the antagonists an aura of terror, they’re not fleshed our enough for the reader to truly feel a sense of foreboding when they are mentioned.
This author has great potential, as her descriptions of the landscape and the world around the characters was the best part of the book. And I think the premise of the book is interesting, but she would benefit from having an editor who can really help her flesh out the plot and hone in on those details that takes characters from flat to 3D.
December 14, 2015
Actual rating: 2.5 stars. Thank you Xpresso Book Tours for the review copy- and sorry for the late review!
I was supposed to have this review up by December 4th... it's the 14th- OOPS. In my defence, I finished the book before that, but finals and exams ruined my entire sleeping, reading and eating schedule indefinitely, and I'm just getting my life together.
The story was good for the most part. I think the highlight for me was Briand's character. She was likeable, but wasn't entirely terrible. At times, she was a bit annoying for me (but I think I was more annoyed with her situation more than anything), but in the end she wasn't a terrible protagonist.
I have never read any stories by Ellison, and in all honesty, this book was okay, but not AMAZING. The synopsis sounds intriguing, but I felt like the characters just hated her for no reason. Like the ending seemed rushed to me, and even in the end, they didn't seem to appreciate Briand's character and her perseverance.
Overall, the book was okay. It mostly hit all the points it needed too, despite it's rushed ending. I don't really know if I'll read any of Ellison's books after this, but I might. Despite everything, I still finished the book, which is a good sign, and I kept going to see how everything would play out.
For more reviews, checkout my blog SleeplessReads: http://sleeplessreadsreviews.blogspot.ca
I was supposed to have this review up by December 4th... it's the 14th- OOPS. In my defence, I finished the book before that, but finals and exams ruined my entire sleeping, reading and eating schedule indefinitely, and I'm just getting my life together.
The story was good for the most part. I think the highlight for me was Briand's character. She was likeable, but wasn't entirely terrible. At times, she was a bit annoying for me (but I think I was more annoyed with her situation more than anything), but in the end she wasn't a terrible protagonist.
I have never read any stories by Ellison, and in all honesty, this book was okay, but not AMAZING. The synopsis sounds intriguing, but I felt like the characters just hated her for no reason. Like the ending seemed rushed to me, and even in the end, they didn't seem to appreciate Briand's character and her perseverance.
Overall, the book was okay. It mostly hit all the points it needed too, despite it's rushed ending. I don't really know if I'll read any of Ellison's books after this, but I might. Despite everything, I still finished the book, which is a good sign, and I kept going to see how everything would play out.
For more reviews, checkout my blog SleeplessReads: http://sleeplessreadsreviews.blogspot.ca
April 22, 2018
Some disturbing themes
Not thrilled with the abuse themes in this book and how everyone around Briand blames her for the abuse. That's seriously twisted and wrong, but never gets addressed. I also had a hard time with her lack of fighting back; it wasn't a statement of strength, but almost an acceptance of her victimization. Also twisted. I also think abuse victims gain some survival skills out of necessity so I expected her to read people better and have more of an instinct for avoiding traps and blows. At the end of the book, I feel like she has accepted people as friends who participated in her abuse or have it tacit approval by doing nothing to stop it, and all without any of these men having changed. While I agree that Briand has maturity to gain, I don't like the message that her abusers get to be forgiven because she's changed; it implies, again, that the abuse was her fault.
I will give book 2 a try, but if the victim continues to get blamed for the abuse, and continues to be abused, I am going to be very upset.
Not thrilled with the abuse themes in this book and how everyone around Briand blames her for the abuse. That's seriously twisted and wrong, but never gets addressed. I also had a hard time with her lack of fighting back; it wasn't a statement of strength, but almost an acceptance of her victimization. Also twisted. I also think abuse victims gain some survival skills out of necessity so I expected her to read people better and have more of an instinct for avoiding traps and blows. At the end of the book, I feel like she has accepted people as friends who participated in her abuse or have it tacit approval by doing nothing to stop it, and all without any of these men having changed. While I agree that Briand has maturity to gain, I don't like the message that her abusers get to be forgiven because she's changed; it implies, again, that the abuse was her fault.
I will give book 2 a try, but if the victim continues to get blamed for the abuse, and continues to be abused, I am going to be very upset.
January 13, 2021
I never thought I would be upset about too much action in a fantasy world book, but in a first novel in a series like this I would have liked to have seen a bit fewer fight/chase scenes and about 100 more pages of character development. The main character seems to accept taking shit from everyone throughout the book and the supporting cast all seem content to just physically and verbally abuse her throughout the novel despite knowing they need her to complete their mission. The protagonist also acts like a bitch to one of it the few people that has ever been kind to her for no apparent reason, which combined with her willingness to sip shit the entire book despite being described as an excellent knife fighter, makes her come off as weak and unrelatable. The ending on this book is very rushed and a bit of a flop. The world building seems to be decent so hopefully the plot lines and character development in the later books will improve to turn it into a decent series.
February 4, 2020
This book was right on the edge for me. In the beginning we meet our MC Briand who is an orphaned niece of a very cruel uncle. His and her back-story was a little confusing as we really have no idea why he dislikes her so much, except that he was in love with her mother. What that little bit of information is supposed to tell us, I don’t know. The guards and servants of the castle do not like Briand at all and treat her like a dog. There is also no explanation to this except for maybe the fact that their master doesn’t like her. Briand does do several things that are deemed mischievous, one of which is betting with the guards in a game and constantly beating them at it. I know several people who wrote reviews on this book said they couldn’t like her because she did childish things like this, but if you think about it, we don’t know exactly when she came to be an orphan and she even mentions in the story that she uses her winnings to buy new boots and clothes, so I get why she acts like this. I don’t think it’s being childish, I think it’s trying to survive. Another attribute of hers is that she goes back and forth between wanting to be noticed and wanted to be a ghost. Again, even though this can be contradicting, I can understand her wanting some actual human affection but also not wanting to be noticed because when she is, it’s usually in a negative way. My biggest pet peeve with her is when another character Reela tries to be nice to her and befriend her and Briand treats her like crap. After how everyone treated Briand I was really disappointed in her character that she reacted this way.
Briand’s cousin Bran is apparently the only person who is ever nice to her. Unfortunately, we still never see him support or stick up for her which makes me wonder why their relationship is the way it is.
The two characters who actually seem to have some depth to them are Kael and Nath. Although they are both rude and hard on Briand, I did enjoy their characters perspectives of her changing. However, like all the other characters in the book, we never find out why the specifically had a problem with her to begin with.
I did enjoy that there was really no love interests in this story, very refreshing for once as not all stories need one. The one major drawback for me was the ending. This whole story leads up to Briand being able to wake and talk to dragons and it doesn’t happen until the last 10ish pages of the story and then it’s done. I understand that there are (9) total books so far in this series, but it just felt so rushed for so much build up. I also don’t think the title really had anything to do with this story. All in all, I will read at least the next book in the series as I find that the sequel usually gets better once the author has had some feedback and doesn’t need as much back-story to be told. Although in this case, maybe we can hope for some back-story to make the rest of the series more interesting.
I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Briand’s cousin Bran is apparently the only person who is ever nice to her. Unfortunately, we still never see him support or stick up for her which makes me wonder why their relationship is the way it is.
The two characters who actually seem to have some depth to them are Kael and Nath. Although they are both rude and hard on Briand, I did enjoy their characters perspectives of her changing. However, like all the other characters in the book, we never find out why the specifically had a problem with her to begin with.
I did enjoy that there was really no love interests in this story, very refreshing for once as not all stories need one. The one major drawback for me was the ending. This whole story leads up to Briand being able to wake and talk to dragons and it doesn’t happen until the last 10ish pages of the story and then it’s done. I understand that there are (9) total books so far in this series, but it just felt so rushed for so much build up. I also don’t think the title really had anything to do with this story. All in all, I will read at least the next book in the series as I find that the sequel usually gets better once the author has had some feedback and doesn’t need as much back-story to be told. Although in this case, maybe we can hope for some back-story to make the rest of the series more interesting.
I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2018
Kate Avery Ellison, who is the author of the Frost series now has a series is called The Kingmaker's War. In the first installment of the Kingmaker's War, A Gift of Poison", our heroine, Briand is an orphan, living with her cruel Uncle, and barely getting by on her own. She is viewed as the castle troublemaker and has earned the nickname "Guttersnipe". Briand's actions get her banned from the castle, on the verge of being sent to the woodlands, when she discovers her cousin is involved with a secret society. Briand uncovers powers she did not know she was capable of and ends up a member of the secret band of rebels. The country is at war. A war between the "true" Prince who is living with his court in exile and the usurper Prince who is ravaging the land leaving in his wake destruction and death. The rebel leader of this secret society, Kael, enlists Briand to aid in their efforts to defeat the evil Prince and his army of evil Seekers.
As the series progresses you learn that Briand takes a stand, refusing to actually join the rebel of forces of the exiled Prince, while continuing to aid them on their missions. She eventually meets the Prince, who we learn is devious and untrustworthy in-spite of the fact that he maintains the unrelenting faithfulness of his followers; a prime example of this unwavering loyalty being Kael. No story is complete without a love triangle.....of sorts or at least I think it wants to be a love triangle. Briand and Kael fall in love. A long the way Briand develops a love hate relationship with a Seeker. A Seeker is an individual with special powers - be they the ability to heal, read other's minds, etc. The Seekers are tools of the Monarchist's cause and work for the evil Prince. The Seeker Auberon and Briand have formed an unwanted connection. At points in the story they become unlikely allies, working together to solve a shared problem, and yet at the end of the alliance each looks for opportunity to betray the other. The reader learns that Auberon has had a troubled past. I am going to just come out and admit I am full-on team Auberon. I think I have a thing for bad boys. Don't get me wrong, I love Kael and all his goodness, but Auberon is a troubled bad boy looking for someone to understand him. If we are being honest Auberon and Briand share a lot of similar life experiences and can relate on a level she cannot with Kael. A couple of times now Ellison has lead me to believe that something special was building between Briand and Auberon but I am really starting to wonder if the romance isn't all in my head. I guess we will see.
Right now there are 6 completed books in the Kingmaker's War with book 7 due out October 29th, 2018. I read the first 4 books in two days. The story drew me in from the first sentence. As a bonus these books are available via Kindle Unlimited.
Books in the series:
A Gift of Poison (Book 1)
A Bed of Blades (Book 2)
A Kiss of Treason (Book 3)
A Circle of Flames (Book 4)
A Shield of Sorrow (Book 5)
A Court of Lies (Book 6)
A Reign of Thieves (Book 7 - Due Out Soon)
Grammar - 3
There are a few minor grammatical issues with these books. It is not overwhelming but a couple of times I found myself re-reading a sentence. Words were missing or in the wrong place. If this is something you find to be problematic then it might be an issue for you but in the grand scheme of things it was not a deal breaker.
Plot - 4.5
I love the story. A young woman who has had to struggle in life to survive. She eventually finds herself and her purpose. Along the way she develops her own identity and her own belief system. Briand learns to read, she becomes educated, she learns to fight, she sees the world, she finds a cause that she supports without getting lost in that cause, and she becomes an individual. She takes the skills she used to survive as a young teen and uses those tools to make her mark on the world.
Believability - 4.5
The story is fantasy. It is a wonderfully made up world with dragons and other imaginary creatures. Ellison has built an environment for these characters and creatures to live in. I believe that sometime or somewhere this world and these people could exist.
Cover - 3.5
The covers are nice but don't have that "wow" factor. As a person who has historically been drawn to a book by it's cover I might not have taken a second look if it wasn't for my already familiarity with the author. I loved Kate Avery Ellison's Frost series and was already onboard for the Kingmakers War regardless of the way the covers looked.
Ending - 4.5
The story has not yet concluded so the ending is really not a factor to consider at this point. Each book is definitely not a stand alone. The story flows effortlessly from book to book and a reader needs to read from the beginning to fully understand the storyline.
Price Value - 4.5
For me they were free with Kindle Unlimited and you can't beat free. If you do not have Kindle Unlimited the price is relatively low and the books are well worth the cost.
Overall - 4.5
I am in love with this series. I downloaded the first book when it came out and forgot it was in my kindle until a couple of weeks ago when I rediscovered it Labor Day weekend. I love all the characters, even the ones I don't think I am supposed to. Sometimes when a series has this many books I find one that I will struggle to complete at least one of the books but each book in this series has been truly engaging.
I highly recommend this series and wait with baited breath for the next installment.
As the series progresses you learn that Briand takes a stand, refusing to actually join the rebel of forces of the exiled Prince, while continuing to aid them on their missions. She eventually meets the Prince, who we learn is devious and untrustworthy in-spite of the fact that he maintains the unrelenting faithfulness of his followers; a prime example of this unwavering loyalty being Kael. No story is complete without a love triangle.....of sorts or at least I think it wants to be a love triangle. Briand and Kael fall in love. A long the way Briand develops a love hate relationship with a Seeker. A Seeker is an individual with special powers - be they the ability to heal, read other's minds, etc. The Seekers are tools of the Monarchist's cause and work for the evil Prince. The Seeker Auberon and Briand have formed an unwanted connection. At points in the story they become unlikely allies, working together to solve a shared problem, and yet at the end of the alliance each looks for opportunity to betray the other. The reader learns that Auberon has had a troubled past. I am going to just come out and admit I am full-on team Auberon. I think I have a thing for bad boys. Don't get me wrong, I love Kael and all his goodness, but Auberon is a troubled bad boy looking for someone to understand him. If we are being honest Auberon and Briand share a lot of similar life experiences and can relate on a level she cannot with Kael. A couple of times now Ellison has lead me to believe that something special was building between Briand and Auberon but I am really starting to wonder if the romance isn't all in my head. I guess we will see.
Right now there are 6 completed books in the Kingmaker's War with book 7 due out October 29th, 2018. I read the first 4 books in two days. The story drew me in from the first sentence. As a bonus these books are available via Kindle Unlimited.
Books in the series:
A Gift of Poison (Book 1)
A Bed of Blades (Book 2)
A Kiss of Treason (Book 3)
A Circle of Flames (Book 4)
A Shield of Sorrow (Book 5)
A Court of Lies (Book 6)
A Reign of Thieves (Book 7 - Due Out Soon)
Grammar - 3
There are a few minor grammatical issues with these books. It is not overwhelming but a couple of times I found myself re-reading a sentence. Words were missing or in the wrong place. If this is something you find to be problematic then it might be an issue for you but in the grand scheme of things it was not a deal breaker.
Plot - 4.5
I love the story. A young woman who has had to struggle in life to survive. She eventually finds herself and her purpose. Along the way she develops her own identity and her own belief system. Briand learns to read, she becomes educated, she learns to fight, she sees the world, she finds a cause that she supports without getting lost in that cause, and she becomes an individual. She takes the skills she used to survive as a young teen and uses those tools to make her mark on the world.
Believability - 4.5
The story is fantasy. It is a wonderfully made up world with dragons and other imaginary creatures. Ellison has built an environment for these characters and creatures to live in. I believe that sometime or somewhere this world and these people could exist.
Cover - 3.5
The covers are nice but don't have that "wow" factor. As a person who has historically been drawn to a book by it's cover I might not have taken a second look if it wasn't for my already familiarity with the author. I loved Kate Avery Ellison's Frost series and was already onboard for the Kingmakers War regardless of the way the covers looked.
Ending - 4.5
The story has not yet concluded so the ending is really not a factor to consider at this point. Each book is definitely not a stand alone. The story flows effortlessly from book to book and a reader needs to read from the beginning to fully understand the storyline.
Price Value - 4.5
For me they were free with Kindle Unlimited and you can't beat free. If you do not have Kindle Unlimited the price is relatively low and the books are well worth the cost.
Overall - 4.5
I am in love with this series. I downloaded the first book when it came out and forgot it was in my kindle until a couple of weeks ago when I rediscovered it Labor Day weekend. I love all the characters, even the ones I don't think I am supposed to. Sometimes when a series has this many books I find one that I will struggle to complete at least one of the books but each book in this series has been truly engaging.
I highly recommend this series and wait with baited breath for the next installment.
May 9, 2021
Briand has lived with her uncle since she was six. It was her father's home and her uncle resents her for that. The rest of the castle isn't much better, and right when she's on the brink of exile she discovers a hidden magic and sets off on a dangerous quest. Her life is on the line and she's risking everything to try to restore the rightful prince and end the Seeker reign of terror.
I will say that the book was keeping me reading just because I wanted to see the resolution. But like, there were so many things that were just so poorly explained. The entire castle hated her because her uncle told them that they could, but like why? They called her annoying, but no one could be so annoying that they would lose all their allies like that? Literally everyone aside from her cousin hated her and for no particular reason. No one in the castle that her father owned had any loyalty to their prior master who Briand remembered as a decent man? Didn't make sense and they kept bringing it up, none of these people who she was supposed to rely on or be friends with had any trust or kinship with her at all and it was way overdone.
The ending was the worst part too. We had some things building up, it wasn't the best plot ever but it was interesting enough. Then all the sudden they were like nope no thanks whatever I gotta go on another quest. I read the synopsis for the next book and it's set two years in the future? There definitely wasn't enough friendship between them to motivate the continuation of their relationships past that point, if I were Briand I would be working on trying to find people who didn't insta-hate me for absolutely no reason. Kindle Unlimited books can be kind of hit or miss or watered down, this one was probably the kind of miss that's just bearable enough to get to the end of.
This review and all my others can be found at: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot....
June 19, 2018
Decent start to what seems like is going to be an epic adventure. The first half of the book seemed to drag a little. Also, I have major beef with how the other characters treat the MC. I mean for Briand to be treated this way not just by her uncle but EVERYONE is just crazy. There is really not much back story describing what she could possibly have done to make everyone in her whole area hate her and act accordingly. She doesn’t try to complain and most of the time doesn’t even try to explain herself to anyone almost like she knows they won’t even listen to her. It was frustrating how the whole book she was getting blamed for dumb crap even to the point of being exiled. I almost put the book down due to this behavior it just didn’t make sense. However, in the second half of the book this does begin to change slowly. The description said intrigue, romance, and dragons but let me make it clear that while it had a tiny Amt of intrigue and dragons, very small really, the romance mentioned is basically non existent. A couple staring contests and butterflies does not a romance make my friends, I mean it takes those and some feelings of longing or aching or confusion over tingling etc! The premise is interesting, so I might continue with the series since the biggest issues I had with the book seem to be over. We shall see!
June 20, 2018
I read a few reviews before reading this. I knew what I was in for with some of the stuff. I agree with other reviewers about the abuse in this. Briand comes around too fast to the ones that tormented her. I get what the author was trying to do but I think she might have been better off with a different approach. Being ignored, no one really caring. People openly trying to hurt or kill her was a bit much. For a girl who had to fight to survive, she didn't seem all that adapted to protecting herself. She is wild and impulsive. I'd have liked to have seen her fit differently into her environment. Instead of a pest that bothers everyone, someone who is sly and crafty and subtle about how she pokes at people. For a girl who is treated as such throughout a lot of the book, she sure doesn't help her case with getting into trouble on purpose.
The only other thing I had a problem with is the genre of this book. Is it fantasy? Is it steampunk? It seems that it's something of a blend but not really well done. Parts of this clash with the rest of the world building and it sticks out as something that just doesn't belong.
The story line is decent and I hope for some character growth on Briand's part in the next book. Hopefully the next book is better.
The only other thing I had a problem with is the genre of this book. Is it fantasy? Is it steampunk? It seems that it's something of a blend but not really well done. Parts of this clash with the rest of the world building and it sticks out as something that just doesn't belong.
The story line is decent and I hope for some character growth on Briand's part in the next book. Hopefully the next book is better.
March 5, 2023
I was hooked!
I was completely drawn into this story from the very beginning. The FMC was mouthy and stood up for herself, but she also was convincing as an unloved outcast. She wasn't too proud to beg. She knew when to keep her mouth shut and grovel. She lashed out at those attacking her, not everyone.
I grew to care for the characters quickly. I was sad about deaths and betrayals. I was rooting for them to succeed and scared that they wouldn't.
The o ly downside for me was how many POVs there were and how quickly it would change at times. Sometimes, you would only get a paragraph before the POV changed. Those could have been left out, and the story wouldn't have lost anything. It would also help it feel less jumpy.
*This story is rated PG. To the best of my memory, there was no foul language. There was no kissing, nudity, or anything suggestive. There was bloody violence, but no gore and it wasn't very detailed.
I was completely drawn into this story from the very beginning. The FMC was mouthy and stood up for herself, but she also was convincing as an unloved outcast. She wasn't too proud to beg. She knew when to keep her mouth shut and grovel. She lashed out at those attacking her, not everyone.
I grew to care for the characters quickly. I was sad about deaths and betrayals. I was rooting for them to succeed and scared that they wouldn't.
The o ly downside for me was how many POVs there were and how quickly it would change at times. Sometimes, you would only get a paragraph before the POV changed. Those could have been left out, and the story wouldn't have lost anything. It would also help it feel less jumpy.
*This story is rated PG. To the best of my memory, there was no foul language. There was no kissing, nudity, or anything suggestive. There was bloody violence, but no gore and it wasn't very detailed.
January 6, 2025
This kind of dragged for me during the first half. Not a bad book but just a lot of set pieces assembled in a line that didn't really grab my interest until the last third.
The overly foreshadowed romance and Snape (TM) wore me down alongside what felt like a fairly generic setup. We aren't really given a reason why this girl is hated, and that actually undercut a lot of believability for me. A lot of people are really mean to other characters in this book for no real reason that we are given, and it kinda tears down the world building.
I do think the book picks up when we start to learn more about the world, the politics and the magic, rather than just cliches and descriptions, but then we kinda rush toward the ending and dramatic relevations that feel more artificial than a natural crescendo.
All and all, 2 stars for a frustrating story with an extra for having potential and interesting concepts.
Also Rella was robbed.
The overly foreshadowed romance and Snape (TM) wore me down alongside what felt like a fairly generic setup. We aren't really given a reason why this girl is hated, and that actually undercut a lot of believability for me. A lot of people are really mean to other characters in this book for no real reason that we are given, and it kinda tears down the world building.
I do think the book picks up when we start to learn more about the world, the politics and the magic, rather than just cliches and descriptions, but then we kinda rush toward the ending and dramatic relevations that feel more artificial than a natural crescendo.
All and all, 2 stars for a frustrating story with an extra for having potential and interesting concepts.
Also Rella was robbed.
April 7, 2018
How to know if it’s not worth it to continue on to Book 2....if you dislike the main character because she’s a annoying brat (continue as she gets better)....if you’ve already starting skimming because the story is a bit slow (stop because that only gets worse)....if you’re hoping the whole angst, forbidden love thing will eventually resolve itself (stop, as it doesn’t; it just gets more annoying)...if you’re hoping the guy will stop being such a tool (stop, as he doesn’t)...if you’re hoping the main character will stop being an idiot (stop, as she won’t). I made to 1/2 way through Book 3 and only because I was bored and looking for something to do. Finally gave up when I realized I didn’t really care what happened next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2018
Very similar to other YA novels for sure but I liked that Briand reminded me of the heroine from Brave. Wild hair, fierce, and brave. The journey to wherever they were going was a bit underwhelming and mostly I didn’t really get their end purpose tbh. I just knew she had passed a dragonsayer test and she was going to be one. It was all very hushed or just brushed over. I liked that there is a bit of romance but hardly anything. I don’t want her with Kael either. I just think she’s meant for something more. I hope she is in fact. I hope this goes further and that he was just a stepping stone for her as she’s destined for greater things, or better yet, the author kills him off and then she has more of a purpose to succeed. Well, I’m off to read the second installment...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2018
Good book
This was a good book. I love how Briand has a strong personality despite the way she is treated. I like the way the characters are introduced to us. It did however lack a certain character development. Maybe that will be something for the next books in the series? Like I said, it was good and I would like to find out more, but I was not completely sucked into the book. I will read the next book in the installment though because there were some elements that piqued my interest. I got a hint of something more between Kael and Briand, how will the dragonsayer-thing play out,...?
This was a good book. I love how Briand has a strong personality despite the way she is treated. I like the way the characters are introduced to us. It did however lack a certain character development. Maybe that will be something for the next books in the series? Like I said, it was good and I would like to find out more, but I was not completely sucked into the book. I will read the next book in the installment though because there were some elements that piqued my interest. I got a hint of something more between Kael and Briand, how will the dragonsayer-thing play out,...?
April 3, 2022
I looked it well enough for a first book…but the ending kinda killed me a little on the inside, so much so that I was on a rant about how stupid Kael is sometimes… as someone who has read the rest of the series I will say this though.. it gets better as the series progresses. But, I think this book would have been better if we got more Kael and less Briand running away…and of course I just didn’t understand why everyone was still so awful to her even after she had proved herself. I came here after reading Tip of the Dagger so I know they cared about Briand… but they did a horrendous job of showing it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2023
started off strong but quickly became a mess and i feel like this book just went by too fast for me, and then it got to the point where a lot of things just didn't make sense to me, the main character was so rude to one specific really nice character and for what reason??!! anyways i expected far more dragons but was disappointed. protagonist saves her asshole "friends" from a deadly situation by cutting ropes or something and suddenly she's a goddess in their eyes or whatever. honestly i don't really even remember what exactly happened because it was such a snoozefest or whatever the youngins say nowadays. skimmed through until the end, hoping something of interest was going to happen. just overall very meh.
February 19, 2018
A Gift Of Poison
By: Kate Avery Ellison
If you love dragons, magic and rebel missions this is the book for you. Briand will take you on a journey from nobody to savior of the world as she knows it.
The characters were well developed, although a little more backstory as to why they were where they were would have been nice. Briand appears to be a bad girl on her way to banishment from the only home she has ever known. An ability to speak to dragons is discovered just as she is on the verge of leaving.
I was a little disappointed in the fact that she seemed to have no one that was truly on her side until the end of the story. It would have been nice to see at least one person as her champion to help her face the obstacles in her life.
Her training was slim and the moment when she is called upon to use her abilities seemed rushed and you never really saw how the ability worked.
I enjoyed the diversity of characters, although her cousin, prince did seem a little on the weak side.
The plot was good, but could have been a little more drawn out to add excitement and mystery to the story.
And I wanted to see more of the dragons.
By: Kate Avery Ellison
If you love dragons, magic and rebel missions this is the book for you. Briand will take you on a journey from nobody to savior of the world as she knows it.
The characters were well developed, although a little more backstory as to why they were where they were would have been nice. Briand appears to be a bad girl on her way to banishment from the only home she has ever known. An ability to speak to dragons is discovered just as she is on the verge of leaving.
I was a little disappointed in the fact that she seemed to have no one that was truly on her side until the end of the story. It would have been nice to see at least one person as her champion to help her face the obstacles in her life.
Her training was slim and the moment when she is called upon to use her abilities seemed rushed and you never really saw how the ability worked.
I enjoyed the diversity of characters, although her cousin, prince did seem a little on the weak side.
The plot was good, but could have been a little more drawn out to add excitement and mystery to the story.
And I wanted to see more of the dragons.
October 28, 2018
Characters with no redeeming qualities
Same themes you get in tons of fantasy books, corrupt leadership evil men and poor innocent girl, but in this case no depth or redeeming characteristics in either the heroes or the villains. Thin plot, including the made up card game that was described in enough detail to clearly show no skill required but only luck, yet winning was a mark of intelligence. Very disappointing in all aspects, kept waiting, hoping there would be something, anything, to like.
Same themes you get in tons of fantasy books, corrupt leadership evil men and poor innocent girl, but in this case no depth or redeeming characteristics in either the heroes or the villains. Thin plot, including the made up card game that was described in enough detail to clearly show no skill required but only luck, yet winning was a mark of intelligence. Very disappointing in all aspects, kept waiting, hoping there would be something, anything, to like.
May 20, 2019
This was a fun and easy read. I didn't care much for Briand at first but she got better towards the end of the book. I mean it seemed like she wanted people to like her but she kept getting into trouble and being defiant so that no one ever would. I got really sick of the word "guttersnipe."
There were enough typos that I took notice of them. I am forgiving of one or two but more than that is just bad editing.
I liked the journey the characters go through and the camaraderie they finally achieve by the end.
There were enough typos that I took notice of them. I am forgiving of one or two but more than that is just bad editing.
I liked the journey the characters go through and the camaraderie they finally achieve by the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews