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theespressoedition's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-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? It's complicated
3.5
Recently, I was discussing duologies with a fellow reader. We both agreed that duologies are tricky and often dissatisfying. If the first book is good, the second one can sometimes feel rushed or chaotic or just plain disappointing. If the first book is so-so, the sequel is frequently really great and ends in a "tied in a bow" manner. I'm pleased to announce that this duology was just really interesting all the way through.
While I didn't give this one quite has high of a rating as the first, it wasn't for lack of interest or gratification so much as a... somewhat predictable ending. I have to admit that I often see things coming, so if I weren't quite as observant in that manner, there's a possibility I would've been pleasantly surprised and happy with the end. Mostly, this is a fault of my own and not on the book. At least the ending made most everything clear and I didn't feel like it needed more.
The story itself was fascinating from beginning-to-end. The romance was sweet and while definitely a primary aspect, it wasn't the main plot, which I actually liked in this duo. It didn't take away from the importance of the story and the focus being mostly on the twin goddesses... both sets of them.
I'm glad that I chose to listen to the audiobook again - but I also did read the last 25% on my Kindle, which is what made me realize that the audiobook was a good choice. While it was interesting enough reading it with my eyes, the story really came alive with the narrators and the chapters went by much quicker (which was nice, considering they were very long). Overall, I highly recommend listening to this duology!
I could see myself reading these books again, which actually surprised me a little bit. I may purchase the audiobooks for the future because they were just a lot of fun and were oddly comforting in some ways. The story lulled me, which was a good thing. They weren't boring - they were cozy!
While I didn't give this one quite has high of a rating as the first, it wasn't for lack of interest or gratification so much as a... somewhat predictable ending. I have to admit that I often see things coming, so if I weren't quite as observant in that manner, there's a possibility I would've been pleasantly surprised and happy with the end. Mostly, this is a fault of my own and not on the book. At least the ending made most everything clear and I didn't feel like it needed more.
The story itself was fascinating from beginning-to-end. The romance was sweet and while definitely a primary aspect, it wasn't the main plot, which I actually liked in this duo. It didn't take away from the importance of the story and the focus being mostly on the twin goddesses... both sets of them.
I'm glad that I chose to listen to the audiobook again - but I also did read the last 25% on my Kindle, which is what made me realize that the audiobook was a good choice. While it was interesting enough reading it with my eyes, the story really came alive with the narrators and the chapters went by much quicker (which was nice, considering they were very long). Overall, I highly recommend listening to this duology!
I could see myself reading these books again, which actually surprised me a little bit. I may purchase the audiobooks for the future because they were just a lot of fun and were oddly comforting in some ways. The story lulled me, which was a good thing. They weren't boring - they were cozy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
Moderate: Gore, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Cannibalism
melaniereadsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I liked this one quite a lot but didn't love it. I didn't think it was as good as the first one in the series. There were some parts I really enjoyed (the world building is still absolutely stellar), but I wasn't a huge fan of what went on with some of the characters. I also felt the ending wrapped things up a little too neatly, which is one of my pet peeves with books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death of parent
Moderate: Gore, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Sexual content and Cannibalism
olivialandryxo's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Never Tilting World was one of my favorite books of 2020, and The Ever Cruel Kingdom will definitely end up on my 2021 favorites list. This duology is undeniably one of my absolute favorites. Chupeco’s writing is lovely, and their ability to craft intricate worlds, complex characters and emotional relationships is incredible. There isn’t a single thing about this book I disliked. Haidee, Odessa, Lan, and Arjun are brilliant. The romances are brilliant. The plot is brilliant. Yes,
there’s a theme here: everything is just brilliant, and that’s not an exaggeration. I also really like the story’s emphasis on family, grief, and forgiveness. Chupeco fit so much into these pages and did so brilliantly. No, I won’t stop using that word. It’s accurate. I’m not sure what else to say. The last few chapters had me terrified, but everything worked out in the end. It was perfect, and I mean it. My heart was so happy reading the epilogue. I’m so happy that I read these books. I’m rambling, but whatever. I’ll be recommending these books for years to come. I absolutely love them!!
Representation
there’s a theme here: everything is just brilliant, and that’s not an exaggeration. I also really like the story’s emphasis on family, grief, and forgiveness. Chupeco fit so much into these pages and did so brilliantly. No, I won’t stop using that word. It’s accurate. I’m not sure what else to say. The last few chapters had me terrified, but everything worked out in the end. It was perfect, and I mean it. My heart was so happy reading the epilogue. I’m so happy that I read these books. I’m rambling, but whatever. I’ll be recommending these books for years to come. I absolutely love them!!
Representation
- full cast of characters of color
chronically ill lesbian protagonist
amputee protagonist
bisexual protagonist with PTSD
sapphic relationship
queer side characters (includes bi and aro ace rep)
side characters of color
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, and Grief
Minor: Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Cannibalism
fromjuliereads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I adored this book! I struggled with Odessa's character and POV at certain points but in the end I loved her just as much as at the very beginning. I was VERY STRESSED through some parts of this book but goodness. It ended so well! It really had a good ending compared to some other fantasy duologies I have read. Honestly the duology together is definitely 5 stars for me. I seriously loved these books!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, and Grief