The Assassin's Curse
Author: Cassandra Clarke
Author: Cassandra Clarke
Publisher: Strange Chemistry
Review:
I requested this title on Netgalley without ever reading the
synopsis. I know they say never judge a book by its cover but I judged and that
cover did not disappoint! The Assassin’s Curse is a truly original work. I had
no idea what was coming next and the way Clarke weaves magic, mystery and a
little romance into the story had me quickly turning the pages. When I got to
the end I kept pressing the turn page button on my nook not believing the
author would just leave the story hanging like that (she did!). Now I am
eagerly awaiting the sequel which isn’t coming out until June 2013.
The Assassin’s Curse begins by jumping straight into the
action. Ananna’s family is trying to marry her to a rival pirate clan but being
the strong independent pirate she is Ananna escapes and hides out inside the
city. This works until she begins being followed by an assassin and has to
fight for her life. During the fight Ananna unwittingly triggers a curse and
the assassin, Naji, and Ananna must become allies in order to break the curse. I
do need to warn perspective readers though that there is a slight dialect or an
uneducated person’s vernacular used in this novel but it is no where near as
bad as Blood Red Road
by Moira Young and I was able to easily get past it.
What I liked the most about this novel was the main
character Ananna. She is street smart, a pirate, strong, independent, and at
times vulnerable. Ananna is the way I wish more characters in YA would be. She
is not sad because of her past, while she does miss her parents she understands
their actions and never feels sorry for herself. Ananna even in the worst
situations pushes on and never gives up. I felt really motivated reading about
her.
Naji, the assassin, was also more then I expected him to be.
At first I thought he was going to be the standard sexy love interest but he
easily broke out of that role and became an integral part of the story. I
enjoyed learning about his past (the little he would disclose) and the blood
magic he can work. I actually have a hard time deciding if Naji or Ananna was
my favorite character, which is strange because usually my favorite character
is the narrator.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Assassin’s Curse and can not
wait to return to the world Clarke created. The only reason I wasn’t able to
give this book 5 stars is because I wish there had been more romance (although
I expect there might be more in book 2) and I had trouble with the dialect in
the beginning but was able to quickly get over that hurdle.
Thank you Netgalley and Strange Chemistry for allowing me to read an Advanced Readers Copy of The Assassin's Curse.
Thank you Netgalley and Strange Chemistry for allowing me to read an Advanced Readers Copy of The Assassin's Curse.
Oh such a great review. I read and LOVED this one earlier in the year. I was the same as you though I kept pushing the page turn button on my kindle. I couldn't believe how abrupt the ending was. I totally enjoyed how much romance was in the book. It was just perfect for me. I prefer a slow burning romance to any other kind. I'm certain book two will pick it up. Can't wait to read the final book in this duology as soon as it comes out. Great review, BTW.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds amazing and lucky you for winning and ARC of it (:! I always find myself judging a book by its cover. To be honest that is how I found a majority of my books, the cover. I am really eager to read this. I am already bracing myself for the lack of romance (; I do love a good love story, but I am sure from what I have read in your review I will def not be disappointed by the book. Thank you for sharing your review!
ReplyDeleteYou aren't kidding about the cover. It is truly art in itself. And the book sounds so good. I mean, it is about pirates! How can I not like that. I love that the book jumps immediately into action. It sounds like a story that would be right up my alley!
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