kayladawnreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
A beautiful, action-packed, heart-wrenching finale to this series. I loved every moment between Lyre and Clio.
lucerez's review against another edition
3.0
This book dragged for me, especially the second half - it's just one fight after another, almost checklist style. The reader can guess who's going to be toast by the end very early on, it's just a matter of when and how. As with the last book, Lyre carries this for me - earned skill is always more satisfying to me than genetic gifts where the character does little work, or what learning that does occur is over the course of a few days, and is still able to get to others' levels. It's not as satisfying to see unearned wins as to see hard-earned wins. Sorry, Clio - also, she's still naive in this one, but there's a little character development to where she's more tolerable. I suppose the biggest endorsement for this series as a whole is that I did finish it, which makes 9 (!) books that I listened to all the way through on audiobook from this universe. Much more than I can say for most urban fantasy YA/young adult content.
steffi_au_penguinbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I a just going to hide in a corner and cry for the next hours until my heart stops hurting.
Another masterpiece by Annette Marie.
Another masterpiece by Annette Marie.
toastedbagel's review against another edition
4.0
It's been a fun ride. Annette Marie creates the most wonderful characters. I liked that we got to delve into Lyre's vulnerabilities and insecurities and getting to see more of him and his perspective. I'm not sure I'd ever get over his snark and shrewd intelligence. Despite first impressions, Ash and Miysis are both characters that I'm sure readers will grow to love. Is it too much to ask for Miysis' story too? Interactions with them are sometimes laced with humour and man, I'm loving it. Not forgetting Clio, the tender soul that I'd always root for. This series and its characters have weaved its way to a soft spot in my heart, and I can't believe I have to wait another year for the sequel.
shinysylveon's review against another edition
3.0
This whole series was just okay. Okay, but generic characters. Okay storyline and progression. There are a few notes of a cool idea or two here or there but again, the execution was just okay. The ending annoyed me as I felt a character was a given a role they should not have received, but it was clearly done for plot purposes for future novels. Not a complete waste of time, but not one I'd read again or go out of my way to recommend.
rbradley923's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexual violence, and Sexual content
cricklewood's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
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
4.25
Setting/Worldbuilding: 9/10
Main characters: 7/10
Side characters: 9/10
Dialogue: 8/10
Plot: 8/10
Technique: 9/10
Prose: 7/10
Romance: 9/10
Ending: 10/10
Overall enjoyment: 8/10
Total: 84/100 (4.2)
Best book of the series (not just because I’m a massive Miysis stan though that DID make a huge difference). Readers should not, and expect, if you’ve read Steel & Stone, that there is a “Sad For Now” ending to the romance, but I’m hoping that Blackfire will sort all of that out. I will just have to say that this book answered a LOT of questions I had while reading Steel & Stone (eg. the nature of Ash and Lyre’s relationship) and made me feel at peace and immensely excited for the Blackfire sequel. Ahhhhh!
h3rbatka's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? No
3.25
bunnerz's review against another edition
4.0
Ratings - completed series:
#1 The Night Realm: ★★★★☆
#2 The Shadow Weave: ★★★★☆
#3 The Blood Curse (this book): ★★★★☆
#1 The Night Realm: ★★★★☆
#2 The Shadow Weave: ★★★★☆
#3 The Blood Curse (this book): ★★★★☆