annemaries_shelves's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
3.75
3.75 stars
Kith & Kin is basically just a fun time.
As a more recent fan of the Critical Role world, I was excited to read a novel featuring the earlier experiences of Vax and Vex – two of my favourite characters (though really they’re all my favourites).
From a fantasy YA standpoint, K&K is nothing special or unique. But it is fun, with plenty of action, quips, (easy to figure out) plot twists, and emotional moments (especially the flashbacks). And from a CR perspective, it’s a fan-freaking-tastic time. I enjoyed some of the extra worldbuilding and gained a better understanding of how jaded the twins became by the beginning of Vox Machina. While the twins were initially on opposite sides of a larger conflict, I appreciated that the author didn’t drag it out and had them resolve their issues and work together – the strength of their relationship is largely dependent on the trust they’ve built and the open communication they (try to) maintain.
I recommend picking up the audiobook if you can – Robbie Daymond (aka Dorian Storm in Exandria Unlimited and early Campaign 3) is the narrator, with Liam O’Brien and Laura Bailey reprising their characters’ voices. Basically, I imagine Dorian as an older bard telling this tale to his audience. I will say - it was hard to contain my reactions to some scenes while in public!
Finally - I'm a big fan of Thorn and can’t forgive the author for going fade-to-black in *that* scene with Vax….
Kith & Kin is basically just a fun time.
As a more recent fan of the Critical Role world, I was excited to read a novel featuring the earlier experiences of Vax and Vex – two of my favourite characters (though really they’re all my favourites).
From a fantasy YA standpoint, K&K is nothing special or unique. But it is fun, with plenty of action, quips, (easy to figure out) plot twists, and emotional moments (especially the flashbacks). And from a CR perspective, it’s a fan-freaking-tastic time. I enjoyed some of the extra worldbuilding and gained a better understanding of how jaded the twins became by the beginning of Vox Machina. While the twins were initially on opposite sides of a larger conflict, I appreciated that the author didn’t drag it out and had them resolve their issues and work together – the strength of their relationship is largely dependent on the trust they’ve built and the open communication they (try to) maintain.
I recommend picking up the audiobook if you can – Robbie Daymond (aka Dorian Storm in Exandria Unlimited and early Campaign 3) is the narrator, with Liam O’Brien and Laura Bailey reprising their characters’ voices. Basically, I imagine Dorian as an older bard telling this tale to his audience. I will say - it was hard to contain my reactions to some scenes while in public!
Finally - I'm a big fan of Thorn and can’t forgive the author for going fade-to-black in *that* scene with Vax….
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Grief, Murder, Violence, Injury/injury detail, Blood, and Death of parent
yourlocalgaymess's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
I loved this book so much, I almost never was able to put it down.
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Murder, Bullying, Gaslighting, and Grief
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