michele1974's review against another edition
3.0
1/2 through until main characters meet again. 2/3 of the book are retelling of previous books. Not much on the main characters
xakyr's review against another edition
3.0
Gah, this was such a let down and really more of a 2.5 star read than a 3! On one hand, I found it very hard to put down, but at the same time, I felt it wasn’t worth reading!
Most of the plot of this book was rehashings of the previous three novels in the series. We’re told much of the Sentella-League War battles, not actually shown anything, which I was really hoping to see. Ember and Bastien’s romance is told in flashback snippets and we don’t get a real clear picture of them falling for each other, even after a reunion. That is explained away in the “I never fell out of love with you” trope. The retribution that Bastien promised felt rushed, as if it was tacked into the plot. What should have ended the war, just made it extend further, and felt unnecessary.
To me, this felt like the author was forced into writing this novel, and she didn’t really want to do so. Glad I got this one from the library, but I’m hard pressed to say that I’d buy it, even if it was price reduced.
Most of the plot of this book was rehashings of the previous three novels in the series. We’re told much of the Sentella-League War battles, not actually shown anything, which I was really hoping to see. Ember and Bastien’s romance is told in flashback snippets and we don’t get a real clear picture of them falling for each other, even after a reunion. That is explained away in the “I never fell out of love with you” trope. The retribution that Bastien promised felt rushed, as if it was tacked into the plot. What should have ended the war, just made it extend further, and felt unnecessary.
To me, this felt like the author was forced into writing this novel, and she didn’t really want to do so. Glad I got this one from the library, but I’m hard pressed to say that I’d buy it, even if it was price reduced.
mina_reads_30's review against another edition
4.0
A rocky start and a fast finish.... hmmm. I think the editor removed many chapters, because the books jumps from place to place.
cindai23's review against another edition
3.0
I love these books, but lately, I feel they are just going through the motions. There's no big WOW moments or huge revelations. The League series is wonderful, but there needs to be some kind of companion book at this point, other than toggling to the website. Too many characters with same sounding names, and the two generation character stories have me befuddled most of the time. I've lost the thread of the original line of stories. Still, an average book by Ms. Kenyon is still worthy of 3 stars. But I miss the WOW factor from before.
jazzrizz's review against another edition
3.0
I'm on the fence with this one. I'm usually OK with recaps, but Bastian's book is basically Dancer's & Julien's book from his POV. Seriously ... his story doesn't really start until Chapter 10 ... there's only 16 chapters in this book.
Ember highly annoys me. Her decisions regarding Bastian chain reacted horribly. Bastian loves her, which gets him through a lot though. Julien once again works his magic behind the scenes to save those he cares about. Bastian's one of my very favorite characters, and I'm happy he got his HEA ... but I sort of feel he got a little short-changed in his book.
The ending ... I'm still scratching my head on that one. I love how Bastian deals Syn's mother. Long time coming on that one. Kyr's book has to be coming up soon ... he's totally off the reservation and I can't wait to see how Kenyon spins his back story.
Best part of the book for me was Julien's short story at the end. I love Thia ... and can't wait to see how this all works out with the Tavali.
Ember highly annoys me. Her decisions regarding Bastian chain reacted horribly. Bastian loves her, which gets him through a lot though. Julien once again works his magic behind the scenes to save those he cares about. Bastian's one of my very favorite characters, and I'm happy he got his HEA ... but I sort of feel he got a little short-changed in his book.
The ending ... I'm still scratching my head on that one. I love how Bastian deals Syn's mother. Long time coming on that one. Kyr's book has to be coming up soon ... he's totally off the reservation and I can't wait to see how Kenyon spins his back story.
Best part of the book for me was Julien's short story at the end. I love Thia ... and can't wait to see how this all works out with the Tavali.
julieabe89's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was delightful developments in the universe of The League. I cannot wait to see what happens next. I love that each book builds its own love story but also pushes the overall plot forward.
msdew82's review against another edition
3.0
WTF WAS THAT?
I love, love, love SK, but this felt, repetitive, rushed, and incomplete. I liked the bonus story. I look forward to the next installment.
I love, love, love SK, but this felt, repetitive, rushed, and incomplete. I liked the bonus story. I look forward to the next installment.
nat_kli_20's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
nellesnightstand's review against another edition
4.0
riveting, as always. i enjoyed Bastiens story.
chocoholicreader's review against another edition
3.0
Rating- 3 downgraded
Heat- 3
Tropes- reunited flames, hidden child
Bastien’s actual story was good. I liked him and Ember. Here’s the rub with this whole book- at least half of this book is events from previous books.
Sure, we are in Bastien’s head instead of Dancers or Daggers, but it makes very little difference. The reason this worked in Dagger’s book is because we were learning that his character was nothing like what we thought. His reasons and thoughts were not what we would have guessed during those moments. Bastien is exactly who we know him to be. His perspective on those events adds nothing. It just makes the book drag and feel like the actual story doesn’t begin until halfway through the book. Unfortunately this seems to be something SK is doing often. Her latest Dark Hunter books have been very guilty of this. I have no doubt as to her talent, so I’m hoping she listens to her readers and stops repeating events.
Heat- 3
Tropes- reunited flames, hidden child
Bastien’s actual story was good. I liked him and Ember. Here’s the rub with this whole book- at least half of this book is events from previous books.
Sure, we are in Bastien’s head instead of Dancers or Daggers, but it makes very little difference. The reason this worked in Dagger’s book is because we were learning that his character was nothing like what we thought. His reasons and thoughts were not what we would have guessed during those moments. Bastien is exactly who we know him to be. His perspective on those events adds nothing. It just makes the book drag and feel like the actual story doesn’t begin until halfway through the book. Unfortunately this seems to be something SK is doing often. Her latest Dark Hunter books have been very guilty of this. I have no doubt as to her talent, so I’m hoping she listens to her readers and stops repeating events.