What do you think?
Rate this book
Portals to Whyland #2
Kissing Magic
Kiss him. Don't fall in love.
Break a spell with a kiss. Karina has heard and seen enough weird stuff for this request to sound legit.
At 16, Karina has a shot at adventure—and an odd first kiss—when she's called to Whyland, a kingdom in another dimension, to save a guy she barely knows. Why her? No clue, but she's happy to help, and kissing Sian isn't torture, even if he isn't to be trusted. Karina's smart enough not to fall in love—or at least to tell herself not to.
Once in Whyland, she realizes that risking a broken heart is the smallest of her problems. Karina will need to stand between and ancient darkness and the kingdom. But what hope does she have against mysterious powers when she can't even control her own heart?
If you like fantasy and adventure with romance and a hint of humor, start reading Kissing magic now!This novel is recommended for readers 13 and older. This is book 2 in Portals to Whyland but you can jump straight into it without having read book 1.
438 pages, ebook
Published February 22, 2019
164 people are currently reading
888 people want to read
About the author
Day Leitao
20 books1,991 followers🪄 Magic, 💜 heart, 🗡️ action, and 😆 fun!
Follow the Kickstarter for special editions of A Cursed Son, A Traitor Sister, and A Devious Brother at kickstarter.com/projects/dayleitao/remnants-of-the-fallen-kingdom
You can also follow my socials at dayleitao.carrd.co/
Don't miss any release, giveaway, or news! Sign up for my mailing list at dayleitao.com/sign-up/
Day Leitao believes in the power of stories, the power of characters, and she writes books with heroes (of both genders) finding their own magic and opening their hearts. Of course, there's also the banter and all the shenanigans that happen when personalities collide. 😂
Originally from Brazil 🇧🇷, she lives in Montreal, Canada.
Follow the Kickstarter for special editions of A Cursed Son, A Traitor Sister, and A Devious Brother at kickstarter.com/projects/dayleitao/remnants-of-the-fallen-kingdom
You can also follow my socials at dayleitao.carrd.co/
Don't miss any release, giveaway, or news! Sign up for my mailing list at dayleitao.com/sign-up/
Day Leitao believes in the power of stories, the power of characters, and she writes books with heroes (of both genders) finding their own magic and opening their hearts. Of course, there's also the banter and all the shenanigans that happen when personalities collide. 😂
Originally from Brazil 🇧🇷, she lives in Montreal, Canada.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Read
June 28, 2022This was a fun book to write, even if it was challenging at times.
I wanted to make it accessible for new readers in the series, and I think it can be a good starting point for new readers.
One funny thing is that I find this title a bit cheesy, though. The reason I kept the title is that Kissing Magic conveys both the inciting incident of the novel and a secondary theme about coming in contact with magic. In this sense, kissing means touching, coming in contact with, because there are characters in this story just only learning about their magic powers even if they aren't sure what their magic is or how to use it. I think it relates to us, in many ways, and how we all have to discover our own "magic", however you interpret the equivalent of it to be.
The second thing I touch is the idea of fear of falling in love, opening up, and ending up with a broken heart. Is it possible to avoid being heartbroken? Is it worth it?
The characters have grown, and there is a change in tone from the previous novel. I decided to leave it like that because I think it's always better to go where the characters take you. I can't write more because everything is spoilery.
I wanted to make it accessible for new readers in the series, and I think it can be a good starting point for new readers.
One funny thing is that I find this title a bit cheesy, though. The reason I kept the title is that Kissing Magic conveys both the inciting incident of the novel and a secondary theme about coming in contact with magic. In this sense, kissing means touching, coming in contact with, because there are characters in this story just only learning about their magic powers even if they aren't sure what their magic is or how to use it. I think it relates to us, in many ways, and how we all have to discover our own "magic", however you interpret the equivalent of it to be.
The second thing I touch is the idea of fear of falling in love, opening up, and ending up with a broken heart. Is it possible to avoid being heartbroken? Is it worth it?
The characters have grown, and there is a change in tone from the previous novel. I decided to leave it like that because I think it's always better to go where the characters take you. I can't write more because everything is spoilery.
February 13, 2019
An enchanting tale and quest that put trust, love, and friendship into a test, Kissing Magic by Day Leitao will take readers to once again cross the enigmatic world of Whyland.
The tale picks up after one year and a half after Karina left Whyland. Now, Karina was back to her mundane world where her only problems were passing her exams and dating boys. However, she could not help herself but think about the adventures she had back when she was in Whyland. That's why when Cayla and Darian, who were bearing a very odd favour about helping Sian, appeared in her bedroom one day, she did not hesitate to come with them. Sian was turned into a stone, and Karina could break his curse by kissing him. However, this was not the only danger that threatened the whole Kingdom. When ancient magic was looming around the Kingdom, Karina needed to choose between what her heart desired and the safety of the kingdom she learned to love.
Full Review Link: https://levicorpvsblog.wordpress.com/...
The tale picks up after one year and a half after Karina left Whyland. Now, Karina was back to her mundane world where her only problems were passing her exams and dating boys. However, she could not help herself but think about the adventures she had back when she was in Whyland. That's why when Cayla and Darian, who were bearing a very odd favour about helping Sian, appeared in her bedroom one day, she did not hesitate to come with them. Sian was turned into a stone, and Karina could break his curse by kissing him. However, this was not the only danger that threatened the whole Kingdom. When ancient magic was looming around the Kingdom, Karina needed to choose between what her heart desired and the safety of the kingdom she learned to love.
Full Review Link: https://levicorpvsblog.wordpress.com/...
February 26, 2021
Although I liked the first book in this series, I was disappointed with the second book. I know it is YA but the first one was for younger children. There's more to come but I won't read it.
February 10, 2019
Wow this is amazing!!!!
I'm still trying to understand what had happened....
Don't read if you don't want to read spoilers!!!
Cayla and Darian as always my babes and loved ones... That fight had my heart broken and that posion. I think you want my end Day XD
Sian, what? what just happened? Oh no... this isn't so good
Karina, hey what is she doing, I'm afraid what she will do to get back to Sian. She is so ... I don't know....
I can't wait what will happen next. I hope next book comes faster than this one...
I'm still trying to understand what had happened....
Don't read if you don't want to read spoilers!!!
Cayla and Darian as always my babes and loved ones... That fight had my heart broken and that posion. I think you want my end Day XD
Sian, what? what just happened? Oh no... this isn't so good
Karina, hey what is she doing, I'm afraid what she will do to get back to Sian. She is so ... I don't know....
I can't wait what will happen next. I hope next book comes faster than this one...
August 4, 2019
My review is based on the audiobook. This is the first book I have read in this series and I feel that I was able to understand everything not having read book 1 - That being said, it was a decent enough story that I am intrigued enough to go back and read book 1 now. I enjoyed the easy pacing and descriptive writing. The narrator did a good job bringing the story and characters to life. I look forward to more from this author
August 14, 2019
First and foremost, I truly enjoyed listening to this book. Winona Owen did an amazing job narrating Kissing Magic. She did a great job portraying the emotions of the characters. I definitely felt their highs and lows. It was also very easy to distinguish which character was which from the tone of voice she used. I can’t remember ever getting bored or distracted, aside from my kids wanting food. I will definitely listen to more books narrated by Winona.
I have been obsessed with audiobooks since about 2014 when I didn’t have enough time to sit down to read and preferred still being able to read on the go. Believe me neither of us want to count the number of books I’ve listened to. Lately I am in love with all things paranormal and fantasy-based romance. Kissing Magic was exactly the next book I needed as I’ve run a bit dry on magical books to read.
Now about the book! I fell in love with Karina and Sian from the beginning. Throughout the story the struggle was real to decide who I loved the most. Without going into detail, just when you think you understand everything the plot thickens. Karina has a few different personalities depending on what is going on with her, like many females. It did drive me a little nuts when I just wanted her to use her brain a bit more. She has an innocence about her and that’s probably the part that got to me, but at times she did display strength and growth.
Sian on the other hand keeps you guessing all the way to the end. Believe me definitely never a dull moment with him. He is a jerk at times and yet one of the most devoted guys as well. Unfortunately, at times that devotion gets him into trouble. He is definitely a character that will keep you on your toes. Much like with Karina, I wish he used that brain he has a bit more. I wanted to jump into the book and knock some sense into both of them.
Overall, the supporting characters were portrayed perfectly as well. There is a lot of back story that is discovered with Kayla as well. Not exactly my favorite part. I think she is the most stubborn person in this book. Thankfully Darian is the perfect match to balance her. The story will certainly keep you engaged and experience this crazy adventure with each character.
I would definitely recommend this audiobook to anyone that loves books involving magic and fantasy. The production of the book was great and Winona definitely did the narration justice. Day Leitao did a great job with the story. I’m not happy I have to wait for another book. I totally hate cliff hangers and this one was a whopper of a cliff hanger. I am glad I had the chance to experience the adventure I experienced while listening this book.
I have been obsessed with audiobooks since about 2014 when I didn’t have enough time to sit down to read and preferred still being able to read on the go. Believe me neither of us want to count the number of books I’ve listened to. Lately I am in love with all things paranormal and fantasy-based romance. Kissing Magic was exactly the next book I needed as I’ve run a bit dry on magical books to read.
Now about the book! I fell in love with Karina and Sian from the beginning. Throughout the story the struggle was real to decide who I loved the most. Without going into detail, just when you think you understand everything the plot thickens. Karina has a few different personalities depending on what is going on with her, like many females. It did drive me a little nuts when I just wanted her to use her brain a bit more. She has an innocence about her and that’s probably the part that got to me, but at times she did display strength and growth.
Sian on the other hand keeps you guessing all the way to the end. Believe me definitely never a dull moment with him. He is a jerk at times and yet one of the most devoted guys as well. Unfortunately, at times that devotion gets him into trouble. He is definitely a character that will keep you on your toes. Much like with Karina, I wish he used that brain he has a bit more. I wanted to jump into the book and knock some sense into both of them.
Overall, the supporting characters were portrayed perfectly as well. There is a lot of back story that is discovered with Kayla as well. Not exactly my favorite part. I think she is the most stubborn person in this book. Thankfully Darian is the perfect match to balance her. The story will certainly keep you engaged and experience this crazy adventure with each character.
I would definitely recommend this audiobook to anyone that loves books involving magic and fantasy. The production of the book was great and Winona definitely did the narration justice. Day Leitao did a great job with the story. I’m not happy I have to wait for another book. I totally hate cliff hangers and this one was a whopper of a cliff hanger. I am glad I had the chance to experience the adventure I experienced while listening this book.
February 1, 2019
*disclaimer I did not read the first book*
4.5 Stars. I received this ARC ebook from the author as a willing reader test if this could be a stand alone novel more then a sequel. For the most part I was never lost on information from the previous novel(which I will be reading soon )
Brilliantly written, creative details and some plot twists I hadn’t expected.
The story overall was fast paced very little lulls in the story line where I got bored. I kept wanting to read the next chapter to find out how the story continued . I will certainly be recommending this to my friends.
4.5 Stars. I received this ARC ebook from the author as a willing reader test if this could be a stand alone novel more then a sequel. For the most part I was never lost on information from the previous novel(which I will be reading soon )
Brilliantly written, creative details and some plot twists I hadn’t expected.
The story overall was fast paced very little lulls in the story line where I got bored. I kept wanting to read the next chapter to find out how the story continued . I will certainly be recommending this to my friends.
February 4, 2019
Amazingly written. Unexpected plot that you never expect. This keeps you intrigued. Helping someone by a kiss is definitely magic. Don’t miss out once it’s released.
August 31, 2022
Kissing Magic (Portals to Whyland #2) by Day Leitao. In this book Karina goes back to Whyland to break a spell put on Sian. After rescuing him(minor spoiler) Sian offers to keep her safe from creatures that are now hunting her for an unknown reason. If she wants to find answers she'll have to trust him. She'll also have to return to the castle and face dangerous magic. In regards to trusting him her mind says one thing, her heart is saying another. Which should she trust? I enjoyed reading and recommend. I am looking forward to reading book 3. This book is available on Amazon.
August 14, 2022
Fantastic
This is a great story. Amazing adventure. I had such a good time reading it. Very well written. Love the characters.
This is a great story. Amazing adventure. I had such a good time reading it. Very well written. Love the characters.
March 27, 2020
Karina is the only female that Sian had shown any interest in, at least that was known of. Sian wasn't the best person to get along with, even with his brother. Karina doesn't really know Sian so when she is asked to come kiss him to break him out of his spell she is hesitant. To kiss a statue and break a spell, it would be meaningless right? She wants to go to the other dimension (called Whyland) and this was as good of an excuse as any.
This book was quite interesting to read/listen to. The author does a good job with descriptions and dialogue. Each character gets described nicely but not much of a backstory to them.
This book was said to be able to read as a standalone, so I checked this out first and while a lot of things are good the way they are, I would say to definitely get the first book and get a feel for each of the characters.
Definitely for a younger audience but still enjoyable for all ages.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving am honest review
This book was quite interesting to read/listen to. The author does a good job with descriptions and dialogue. Each character gets described nicely but not much of a backstory to them.
This book was said to be able to read as a standalone, so I checked this out first and while a lot of things are good the way they are, I would say to definitely get the first book and get a feel for each of the characters.
Definitely for a younger audience but still enjoyable for all ages.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving am honest review
August 2, 2020
This book picks up a year and a half or so after the the first book. Karina is now 16. Karina is living a mundane life, the days pass her by and she finds herself missing Whyland. Lucky for Karina, her friends from another world come and take her away on another adventure to save Sia. We also get too see some of our favorites, Darian and Cayla.
The plot at times can be a bit convoluted. It goes back and forth with two different plots. It overwhelms the story for me. But for the most part I enjoyed Sia the most. His character is interesting. He has this bad boy complex. Like it’s easy to see how he truly is but yet he is able to manipulate other people around him. There is certainly deceit, romance, angst, and betrayal in this book.
I listened to the audiobook, it was narrated by Winona Owen. I very much enjoyed her narrating the story. She was able to use different tones to portray the characters and it was easy to differentiate between them.
The plot at times can be a bit convoluted. It goes back and forth with two different plots. It overwhelms the story for me. But for the most part I enjoyed Sia the most. His character is interesting. He has this bad boy complex. Like it’s easy to see how he truly is but yet he is able to manipulate other people around him. There is certainly deceit, romance, angst, and betrayal in this book.
I listened to the audiobook, it was narrated by Winona Owen. I very much enjoyed her narrating the story. She was able to use different tones to portray the characters and it was easy to differentiate between them.
July 26, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.
This book wasn't really part of the review but I read it anyway. I really enjoyed it!
I love how Karina falls for Sian. Even though he is a smart mouth with a good heart. Although, people don't think that. He does make some bad decisions. In the end, he comes through and saves her.
Karina is my favorite character because she is kind, true, and loyal with flaws. Darian is a good character because he sticks up for his half-brother Sian.He is also the most calm and level headed in the group. Cayla is an annoyance. I know she is trying to be good, but it isn't coming off like that.
This was a good book, because of the fairy tale like aspect of its title Kissing Magic which happens when Karina kisses Sian. The story unfolds from there and gets very interesting.
This book wasn't really part of the review but I read it anyway. I really enjoyed it!
I love how Karina falls for Sian. Even though he is a smart mouth with a good heart. Although, people don't think that. He does make some bad decisions. In the end, he comes through and saves her.
Karina is my favorite character because she is kind, true, and loyal with flaws. Darian is a good character because he sticks up for his half-brother Sian.He is also the most calm and level headed in the group. Cayla is an annoyance. I know she is trying to be good, but it isn't coming off like that.
This was a good book, because of the fairy tale like aspect of its title Kissing Magic which happens when Karina kisses Sian. The story unfolds from there and gets very interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2019
I enjoyed this but I got a bit bored in the middle as I felt it lost its way a bit. I like the characters but thought some of the plot was a bit convoluted, I absolutely loved Sian which is why the gets 3 not 2, I liked Karina at the start but she began to annoy me. The pacing was a bit all over the place. I did enjoy it and think it could be better with some work on pacing.
August 18, 2020
I liked this audiobook, it was engaging and entertaining. All fairy tales have a kiss in them somewhere along with magic. I am most definitely not the target audience for this book but I will recommend it to my granddaughters when they get older. It is a fun listen with lots of plot twists and turns, it kind of makes up for the slow part in the middle.
June 24, 2024
I loved this series, and this book. I hope you do another to follow it with lumina in better conditions, both Sian and Karina further along with their abilities and training. I'd like to see where they lead to with their relationship. actually married. Darian and Cayla too!
October 24, 2021
A story full of magic, deceipt, understanding & love. Sian did not make things easy for Karina. She didn't know what to do. Love him or not. He was handsome & doesn't like but also able to receive. A great story, well written and great characters. The narrator also did a great job.
March 5, 2019
Interesting premise. Fun to read
May 24, 2021
Seeing Karina and Sian in a different light after everything that happened in book 1 was surprising.
December 3, 2021
This was beautiful. All the characters were amazing, and the narrator was fabulous. Sad ending though...
March 3, 2019
Portal fantasy & YA romance. There's a bunch of awkward YA first romance moments. A lot of eyeroll worthy miscommunication errors to enhance the plot and romantic conflict. Aside from that, which is sadly not unexpected for YA, I enjoyed the book.
There's an interesting magical world that mixes magic with technology almost on par with our own. The MC has a lot of magical power, but barely any idea of how to use it. Mostly. I liked the characters. They were complex and interesting and well fleshed out.
I liked that lover boy was a power hungry evil guy. It was a good change from the usual handsome hero cliche. And even though the MC acted like a sweet damsel at times, it was done in a realistic way. Yeah, sometimes she's a little weak and needs help from friends. But she'll get back up and blow up her problems right after.
I didn't read the first book. As with any sequel, I felt that I was missing some background story at times, but for the must part, everything was clearly explained. It can definitely be read as a standalone.
All said, it was an enjoyable book. Lots of YA romance. I recommend it for YA fans.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
There's an interesting magical world that mixes magic with technology almost on par with our own. The MC has a lot of magical power, but barely any idea of how to use it. Mostly. I liked the characters. They were complex and interesting and well fleshed out.
I liked that lover boy was a power hungry evil guy. It was a good change from the usual handsome hero cliche. And even though the MC acted like a sweet damsel at times, it was done in a realistic way. Yeah, sometimes she's a little weak and needs help from friends. But she'll get back up and blow up her problems right after.
I didn't read the first book. As with any sequel, I felt that I was missing some background story at times, but for the must part, everything was clearly explained. It can definitely be read as a standalone.
All said, it was an enjoyable book. Lots of YA romance. I recommend it for YA fans.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2019
Once again we are hurtling across the world of Whyland. This time will a request for a kiss to save a friend Sian who been turned to stone. This second book is more action packed, compelling, and the plot of is so multi layered that your left guessing at every twist and turn. The world building for this second book is more solid then in book one and we learn a lot more about the magic system. This book is appropriate for the teenage crowd though as the title suggests their a lot of kissing in the book. So boys are probably not gonna be as interested in the story line. Sian plays his character perfectly he cold, emotionless and you really hope that Karina is able to melt him into being a better character. Each character learns their own lessons as they develop in this story like all teens experience is the best teacher. Kissing magic really shows you what love can do and maybe just maybe a kiss can melt even the coldest hearts.
January 3, 2020
To be fair, I got a free audio copy and had no idea it was a second book in a series. I was informed it was a standalone. Perhaps I may have liked it better had I known more about the story.
That being said I found myself very confused. I tried following the story but kept thinking there was clearly a lot of unwritten history between the characters. Based on the information from this book, the relationships didn't make sense to me. The world was incomprehensible and I just wasn't into anything this book was trying to give me.
*I received a free audio copy and have voluntarily left this review.
That being said I found myself very confused. I tried following the story but kept thinking there was clearly a lot of unwritten history between the characters. Based on the information from this book, the relationships didn't make sense to me. The world was incomprehensible and I just wasn't into anything this book was trying to give me.
*I received a free audio copy and have voluntarily left this review.
February 27, 2019
Kissing Magic by Day Leitao is a wonderful start to a brand new series I started read and fell in love with . This is book number one in this wonderful series I loved reading it cause it has magic in it and I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about magic you will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2019
Another good one
I like Day Leitao's stories and this is another good one. Everyone knows kisses are magic, right? This is a really fun take on the mythos of magical kisses!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I like Day Leitao's stories and this is another good one. Everyone knows kisses are magic, right? This is a really fun take on the mythos of magical kisses!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2019
I would loved to have read this book as the description and cover looked and sounded so wonderful. But alas, this book was archived before I got a chance to read it. Hopefully my local library will but the book or I can buy it on a different site because I am very interested in reading it.
July 5, 2019
It was a good book
I loved the way the book was written and how the characters were described. I liked how they got everything right at the end and found out they both loved each other.
I loved the way the book was written and how the characters were described. I liked how they got everything right at the end and found out they both loved each other.
June 28, 2019
Interesting story.
Interesting story and surprising plot twists. The romance was overly cheesy but considering they’re all roughly 16–it makes sense. The audio annoyed me however. The narrator paused at awkward moments that ruined the sentences. She also pronounced characters names, both side and main characters, differently throughout the story which burned my soul.
Interesting story and surprising plot twists. The romance was overly cheesy but considering they’re all roughly 16–it makes sense. The audio annoyed me however. The narrator paused at awkward moments that ruined the sentences. She also pronounced characters names, both side and main characters, differently throughout the story which burned my soul.
March 5, 2019
I love this book. It has adventure, fantasy and magic and even some romance. The characters are well written and my favorite being Karina. The author did a great job on the story. Im definetly addicted to the Portals to Whyland series. If you love fantasy, magic, romance and adventure then you will absolutly love this book and I highly recommend reading!! (I received this as an ARC copy and am leaving a voluntary honest review)
July 13, 2019
•audiobook•
2.25 Stars because - I don’t think I’m the target audience and others found it entertaining....
Winona Owen was a stunning voice actress. There were a few patches where I could tell who was speaking by a possible mix up with tones, but she clearly kept me engaged to listen to the end!
I liked this alternate world. I liked how the bones were, well, it formed the skeleton. But it lacked heart and meat. Let me explain. But before I do, let me start by saying when I was growing up, books didn’t have main characters who were angsty or deceptive or liars. Men didn’t act like women were fragile or needed ultra protection.
These teenagers - or young adults, as some were over 18 - have it in their heads - oh, let me see how many ways I can deceive, lie, trick, manipulate, and back stab the woman I want to be with and still try to convince her I want her when she figures it out. Even when she sees the truth, she’s obsessing over their kisses. I had sons. But I’d be madder than a two year old going to bed while everyone has ice cream if I had a daughter who had no self esteem, confidence, or a bit of common sense to be so naive!
Our main character, Karina (16 yo), sleeps in the same bed with him for consecutive nights and nothing happens. Really? I’m not stupid and I know more teenagers are sexually active now than when I was growing up, but REALLY? I hope our younger readers aren’t reading this. The blurb indicates it’s for 13+. Is this acceptable? My children are 21 and up but I didn’t allow their girlfriends to stay the night. Oh, yeah. No parental figures. She’s in the other world.
Her friend, newly appointed Queen during her mom’s absence, and her betrothed, King. What frigging world names an unwedded, non blood relation, as a throne figure? Idk. I didn’t watch or read The Game of Thrones. Did it happen there?
And yeah. They start to have problems too. These characters turned into flat out wimpy whiny crybabies who throw away relationships.
Although ‘it’s a book’, I found it appalling to exploit these types of relationships. No wonder the youth plays games. A book should be entertaining, informative, or an escape. I just wanted to escape the book. But Winona Owen provided a wonderful presentation and I was able to get through it quickly enough. Although it hurt worst than pulling off a too-small band aid with the adhensive still attached to the healing skin.
The book was 80% about Does he love me? Is he using me? Blah blah blah. Whereas the description indicated it has a ‘dash of romance’, I disagree. It’s abundantly about these characters’ romance and little else. They are driven by their emotions, or lack of, or denial of.
Since when did books in a trilogy or series have an epilogue? Ummm. Just end the book and continue with the next quest?
**spoiler** I’m completely mystified about Lila’s trip to the other Kingdom. In the “epilogue”, she ‘admits’ in her vision, she saw she died if she stayed. But the Kingdom she went to, was under the “manufactured untruth” spewed by Liam, that she was preventing a war. So - she wouldn’t have gone under the same circumstances in the vision? Under what other circumstance would Sian or his brother be crowned king, had she remained there, as in her vision?
**end spoiler**
So not only did the juvenile, non relationships make little sense, but the failure in tying up the loose ends blew drastic holes in the plot and storyline.
I really, really, really wished I enjoyed it half as much as others. The beginning of the book was sooo promising!
I would recommend if you decide to pick this up, try the first book. Maybe if I had, I would ‘get’ something that I missed with the characters.
2.25 Stars because - I don’t think I’m the target audience and others found it entertaining....
Winona Owen was a stunning voice actress. There were a few patches where I could tell who was speaking by a possible mix up with tones, but she clearly kept me engaged to listen to the end!
I liked this alternate world. I liked how the bones were, well, it formed the skeleton. But it lacked heart and meat. Let me explain. But before I do, let me start by saying when I was growing up, books didn’t have main characters who were angsty or deceptive or liars. Men didn’t act like women were fragile or needed ultra protection.
These teenagers - or young adults, as some were over 18 - have it in their heads - oh, let me see how many ways I can deceive, lie, trick, manipulate, and back stab the woman I want to be with and still try to convince her I want her when she figures it out. Even when she sees the truth, she’s obsessing over their kisses. I had sons. But I’d be madder than a two year old going to bed while everyone has ice cream if I had a daughter who had no self esteem, confidence, or a bit of common sense to be so naive!
Our main character, Karina (16 yo), sleeps in the same bed with him for consecutive nights and nothing happens. Really? I’m not stupid and I know more teenagers are sexually active now than when I was growing up, but REALLY? I hope our younger readers aren’t reading this. The blurb indicates it’s for 13+. Is this acceptable? My children are 21 and up but I didn’t allow their girlfriends to stay the night. Oh, yeah. No parental figures. She’s in the other world.
Her friend, newly appointed Queen during her mom’s absence, and her betrothed, King. What frigging world names an unwedded, non blood relation, as a throne figure? Idk. I didn’t watch or read The Game of Thrones. Did it happen there?
And yeah. They start to have problems too. These characters turned into flat out wimpy whiny crybabies who throw away relationships.
Although ‘it’s a book’, I found it appalling to exploit these types of relationships. No wonder the youth plays games. A book should be entertaining, informative, or an escape. I just wanted to escape the book. But Winona Owen provided a wonderful presentation and I was able to get through it quickly enough. Although it hurt worst than pulling off a too-small band aid with the adhensive still attached to the healing skin.
The book was 80% about Does he love me? Is he using me? Blah blah blah. Whereas the description indicated it has a ‘dash of romance’, I disagree. It’s abundantly about these characters’ romance and little else. They are driven by their emotions, or lack of, or denial of.
Since when did books in a trilogy or series have an epilogue? Ummm. Just end the book and continue with the next quest?
**spoiler** I’m completely mystified about Lila’s trip to the other Kingdom. In the “epilogue”, she ‘admits’ in her vision, she saw she died if she stayed. But the Kingdom she went to, was under the “manufactured untruth” spewed by Liam, that she was preventing a war. So - she wouldn’t have gone under the same circumstances in the vision? Under what other circumstance would Sian or his brother be crowned king, had she remained there, as in her vision?
**end spoiler**
So not only did the juvenile, non relationships make little sense, but the failure in tying up the loose ends blew drastic holes in the plot and storyline.
I really, really, really wished I enjoyed it half as much as others. The beginning of the book was sooo promising!
I would recommend if you decide to pick this up, try the first book. Maybe if I had, I would ‘get’ something that I missed with the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews