jkg13's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
parchouliprentice's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
This was a beautiful conclusion, and I am pleased with how all outstanding mysteries were resolved. The twist is on point- I couldn't be happier about that. I gasped a sigh of relief when Likh appeared in the closing scene as her presence was sorely missed. I truly hope Tea and Kalen are alive and well with the Gorvekai.
This series displays the best world building I have read in years. What's amazing to me is that every layer of the Ashaverse has an impact on the story- it's not just for display. Rin Chupeco's imagination is fire.
The language in this one was a bit flowery- not always a bad thing but it slowed down my read and did detract from enjoying some parts, especially in the first quarter of the book. Also. Thia publisher's copy editing. Get it together! Every book in the series had instances of calling a character by the incorrect name. This book had this problem less than the first but it was enough to make me backtrack when it did happen.
Chupeco's character and plot development is largely without blemish - but there was too much obvious exposition in the development of Likh and Khalad's relationship. I am not sure why just this romance had this issue but it was the only pairing where the characters spoke amongst each other about getting the relationship solidified. It was just... Clunky and hard to desxribe.
I am happy I read this series and look forward to the author's next endeavor.
This was a beautiful conclusion, and I am pleased with how all outstanding mysteries were resolved. The twist is on point- I couldn't be happier about that. I gasped a sigh of relief when Likh appeared in the closing scene as her presence was sorely missed. I truly hope Tea and Kalen are alive and well with the Gorvekai.
This series displays the best world building I have read in years. What's amazing to me is that every layer of the Ashaverse has an impact on the story- it's not just for display. Rin Chupeco's imagination is fire.
The language in this one was a bit flowery- not always a bad thing but it slowed down my read and did detract from enjoying some parts, especially in the first quarter of the book. Also. Thia publisher's copy editing. Get it together! Every book in the series had instances of calling a character by the incorrect name. This book had this problem less than the first but it was enough to make me backtrack when it did happen.
Chupeco's character and plot development is largely without blemish - but there was too much obvious exposition in the development of Likh and Khalad's relationship. I am not sure why just this romance had this issue but it was the only pairing where the characters spoke amongst each other about getting the relationship solidified. It was just... Clunky and hard to desxribe.
I am happy I read this series and look forward to the author's next endeavor.
allisonwonderlandreads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
brits_bomb_books's review against another edition
5.0
It feels like it’s been a long time since I’ve read a series that wrapped up so beautifully and so perfectly.
But the main reason this is a five star read for me is the amazing representation we get in Likh’s journey. I’ll leave it at that to avoid spoilers, but this was perfection.
Tea and Kalen are goals. Chupeco captures their love story in an extraordinary way. In this world of magic and fantasy, it’s a love story that just feels so real and ordinary in the best of ways.
One of my new, very favorite series. I’m only sad I didn’t find it earlier!
But the main reason this is a five star read for me is the amazing representation we get in Likh’s journey. I’ll leave it at that to avoid spoilers, but this was perfection.
Tea and Kalen are goals. Chupeco captures their love story in an extraordinary way. In this world of magic and fantasy, it’s a love story that just feels so real and ordinary in the best of ways.
One of my new, very favorite series. I’m only sad I didn’t find it earlier!
amre23's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Murder, Blood, Suicide attempt, Gore, Violence, Injury/injury detail, Suicidal thoughts, Confinement, Misogyny, and Death
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Genocide, Physical abuse, Homophobia, Transphobia, Grief, Child abuse, and Bullying
Minor: Torture, Chronic illness, Toxic relationship, Body horror, and Toxic friendship
shannonvonpesach's review against another edition
5.0
I couldn't stop reading..now idk what to do anymore :,( love this trilogy!!! <3
carolinethereader's review against another edition
3.0
I had a tough time reading this book. I took a bit of a break from it midway because I wasn't that into it (which is really odd considering I gave The Heart Forger 5 stars). Now that I've finished it, I feel quite underwhelmed with it as a conclusion but it's difficult to explain why.
In book 2 I enjoyed the 'then and now' story format. Tea is telling her story to a Bard so we get to see two very different tales unfolding. In book 3, the two stories are getting closer together chronologically and the constant switches became almost jarring for me.
The dual stories were just a bit of a negative for me, there were better ways to structure the novel I think.
I also think, story-wise, there were a few moments where it felt like the main characters were invincible; like they were always going to come out of things okay.
I still enjoyed the characters and the fact that it's a story about a super cool necromancer. The relationships between the characters were great. It's quite a dialogue heavy book so there's a lot of nice banter as well.
Overall it's good but the series peaked with the second book so I'm a little disappointed with this ending.
In book 2 I enjoyed the 'then and now' story format. Tea is telling her story to a Bard so we get to see two very different tales unfolding. In book 3, the two stories are getting closer together chronologically and the constant switches became almost jarring for me.
The dual stories were just a bit of a negative for me, there were better ways to structure the novel I think.
I also think, story-wise, there were a few moments where it felt like the main characters were invincible; like they were always going to come out of things okay.
I still enjoyed the characters and the fact that it's a story about a super cool necromancer. The relationships between the characters were great. It's quite a dialogue heavy book so there's a lot of nice banter as well.
Overall it's good but the series peaked with the second book so I'm a little disappointed with this ending.
curledcontemplation's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
squidly18's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75