Read Along – Onyx & Ivory by Mindee Arnett Part I The Traitor’s Daughter

 

**Disclaimer: the below is a read along post for Onyx & Ivory by Mindee Arnett.  There may be spoilers as it is much more detailed than a review.  Please stay tuned for my spoiler free review.**

Title Onyx & Ivory

Author Mindee Arnett

Section Covered Part I – The Traitor’s Daughter (Chapters 1-11)

Initial Thoughts

I have had this book sitting on my shelf for months now and have not picked it up.  I received a (surprise) preorder on Tuesdsday June 4th of the second book in the series, Shadow & Flame so I decided to make this my next commuting audiobook.

Side note, I try to choose larger books for my commute because they’re a bit pricy so I want to get the most bang for my buck.  Since Onyx & Ivory is over 500 pages, I thought it would be a good choice.

Writing Style

I love that this book is told from both Kate and Corwin’s POVs.  Since they are not together in several of the chapters, it gives so much more background and richness to the story when we can see both of their viewpoints.

Narration

Since I am listening to this book (instead of reading it), I thought it would be interesting to feature my thoughts on the narration.  I really like this narrator (Khristine Hvam).  I just double checked and I was correct, she is the same narrator who read Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young (my first audiobook).  Sometimes, as a reader, it helps me to imagine what characters sound like (and to have different voices for different characters).  I love that when I listen to audiobooks, that magic is created for me.  It really helps to have a good narrator and I am so glad to have that for Onyx & Ivory.

Favorite Character

Dal — I need more backstory on Dal.  He’s witty and perfect and the one of the best sidekick/best friend character’s I’ve read in a long time.

I am often distrustful of characters like Dal initially, but I really like him.  I almost like him more than Corwin.  And, I can’t believe I’m saying this, I would almost be ok with the idea of Kate falling for Dal instead of Corwin.

Honorable mention goes to Bonner — Kate says that he doesn’t love her but he definitely does.  He’s the best friend/older brother that she needs and I want the best for him.  I am also very interested in the way Mindee Arnett is reinventing the wheel in a manner of speaking with the way that Bonner is “inventing” the revolver in Rime.

Hopes for Part II

More political backstory.  And, more of Master Wraith by extension.  There is a vast political landscape being painted in this story and I am dying to know more.  Who does the High King rule over?  What are these other lands not ruled by the High King?  Where did Corwin go for the last few years?  Was it politically motivated?  Who is his brother?

Other Thoughts

I’m kicking myself for not reading this book sooner.  It started off with a bang and I can’t stop listening.  Another requirement of my audiobook selections is that I am ok with saving them for commuting time only.  This is the third book in a row that I love so much, I want to keep listening.  I’m burning through them too quickly.  But, I guess there are worse problems to have.