rsk1315's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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? No
4.0
isabel_99's review against another edition
adventurous
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
4.0
kodkod's review against another edition
3.0
This is a solid debut with a lot of cool ideas (some of which I'd like to see developed further). If I liked Csorwe's character more I would have likely bumped my rating up. Her perspective is emotionally stunted and muted (and her obliviousness mocked by other characters); this is believable given that she is essentially a cult survivor, bouncing from one charismatic personality to another, but I still do not love it as the dominating point of view. I enjoy whiny, snarky Tal and "cinnamon roll of death" Shuthmili a lot more though, so will definitely read the second book!
The pacing is another area where readers may find issues. The book is made up of four parts - each consisting of its own plot arc. In the hands of another fantasy author cough[a:Robert Jordan|6252|Robert Jordan|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1538507642p2/6252.jpg]cough each part could probably become its own epic 600-page book or two (or three). I'm glad that each plot point doesn't overstay its welcome, but I found it exhausting and a bit formulaic at times. Two time jumps also occur during Part I and between Part II, to the sum of eight years, and... meh.
Books with things in common: [b:Gideon the Ninth|42036538|Gideon the Ninth (The Locked Tomb, #1)|Tamsyn Muir|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546870952l/42036538._SY75_.jpg|60943229] and [b:The Copper Promise|18667112|The Copper Promise (The Copper Cat, #1)|Jen Williams|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1381703646l/18667112._SY75_.jpg|26492094] (ex - necromancy, oppressive cults, caverns of dark secrets, callous and cruel gods, LGBT+ POV characters).
The pacing is another area where readers may find issues. The book is made up of four parts - each consisting of its own plot arc. In the hands of another fantasy author cough[a:Robert Jordan|6252|Robert Jordan|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1538507642p2/6252.jpg]cough each part could probably become its own epic 600-page book or two (or three). I'm glad that each plot point doesn't overstay its welcome, but I found it exhausting and a bit formulaic at times. Two time jumps also occur during Part I and between Part II, to the sum of eight years, and... meh.
Books with things in common: [b:Gideon the Ninth|42036538|Gideon the Ninth (The Locked Tomb, #1)|Tamsyn Muir|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546870952l/42036538._SY75_.jpg|60943229] and [b:The Copper Promise|18667112|The Copper Promise (The Copper Cat, #1)|Jen Williams|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1381703646l/18667112._SY75_.jpg|26492094] (ex - necromancy, oppressive cults, caverns of dark secrets, callous and cruel gods, LGBT+ POV characters).
benehime's review against another edition
5.0
So! Good!
And such a satisfying ending.
"Ah, thou askest much, and thou darest much", said Atharaisse, her voice throbbing in Csorwe's head though her tongue and her teeth remained perfectly still. "For the hunger of the ages tears at us still, and the urge to bite is very strong. Thou art audacious."
BIG SNAKE! BIG SNAKE! BIG LONG WORM! YESSSS!
I am also madly in love with Talasseres. Imagine having your third meltdown this week and a waitress (who claims not to be a waitress) interrupts you, so you are annoyed, but then you can dramatically monologue to her.
"Anything that's alive, or used to be alive, goes up like that." He snapped his fingers. "But if your next question is going to be *How do I disarm it*, you're shit out of luck." - Excuse me, I will take three of that little shit, thanks.
The subtext is so good??? Some things we only get allusions to (which would probably massively increase the rating) and it works so well? We don't really *need* the meaning and dark implications of Tal in the generals bed spelled out for us, but... It's so good that it is still there!
I adore how Csorwes and Tals relationship plays out throughout the novel. Does Sethennai pit them against each other on purpose? He must be, to make them be that fucked up! Loved everything about this story really.
And such a satisfying ending.
"Ah, thou askest much, and thou darest much", said Atharaisse, her voice throbbing in Csorwe's head though her tongue and her teeth remained perfectly still. "For the hunger of the ages tears at us still, and the urge to bite is very strong. Thou art audacious."
BIG SNAKE! BIG SNAKE! BIG LONG WORM! YESSSS!
I am also madly in love with Talasseres. Imagine having your third meltdown this week and a waitress (who claims not to be a waitress) interrupts you, so you are annoyed, but then you can dramatically monologue to her.
"Anything that's alive, or used to be alive, goes up like that." He snapped his fingers. "But if your next question is going to be *How do I disarm it*, you're shit out of luck." - Excuse me, I will take three of that little shit, thanks.
The subtext is so good??? Some things we only get allusions to (which would probably massively increase the rating) and it works so well? We don't really *need* the meaning and dark implications of Tal in the generals bed spelled out for us, but... It's so good that it is still there!
I adore how Csorwes and Tals relationship plays out throughout the novel. Does Sethennai pit them against each other on purpose? He must be, to make them be that fucked up! Loved everything about this story really.
crystalblu's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
thesempiternalreader's review against another edition
3.0
Actual rating - 3.5⭐
This was a complicated story with lot of world building and characters that could have been written better. I cannot visualise more than half of the world developed. I was indifferent towards the characters and their struggles. I waited for the sapphic romance but it was lackluster at best. The adventures made me curious to learn what happens next. The writing style and confusing shift in scenes reminded me of The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons(but that was much better). If you have the patience to read a story that makes no sense for over 40%, you can give this one a try.
This was a complicated story with lot of world building and characters that could have been written better. I cannot visualise more than half of the world developed. I was indifferent towards the characters and their struggles. I waited for the sapphic romance but it was lackluster at best. The adventures made me curious to learn what happens next. The writing style and confusing shift in scenes reminded me of The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons(but that was much better). If you have the patience to read a story that makes no sense for over 40%, you can give this one a try.
beaubaggins's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-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? It's complicated
4.25
saunteringvaguelydownward's review against another edition
Book not holding my interest