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Ravenspire #3
The Traitor Prince
Javan Najafai, crown prince of Akram, has spent the last ten years at an elite boarding school, far away from his kingdom. But his eagerly awaited return home is cut short when a mysterious imposter takes his place—and no one believes Javan is the true prince.
After barely escaping the imposter’s assassins, Javan is thrown into Maqbara, the kingdom’s most dangerous prison. The only way to gain an audience with the king — and reveal Javan’s identity — is to fight in Maqbara’s yearly tournament. But winning is much harder than acing competitions at school, and soon Javan finds himself beset not just by the terrifying creatures in the arena, but also a band of prisoners allied against him, and even the warden herself.
The only person who can help him is Sajda, who has been enslaved by Maqbara’s warden since she was a child, and whose guarded demeanor and powerful right hook keep the prisoners in check. Working with Sajda might be the only way Javan can escape alive — but she has dangerous secrets.
Together, Javan and Sajda have to outwit the vicious warden, outfight the deadly creatures, and outlast the murderous prisoners intent on killing Javan. If they fail, they’ll be trapped in Maqbara for good—and the secret Sajda’s been hiding will bury them both.
After barely escaping the imposter’s assassins, Javan is thrown into Maqbara, the kingdom’s most dangerous prison. The only way to gain an audience with the king — and reveal Javan’s identity — is to fight in Maqbara’s yearly tournament. But winning is much harder than acing competitions at school, and soon Javan finds himself beset not just by the terrifying creatures in the arena, but also a band of prisoners allied against him, and even the warden herself.
The only person who can help him is Sajda, who has been enslaved by Maqbara’s warden since she was a child, and whose guarded demeanor and powerful right hook keep the prisoners in check. Working with Sajda might be the only way Javan can escape alive — but she has dangerous secrets.
Together, Javan and Sajda have to outwit the vicious warden, outfight the deadly creatures, and outlast the murderous prisoners intent on killing Javan. If they fail, they’ll be trapped in Maqbara for good—and the secret Sajda’s been hiding will bury them both.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2018
182 people are currently reading
16719 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Redwine
26 books4,033 followers**Please read my FAQ before sending any requests: http://cjredwine.blogspot.com/p/faq.html **
C.J. Redwine loves fairy tales, Harry Potter, and going to the movies. If the novel writing gig ever falls through, she’ll join the Avengers and wear a cape to work every day. To learn more about C.J., visit her website at www.cjredwine.com
C.J. Redwine loves fairy tales, Harry Potter, and going to the movies. If the novel writing gig ever falls through, she’ll join the Avengers and wear a cape to work every day. To learn more about C.J., visit her website at www.cjredwine.com
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February 5, 2018Dammit!!! I really am a sucker for pretty book covers!!!
March 17, 2018
Nothing personal but okay . I read the description and I'd like to say a few things ...
Javan
Akram
Maqbara
Sajda
Lady obviously has picked up these Arabic words from a couple places but has no idea what they mean. She's randomly thrown them like pineapples on a pizza here and there and that's plain stupid.
Maqbara.. you say in your story is a deadly prison, where some tournaments are held. Well maqbara is quite literally a mausoleum. As in a place that holds a grave. It's not a coincidence, no, she's specifically used Arabic words since she said that her story is based on an old Arabian tale and like I said, she's picked up a few words but from the looks of it has no clue what they mean. I agree it's fiction but places don't change even in fictional stories.
Like I can't call a battleground in my story a church. A church is a church. Prison is a prison. And maqbara is a maqbara. You can't just name places as you wish and call it fiction.
She literally went ahead and named a person Sajda. 🤦♀️I understand that in the west there's literally no concept of thinking before naming a person like candy, poppy, dick, north, west, basically anything and everything could be used to name a person . The rest of the world doesn't typically follow that pattern. Again google does help a lot.
Sajda, means prostration. It's an act while in prayer. And she went ahead and named a person sajda. For anyone who's unaware of the word here's an example using an English word. Like if I name someone 'bend'.
"Hi my name is bend " ya understand. Sounds stupid. You don't go ahead and name people with random words. Especially not words of acts used in prayer. That's also disrespectful.
I don't know how the book is , the story might be nice idk but I obviously can't go ahead reading a story where the word Sajda pops up again and again and I have to deal with the fact that it's the name of a human and not something I do while praying five times a day.
Stupidity can only be tolerated a few times.
Also yes Akram is also quite often used to name people . She went ahead and named an entire Kingdom Akram. Lmao.
Like if I call a country in my story Cathy. Cathy has a total area of about 700 150 sq km. Makes sense. No . Exactly .
Also Arabic words are a part of many other languages like Persian , Turkish , Urdu etc so people who speak these languages would recognise these words pretty easily. Like I did.
Javan, hmm. Idk if this is an Arabic word or not. But it definitely is an Urdu word and translates to "youth" . Ok acceptable. But you get the drift right. The whole use of Arabic words and names would have been nice if they'd made sense had they been written in context. Unfortunately they don't. That certainly doesn't mean that the story is bad or anything cuz I repeat, I haven't read it AT ALL. Just the description that's written above.
Aaaaaaand now I don't know how to end this rant so I'll just end it here. Thnx !
Javan
Akram
Maqbara
Sajda
Lady obviously has picked up these Arabic words from a couple places but has no idea what they mean. She's randomly thrown them like pineapples on a pizza here and there and that's plain stupid.
Maqbara.. you say in your story is a deadly prison, where some tournaments are held. Well maqbara is quite literally a mausoleum. As in a place that holds a grave. It's not a coincidence, no, she's specifically used Arabic words since she said that her story is based on an old Arabian tale and like I said, she's picked up a few words but from the looks of it has no clue what they mean. I agree it's fiction but places don't change even in fictional stories.
Like I can't call a battleground in my story a church. A church is a church. Prison is a prison. And maqbara is a maqbara. You can't just name places as you wish and call it fiction.
She literally went ahead and named a person Sajda. 🤦♀️I understand that in the west there's literally no concept of thinking before naming a person like candy, poppy, dick, north, west, basically anything and everything could be used to name a person . The rest of the world doesn't typically follow that pattern. Again google does help a lot.
Sajda, means prostration. It's an act while in prayer. And she went ahead and named a person sajda. For anyone who's unaware of the word here's an example using an English word. Like if I name someone 'bend'.
"Hi my name is bend " ya understand. Sounds stupid. You don't go ahead and name people with random words. Especially not words of acts used in prayer. That's also disrespectful.
I don't know how the book is , the story might be nice idk but I obviously can't go ahead reading a story where the word Sajda pops up again and again and I have to deal with the fact that it's the name of a human and not something I do while praying five times a day.
Stupidity can only be tolerated a few times.
Also yes Akram is also quite often used to name people . She went ahead and named an entire Kingdom Akram. Lmao.
Like if I call a country in my story Cathy. Cathy has a total area of about 700 150 sq km. Makes sense. No . Exactly .
Also Arabic words are a part of many other languages like Persian , Turkish , Urdu etc so people who speak these languages would recognise these words pretty easily. Like I did.
Javan, hmm. Idk if this is an Arabic word or not. But it definitely is an Urdu word and translates to "youth" . Ok acceptable. But you get the drift right. The whole use of Arabic words and names would have been nice if they'd made sense had they been written in context. Unfortunately they don't. That certainly doesn't mean that the story is bad or anything cuz I repeat, I haven't read it AT ALL. Just the description that's written above.
Aaaaaaand now I don't know how to end this rant so I'll just end it here. Thnx !
March 16, 2018
Last week, I devoured The Wish Granter by CJ Redwine after a recommendation from my friend Ruth. I loved it to death. Sebastian was a Rachel catnip hero and the dark Rumpelstiltskin world was immensely readable. First off, because I will make you buy this book--- Though the book is the third in the Ravenspire series: they are standalone novels set in a similar world. okay?
Let's dig in, kittens!
"Fear out, Courage in."
I craved more, so immediately downloaded The Traitor Prince which blew me away in the best way possible. I am not hyperbolic in saying it is one of the best books I have ever read; because I am not just carrying the hangover of emotion and well-crafted world. I am stating that as someone who loves to watch technique, who catches and revels in nuance, who stops and notices the slow, unfurling threads of allegorical substance, who is alighted by the pursuit of a hero's journey resplendent with heartbreaking themes of sacrifice and grace.
Javan Najafai is the true prince of Akram. He has lived at the prestigious Milisatria Academy for Nobility for ten years, excelling at everything and becoming well rounded enough that he will eventually be able to step into the crown.
He is kind and studious, forsaking the revelry and hobbies of his friends for prayer and reflection and to become the kind of king that his father, the King, will be proud of. He is a devoted servant of his god, Yl' Haliq and relies on his wisdom and guidance as he prepares himself for the arduous and magnanimous task of eventual ascension to the throne.
Since his mother's dying wish that he earn the most honours of any prince educated at the academy, Javan has centered his sights on granting her this honour: furthered by his desire for his father's pride and respect when he graduates at the head of his class and presents the coveted red sash that marks his accomplishment. The guidance from his headmaster and the support of his friend Kallen have seen him to the days leading up to final examinations and graduation.
--
"Now he had to pick up his beliefs, one by one, and examine them the flaws that surely ran through them."
--
Elsewhere, Rahim, who bears a striking resemblance to Javan and has a threadbare connection to the throne, works with a plot to supplant Prince Javan on the throne after his return to Akram. The true king slowly poisoned, Rahim's estranged father--and the king's closest relative---has wielded his unlikely power to mold the kingdom into place of bleak poverty and despair. While the nobility gets richer, they do so on the backs of the outcasts and impoverished and any clemency the true King might have shown to their plight is squandered under his tyranny.
What follows is a plot that weaves a tapestry reminiscent of The Prince and the Pauper, The Count of Monte Cristo and the book's lesser known eponymous fairy tale.
A swath of grace ( one of many --often undeserved and unexpected) finds Javan escaping the death plot set against him though at tragic cost. Sparing his life, someone who recognizes him for who he says he is, throws him into Maqbara Prison: where if he can survive and win a gruesome gladiator-like champion, he will be granted an audience with the king and a boon of his choosing.
In order to fight for his rightful claim to the throne, Javan will risk his life daily while his faith dwindles and enemies surround, using the skill set he learned at Milistaria not to lead, rather to survive.
The world of the prison --where 80 percent of the novel takes place-- is unbelievably painted in grim and creaky palette. The warden is a fearsome enemy, food is scarce and blood is shed. And yet, Redwine consistently offers smatters of light and hope. One of Javan's allies is Tarek, an old prisoner with a heart of gold and stable countenance who will put readers in mind of Abbe Faria in The Count of Monte Cristo. Tarek's role in the story affected me deeply. Another--and far more reticent connection--- is Sajda. Enslaved at a young age by the warden, she is kept in cuffs and forced to keep the prisoners and the ever-changing range of magical beasts for the circus arena combat in check.
The prisoners --many arrested and confined for minimal disturbance--and often unjustly--- spend their days cleaning the arena that will lead to many of their deaths as well as training (however inexperienced) for the next games day.
Spectators attend lavishly bloodthirsty productions where terrible beasts are thrown in with prisoners--some armed-- some not. Points are assigned for the killing of each creature and the top competitor will be granted the king's ear. It is not, Javan soon realizes, that different than ascending the ranks of the academy as his mother wished.
Javan is a true hero. His heart is splendid. His humility is inspiring. His journey is heartbreaking. Readers of this blog know that I keep one foot in the Inspirational Fiction world and I can safely say the faith message in this story--- integral to Javan's journey--- and written in a subtle, almost-allegorical way, is 80 times more potent than many of the books I have read intentionally published for faith readers in the past year. And yet it is in his doubt and tragedy and moments of hopelessness that he becomes a beacon to lean on. He is not perfect. He takes a wrong step. But at heart---at his core--- is everything that the story needs him to be. He is at times a martyr but only to lead to his destiny.
This book ripped my heart to shreds. I was anxious about finishing it. Anxious to be leaving the way it alighted my world and spirit. And even though I carefully rationed it over the past few days, lingering over its poetically sensory experience, I am so glad that I was finally able to encounter the punch-to-your-stomach poignancy of its climax. This book instills in me the strength to believe, to hope, to endure. Javan is a hero whose faith in god and his eventual restoration for the sake of his people puts him with the greats. He is timeless. He is the hero we return to. He is reminiscent of Dantes, yes, but also of Homer. And, for those of us approaching Easter, his entreaty of Yl' Haliq to intercept his grim fate will put readers in mind of the Greatest Hero of All.
I was profoundly moved by this story. I was broken and sobbing by the end. I was touched so deeply by Javan's goodness, by Tarek's selflessness, by Sajdan's vulnerability. Indeed, I can count a few reading moments previously that have left me so wrung: Jessica Dotta's Price of Privilege trilogy, for one. Stephanie Landsem's The Thief as another. Sometimes I just cried because the storytelling was so perfect and the language so beautiful, its consonance tripping of my tongue as I read phrases aloud, the languorous legato of several lines in their perfect magic order...
But lest you think this is all about presenting a theological tenet or speaking to the balance of visceral darkness and staggering light of humanity, it is so much more than that. This book is a beautifully told story of survival and each competition---ascending in importance --kept my heart in my throat and my pulse pounding. This, readers, is exceptionally written adventure fiction. Javan's strategy to make loose connections with prisoners who would see him dead and to balance his immediate penchant for mercy and assistance in a gruesome ring while cognizant of the greater significance of his survival and restoration, is why we read books. There is a classic sensibility to this piece.
To add, it is a beautifully woven love story between two lonely souls who find each other in the midst of squalor. Sajdan realizes that Javan is who he says he is because of his actions. It goes beyond his noble manner of speech and the way he commands himself, his erect shoulders and his unending knowledge of all of the kingdoms in their world. Javan is princely to his core. A true prince who puts the lives of his people before his own.
Initially, he enlists her help by promising her his knowledge. She is determined to one day shake off her shackles and step into freedom. She wants to learn about the stars--- the galaxy that she climbs to amidst crates and crackles high into the rafters of Maqbara, like an architect plotting to build a steeple that will pierce close to heaven.
--
"Being her friend was like taking a ride on a half wild stallion with nothing but your wits and your courage between you and a long, dangerous fall."
--
But as for one of the greatest books I have ever read, it comes in the execution of the plot and the pieces falling into perfect place. In the subtle moments where the quest shifts from Javan's survival to his recognition that he must win for the goodness of humanity, that there is a far greater weight. It comes in his recognition that Yl' Haliq has presented him with a path of suffering for a greater purpose than all of his prayers for restoration and redemption could ever have imagined.
--
"Yl' Haliq was with him, whether Javan could feel him or not. The sacred texts were clear."
--
It comes in the way that Redwine understands the keen sensibility of the reader--- in the meted metrics of intensity--- in her shifting of perspective during arena sequences. Indeed, I nearly gasped at the brilliance of her shifting the point of view to that of the villain (there is more than one villain in this piece, all brilliantly realized and dimensional).
It is in her perusal of nightmares--living and imagined--- in the power that Sajda hides and then wields with abandon when the life of another is on the line.
--
"And in the stillness of his mind, an idea formed, crystallizing before he realized what was happening. He clenched his folded hands as hope, soft and fragile, unfurled in his chest and took root. He was right where he was supposed to be He was meant to hurt the way his epople hurt. To see the truth of Akram from their eyes. Their grief was his to bear. Their injustices his to make right He was destined to lose what he'd thought was his so that he could gain something even more important---wisdom."
--
It is in the blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment when slight narrative intrusion turns our minds: no longer is she referring to Javan by his name but slowly, achingly, she begins to speak to the Prince of Akram. It is when his world crumbles around him, that the authorial voice restores his rightful place.
It is in the heart and humanity and hope whose resonance spans far beyond a made-up sphere set years and years ago and surged with magic.
Authors use tropes and tales to tell their truth. Redwine inhabits a fairytale like atmosphere to speak to weave a treatise of faith and doubt and unbelievable sacrifice. This book will strengthen you.
And, at the end of the day, it is just a damned joy to read.
--
"I kept praying for deliverance. For escape. I was so consumed with the wrong done to me that I failed to stop and listen. To learn. But I've been listening, Sajda. And I know that I was always meant to be in Maqbara. I was meant to understand the corruption my uncle brought to Akram, the pain it causes my people and the horrors that take place here in the name of sport.... And I was destined to meet you. I wouldn't take back a second my own pain if it meant that you and I would be strangers. But my pain isn't the most important thing to me. Yours is. I would do anything to take backk the heartbreak you feel. Even if it meant I'd never get to be your friend in the first place."
--
Like, guys, for the love of cookies. It is the most lusciously romantic, heart stopping, action packed ,gruesome, alive and wonderful and wisdom-filled and faith-surged piece of fiction in the freakin' land. This author is a genius, her pen is inspired and every word will rumble in your chest and every theme will light your eyes like a bulb and can we please just make her write more in this ilk forever? and ever?
amen.
Let's dig in, kittens!
"Fear out, Courage in."
I craved more, so immediately downloaded The Traitor Prince which blew me away in the best way possible. I am not hyperbolic in saying it is one of the best books I have ever read; because I am not just carrying the hangover of emotion and well-crafted world. I am stating that as someone who loves to watch technique, who catches and revels in nuance, who stops and notices the slow, unfurling threads of allegorical substance, who is alighted by the pursuit of a hero's journey resplendent with heartbreaking themes of sacrifice and grace.
Javan Najafai is the true prince of Akram. He has lived at the prestigious Milisatria Academy for Nobility for ten years, excelling at everything and becoming well rounded enough that he will eventually be able to step into the crown.
He is kind and studious, forsaking the revelry and hobbies of his friends for prayer and reflection and to become the kind of king that his father, the King, will be proud of. He is a devoted servant of his god, Yl' Haliq and relies on his wisdom and guidance as he prepares himself for the arduous and magnanimous task of eventual ascension to the throne.
Since his mother's dying wish that he earn the most honours of any prince educated at the academy, Javan has centered his sights on granting her this honour: furthered by his desire for his father's pride and respect when he graduates at the head of his class and presents the coveted red sash that marks his accomplishment. The guidance from his headmaster and the support of his friend Kallen have seen him to the days leading up to final examinations and graduation.
--
"Now he had to pick up his beliefs, one by one, and examine them the flaws that surely ran through them."
--
Elsewhere, Rahim, who bears a striking resemblance to Javan and has a threadbare connection to the throne, works with a plot to supplant Prince Javan on the throne after his return to Akram. The true king slowly poisoned, Rahim's estranged father--and the king's closest relative---has wielded his unlikely power to mold the kingdom into place of bleak poverty and despair. While the nobility gets richer, they do so on the backs of the outcasts and impoverished and any clemency the true King might have shown to their plight is squandered under his tyranny.
What follows is a plot that weaves a tapestry reminiscent of The Prince and the Pauper, The Count of Monte Cristo and the book's lesser known eponymous fairy tale.
A swath of grace ( one of many --often undeserved and unexpected) finds Javan escaping the death plot set against him though at tragic cost. Sparing his life, someone who recognizes him for who he says he is, throws him into Maqbara Prison: where if he can survive and win a gruesome gladiator-like champion, he will be granted an audience with the king and a boon of his choosing.
In order to fight for his rightful claim to the throne, Javan will risk his life daily while his faith dwindles and enemies surround, using the skill set he learned at Milistaria not to lead, rather to survive.
The world of the prison --where 80 percent of the novel takes place-- is unbelievably painted in grim and creaky palette. The warden is a fearsome enemy, food is scarce and blood is shed. And yet, Redwine consistently offers smatters of light and hope. One of Javan's allies is Tarek, an old prisoner with a heart of gold and stable countenance who will put readers in mind of Abbe Faria in The Count of Monte Cristo. Tarek's role in the story affected me deeply. Another--and far more reticent connection--- is Sajda. Enslaved at a young age by the warden, she is kept in cuffs and forced to keep the prisoners and the ever-changing range of magical beasts for the circus arena combat in check.
The prisoners --many arrested and confined for minimal disturbance--and often unjustly--- spend their days cleaning the arena that will lead to many of their deaths as well as training (however inexperienced) for the next games day.
Spectators attend lavishly bloodthirsty productions where terrible beasts are thrown in with prisoners--some armed-- some not. Points are assigned for the killing of each creature and the top competitor will be granted the king's ear. It is not, Javan soon realizes, that different than ascending the ranks of the academy as his mother wished.
Javan is a true hero. His heart is splendid. His humility is inspiring. His journey is heartbreaking. Readers of this blog know that I keep one foot in the Inspirational Fiction world and I can safely say the faith message in this story--- integral to Javan's journey--- and written in a subtle, almost-allegorical way, is 80 times more potent than many of the books I have read intentionally published for faith readers in the past year. And yet it is in his doubt and tragedy and moments of hopelessness that he becomes a beacon to lean on. He is not perfect. He takes a wrong step. But at heart---at his core--- is everything that the story needs him to be. He is at times a martyr but only to lead to his destiny.
This book ripped my heart to shreds. I was anxious about finishing it. Anxious to be leaving the way it alighted my world and spirit. And even though I carefully rationed it over the past few days, lingering over its poetically sensory experience, I am so glad that I was finally able to encounter the punch-to-your-stomach poignancy of its climax. This book instills in me the strength to believe, to hope, to endure. Javan is a hero whose faith in god and his eventual restoration for the sake of his people puts him with the greats. He is timeless. He is the hero we return to. He is reminiscent of Dantes, yes, but also of Homer. And, for those of us approaching Easter, his entreaty of Yl' Haliq to intercept his grim fate will put readers in mind of the Greatest Hero of All.
I was profoundly moved by this story. I was broken and sobbing by the end. I was touched so deeply by Javan's goodness, by Tarek's selflessness, by Sajdan's vulnerability. Indeed, I can count a few reading moments previously that have left me so wrung: Jessica Dotta's Price of Privilege trilogy, for one. Stephanie Landsem's The Thief as another. Sometimes I just cried because the storytelling was so perfect and the language so beautiful, its consonance tripping of my tongue as I read phrases aloud, the languorous legato of several lines in their perfect magic order...
But lest you think this is all about presenting a theological tenet or speaking to the balance of visceral darkness and staggering light of humanity, it is so much more than that. This book is a beautifully told story of survival and each competition---ascending in importance --kept my heart in my throat and my pulse pounding. This, readers, is exceptionally written adventure fiction. Javan's strategy to make loose connections with prisoners who would see him dead and to balance his immediate penchant for mercy and assistance in a gruesome ring while cognizant of the greater significance of his survival and restoration, is why we read books. There is a classic sensibility to this piece.
To add, it is a beautifully woven love story between two lonely souls who find each other in the midst of squalor. Sajdan realizes that Javan is who he says he is because of his actions. It goes beyond his noble manner of speech and the way he commands himself, his erect shoulders and his unending knowledge of all of the kingdoms in their world. Javan is princely to his core. A true prince who puts the lives of his people before his own.
Initially, he enlists her help by promising her his knowledge. She is determined to one day shake off her shackles and step into freedom. She wants to learn about the stars--- the galaxy that she climbs to amidst crates and crackles high into the rafters of Maqbara, like an architect plotting to build a steeple that will pierce close to heaven.
--
"Being her friend was like taking a ride on a half wild stallion with nothing but your wits and your courage between you and a long, dangerous fall."
--
But as for one of the greatest books I have ever read, it comes in the execution of the plot and the pieces falling into perfect place. In the subtle moments where the quest shifts from Javan's survival to his recognition that he must win for the goodness of humanity, that there is a far greater weight. It comes in his recognition that Yl' Haliq has presented him with a path of suffering for a greater purpose than all of his prayers for restoration and redemption could ever have imagined.
--
"Yl' Haliq was with him, whether Javan could feel him or not. The sacred texts were clear."
--
It comes in the way that Redwine understands the keen sensibility of the reader--- in the meted metrics of intensity--- in her shifting of perspective during arena sequences. Indeed, I nearly gasped at the brilliance of her shifting the point of view to that of the villain (there is more than one villain in this piece, all brilliantly realized and dimensional).
It is in her perusal of nightmares--living and imagined--- in the power that Sajda hides and then wields with abandon when the life of another is on the line.
--
"And in the stillness of his mind, an idea formed, crystallizing before he realized what was happening. He clenched his folded hands as hope, soft and fragile, unfurled in his chest and took root. He was right where he was supposed to be He was meant to hurt the way his epople hurt. To see the truth of Akram from their eyes. Their grief was his to bear. Their injustices his to make right He was destined to lose what he'd thought was his so that he could gain something even more important---wisdom."
--
It is in the blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment when slight narrative intrusion turns our minds: no longer is she referring to Javan by his name but slowly, achingly, she begins to speak to the Prince of Akram. It is when his world crumbles around him, that the authorial voice restores his rightful place.
It is in the heart and humanity and hope whose resonance spans far beyond a made-up sphere set years and years ago and surged with magic.
Authors use tropes and tales to tell their truth. Redwine inhabits a fairytale like atmosphere to speak to weave a treatise of faith and doubt and unbelievable sacrifice. This book will strengthen you.
And, at the end of the day, it is just a damned joy to read.
--
"I kept praying for deliverance. For escape. I was so consumed with the wrong done to me that I failed to stop and listen. To learn. But I've been listening, Sajda. And I know that I was always meant to be in Maqbara. I was meant to understand the corruption my uncle brought to Akram, the pain it causes my people and the horrors that take place here in the name of sport.... And I was destined to meet you. I wouldn't take back a second my own pain if it meant that you and I would be strangers. But my pain isn't the most important thing to me. Yours is. I would do anything to take backk the heartbreak you feel. Even if it meant I'd never get to be your friend in the first place."
--
Like, guys, for the love of cookies. It is the most lusciously romantic, heart stopping, action packed ,gruesome, alive and wonderful and wisdom-filled and faith-surged piece of fiction in the freakin' land. This author is a genius, her pen is inspired and every word will rumble in your chest and every theme will light your eyes like a bulb and can we please just make her write more in this ilk forever? and ever?
amen.
October 31, 2017
I received a free egalley of this book via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you publisher!
1/5 Stars
Where do I even start with this book? As excited as I was with the premise, the actual story for me did not deliver. And neither did the writing.
From the first page I already had a feeling this was not going to be a book that I was going to end up enjoying. The writing was stagnant, ill-paced, and unimaginative. I’ve read books with beautiful prose and descriptions and this just fell flat.
For example, the main character traveled three weeks through the desert in the span of one sentence. That’s it. That’s all we got. I mean are you telling me that the character’s trip across a large, arid, and possibly dangerous desert was so uneventful?
The main villain of the story, Rahim, was your stereotypical villain. His dialogue (along with everyone else’s) was pitiful. He was a pathetic villain who was violent for the sake of being violent. That’s it? What drove him, besides growing up poor? Was the author trying to say that people who grow up poor and unwanted by their fathers all grow up to be murderous villains? His backstory needed more work and so did his motivations.
Our goody two-shoes of a main character, Javan, somehow found himself thrown into what was allegedly the most dangerous and heinous prison in the city of Akram. While there he suddenly became a “gladiator” forced to fight against vicious monsters and fellow prisoners for the chance at a possible meeting with the King to possibly maybe gain his freedom. Yup. That’s it. I can’t tell you how sick I am of the whole gladiator trope. If you are going to go down that route write it well, (Jay Kristoff’s Godsgrave as an example). Also coming back to Javan all he ever did was repeat himself. Literally every other page of his POV involved him repeating things he said and being all “woe is me”. I was tired of hearing about why he was where he was and the endless repetition of his monologue.
I went a lot farther into this book than I wanted (80%), only because I was initially so excited to read it that I kept hoping there had to be some sort of redemption to this story towards the end (which I ended up skipping to). FYI, there wasn’t. I can’t even bring myself to write about the other characters or issues I had with this book because I will surely run out of space.
1/5 Stars
Where do I even start with this book? As excited as I was with the premise, the actual story for me did not deliver. And neither did the writing.
From the first page I already had a feeling this was not going to be a book that I was going to end up enjoying. The writing was stagnant, ill-paced, and unimaginative. I’ve read books with beautiful prose and descriptions and this just fell flat.
For example, the main character traveled three weeks through the desert in the span of one sentence. That’s it. That’s all we got. I mean are you telling me that the character’s trip across a large, arid, and possibly dangerous desert was so uneventful?
The main villain of the story, Rahim, was your stereotypical villain. His dialogue (along with everyone else’s) was pitiful. He was a pathetic villain who was violent for the sake of being violent. That’s it? What drove him, besides growing up poor? Was the author trying to say that people who grow up poor and unwanted by their fathers all grow up to be murderous villains? His backstory needed more work and so did his motivations.
Our goody two-shoes of a main character, Javan, somehow found himself thrown into what was allegedly the most dangerous and heinous prison in the city of Akram. While there he suddenly became a “gladiator” forced to fight against vicious monsters and fellow prisoners for the chance at a possible meeting with the King to possibly maybe gain his freedom. Yup. That’s it. I can’t tell you how sick I am of the whole gladiator trope. If you are going to go down that route write it well, (Jay Kristoff’s Godsgrave as an example). Also coming back to Javan all he ever did was repeat himself. Literally every other page of his POV involved him repeating things he said and being all “woe is me”. I was tired of hearing about why he was where he was and the endless repetition of his monologue.
I went a lot farther into this book than I wanted (80%), only because I was initially so excited to read it that I kept hoping there had to be some sort of redemption to this story towards the end (which I ended up skipping to). FYI, there wasn’t. I can’t even bring myself to write about the other characters or issues I had with this book because I will surely run out of space.
Read
June 6, 2018This is a great series with each book getting better and better. The kingdoms are so unique and yet they flow together as a part of a fantastically imagined world. If you're a Marissa Meyer fan and/or love retellings of fairy tales, you need to pick up this series. Hope there's another coming!
February 11, 2018
3.5 Stars
I haven’t read any of the other books set in the Ravenspire universe, but I might have to go back and check them out now, because I thought that The Traitor Prince was pretty good. We follow Prince Javan Najafai after a failed assassination attempt and an imposter takes his place, forcing Javan to hide in Maqbara, the kingdom’s most dangerous prison. The only way to expose the treachery is to compete in Marqbara’s deadly tournament.
Things I Liked
Javan is such a good person. He’s actually an angel? He is so dedicated to his family and genuinely cares for his kingdom and his people. He has so much honor and integrity and just purity, that was admirable. But he never felt perfect or inaccessible.
These chapters were so incredible short that I flew through this book. It was just so easy to read and I didn’t want to put it down.
Rahim was a good villainous character. He was smart, which I love in a villain, and he was actually scary. He is a threat and creates actual fear and tension in the story, and you don’t know quite what to expect from him. He keeps the story interesting.
I really liked the friendship and partnership that develops between Javan and Sajda, the warden’s number 2 who has secrets of her own. I felt like I saw their relationship progress and saw their trust building. So when a romantic turn came, I bought it.
Things I Didn’t Like
I felt like the action was most successful in the beginning of the story and in the first round of the tournament when we’re in Javan’s POV. During the other rounds we see from different perspectives, while adding to those character’s, detracted from the tension and anticipation in the action.
I felt like the ending was a little unsatisfying overall. There’s nothing too major that I didn’t like, but it felt a little easy and some characters felt weaker. It just wasn’t the strong finish I wanted from this story.
Overall I’m really happy with this and I’m surprised at how much I liked it. Javan was so pure and kind and it was impossible to not connect and want him to succeed. I really liked seeing the relationships form while in Maqbara and seeing the kingdom of Akram. The Traitor Prince was a quick and fun fantasy about honor and family that put me in fantastic reading mood.
I received a copy of the book from Balzer + Bray via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
“He was no puppet. By his father’s blood and his own tenacity, he was a prince. A ruler. A god among men. And once he was through carving his destiny out of the blood and bone of those who stood in his way, everyone in Akram would bow before him, his name the prayer they raised as they begged for his mercy.”
I haven’t read any of the other books set in the Ravenspire universe, but I might have to go back and check them out now, because I thought that The Traitor Prince was pretty good. We follow Prince Javan Najafai after a failed assassination attempt and an imposter takes his place, forcing Javan to hide in Maqbara, the kingdom’s most dangerous prison. The only way to expose the treachery is to compete in Marqbara’s deadly tournament.
Things I Liked
Javan is such a good person. He’s actually an angel? He is so dedicated to his family and genuinely cares for his kingdom and his people. He has so much honor and integrity and just purity, that was admirable. But he never felt perfect or inaccessible.
These chapters were so incredible short that I flew through this book. It was just so easy to read and I didn’t want to put it down.
Rahim was a good villainous character. He was smart, which I love in a villain, and he was actually scary. He is a threat and creates actual fear and tension in the story, and you don’t know quite what to expect from him. He keeps the story interesting.
I really liked the friendship and partnership that develops between Javan and Sajda, the warden’s number 2 who has secrets of her own. I felt like I saw their relationship progress and saw their trust building. So when a romantic turn came, I bought it.
Things I Didn’t Like
I felt like the action was most successful in the beginning of the story and in the first round of the tournament when we’re in Javan’s POV. During the other rounds we see from different perspectives, while adding to those character’s, detracted from the tension and anticipation in the action.
I felt like the ending was a little unsatisfying overall. There’s nothing too major that I didn’t like, but it felt a little easy and some characters felt weaker. It just wasn’t the strong finish I wanted from this story.
Overall I’m really happy with this and I’m surprised at how much I liked it. Javan was so pure and kind and it was impossible to not connect and want him to succeed. I really liked seeing the relationships form while in Maqbara and seeing the kingdom of Akram. The Traitor Prince was a quick and fun fantasy about honor and family that put me in fantastic reading mood.
I received a copy of the book from Balzer + Bray via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
Read
January 3, 2019I'm setting this one aside, so consider this more of a "DNF for now" than a "DNF forever". I'm enjoying the writing, but I'm really not interested in the story right now.
April 17, 2018
4.5 stars
September 24, 2017
This book broke my heart. Which was fully rude of it. But I loved it so very much, despite how broken my heart is. These fairytale retellings are the very best. And this third one was so amazing. I love how every book is a standalone, yet set in the same world around the same time. And small hints from all the other books.
This book tells the story of Javan and Sajda. It begins with Javan still at his school, where he have been at all times for the last ten years. Javan is a prince. He is doing his very best to become the best at school to honor his dead mother, and to make his father proud. And ah, Javan really is the best there. I loved that. But oh.
He also ignores just about every person in this school too, which was depressing to read about. I wanted and needed this lovely boy to have more fun. To spend time with his could-be friends. He does have one friend, though, Kellan. And I wish there was more of this boy. I do not know what happened to him. He was pretty awesome, but was only there in the beginning. Anyway. Not going to share the whole start of the book, just that Javan is still at the school, almost about to graduate and go home to his kingdom. But then he's almost murdered when he's ready to go home. Then another boy is pretending to be him, taking his carriage and things home with him. Javan survives his attempted murder, and follows the impostor. It does not go well. Ack.
The plot of this book is how Javan is trying to reveal that there is an impostor trying to steal his kingdom. But people to do believe him. His own uncle is working against him, saying that he is the impostor. And so Javan is about to be murdered again. But instead ends up in the worst prison in this kingdom. And gosh, this prison. It was all kinds of awful and I couldn't help but love every moment spent in it. Which was just about the whole book. Shudders. There is so much happening. Whole book was interesting and exciting.
While the beginning of the book is all Javan, when he arrives at the prison we start getting point of views from Sajda too. And oh, how I adored this girl. I loved reading about her so much. She has been inside this prison since she was five years old. Since she was sold as a slave to the warden. My heart simply broke for this girl. She hasn't been outside for so long. She's had to protect herself from prisoners. And from the warden woman. All that she wants is to be free. To travel far away. To know everything. Sniffs.
I simply loved getting to know Sajda. I loved how she had one friend, and older man named Tarek. He was amazing to read about. Though this one scene with him killed me. Gosh. There is also something special about Sajda. She had magic. And in an awesome way. Though the warden has placed cuffs on her arms, so her magic is very limited. Sad face. But Sajda was amazing. Brave and fierce and strong. I really enjoyed reading about her and learning about her magic. I just wish to know even more about her.
Reading about Javan spending time is this prison was pretty awful. A few people want to kill him here too, of course. Rude. But he quickly becomes sort of friends with Sajda. And I loved reading about these two getting to know each other. Eee. They were the cutest together and I shipped them so hard. I loved how she was able to help him and protect him, for the most part. Which he needed. Because this prison has an arena. And there is some type of fighting. And it was so brutal and awful and so exciting to read about.
I have already said more than I was going to about this book, yet not nearly enough at the same time. Gosh. There is just so much happening. I loved Javan and Sajda so much. There is also a point of view of the false prince, and it was the rudest. I hated this boy. So much. But I loved this story. I loved how Javan and Sajda worked together, trying to figure out how he would be able to prove he was the real prince. Their story was the best. I just wish there was even more. I want another book with them. Ack.
There are tons of reasons for why this book was amazing. The school beginning was a bit slow, but also fast to read, and it passed so quickly too. Ahh. And then the prison parts happened. And the arena. And the small romance started. And this whole book was simply perfection. And I loved it very much. So five stars for sure. Even though my heart is all kinds of broken. Because there were a lot of death in this book. Gruesome ones too. And some of them ruined me a little. But so well done. So I couldn't help but love it.
I love how the cover fits so well with the story. First, it's gorgeous. And it fits very much. The crown is for Javan. Aka the crown that he does not have at the moment. And the iron cuffs are for Sajda, that she is forced to wear at all times. Gorgeous cover, but brutal too. I must also mention the ending of this book a little bit. It's all kinds of bittersweet. A good ending, like all these lovely books, but also so heartbreaking. And also very fitting with the characters, and I loved that. Broke my heart a little, but beyond amazing.
I have so much love for all these books by C. J. Eee. She's amazing. And her books are awesome. And I simply cannot wait to read more books from this world. They are all going to be so good. Sigh. Next one will be Cinderella, and I simply can't wait. And also, I very much need the Hansel and Gretel story soon. They are in many of these books, and I love them already. Huge thank you to HarperTeen for the auto approval on Edelweiss, that made me able to read this precious book early. So happy to have read this.
---
This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.no/2017/0...
This book tells the story of Javan and Sajda. It begins with Javan still at his school, where he have been at all times for the last ten years. Javan is a prince. He is doing his very best to become the best at school to honor his dead mother, and to make his father proud. And ah, Javan really is the best there. I loved that. But oh.
He also ignores just about every person in this school too, which was depressing to read about. I wanted and needed this lovely boy to have more fun. To spend time with his could-be friends. He does have one friend, though, Kellan. And I wish there was more of this boy. I do not know what happened to him. He was pretty awesome, but was only there in the beginning. Anyway. Not going to share the whole start of the book, just that Javan is still at the school, almost about to graduate and go home to his kingdom. But then he's almost murdered when he's ready to go home. Then another boy is pretending to be him, taking his carriage and things home with him. Javan survives his attempted murder, and follows the impostor. It does not go well. Ack.
The plot of this book is how Javan is trying to reveal that there is an impostor trying to steal his kingdom. But people to do believe him. His own uncle is working against him, saying that he is the impostor. And so Javan is about to be murdered again. But instead ends up in the worst prison in this kingdom. And gosh, this prison. It was all kinds of awful and I couldn't help but love every moment spent in it. Which was just about the whole book. Shudders. There is so much happening. Whole book was interesting and exciting.
While the beginning of the book is all Javan, when he arrives at the prison we start getting point of views from Sajda too. And oh, how I adored this girl. I loved reading about her so much. She has been inside this prison since she was five years old. Since she was sold as a slave to the warden. My heart simply broke for this girl. She hasn't been outside for so long. She's had to protect herself from prisoners. And from the warden woman. All that she wants is to be free. To travel far away. To know everything. Sniffs.
I simply loved getting to know Sajda. I loved how she had one friend, and older man named Tarek. He was amazing to read about. Though this one scene with him killed me. Gosh. There is also something special about Sajda. She had magic. And in an awesome way. Though the warden has placed cuffs on her arms, so her magic is very limited. Sad face. But Sajda was amazing. Brave and fierce and strong. I really enjoyed reading about her and learning about her magic. I just wish to know even more about her.
Reading about Javan spending time is this prison was pretty awful. A few people want to kill him here too, of course. Rude. But he quickly becomes sort of friends with Sajda. And I loved reading about these two getting to know each other. Eee. They were the cutest together and I shipped them so hard. I loved how she was able to help him and protect him, for the most part. Which he needed. Because this prison has an arena. And there is some type of fighting. And it was so brutal and awful and so exciting to read about.
I have already said more than I was going to about this book, yet not nearly enough at the same time. Gosh. There is just so much happening. I loved Javan and Sajda so much. There is also a point of view of the false prince, and it was the rudest. I hated this boy. So much. But I loved this story. I loved how Javan and Sajda worked together, trying to figure out how he would be able to prove he was the real prince. Their story was the best. I just wish there was even more. I want another book with them. Ack.
There are tons of reasons for why this book was amazing. The school beginning was a bit slow, but also fast to read, and it passed so quickly too. Ahh. And then the prison parts happened. And the arena. And the small romance started. And this whole book was simply perfection. And I loved it very much. So five stars for sure. Even though my heart is all kinds of broken. Because there were a lot of death in this book. Gruesome ones too. And some of them ruined me a little. But so well done. So I couldn't help but love it.
I love how the cover fits so well with the story. First, it's gorgeous. And it fits very much. The crown is for Javan. Aka the crown that he does not have at the moment. And the iron cuffs are for Sajda, that she is forced to wear at all times. Gorgeous cover, but brutal too. I must also mention the ending of this book a little bit. It's all kinds of bittersweet. A good ending, like all these lovely books, but also so heartbreaking. And also very fitting with the characters, and I loved that. Broke my heart a little, but beyond amazing.
I have so much love for all these books by C. J. Eee. She's amazing. And her books are awesome. And I simply cannot wait to read more books from this world. They are all going to be so good. Sigh. Next one will be Cinderella, and I simply can't wait. And also, I very much need the Hansel and Gretel story soon. They are in many of these books, and I love them already. Huge thank you to HarperTeen for the auto approval on Edelweiss, that made me able to read this precious book early. So happy to have read this.
---
This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.no/2017/0...
June 12, 2018
Javan who is the Prince of Akram has just finished his training at the Milisatria school for Royalty and is about to go home to see his father who he had not seen for 10 years when someone tries to have him murdered. When he finds out that it is a boy who is trying to impersonate him and take over his kingdom, Javan fights back only to land in Maqbara the most deadliest prison in the Kingdom. Can he survive and escape the prison in order to save his father the King and his kingdom from those willing to bring it to ruin? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a pretty good read as well as an interesting take on the Prince and the Pauper. If you enjoy new versions of Fairy Tales, definitely check this book and the rest of the Ravenspire fairy tale series by C.J. Redwine out. It is available at your local library and wherever books are sold.
This was a pretty good read as well as an interesting take on the Prince and the Pauper. If you enjoy new versions of Fairy Tales, definitely check this book and the rest of the Ravenspire fairy tale series by C.J. Redwine out. It is available at your local library and wherever books are sold.
March 31, 2022
Listened to the audiobook and loved it so much!!
March 14, 2018
•I love C.J. Redwine's writting. I really do
•Her books just get better and better
•If you like Marrissa Meyer, you need to read these books
•Her books just get better and better
•If you like Marrissa Meyer, you need to read these books
January 12, 2022
Monsters, magic, tournaments, stolen identities, and heartfelt romance. This was pretty much perfect!
June 1, 2019
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...
3.5/5 Stars
Javan, the crown prince of Akram, has been at school for the past 10 years trying to fulfill his mothers dying wish - that he be top of his class come graduation. On his journey home, an impostor successfully takes his place, tricking his ailing father and those under his rule. Javan is thrown into the palace kingdom when no one believes his claims of being the true prince. With the help of Sajda, the Warden's slave, Javan must compete in the prisons yearly tournament to win an audience with his father, the King.
I'm a sucker for fairytale retellings - so I have been a fan of the Ravenspire series since the first book. This is a retelling of the Arabian Prince mixed in with the prince and the pauper, which I have not come across before so I was very excited to start this book! I found the book to be entertaining and I enjoyed the concept of the tournament. I found the creatures that Javan and the other inmates had to face very interesting and I loved the descriptions we got of each. I also enjoyed how short the chapters were as I have a terrible time keeping focus when the chapters are extremely long. I liked Sadja and the big secret she was hiding, I wanted to know more about her rather than follow Javan to be honest. The one major complaint I have about this book was Javan... he was just...too good. He didn't have a bad bone in his body and it was just a bit unrealistic in my opinion. Like this boy could do NO WRONG, he was a literal angel. NO ONE is that good, not even the crown prince. I liked watching Sadja and Javan learn to trust one another though, I'm a sucker for friendship to lovers so I was a fan.
I'm excited to pick up Blood Spell in the near future!
3.5/5 Stars
Javan, the crown prince of Akram, has been at school for the past 10 years trying to fulfill his mothers dying wish - that he be top of his class come graduation. On his journey home, an impostor successfully takes his place, tricking his ailing father and those under his rule. Javan is thrown into the palace kingdom when no one believes his claims of being the true prince. With the help of Sajda, the Warden's slave, Javan must compete in the prisons yearly tournament to win an audience with his father, the King.
I'm a sucker for fairytale retellings - so I have been a fan of the Ravenspire series since the first book. This is a retelling of the Arabian Prince mixed in with the prince and the pauper, which I have not come across before so I was very excited to start this book! I found the book to be entertaining and I enjoyed the concept of the tournament. I found the creatures that Javan and the other inmates had to face very interesting and I loved the descriptions we got of each. I also enjoyed how short the chapters were as I have a terrible time keeping focus when the chapters are extremely long. I liked Sadja and the big secret she was hiding, I wanted to know more about her rather than follow Javan to be honest. The one major complaint I have about this book was Javan... he was just...too good. He didn't have a bad bone in his body and it was just a bit unrealistic in my opinion. Like this boy could do NO WRONG, he was a literal angel. NO ONE is that good, not even the crown prince. I liked watching Sadja and Javan learn to trust one another though, I'm a sucker for friendship to lovers so I was a fan.
I'm excited to pick up Blood Spell in the near future!
April 5, 2018
This book was not my favrouite in the series. It fell kinda flat for me and I really loved the synopsis but it just didn't live up to my expectations.
December 4, 2017
With The Traitor Prince, C.J. Redwine once again delivers an epic fantasy, with aching romance, adventure, heart-pounding injustice, and high stakes as the characters fight for their survival.
Prince Javan has spent the last ten years away at school, working harder than all his classmates to fulfil the promise he made to his mother to be the best, learn the most, so that he can become a just and strong ruler. But when he is attacked on the eve of his return home, Javan knows he must now fight for his future and the safety of his kingdom. Thrown into the treacherous prison, Maqbara, while a traitor takes his rightful place, Javan tries to befriend the prison slave girl, Sajda, who has her own dangerous secret to protect. Forced to fight against monsterous creatures and defend himself against the other prisoners, Javan and his few allies put into place a plan to return him to his throne, but it will not be without sacrifice.
There is so much to love about this beautiful, richly detailed fantasy. Javan is a character who is easy to like and support. He is noble and honourable, wanting desperately to please his father, honour his mother's memory, and become a good ruler. Being thrown into prison is something that challenges everything he has always known about his life and his faith. But through it, he grows. He's also no soft aristocrat. Javan is more than capable of defending himself, and is both intelligent and strong. But no matter how much readers will like Javan, I believe it will be Sajda who truly steals everyone's hearts. Sajda is formidably strong. She has learnt to protect her heart with stone and use her tough exterior to keep her safe from the prisoners she is forced to control. As the prison warden's slave, Sajda has lived most of her life within the confines of the prison walls. As a feared magical creature, her magical powers have lain dormant bound by the iron cuffs that have been forced upon her. Watching as Javan slowly wiggles his way into Sajda's life, trust, and, finally, heart was so wonderful.
Amidst the action, deadly gladiator-like fights against strange and monsterous creatures, and the political intrigue of this book, the romance stands as a sweet and heartwarming reminder of the the freedom for which Javan is fighting. Sajda is, at first, defensive, unwilling to believe Javan or risk her limited freedom to protect him. But Javan is persistent and the friendship he offers is hard to resist. I loved how, even as Javan and Sajda become reluctant allies and then friends, they continue to spar, both verbally and physically. Competition is a huge part of their relationship and I loved their banter that lightens the story.
The Traitor Prince is the third book in the Ravenspire series. I love, love, love, that each of the three books have been standalones, complete stories in their own right. And while there are a few appearances of crossover characters - bounty hunters Hansel and Gretel make another appearance, as does Ari and Sebastian - the stories do not need to be read in any order to enjoy each new book.
The Traitor Prince is a beautiful fantasy, the perfect addition to this series, and the most addictive mix of intrigue, action, and romance.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library.
Prince Javan has spent the last ten years away at school, working harder than all his classmates to fulfil the promise he made to his mother to be the best, learn the most, so that he can become a just and strong ruler. But when he is attacked on the eve of his return home, Javan knows he must now fight for his future and the safety of his kingdom. Thrown into the treacherous prison, Maqbara, while a traitor takes his rightful place, Javan tries to befriend the prison slave girl, Sajda, who has her own dangerous secret to protect. Forced to fight against monsterous creatures and defend himself against the other prisoners, Javan and his few allies put into place a plan to return him to his throne, but it will not be without sacrifice.
There is so much to love about this beautiful, richly detailed fantasy. Javan is a character who is easy to like and support. He is noble and honourable, wanting desperately to please his father, honour his mother's memory, and become a good ruler. Being thrown into prison is something that challenges everything he has always known about his life and his faith. But through it, he grows. He's also no soft aristocrat. Javan is more than capable of defending himself, and is both intelligent and strong. But no matter how much readers will like Javan, I believe it will be Sajda who truly steals everyone's hearts. Sajda is formidably strong. She has learnt to protect her heart with stone and use her tough exterior to keep her safe from the prisoners she is forced to control. As the prison warden's slave, Sajda has lived most of her life within the confines of the prison walls. As a feared magical creature, her magical powers have lain dormant bound by the iron cuffs that have been forced upon her. Watching as Javan slowly wiggles his way into Sajda's life, trust, and, finally, heart was so wonderful.
Amidst the action, deadly gladiator-like fights against strange and monsterous creatures, and the political intrigue of this book, the romance stands as a sweet and heartwarming reminder of the the freedom for which Javan is fighting. Sajda is, at first, defensive, unwilling to believe Javan or risk her limited freedom to protect him. But Javan is persistent and the friendship he offers is hard to resist. I loved how, even as Javan and Sajda become reluctant allies and then friends, they continue to spar, both verbally and physically. Competition is a huge part of their relationship and I loved their banter that lightens the story.
The Traitor Prince is the third book in the Ravenspire series. I love, love, love, that each of the three books have been standalones, complete stories in their own right. And while there are a few appearances of crossover characters - bounty hunters Hansel and Gretel make another appearance, as does Ari and Sebastian - the stories do not need to be read in any order to enjoy each new book.
The Traitor Prince is a beautiful fantasy, the perfect addition to this series, and the most addictive mix of intrigue, action, and romance.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library.
April 25, 2020
This wasn’t my favourite book from the C. J Redwine.
But I did enjoy some parts in it.
4/5 stars
But I did enjoy some parts in it.
4/5 stars
October 11, 2017
Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review, this doesn't in any way influence my opinion on it.
The Traitor Prince is all I was expecting and more. C.J. Redwine is an author who I have been super impressed with ever since The Shadow Queen and she just keeps getting better and better. The Traitor Prince continues this amazing series with the story of Javan, a very interesting and compelling character. He is the Crown Prince of Akram, a kingdom he has been away from for a very long time. Javan has been at the prestigious Milisatria Academy for the Comportment and Education of the Nobility in the northern kingdom of Loch Talam since he was 7 years old. Javan is what we call a ‘Straight A's’ student. Due to the dying wish his mother made, He's made sure he is the best at everything. He never made time to have fun and instead strived for perfection, He never even went home for holidays. Javan eventually graduated with top Honors. The day of his graduation, He is attacked and left for dead by some assassins from his homeland. It is revealed that they were sent to get rid of him so his illegitimate cousin Rashim (who Javan never knew existed and somewhat resembles the Prince) will take his place as the Crown Prince and no one will know better as Javan hasn't been seen in years. Javan luckily survives from the clutches of death and escapes with the intent of stopping the imposter from taking his throne. But as he unfortunately finds out, the betrayal and treachery runs deep. Instead of being liberated, he is branded a traitor and sent to be executed. But for the kindness of a guard whose conscience will not leave him be, he would have been murdered. He is instead sent to the Maqbara, the vicious prison of Akram where the worst of the worst are sent. Javan is thought dead by those who want him gone.
In Maqbara, Javan meets Sajda. She's beautiful and deadly and has been enslaved by the warden of Maqbara since she was a child. Javan has a hard time in the prison as he quickly makes enemy with a thuggish leader of a gang after saving an old man (who is a dear friend to Sajda) from them. Javan learns that a tournament is held twice a year in Maqbara, whoever emerges the champion gets an audience with the king and asks for a boon as long as it is within the parameters of the law. The Tournament won't be easy as it involves many rounds of battling deadly monsters and emerging victorious. But Javan is desperate for any way to get to his father and reveal the treachery (by showing his father something only both of them knows about). What makes the whole situation more precarious is that the King is being slowly poisoned by his enemies unknown to Javan, their plan is for Rahim to ascend to the throne after the death of the king. Javan has to win the tournament for the sake of the future of Akram, He realises that there is no way for him to do it without Sajda's help. He enlists her help by offering her what she wants most, freedom.
Sajda hasn't had an easy life, being enslaved to the villainous Warden at 5 was hard enough, but to have her magic locked away and stifled is the worst. Her powers gave her strength enough to survive Maqbara and the evil prisoners. But what she has always longed for is freedom and knowing what it's like to truly live. Meeting Javan was an unexpected blessing in disguise, they don't have it easy at first. But as they got to know each other, they both begin to realise they are each what the other needs, in more ways than one.
There is so much action and I loved the way it was vividly portrayed, It was like the words came to life. That spellbinding ability is not something all authors have. I finished this book in less than 6 hours nonstop. The romance between Javan and Sajda is amazing, intense, hot, deep, meaningful and it was borne from the rawest of emotions. C.J. Redwine is so good at tugging at my heartstrings and making me fall head over hills for her characters.
Javan is honorable, resilient, loyal and loving, Sajda is badass, guarded but an angel underneath, brilliant, powerful, amazing, and just about every good quality I love in a heroine. The ending of The Traitor Prince was really quite satisfying, There's this understanding that things had to happen the way they did for everything to be alright. I loved the way the brilliant storylines were wrapped up, I can't wait for the next tale in the Ravenspire series.
The Traitor Prince has it all, drama, action, adventure, romance, betrayal, suspense, magic, top notch writing, MONSTERS!! and a resplendent and symbolic breathtaking cover.
I happily recommend it to fantasy fans, It will resonate well with lovers of the series.
P.S: Those glimpses of characters from the previous books are so cherished, It was really nice to at least get those tidbits. (Ari was freaking adorable).
P.P.S:The monsters in this book are terrifying, those who love stuff like that will have a field day. I loved the descriptions and the scenes were so well put together I was too entranced to even be scared.
P.P.P.S: Last one, I have to say this one last time. You will ship Sajda and Javan so hard because they're cool like that.
The Traitor Prince is all I was expecting and more. C.J. Redwine is an author who I have been super impressed with ever since The Shadow Queen and she just keeps getting better and better. The Traitor Prince continues this amazing series with the story of Javan, a very interesting and compelling character. He is the Crown Prince of Akram, a kingdom he has been away from for a very long time. Javan has been at the prestigious Milisatria Academy for the Comportment and Education of the Nobility in the northern kingdom of Loch Talam since he was 7 years old. Javan is what we call a ‘Straight A's’ student. Due to the dying wish his mother made, He's made sure he is the best at everything. He never made time to have fun and instead strived for perfection, He never even went home for holidays. Javan eventually graduated with top Honors. The day of his graduation, He is attacked and left for dead by some assassins from his homeland. It is revealed that they were sent to get rid of him so his illegitimate cousin Rashim (who Javan never knew existed and somewhat resembles the Prince) will take his place as the Crown Prince and no one will know better as Javan hasn't been seen in years. Javan luckily survives from the clutches of death and escapes with the intent of stopping the imposter from taking his throne. But as he unfortunately finds out, the betrayal and treachery runs deep. Instead of being liberated, he is branded a traitor and sent to be executed. But for the kindness of a guard whose conscience will not leave him be, he would have been murdered. He is instead sent to the Maqbara, the vicious prison of Akram where the worst of the worst are sent. Javan is thought dead by those who want him gone.
In Maqbara, Javan meets Sajda. She's beautiful and deadly and has been enslaved by the warden of Maqbara since she was a child. Javan has a hard time in the prison as he quickly makes enemy with a thuggish leader of a gang after saving an old man (who is a dear friend to Sajda) from them. Javan learns that a tournament is held twice a year in Maqbara, whoever emerges the champion gets an audience with the king and asks for a boon as long as it is within the parameters of the law. The Tournament won't be easy as it involves many rounds of battling deadly monsters and emerging victorious. But Javan is desperate for any way to get to his father and reveal the treachery (by showing his father something only both of them knows about). What makes the whole situation more precarious is that the King is being slowly poisoned by his enemies unknown to Javan, their plan is for Rahim to ascend to the throne after the death of the king. Javan has to win the tournament for the sake of the future of Akram, He realises that there is no way for him to do it without Sajda's help. He enlists her help by offering her what she wants most, freedom.
Sajda hasn't had an easy life, being enslaved to the villainous Warden at 5 was hard enough, but to have her magic locked away and stifled is the worst. Her powers gave her strength enough to survive Maqbara and the evil prisoners. But what she has always longed for is freedom and knowing what it's like to truly live. Meeting Javan was an unexpected blessing in disguise, they don't have it easy at first. But as they got to know each other, they both begin to realise they are each what the other needs, in more ways than one.
There is so much action and I loved the way it was vividly portrayed, It was like the words came to life. That spellbinding ability is not something all authors have. I finished this book in less than 6 hours nonstop. The romance between Javan and Sajda is amazing, intense, hot, deep, meaningful and it was borne from the rawest of emotions. C.J. Redwine is so good at tugging at my heartstrings and making me fall head over hills for her characters.
Javan is honorable, resilient, loyal and loving, Sajda is badass, guarded but an angel underneath, brilliant, powerful, amazing, and just about every good quality I love in a heroine. The ending of The Traitor Prince was really quite satisfying, There's this understanding that things had to happen the way they did for everything to be alright. I loved the way the brilliant storylines were wrapped up, I can't wait for the next tale in the Ravenspire series.
The Traitor Prince has it all, drama, action, adventure, romance, betrayal, suspense, magic, top notch writing, MONSTERS!! and a resplendent and symbolic breathtaking cover.
I happily recommend it to fantasy fans, It will resonate well with lovers of the series.
P.S: Those glimpses of characters from the previous books are so cherished, It was really nice to at least get those tidbits. (Ari was freaking adorable).
P.P.S:The monsters in this book are terrifying, those who love stuff like that will have a field day. I loved the descriptions and the scenes were so well put together I was too entranced to even be scared.
P.P.P.S: Last one, I have to say this one last time. You will ship Sajda and Javan so hard because they're cool like that.
July 11, 2018
3.5 stars
not perfect but strangely unputdownable
not perfect but strangely unputdownable
August 5, 2022
Overall Rating : B
I would have given it more but there was so much lore with little detail that it was super confusing to follow at some points. perhaps if I had read the first 2 it would've made more sense.
Also i feel like the antagonists story should have been better told. I got snippets of the rise to power with major plots happening so quick I had to do a double take to make sure they actually happened.
I did however really enjoy the alternating viewpoints into the story and how they connect into each other. And Javan and Rahim were the ultimate players in this, they really made the book. Sajda was an ehh for me, I just couldn't get into her.
I'll try the first 2 and see if they change my mind for this rating. I'm kinda hoping it does.
I would have given it more but there was so much lore with little detail that it was super confusing to follow at some points. perhaps if I had read the first 2 it would've made more sense.
Also i feel like the antagonists story should have been better told. I got snippets of the rise to power with major plots happening so quick I had to do a double take to make sure they actually happened.
I did however really enjoy the alternating viewpoints into the story and how they connect into each other. And Javan and Rahim were the ultimate players in this, they really made the book. Sajda was an ehh for me, I just couldn't get into her.
I'll try the first 2 and see if they change my mind for this rating. I'm kinda hoping it does.
February 16, 2018
I really, really enjoyed this one. C.J.'s books are always compulsively readable and fun and action packed and creative - I don't know where she dreamed up some of the things in this book. I loved the slow burn romance and related to Sandja a LOT. The villain and his motives and reasoning were fairly well fleshed out, but I think I still wanted a little more from him. The Wish Granter still is my favorite in the series, but this is second in my heart.
May 17, 2019
Not my favorite of the series so far, but still so so good. I adore the world of Ravenspire, and the wonderful, complicated characters in it. I've always liked the "prince and the pauper" fairy tale, so it's always fun to find a retelling for it. Javan was <3, and I loved Sadja who's all hard edges, but has a heart of gold underneath despite everything. I didn't want this one to end because I wanted more of them together!!
June 22, 2018
Spoiler-free thoughts: This author has a real problem with their characters catastrophizing. To the point where it's distracting to anyone who notices it. I had noticed it in the Wish Granter book especially and, starting this book off with a whopping FIVE in quick succession, I decided to keep a tally. By the end of the book, I had tallied FIFTEEN separate instances (conservatively!) of characters catastrophizing in almost the exact same way. The pattern goes like this: Character is in a perilous situation > Character says what the worst thing is that could happen "he was going to die" or "she was going to be discovered" > Character continues with this, laying out all the myriad things that would happen were this to be the case "he was going to die here and never be found, his mother was going to grow old and die without knowing where her son went" > The perilous situation is resolved/the foreboding footsteps end up being an ally instead, etc.
It's absolutely maddening because not only is it a cheap way to try and build an emotional response from the reader, it's used so often that it becomes almost a guarantee that a situation will work out favorably! As soon as I hear a character say that something terrible is going to happen to them, I know for certain that they will be fine.
More than that, the usual problem with these books seems magnified here. The jargon is off the charts in this one. All vaguely/slightly anti-arabic racist. Our characters pray to gods with so similar names, I'm STILL not sure I misheard them! And on and on and on. Why does the prison need to have a special name? Why is that name not the current king's name? Or a polymer of existing words that make it sound nasty? Why is it jargon in a book full of jargon?
Furthermore, the callbacks are tiring. I can understand the desire to see little nods to previous characters, because the one interesting feature of this series is that this is a world where all these fairy tales are true/happen at once. The problems are: 1. we're three books deep at this point so the callbacks are beginning to stack up 2. the characters are just there to drop their names and move on, providing no insight into their lives since the events of their book, 3. the references suggest that ALL these crises are occurring at the same time, which is frankly terrifying as well as hard to believe. This book has it the worst with references. It mentions Lorelei early in the book, and then mentions rumors of Fey magic alluding to the second book. Then the protagonist directly interacts with Ari from the previous book (which also happens to avoid describing her in any way so that you would know that she is the ONLY character who is not toned/athletic)!
And then, minorest of minor issues, I got real peeved about a weird turn of phrase at the end of the book. It was made all the worse because, just a few sentences later, the author uses it *again*. The phrase being "tears gathered at the back of her throat." Now, I haven't studied anatomy in a few years, but I think if your tears are gathering in the back of your throat then your tear ducts aren't working properly. And there are so many other great ways to convey that without going for this weird, anatomically-incorrect phrase I at least have never heard of! A "voice thick with emotion" is a common one. But to use it twice in such quick succession just threw me out of the book.
It's absolutely maddening because not only is it a cheap way to try and build an emotional response from the reader, it's used so often that it becomes almost a guarantee that a situation will work out favorably! As soon as I hear a character say that something terrible is going to happen to them, I know for certain that they will be fine.
More than that, the usual problem with these books seems magnified here. The jargon is off the charts in this one. All vaguely/slightly anti-arabic racist. Our characters pray to gods with so similar names, I'm STILL not sure I misheard them! And on and on and on. Why does the prison need to have a special name? Why is that name not the current king's name? Or a polymer of existing words that make it sound nasty? Why is it jargon in a book full of jargon?
Furthermore, the callbacks are tiring. I can understand the desire to see little nods to previous characters, because the one interesting feature of this series is that this is a world where all these fairy tales are true/happen at once. The problems are: 1. we're three books deep at this point so the callbacks are beginning to stack up 2. the characters are just there to drop their names and move on, providing no insight into their lives since the events of their book, 3. the references suggest that ALL these crises are occurring at the same time, which is frankly terrifying as well as hard to believe. This book has it the worst with references. It mentions Lorelei early in the book, and then mentions rumors of Fey magic alluding to the second book. Then the protagonist directly interacts with Ari from the previous book (which also happens to avoid describing her in any way so that you would know that she is the ONLY character who is not toned/athletic)!
And then, minorest of minor issues, I got real peeved about a weird turn of phrase at the end of the book. It was made all the worse because, just a few sentences later, the author uses it *again*. The phrase being "tears gathered at the back of her throat." Now, I haven't studied anatomy in a few years, but I think if your tears are gathering in the back of your throat then your tear ducts aren't working properly. And there are so many other great ways to convey that without going for this weird, anatomically-incorrect phrase I at least have never heard of! A "voice thick with emotion" is a common one. But to use it twice in such quick succession just threw me out of the book.
August 9, 2023
I wasn’t super invested for a good chunk of this, but it developed really well. The relationship between Javan and Sajda felt really genuine and special. I thought the ending was great.
December 5, 2022
"I'm not the kind of girl people keep," she whispered.
"I'm not the kind of boy who leaves."
Oh my...this book. THIS BOOK. *screaming incoherently* This book stole my heart, twisted it, pulled on it, broke it and put it back together again. I LOVED this book. The writing really clicked for me and all the characters have become people I would protect with my life. They are all a little broken, a little hurt and beautifully written.
POVS
Sajda: Wow. This girl is awesome. She kicks butt, stands up for what she believes in, and protects those she loves. Even though she acts cold and intimidating, she's really just a girl afraid to get hurt again. I'm so glad Javan reaches out to her.
"This was how a free woman stood. Not braced for attack. Not scurrying to do someone's bidding. This was how she took on the world and left her mark."
Javan: Dang...everyone should have a man like Javan in their life. He is the perfect prince with a deep sense of justice and honor. He is so loyal, protective, quick-witted, and raw. He's a little broken, he cries, but through it all he's honest. On top of that he is devoted to Yl'Haliq (which means Creator in Arabic and is God). Ps. I also love his relationship with Sajda, it's sooo cute!!
"The gentle touch of Yl'Haliq resting on Javan's battered heart [...] He was right where he was supposed to be. He was meant to hurt the way his people hurt. To see the truth of Akram from their eyes."
Rahim: I don't like this guy (he's the bad guy, which really is not a spoiler since you find out in the first chapter), but I do pity him. He is the result of years of bitterness, rejection and pain. And, as a result, becomes power-hungry and greedy.
"Rahim leaned down and whispered, 'Why don't you just die?'
'You first.'
He bared his teeth. 'Akram is mine now. The crown is mine. Your father is mine. You have nothing left to fight for.'
'There's always something to fight for,' [Javan replied]."
**
OVERVIEW
"Javan Najafai, crown prince of Akram, has spent the last ten years at an elite boarding school, far away from his kingdom. But his eagerly awaited return home is cut short when a mysterious imposter takes his place—and no one believes Javan is the true prince.
After barely escaping the imposter’s assassins, Javan is thrown into Maqbara, the kingdom’s most dangerous prison. The only way to gain an audience with the king — and reveal Javan’s identity — is to fight in Maqbara’s yearly tournament. But winning is much harder than acing competitions at school, and soon Javan finds himself beset not just by the terrifying creatures in the arena, but also a band of prisoners allied against him, and even the warden herself.
The only person who can help him is Sajda, who has been enslaved by Maqbara’s warden since she was a child, and whose guarded demeanor and powerful right hook keep the prisoners in check. Working with Sajda might be the only way Javan can escape alive — but she has dangerous secrets.
Together, Javan and Sajda have to outwit the vicious warden, outfight the deadly creatures, and outlast the murderous prisoners intent on killing Javan. If they fail, they’ll be trapped in Maqbara for good—and the secret Sajda’s been hiding will bury them both."
POSITIVE ELEMENTS
Javan is a great role model. Truths about God are littered throughout this story if only you look for them.
SPIRITUAL ELEMENTS
Javan is strongly devoted to Yl'Haliq. Mentions of other "lesser gods".
VIOLENCE
Quite a bit of this... Javan fights/kills monsters in an arena. Several mentions of past deaths. Kill threats are made. The king is poisoned. Descriptions of death, blood and pain. Javan has to cut off a man's fingers before he loses his life (semi-detailed). Mentions of wanting to kill someone. Sajda has magic that makes her do inhuman things (run, fight, etc really fast). In one scene, Sajda's magic takes over her and she breaks someone's mind with their nightmares/fear. Javan is nearly assassinated multiple times.
SEXUAL CONTENT
Clean. Feeling, touching/embracing (not inappropriate). Several kisses (semi-detailed). Mentions of needed another person. Dancing. Basically, a bunch of really cute moments and nothing inappropriate.
LANGUAGE
Bastard is used in the literal sense. Mention of giving someone 'hell'.
DRUGS/ALCOHOL
Mentions of going to a tavern. Wine is drunk. As before, nothing inappropriate happens.
OTHER NOTES
Although this is technically the 3rd in the series, you don't need to read them in order. I read this one and could understand it perfectly despite the fact that I haven't read any of the other ones.
**
"No wonder she was afraid of the one thing she desperately wanted. She knew how to survive in the darkness, but was terrified she'd be lost in the light."
~Happu Reading~
"I'm not the kind of boy who leaves."
Oh my...this book. THIS BOOK. *screaming incoherently* This book stole my heart, twisted it, pulled on it, broke it and put it back together again. I LOVED this book. The writing really clicked for me and all the characters have become people I would protect with my life. They are all a little broken, a little hurt and beautifully written.
POVS
Sajda: Wow. This girl is awesome. She kicks butt, stands up for what she believes in, and protects those she loves. Even though she acts cold and intimidating, she's really just a girl afraid to get hurt again. I'm so glad Javan reaches out to her.
"This was how a free woman stood. Not braced for attack. Not scurrying to do someone's bidding. This was how she took on the world and left her mark."
Javan: Dang...everyone should have a man like Javan in their life. He is the perfect prince with a deep sense of justice and honor. He is so loyal, protective, quick-witted, and raw. He's a little broken, he cries, but through it all he's honest. On top of that he is devoted to Yl'Haliq (which means Creator in Arabic and is God). Ps. I also love his relationship with Sajda, it's sooo cute!!
"The gentle touch of Yl'Haliq resting on Javan's battered heart [...] He was right where he was supposed to be. He was meant to hurt the way his people hurt. To see the truth of Akram from their eyes."
Rahim: I don't like this guy (he's the bad guy, which really is not a spoiler since you find out in the first chapter), but I do pity him. He is the result of years of bitterness, rejection and pain. And, as a result, becomes power-hungry and greedy.
"Rahim leaned down and whispered, 'Why don't you just die?'
'You first.'
He bared his teeth. 'Akram is mine now. The crown is mine. Your father is mine. You have nothing left to fight for.'
'There's always something to fight for,' [Javan replied]."
**
OVERVIEW
"Javan Najafai, crown prince of Akram, has spent the last ten years at an elite boarding school, far away from his kingdom. But his eagerly awaited return home is cut short when a mysterious imposter takes his place—and no one believes Javan is the true prince.
After barely escaping the imposter’s assassins, Javan is thrown into Maqbara, the kingdom’s most dangerous prison. The only way to gain an audience with the king — and reveal Javan’s identity — is to fight in Maqbara’s yearly tournament. But winning is much harder than acing competitions at school, and soon Javan finds himself beset not just by the terrifying creatures in the arena, but also a band of prisoners allied against him, and even the warden herself.
The only person who can help him is Sajda, who has been enslaved by Maqbara’s warden since she was a child, and whose guarded demeanor and powerful right hook keep the prisoners in check. Working with Sajda might be the only way Javan can escape alive — but she has dangerous secrets.
Together, Javan and Sajda have to outwit the vicious warden, outfight the deadly creatures, and outlast the murderous prisoners intent on killing Javan. If they fail, they’ll be trapped in Maqbara for good—and the secret Sajda’s been hiding will bury them both."
POSITIVE ELEMENTS
Javan is a great role model. Truths about God are littered throughout this story if only you look for them.
SPIRITUAL ELEMENTS
Javan is strongly devoted to Yl'Haliq. Mentions of other "lesser gods".
VIOLENCE
Quite a bit of this... Javan fights/kills monsters in an arena. Several mentions of past deaths. Kill threats are made. The king is poisoned. Descriptions of death, blood and pain. Javan has to cut off a man's fingers before he loses his life (semi-detailed). Mentions of wanting to kill someone. Sajda has magic that makes her do inhuman things (run, fight, etc really fast). In one scene, Sajda's magic takes over her and she breaks someone's mind with their nightmares/fear. Javan is nearly assassinated multiple times.
SEXUAL CONTENT
Clean. Feeling, touching/embracing (not inappropriate). Several kisses (semi-detailed). Mentions of needed another person. Dancing. Basically, a bunch of really cute moments and nothing inappropriate.
LANGUAGE
Bastard is used in the literal sense. Mention of giving someone 'hell'.
DRUGS/ALCOHOL
Mentions of going to a tavern. Wine is drunk. As before, nothing inappropriate happens.
OTHER NOTES
Although this is technically the 3rd in the series, you don't need to read them in order. I read this one and could understand it perfectly despite the fact that I haven't read any of the other ones.
**
"No wonder she was afraid of the one thing she desperately wanted. She knew how to survive in the darkness, but was terrified she'd be lost in the light."
~Happu Reading~
August 15, 2018
This book was action start to finish! I loved it and Javan was my cinnamon roll he was really too precious. When i found out what this chick was i was like whatttttt thats crazy and cool! I was definitely shocked at some parts it was like a bunch of twists that kept me surprised. There was also no lack of sweet moments which made me so happy!! I love that in a book especially when theres mythical creatures and magic. I just have so much respect for Javan like even when everything was shit he never let go of his faith. I was very sad though when he finally got the chance to see his father but that stupid asshole killed him..): i was like nooo my heart! Also the old man that had me crying he didnt deserve it but at least he was given a proper send off. Pretty much all that went aganist the prince got what they deserved. I was so proud of Javan when he saw she wasnt happy in the palace because she wanted to explore the world and even though he loved her and he was gnna let her go *sniffles* damn it im tearing lol. When she came back though i was like yassss *happy tears* he was so happy too when she showed him that she loved him too and couldnt explore the world without him there with her...it was just so beautiful! *sniffles* Definitely recommend this!! Also excited for the next one about Kellan!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2020
Another fantastic addition to the Ravenspire world! Crown Prince Javan is wrongfully thrown into Maqbara, a dangerous prison, while an imposter takes his place in the palace. And the only person who can help Javan get out is Sajda, a girl enslaved to the prison warden.
As usual with this series, the relationship was one of my FAVORITE parts of the story. I loved Javan and his honorable, academic ways... Sajda's guarded front and fragile dreams... and the way these two slowly begin to trust and understand each other.
The whole setup of Maqbara was epic too. Gritty setting, corrupt power figures, and underdog heroes--check. And a well-written tournament is one of my favorite plot devices! Throw in high stakes, monsters, dragon shapeshifters, satisfying challenges, and changing loyalties, and I'm bound to enjoy it.
For some reason I missed the memo about which fairytale this was based on, so the eastern setting led me to believe it might be a gender-swapped Aladdin. Turns out it's actually based on an Arabian tale called "The False Prince" (which I have yet to read), but regardless of the origins, the story is strong enough to stand on its own two feet!
So far, The Wish Granter remains my favorite Ravenspire book, but this was also a five-star read for me!
As usual with this series, the relationship was one of my FAVORITE parts of the story. I loved Javan and his honorable, academic ways... Sajda's guarded front and fragile dreams... and the way these two slowly begin to trust and understand each other.
The whole setup of Maqbara was epic too. Gritty setting, corrupt power figures, and underdog heroes--check. And a well-written tournament is one of my favorite plot devices! Throw in high stakes, monsters, dragon shapeshifters, satisfying challenges, and changing loyalties, and I'm bound to enjoy it.
For some reason I missed the memo about which fairytale this was based on, so the eastern setting led me to believe it might be a gender-swapped Aladdin. Turns out it's actually based on an Arabian tale called "The False Prince" (which I have yet to read), but regardless of the origins, the story is strong enough to stand on its own two feet!
So far, The Wish Granter remains my favorite Ravenspire book, but this was also a five-star read for me!
April 22, 2019
It took a bit to get used to the different narrator on this book. I'm usually of the opinion that a series should keep a consistent narrator. But after I got used to the narrator, I did like it (even if it bothered me that some of the names from the other books were pronounced differently).
This book is really good and surprisingly intense considering the main character spends the bulk of the book in prison. That doesn't always work, but it works in this book.
Sadja is my favorite character she's so cool. And I love Javan's sense of honor that he manages to retain through the whole book.
This book is really good and surprisingly intense considering the main character spends the bulk of the book in prison. That doesn't always work, but it works in this book.
Sadja is my favorite character she's so cool. And I love Javan's sense of honor that he manages to retain through the whole book.
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