This was a blend of intriguing and too detailed. I liked the story overall but I didn't feel I needed the plethora of details without really answering many questions. I was left with too many unanswered questions although I did feel drawn in enough to finish the book.

I liked the take on the heroine becoming like the stories she grew up telling. It's a different twist than what's originally done. Not sure I like that she starts to have feelings for one of her captors when they were using her to save their kingdom at the cost of her own. I was a little confused on her sense of justice when she tried to rationalize her killings with them trying to kill her first.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because this is a powerful, compelling story, enchanting you into forgetting about its flaws.

Jillian Kuhlmann is a seductive storyteller - like Scheherezada - and sometimes the book read more like a lyrical ballad than actual prose. The tales within the story also contain some raw, alluring magic, bearing a strong resemblance to those of the 1001 Nights and you feel like King Shahryar, always wanting more.

It is not an action-driven story, rather we are taken to a journey alongside Eiren, the MC, which is both physical and spiritual as she is struggling to come to terms with who she really is, who she is supposed to be and what her future/role would be as an icon - the human incarnation of the goddess of destruction.

At the beginning I felt strangely disconnected from the MC and other characters. It is all very well to be talking in riddles all the time and appear enigmatic to the ignorant heroine to pique her as well as the reader's interest, but it goes on almost too long and draws the attention to the holes in the narrative that is a bit disturbing.

Having said that, by the end some light is shed on motivation / history / myths and all is done in an engaging manner. The story ends with a cliffhanger and I am glad I also have the next book to read on and hopefully find out more.

I truly believe that this is one of the best books I've read this year. Which makes it impossible to review, because FEELINGS.

This book was filled to the brim with emotional stories that took my breath away. Each mini story inside had a reason for the way things were, and the grandness of the scale was impressive. I love the way the author writes.

I am pleased that I got this through NetGalley, as now I know I really have to go out and buy a copy. It's a unique fantasy story that is not to be missed.

Five stars!

Scheduled to post on Blue Cat Review on May 19, 2017

Disclaimer: I was provided an eARC for each of these books by Diversion Books and NetGalley in exchange for honest reviews, for which I am not being compensated in any way. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review

First response: (Before I realized it was a duology) I am getting really tired of books that aren't complete within themselves. Cliffhangers are so not fun! And this book was breathtaking until then...

My Review:
Jillian Kuhlmann is amazing! Well, her book is. This dark, dystopian world isn't my usual, but I seem to end up here more often lately. It's a scary place. And Ms. Kuhlmann makes you bleed in it. As Eiren tries to squeeze through the sentient cave, you feel the rocks tear the fabric of her clothes and you feel the blood drip down her skin. You feel her fear that she won't ever get out of that spot alive. That the cave will never let her go.

Watching her goddess' life opera explode with the attack of the assassins and as she flees for her life, you wonder with her how many of the icons are behind it. And who. And when she asks, "Did you know?", you hold your breath with her until he answers.

I loved this book! I didn't want it to end, I just wanted answers. For that, you have to read book #2, The Dread Goddess.

My Review:
This is the continuation of Eiren's story to find peace for herself and her people. She learns so much in this second half. So much about Gannet, the man, the icon. And about herself and the selves inside herself now that she is an icon. She comes to understand her magic and how to use it to help her people. She learns that both sides are her people now. She comes to understand many things in her fight to come to terms with the powers inside her and what having these powers will demand of her in the times ahead.

This is a duology, but there is a certain feeling I got when I was done with this second book that it's not over. There is plenty of material to work with and go on. The sign of a really good book, it leaves you wanting more.

I strongly recommend these two books to anyone who likes a good story. This is a great story. Mystery, magic, romance, conflict, betrayal. It's all in there.

What an opening. Got me hooked from the first sentence. I consider myself a fan of fantasy fiction, but how on Earth are more people not taking about this book? How does something this good fly below the radar???? Read this people, or at least bump it to the top of your #tbr pile, cause this needs to be read. And sooner the better. Cause man this book is good.

Imagine a storm brewing on the open seas that gains speed and momentum the closer it gets to the shore. Or imagine a volcano spitting acid and smoke in preparation for the eruption to come. That's what this book is. You feel it coming in every fiber of your being, you feel the acid and the smoke and the trembling of the earth​ as it makes its approach, as it draws near, and you ravel in the explosion when it happens cause it is glorious.

The writing, I can not explain cause the words do not exist...the character development is unlike anything you've ever read before....and the plot leaves you breathless & speechless......read this book people, cause it will probably be the best book you've read in a while