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nieva098's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
hollowistheworld's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
songwind's review against another edition
3.0
On the one hand, I enjoyed seeing where the next phase of the Heartstrikers went. As usual, there was some pretty decent humor, relationships and action.
On the other hand, I felt that this book was a step down in terms of plotting, characterization and internal logic.
The writing was solid but not artistic, as usual.
The Marci/Amelia/Empty Wind thread seemed to work, mostly. The world building/history about Merlins and the sea of magic were both interesting.
The Julius/Golden Emperor/Chelsie storyline, however, had trouble holding up under its own weight. The biggest trouble was the luck dragon himself, whose powers were presented an nearly omnipotent in one moment, but very poorly applied in the story. When one of your characters is a walking deus ex machina, it makes it hard for me to buy into the conflict.
I'm still not sure what to think about Bob and the Black Reach. I feel like the author has done a lot of telling me that Bob's plots are dangerous and BR may have to kill him, but no showing. We've yet to see anything that approaches the forbidden paths (i.e. forcing a future), but we're told Bob's right on the precipice.
For the audio edition in particular, this was not the series' finest hour. The narrator is terrible at pronouncing Asian names, and this book is full of them.
On the other hand, I felt that this book was a step down in terms of plotting, characterization and internal logic.
The writing was solid but not artistic, as usual.
The Marci/Amelia/Empty Wind thread seemed to work, mostly. The world building/history about Merlins and the sea of magic were both interesting.
The Julius/Golden Emperor/Chelsie storyline, however, had trouble holding up under its own weight. The biggest trouble was the luck dragon himself, whose powers were presented an nearly omnipotent in one moment, but very poorly applied in the story. When one of your characters is a walking deus ex machina, it makes it hard for me to buy into the conflict.
I'm still not sure what to think about Bob and the Black Reach. I feel like the author has done a lot of telling me that Bob's plots are dangerous and BR may have to kill him, but no showing. We've yet to see anything that approaches the forbidden paths (i.e. forcing a future), but we're told Bob's right on the precipice.
For the audio edition in particular, this was not the series' finest hour. The narrator is terrible at pronouncing Asian names, and this book is full of them.
gabalodon's review against another edition
5.0
These books are destroying my composure. I love them so much. I'm so stressed. Rolling right into the next and last one and I'm so sad the end is on the horizon!!!
wilbe's review against another edition
5.0
Just a good old Fairy Tail
I gave this book a five because, it is a wonderful and delightful story. The characters are lovable and it is fast paced. It is just plain cute!
I gave this book a five because, it is a wonderful and delightful story. The characters are lovable and it is fast paced. It is just plain cute!
glcn's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
themanfromdelmonte's review against another edition
5.0
Ms Aaron is on a bit of a rollercoaster ride by the time we’re into this book. I like the story’s frantic breakneck pace and the author is by now more than half-way to a rollicking fantasy in the best Lois McMaster Bujold tradition, which always a good thing in my opinion.
I don’t know if the magic system was thought out in advance or invented on the fly, but it seems to hang together quite well and is pleasingly distinct from others in the genre. Lots of humour sprinkled throughout, in particular, this:
“Marci had never met a know-it-all who could resist giving advice. Sure enough, after half a minute of pouting and sneering, he answered.”
I don’t think I sneer. At least I hope I don’t.
It occurred to me during the course of this book that we’re a long way from the Blade Runner-esque beginning to the pentalogy. There’s a lot still to be mined from that seam, providing the DFZ survives. Mind you, it’s got its own Spirit now, so I think that’s a given.
Anyhow, in this book, the Peril-o-Meter has been cranked up a notch and our intrepid heroes (one whom is temporarily dead, although it doesn’t seem to put her off her stride) are battling spirits that can’t be killed, including a pan-dimensional plane eater from the Void. Throw in the Golden Lucky Dragon from China and the usual Heartstriker family politics just to keep the pot on the boil.
Then there’s Bob. Bob is a bit too deus ex machina for me. Always cropping up to ensure that things go according to (his) plan. However, it’s Bob’s Big Moment in the fifth book so on with the show.
Forgive my flippancy. This is a well written and relatively undemanding story even if the characters are prone to great chunks of exposition. I will be investigating more of Ms Aaron’s output.
PS. I saw the whole Chelsie’s family sub-plot coming a mile off and if I did then I’m frankly staggered that none of the Heartstriker clan had worked it out.
I don’t know if the magic system was thought out in advance or invented on the fly, but it seems to hang together quite well and is pleasingly distinct from others in the genre. Lots of humour sprinkled throughout, in particular, this:
“Marci had never met a know-it-all who could resist giving advice. Sure enough, after half a minute of pouting and sneering, he answered.”
I don’t think I sneer. At least I hope I don’t.
It occurred to me during the course of this book that we’re a long way from the Blade Runner-esque beginning to the pentalogy. There’s a lot still to be mined from that seam, providing the DFZ survives. Mind you, it’s got its own Spirit now, so I think that’s a given.
Anyhow, in this book, the Peril-o-Meter has been cranked up a notch and our intrepid heroes (one whom is temporarily dead, although it doesn’t seem to put her off her stride) are battling spirits that can’t be killed, including a pan-dimensional plane eater from the Void. Throw in the Golden Lucky Dragon from China and the usual Heartstriker family politics just to keep the pot on the boil.
Then there’s Bob. Bob is a bit too deus ex machina for me. Always cropping up to ensure that things go according to (his) plan. However, it’s Bob’s Big Moment in the fifth book so on with the show.
Forgive my flippancy. This is a well written and relatively undemanding story even if the characters are prone to great chunks of exposition. I will be investigating more of Ms Aaron’s output.
PS. I saw the whole Chelsie’s family sub-plot coming a mile off and if I did then I’m frankly staggered that none of the Heartstriker clan had worked it out.
whatsmacksaid's review against another edition
5.0
THIS BOOK caused me so much anguish but I loved every minute of it. It took me so long to read partially because I was stalling until book five arrived through the mail.
katietopp's review against another edition
4.0
Don’t let the long read/listen time fool you. This is a great book. My life just got in the way. ANYWAY, I’m thrilled for Chelsie!!! Ugh. My heart feels so full for her and Julius/Marci. I’m thrilled for everyone. However…that ending. Let’s hope everyone survives.
geethr75's review against another edition
5.0
I loved the details in this, and so happy to finally see Chelsie's backstory. I am always a sucker for anything Chinese, so seeing the Chinese dragons and learning the things that happened there all pulled me in. Can't wait for the next book!