Waiting on Wednesday (17) Review of ARC Prophecy by Ellen Oh

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

So I'm cheating again this week because I just read another great ARC that I want to share with you all.

Goodreads Book Description: The greatest warrior in all of the Seven Kingdoms... is a girl with yellow eyes.

Kira’s the only female in the king’s army, and the prince’s bodyguard. She’s a demon slayer and an outcast, hated by nearly everyone in her home city of Hansong. And, she’s their only hope...

Murdered kings and discovered traitors point to a demon invasion, sending Kira on the run with the young prince. He may be the savior predicted in the Dragon King Prophecy, but the missing treasure of myth may be the true key. With only the guidance of the cryptic prophecy, Kira must battle demon soldiers, evil shaman, and the Demon Lord himself to find what was once lost and raise a prince into a king.

Intrigue and mystery, ancient lore and action-packed fantasy come together in this heart-stopping first book in a trilogy.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review:  I received this ARC from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review.

Prophecy by Ellen Oh focuses on an unusual protagonist, Kira, the Demon Slayer. She is of royal heritage and has yellow eyes, which makes people shun her. At the same time, she is the only one that can see demons who are disguised in human form, and this makes her perfect to be the guardian of her cousin, the Prince. War breaks out in their land, and there are murmurings of a prophecy of the One that will save them all. Kira is determined to play her part in freeing her country and land from demon oppression.

There is so much to like about this book. Set in a Korean fantasy land-- the best way for me to describe it is a Mulan meets Graceling type of scenario. That said, Oh has created a brand new world for her characters to live and breathe in. I would say that the world building is the most impressive aspect of this book, and sets the stage nicely for the books to come. Kira is a very likeable protagonist, and I am intrigued to see what will become of her and the possible love triangle that has been hinted at.

That said, there are a couple of things that need to be worked out in future books. I feel like there is a little too much build up just for future adventures in this book and the middle drags a bit. However, the book does feel complete in the end. Also, the big "twist" in the book, didn't really feel like a twist, so I'm looking forward to more developments as the series continues.

Overall, a deliberate and intriguing start to a trilogy with gorgeous world building. Oh is just getting started, and I have a feeling she'll just get better with each book.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Also, tune in for an interview and Giveaway with Ellen Oh, going to be scheduled soon! :-)

Enter my dystopian Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also, stop by and enter an international giveaway of a signed copy of IF I LIE by Corrine Jackson!
http://cahreviews.blogspot.com/2012/10/part-i-corrine-jackson-interview-and.html