Livia Blackburne

Disney and Magic Yes Please!



Can I just say that this was pure joy to read. This year has been a rough year for me and books. I have had so much fun reading this that it made me feel like a kid again. Firstly, when I requested this book I had no idea that it was part of a Duo. That being said you can read this as a stand alone and be perfectly fine I was.

As a longtime fan of mythology, history, and Disney, I was absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to review a great book from Disney show more Hyperion. The author did such a beautiful job of bringing ancient China to life in such a vivid and magical way. The balance the author struck between the Disney story we know and the historical accuracy. The setting of the narrative felt so alive and the author’s style of writing took on a very cinematic tone, allowing readers to read and bring to life this adventure in their mind’s eye. I can see this as a continued screen play with lots more action to boot.

The character development was outstanding in this novel. The way the author delved into Mulan as a person when confronted with her new reality was amazing, as was her relationship with Shang. Not only did the narrative do a great job of tackling the issues of equality amongst the women warriors and showing the balance one must find between showing strength and courage in the face of adversity without losing who they are inside. This book does such a beautiful job showing me and young readers that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being feminine and strong in equal measure. I will be buying my niece a copy of both books when she is a bit older. All young people should read the strength and beauty within these pages. A 5 Star Read all the way! # I Am Totally Obsessed! show less

A world chock full of moral ambiguity - I like this. The three main parties vying for Kyra's loyalties are believably compelling (I'm still not sure if James' "We act as a…balancing force" was a deliberate reference to the "We provide... Leverage" of the eponymous TV series), and equally flawed. The werecats are also very cool. Very readable in a single gulp. It has a sequel but its own ending, Kyra having found a place of temporary safety where she can take stock and figure out what she show more really thinks of what's going on around her, is also a very satisfying stopping point in itself. show less

I thought this book was very good. I thought it was a very strong mix between the cinder series and ember in the ashes. I really enjoyed not only the lead characters but also the plot. I thought the world building was done so well and It was easy to become invested in these characters. I enjoyed how this story avoided the insta love issue and made for interesting story. I did think the book had slow moments but overall I was captured from page one. I am very invested in where this series show more goes in book two! show less

A fabulous first effort. The world building was sublime, to the point that i didn't even question skin-walking.
Kyra isn't normal. On some level she has always known this. What she didn't know; how closely her fate was tied to a palace knight, and a beast from hell.

The Demon riders have been terrorizing the outskirts of Forge for months. Tales of a people that communicate with and control giant cats to do their bidding have reached into the palace. We Journey with Kyra as one poor decision show more after another lands the thief in trouble.

I love that Kyra was able to keep her humanity in the end despite her heritage going against it. show less