Review Detail
Young Adult Fiction
284
Exciting fantasy with fearsome stakes
Overall rating
4.0
Plot
N/A
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Top 5 Reasons to Read Onyx and Ivory:
1.) The magic: Kate lives in a world where there are primarily two magic users: mages, who are respected and have a League of their own, and wilders, people with magic who are imprisoned and shunned. Kate is a wilder and has the ability to communicate with horses and other animals. Like many other wilders, she keeps this ability a secret. As the daughter of an infamous traitor to the throne, Kate is harassed enough. I love the exploration of magic in this world and the line that separates 'good' magic from 'bad' magic. While we learn about how the magic works in book 1, there are plenty of breadcrumbs to pick up in book 2 to deepen the magical world building.
2.) The romance: Kate and Corwin fit the bill for friends-turned-lovers-turned-enemies-turned-reluctant partners. When Kate's father attempted to kill the king, Corwin's father, their brief but strong romance was destroyed, and they were apart for 3 years. Kate is angry at Corwin for not showing mercy to her father, allowing him to be executed rather than her plea for exile. Corwin doesn't know how to face the daughter of his father's attempted killer who left his father's mind broken. While I wouldn't have minded their snarky banter to go on a while longer, I love how the two tried to reconcile their issues to face a bigger foe.
3.) The high stakes action: If you like fantasy with political intrigue, this certainly has it. Corwin must face three trials to determine if he or his brother should rule, while also dealing with the League's demands and an uprising from wilders. To top it off, scary creatures call day and night drakes are plaguing the kingdom, and no one knows who is controlling them. The action scenes were plentiful and engrossing, making this lengthier novel feel like a quick read.
4.) The dual narrative: Kate and Corwin both narrate the story, allowing the reader to easily get to know them both and understand their perspectives. Both have engaging primary and side character arcs, and I can't wait to follow them into the sequel.
5.) The secondary characters: As likable as Kate and Corwin are, their secondaries, Dal and Signe, nearly stole the show a few times. Both are witty and flirtatious with fascinating (and sometimes tragic) backgrounds. I would love to see a companion novel with them, but I'll happy take whatever I can get.
1.) The magic: Kate lives in a world where there are primarily two magic users: mages, who are respected and have a League of their own, and wilders, people with magic who are imprisoned and shunned. Kate is a wilder and has the ability to communicate with horses and other animals. Like many other wilders, she keeps this ability a secret. As the daughter of an infamous traitor to the throne, Kate is harassed enough. I love the exploration of magic in this world and the line that separates 'good' magic from 'bad' magic. While we learn about how the magic works in book 1, there are plenty of breadcrumbs to pick up in book 2 to deepen the magical world building.
2.) The romance: Kate and Corwin fit the bill for friends-turned-lovers-turned-enemies-turned-reluctant partners. When Kate's father attempted to kill the king, Corwin's father, their brief but strong romance was destroyed, and they were apart for 3 years. Kate is angry at Corwin for not showing mercy to her father, allowing him to be executed rather than her plea for exile. Corwin doesn't know how to face the daughter of his father's attempted killer who left his father's mind broken. While I wouldn't have minded their snarky banter to go on a while longer, I love how the two tried to reconcile their issues to face a bigger foe.
3.) The high stakes action: If you like fantasy with political intrigue, this certainly has it. Corwin must face three trials to determine if he or his brother should rule, while also dealing with the League's demands and an uprising from wilders. To top it off, scary creatures call day and night drakes are plaguing the kingdom, and no one knows who is controlling them. The action scenes were plentiful and engrossing, making this lengthier novel feel like a quick read.
4.) The dual narrative: Kate and Corwin both narrate the story, allowing the reader to easily get to know them both and understand their perspectives. Both have engaging primary and side character arcs, and I can't wait to follow them into the sequel.
5.) The secondary characters: As likable as Kate and Corwin are, their secondaries, Dal and Signe, nearly stole the show a few times. Both are witty and flirtatious with fascinating (and sometimes tragic) backgrounds. I would love to see a companion novel with them, but I'll happy take whatever I can get.
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