Ok. So I wanted to give this book a three but I just loved the setting and the idea so much that it gets an extra star.

First off, I've got to say that the writing wasn't that amazing. It goes every quickly so that a lot happens in a few paragraphs and leaves you reeling (badly) for a bit. The plot pacing was all right, but maybe a bit more description could have happened all the time, so you end up feeling a bit cheated by the short length of the book.

I can't tell you how good it is the have a character not fall in love or be in love (at least for this book because it's obviously going to happen). It was a breath of fresh air, though I know I'm still going to be waiting for my female warrior that never wants a family and children and just wants to be a warrior and fight and stuff.

The characters are basic but not anything more than I've seen in series that receive rave reviews like the Throne of Glass novels. I liked everyone enough, even the annoying ones like the little Prince.

But I really like the setting. An East Asian fantasy context (and is that the issue of Japanese imperialism that I see there?). I like the idea of old tropes like quests and "chosen ones" being recycled in different settings. ( )

The first couple chapters were very enjoyable, but after the plot started picking up the narrative style became a bore.

Kira is a fun main character, and I deeply appreciate how her family loves her even though the rest of the world doesn't.

Overall, I felt a lack of consistency (although by the end I was skimming portions), in world-building and character development. What level of formality is expected in conversation? Are the priests revered for wisdom or scorned for unbelievable prophecies? Is the crown prince a helpless child or actually an accomplished warrior? ( )

It took me a little while to get into this book because I don't typically read from the fantasy genre, but I ended up loving it as I became familiar with the characters and their world. Dare I compare Kira to Katniss? Yes, I dare. Kira of Hansong is a demon slayer, the prince's bodyguard, the only female of the king's army--and an outcast. An outcast, but a badass. Like Katniss of The Hunger Games, Kira is a strong female lead: she's physically strong and can wield weapons with skill; she has a strong commitment to her family, especially to protect her young cousin (the prince); she has a love interest but definitely doesn't need him to come to her rescue. I'm rooting for this girl. Also, I'm a fan of the setting in a fantasy version of ancient Korea and of Ellen Oh's use of Korean mythology and folklore; Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology are so familiar from stories I read as a child, so Prophecy's introduction to mythological creatures and stories were refreshingly new to me. And lots of action makes for a quick read. I'm on board for reading the rest of the trilogy. So on board. ( )

RGG: Underdeveloped characters and fantasy world make this a poor complement to Cashore's Graceling, with which it only shares the warrior girl heroine. With just a hint of romance, the first book in the series though will work for the 7th grade. And, of course the Asian references, including martial arts fighting, is unique. Reading Level: 12-YA.

Got this book the moment it came out, loved it, can't wait for more from the great Ellen Oh! ( )