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A review by obscurepages
Of Rioters & Royals (Swift Shadows, # 1) by M.L. Greye
3.0
(You can also find this review on my blog.)
The author sent me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The fictional fantasy world, royals, and magic really got me excited to delve into this one!
The writing
The writing was good. It was mysterious yet easy to follow. I actually figured out some of the plot twists before it was even revealed! I still enjoyed reading it though. It was simple, but it still keeps you at the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next.
I liked that the questions and the mysteries presented in the first part of the book were answered towards the end. I was afraid that the author would leave me hanging, but no! She was able to clear up confusion and intrigue towards the end.
There were a lot of information and history about their world and the characters, too, so there were times when it felt like I was reading too much information. Apart from that, everything is good.
The characters
The characters were okay. Emry was passionate and determined about her beliefs and her vision to unite their divided country Enlennd. Her abilities are impressive, and dare I say, infinite. We see her powers and her abilities one by one throughout the book, and she doesn't seem to run out of it. It's impressive, yes, but I also find it odd. All of her abilities seem to make her strong and amazing. I wanted to see a flaw in her. Or maybe not even a flaw, just something that will tell me she's not good at everything or that she doesn't have the ability/power for anything.
I also liked Declan enough. He was a strong, brave soldier. He endured a lot of challenges and suffering and yet he is still devoted to the cause of The Mistress.
I liked the two protagonists but I feel like their chemistry lacked. Or maybe I just needed more interaction with them to see it completely. Either way, I liked them as two separate characters.
The plot
The plot was also good. Here we have a nation divided by cruel and unjust Royals and justice-seeking commoners known as Rioters. It was not too complicated but it was still enjoyable enough. I have to say though, there were moments when certain plot points and details were muddy, so there were times when I was a bit confused. Also, as I've said, I got to guess some of the plot twists and I was right at the end.
The world-building
The world-building is my favorite part in this book! The story is set in a world where people have different powers and abilities based on the colors of their eyes. There are ruby-colored eyes, teal-colored eyes, silver-colored eyes, pale blue, orange, and more! Plus the royalty was a good addition to the fantasy world-building. It was really intriguing and I wanted to know more as the world seems to be so rich.
The author sent me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The fictional fantasy world, royals, and magic really got me excited to delve into this one!
The writing
The writing was good. It was mysterious yet easy to follow. I actually figured out some of the plot twists before it was even revealed! I still enjoyed reading it though. It was simple, but it still keeps you at the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next.
I liked that the questions and the mysteries presented in the first part of the book were answered towards the end. I was afraid that the author would leave me hanging, but no! She was able to clear up confusion and intrigue towards the end.
There were a lot of information and history about their world and the characters, too, so there were times when it felt like I was reading too much information. Apart from that, everything is good.
The characters
The characters were okay. Emry was passionate and determined about her beliefs and her vision to unite their divided country Enlennd. Her abilities are impressive, and dare I say, infinite. We see her powers and her abilities one by one throughout the book, and she doesn't seem to run out of it. It's impressive, yes, but I also find it odd. All of her abilities seem to make her strong and amazing. I wanted to see a flaw in her. Or maybe not even a flaw, just something that will tell me she's not good at everything or that she doesn't have the ability/power for anything.
I also liked Declan enough. He was a strong, brave soldier. He endured a lot of challenges and suffering and yet he is still devoted to the cause of The Mistress.
I liked the two protagonists but I feel like their chemistry lacked. Or maybe I just needed more interaction with them to see it completely. Either way, I liked them as two separate characters.
The plot
The plot was also good. Here we have a nation divided by cruel and unjust Royals and justice-seeking commoners known as Rioters. It was not too complicated but it was still enjoyable enough. I have to say though, there were moments when certain plot points and details were muddy, so there were times when I was a bit confused. Also, as I've said, I got to guess some of the plot twists and I was right at the end.
The world-building
The world-building is my favorite part in this book! The story is set in a world where people have different powers and abilities based on the colors of their eyes. There are ruby-colored eyes, teal-colored eyes, silver-colored eyes, pale blue, orange, and more! Plus the royalty was a good addition to the fantasy world-building. It was really intriguing and I wanted to know more as the world seems to be so rich.