keralajane's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.75
calcitestar's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting read. Better than the romantic dross I read last book. A little over dramatic in places for me but I like the way the end leaves questions for me to ponder.
yvnn's review against another edition
3.0
After reading the Crossing Places I was excited to see what was next in store for Ruth Galloway. I was wondering how they would have an archeologist wrapped up in a mystery again without it feeling forced. In the first book it made Total sense for her to be involved, but in this book the writer has managed to still make it feel like a logical move.
What I liked about it: more Ruth, Cathbad and Nelson. Thank god they pushed Shona a bit more to the background, she just doesn't feel like a good friend. We get to know more about Ruth's private life.... that once again gets disturbed by a mystery. I also really liked the introduction of new characters in both Ruths and Nelsons (proffesional) lives. The mystery is quite okay, it just develops in a way you would want it to.
Also, I love that Ruth is a complicated character. As much as she is an independent woman (an perceived as one), she also struggles with conflicting feelings about how her life should be. It makes her relatable and likeable. It's not like she is a mean person for being independent, that's just who she is.
I also liked that the writer cut down on the fatshaming A LOT in this book. Ruth is way more comfortable with her body (in a way) and that's great!
What I didn't like: The whole archeology/sacrificial connection to the site and motives of a possible murder feel a bit forced. It's like finding a body on an archeology dig isn't enough... so they had to put in some weird symbolical references to the Romans and whatnot. It could have easily done without as much of that. Also... can we stop with the 'confessions' inbetween the regukar story? I didn't get it in the first book and in this one it just felt like a way to fill more pages. All the mumbo jumbo in cursive really distracts me from the rest of the story. And it's not like we need all of it to know What's going on.
Verdict: Nice cosy style detective, likeable characters. Sometimes the writer spins a little out of control putting in symbolism that has no real added value.
What I liked about it: more Ruth, Cathbad and Nelson. Thank god they pushed Shona a bit more to the background, she just doesn't feel like a good friend. We get to know more about Ruth's private life.... that once again gets disturbed by a mystery. I also really liked the introduction of new characters in both Ruths and Nelsons (proffesional) lives. The mystery is quite okay, it just develops in a way you would want it to.
Also, I love that Ruth is a complicated character. As much as she is an independent woman (an perceived as one), she also struggles with conflicting feelings about how her life should be. It makes her relatable and likeable. It's not like she is a mean person for being independent, that's just who she is.
I also liked that the writer cut down on the fatshaming A LOT in this book. Ruth is way more comfortable with her body (in a way) and that's great!
What I didn't like: The whole archeology/sacrificial connection to the site and motives of a possible murder feel a bit forced. It's like finding a body on an archeology dig isn't enough... so they had to put in some weird symbolical references to the Romans and whatnot. It could have easily done without as much of that. Also... can we stop with the 'confessions' inbetween the regukar story? I didn't get it in the first book and in this one it just felt like a way to fill more pages. All the mumbo jumbo in cursive really distracts me from the rest of the story. And it's not like we need all of it to know What's going on.
Verdict: Nice cosy style detective, likeable characters. Sometimes the writer spins a little out of control putting in symbolism that has no real added value.
cdeane61's review against another edition
4.0
Good writing and a good story, but goodness, how many times can one woman put herself in mortal danger?
I guess Ruth just has a knack for it...
I do like the characters and will probably continue the series, even if only for the soap opera aspect of it all.
I guess Ruth just has a knack for it...
I do like the characters and will probably continue the series, even if only for the soap opera aspect of it all.
jasonlaw77's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
amread's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
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
4.5
polly__flint's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
cv_xo's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
booksforbrooks's review against another edition
4.0
A satisfying blend of mythology, science, mystery and character-driven plot. I enjoyed the first book in this series and found Ruth a likeable and relatable heroine, and this sequel does not disappoint. Looking forward to the next.