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Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Teen for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: Available Now
384 Pages
Synopsis: In the Alskad Empire, nearly all are born with a twin, two halves to form one whole…yet some face the world alone.
The singleborn.
A rare few are singleborn in each generation, and therefore given the right to rule by the gods and goddesses. Bo Trousillion is one of those few, born into the royal line and destined to rule. Though he has been chosen to succeed his great-aunt, Queen Runa, as the leader of the Alskad Empire, Bo has never felt equal to the grand future before him.
The diminished.
When one twin dies, the other usually follows, unable to face the world without their other half. Those who survive are considered diminished, doomed to succumb to the violent grief that inevitably destroys everyone whose twin has died. Such is the fate of Vi Abernathy, whose twin sister died in infancy. Raised by the anchorites of the temple after her family cast her off, Vi has spent her whole life scheming for a way to escape and live out what’s left of her life in peace.
As their sixteenth birthday approaches, Bo and Vi face very different futures—-one a life of luxury as the heir to the throne, the other years of backbreaking work as a temple servant. But a long-held secret and the fate of the empire are destined to bring them together in a way they never could have imagined.
The Diminished is a fabulous beginning to an as of yet, untitled duology. The chapters alternate between the two main characters, both who I found equally fascinating. I loved the way Bo being gay was depicted so matter of factly. There is no bigotry in this world regarding sexual identity. It’s an accepted part of society. Neither is there any racism. Unfortunately there is bigotry toward the “diminished”, those who have lost a twin. So, not only do they go through the heartbreak of losing their other half, but then they’re treated with abject cruelty. This is most detailed in Vi’s chapters and it can be tough reading at times. While it seems as though Bo and Vi have nothing in common, as the story continues their lives converge in the most interesting ways.
The world building is rich in detail and I loved how the Alskad Empire shares societal issues that mirror those found in the real world. Between that and the characters, I was completely enthralled throughout the entire story. I’m looking forward to seeing where the next book takes things. I highly recommend The Diminished for older teens and adults who are looking for a fantasy that’s unique and exciting.
beetleypete said:
Seems like an unusual theme, and if you enjoyed it, that’s good enough for me! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Pete. It was very original!🤗
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K. D. Dowdall said:
Hi Kim…thank you so much for the recommendation. It sounds great and I put it on my to read list on Amazon! Karen 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay! I think you’ll like this Karen!🤗
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K. D. Dowdall said:
Kim, thank you for recommending it. Karen 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😙😙😙
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Raven @ Dreamy Addictions said:
Great review, Kim! I didn’t give it much thought when I first heard about this book but it really sounds interesting. I’m glad you loved it! I’m adding it to my TBR! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Raven. I think this is your cup of tea!😊
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fragglerocking said:
I’m snowed under with TBRs 😳 but this sounds interesting. Maybe in my next life when I get to adult/teen level!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yes!😊
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
Good that the world building was done so well- really like the sound of it. Fantastic review!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks! I think you might like this one.
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
You’re welcome! Great 🙂
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Sounds quite awesome and a unique read, that’s for sure!😀 Thanks for sharing this fantabulous review with us, Book Sister. I will definitely have to check this one out at the library!😍💖💯📚
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I just know you’d like this Dani.😍
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Awesomeness!!!!😀 I can’t wait to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation Book Sister!😗💯📚
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(Danielle) Books, Vertigo and Tea said:
Ah, the publisher never responded to my request for this one, but it is hot on my radar! I was excited to see you had reviewed it. I think I am going to love it really. Beautiful review ❤
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Danielle.That’s so disappointing. I just got turned down for an eARC on NetGalley even though I was approved and reviewed the three previous books in the series. 🙇🏻♀️ Anyway, I think this is definitely worth buying or getting at the library.
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(Danielle) Books, Vertigo and Tea said:
Oh it happens. I think I was very late to the game to be fair. I will still pick up a copy 😉
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
👍🏻👍🏻
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Carrie said:
Great review! I picked up Ace of Shades and this one at the same time so I kept thinking of them together coming up to review and this one won by a mile as far as liking them went, probably should have gone 4.5 myself instead of 4 but for some reason I never think of that half star between 4 and 5,,,,oops,
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Carrie! Someone just had a post about using 1/2 stars within the last week. This book is a good example of why Im partial to using them😊
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Carrie said:
Oh I am too but I use way more 2 1/2 – 3 1/2. There’s just that middle area that I seem to think about them the most whereas if it’s not quite a 5 I tend to hit the 4 and move on, shame I know as some probably need the half there too.
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I just love that cover! I had to add that as well, after looking through your awesome blog again.😍📚🌷
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It is a lovely cover Ms Dani!🤗
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I absolutely agree!😗🤗
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Jen said:
This sounds absolutely fascinating and unique in so many ways. I’m definitely going to check this book out, it sounds like one that would also be fabulous to recommend to my library so others can read it too. Wonderful review, Kim!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I think you’ll be enchanted by this Jen!🤗
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