*ARC* Flamecaster - DNF Review

Flamecaster (Shattered Realms #1)

By: Cinda Williams Chima

Published: April 5, 2016 by HarperTeen

544 pages

Source: Edelweiss ARC from publisher

(Goodreads / Amazon)

Summary:

Set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Seven Realms series, a generation later, this is a breathtaking story of dark magic, chilling threats, and two unforgettable characters walking a knife-sharp line between life and death. This dazzling beginning to a new series is indispensable for fans of Cinda Williams Chima and a perfect starting point for readers who are new to her work.

Adrian sul’Han, known as Ash, is a trained healer with a powerful gift of magic—and a thirst for revenge. Ash is forced into hiding after a series of murders throws the queendom into chaos. Now he’s closer than ever to killing the man responsible, the cruel king of Arden. With time running out, Ash faces an excruciating choice: Can he use his powers not to save a life but to take it?

Abandoned at birth, Jenna Bandelow was told that the magemark on the back of her neck would make her a target. But when the King’s Guard launches a relentless search for a girl with a mark like hers, Jenna assumes that it has more to do with her role as a saboteur than any birth-based curse. Though Jenna doesn’t know why she’s being hunted, she knows that she can’t get caught. 

Eventually, Ash’s and Jenna’s paths will collide in Arden. Thrown together by chance and joined by their hatred of the ruthless king, they will come to rescue each other in ways they cannot yet imagine.

MY REVIEW:
After 19 days and only 40% through, I was still struggling to really get hooked by the story. Due to that I decided it wasn't the book for me. Instead of getting bogged down and trying to push through I'm setting it aside and moving on.

There were interesting aspects to the story, as several of the main characters are magic wielders. Not much of a love story through the portion of the story I read though. That's always a downside for me.

Perhaps other readers will enjoy it more than I did.

Favorite Quotes:
Love is the root of so much suffering and misery, so much loss. It's the worst thing in the world, to risk yourself by loving someone. At the same time, it's the best thing in the world - and worth the risk.

"It's easy to die, Mageling," Taliesin said, stroking his hair. "It's staying alive that's hard work."

"The problem is, hope is the thing that can't be reined in by rules or pinned down by bitter experience. It's a blessing and curse."

Language Rating: 1 (light)
Mature Content Rating: 1 (light)
Final Rating:  DNF