Sterling by Kieran Wisser: Review

Olivia Rose has grown up believing she's just another adopted daughter in the Western territories of Elysia. But everything changes when she is told she's a Champion, traditional protectors and fighters for the Noble families in the small island kingdom. While Olivia struggles to come to terms with her new role and win the heart of ancient Corvyn Laramee, dark forces are pushing against her. Her charm and sass win her some influential friends, her newfound talents in training bring her powerful enemies. So what's her real strength – her attitude or her aim?

Around a month ago, Kieran reached out to me and offered a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. After reading the summary- which, by the way, is totally amazing- I jumped at the chance. I even said the review would be up within 2 weeks... Now one month later and the review is finally up. What happened? you ask. Well... To be honest, I didn't really like the book. You have no idea how much I hate to say this. Authors work hard in writing one, and for one to just criticize it- well, that totally sucks. 

But since I promised a review... Here's my first ever negative review.

The Bad

The plot. To be honest, I did not understand the plot. It dragged on, and there were instances when I did not know where the story was leading to. It was disorienting- rushed at some parts, and stretched on and on in some. 

The romance. Oh no. I am so sorry, but I did not like how Olivia and Corvyn fell in love. I couldn't help but feel that it was insta-love on Olivia's part- she took one look at Corvyn and began having feelings for him, and next thing we know, she's head over heels in love for the guy. Who is waaaay older than she is. It felt forced; rushed. 

The dialogue. Okay, this part really bothered me. The dialogue- well, it was actually fine. Some parts flowed smoothly and the author described the scenes beautifully- but some felt awkward and choppy. There were some conversations that felt weird to me, and just felt wrong.

The Good

The ending. So this book wasn't all that terrible. If there was one part of the book I liked, it was the ending. I LOVED the ending! You see, the ending was the only thing that kept me going. I wanted to see just how the story would end, seeing as how I had no idea what the conflict would be. But the last chapter- and the epilogue as well- was beautiful. Yeah, yeah, I know I said I wasn't a fan of Olivia and Corvyn, but the ending was particulary moving. The story itself kinda lost me- but the ending did not disappoint.

The Rating

Gosh, how many stars do I give this book? I'm conflicted- while I didn't hate the book, I didn't exactly love it... But I actually loved the ending... So I'm giving it 2.5 stars. That's just me though. If you want, give it a chance. You might find it enjoyable. But really, I'm thinking that fans of fantasy would like this more though.

This was extremely difficult to write. My first negative review, ever... Sometimes, being honest is hard! :P

Jen @ Midnight Book Thief

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