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maggiemaed25's review against another edition
5.0
I really like this book! It's a debut so it's not perfect, but it's really, really good. I first read it a few years ago but never got around to borrowing or purchasing the second (until recently!). I liked it even more this time around and can't wait to jump into the other novels. It's kind of dark but beautiful. Paige's journey is fun to follow- her current obstacles and her complicated past. She's a confused, angry young woman who thinks she knows who she is but has to figure out if that's who she really wants to be. I like the characters (even the ones I hate are well done) and the world being built in this is incredible. A dystopia with clairvoyants and magical-ish creatures? Yes, please!
leanybeany's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
4.5
thefaelibrarycollective's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
4.0
dellawade's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
4.5
ariems's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
hfagyas's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.5
winnimartha's review against another edition
5.0
Thoroughly enjoyed it! Well-written, and easy to immerse myself in the world. Loved the characters, intrigued to find out what happens next. Will definitely read the next instalment.
dandelionwine1928's review against another edition
4.0
Shannon is definitely adept at creating a strong, captivating world. The whole of Scion London draws you in, with its own slang, its order of clairvoyants, and unique characters. The slang took me a little while to catch on to, but there is a glossary in the back. Then, the world of Sheol I sucks you in just as much. The whole time I was reading this book, I just felt completely immersed in a separate world, which is what we all desire in a good book, right?
The characters are fascinating, too. From the oily, ruthless Jaxon to the sweet and selfless Liss, to the mysterious and indecipherable Warden, there is a host of interesting people to learn about and root for. Additionally, I liked Paige, which is important, since she is the narrator. I think the relationship between Paige and Warden could have been a little more developed, especially at the end of the book when it jumps from hatred to something more (lust, love..?). But other than that I think the characters are well-developed for the most part.
The story, in my opinion, is very unique. Like I said, this is due in large part to Shannon's masterful world-building. She has created a world that is completely her own. The plot is exciting, but not completely action-packed, which I appreciate. I think sometimes when a plot is just action, action, action, for the whole time, it is because the author doesn't know how to slow it down and develop the other components of the story. But Shannon doesn't do this; her writing excels in the quiet, introspective moments as much as it does in the exciting, thrilling moments of her plot.
The characters are fascinating, too. From the oily, ruthless Jaxon to the sweet and selfless Liss, to the mysterious and indecipherable Warden, there is a host of interesting people to learn about and root for. Additionally, I liked Paige, which is important, since she is the narrator. I think the relationship between Paige and Warden could have been a little more developed, especially at the end of the book when it jumps from hatred to something more (lust, love..?). But other than that I think the characters are well-developed for the most part.
The story, in my opinion, is very unique. Like I said, this is due in large part to Shannon's masterful world-building. She has created a world that is completely her own. The plot is exciting, but not completely action-packed, which I appreciate. I think sometimes when a plot is just action, action, action, for the whole time, it is because the author doesn't know how to slow it down and develop the other components of the story. But Shannon doesn't do this; her writing excels in the quiet, introspective moments as much as it does in the exciting, thrilling moments of her plot.
julkajula's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jannythelibrarian's review against another edition
3.25
would have dnf'd but committed to reading first two books for blowey. confusing world with all the spirits and language. she's a super special clairvoyant and gets capture by people in red cloaks that work for some powerful being? but the powerful being's betrothed, who is 200 years old, ends up falling in love with this girl over 6 months? but they had one, one hour conversation! well onto the next and blowey said it's better thank god