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Uptown Oracle (24 KP) rated Moroda in Books

Jun 30, 2017  
Moroda
Moroda
L.L. McNeil | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A Great Debut Fantasy Novel!
As we traipse the countries and cities of Linaria following a band of unlikely comrades, we're introduced to magic, dragons, and a foe leading a trail of destruction in his wake. Moroda and her allies must find a way to save Linaria before the war destroys them and everything around them.

One of my favourite parts of the book is that there's multiple wonderful characters. We have our main character, Moroda and her sister Eryn, two former Goldstones trying to survive after their fathers death. There's Morgen an Imperial Guard from Corhaven, who's unsure as to whether life in the Guard is for him. Amarah, a brusk sky pirate who cares more for money and treasure. Palom and Anahrik, two Ittallan traders who want to get back to their homeland before war hits. Sapora, a Varkain who also wants to return to his homeland, away from the prejudice against his kind. And Kohl, an exiled Arillian who can control wind and lightening. Groups are often used within the fantasy genre but Moroda doesn't confuse you with multitudes of characters.

The world of Linaria has different prejudices and stereotypes against races and the inclusion of these races allows to get a much better, unbiased opinion. Each of our characters has their own thoughts, motivations, backgrounds and histories. Despite preconceived views of each other, the characters are all individual. There's also strong character growth, especially for Moroda throughout the book. There was definitely the risk of falling into common female fantasy tropes with Moroda, but McNeil manages to miss each of these skillfully.

The only criticism is the antagonist, Aciel. Being told by other characters what Aciel was doing and how, is very different to be able to see it. There was a lost connection that I personally like having with the villains. We meet him and he does speak a little bit, but there's definitely that lack of attachment. This criticism is also very personal, as I know a lot of people wouldn't mind this at all.

As with any fantasy novel, you need a wonderful fantasy land. There's exploration of multiple cities, and also some comparisons by the characters themselves. Each place has it's own background and vivid descriptions. I'm really looking forward to more exploration of Sereth, the Varkain capital. There's also undertones of myth, lore and legend within Linaria. Which although not explored completely within this book will be fantastic to build upon in later books.

Moroda is romance free which I loved. I've read so many books recently where the romantic subplot overshadows the real plot, and this was so refreshing. The focus was on the friendships being made over the journey, and the sisterly bond between Moroda and Eryn.

Overall I loved Moroda. Perfect to go into reading more over summer as I've finally finished exams!
  
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ArecRain (8 KP) rated Ascension (Cherchez Wolf Pack, #1) in Books

Jan 18, 2018  
A(
Ascension (Cherchez Wolf Pack, #1)
Lauren Dane | 2007
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have read Lauren Dane before but this was my first venture into her fantasy romance. I enjoyed what I read from her previously. But maybe that’s because they have all been novellas/shorts, or the purpose of them was dirty delicious sex. This was definitely not one of her better ones. Unless you are reading it for sex.

The short version: the plotline is an old tired one that is literally a dime a dozen. I felt that Dane used it just to have a plotline at all to further her characters relationship. Her characters weren’t very original either. This would have all been more acceptable had I felt the author tried but I genuinely felt that this story and these characters were created purely to have a sexual relationship. I will concede, however, that the erotica aspect is pretty well written. There are some non-hetero scenes as well as...sharing? So if you want something more vanilla in the romantic department, you should pass this up.

If you can get past the ridiculous aspects and poor writing in terms of plot and characters, you may enjoy the erotica. You’ve been warned though.