Reviews

Listen, I think I’ve just accepted that I’m not a prequel girlie. Knowing everything that’s going to happen in the future kind of sucks the suspense right out of it. I was excited to see more of Max (especially pre-tragedy Max), but honestly? This novella didn’t really add much to the main storyline. Also, I thought all 4 parts of this prequel series would’ve been released by now?

First off, if you haven’t read Daughter of No Worlds, don’t bother starting here. The world-building and magic system are nonexistent in this book, and it would be hard to care about Max without having seen his arc in the trilogy. Here, he’s still a good and likable character, but without the depth and complexity that makes him so incredible later on (I guess trauma really does build character?). I’d recommend at least reading the first book in The War of Lost Hearts series before diving into this one!

That said, it was kind of sweet to see him with his family before everything went to hell. His dynamic with his older brother was interesting.. there’s clearly a bit of sibling rivalry, with Max constantly trying to prove himself and his brother maybe harboring a little envy over Max’s magic. It added some insight into who Max was before the war changed him.

But let’s be real: I mostly skimmed this so I could get back to Tisaanah and the main storyline. Also, Max and Nura’s past relationship? Yeah, no thanks 🥴 I was ready to barf.

If you’re a die-hard Max fan and want some extra backstory, maybe give it a shot. But personally, I’m sprinting back to Children of Fallen Gods where the real magic (and Tisaanah) awaits. 🥹

sphkl's review against another edition

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adventurous dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

bookishtrishh's review against another edition

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dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

rardenreads's review

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

thedutchessofsewell's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.0

yooyii's review against another edition

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3.0

Por momentos me sentí algo perdida y me costó seguir el hilo, pero ahora estoy intrigada por Max y Nura. Estoy deseando empezar el libro uno muy pronto.

baddecisionsbookclub's review against another edition

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5.0

Finished Part 1. 3 more parts coming.

I love seeing some of Max's history and how these circumstances and trials change who he was into who he becomes in the later books.

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