The Waking Land

The Waking Land had potential to be a captivating novel, and though I did enjoy reading parts of it, my interest waned in the last quarter. Despite a strong opening, I had some difficulty getting into it due to being written in first person present tense, but I did find Elanna's internal war with herself added some interesting dimension to the protagonist and mainly kept reading because of that.

However, it was a fairly standard, predictable story in the end, and I did not find the prose, characters, and world compelling enough to make it a memorable novel.

My Rating: 5/10 - It's ok

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Elanna was taken from her family when she was a small child. She has grown up as the king's ward. He is like a father to her. When the king is murdered, she is the one accused. She must flee or die. She must go home to the family she hasn't seen in years. She must learn to use magic forbidden by the king. She must free her homeland. I liked this book, some of the characters, and the magic. It was just a bit slow in spots. I received a copy from Net Galley.

Meh...I really wanted to love this book. I was fascinated by the concept of the female protagonist being connected to the land but was disappointed in the story overall. The characters were not fleshed out and the story, even though it moved quickly, didn't really capture my interest. 2.5 stars

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a digital advance review copy of this book.

The Waking Land follows Elanna Valtai, a young woman who has grown up as a hostage in a foreign court since the age of 5. She is now 19, and as that court destabilizes she finds herself adrift and on her way back to the homeland she barely remembers. She must embrace the powers she has suppressed most of her life and decide who she truly is if she is to have any hope of saving the lands and people she holds dear. This book is a refreshing fantasy perfect for the often neglected late teens/early twenties age group, and anyone who enjoys strong female characters. The world-building draws heavily on existing cultures (Scottish/Celtic, French, Greek), but that makes it relatable. All in all, an enjoyable read.

I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

2.5 stars

I was nervous about starting this book because I really wanted to like it, but I wasn't sure I was going to. I started off AMAZING! I was hooked and I was so into it, kept thinking “Why did I wait to start this one?!” only to end the book going “....really?” So, I have mixed feelings.

I absolutely LOVED the beginning the story to about....50% and then my love started waning. Why? A few reasons:
1. Elanna who knows nothing about directing a war or about her home country ACTS LIKE SHE KNOWS EVERYTHING. Then continues to contradict herself until we have to guess that she has finally made up her mind. The flip-flopping I kinda understood because she feels conflicted by how she was raised and what she thinks she knows, but over 50% into the book we still deal with this.

2.The pacing!! When I started the book as far as I knew it was a standalone–which I was excited for (still seems to be a standalone), but everything was taking so long or events kept popping up, that I had no idea how the rebels would win or how the book would end.... I swear to you, it was one of the quickest endings ever. One jump to the end and a bit anti-climatic for my tastes.

3. ....insta-love/ almost love triangle. sigh I like Jahan, he was one of my favorite characters, but that instant attraction kinda put a damper on my spirits :( It made me dislike Elanna's choices more and feel bitter for Finn, who I also liked and wanted more from.

4. There are a few events in the story that really irked me and I can't get over them.

This isn't a horrible book though, there are some great aspects to it.

I loved Elanna's magic and how deep it went, although I'm still confused about it a little, as well as magic in general like Jahan's magic.

The world-building is pretty good in some parts and it really brings you in. Honestly, I thought most of the writing was well done and the plot seemed thought out.

The adventure is interesting and there are exciting events to keep the reader entertained. A few plot twists which changed the story unexpectedly (until they ruined the plot twist?)

In the end, it is a decent book, one I might recommend others to try out, so I could see what they think. If this is more than a standalone, I probably won't read the rest of the series, but if this author comes out with a different book or series, I would be happy to try their work again. :)