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The Kiesha'ra #4
Wolfcry
Oliza Shardae Cobriana is heir to Wyvern's Court, home of the avians and serpiente, whose war with each other ended just before Oliza was born. But hatred is slow to die, and not everyone likes the expressive way in which Urban, a serpiente dancer, is courting Oliza--especially not Marus, her reserved avian suitor. And when Urban is found beaten in avian land, Oliza is filled with despair. How can she be expected to lead a unified society if her people still cannot live peacefully together?
Before Oliza can try to mend the rift in Wyvern's Court, she is kidnapped by mercenaries, who take her deep into wolves' territory. As Wyvern princess, all Oliza has ever wanted is to see a future where she can find love and take a mate without inciting another war. The time is now. She owes it to her people--and to herself.
Before Oliza can try to mend the rift in Wyvern's Court, she is kidnapped by mercenaries, who take her deep into wolves' territory. As Wyvern princess, all Oliza has ever wanted is to see a future where she can find love and take a mate without inciting another war. The time is now. She owes it to her people--and to herself.
198 pages, Hardcover
First published September 12, 2006
34 people are currently reading
2460 people want to read
About the author
Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
35 books3,429 followersI grew up in Concord, Massachusetts, where I matriculated through the public Concord-Carlisle school district from kindergarten until my graduation in 2001. The best part of school, from fifth grade until the year I graduated, was definitely chorus. I love music, and I love to sing, and though I never had the courage or the talent to participate in any of the high school plays as a performer, I enjoyed being involved at other levels; the music and drama community at CCHS was the highlight of my high school career. I was also on the fencing team for two years, an experience that actually inspired a couple storylines, and regret that I did not continue with that sport.
I now live in Massachusetts with several pets... as well as, of course, my family. I am a student at the University of Massachusetts, with an English/psychology double-major. I hope to work either as an English teacher at the secondary level, or in special education. I have strong opinions about literacy, education, and how our educational systems are treated- strong enough that most of my friends know not to get me started on the subject.
My non-writing hobbies are eclectic, and cover everything from rather domestic pastimes like cross-stitch and cooking to aquarium keeping, playing piano, gardening, carpentry, Harley-Davidsons, driving, and arguing- there are few things I enjoy more than a good debate with someone who knows how to argue, which might have something to do with a best friend who works in politics. I love to learn, so if I have down-time and nothing to do, it is not at all unusual to find me pouring over some book, website or video designed to teach me some new skill, from belly dancing (something I desperately want to learn but have not yet been brave enough to sign up for classes on) to JavaScript.
I now live in Massachusetts with several pets... as well as, of course, my family. I am a student at the University of Massachusetts, with an English/psychology double-major. I hope to work either as an English teacher at the secondary level, or in special education. I have strong opinions about literacy, education, and how our educational systems are treated- strong enough that most of my friends know not to get me started on the subject.
My non-writing hobbies are eclectic, and cover everything from rather domestic pastimes like cross-stitch and cooking to aquarium keeping, playing piano, gardening, carpentry, Harley-Davidsons, driving, and arguing- there are few things I enjoy more than a good debate with someone who knows how to argue, which might have something to do with a best friend who works in politics. I love to learn, so if I have down-time and nothing to do, it is not at all unusual to find me pouring over some book, website or video designed to teach me some new skill, from belly dancing (something I desperately want to learn but have not yet been brave enough to sign up for classes on) to JavaScript.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
October 16, 2014
Wow. I am writing this review more as a response to the other reviews on this site than as an actual review of the novel. I don't think I've ever seen more offensive reviews on any other books, including ones with LGBT characters, and I feel like I need to address this so that anyone out there who is thinking of reading this novel will give it the chance not given by many of the bigoted reviewers on this site.
Nonspoilery version: What Amelia Atwater-Rhodes does with world building is simply incredible and just can't be matched. This series is one of my favourite worlds to be in. She's not only built a complex mythology and set of detailed societal norms - she's done it for three nations. Beyond that she's hinted at three more nations in this world (and I would LOVE a story about them. I can't remember the last book very clearly at the moment but I don't think it delves into them). Her characters are wonderful, and flawed, and I have loved every single one of them.
SPOILERY VERSION: I absolutely cannot believe some of the reviews I have read here. Every single low rating I read has come from the simple distaste the reviewers had with a lesbian relationship. (Admittedly, I didn't read them all, but after about 15 reviews I was starting to feel sick). For those who have openly denounced your distaste for a book promoting lesbian relationships, there is nothing I can say to you to change your mind. I am disappointed by the response, but it isn't one I feel I can change.
Some of the reviewers have tried to disguise their discomfort with the relationship with the excuse that it felt abrupt, but when you qualify that by saying it was so different from her other endings....it's clear it's just the lesbian relationship that bothers you. Does no one else remember Hawksong? Other than this book, Hawksong would be my favourite in the series, but that ending? It was so abrupt I literally dropped my book in shock when I finished. I couldn't believe that was an ending! In fact my biggest (and pretty much only) issue with Atwater-Rhodes writing is the fact that endings are definitely not her forte. All of her books could stand to add another 100 pages or so. This is the first book that felt like it really took you through the whole story. And the romance being abrupt? It wasn't. It was hinted at right from the start of their meeting. And if Betia was a man? Dancing a seductive dance would not have been seen with undertones of friendship. The reactions here would not be as explosive. So when you say you are disappointed by this ending because of her relationship choice - acknowledge that perhaps YOU didn't expect it because you weren't expecting a lesbian relationship at the end of it. Don't blame your dislike on the author's poor writing, because that's not what's going on here. And if you feel uncomfortable admitting that you didn't like the character ending up with a girl, that should be telling you something. Maybe you should examine that emotion a little more critically.
Nonspoilery version: What Amelia Atwater-Rhodes does with world building is simply incredible and just can't be matched. This series is one of my favourite worlds to be in. She's not only built a complex mythology and set of detailed societal norms - she's done it for three nations. Beyond that she's hinted at three more nations in this world (and I would LOVE a story about them. I can't remember the last book very clearly at the moment but I don't think it delves into them). Her characters are wonderful, and flawed, and I have loved every single one of them.
SPOILERY VERSION: I absolutely cannot believe some of the reviews I have read here. Every single low rating I read has come from the simple distaste the reviewers had with a lesbian relationship. (Admittedly, I didn't read them all, but after about 15 reviews I was starting to feel sick). For those who have openly denounced your distaste for a book promoting lesbian relationships, there is nothing I can say to you to change your mind. I am disappointed by the response, but it isn't one I feel I can change.
Some of the reviewers have tried to disguise their discomfort with the relationship with the excuse that it felt abrupt, but when you qualify that by saying it was so different from her other endings....it's clear it's just the lesbian relationship that bothers you. Does no one else remember Hawksong? Other than this book, Hawksong would be my favourite in the series, but that ending? It was so abrupt I literally dropped my book in shock when I finished. I couldn't believe that was an ending! In fact my biggest (and pretty much only) issue with Atwater-Rhodes writing is the fact that endings are definitely not her forte. All of her books could stand to add another 100 pages or so. This is the first book that felt like it really took you through the whole story. And the romance being abrupt? It wasn't. It was hinted at right from the start of their meeting. And if Betia was a man? Dancing a seductive dance would not have been seen with undertones of friendship. The reactions here would not be as explosive. So when you say you are disappointed by this ending because of her relationship choice - acknowledge that perhaps YOU didn't expect it because you weren't expecting a lesbian relationship at the end of it. Don't blame your dislike on the author's poor writing, because that's not what's going on here. And if you feel uncomfortable admitting that you didn't like the character ending up with a girl, that should be telling you something. Maybe you should examine that emotion a little more critically.
May 10, 2014
OMFG I ABSULOTELY LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH A ALMOST STARTED GROSSLY SOBBING. If you are a homophobe I would not suggest this book. But if your not this book it's so cute you will die
February 2, 2015
As long as you're not a flaming homophobe, this is a wonderful book. Especially great for young women who enjoy well fleshed-out worlds and complex characters and societies. I remember all the girls passing this book around in high school. Again, not for homophobic bigots.
October 28, 2023
I wanted to jump up and dance about halfway through. WLW representation! Glorious wlw representation! Huzzah!
February 16, 2008
Okay....what a disapointment! I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down until the last 20 pages or so. The story line took a dramatic turn and I really did not like the end of the book. It kind of ruined it for me! I will not go into details...in case you want to read this book but the ending went against things that I believe in...too bad! It was so good up until that point. I do however understand why the author had to end the book the way she did, I just wish that there could have been an alternate solution. I am still debating whether or not I will read the 5th volume. :(
August 16, 2011
I super loved this series until this book... in this book, a lesbian relationship is portrayed. I hate it when I find a series that is so appealing to young adult readers and then the author ruins it with immoral situations like this. =( Very sad about this one =( The good news is you can stop at the third book and it feels like the story is complete. However, since teens tend to read all of the series, I have stopped recommending this series to them because of this book.
October 11, 2019
"I want to chase the butterflies."
Welcome to the longest, most flip-floppy review of my life.
I went into Wolfcry with the lowest of low expectations. I loved Hawksong with all my cold, reptilian heart; Snakecharm was okay; Falcondance was near excruciating. I assumed that Wolfcry would follow the same pattern, so I'm surprised to say I actually have The Emotions about it.
Don't get me wrong, though. It's not the best. All of the weaknesses that made me dislike the last two books are still there, except maybe not as apparent. Objectively, it's not a four star book. I'll admit that. But Goodreads reviews aren't objective so nyah.
Wolfcry has Oliza, daughter of Danica and Zane, struggling with the demands of having to choose a mate. The two suitors competing for her attention, a serpiente named Urban and an avian named Marus, are friends of hers but she's never felt anything more for them than that. And then one night, Oliza finds Urban beaten in avian territory. Soon after, she's abducted and struggles to escape and find her way back home.
Below are unmarked spoilers but it came out in 2006 so...deal.
The Good
• Betia and Oliza. Most of the reviews for this were written years ago, but holy shit! I hope these reviewers have changed their views since 2006, because I've never seen more blatant homophobia on Goodreads before.
I mean, I see this a lot when there's a LG pairing in a story, especially if it's not stated to be an LGBT book. People will say, "it was abrupt" or "I just didn't see the connection." I watched Ash by Malinda Lo get a similar treatment, and that came out years after this. Not saying that every time someone doesn't like an LG pairing in a book it's automatically homophobia, but I feel like it's just a little suspect, especially in the case of Wolfcry.
Because their relationship was clearly developing from friendship into romance. Oliza danced a seduction dance for Betia, like??? It couldn't have been any more clear that this was a romantic pairing. If Betia had been a boy, I have no doubt that people would read their relationship as romantic.
But, bottom line, it did not come out of nowhere. And maybe it's just me, but it was very obvious that Oliza was not straight from the start. She rejected all of the male attention she received. She was never interested in any of her suitors.
ANYWAY, these two were so so cute and I shipped them like. A lot. I loved their story. I loved Betia. I will protect these two with all my heart. I want a shapeshifting girlfriend who brings me deer and makes me pretty scarves.
• The first half of the book. There was actually conflict and action! I feel like the last two books were sorely lacking in that; there was just a bunch of walking around and asking questions and info-dump. So I was happy to have a book that started off so strong. I do wish Wolfcry was longer and some of the travelling wasn't glossed over, and also that the pacing was a little better, but I'll get to that later.
• As much as Hai reminds me of a deviantart OC with her blood-red eyes (to be fair, all Cobrianas have those) and broken wings, I love her. I wanted to know more about the Cobriana's relationship with her, though. Did they ignore her, even though she's Anjay's daughter? Were they frightened of her? What did Irene and Zane feel about her? And Salem, too? I'm hoping I get to know more about all that in the next book, because I feel like she was just...there in this one. Being cryptic and shit.
• This is something I've loved since Hawksong, but the presence of matriarchal societies. Specifically the Avians, even though they're not featured as heavily in this book.
• Oliza had to make difficult choices. It should be a given in any book, but I felt like the last two books were so neat and clean and that the characters didn't have to struggle all that much. Nicias' plot for some reason didn't resonate at all with me; it might be something to do with the falcons and how it seemed like if anything bad happened, it would be far into the future. But Oliza was forced to make difficult choices, and make them quickly, and I really felt for her. She'd come home only to have to leave again. I mean, she could have stayed; I wish she did. I think leaving completely wasn't necessary, but I get why she did it.
• I was heartbroken. Which isn't like, a good thing necessarily. But Falcondance left me emotionally shrugging, so it's nice to feel so strongly about the series again. And I am very, very conflicted because on one hand, I knew this was where it was headed since Falcondance but on the other...I just wish it didn't have to be this way. Again, it would have been better if Wyvern's Court wasn't created, and the serpiente and avians lived separately in peace, but I can't blame Danica and Zane for trying.
And just...the ending really got me, probably because I read Hawksong when I was so young before I even knew there was a series, and it means so much to me, that I wanted everything to work out perfectly. The ending was bittersweet, but more bitter than sweet for me. :^(
•
The Bad
• This book, along with the others, absolutely needed to be longer. The reason I think they suffer so badly from infodump is because there is no room to worldbuild. That's not to say the world is underdeveloped, because it definitely is not. I'm just saying every book would have been so much better with at least 100 more pages. Some parts are very abrupt, especially the endings, and there is a severe lack of description. I like minimalism, I really do, but these books suffer from it on account of this being fantasy, a genre that needs more detail than others.
• Going off of that, a part of the reason I feel like there should be more description is because some characters feel lacking in personality and distinctive traits. Everyone feels...the same. Some characters stick out more than others (Hai, Velyo, Urban), but a lot of the other characters are kind of...vague? I love them all, but I wish they stood out more.
• As I said, all of the weaknesses in the previous books are in this one, too. The ending is very rushed. I don't know whether it's because of YA wordcount constraints at the time, or the author's preference, but a lot of scenes that should have more impact fall flat. And there's never a structured story, really. Not that every book needs to have structure, but AAR's climaxes and endings feel the same as any other part of the book. There's no ramping up of the tension, you know? This was the biggest failing with Snakecharm, and Falcondance, but luckily it's not quite as bad in Wolfcry. (At least we're actually there for the climax. Stares at Snakecharm)
• I will never not be sad about the previous main characters of these books being pushed to the side. Danica and Zane haven't had any shine since Snakecharm and it's weird to me because they're still acting as rulers of the serpiente and avians, I assume? But they also rule Wyvern's Court, since they're the ones that go to Kalisa when she delivers the message? Except Oliza seems to act as queen most of the time, so who knows what's going on!
That confusion aside, I really wish we could see more of them, especially since they're the ones who built Wyvern's Court and were the MC's of Hawksong. I'm hoping that the next book at least pushes them closer to the forefront, even though I know the next book going to break my heart even more. I just want to go back to Hawksong when everything was hopeful and nice and we had Danica and Zane and the falcons were just on the periphery.
• The last half of this book is a lot of talking, abandoning the action in the first half but I still liked it because there was still a sense of urgency behind everything. Still, a lot of the book felt like characters entering-and-exiting in attempt to squeeze the large cast in, especially near the end.
• This is a complaint that has more to do with Snakecharm than Wolfcry, and I did think the same way back when I read Snakecharm, but never expanded on it. Danica only being able to have one child because of the falcon magic was such a transparent plot contrivance, and it makes me so mad. Because if they had more than one child, they would have kept the serpiente and avian societies separate, and none of this would have happened.
I mean, I get all the choices made and I can't hate the author for them. I thought it was tragic when Danica found out she could only have Oliza. But I still think Danica and Zane should have let Oliza choose who she wanted to rule when the time came - and if she wanted to rule - and if not, let Sive and Salem rule their respective courts.
Idk, I'm so conflicted. I really am. This book hurt me. I don't want to read the next book and pretend like the series ended after Hawksong because I'm not ready for all this pain. But I'm gonna do it, and hopefully not die.
July 15, 2014
After reading Falcondance, I'm finally glad to have returned to the main storyline involving Wyvern's Court. This time, the story is narrated by Oliza Shardae, the daughter of Zane and Danica. Not to give anything away, but the plot involves her getting kidnapped, making a difficult journey, falling in love with someone unexpected, and then finally making a difficult decision. Warning, this review discusses things that could be considered SPOILERS, so read at your own risk!
Wolfcry gets five stars from me simply for being such a thrilling read; the twists and turns of the plot really do keep you engaged until the very end of the book. However, this book does have some flaws, or rather, just one main flaw. Firstly, let me address the "controversy" about this book--yes, it does contain a lesbian romance. I don't mind it at all, I just wished it had been better. That's really the main flaw in this book; it's not that I felt like Oliza should've chosen a male mate, it's that I'm disappointed that Betia's character didn't receive more character development. She spends most of the book being mute, and even towards the end, she rarely says anything. I found it hard to become fond of her since so little of her personality is shown to us. I don't really feel much for her, but I don't dislike her either--that's the problem, you just don't know much about her. I even wish the author had spent more time showing us some more intimate scenes of Oliza and Betia bonding, but I suppose Amelia wanted to keep this book safely in the Young Adult genre by not including more mature scenes (although she showed some sexual scenes in Falcondance, they were implied and weren't explicit, she could've done the same thing here). I really would've liked to have better known Betia as a character and felt her love for Oliza on an emotional level, but I suppose Amelia was trying to keep it rather bland to avoid offending the readers' "tender sensibilities" with a lesbian relationship (their many days in the wilderness would've been the perfect time to develop Betia's character, though). Unfortunately, she's made it so bland that the relationship is difficult to believe in. This is rather unfortunate, but perhaps in future books Amelia will attempt another lesbian/gay romance, and be a bit more adventurous with it. If so, I look forward to it. It looks like the last book in the series is narrated by Hai, so I guess I still won't see much more development of Betia and Oliza's relationship. Too bad.
That being said, the rest of the book is excellent. The story is fast-paced and engaging, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I know some people are annoyed by the way it ended (not just about Betia) but I'm personally glad that Amelia had the courage to write a realistic ending rather than a happily-ever-after ending. In reality, things rarely fall into place neatly and easily, and a rift that has lasted so long wouldn't be healed within a single generation. I found the ending to be way more believable than any other--a messy and difficult conclusion to the current problems of Wyvern's Court, kind of like the real world can be messy and difficult. In many ways, Wolfcry has shown that Amelia has matured as a writer. As for the fate of Wyvern's Court, I wonder what the last book holds.
Lastly, I've read some reviews complaining that Oliza isn't a likeable narrator and that she's cowardly, stupid, etc. I have to disagree, I found her completely relatable, and I didn't feel she was cowardly or stupid. She actually made intelligent decisions the whole way through, although she was still realistically afraid and overwhelmed at times. So, I have no complaints with her character.
Overall, Wolfcry is an excellent read, and I highly recommend it as part of the series.
Wolfcry gets five stars from me simply for being such a thrilling read; the twists and turns of the plot really do keep you engaged until the very end of the book. However, this book does have some flaws, or rather, just one main flaw. Firstly, let me address the "controversy" about this book--yes, it does contain a lesbian romance. I don't mind it at all, I just wished it had been better. That's really the main flaw in this book; it's not that I felt like Oliza should've chosen a male mate, it's that I'm disappointed that Betia's character didn't receive more character development. She spends most of the book being mute, and even towards the end, she rarely says anything. I found it hard to become fond of her since so little of her personality is shown to us. I don't really feel much for her, but I don't dislike her either--that's the problem, you just don't know much about her. I even wish the author had spent more time showing us some more intimate scenes of Oliza and Betia bonding, but I suppose Amelia wanted to keep this book safely in the Young Adult genre by not including more mature scenes (although she showed some sexual scenes in Falcondance, they were implied and weren't explicit, she could've done the same thing here). I really would've liked to have better known Betia as a character and felt her love for Oliza on an emotional level, but I suppose Amelia was trying to keep it rather bland to avoid offending the readers' "tender sensibilities" with a lesbian relationship (their many days in the wilderness would've been the perfect time to develop Betia's character, though). Unfortunately, she's made it so bland that the relationship is difficult to believe in. This is rather unfortunate, but perhaps in future books Amelia will attempt another lesbian/gay romance, and be a bit more adventurous with it. If so, I look forward to it. It looks like the last book in the series is narrated by Hai, so I guess I still won't see much more development of Betia and Oliza's relationship. Too bad.
That being said, the rest of the book is excellent. The story is fast-paced and engaging, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I know some people are annoyed by the way it ended (not just about Betia) but I'm personally glad that Amelia had the courage to write a realistic ending rather than a happily-ever-after ending. In reality, things rarely fall into place neatly and easily, and a rift that has lasted so long wouldn't be healed within a single generation. I found the ending to be way more believable than any other--a messy and difficult conclusion to the current problems of Wyvern's Court, kind of like the real world can be messy and difficult. In many ways, Wolfcry has shown that Amelia has matured as a writer. As for the fate of Wyvern's Court, I wonder what the last book holds.
Lastly, I've read some reviews complaining that Oliza isn't a likeable narrator and that she's cowardly, stupid, etc. I have to disagree, I found her completely relatable, and I didn't feel she was cowardly or stupid. She actually made intelligent decisions the whole way through, although she was still realistically afraid and overwhelmed at times. So, I have no complaints with her character.
Overall, Wolfcry is an excellent read, and I highly recommend it as part of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2021
I liked this book more now than I remember enjoying it originally, which was a pleasant surprise. There are still some weak points in craft (in particular, I continue to be frustrated with the way dance is incredibly important in this series but is always told, never really shown) but the book as a whole feels... noticeably more mature. In part that's because the entire plot is about dealing with problems which are too complicated to be solved in a lifetime, and it definitely doesn't hurt that characters are older than previous Kiesha'ra protagonists. There's also a feeling that the world has expanded somewhat, both in broad cultures (wolf shifters obviously feature, and lions play a role as well) and in perspectives and desires.
I think the statute of limitations has expired on spoilers, and also if you read any of the one-star reviews of this book you'll already know - Wolfcry is in part the story of Oliza Shardae Cobriana falling in love with another woman. While I think Atwater-Rhodes didn't really give much depth to her world's attitude towards queer people, and that definitely could have been stronger... this book was published in 2008, so I give her a pass on two fronts: one, that queer rep in fiction was MUCH rarer and harder to get published; and two, that she was only 24 when this book came out and may have still been at the beginning of figuring her own attractions out. I've been there! It's a process!
I'm still a bit ambivalent regarding the political plot of this book, because while I understand the desire to inject a bit of realism into the narrative with regard to how hard it is to heal a generations-old rift, it also still feels a bit like Atwater-Rhodes wrote her characters into a corner and didn't really write them out of it so much as airlift them away from the problem. I feel like I recall Wyvernhail soothing a lot of that dissatisfaction, though, so... on to Hai's story!
I think the statute of limitations has expired on spoilers, and also if you read any of the one-star reviews of this book you'll already know - Wolfcry is in part the story of Oliza Shardae Cobriana falling in love with another woman. While I think Atwater-Rhodes didn't really give much depth to her world's attitude towards queer people, and that definitely could have been stronger... this book was published in 2008, so I give her a pass on two fronts: one, that queer rep in fiction was MUCH rarer and harder to get published; and two, that she was only 24 when this book came out and may have still been at the beginning of figuring her own attractions out. I've been there! It's a process!
I'm still a bit ambivalent regarding the political plot of this book, because while I understand the desire to inject a bit of realism into the narrative with regard to how hard it is to heal a generations-old rift, it also still feels a bit like Atwater-Rhodes wrote her characters into a corner and didn't really write them out of it so much as airlift them away from the problem. I feel like I recall Wyvernhail soothing a lot of that dissatisfaction, though, so... on to Hai's story!
April 28, 2014
**Spoilers**
I am so disappointed! I really loved the first book and the second two were interesting enough, but lets just destroy everything the parent's worked for in one book. The parent's devoted their lives to uniting waring people's only for their daughter to destroy it all with one blow and run off with her lesbian lover. And yet she says that she did it in order to prevent war again. I don't believe it. This has to be the worst book I've read in a really long time. There's one more book through the eyes of a different character, but I don't know if I'm going to read it...
I am so disappointed! I really loved the first book and the second two were interesting enough, but lets just destroy everything the parent's worked for in one book. The parent's devoted their lives to uniting waring people's only for their daughter to destroy it all with one blow and run off with her lesbian lover. And yet she says that she did it in order to prevent war again. I don't believe it. This has to be the worst book I've read in a really long time. There's one more book through the eyes of a different character, but I don't know if I'm going to read it...
February 21, 2018
This was perfect!! I love it so much. Betia and Oliza is the way to life! This was really beautiful! My heart soared real high.
February 15, 2012
I confess myself disappointed in this fourth installment of The Shapeshifters series. I loved the world that Amelia Atwater-Rhodes had created. This book kind of tore it all apart for me. The first two books were dedicated to creating a new world by Danica and Zane, and in one fell swoop Oliza destroyed everything her parents had sacrificed and fought to achieve. I know she tried to pass it off as self-sacrificing and the best path for everyone because of visions of the future, but I think this series got really off-track with the introduction of the falcon magic. Oliza also came off as kind of personalityless. There was nothing about her that made me want to cheer for her and love her like I did her parents. I was also disappointed that Zane and Danica had become almost faceless background people. I know they already had the chance to tell their stories, but they should have at least been allowed a somewhat larger role than they had. All in all, everything seemed to be unraveling and Oliza just let it happen. Perhaps this makes me naive, but I just really needed a happy ending for Wyvern's Court.
And not to offend any of the gay community, but where the heck did that come from?! In Falcondance it hinted at Nicias and Oliza having feelings for each other even if they couldn't act on those feelings, then all of a sudden Oliza has one bad run-in with a wolf who tries to rape her and *BAM* she's into girls? Oliza's love with Betia had no purpose in this series. It accomplished nothing but making Oliza seem flighty and cowardly when she shirked her responsibilities to her throne to run off with her lover. She can talk about noble intentions but I think she just gave up and took the easy path.
And not to offend any of the gay community, but where the heck did that come from?! In Falcondance it hinted at Nicias and Oliza having feelings for each other even if they couldn't act on those feelings, then all of a sudden Oliza has one bad run-in with a wolf who tries to rape her and *BAM* she's into girls? Oliza's love with Betia had no purpose in this series. It accomplished nothing but making Oliza seem flighty and cowardly when she shirked her responsibilities to her throne to run off with her lover. She can talk about noble intentions but I think she just gave up and took the easy path.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2013
Personally I was in love with Rhodes' first two novels in this book series and felt that her books gave such an inspirational and romantic outlook of life. However excited I was for this book though, by the time I was finished I was filled with deep distaste. Although Rhodes showed her usual skill in description, and held up her form of writing I'd come to enjoy so much, it only held until the very end of this book when she completely undermined the point of the first three in the belief of uniting the serpentene and the avians with Oliza as the symbol of hope. With a sudden and completely unexpected twist into homosexuality occuring out of seemingly thin air that left me befuddled and heavy hearted, she revealed a desperate character who sees no hope for the future involving herself. Rhodes plays to much on the point of "Fate" deeming it right to put any future with Oliza in it as impossible, ending in death without the union of the two cultures and eloping with another girl who had up to that point been in any readers eyes, a best friend NOT a love interest. I can't help but wonder if Rhodes personalized this book, seeing fit to put her relationship with her partner as the model for it rather than minding the beautiful story she had already spun. In other words, seeing the display of her own beliefs and affections as more important. With this lack of consideration towards her story and molding together hasty events and a mangled, deformed climax, I am more than wary of reading her next novel within this series and don't know if I will as I may be unable to stomach what might be a complete tragedy.
August 20, 2009
'Wolfcy' is another great addition to the Kiesha'ra series. In fact, I enjoyed it a bit more than the last two. The previous books have all done an excellent job of building up this shapeshifting world, so much by this point, that it makes it all the more interesting to appreciate how far the characters and the story between the Avian and Serpiente people have come along.
'Wolfcry" continued adding more to this world by introducing us to the Wolves and Lions in this book. Very cool. I really enjoyed the additions for both here, and I hope to see more of them in the future.
As for the story, it seems a lot more mature this time around, referring back to how the truce was originally placed in the first book 'Hawksong', and the dangers and threats presented for Wyvern's Court in the previous book, 'Falcondance'.
Oliza's kidnapping and clipping was a horrifying, yet an exciting adventure to read about. Also, Betia joining her was just a treat. I enjoyed her character so much, and I definitely approve of their relationship as opposed to any of the other male suitors that were presented as Oliza's mate during the book. Nicias was the only one who I would've been content with had Betia not shown up. I also believe that Oliza's choice near the end was the right one.
Overall, I really enjoyed this volume. It was a fun read, and very unpredictable. My favourite one so far, along with 'Hawksong'. I'm definitely looking forward to the next and last book of the series.
'Wolfcry" continued adding more to this world by introducing us to the Wolves and Lions in this book. Very cool. I really enjoyed the additions for both here, and I hope to see more of them in the future.
As for the story, it seems a lot more mature this time around, referring back to how the truce was originally placed in the first book 'Hawksong', and the dangers and threats presented for Wyvern's Court in the previous book, 'Falcondance'.
Oliza's kidnapping and clipping was a horrifying, yet an exciting adventure to read about. Also, Betia joining her was just a treat. I enjoyed her character so much, and I definitely approve of their relationship as opposed to any of the other male suitors that were presented as Oliza's mate during the book. Nicias was the only one who I would've been content with had Betia not shown up. I also believe that Oliza's choice near the end was the right one.
Overall, I really enjoyed this volume. It was a fun read, and very unpredictable. My favourite one so far, along with 'Hawksong'. I'm definitely looking forward to the next and last book of the series.
January 11, 2014
Very very good book. If you want to start these books though I'd suggest you read them in order because if you don't you're gonna be lost.
This has been one of my most favorite of Amelia's books.
Oliza is the true Wyvern of Wyvern's court. Meaning that she is both avian and serpiente. She was the only child born to her father, who was head over the serpiente and her mother who was head over the avian. They bonded over trying to make peace between two clans who had been at war for longer then they could remember. The outcome was Wyvern's court.
In this book the avians and the serpiente reside together in Wyvern's court but one take the northern hills and the other…. the other side. The fighting has stopped but the hatred still shows itself. Fights break out and at a point in the book Oliza herself is kidnapped by mercenaries before she can work out the problems between her people.
As Oliza is drugged and treated very poorly she does finally escape. She is a long ways from home and her wings have been clipped. She finds a dear friend who has been staying in her wolf form for a long time and her people are thinking of taking her down. She goes to Oliza's rescue and helps her through the travel time to reach her home. By that time they are very close.
To find out the rest of the story you'll have to pick up the book :) It will be worth your time.
This has been one of my most favorite of Amelia's books.
Oliza is the true Wyvern of Wyvern's court. Meaning that she is both avian and serpiente. She was the only child born to her father, who was head over the serpiente and her mother who was head over the avian. They bonded over trying to make peace between two clans who had been at war for longer then they could remember. The outcome was Wyvern's court.
In this book the avians and the serpiente reside together in Wyvern's court but one take the northern hills and the other…. the other side. The fighting has stopped but the hatred still shows itself. Fights break out and at a point in the book Oliza herself is kidnapped by mercenaries before she can work out the problems between her people.
As Oliza is drugged and treated very poorly she does finally escape. She is a long ways from home and her wings have been clipped. She finds a dear friend who has been staying in her wolf form for a long time and her people are thinking of taking her down. She goes to Oliza's rescue and helps her through the travel time to reach her home. By that time they are very close.
To find out the rest of the story you'll have to pick up the book :) It will be worth your time.
August 2, 2018
I have reread this entire series more times than I can remember specifically for this book, which I think is the most solidly written out of all five of them and is hands down my favorite. The author builds the world up so carefully and every character lives in that world so vibrantly. This is the only book in the series where the main relationship felt realistic and truly loving with the care that the author put into describing it.
I can't believe how many of the reviews on here for this book are so obviously prejudiced and I have an feeling that these kinds of reactions might be why the author has not written any more lesbian relationships. (From my skimming of reviews - I have not read any of her other works yet, so please feel free to correct me if I am wrong.)
I'm so mad that people are giving this book bad reviews for something like this, especially since this book means so much to me. It helped me to begin to understand my own feelings when I was younger and was part of the reason that I realized I was a lesbian myself further down the road. Maybe I'm just emotional because it's super late at night but I am so angry to have discovered this kind of behavior on reviews for a book I have loved for so long. This is the best book of a great series and I will always think that.
I can't believe how many of the reviews on here for this book are so obviously prejudiced and I have an feeling that these kinds of reactions might be why the author has not written any more lesbian relationships. (From my skimming of reviews - I have not read any of her other works yet, so please feel free to correct me if I am wrong.)
I'm so mad that people are giving this book bad reviews for something like this, especially since this book means so much to me. It helped me to begin to understand my own feelings when I was younger and was part of the reason that I realized I was a lesbian myself further down the road. Maybe I'm just emotional because it's super late at night but I am so angry to have discovered this kind of behavior on reviews for a book I have loved for so long. This is the best book of a great series and I will always think that.
January 24, 2013
How disappointing. I've read the first three books and thoroughly enjoyed them. I was doing the same with this one until about half of the way through and then had a bad feeling I could see where this was going. But no, it can't be..... Either this author wrote her main characters into a complex situation that she had no idea how to get them out of, or she deliberately had to throw in a situation as a solution that totally turned me off - as well as being illogical to the extreme.
I don't think I am even able to write about the story as I don't want to do spoilers although other reviews are full of it. This series really really fell apart here. I may or may not read the last book as I already bought it based on the first three. I'd still recommend them - my advice is to then quit while you are still enjoying them.
I don't think I am even able to write about the story as I don't want to do spoilers although other reviews are full of it. This series really really fell apart here. I may or may not read the last book as I already bought it based on the first three. I'd still recommend them - my advice is to then quit while you are still enjoying them.
June 26, 2011
I hated this book. I thought that the writing was awesome, as usual!! I thought that the plot was well thought out UNTIL THE END. It was sooooo unoriginal. She decides that she can't make the choice between her duties, so she runs away from her responsibilities and becomes a lesbian with a wolf. This hit me out of the middle of nowhere. There is nothing wrong with her choice, only that it came out of the middle of nowhere. The whole book was about her making a choice between her two duties and surviving to save her clans, but when it came to making that choice she just randomly decided that she didn't want either and that she would rather run away. I was... disappointed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2008
Better than I thought but still not good. This series has gone down hill since Snakecharm came out. Sad but true. If you want to read this and like me had all but lost faith in the series, rent it from your local library.
September 16, 2009
Bleah. The worst book of the series. There's no way to unite the disparate cultures, and no matter what you do you'll end up destroying the society you've tried to hold together. Very bleak.
December 28, 2019
Alright, so I was rooting for Urban like pretty much the whole time. And I thought Marus would be a good second choice. Then she gets kidnapped by the lions and I want to know if she's going to get home. That's what made me read this book so quickly, and the fact that I wanted to know if she could somehow get her wings back, and who she was going to choose. I got so involved in the story, and I couldn't even decide who I wanted her to be with. Then in Obsidian, I thought she would choose a mate from there, was again wrong. Then after her visions, I was so confused at who she could choose. I thought she was going to choose the wolf who tried to rape her that way no side could fight and that's why he kept appearing repeatidly. Then everything looses me: she gives up her throne and then she chooses Betia and she hired the lions. Where'd that come from? Yes, I was lost, and I didn't see that ending. But I feel some things could have gone better. Oliza should've properly talked to her parents about this decision after she announced it. Danica will never have another child after Oliza, and she deserves a proper explanation, and so does her father Zane. She never even tells them that it was her who hired the lions. I wish a lot of things would've went better, but it just didn't. I guess I just expected her to finally take the throne, I understand that she couldn't, and why she couldn't stay. Though choices could've been made better. Hai also deserved a proper thank you.
In all, it was okay, and it definately kept me reading. I just think everyone deserved a better explanation. It was kind of like just hey I'm back, then opps, I'm leaving. I'll start reading Wyvernhail.
In all, it was okay, and it definately kept me reading. I just think everyone deserved a better explanation. It was kind of like just hey I'm back, then opps, I'm leaving. I'll start reading Wyvernhail.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2019
This book was a bit disappointing. I was excited to see the child of two amazing characters, and to find out how she brings things together. Instead, it was a weirdly simplistic, overly straightforward plot that entailed being kidnapped, and then finding your way back home. Yes there was a bit of a twist, but overall it a bit of a boring read.
I didn't have a problem with the romance in the story (like a surprising number of other readers), but I did have a problem with the heir to two thrones running away with a romantic interest and leaving behind everything she knows and loves. Why did she have to take a mate at all? Couldn't she have ruled as a solo ruler, and then eventually pass on the crown to someone else? It just seemed there were other options, but they weren't fleshed out at all. So it felt kind of cheap.
I continue to be so sad that Danica and Zane feature almost not at all in these sequels. I loved them so, so much, and the new characters they've introduced lack the nuance and complexity of these original characters. The falcon from the previous book is pretty one-dimensional, and so is this main character. There's not much there that grabs you. I really want to finish out the series because I was obsessed with Hawksong, but it's hard to bring myself to do it.
I didn't have a problem with the romance in the story (like a surprising number of other readers), but I did have a problem with the heir to two thrones running away with a romantic interest and leaving behind everything she knows and loves. Why did she have to take a mate at all? Couldn't she have ruled as a solo ruler, and then eventually pass on the crown to someone else? It just seemed there were other options, but they weren't fleshed out at all. So it felt kind of cheap.
I continue to be so sad that Danica and Zane feature almost not at all in these sequels. I loved them so, so much, and the new characters they've introduced lack the nuance and complexity of these original characters. The falcon from the previous book is pretty one-dimensional, and so is this main character. There's not much there that grabs you. I really want to finish out the series because I was obsessed with Hawksong, but it's hard to bring myself to do it.
July 20, 2012
You know how this book SHOULD have ended? Oliza should have taken Betia to Wyvern's Court and been like, "look people, I'm not marrying a BIRD and I'm not marrying a SNAKE. I'm marrying a WOLF and she's a GIRL which means I'M GAY AND I'M NOT GIVING YOU AN HEIR--unless the falcons have cool magic that can make that happen in which case EVERYONE'S HAPPY, RIGHT? GET ALONG PEOPLE!" Then the fifth book could have been about the wolves joining the snake/birdie complex until soon all the races could go up against that evil falcon queen lady that I hated . . . I haven't read book five yet. I'm not sure I want to. I LOVED the first two books and the third was interesting at least.
Seriously. As it is the book doesn't promote much of anything except shirk your responsibilities onto your cousin (who has to give up his dreams of being a dancer to cover your tail) and run away with your girlfriend to live as an outcast with other outcasts.
Nobody wins. Except you, I guess.
Seriously. As it is the book doesn't promote much of anything except shirk your responsibilities onto your cousin (who has to give up his dreams of being a dancer to cover your tail) and run away with your girlfriend to live as an outcast with other outcasts.
Nobody wins. Except you, I guess.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2014
I have no problem with the LOVE story in this book. It's about shape shifters for goodness sake! Almost every review I saw on good reads is written about this one part that close minded religious people call immoral. Again I say it's a book about shape shifters. The mixing of different species doesn't bother those people, but for some reason the love connection does. Shame on them! As for my thoughts on the storyline it's self...it was really good. I enjoyed reading it. The new characters are interesting. The twists in the plot were done really well.
April 2, 2013
Ahi... this was worse...
I cringed while reading...
This is the story of Oliza, heir to Wyvern's Court. I was expecting a story as interesting as those of her parents, but it was not!
Due to her magic, she has those visions that she soon forgets and during the aftermath she does things she forgets too.
The whole story was convoluted so much that at the end I was just tired and din't care if she will survive or not.
I cringed while reading...
This is the story of Oliza, heir to Wyvern's Court. I was expecting a story as interesting as those of her parents, but it was not!
Due to her magic, she has those visions that she soon forgets and during the aftermath she does things she forgets too.
The whole story was convoluted so much that at the end I was just tired and din't care if she will survive or not.
October 6, 2007
Lesbians!!!
July 31, 2009
I liked it until the very end. the main character turns gay and it ruined my outlook of this book.
January 28, 2019
The first time I read this I had a very different mindset. I’m glad to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book this time around. I found it moving and interesting; combining the conflict of Hawksong and Snakecharm with the magic and secrets discovered and explored in Falcondance. All the while introducing the wolves and their politics.
I loved the relationship between Oliza and Betia, I found it so adorable and pure, built out of trust.
What would have been even more amazing would be if Urban and Marus had gotten together. There was a moment where their potential romance really shone through:
“Now all the Avians vanish at sunset, and I kind of miss them.” He (Urban) glanced back at someone I couldn’t see (Marus) over the crowd, and added with a half smile, “But then, I seem to have compensated.”
Not to mention earlier on when he offered to teach Marus how to dance. I would 100% read a book on those two falling in love. You’ve heard of Danica and Zane, now get ready for Marus and Urban, am I right?
Weirdly I get such different vibes from Hai in this book compared to Falcondance, though that would probably be because this is Oliza’s story and not Nicias’s. I am very interested to see what happens with Hai in Wyvernhail.
Oliza was an okay narrator, though Danica’s POV is still my favourite. Her scenes with Betia were always highlights, but her constant doubting of herself did annoy me slightly. She should definitely have not felt ashamed about Velyo mistreating her enough for her to not tell anyone about it. She should also have thought a bit more logically in certain situations, like when she was confronting the three Avians who had assaulted Urban. Yes their crime brought attention to the Serpiente’s overly-affectionate nature being an issue for young Avian girls, yes that’s something that needs to be addressed, but they should have gone to their leaders to bring attention to it rather than beating up an innocent Serpiente. It frustrated me that she almost accepted that then beating Urban up was the only way for them to make her and her parents understand the issue. Surely Danica, Zane, and Oliza are all very easy to approach with issues.
Another aspect that was finally explored a little further was the downsides of the Serpientes culture. So often we’ve seen people complaining about how uptight the Avians are and how terrible it is for them to have arranged marriages. And of course this is terrible. Moreover, the upsides of the Serpiente seem to be all that is explored - they don’t hide their emotions, they are more friendly and welcoming, they love to show affection and highly value choosing a partner for love and not any other motivations. The fact that Zane points out in the first book that they consider consent to be extremely important is also a huge pro for the Serpiente culture. And yet, just because both cultures draw the line, doesn’t mean that they agree on where it should be drawn. And the fact that the Avians are a lot more conservative seems to be something that the Serpiente deliberately ignore. This, and Oliza’s observations that she is almost not allowed to dance a certain dance without the Serpientes expecting her to choose a mate for life is a major downfall for their culture. I’m glad it was finally brought to light.
Four stars for an excellent addition to this series. I am highly anticipating the finale.
I loved the relationship between Oliza and Betia, I found it so adorable and pure, built out of trust.
What would have been even more amazing would be if Urban and Marus had gotten together. There was a moment where their potential romance really shone through:
“Now all the Avians vanish at sunset, and I kind of miss them.” He (Urban) glanced back at someone I couldn’t see (Marus) over the crowd, and added with a half smile, “But then, I seem to have compensated.”
Not to mention earlier on when he offered to teach Marus how to dance. I would 100% read a book on those two falling in love. You’ve heard of Danica and Zane, now get ready for Marus and Urban, am I right?
Weirdly I get such different vibes from Hai in this book compared to Falcondance, though that would probably be because this is Oliza’s story and not Nicias’s. I am very interested to see what happens with Hai in Wyvernhail.
Oliza was an okay narrator, though Danica’s POV is still my favourite. Her scenes with Betia were always highlights, but her constant doubting of herself did annoy me slightly. She should definitely have not felt ashamed about Velyo mistreating her enough for her to not tell anyone about it. She should also have thought a bit more logically in certain situations, like when she was confronting the three Avians who had assaulted Urban. Yes their crime brought attention to the Serpiente’s overly-affectionate nature being an issue for young Avian girls, yes that’s something that needs to be addressed, but they should have gone to their leaders to bring attention to it rather than beating up an innocent Serpiente. It frustrated me that she almost accepted that then beating Urban up was the only way for them to make her and her parents understand the issue. Surely Danica, Zane, and Oliza are all very easy to approach with issues.
Another aspect that was finally explored a little further was the downsides of the Serpientes culture. So often we’ve seen people complaining about how uptight the Avians are and how terrible it is for them to have arranged marriages. And of course this is terrible. Moreover, the upsides of the Serpiente seem to be all that is explored - they don’t hide their emotions, they are more friendly and welcoming, they love to show affection and highly value choosing a partner for love and not any other motivations. The fact that Zane points out in the first book that they consider consent to be extremely important is also a huge pro for the Serpiente culture. And yet, just because both cultures draw the line, doesn’t mean that they agree on where it should be drawn. And the fact that the Avians are a lot more conservative seems to be something that the Serpiente deliberately ignore. This, and Oliza’s observations that she is almost not allowed to dance a certain dance without the Serpientes expecting her to choose a mate for life is a major downfall for their culture. I’m glad it was finally brought to light.
Four stars for an excellent addition to this series. I am highly anticipating the finale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2018
I feel really bad for some of the past reviewers of this book, deciding they hated it because of the couple. Sorry you all hate love.
This one is probably my favorite after Hawksong (I'm very nostalgic about that book). I'm not sure if I would have felt the same way, had I read this when it came out. I imagine I'd have been slightly disappointed too, only in that Urban was adorable and amazing. I probably wouldn't have appreciated the relationship at a younger age.
But now, revisiting this series as an adult, having grown up and encountered various kinds of relationships via books and life, I was utterly enamoured with this story and the couple of Oliza and Betia.
Several negative reviews try to spin their distaste of the ending by saying it felt too rushed. Honestly, this was one of the least rushed endings of the series! I absolutely adore Hawksong but when I reread it a few weeks ago, I was kind of staggered by the way it abruptly ended. This one gave much insight to how Oliza was feeling, even if she wasn't recognizing it herself. There were so many hints throughout the book that Oliza and Betia loved each other. They're perfect together.
I paraphrase, but many of those reviewers also felt disgusted that Oliza just runs away to be with lesbians with Betia. Did you all not read the entire last 2 chapters?? She gives a beautiful, heartbreaking speech about why she has to leave, and what it means for her people that she does so. You all were just blinded by your bigotry. Betia makes it quite clear that neither she nor Oliza would be together if they didn't respect each other as leaders or individuals; so no, Oliza isn't giving everything up for a mere dalliance in the woods.
The plot was interesting, learning about the wolves and lions was amazing, and I felt like I better understood the concept of magic more than I had in Falcondance. This book did much better than the others at pacing, although I would have loved more detailed scenes between Oliza and Betia as they made their way through the woods. Perhaps that would have made it more concrete for people who were genuinely missing their romance.
I'll be starting Wyvernhail soon, and hope very much to be as impressed by it as I was with this one. And I hope we learn more about what Oliza and Betia do in the interim.
This one is probably my favorite after Hawksong (I'm very nostalgic about that book). I'm not sure if I would have felt the same way, had I read this when it came out. I imagine I'd have been slightly disappointed too, only in that Urban was adorable and amazing. I probably wouldn't have appreciated the relationship at a younger age.
But now, revisiting this series as an adult, having grown up and encountered various kinds of relationships via books and life, I was utterly enamoured with this story and the couple of Oliza and Betia.
Several negative reviews try to spin their distaste of the ending by saying it felt too rushed. Honestly, this was one of the least rushed endings of the series! I absolutely adore Hawksong but when I reread it a few weeks ago, I was kind of staggered by the way it abruptly ended. This one gave much insight to how Oliza was feeling, even if she wasn't recognizing it herself. There were so many hints throughout the book that Oliza and Betia loved each other. They're perfect together.
I paraphrase, but many of those reviewers also felt disgusted that Oliza just runs away to be with lesbians with Betia. Did you all not read the entire last 2 chapters?? She gives a beautiful, heartbreaking speech about why she has to leave, and what it means for her people that she does so. You all were just blinded by your bigotry. Betia makes it quite clear that neither she nor Oliza would be together if they didn't respect each other as leaders or individuals; so no, Oliza isn't giving everything up for a mere dalliance in the woods.
The plot was interesting, learning about the wolves and lions was amazing, and I felt like I better understood the concept of magic more than I had in Falcondance. This book did much better than the others at pacing, although I would have loved more detailed scenes between Oliza and Betia as they made their way through the woods. Perhaps that would have made it more concrete for people who were genuinely missing their romance.
I'll be starting Wyvernhail soon, and hope very much to be as impressed by it as I was with this one. And I hope we learn more about what Oliza and Betia do in the interim.
March 31, 2016
Oliza Shardae Cobriana is heir to Wyvern's Court, home of the avians and serpiente, whose war with each other ended just before Oliza was born. But hatred is slow to die, and not everyone likes the expressive way in which Urban, a serpiente dancer, is courting Oliza--especially not Marus, her reserved avian suitor. And when Urban is found beaten in avian land, Oliza is filled with despair. How can she be expected to lead a unified society if her people still cannot live peacefully together?
Before Oliza can try to mend the rift in Wyvern's Court, she is kidnapped by mercenaries, who take her deep into wolves' territory. As Wyvern princess, all Oliza has ever wanted is to see a future where she can find love and take a mate without inciting another war. The time is now. She owes it to her people--and to herself.
- - - - -
Rating: 4/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: not much focus on romance, though there sort of is one; there's a lot of mystery and intrigue, with a plot twist I didn't see coming; lots of focus on the political and societal implications of the world/the current struggle to unite two contrasting peoples; an intriguing glimpse into the magic of the world
I just cannot, CANNOT, explain how much I love the worlds Amelia Atwater-Rhodes has created in her novels. I returned, again, to this series—now almost complete—when I realized this afternoon that I needed something quick, something fantasy, and something powerful. Because Amelia Atwater-Rhodes has always had the upper-hand in my bookish world when it comes to powerful, thought-provoking reads, I settled upon this one. I am not disappointed.
Unlike the last two books in this series, this one took an unexpected, though not unwelcome, turn—and didn't focus on the romance, but instead upon the world. The political and societal drama, the struggles and heartache that come with trying—and flailing to figure out how—to mold two different and opposing peoples into one cohesive clan... Unlike the last two books in the series, this one tackled the world head-on, and left no survivors in the end.
As always, the characters were intriguing and stubbornly wonderful. I love how much power Amelia Atwater-Rhodes always gives her female leads; they don't NEED men to make them whole, to make them strong. And often, they discover in their journies that men at their sides lead to more drama. I really connected with Oliza in this particular read; despite the world falling apart around her, despite the challenges she faces, I feel she reaches a mature and sound decision in the end.
I was a bit disappointed in the romance itself, if I'm being honest. I went in to this expecting fireworks and swoony love and all the wonderful delicious heart-murmurs the rest of the series has, so far, given me. But this book... the focus isn't on the romance, which made it fall a bit flat overall. It made it seem a bit half-hearted, like Amelia Atwater-Rhodes decided to include it only at the end of the journey, as an afterthought almost. I didn't much like that—given how little we see the lovers interact, due to the past and troubles of one of them, I'm not sure I can convince myself the reality of their “love.” It just seemed a bit too wrapped up and simplified, I guess.
Overall, though, I enjoyed this installment. The characters were entertaining, snarky where needed, and stood up for themselves even in the most desperate moments. The world is, while not “realistic” in the sense of “I could see it happening tomorrow,” realistic in that it tackles some societal struggles our own world is still unable to derail. I definitely recommend to lovers of shifters, fantasy, and novels with nods to political drama. This was a great book to wrap up March with! I can't wait to see what April has in store.
Before Oliza can try to mend the rift in Wyvern's Court, she is kidnapped by mercenaries, who take her deep into wolves' territory. As Wyvern princess, all Oliza has ever wanted is to see a future where she can find love and take a mate without inciting another war. The time is now. She owes it to her people--and to herself.
- - - - -
Rating: 4/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: not much focus on romance, though there sort of is one; there's a lot of mystery and intrigue, with a plot twist I didn't see coming; lots of focus on the political and societal implications of the world/the current struggle to unite two contrasting peoples; an intriguing glimpse into the magic of the world
“You don't have to speak. Words fade," she whispered. "I know that better than anyone. Words are forgotten; they are regretted. Unnecessary.”
I just cannot, CANNOT, explain how much I love the worlds Amelia Atwater-Rhodes has created in her novels. I returned, again, to this series—now almost complete—when I realized this afternoon that I needed something quick, something fantasy, and something powerful. Because Amelia Atwater-Rhodes has always had the upper-hand in my bookish world when it comes to powerful, thought-provoking reads, I settled upon this one. I am not disappointed.
Unlike the last two books in this series, this one took an unexpected, though not unwelcome, turn—and didn't focus on the romance, but instead upon the world. The political and societal drama, the struggles and heartache that come with trying—and flailing to figure out how—to mold two different and opposing peoples into one cohesive clan... Unlike the last two books in the series, this one tackled the world head-on, and left no survivors in the end.
“I am of you, of all of you, avian and serpiente. I have for all my life wondered how, beyond my very existence, I can prove to you that we can live together. In my parents' time, the mission was to stop the bloodshed, but in mind, my goal has always been to stop the hatred.
“And I have never known how.”
As always, the characters were intriguing and stubbornly wonderful. I love how much power Amelia Atwater-Rhodes always gives her female leads; they don't NEED men to make them whole, to make them strong. And often, they discover in their journies that men at their sides lead to more drama. I really connected with Oliza in this particular read; despite the world falling apart around her, despite the challenges she faces, I feel she reaches a mature and sound decision in the end.
I was a bit disappointed in the romance itself, if I'm being honest. I went in to this expecting fireworks and swoony love and all the wonderful delicious heart-murmurs the rest of the series has, so far, given me. But this book... the focus isn't on the romance, which made it fall a bit flat overall. It made it seem a bit half-hearted, like Amelia Atwater-Rhodes decided to include it only at the end of the journey, as an afterthought almost. I didn't much like that—given how little we see the lovers interact, due to the past and troubles of one of them, I'm not sure I can convince myself the reality of their “love.” It just seemed a bit too wrapped up and simplified, I guess.
“We have tried to marry two worlds, but one cannot perform a marriage while both parties hold knives to each other's throats. One cannot sew two pieces of cloth together while both unravel.”
Overall, though, I enjoyed this installment. The characters were entertaining, snarky where needed, and stood up for themselves even in the most desperate moments. The world is, while not “realistic” in the sense of “I could see it happening tomorrow,” realistic in that it tackles some societal struggles our own world is still unable to derail. I definitely recommend to lovers of shifters, fantasy, and novels with nods to political drama. This was a great book to wrap up March with! I can't wait to see what April has in store.
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