mazza57's review against another edition
2.0
I found this really difficult to listen and keep track on audio might have to find a physical copy and have another go
bookhookedheather's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-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
4.5
noahnobody's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.0
lolothecatlady0's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
3.0
melodierhae's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted so badly to enjoy this book despite its flaws, the way I did with Once and Future. Unfortunately, it was a tough sell.
Book 1 tended to be a little preachy about queer politics, but you see so little positive representation that I could look past it. Sword in the Stars began with so much of this that I wanted to skip through the first quarter of the book- positive representation can be done without destroying narrative...the choir’s already heard it and it is so heavy-handed that I can only imagine it driving away those who need to hear the message most.
That said, the adaptation of Arthurian legend was absolutely amazing. When McCarthy and Capetta get into it, it’s really fantastic. Ari and Gwen are even more heroic than ever, the complex time travel isn’t muddy, and there are so many heartwarming and heart-wrenching surprises. .
Overall, you can probably let O&F be your only foray into the duology...but keep an eye on these writers.
Book 1 tended to be a little preachy about queer politics, but you see so little positive representation that I could look past it. Sword in the Stars began with so much of this that I wanted to skip through the first quarter of the book- positive representation can be done without destroying narrative...the choir’s already heard it and it is so heavy-handed that I can only imagine it driving away those who need to hear the message most.
That said, the adaptation of Arthurian legend was absolutely amazing. When McCarthy and Capetta get into it, it’s really fantastic. Ari and Gwen are even more heroic than ever, the complex time travel isn’t muddy, and there are so many heartwarming and heart-wrenching surprises. .
Overall, you can probably let O&F be your only foray into the duology...but keep an eye on these writers.
jamimap82's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
rhymeswitheerie's review
adventurous
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Blood
Minor: Violence, Misogyny, Death of parent, Suicide attempt, Transphobia, and Sexual content
whatsjennareading's review
5.0
This book. Oh my heart. This book. I had WAY too much fun with this book. Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy truly outdid themselves and exceeded my wildest hopes by creating the most epic and perfect conclusion to this journey. First things first, and before I gush any further, Sword in the Stars is a sequel and should be read after Once and Future. Quick recap: Once & Future is Arthurian legend fantastically reimagined in space–hilarious, sexy, endlessly creative, and marvelously gay. In Capetta and McCarthy’s retelling, Merlin is a newly minted teenager stuck in a tormenting cycle of failed Arthur reincarnations as he ages backwards. Ari is the newest and 42nd reincarnation, the first female Arthur, and quite possibly Merlin’s last chance to get things right and break the cycle before he ages backwards into infancy. Gwen is the queen of Lionel–a medieval planet straight out of a Renaissance Festival–and Ari’s old flame from Knight Camp. Rounding out the group are a vibrant and incredibly diverse cast of characters who make up the rest of the knights of the round table. Together they must figure out a way to defeat Mercer, the evil corporation controlling the entire galaxy, rescue Kay and Ari’s moms who have been illegally imprisoned, figure out how to lift the barrier that’s keeping Ari’s home planet in exile, and unite all of humankind in peace.
In Sword in the Stars, we get to see so much more of Ari, Val, Gwen, Jordan, Lam, and especially Merlin. Capetta and McCarthy did a phenomenal job showing how the different members of the group overcame the limitations caused by the harsh gender norms that tried to force them all into boxes that simply did not fit. Despite the difficulties, each stayed true to themselves and the character growth that happened as a result was beautiful. Side note: the muscly and heroic knight version of Ari made me crush HARD.
My only complaint about Once and Future was the pacing for some of the larger plot points as they had so much to pack into the first book while also needing to establish rules and world building. There was no need for that in this second installment and the plot benefited immensely as a result. All of the factors I loved so much from the first book–magic, diversity, romance, spaceships, witty banter, unforgettable characters, and even a little bit of smut–were back in full force plus so much more. The authors play with time in so many creative and surprising ways and it was absolutely delightful. I had to put the book down multiple times to exclaim over the many unexpected twists and turns the story took, and was on the edge of my seat all the way to the very end.
I’m so incredibly grateful to jimmy patterson books for giving me the chance to read and review this book. I dropped everything the day it arrived and read it in less than 48 hours, enjoying every single moment. I highly recommend this duology to everyone and I so hope that Capetta and McCarthy write more books together soon!
Spoiler
At the end of Once and Future, we left our brave, ragtag, fabulous group of heroes as they portaled into the past, to Camelot, to avoid the Mercer corporation, keep Gwen’s baby safe, and hopefully retrieve a weapon that could be used to defeat Mercer once and for all. I’m going to try and keep this review as spoiler free as I can because I think it’s more fun that way, but it will be a surprise to no one that things absolutely do not go as planned. The gang must stay inconspicuous, try not interfere with the cycle, and steal the chalice while simultaneously fending off Nim’s attempts to derail them and surviving the toxic masculinity and heteronormativity of the time–oh, and Merlin is still aging backwards.In Sword in the Stars, we get to see so much more of Ari, Val, Gwen, Jordan, Lam, and especially Merlin. Capetta and McCarthy did a phenomenal job showing how the different members of the group overcame the limitations caused by the harsh gender norms that tried to force them all into boxes that simply did not fit. Despite the difficulties, each stayed true to themselves and the character growth that happened as a result was beautiful. Side note: the muscly and heroic knight version of Ari made me crush HARD.
My only complaint about Once and Future was the pacing for some of the larger plot points as they had so much to pack into the first book while also needing to establish rules and world building. There was no need for that in this second installment and the plot benefited immensely as a result. All of the factors I loved so much from the first book–magic, diversity, romance, spaceships, witty banter, unforgettable characters, and even a little bit of smut–were back in full force plus so much more. The authors play with time in so many creative and surprising ways and it was absolutely delightful. I had to put the book down multiple times to exclaim over the many unexpected twists and turns the story took, and was on the edge of my seat all the way to the very end.
I’m so incredibly grateful to jimmy patterson books for giving me the chance to read and review this book. I dropped everything the day it arrived and read it in less than 48 hours, enjoying every single moment. I highly recommend this duology to everyone and I so hope that Capetta and McCarthy write more books together soon!
ofliterarynature's review
5.0
I was kind of meh about the first book, but this one was amazing and i’m so glad I continued the series!!!
samiamstew's review
5.0
WAHHHHHHH. I love these characters so much!!! This was such a good sequel, loved seeing the characters in the Camelot setting and the way they fit into the Arthurian legend, all the twists of who characters are and where they come from and how they learn about themselves and their connections and aahbsdskajfbasdgfjkd. So much good queer representation, such adorable romances, magic, sci-fi, everything you could ever need. I cried through almost the whole last hour of the audiobook because I adore these characters. I also laughed aloud at them going through the library and referencing Arthur tales such as the TV show Merlin and even this book series. I'm going to cry again writing this because things were wrapped up so nicely that it probably means we won't get another book but I love these characters and want to read about them all the time!! I need novellas. I need more. Did I mention I love these characters? So so so so so good.