**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.**
Title Twin Daggers
Author MarcyKate Connolly
Description
Aissa’s life is a web of carefully constructed lies. By day, she and her sister Zandra play the role of normal young Technocrats eager to fulfill the duties of their new apprenticeships. By night, they work for the Magi’s spy organization, which seeks to overthrow the Technocrats who subjugated their people. Soon Aissa is given her greatest mission: find and kidnap the heir to the Technocrat throne, who is rumored to be one of the Heartless—a person born without a working heart who survives via a mechanical replacement—and has been hidden since birth.
Aissa has never been one to turn down an assignment, even if the hunt is complicated by a kind Technocrat researcher who is determined to find a cure for the Heartless. But when Zandria is captured, Aissa will do anything to get her sister back. Even if it means abandoning all other loyalties … and risking everything by trusting the enemy.
Release Date August 25, 2020
Initial Thoughts
I was excited to read this book. I really liked the idea of a Romeo and Juliet retelling as well as the twin main characters.
Some Things I Liked
- Technology vs. Magic. I loved the contrast between the two as well as that those themes represented the Capulet and Montague element of the story. I also was intrigued by the idea of the Heartless and their mechanical hearts.
- Final Fantasy-esque world building. I also really loved the setting and the world building of this story. I found it to be a perfect balance of fantasy and science fiction and really enjoyed that.
- Plot twists. Once again, I applaud the use of plot twists that I didn’t see coming.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
- The romance. I found it to be lacking. I wish the romance element had been more fleshed out. Hopefully, it will be expanded upon in later sequels.
Notes on the Audiobook
- I listened to half of this book and read half. I used the NetGalley Shelf app for the audiobook function and unfortunately, there is a very metallic quality to the narration when you speed it up. I don’t think that’s the case in the actual audiobook recording but it was distracting as an ALC (advanced listener copy). I would probably not apply for more ALCs in NetGalley because of this.
- Overall, I thought the narrator’s voice fit the title well and acting was well done.
- Lastly, I didn’t find a difference between listening and reading. Sometimes, books come to life much more strongly in one medium over the other. I didn’t find that to be the case here. Each medium was equally vivid and I’d recommend the reader choose the medium of their preference here.
Series Value
This book ended with a bit of a cliffhanger and I am eager to read more. I would continue this series. It’s not a “drop everything” kind of series, but it’s good and I’d continue.
Final Thoughts
I liked this book. I think it has aspects that can appeal to fans of multiple genres and created a very interesting world. I’d continue with the series and I’d keep reading MarcyKate Connolly’s writing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
- These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong – if you liked the Romeo and Juliet vibes, try this November 2020 release.
- Sisters of Shadow and Light by Sara B. Larson – if you liked the element of sisters who are opposites in many ways but also very similar, try this duology. Zuhra and Inara are some of my favorite literary siblings.
Books Over Everything 