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Black Diamond #1
Oath: A Black Diamond Novel
"Only through death may I leave the Black Diamond's side..."
Tired of scraping for food in her war-torn homeland, Colette sneaks aboard a ship to Ranigh, the prosperous Empire capital, to seek her fortune. When she's caught stealing, she is forced to pledge an Oath to a life of assassinhood.
When she's bid to kill someone she cares for, what will Colette choose?
Obedience or love?
Tired of scraping for food in her war-torn homeland, Colette sneaks aboard a ship to Ranigh, the prosperous Empire capital, to seek her fortune. When she's caught stealing, she is forced to pledge an Oath to a life of assassinhood.
When she's bid to kill someone she cares for, what will Colette choose?
Obedience or love?
- GenresFantasy
346 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2020
63 people want to read
About the author
Poppy Kuroki
9 books200 followersPoppy was born in Scotland and has been living in Japan since 2014. GATE TO KAGOSHIMA (BOOK 1), a sweeping historical fantasy set in samurai-era Japan, releases in summer 2024.
Poppy loves video games, cooking, history, and reading books of any genre. She lives in a beautiful town near the sea with her husband and son.
Poppy loves video games, cooking, history, and reading books of any genre. She lives in a beautiful town near the sea with her husband and son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 15, 2020
I got this book for free, from a fantasy book group I am a member of on Facebook. So in return for a honest review on here and amazon. The author was giving away copies so I volunteered to read it.
So here goes, for the first 30%, I was not convinced it was going to be anything special, as standing out to be good as a great read.
Well after 31%, the author really ups the story crafting as we find out what’s going to happen to the main character, world building is on a small but effective scale, very done with enough information to keeps us readers interested. What comes to the fore is the character building which is fantastically so well written.
So a very well written strong female main character who is believable all the way through to the end especially on the emotional side and on the physical level as well.
I believe this Is a grimdark Book, with its tone and style and if the author continues in this sub genre she give both male And female authors some stiff competition for best in grimdark titles.
A good 4.5Stars read highly recommended to all my good read friends who read fantasy.
So here goes, for the first 30%, I was not convinced it was going to be anything special, as standing out to be good as a great read.
Well after 31%, the author really ups the story crafting as we find out what’s going to happen to the main character, world building is on a small but effective scale, very done with enough information to keeps us readers interested. What comes to the fore is the character building which is fantastically so well written.
So a very well written strong female main character who is believable all the way through to the end especially on the emotional side and on the physical level as well.
I believe this Is a grimdark Book, with its tone and style and if the author continues in this sub genre she give both male And female authors some stiff competition for best in grimdark titles.
A good 4.5Stars read highly recommended to all my good read friends who read fantasy.
October 19, 2020
I was given oath to read as an ARC copy.
This book was amazing. It was full of twist and turns that kept me wanting more. Following Colette on her journey was like taking a roller coaster in the dark, just when you think your going one way the story takes a sharp corner another way. The effect was that I kept thirsting for more, invested in Colette’s world. I found myself trying to guess where she would go next but I was pleasantly surprised each time ( sometimes unpleasantly but you will understand when you read it). Overall the world that she built was detailed and the characters left a lasting impact. I would 100% recommend this book for my friends to read.
This book was amazing. It was full of twist and turns that kept me wanting more. Following Colette on her journey was like taking a roller coaster in the dark, just when you think your going one way the story takes a sharp corner another way. The effect was that I kept thirsting for more, invested in Colette’s world. I found myself trying to guess where she would go next but I was pleasantly surprised each time ( sometimes unpleasantly but you will understand when you read it). Overall the world that she built was detailed and the characters left a lasting impact. I would 100% recommend this book for my friends to read.
October 20, 2020
I’ve always been fond of stories that involve someone starting out in dire circumstances and, through wits or skill or even fate, finding where they’re meant to be. It’s not quite a rags-to-riches tale, but more of a rising from the ashes sort of thing. And when that story also defies my expectations and makes me love the characters, no matter what choices they make, then I’m all in. Thus was Poppy Kuroki’s Oath, a wonderful low fantasy novel which explores choices and consequences and hope for the future.
1. Thoughts on the plot
This book follows Collette, a young woman who has been on the streets almost her whole life. She decides that she is done starving and freezing and sneaks her way out of her Queendom and into the neighbouring Empire, a place where there is at least there is the chance of making a better life for herself. Once there, she falls into the company of some assassins in service to a dark goddess and nothing is ever the same again.
The plot begins rather as one would expect: our main character starts the process to pull herself up and meets a group of people who may very well be her new friends and purpose. After that point, though? Everything I expected about this novel changed. The twists of this piece were absolutely wonderful, using logical people interaction and character development to move the story in a direction that was both unexpected and made perfect sense. And the ending? Oh, the ending! It was perfect for the story and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
2. Thoughts on the characters
As a main character, Collette is a wonderful one to follow. She is reserved, but as a product of her early life. She doesn’t trust easily and yet she so desperately wants to trust. She is one to adapt to what life throws at her rather than fight it. As we get to see her grow throughout the novel, I found it was the little things that made her a character worth reading. The way she eats her food, the way she talks to people, where she goes to think. All of these traits and more are well thought out and put together in a character I really liked.
Most importantly, though, when we see Collette in action, her thoughts and reactions and actions all make sense. There’s nothing that seems wildly out of character. She acts as you would expect a person to act under similar circumstances. All of these things make her pop right off the page.
3. Favourite part
As much as I liked the plot and the characters, my favourite part is the description of the foods. Oh my! I really enjoy reading descriptions of food because they help to both illuminate how the character sees things, and also they depict the world in a way that is specific to a sense people often overlook: taste. Also, I just really like food.
4. Critique
If I have one critique about this novel, it is that there are certain points near the 75% mark that start bringing up questions of, “Oh, but that doesn’t work unless you take x, y, or z into account.” This is more a matter of such things like, a character would freeze if exposed to certain temperatures for a certain amount of time, or fire doesn’t spread that way (just examples, not actually in the book). However, almost as soon as I started thinking such a thing, the novel addressed each issue in such a way that made perfect sense and progressed the story. So…my critique is moot. :)
Overall, I really like Oath. I like seeing the benefits and consequences of people’s choices thought out in a well woven, well told story. The characters were likeable (except one, but that’s on purpose) and the story was interesting. I would say that this was a very good story indeed!
1. Thoughts on the plot
This book follows Collette, a young woman who has been on the streets almost her whole life. She decides that she is done starving and freezing and sneaks her way out of her Queendom and into the neighbouring Empire, a place where there is at least there is the chance of making a better life for herself. Once there, she falls into the company of some assassins in service to a dark goddess and nothing is ever the same again.
The plot begins rather as one would expect: our main character starts the process to pull herself up and meets a group of people who may very well be her new friends and purpose. After that point, though? Everything I expected about this novel changed. The twists of this piece were absolutely wonderful, using logical people interaction and character development to move the story in a direction that was both unexpected and made perfect sense. And the ending? Oh, the ending! It was perfect for the story and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
2. Thoughts on the characters
As a main character, Collette is a wonderful one to follow. She is reserved, but as a product of her early life. She doesn’t trust easily and yet she so desperately wants to trust. She is one to adapt to what life throws at her rather than fight it. As we get to see her grow throughout the novel, I found it was the little things that made her a character worth reading. The way she eats her food, the way she talks to people, where she goes to think. All of these traits and more are well thought out and put together in a character I really liked.
Most importantly, though, when we see Collette in action, her thoughts and reactions and actions all make sense. There’s nothing that seems wildly out of character. She acts as you would expect a person to act under similar circumstances. All of these things make her pop right off the page.
3. Favourite part
As much as I liked the plot and the characters, my favourite part is the description of the foods. Oh my! I really enjoy reading descriptions of food because they help to both illuminate how the character sees things, and also they depict the world in a way that is specific to a sense people often overlook: taste. Also, I just really like food.
4. Critique
If I have one critique about this novel, it is that there are certain points near the 75% mark that start bringing up questions of, “Oh, but that doesn’t work unless you take x, y, or z into account.” This is more a matter of such things like, a character would freeze if exposed to certain temperatures for a certain amount of time, or fire doesn’t spread that way (just examples, not actually in the book). However, almost as soon as I started thinking such a thing, the novel addressed each issue in such a way that made perfect sense and progressed the story. So…my critique is moot. :)
Overall, I really like Oath. I like seeing the benefits and consequences of people’s choices thought out in a well woven, well told story. The characters were likeable (except one, but that’s on purpose) and the story was interesting. I would say that this was a very good story indeed!
September 26, 2020
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of Oath by Poppy Kuroki.
Oath is a tightly plotted shocker of a novel that will string you along every step of the way. Beginning with snippets from Colette's past, we are quickly sucked into her world living destitute and homeless on the streets. Colette is a character who undergoes so many changes throughout the course of the book, some large and some small, but remains true to her character the whole time. I was engrossed in her story and her worldview from the beginning.
This is a highly sophisticated and well developed world setting.
Not only was Colette a well rounded, believable character, but the people around her were as well. No character was one dimensional. There was a diverse cast of players, people of color, and casual LGBTQ+ representation, as well as the subversion of patriarchal fantasy stereotypes. I loved that this world was ruled by women, and I loved the opportunity that I got to explore it's many facets through the eyes of some very interesting and relatable sub characters.
Every time I got too comfortable, or thought I knew what to expect from Colette, or from the people around her, I was thrown into another emotional roller coaster. Each carefully executed plot twist brought me further and further into the story until I was so invested that I couldn't get up from my seat. I had to keep reading.
I'm a sucker for a good plot twist, and this book is full of them. I laughed out loud, cried, and screamed in my seat. Pay attention to the little details-- This was the kind of book that when I was done, I went back and read the beginning over again with a fresh lens.
Trust that if you're not sure where the author is going with something-- it will be revealed in time, and you will not be disappointed. I was in awe at how much I enjoyed this book.
It was emotional, raw, and so very different and fresh from other book I've read in this genre. It kept me on my toes, and I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves dark fantasy-- but don't expect it to fill up days worth of reading, because you'll be too captivated to put it down.
Oath is a tightly plotted shocker of a novel that will string you along every step of the way. Beginning with snippets from Colette's past, we are quickly sucked into her world living destitute and homeless on the streets. Colette is a character who undergoes so many changes throughout the course of the book, some large and some small, but remains true to her character the whole time. I was engrossed in her story and her worldview from the beginning.
This is a highly sophisticated and well developed world setting.
Not only was Colette a well rounded, believable character, but the people around her were as well. No character was one dimensional. There was a diverse cast of players, people of color, and casual LGBTQ+ representation, as well as the subversion of patriarchal fantasy stereotypes. I loved that this world was ruled by women, and I loved the opportunity that I got to explore it's many facets through the eyes of some very interesting and relatable sub characters.
Every time I got too comfortable, or thought I knew what to expect from Colette, or from the people around her, I was thrown into another emotional roller coaster. Each carefully executed plot twist brought me further and further into the story until I was so invested that I couldn't get up from my seat. I had to keep reading.
I'm a sucker for a good plot twist, and this book is full of them. I laughed out loud, cried, and screamed in my seat. Pay attention to the little details-- This was the kind of book that when I was done, I went back and read the beginning over again with a fresh lens.
Trust that if you're not sure where the author is going with something-- it will be revealed in time, and you will not be disappointed. I was in awe at how much I enjoyed this book.
It was emotional, raw, and so very different and fresh from other book I've read in this genre. It kept me on my toes, and I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves dark fantasy-- but don't expect it to fill up days worth of reading, because you'll be too captivated to put it down.
January 1, 2021
Oath: A Black diamond novel by Poppy Kuroki is a dark fantasy-themed story. The plot is revolving around the strong female protagonist, Colette. This is her journey for survival and a better life. The whole story is narrated in a very unique manner. Whenever Colette's journey hit a dead end, the plot is twisted and she unwillingly lands on entirely different circumstances. Her helplessness in these situations was heartbreaking. Hope is the only thing that gives her the strength to overcome these situations. She undergoes many transformations throughout the story. They all are for survival. But she remains true to her character. The climax underlines her character and it was satisfying from a reader's point of view.
Strong female characters are one of the unique features of Ms Kuroki's book. Another recurring theme I found was the sisterhood. The depth of human relationships is tested in her novels. She delves into the deepest human emotions and mold her characters with a touch of charisma. These characters are relatable and realistic. The portrayal of hunger was raw and convincing. No matter how the world progress, greed, and war remain so is poverty.
These strong themes are projected with clarity in the story. The female protagonist in the world ruled by females is a strong perspective. People bend rules for their advantages. Surviving in this world is difficult. But one must overcome every difficulty to realize our true character and destiny.
Strong female characters are one of the unique features of Ms Kuroki's book. Another recurring theme I found was the sisterhood. The depth of human relationships is tested in her novels. She delves into the deepest human emotions and mold her characters with a touch of charisma. These characters are relatable and realistic. The portrayal of hunger was raw and convincing. No matter how the world progress, greed, and war remain so is poverty.
These strong themes are projected with clarity in the story. The female protagonist in the world ruled by females is a strong perspective. People bend rules for their advantages. Surviving in this world is difficult. But one must overcome every difficulty to realize our true character and destiny.
September 29, 2020
Colette, growing up on the streets, wants something different. She needs to getaway. Travel the world. Find a better life.
She finds that with a group of assassins. Colette has found a home. A place. A skill to develop. But she's not universally loved. Jealousy simmers, and her new life may not be as peaceful as she hoped.
Oath is a phenomenal book. I had trouble putting it down when I read it. Colette is an endearing character that you can't help rooting for. From her time on the streets to her journey to find a new life to her yearning to have a family and home.
Kuroki does a masterful job of telling Colette's story. This is a must-read fantasy novel!
She finds that with a group of assassins. Colette has found a home. A place. A skill to develop. But she's not universally loved. Jealousy simmers, and her new life may not be as peaceful as she hoped.
Oath is a phenomenal book. I had trouble putting it down when I read it. Colette is an endearing character that you can't help rooting for. From her time on the streets to her journey to find a new life to her yearning to have a family and home.
Kuroki does a masterful job of telling Colette's story. This is a must-read fantasy novel!
September 29, 2020
I’ve read things by this writer before and this is the best stuff yet! ❤️
November 10, 2020
This is the second book that I read by Poppy Kuroki and I have to admit that she truly knows how to write and captivate a reader. OATH A BLACK DIAMOND NOVEL is perfect for all fantasy lovers and it all starts with an amazing cover. Poppy’s writing style is complex and will leave you astonished with the darkness of some moments and how faith on the other hand can be so wonderful. The human being won’t take chances when it comes to survival.
Our main character, Colette, has gone through a lot. By some mysterious ways she is gifted, it is kind off mandatory, the perfect job opportunity: she will become an assassin. Once more we are remembered that it is important to not trust blindly. We should always be aware of what is happening, special when we are as deadly.
Who said that fiction couldn’t open our eyes and make us truly think? During the whole book we feel empathy towards Collette and most of the times I just wanted to help her to become free. We are also able to see a great progression and development of this character and I must admit that we have to be focused on the little details otherwise there are several things that will escape.
Another thing that I enjoyed is how there is a variety of social representations, which is not common on nowadays books and I am always happy to read a book which I can identify with. Don’t expect this book to be a simple fantasy book, because you will find so many different topics: fame, love, poverty and exploitation. You can expect a roller coaster of emotions.
Our main character, Colette, has gone through a lot. By some mysterious ways she is gifted, it is kind off mandatory, the perfect job opportunity: she will become an assassin. Once more we are remembered that it is important to not trust blindly. We should always be aware of what is happening, special when we are as deadly.
Who said that fiction couldn’t open our eyes and make us truly think? During the whole book we feel empathy towards Collette and most of the times I just wanted to help her to become free. We are also able to see a great progression and development of this character and I must admit that we have to be focused on the little details otherwise there are several things that will escape.
Another thing that I enjoyed is how there is a variety of social representations, which is not common on nowadays books and I am always happy to read a book which I can identify with. Don’t expect this book to be a simple fantasy book, because you will find so many different topics: fame, love, poverty and exploitation. You can expect a roller coaster of emotions.
October 4, 2020
This is a character driven story. Our protagonist Colette is the focus and focal point of the narrative, and as such we should, as readers, be highly invested in her. Poppy accomplishes this to a degree, but not nearly as much as I would like. Despite being a character driven narrative, it still often feels like Colette is merely being swept along by events she has little to no control of, partially because the character lacks agency and drive. It is not until the end of the book that Colette finally puts her shoulder to the wheel and begins acting as she sees fit.
Besides that, I am admittedly, not enthralled by Poppy's writing style. It is a style adequate to convey the story, but lacking the hard hitting and gripping tension that a story like this needs to truly land. And that is a shame because if the story received a better telling, it would be a gripping, and harrowing tale. Because the story is at its core so good, I couldnt rate the book poorly, but it only gets three stars because execution could use a lot of work.
At the end of the day, I would give a sequel a chance, in the hopes the writing improves, and the characters and world are given the more fleshed out, in depth treatment they are due.
If you want a video review of this or other books, you can look me up: Zack Pieper on youtube
Besides that, I am admittedly, not enthralled by Poppy's writing style. It is a style adequate to convey the story, but lacking the hard hitting and gripping tension that a story like this needs to truly land. And that is a shame because if the story received a better telling, it would be a gripping, and harrowing tale. Because the story is at its core so good, I couldnt rate the book poorly, but it only gets three stars because execution could use a lot of work.
At the end of the day, I would give a sequel a chance, in the hopes the writing improves, and the characters and world are given the more fleshed out, in depth treatment they are due.
If you want a video review of this or other books, you can look me up: Zack Pieper on youtube
October 28, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest feedback. Here it is!
On the overall, it is an enjoyable, promising story.
What I liked most:
The cover (love it!)
The idea of the book: in a fantasy world, a homeless girl travels to an Empire capital city to find a better life, and she joins an assassins' guild. Lovely, I can hear my mind spinning with possibilities.
The beginning is strong: a homeless starving girl is determined to survive and goes into the big world
The story develops slowly into action, and there are some turning points in the book.
Things I didn't like which made me give it only 3 stars:
The fantasy world is poorly developed - what I love about fiction and fantasy especially is the world-building: the rules and laws that govern that world, differences between classes, etc.
The main character (Collette) personality changes only a little throughout the book. This is another aspect that I like to follow in books, how the hero/main character is changing through the experiences.
Some of the turning points were predictable to me (I could not give specific examples here as I do not want to offer spoilers, but I could guess it long before it happened).
The ending - also predictable and too soft for the strong beginning.
I encourage the author to be more daring with her stories. It's said to see good ideas disappoint.
On the overall, it is an enjoyable, promising story.
What I liked most:
The cover (love it!)
The idea of the book: in a fantasy world, a homeless girl travels to an Empire capital city to find a better life, and she joins an assassins' guild. Lovely, I can hear my mind spinning with possibilities.
The beginning is strong: a homeless starving girl is determined to survive and goes into the big world
The story develops slowly into action, and there are some turning points in the book.
Things I didn't like which made me give it only 3 stars:
The fantasy world is poorly developed - what I love about fiction and fantasy especially is the world-building: the rules and laws that govern that world, differences between classes, etc.
The main character (Collette) personality changes only a little throughout the book. This is another aspect that I like to follow in books, how the hero/main character is changing through the experiences.
Some of the turning points were predictable to me (I could not give specific examples here as I do not want to offer spoilers, but I could guess it long before it happened).
The ending - also predictable and too soft for the strong beginning.
I encourage the author to be more daring with her stories. It's said to see good ideas disappoint.
November 12, 2020
At the start of this book I was unsure if Colette was a believable character. I wasn’t sure she would have made some of the decisions she did at the beginning of the story. She seemed a bit wishy, washy, making rash decisions, and then seeming to change her mind.
I was surprised by many of her decisions as she adapted to her circumstances and she became an amazing, strong, heroic female character. She continued to show strength in every challenge that was thrown at her while still battling with the guilt of her decisions.
I can’t really say (after finishing it) that there was anything I didn’t like about this book. If I had to pick something, I wish her, Poppy Kuroki, world building had been stronger. However, I liked that I was able to “see” the world as I imagined without all the flowery words many authors choose. I was so surprised and engrossed with Colette’s journey that the slow start and first impression of her was all but forgotten as I neared the last half of the book.
My favorite thing about this book was Colette’s determination to do good while still honoring her oath. I loved that she continued and didn’t give up regardless of what was thrown at her.
My Recommendation: If you like dark fantasy with a badass female character, you will love this book.
I was surprised by many of her decisions as she adapted to her circumstances and she became an amazing, strong, heroic female character. She continued to show strength in every challenge that was thrown at her while still battling with the guilt of her decisions.
I can’t really say (after finishing it) that there was anything I didn’t like about this book. If I had to pick something, I wish her, Poppy Kuroki, world building had been stronger. However, I liked that I was able to “see” the world as I imagined without all the flowery words many authors choose. I was so surprised and engrossed with Colette’s journey that the slow start and first impression of her was all but forgotten as I neared the last half of the book.
My favorite thing about this book was Colette’s determination to do good while still honoring her oath. I loved that she continued and didn’t give up regardless of what was thrown at her.
My Recommendation: If you like dark fantasy with a badass female character, you will love this book.
November 1, 2020
Thanks to the author for the ARC!
I found the book an easy read and had no problems picking the book back up after I had to put it down. The story goes along fairly quickly and well to the point where I was eager to read what happens next. There was good character development and as the reader, you definitely love and hate some of the characters.
I did have some problems with the story line. I found a majority of the events to be predictable. The author sets up scenes where I thought it was fairly obvious what would happen next and even the main plots to be fairly obvious. Also, there are a TON of instances where the main character lucks out and just so happens to be in the right place at the right time. The main character goes through some stuff that as a character, I don’t think she had developed yet enough to handle those situations. Just became very unbelievable. Even for a fantasy novel.
I did, however, like the book. The main character was a strong female, I thought it was a solid story and the ending left me feeling satisfied.
I found the book an easy read and had no problems picking the book back up after I had to put it down. The story goes along fairly quickly and well to the point where I was eager to read what happens next. There was good character development and as the reader, you definitely love and hate some of the characters.
I did have some problems with the story line. I found a majority of the events to be predictable. The author sets up scenes where I thought it was fairly obvious what would happen next and even the main plots to be fairly obvious. Also, there are a TON of instances where the main character lucks out and just so happens to be in the right place at the right time. The main character goes through some stuff that as a character, I don’t think she had developed yet enough to handle those situations. Just became very unbelievable. Even for a fantasy novel.
I did, however, like the book. The main character was a strong female, I thought it was a solid story and the ending left me feeling satisfied.
November 1, 2020
I really enjoyed Oath! I love the author’s writing style and I love the characters and world she created!
Colette has lived a hard life on the streets of Aidrona and one day she decides she’s had enough and sneaks onto a ship to escape to the neighbouring Empire to start a new life. But when she’s caught pickpocketing she is forced to make a choice - become an assassin or die. She finds friendship and purpose among the assassins guild even if she finds the job distasteful. But life isn’t finished throwing curveballs at her.
Colette is a great and believable main character and she is a survivor. I really liked her. There is also a great character to hate especially as the story progresses. Oath is very character driven which I like and it is very emotional and can be dark at times. One part in particular hit me really hard which is always the sign of a great story, but I don’t want to give any spoilers. I definitely recommend this book and I eagerly await any future work by this author!
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Colette has lived a hard life on the streets of Aidrona and one day she decides she’s had enough and sneaks onto a ship to escape to the neighbouring Empire to start a new life. But when she’s caught pickpocketing she is forced to make a choice - become an assassin or die. She finds friendship and purpose among the assassins guild even if she finds the job distasteful. But life isn’t finished throwing curveballs at her.
Colette is a great and believable main character and she is a survivor. I really liked her. There is also a great character to hate especially as the story progresses. Oath is very character driven which I like and it is very emotional and can be dark at times. One part in particular hit me really hard which is always the sign of a great story, but I don’t want to give any spoilers. I definitely recommend this book and I eagerly await any future work by this author!
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 14, 2020
Thanks to Ms.Poppy for giving me a chance to be part of ARC.
"Tired of scraping for food in her war-torn homeland, Colette sneaks aboard a ship to Ranigh, the prosperous Empire capital, to seek her fortune. When she's caught stealing, she is forced to pledge an oath to a life of assassinhood.
When she's bid to kill someone she cares for, what will Colette choose? Obedience or Love?"
This is a thrilling read and a fast paced story. The story telling of the main characters is relatable with our current situation (poverty, love and relationship with so called family/friends).
What I like the most is the character development, from a young age girl and how she turned into a woman with strong mind set and has a specific goal.
I just hope Ms. Poppy also focused on world development, the connection of queen of Ranigh and so on.
But overall, I give this story a 4 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Happy reading!!
"Tired of scraping for food in her war-torn homeland, Colette sneaks aboard a ship to Ranigh, the prosperous Empire capital, to seek her fortune. When she's caught stealing, she is forced to pledge an oath to a life of assassinhood.
When she's bid to kill someone she cares for, what will Colette choose? Obedience or Love?"
This is a thrilling read and a fast paced story. The story telling of the main characters is relatable with our current situation (poverty, love and relationship with so called family/friends).
What I like the most is the character development, from a young age girl and how she turned into a woman with strong mind set and has a specific goal.
I just hope Ms. Poppy also focused on world development, the connection of queen of Ranigh and so on.
But overall, I give this story a 4 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Happy reading!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2020
I got the opportunity to read an ARC of “Oath” by Poppy Kuroki in exchange for an honest review and the blurb looked promising. I was unfamiliar with the author, but she definitely is a talented one. Coming from a long line of feminists “avant la lettre”, I was pleased that the world she built was ruled by women.
To me an opening line is important and Poppy did not disappoint me. “Thunder rumbled like the bowels of a dragon as rain lashed the city streets.” This is a good example of the vivid narrative style of this novel. The world-building and character development are excellent, especially the protagonist, Colette, who undergoes lots of changes in the novel, is well-rounded and believable.
It is a character driven story with a well thought out and complex plot and subplot and some totally unexpected twists kept me on my toes. The end is not exactly what you expected, but that makes the book all the more enjoyable and believable. Plus, it makes you want to read a sequel.
To me an opening line is important and Poppy did not disappoint me. “Thunder rumbled like the bowels of a dragon as rain lashed the city streets.” This is a good example of the vivid narrative style of this novel. The world-building and character development are excellent, especially the protagonist, Colette, who undergoes lots of changes in the novel, is well-rounded and believable.
It is a character driven story with a well thought out and complex plot and subplot and some totally unexpected twists kept me on my toes. The end is not exactly what you expected, but that makes the book all the more enjoyable and believable. Plus, it makes you want to read a sequel.
September 27, 2020
Oath is a gripping dark fantasy filled with well developed, interesting characters and strong world building.
The story follows Colette as she is forced to join an underground society of assassins and her journey to adjust to her new lifestyle, with several intriguing twists and genuinely powerful gut punches along the way. Personally, I really enjoyed the parallel story of Colette’s budding friendship with a group of nuns along the way, as this was an interesting contrast between the worlds of darkness and light. The author has a talent to make you like (or dislike) characters quickly without relying on overused fantasy cliches.
Although this can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel, I’m looking forward to seeing how the world develops in the next installment of the series.
The story follows Colette as she is forced to join an underground society of assassins and her journey to adjust to her new lifestyle, with several intriguing twists and genuinely powerful gut punches along the way. Personally, I really enjoyed the parallel story of Colette’s budding friendship with a group of nuns along the way, as this was an interesting contrast between the worlds of darkness and light. The author has a talent to make you like (or dislike) characters quickly without relying on overused fantasy cliches.
Although this can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel, I’m looking forward to seeing how the world develops in the next installment of the series.
October 6, 2020
Taken from birth, growing up having no family. Colette grew up homeless, on the streets fighting for every morsel and her life.
By a chance of fate or luck she connived her way to the country of Ranigh, the promised land. Things don't go as planned and Colette is set up to be executed, but fate steps in and sets her life on a very unexpected path. Just as things seem to be going good...a traitor sets the stage for her life to be forfeit but things are not as they appear. Follow this tale from the mean streets and homelessness to the land of warmth and sunshine... to life filled with reward, death, prosperity, tragedy...to heartbreak. Follow along with Colette, Sally, The Guild of the Black Diamond, the lives, the loves and the ultimate truth. This is a must read.
By a chance of fate or luck she connived her way to the country of Ranigh, the promised land. Things don't go as planned and Colette is set up to be executed, but fate steps in and sets her life on a very unexpected path. Just as things seem to be going good...a traitor sets the stage for her life to be forfeit but things are not as they appear. Follow this tale from the mean streets and homelessness to the land of warmth and sunshine... to life filled with reward, death, prosperity, tragedy...to heartbreak. Follow along with Colette, Sally, The Guild of the Black Diamond, the lives, the loves and the ultimate truth. This is a must read.
October 1, 2020
I’ve been following Mrs. Kuroki’s blossoming writing career and was excited to receive an ARC of Oath. This is my favourite of hers so far.
Oath is a beautifully crafted story. Mrs. Kuroki breathed life into her world with a vivid narrative which drew me in from the opening sentence and kept me in her grip with well-paced action, gut-clenching tension. With a rich, well developed world, incredible characters, and captivating plot, she kept me invested in the story from beginning to end. The exciting subplot and character arc added a delicious depth to this story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more from Mrs. Kuroki.
Oath is a beautifully crafted story. Mrs. Kuroki breathed life into her world with a vivid narrative which drew me in from the opening sentence and kept me in her grip with well-paced action, gut-clenching tension. With a rich, well developed world, incredible characters, and captivating plot, she kept me invested in the story from beginning to end. The exciting subplot and character arc added a delicious depth to this story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more from Mrs. Kuroki.
November 2, 2020
The protagonist is put through the wringer in this dark and gritty tale of love, loss and betrayal.
I really enjoyed reading this well-crafted story. the characters are diverse, interesting and relatable (even the deplorable ones), the world is richly detailed and while it is a little light on the fantasy aspects it pulls no punches.
Oath is equally driven by the characters and a twisty plot that, satisfyingly, fulfils some of my predictions and yet manages to deliver surprises.
I look forward to reading more from this author
I really enjoyed reading this well-crafted story. the characters are diverse, interesting and relatable (even the deplorable ones), the world is richly detailed and while it is a little light on the fantasy aspects it pulls no punches.
Oath is equally driven by the characters and a twisty plot that, satisfyingly, fulfils some of my predictions and yet manages to deliver surprises.
I look forward to reading more from this author
October 9, 2020
This story contains dark themes, so if you are looking for light fluffy reading, this is not the book for you.
That said, I would highly recommend Oath. It's a story of struggle – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual struggle. The prose is beautifully written and the complex plot is perfectly executed. You will enjoy some surprises toward the end. I don't want to give away spoilers, but let's just say it's an enjoyable journey with a satisfying conclusion.
That said, I would highly recommend Oath. It's a story of struggle – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual struggle. The prose is beautifully written and the complex plot is perfectly executed. You will enjoy some surprises toward the end. I don't want to give away spoilers, but let's just say it's an enjoyable journey with a satisfying conclusion.
October 20, 2020
It’s not often that an author can catch me off guard and surprise me with plot elements, but Poppy Kuroki has certainly managed it. She does an excellent job creating a new world. Her character descriptions are such that you really feel you can see and hear (and sometimes smell) them. I actually started to cry at one point. Following Colette’s victories and defeats is spellbinding, indeed. The twists and turns pull you on through this tale of adventure and human struggle.
October 30, 2020
What an amazing journey for young collett. Saying that she is a lucky woman is an understatement !
Birthed from the mean streets of her home of Aidrona, she sets out on her own to find fame and fortune only to discover her world as a young thief is vastly different than she has bargained for. Along the way of her journey she learns about honesty and being true to herself. I recommend this book for the feel good coming of age story it is meant to be.
Birthed from the mean streets of her home of Aidrona, she sets out on her own to find fame and fortune only to discover her world as a young thief is vastly different than she has bargained for. Along the way of her journey she learns about honesty and being true to herself. I recommend this book for the feel good coming of age story it is meant to be.
October 30, 2020
I received a free copy of this book. I kept turning pages to find out what happens next. In the latter part of the book, I was hoping that no more difficulties would happen to the protagonist Colette. The author has succeeded to make readers to care about her characters as they are well developed. I don’t usually read dark fantasy, but I really enjoyed reading it. Great story.
October 27, 2020
Ever have a character you just hated right off?
Meet Eli
Find a character you felt sorry for?
Meet Colette
Need on to fall completely in love with?
Meet Sally
These three alone will have you running the Gambit of emotion but luckily this world is filled with great characters.
Meet Eli
Find a character you felt sorry for?
Meet Colette
Need on to fall completely in love with?
Meet Sally
These three alone will have you running the Gambit of emotion but luckily this world is filled with great characters.
October 10, 2020
This was a great little fantasy novel that I found hard to put down!
October 13, 2020
Nice storytelling but with one too many coincidences. I liked the setting, the strong women characters and the general plot. But the amount of coincidences make the story feel a little but forced.
November 1, 2020
Oath is the story of Colette, a young girl forced into a life of assassin-hood from the streets. Loyalties are made and tested and Colette has difficult decisions to make
The problem often with fantasy book is that often you can get hit in the face with world-building right at the start. This isn't the case here, world-building is done, but very much during the narrative and it does not distract from the plot, it merely accompanies it.
Another positive is the embrace of dark themes which I'd expect in a book about assassins.
I've held off giving this 5/5 because it isn't anything ground-breaking or special for the genre. It is however, a solid fantasy novel with a believable protagonist who does despicable things but remains relatable and likeable. It is an enjoyable read with some nice twists and turns.
The problem often with fantasy book is that often you can get hit in the face with world-building right at the start. This isn't the case here, world-building is done, but very much during the narrative and it does not distract from the plot, it merely accompanies it.
Another positive is the embrace of dark themes which I'd expect in a book about assassins.
I've held off giving this 5/5 because it isn't anything ground-breaking or special for the genre. It is however, a solid fantasy novel with a believable protagonist who does despicable things but remains relatable and likeable. It is an enjoyable read with some nice twists and turns.
January 1, 2021
A Most enjoyable read
The main character of the book pulled at my heartstrings. Although circumstances led her down a very dark path, her courage shone through and my admiration for her grew page by page.
The main character of the book pulled at my heartstrings. Although circumstances led her down a very dark path, her courage shone through and my admiration for her grew page by page.
May 1, 2023
For lovers of dark fantasy
I will start this review mentioning a trigger warning: murder, pregnancy loss and suicide are featured in this book and it’s review.
That being said, this dark fantasy was SO GOOD!
It took a bit of time to get to know the main character and the world she lives in, which I enjoy because I love world building, but I understand that for some readers this can be tedious.
When you get beyond that point, the plot thickens and the darkness intensifies. Our heroine was forced to take a dark journey, and the losses she experienced were heartbreaking. Reading through my tears, I had to keep going as it struck a chord with me (which is why I put the trigger warning at the beginning), but the writer crafted it so well that I felt exactly what the protagonist was feeling. The quick pick up and transition to darker elements is a sign of a well written book.
I really wish I could have seen more of her relationship and how she fell in love; I felt like I was missing out on something that could have been really special. All the same, I get why it was written like that
If you love dark fantasy books, definitely add this to your TBR list.
I will start this review mentioning a trigger warning: murder, pregnancy loss and suicide are featured in this book and it’s review.
That being said, this dark fantasy was SO GOOD!
It took a bit of time to get to know the main character and the world she lives in, which I enjoy because I love world building, but I understand that for some readers this can be tedious.
When you get beyond that point, the plot thickens and the darkness intensifies. Our heroine was forced to take a dark journey, and the losses she experienced were heartbreaking. Reading through my tears, I had to keep going as it struck a chord with me (which is why I put the trigger warning at the beginning), but the writer crafted it so well that I felt exactly what the protagonist was feeling. The quick pick up and transition to darker elements is a sign of a well written book.
I really wish I could have seen more of her relationship and how she fell in love; I felt like I was missing out on something that could have been really special. All the same, I get why it was written like that
If you love dark fantasy books, definitely add this to your TBR list.
May 30, 2021
While on vacation, I wanted to read something light and entertaining and ended up choosing Oath: A Black Diamond Novel by Poppy Kuroki, and I was not disappointed. This book had everything I needed at the time: a likable heroine fighting for survival surrounded by cruel medieval reality; good guys, bad guys, love, death, and new challenges every day. I felt like I was reading an offshoot of Game of Thrones.
I highly recommend this book for what it is - a page-turning fairy tale with a happy ending.
Was this book absolutely perfect? No, it wasn't. I wish some of the twists and turns of the plot were more logical, and therefore more believable. But then, again, it is a fantasy, a fairy tale where everything is possible and believable.
If I could, I would give the author 4.5 stars, but it's not possible. So, with my conscience clear, it is five stars.
I highly recommend this book for what it is - a page-turning fairy tale with a happy ending.
Was this book absolutely perfect? No, it wasn't. I wish some of the twists and turns of the plot were more logical, and therefore more believable. But then, again, it is a fantasy, a fairy tale where everything is possible and believable.
If I could, I would give the author 4.5 stars, but it's not possible. So, with my conscience clear, it is five stars.
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