emily fortney – GoodeyReads

Rating: ★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 353 pages
Author: Emily Fortney
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: September 26th, 2016
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Camilla Crim runs her calloused fingers over the mutilated skin on the inside of her arm. This is where she’s been branded with the Warwick W – marking her as little better than a slave. It’s been twelve years since Quinten Warwick invaded her territory and turned its vast wooded land into a national, standardized farm big enough to feed the whole country.
Now seventeen, Camilla’s days waste away on the farm, where discipline is enforced with whippings and beatings. Her reward? A pitiful payout of money rings, most of which goes to cover her father’s drinking habit. Camilla’s life is bleak, but it’s all she knows.
When her only real family, her brother, Tuor, is arrested by Warwick Militia for a heinous crime she knows he didn’t commit, Camilla is shaken. She must discover the truth and free her brother. But as Tuor’s demise draws near, will Camilla find relief in learning the truth surrounding her brother’s crime? Or will she accept that one must be sacrificed for the good of many?

Thank you to the author for a gifted copy.

NOT QUITE.

I was intrigued by the opening scenes of this book, but ultimately a repetitive plot had me wishing for more. I liked Camilla as the FMC, mostly. She was strong willed and really loyal to her brother. Sometimes it led her to do some ridiculous things, but maybe that starts to change in future books? Hopefully so. I think most of the characters needed more development because I closed this book not feeling truly connected to anyone.

The very very subtle potential romance had my attention. I liked the initial dynamics and think that now the truth is out there could be some good development there as well too. I think that a lot of the bones were good, even if I don’t feel pulled to pick up the next book. I missed the world building and better understanding of what was happening. When some reveals happened I was confused as to how they fit the actual magic system.

Overall audience notes: