Reviews

Turning Darkness Into Light by Marie Brennan

kbz_22's review against another edition

adventurous challenging mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Just wrapped up "Turning Darkness into Light" by Marie Brennan, and I'm feeling a solid 4/5 stars. This one's a bit different - it's structured like a mix of diary entries, newspaper bits, and archaeological records. It's an immersive experience, but I get that it might not be everyone's cup of tea.

The whole Lady Trent series, though, including this one, is just stellar. The way Brennan crafts this world and unfolds the story through Isabella's eyes is genius. And the archaeological angle in this book adds this cool layer of discovery.

But let's be real, I'm going to mourn the fact that I can't experience the series for the first time again. It's like saying goodbye to old friends. If you're into unconventional structures and want to dive into a series that'll stick with you, give this one a shot. Lady Trent's adventures are worth the ride.

ninjamuse's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Xenophobia

Minor: Gun violence and Murder

algaliarept's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-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

3.75

bookishlyawkward's review against another edition

2.5

[EN] Shame I didn't enjoy this one. I don't think it's terrible - I just didn't care for the granddaughter of Lady Trent.

[PL] Szkoda, że mi się nie podobała. Nie jest raczej zła - po prostu nie obchodziły mnie losy wnuczki Lady Trent.

storiesofmagic's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

radyn99's review against another edition

adventurous challenging tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

soozasaurus_rex's review against another edition

hopeful 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? Yes

3.75

katrinahaines's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

I love the Lady Trent memoirs, and I really enjoyed this. I really loved the slow uncovering of the ancient legend, and the discussions of the minutae of translating. I also really enjoyed seeing through various people's perspectives.

My main issue with the book is that Mornett's feelings and actions make no sense

namely, I don't understand how he 1. stole Audrey's work if he is ~in love~ with her, and nor do i understand why he seems to think it's no biggie and she'll just get over it? He never explains. It's never explained and it drives me mad

heleneroad's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

4.0

birte's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful informative mysterious 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

3.75