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War of the Princes #3
Monarch
Rune Thayer’s rebellion in Cape Hill has placed all of Breakwater in danger. Now, Katelyn Kestrel and her best friend Kyle must do something that no one in the Western Kingdom has ever attempted: travel North into enemy territory and request aid from none other than Prince Varion himself.
Before they are able to depart, Katelyn is unwillingly brought face-to-face with Prince Raserion. Separated from her friends and enveloped in a dark world of his making, the indomitable Prince of Shadows offers her a deal that she dare not refuse. The accord is struck and Katelyn continues her mission, holding close the secret meeting, and wondering whether she has become a traitor to her own cause. Stalked by unrelenting shadows across enemy lines, she must decide: Trust Prince Varion in hopes to save Breakwater- or trust Prince Raserion to win Rune’s freedom.
Before they are able to depart, Katelyn is unwillingly brought face-to-face with Prince Raserion. Separated from her friends and enveloped in a dark world of his making, the indomitable Prince of Shadows offers her a deal that she dare not refuse. The accord is struck and Katelyn continues her mission, holding close the secret meeting, and wondering whether she has become a traitor to her own cause. Stalked by unrelenting shadows across enemy lines, she must decide: Trust Prince Varion in hopes to save Breakwater- or trust Prince Raserion to win Rune’s freedom.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2014
172 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
A.R. Ivanovich
4 books175 followersA. R. IVANOVICH enjoys being swallowed by forests, sleeping on lakes, and watching the sky. Her passion for writing is accompanied by a love of video games, painting, horseback riding and the subtle craft of nacho-making. A. R. regularly encourages those around her to follow their dreams no matter the obstacles, because, as she can attest, the rewards are more than worth the effort. She was raised in Hawaii, where she once again resides, with her husband and their extensive family of rescue pets.
She loves hearing from her readers, feel free to drop her a message or say hello.
She loves hearing from her readers, feel free to drop her a message or say hello.
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January 15, 2016
A double review of this and the previous novel originally posted on [a cup of tea and an armful of books]
Katelyn’s role as an outsider has finally come to this. Since she wasn’t born in this land, she has the potential to bring peace to the two separated countries if she agrees to be an envoy. She’s tasked with asking Prince Varion to send military support to Breakwater, a town that is only moments away from the wrath of Prince Raserion after the events in Paperglass. That is easier said than done in this ever expanding world of abilities, Dragoons, Princes, and Hussars, the North’s answer to the Dragoons. Traveling to and from war zones is fraught with danger, and Katelyn has to balance protecting her friends and those she left behind while worrying if there are spies reporting on their movements. Her own decision to agree to Prince Raserion’s demands–something that she felt she had no other choice to do–haunts her. She wrestles with the question of who is worse: the prince who drains those with abilities or the one who can raise the dead.
There isn’t much more I can add in my impression of this series that I haven’t already said. A.R. Ivanovich continues to build the world that we now know is called Lastland; this time, however, she takes us to explore parts of it that we’ve only heard mention of in the previous books. Monarch takes primarily takes place in the northern capital, a place that is as different to Breakwater as Breakwater is to Haven. I felt even more immersed this time around because there was no break in the story where Katelyn returned to Haven at the end of Paperglass. As such, Paperglass and Monarch read as single book, which allowed the action to continue gaining momentum. I enjoyed reading them back-to-back.
My one quibble that has been building since Paperglass is that Katelyn’s powers are becoming a bit too deus ex machina. It has been mentioned several times throughout the series that using abilities can drain you, so you have to judge when it is best to use them. However, I feel that Katelyn gets into situations that are difficult to get out of, only to have her abilities suddenly surge ahead to get them out of it. The feeling of having nothing to lose may be something that helps her suddenly have more power over them, but it just happens at super convenient times for her, which seems unlikely to me. There has to be some balance to this.
Dylan Axton, however, is quickly becoming my favorite because he has the most character development. Alone, I don’t think I’d necessarily like him. How he acts (although it is sometimes unfriendly) in the face of everyone’s mistrust of him is a source of constant interest for me.
Now that I’ve finished the third book of this series, more and more I’m realizing that it’s very much a cotton candy book where I can’t put it down, but I don’t think I will read the series again once I’ve finished it. I get the sense that it won’t stick with me as much as other books have.
4 stars.
I received Monarch from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Katelyn’s role as an outsider has finally come to this. Since she wasn’t born in this land, she has the potential to bring peace to the two separated countries if she agrees to be an envoy. She’s tasked with asking Prince Varion to send military support to Breakwater, a town that is only moments away from the wrath of Prince Raserion after the events in Paperglass. That is easier said than done in this ever expanding world of abilities, Dragoons, Princes, and Hussars, the North’s answer to the Dragoons. Traveling to and from war zones is fraught with danger, and Katelyn has to balance protecting her friends and those she left behind while worrying if there are spies reporting on their movements. Her own decision to agree to Prince Raserion’s demands–something that she felt she had no other choice to do–haunts her. She wrestles with the question of who is worse: the prince who drains those with abilities or the one who can raise the dead.
There isn’t much more I can add in my impression of this series that I haven’t already said. A.R. Ivanovich continues to build the world that we now know is called Lastland; this time, however, she takes us to explore parts of it that we’ve only heard mention of in the previous books. Monarch takes primarily takes place in the northern capital, a place that is as different to Breakwater as Breakwater is to Haven. I felt even more immersed this time around because there was no break in the story where Katelyn returned to Haven at the end of Paperglass. As such, Paperglass and Monarch read as single book, which allowed the action to continue gaining momentum. I enjoyed reading them back-to-back.
My one quibble that has been building since Paperglass is that Katelyn’s powers are becoming a bit too deus ex machina. It has been mentioned several times throughout the series that using abilities can drain you, so you have to judge when it is best to use them. However, I feel that Katelyn gets into situations that are difficult to get out of, only to have her abilities suddenly surge ahead to get them out of it. The feeling of having nothing to lose may be something that helps her suddenly have more power over them, but it just happens at super convenient times for her, which seems unlikely to me. There has to be some balance to this.
Dylan Axton, however, is quickly becoming my favorite because he has the most character development. Alone, I don’t think I’d necessarily like him. How he acts (although it is sometimes unfriendly) in the face of everyone’s mistrust of him is a source of constant interest for me.
Now that I’ve finished the third book of this series, more and more I’m realizing that it’s very much a cotton candy book where I can’t put it down, but I don’t think I will read the series again once I’ve finished it. I get the sense that it won’t stick with me as much as other books have.
4 stars.
I received Monarch from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2017
Full Review to Follow@...http://www.abookishescape.com/2017/03...
The End, there is an attack on the capital and all heck breaks loose. There are so many things going on at once that my brain and my heart were going to explode. Seriously talk about super charged (pun intended.) Almost everything is revealed except the great and terrible why! Raserion has made his reasons known but we still don’t know Varions!! I will say when I got to the end after being on the edge of my seat I had to pick my JAW…OFF THE FREAKING FLOOR!!! Seriously all the feels all the hearts and all the stars!! Now That I’m near the end I will bring up my fears again…I cannot lose ANYONE ELSE!!! Okay maybe Kat’s mom? LOL hey I mean it in a nice way like she redeems all her betrayal with a selfless sacrifice but I have a feeling I’m reaching for straws with that one.
My Rating
5.0 duh are you kidding me can’t stop won’t stop this series has been a blast! I will wish on a thousand falling stars the final installment doesn’t crush my soul and leave me feeling like the empty.
The End, there is an attack on the capital and all heck breaks loose. There are so many things going on at once that my brain and my heart were going to explode. Seriously talk about super charged (pun intended.) Almost everything is revealed except the great and terrible why! Raserion has made his reasons known but we still don’t know Varions!! I will say when I got to the end after being on the edge of my seat I had to pick my JAW…OFF THE FREAKING FLOOR!!! Seriously all the feels all the hearts and all the stars!! Now That I’m near the end I will bring up my fears again…I cannot lose ANYONE ELSE!!! Okay maybe Kat’s mom? LOL hey I mean it in a nice way like she redeems all her betrayal with a selfless sacrifice but I have a feeling I’m reaching for straws with that one.
My Rating
5.0 duh are you kidding me can’t stop won’t stop this series has been a blast! I will wish on a thousand falling stars the final installment doesn’t crush my soul and leave me feeling like the empty.
February 25, 2016
Actual rating: 3.5
Kate, Kyle, Dylan and Rune go on another adventure to the North lands where they must find Varion and ask him to send armies to protect Breakwater and Haven from Raserion's attack. This journey is sure to bring them so many unexpected secrets and revelations.
I actually like this more than the previous ones mainly because Katelyn wasn't the main focus and other characters had their time to grow, especially Kyle. Like the previous two books, the twists and turns were so unexpected and I did not see them coming at all. I also liked them very much. Once I said oh that's it then, it turns out it was something new entirely.
I'm expecting the last book to be about Rune and the final battle. So, I'm excited for it..
Kate, Kyle, Dylan and Rune go on another adventure to the North lands where they must find Varion and ask him to send armies to protect Breakwater and Haven from Raserion's attack. This journey is sure to bring them so many unexpected secrets and revelations.
I actually like this more than the previous ones mainly because Katelyn wasn't the main focus and other characters had their time to grow, especially Kyle. Like the previous two books, the twists and turns were so unexpected and I did not see them coming at all. I also liked them very much. Once I said oh that's it then, it turns out it was something new entirely.
I'm expecting the last book to be about Rune and the final battle. So, I'm excited for it..
October 2, 2020
https://celebrityreaders.com/2020/10/...
4.5 stars — Wow. I just…don’t understand what kind of fucked up imagination this author has to create these crazy worlds. And damn, but she’s evil for putting her readers through craziness after craziness. There were twists that while I didn’t guess, I could totally see after the fact. And then there were other twists where I was like “WTF?????!!!!” And while they totally threw me, I don’t feel like any of them were unbelievable per say…but it did leave me with a lot of unanswered questions…and if they don’t get answered in the final book, I will be pretty bummed about that.
Katelyn was still pretty awesome. I can’t believe how crazy her abilities are. She really went through a lot in this book, even though it wasn’t like huge…but it felt like she kept getting stretched farther and farther, and I wasn’t sure how much farther she could be stretched.
Rune was still freaking amazing. My heart absolutely broke and healed over him trying to learn to do different things. Like OMG, I can’t….
They were pretty adorable together actually. And while romance isn’t this huge part of the story, I do love that it’s there in the background.
I don’t know how much more I can say without giving things away. I was entertained. I had a hard time putting it down. I can’t wait to see how this all ends up. So far still absolutely entranced and intrigued.
4.5 stars — Wow. I just…don’t understand what kind of fucked up imagination this author has to create these crazy worlds. And damn, but she’s evil for putting her readers through craziness after craziness. There were twists that while I didn’t guess, I could totally see after the fact. And then there were other twists where I was like “WTF?????!!!!” And while they totally threw me, I don’t feel like any of them were unbelievable per say…but it did leave me with a lot of unanswered questions…and if they don’t get answered in the final book, I will be pretty bummed about that.
Katelyn was still pretty awesome. I can’t believe how crazy her abilities are. She really went through a lot in this book, even though it wasn’t like huge…but it felt like she kept getting stretched farther and farther, and I wasn’t sure how much farther she could be stretched.
Rune was still freaking amazing. My heart absolutely broke and healed over him trying to learn to do different things. Like OMG, I can’t….
They were pretty adorable together actually. And while romance isn’t this huge part of the story, I do love that it’s there in the background.
I don’t know how much more I can say without giving things away. I was entertained. I had a hard time putting it down. I can’t wait to see how this all ends up. So far still absolutely entranced and intrigued.
January 27, 2016
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Monarch like it’s predecessors, Haven and Paperglass, is a fantasy / steampunk novel packed with action, adventure and surprises.
We pick up immediately after the events of Paperglass with Katelyn and crew fulfilling their promise to Common Lord Brendon Axton in helping to aid the city of Breakwater.
I love that in this book we get to learn more about the Northern army. We already learned a lot about the Dragoons and Margraves of the West in previous books, but the Northern army has their own tricks up their sleeves as we learn in this book. And secrets.
I really can’t say much without spoiling the plot, but I’ll tell you this. There’s a huge secret unveiled and a huge betrayal. Beyond that… I just can’t!
I know this is pathetically short, but if you enjoyed the previous books, I think you’ll enjoy this one. The set up for the end is beautiful and I honestly don’t know how everything will go down.
The only criticism I have is that up until the 40% mark it kind of dragged. Then—BAM! We’re thrown into the action again. There were also a couple of editing mistakes I caught as well, but not enough to pull me out of the story or lower my rating.
Monarch like it’s predecessors, Haven and Paperglass, is a fantasy / steampunk novel packed with action, adventure and surprises.
We pick up immediately after the events of Paperglass with Katelyn and crew fulfilling their promise to Common Lord Brendon Axton in helping to aid the city of Breakwater.
I love that in this book we get to learn more about the Northern army. We already learned a lot about the Dragoons and Margraves of the West in previous books, but the Northern army has their own tricks up their sleeves as we learn in this book. And secrets.
I really can’t say much without spoiling the plot, but I’ll tell you this. There’s a huge secret unveiled and a huge betrayal. Beyond that… I just can’t!
I know this is pathetically short, but if you enjoyed the previous books, I think you’ll enjoy this one. The set up for the end is beautiful and I honestly don’t know how everything will go down.
The only criticism I have is that up until the 40% mark it kind of dragged. Then—BAM! We’re thrown into the action again. There were also a couple of editing mistakes I caught as well, but not enough to pull me out of the story or lower my rating.
October 7, 2014
This book was so disappointing after Haven and Dragoon. It's like an entirely different person wrote this book having never read book 1 & 2. Very strange... I can't believe the didn't wrap it up and is dragging it out into a fourth book. So sad but I honestly don't think I will read book four.
July 11, 2018
http://celebrityreaders.com/2018/07/1...
Favorite Quotes:
“Sometimes I have a difficult time understanding how such beauty can exist in such a dark world,”
Dread twisted my insides and I glanced over my shoulder in panic. The figure drew closer, shadows peeling free of it like sticky tar. There was no definition to its face, only a pair of solid white eyes. A terrified breath ripped out of my lungs. It was too late. I looked into the eyes and couldn’t turn away. I skittered backward, too slowly. The shadow ripped free of its bindings, sprinting for me, unraveling the closer it came, expanding, smoking, and burning. It lost its human shape entirely, tumbling and twisting all around, closing me off from escape. A scream was stolen from my throat before it could touch the air. Tripping on my own feet, I fell backward. I hit the shadows in the floor like a pool, and sank to the bottom of darkness.
“A person can be whoever they choose. It’s all a matter of action versus intention. Limitations are reserved for the simpleminded.”
I should have been afraid. It was an excellent time for that. I wasn’t.
This one took me quite a long time to get through. Over SEVEN months you guys. I can finish a book lickety split in 2 days on a bad day. But for some reason I took my sweet ass time with this one. You know how sometimes you give up on a book, I was real close on this one but I thought I’d push through on this one because its the third book and I knew something good HAD to happen in it. I’m so glad I didn’t give up on this one.
This one had a lot of stuff happen but it all seemed to all happen in the last third of the book. That’s when things really took off. I mean, I was blown away with the plot twist at the end. Really it was two, but I saw one coming, but even that one I didn’t see till the end. This book is soaked with betrayal and desperation.
I felt Kat’s dilemma, I mean her choice was not an easy one, and she took it very seriously. Constantly going back and forth in her head about what the ‘right’ thing to do is. All the young characters in this story have always shown an uncanny maturity, which I suppose is attributed to the danger they have been put in time and time again.
Rune is as steadfast as ever in this one. He does start to show a bit more personality due to his new found freedom. Or because he is on the run he wants to shove as much living as he can in before he gets caught. Nevertheless, he shows a bit of a different side to us. The other characters I really can’t go int o too much detail in because I’m afraid I will inadvertently spoil it.
I will say there isn’t much romance in this book. Which, now that I think about it, may have been why it took me so long to finish. Man, I need to branch out. 🙂
Anyway, I am for sure gonna read this last book in this series soon.
Favorite Quotes:
“Sometimes I have a difficult time understanding how such beauty can exist in such a dark world,”
Dread twisted my insides and I glanced over my shoulder in panic. The figure drew closer, shadows peeling free of it like sticky tar. There was no definition to its face, only a pair of solid white eyes. A terrified breath ripped out of my lungs. It was too late. I looked into the eyes and couldn’t turn away. I skittered backward, too slowly. The shadow ripped free of its bindings, sprinting for me, unraveling the closer it came, expanding, smoking, and burning. It lost its human shape entirely, tumbling and twisting all around, closing me off from escape. A scream was stolen from my throat before it could touch the air. Tripping on my own feet, I fell backward. I hit the shadows in the floor like a pool, and sank to the bottom of darkness.
“A person can be whoever they choose. It’s all a matter of action versus intention. Limitations are reserved for the simpleminded.”
I should have been afraid. It was an excellent time for that. I wasn’t.
This one took me quite a long time to get through. Over SEVEN months you guys. I can finish a book lickety split in 2 days on a bad day. But for some reason I took my sweet ass time with this one. You know how sometimes you give up on a book, I was real close on this one but I thought I’d push through on this one because its the third book and I knew something good HAD to happen in it. I’m so glad I didn’t give up on this one.
This one had a lot of stuff happen but it all seemed to all happen in the last third of the book. That’s when things really took off. I mean, I was blown away with the plot twist at the end. Really it was two, but I saw one coming, but even that one I didn’t see till the end. This book is soaked with betrayal and desperation.
I felt Kat’s dilemma, I mean her choice was not an easy one, and she took it very seriously. Constantly going back and forth in her head about what the ‘right’ thing to do is. All the young characters in this story have always shown an uncanny maturity, which I suppose is attributed to the danger they have been put in time and time again.
Rune is as steadfast as ever in this one. He does start to show a bit more personality due to his new found freedom. Or because he is on the run he wants to shove as much living as he can in before he gets caught. Nevertheless, he shows a bit of a different side to us. The other characters I really can’t go int o too much detail in because I’m afraid I will inadvertently spoil it.
I will say there isn’t much romance in this book. Which, now that I think about it, may have been why it took me so long to finish. Man, I need to branch out. 🙂
Anyway, I am for sure gonna read this last book in this series soon.
August 15, 2022
Monarch
is another improvement from the author in the War of Princes series, but still suffers from now deeply embedded, poorly executed tropes that have been ongoing in the story.
My opinions haven't changed much from the reviews of the first two novels in the series, other than A.R. Ivanovich continues to improve as a writer. However, she is trapped in the current format of this story with bland characters in a setting that could go far beyond them.
The finale of this novel sets-up a pretty predictable conclusion to the War of Princes since I know the next book is the finish of the series. That's unfortunate, and I hope I'm wrong, but considering how one-dimensional the characters are and how simple their motivations are, it is pretty easy to guess that Katelyn is going to go save Rune ("OMG RUNE!!"), Dylan is going to be petulant about it, Rune is going to do whatever Katelyn wants to do, and Kyle is going to swoop in to save the day. Haven be damned, because OMG RUNE!!!
My opinions haven't changed much from the reviews of the first two novels in the series, other than A.R. Ivanovich continues to improve as a writer. However, she is trapped in the current format of this story with bland characters in a setting that could go far beyond them.
The finale of this novel sets-up a pretty predictable conclusion to the War of Princes since I know the next book is the finish of the series. That's unfortunate, and I hope I'm wrong, but considering how one-dimensional the characters are and how simple their motivations are, it is pretty easy to guess that Katelyn is going to go save Rune ("OMG RUNE!!"), Dylan is going to be petulant about it, Rune is going to do whatever Katelyn wants to do, and Kyle is going to swoop in to save the day. Haven be damned, because OMG RUNE!!!
February 17, 2019
Book three, and I was really happy with how the story continued without slowing down - although I was a bit hazy on the specifics of the books that came before it since it had been so long since I read them, it took me awhile to remember everything. But Katelyn continues to be a heroine I really, really like and enjoy reading about, and man I did NOT see any of the twists coming, so by about 40%, I was on the edge of my seat trying to see what would happen next. The end - not the absolute end, since there will be a fourth book - left me feeling strangely sad, not that it was over, but that characters had changed so much and left so much of themselves behind through the course of it. Very well-done, though, because I'm still 100% committed to the story and can't wait to see how it plays out.
February 2, 2021
A large majority of this book, I was reading, but not really sucked in. I liked it.... but I really felt like I was just going through the motions of furthering the story. Admittedly, I skimmed more than I do when I normally give a book 3 stars.
That said.... I had to give it one entire extra star for..... The PLOT TWISTS. Yes, plural. As in MORE THAN ONE. Hooooo weeeee, what a ride. The first one dropped and I was like Oh, Dang! Then the second one dropped and it was just like, whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!?!?
I basically devoured the last half of the book in a fraction of the time it took me to slog through the first half. So all in all, it's an important part of the trilogy. Now on to the last and final book. Hopefully it's not a situation where the last 2 books could've been combined into just 1 book. *fingers crossed*
That said.... I had to give it one entire extra star for..... The PLOT TWISTS. Yes, plural. As in MORE THAN ONE. Hooooo weeeee, what a ride. The first one dropped and I was like Oh, Dang! Then the second one dropped and it was just like, whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!?!?
I basically devoured the last half of the book in a fraction of the time it took me to slog through the first half. So all in all, it's an important part of the trilogy. Now on to the last and final book. Hopefully it's not a situation where the last 2 books could've been combined into just 1 book. *fingers crossed*
August 9, 2020
A story of it's own and yet...
I have this book five stars instead of four. The story is coming together and I'm vested in it's telling. The characters are more and more relatable and are coming to their own. I'm enjoying the journey. That said, I can't help but keep comparing this story to another So much of it feels feels like and sounds similar to Throne of Glass. They are each their own and very different, and yet so similar. I guess, suffice to say, if you enjoy this series you will enjoy that one. If you haven't read it, do so.
I have this book five stars instead of four. The story is coming together and I'm vested in it's telling. The characters are more and more relatable and are coming to their own. I'm enjoying the journey. That said, I can't help but keep comparing this story to another So much of it feels feels like and sounds similar to Throne of Glass. They are each their own and very different, and yet so similar. I guess, suffice to say, if you enjoy this series you will enjoy that one. If you haven't read it, do so.
March 14, 2018
A page Turner!
When I started this series I was instantly hooked by book one! The writing let's you think you know what's going to happen, but there are incredible twists and turns around every corner! Book two was somewhat slow and had me reconsidering my series choice, but I read through it and am so glad I did. Where book two was lacking, book three made up for it all. I couldn't put it down! I would definitely recommend reading this series!!!
When I started this series I was instantly hooked by book one! The writing let's you think you know what's going to happen, but there are incredible twists and turns around every corner! Book two was somewhat slow and had me reconsidering my series choice, but I read through it and am so glad I did. Where book two was lacking, book three made up for it all. I couldn't put it down! I would definitely recommend reading this series!!!
June 22, 2018
I love it!
Wow! Finished this book quicker than the other two because I just can't put the story down! Took it with me literally everywhere and have the next book waiting for me! I loved the way the characters have grown since the first book and all of the twists turns ups and downs they have faced. Each book has just gotten better and I can't wait to see what the fourth book has in store for everyone.
Wow! Finished this book quicker than the other two because I just can't put the story down! Took it with me literally everywhere and have the next book waiting for me! I loved the way the characters have grown since the first book and all of the twists turns ups and downs they have faced. Each book has just gotten better and I can't wait to see what the fourth book has in store for everyone.
December 5, 2017
Continues to be a very good, fast-paced, plot-twisting series. I don’t see the twists coming, they’re so unexpected. And the fact that the characters are still interesting, and I want to go straight on to the next book, for me, really says something about this series. I’m so glad they’re all out, or I think I’d go bonkers!
August 20, 2018
Review for Monarch
And the story continues! They journey to the North to plead the help of Prince Varion. With ups and downs, traitors and friends, surprises and plans, betrayal and love, this story is an excellent addition to the series. After finishing, I feel all sorts of anxious to see how it all ends!! How will this wrap up? Gee whiz I can't wait!
And the story continues! They journey to the North to plead the help of Prince Varion. With ups and downs, traitors and friends, surprises and plans, betrayal and love, this story is an excellent addition to the series. After finishing, I feel all sorts of anxious to see how it all ends!! How will this wrap up? Gee whiz I can't wait!
August 6, 2020
Another Amazing Read
The saga continues with unpredictable finesse, excitement, and action. The words flow from the page and into your imagination with amazing and stunning visualization.
The saga continues with unpredictable finesse, excitement, and action. The words flow from the page and into your imagination with amazing and stunning visualization.
May 31, 2018
This book took me forever to read. I am not sure why I wasn’t that into it.
January 21, 2019
Amazing series
This series is addicting and full of characters you fall in love with. I read it in one sitting which is a great barometer of how amazing it is
This series is addicting and full of characters you fall in love with. I read it in one sitting which is a great barometer of how amazing it is
September 9, 2019
Wow!!
This book was so amazing! MUCH BETTER THAN THE FIRST TWO. So many things I wasn't expecting. Can't wait to dig into the last book
This book was so amazing! MUCH BETTER THAN THE FIRST TWO. So many things I wasn't expecting. Can't wait to dig into the last book
July 7, 2021
Glad I kept reading…
Wasn’t sure about this series at first but I’m glad I kept reading. What a great twist to the story…I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Wasn’t sure about this series at first but I’m glad I kept reading. What a great twist to the story…I can’t wait to see what happens next!
February 14, 2025
3.5 stars
July 24, 2018
Keep reading. It just gets better and better.
January 3, 2016
Rune Thayer’s rebellion in Cape Hill has placed all of Breakwater in danger from the ruthless and mercurial Prince Raserion. Now, Katelyn Kestrel and her best friend, Kyle, must do something that no one in the Western Kingdom has ever attempted: travel North to request aid from Prince Varion, the mysterious monarch who’s been locked in a bloody war with his brother for centuries.
But as Katelyn sets sail for enemy territory, she’s confronted by Prince Raserion. He knows what she’s planning to do and offers her a deal: his brother’s life for Rune’s. She suddenly has an impossible choice to make. Risk everything in the hopes that Varion might help, or turn traitor to her own cause and trust Raserion to free the soldier she loves . . .
Katelyn and her squad continue their adventure to secure the safety of Haven, this time by approaching their enemy's enemy, for aid. As ambassadors of peace, they aren't in any direct danger, but when Katelyn is carried into the shadow world and forced into a deal with the Western Prince, she is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Both the kingdoms sound awful, and neither Prince seems to be better than the other. Learning the history of the founding of Lastland doesn't help matters, because it complicates her decision further. Leaving her decision to her instincts, the squad arrives at the capital of the Northern Kingdom, only to get a huge surprise and we get a twist in the story.
While this book was not as action-filled as the former, it does work better when it came to plot and building the characters and the world. Rune is still a bit annoying with his self-deprecation and I feel most of Katelyn's relationship with him is based on how much she pities she childhood. But I was also interested to see that he was at least trying to find himself in this book. Alas, towards the end he becomes a plot device which doesn't really endear me to the circumstances on which the next book would be based. As for Dylan, he is a complex character - I thought him to be ruthless and while he has an ambiguous moral compass, he is devoted to his city and his brother. Kyle's transformation was intriguing, and it actually hurt to see their friendship failing a bit. Things happened quite fast from there, and lots of things fell in place, cementing some theories about Haven. The book was entertaining, to be brief and sparkled with good writing and brilliant storytelling.
Received a free galley from Alloy Entertainment via Netgalley; this does not influence my opinions or the review.
But as Katelyn sets sail for enemy territory, she’s confronted by Prince Raserion. He knows what she’s planning to do and offers her a deal: his brother’s life for Rune’s. She suddenly has an impossible choice to make. Risk everything in the hopes that Varion might help, or turn traitor to her own cause and trust Raserion to free the soldier she loves . . .
Katelyn and her squad continue their adventure to secure the safety of Haven, this time by approaching their enemy's enemy, for aid. As ambassadors of peace, they aren't in any direct danger, but when Katelyn is carried into the shadow world and forced into a deal with the Western Prince, she is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Both the kingdoms sound awful, and neither Prince seems to be better than the other. Learning the history of the founding of Lastland doesn't help matters, because it complicates her decision further. Leaving her decision to her instincts, the squad arrives at the capital of the Northern Kingdom, only to get a huge surprise and we get a twist in the story.
While this book was not as action-filled as the former, it does work better when it came to plot and building the characters and the world. Rune is still a bit annoying with his self-deprecation and I feel most of Katelyn's relationship with him is based on how much she pities she childhood. But I was also interested to see that he was at least trying to find himself in this book. Alas, towards the end he becomes a plot device which doesn't really endear me to the circumstances on which the next book would be based. As for Dylan, he is a complex character - I thought him to be ruthless and while he has an ambiguous moral compass, he is devoted to his city and his brother. Kyle's transformation was intriguing, and it actually hurt to see their friendship failing a bit. Things happened quite fast from there, and lots of things fell in place, cementing some theories about Haven. The book was entertaining, to be brief and sparkled with good writing and brilliant storytelling.
Received a free galley from Alloy Entertainment via Netgalley; this does not influence my opinions or the review.
June 7, 2016
Just like when I reviewed the second book in this series, I want to try to avoid all spoilers even for the first book in this review. Or at least not spoil anything too huge. Because of that, this will most likely be brief. There's so much I could go on and on about in this book, but almost all of it is a spoiler for this book anyway. So much happened, and it was amazing and wonderful and emotional. I still haven't recovered.
I loved this book. With each book in this series, I become increasingly obsessed. This series has continually made me rethink what I thought I knew about where the story was going. These days most of what I read isn't shocking. That isn't to say it's bad. I read a lot of books that I genuinely enjoy even though I figure out pretty early on what's likely to happen. Seeing the specifics play out can still be fun.
With this series though, I never think I have it figured out for long. This book in particular had so many shocking moments that I didn't see coming, and I'm left looking back on it all to see what hints I possibly missed. It's exciting and has me on the edge of my seat the entire time I'm reading.
The world itself is incredible too. That's particularly important considering there are really three separate yet connected worlds in this series. All of them are unique yet increasingly connected within the story, and I think it's done amazingly. It's been a long time since I've felt that the world building of a story was done as well as it is in this series. Everything about the world is well explained and believable. There have been a couple of times here or there where I wondered about something only to have it flawlessly snap into place in the story later.
I would highly recommend this series, and each book keeps getting better and better. I'm so happy I already have the fourth book ready to read.
I received this book for review through Netgally in exchange for an honest review.
http://hmweasley-blog.blogspot.com/20...
I loved this book. With each book in this series, I become increasingly obsessed. This series has continually made me rethink what I thought I knew about where the story was going. These days most of what I read isn't shocking. That isn't to say it's bad. I read a lot of books that I genuinely enjoy even though I figure out pretty early on what's likely to happen. Seeing the specifics play out can still be fun.
With this series though, I never think I have it figured out for long. This book in particular had so many shocking moments that I didn't see coming, and I'm left looking back on it all to see what hints I possibly missed. It's exciting and has me on the edge of my seat the entire time I'm reading.
The world itself is incredible too. That's particularly important considering there are really three separate yet connected worlds in this series. All of them are unique yet increasingly connected within the story, and I think it's done amazingly. It's been a long time since I've felt that the world building of a story was done as well as it is in this series. Everything about the world is well explained and believable. There have been a couple of times here or there where I wondered about something only to have it flawlessly snap into place in the story later.
I would highly recommend this series, and each book keeps getting better and better. I'm so happy I already have the fourth book ready to read.
I received this book for review through Netgally in exchange for an honest review.
http://hmweasley-blog.blogspot.com/20...
December 29, 2015
The third book in the series is a fantasy novel and aimed at young adults.
Katelyn and friends are trying to piece together their lives after their devastating loss at the end of book two. Common-Lord Brendon Axton has a very important mission for them. In order to keep Breakwater safe following the start of the rebellion, the friends are tasked with finding Prince Varion and asking him for protection from Prince Raserion. On the journey Katelyn is visited by Raserion and given a task-one it seems she cannot refuse. Placed in a no win situation, they must all continue with the journey, meeting more adversaries and learning hidden truths from the past. What will this secret mission of Katelyn's land up costing them all? When does the price become too high?
I found the third book slow and cumbersome to read in the beginning but as the pace picked up it flew really quickly. The characters that didn't have much page time in the beginning of the series are now being fleshed out. The titbits of info that were being fed to you are starting to make sense in the bigger picture. Some definite "Oh I didn't see that coming" moments happen, and just when you think a section can be wrapped up you are off on another tangent again. The writing in this particular book is definitely aimed at a younger audience which sometimes comes across as "cushioned". Love scenes, emotions and action felt to me as though they were toned down. Some errors cropped up where words were jumbled in sentences but the overall editing was good. It felt as though this book read as a necessary link through to the next book-not really as a "part three" of the series, as opposed to the previous two books. Let's hope that this means that the final book will be a whopper!
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review the book.
Katelyn and friends are trying to piece together their lives after their devastating loss at the end of book two. Common-Lord Brendon Axton has a very important mission for them. In order to keep Breakwater safe following the start of the rebellion, the friends are tasked with finding Prince Varion and asking him for protection from Prince Raserion. On the journey Katelyn is visited by Raserion and given a task-one it seems she cannot refuse. Placed in a no win situation, they must all continue with the journey, meeting more adversaries and learning hidden truths from the past. What will this secret mission of Katelyn's land up costing them all? When does the price become too high?
I found the third book slow and cumbersome to read in the beginning but as the pace picked up it flew really quickly. The characters that didn't have much page time in the beginning of the series are now being fleshed out. The titbits of info that were being fed to you are starting to make sense in the bigger picture. Some definite "Oh I didn't see that coming" moments happen, and just when you think a section can be wrapped up you are off on another tangent again. The writing in this particular book is definitely aimed at a younger audience which sometimes comes across as "cushioned". Love scenes, emotions and action felt to me as though they were toned down. Some errors cropped up where words were jumbled in sentences but the overall editing was good. It felt as though this book read as a necessary link through to the next book-not really as a "part three" of the series, as opposed to the previous two books. Let's hope that this means that the final book will be a whopper!
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review the book.
August 7, 2019
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"If circumstances in life were always changing, shouldn't that mean people could change, too? Every moment should be a platform for positive growth and new possibilities."
As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
This review contains spoilers. Following the startling events of Paperglass, our series The War of Princes continues with a third book, Monarch–nothing can prepare us for the plot twists and revelations revealed in this third installment and I must admit: it is the best boo yet. If you have been following this series, you’ll find that the stakes are higher in Monarch and the adventures keep on coming.
A.R. Ivanovich takes her uniquely fun and dangerous world to a whole new level in Monarch. Katelyn Kestrel and her friends, Dylan, Kyle, Ruby and Rune, and their pilot Carmine and former teacher in Haven Professor Block, are faced with all kinds of new adventures and risks. While the group recovers from the loss of Sterling (I’m still heartbroken!) a new sense of urgency is portrayed within this circle.
In every meaning of the previous events, things could have been torn apart for this group. And yet, in some ways, they are now closer and more determined than ever.
Continued: BOOKEDJ.
As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
This review contains spoilers. Following the startling events of Paperglass, our series The War of Princes continues with a third book, Monarch–nothing can prepare us for the plot twists and revelations revealed in this third installment and I must admit: it is the best boo yet. If you have been following this series, you’ll find that the stakes are higher in Monarch and the adventures keep on coming.
A.R. Ivanovich takes her uniquely fun and dangerous world to a whole new level in Monarch. Katelyn Kestrel and her friends, Dylan, Kyle, Ruby and Rune, and their pilot Carmine and former teacher in Haven Professor Block, are faced with all kinds of new adventures and risks. While the group recovers from the loss of Sterling (I’m still heartbroken!) a new sense of urgency is portrayed within this circle.
In every meaning of the previous events, things could have been torn apart for this group. And yet, in some ways, they are now closer and more determined than ever.
Continued: BOOKEDJ.
December 31, 2014
This book made me do my first review ever...
The rating is not just for Monarch, but for The War of the Princes as a series and for A. R. Ivanovich. It would be easy to rate The Hunger Games, or Throne of Glass, or Penryn and the End of Days. This book deserves following as much and the relatively unknown author deserves such praise as those writing the latter volumes. A.R. Ivanovich has written a story that has quietly kept me purchasing sequels and reading them end to end. I've not gotten bored, not skipped ahead, not foreseen what would happen by chapter 3 and not forgotten the plot or characters. Her series is part fantasy, part character study, part romance, part dystopian and never, ever boring. She has a subtle eloquence and you will love the writing style and the story. I wanted to write my first review on this series because it deserves it. The author should keep writing; goodness knows I'll keep reading. Pick up Haven, and fall in love with Rune and Brendan. Pick up Dragoon and add Dylan to your favorites. Buy Monarch and see the depth of Kyle (and no, NOT as romantic interests but instead as wonderful characters). Katelyn will tell you the story, and you'll like her just fine, though not like you love the other characters. In short, give this series a shot. You'll be glad you did, and the author deserves it.
The rating is not just for Monarch, but for The War of the Princes as a series and for A. R. Ivanovich. It would be easy to rate The Hunger Games, or Throne of Glass, or Penryn and the End of Days. This book deserves following as much and the relatively unknown author deserves such praise as those writing the latter volumes. A.R. Ivanovich has written a story that has quietly kept me purchasing sequels and reading them end to end. I've not gotten bored, not skipped ahead, not foreseen what would happen by chapter 3 and not forgotten the plot or characters. Her series is part fantasy, part character study, part romance, part dystopian and never, ever boring. She has a subtle eloquence and you will love the writing style and the story. I wanted to write my first review on this series because it deserves it. The author should keep writing; goodness knows I'll keep reading. Pick up Haven, and fall in love with Rune and Brendan. Pick up Dragoon and add Dylan to your favorites. Buy Monarch and see the depth of Kyle (and no, NOT as romantic interests but instead as wonderful characters). Katelyn will tell you the story, and you'll like her just fine, though not like you love the other characters. In short, give this series a shot. You'll be glad you did, and the author deserves it.
January 29, 2016
*I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
Okay, so Ivanovich completely took my breath with this one. I had settled in to third installment of the War of Princes series with the expectation of a certain story–a certain kind of story–and she went and turned it on its head. Remember last week in my review of Paperglass when I said these books get better as they go? I did not then realize the enormous truth of that statement. So let me say it again. So far, each of these books has been better than the last.
I mean… I thought the Prince of Shadows was bad. The hints the reader is given in the first half Monarch about Prince Varion are even more shudder-worthy than his shadowy brother. I found myself biting my nails (no, literally) as I read about him.
It did not prepare me for the reality. Let me just tell you without giving away too much that there are a couple of twists here that shocked, amazed, inspired me, blew me a-freakin’-way!
Read full review at www.litmamahomeschool.com
Okay, so Ivanovich completely took my breath with this one. I had settled in to third installment of the War of Princes series with the expectation of a certain story–a certain kind of story–and she went and turned it on its head. Remember last week in my review of Paperglass when I said these books get better as they go? I did not then realize the enormous truth of that statement. So let me say it again. So far, each of these books has been better than the last.
I mean… I thought the Prince of Shadows was bad. The hints the reader is given in the first half Monarch about Prince Varion are even more shudder-worthy than his shadowy brother. I found myself biting my nails (no, literally) as I read about him.
It did not prepare me for the reality. Let me just tell you without giving away too much that there are a couple of twists here that shocked, amazed, inspired me, blew me a-freakin’-way!
Read full review at www.litmamahomeschool.com
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March 21, 2016I received a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Having found the first two books in the series amazing, the start of this one disappointed me, I took about a week to read the first half then a couple of hours to read the last half. It was just a little lack luster, there was no oomph to it. I really struggled to find the will to carry on.
Once I got past the first half, I quite enjoyed it. There were some good twists along the way. Carmine's part the story was a little predictable and felt a little forced. Kyle's part in the story was way out of left field. If I had a million guesses as to what would happen, that would never have been one. Kinda made sense, but a few hints along the way would have been nice.
I wonder if Loadestones are more than we know just now. Kat has some freaky extra power going on and I am looking forward to it being explained in the last book. But I think I might leave it a couple of weeks until I read it, need a wee break from the series.
3 out of 5 stars
Having found the first two books in the series amazing, the start of this one disappointed me, I took about a week to read the first half then a couple of hours to read the last half. It was just a little lack luster, there was no oomph to it. I really struggled to find the will to carry on.
Once I got past the first half, I quite enjoyed it. There were some good twists along the way. Carmine's part the story was a little predictable and felt a little forced. Kyle's part in the story was way out of left field. If I had a million guesses as to what would happen, that would never have been one. Kinda made sense, but a few hints along the way would have been nice.
I wonder if Loadestones are more than we know just now. Kat has some freaky extra power going on and I am looking forward to it being explained in the last book. But I think I might leave it a couple of weeks until I read it, need a wee break from the series.
3 out of 5 stars
June 15, 2015
HOLY FREAKING GRAVITY
That was.... AWESOME
Did not, I DID NOT saw ANYall those plot twists coming! Holy crapolla! Man I love it, I love love these series and I really thought it was a Trilogy but damn.
Another book huh?! I love there is another and I hate it too, because come on RUNE! WHY?! WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY?! They just got each other. SICK PILOT, I hope she gets her ass whooped by Kat and Dylan.
And Kyle, SON OF A LODESTONE! Are you kidding me?! This was the best of all the part in the books, just the best when he started getting big and all.... *O* I'm still like this right now.
GIVE US THE 4TH BOOK SOON. PLEEEEEEEASE FOR GRAVITY
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