Roar
Okay, let me just mention this first: How gorgeous is the cover?! Now that we have that out of the way, let's get to what's between the prettiness:
Roar is Carmack's first fantasy and her first YA book as well. I adore her NA romances so I was amped to read this. I also had high expectations mind you!
The writing style is totally Carmack, and as I said, I love her stuff so it's just as expected to my liking.
The world building was interesting. I love the idea, love the details she added. Though I had loads of questions and in fact, I would have liked some more world building. It is however elegantly done, it's interesting and rather unique. Quite a few questions were answered and I anticipate to get more answers in the book... Well, done indeed
The character building, which is usually my favorite when it comes to Carmack books, was done well.
This has quite a big cast and is told from multiple POV. And here lies one of my issues with the book. I didn't like how the POV's suddenly switched. Sometimes in the middle of the paragraph. It could be a layout thing, I read the ARC after all and I hope they at least will add a return between POVs in the published books.
I didn't like Aurora, in the beginning, she was a whiner to be honest, that went on my nerves.
But she grew on me. A lot. As the story went on, I started to see her insecurities and understood where she was coming from.
In fact, I changed my view on several of the characters and I am quite invested in the crew. Saying that however I also have to mention that I am not a huge fan of the two male MCs. The Stormling prince fell too caricaturistic. And Locke, though I actually liked him, he was a tad too cliche most of the time.
The story line had me a wee bit divided. I enjoyed the book. I liked most of the plot. It was a bit predictable at times. But the romance was rather disappointing. It features not one, but two insta-loves.. And both were painfully cliche. Though I would have been fine with the first one, seeing as it evolved. But the second one kinda ruined it for me. Don't misunderstand me I am all for that development, it just way too cliche and way too predictable. I did like some parts of their relationship, just not the melodramatic overused romance cliches that were thrown in.
When it comes to the Stormling plots however, Cormack shines! I enjoyed all the action and I loved the little details we were given and how the story fell into place. I like the ending, even though it's wide open. I am left anticipating where this will go next!
So a fabulous start to a series: great world building, interesting storyline, interesting characters and a gorgeous cover
I can't wait for the next book!