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bblljones4's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing, Death, Blood, and War
isi__1's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
This book had all of the positive elements of the first book (interesting plot, 3-dimensional characters, solid world-building), but without the slow setup.
Although I do have to say that I don‘t think that the ending of book one was topped by the ending of book two, I do think that the pacing of this sequel was a lot more consistent. I couldn‘t stop reading!
Even though this book isn‘t short, it is a breeze to get through. This is definitely made easier by the very short chapters, which manage to make any book go by way faster.
There‘s a few new POVs added, but it wasn‘t hard to keep track of these new characters, because I was already familiar with the world, general direction of the plot, and the other characters.
The only reason why it‘s not a perfect 5-star book is because I can see some improvements to be made in the pacing. Although I was never bored for long, there were certain scenes or subplots that did drag on a tiny bit, in my opinion. Don‘t get me wrong, this really wasn‘t a glaring issue & didn‘t happen most of the time. All I‘m saying is that I do feel like there‘s some room for growth.
In any case, I can‘t wait to read the third and fourth book. Especially because people do seem to like these the most.
Although I do have to say that I don‘t think that the ending of book one was topped by the ending of book two, I do think that the pacing of this sequel was a lot more consistent. I couldn‘t stop reading!
Even though this book isn‘t short, it is a breeze to get through. This is definitely made easier by the very short chapters, which manage to make any book go by way faster.
There‘s a few new POVs added, but it wasn‘t hard to keep track of these new characters, because I was already familiar with the world, general direction of the plot, and the other characters.
The only reason why it‘s not a perfect 5-star book is because I can see some improvements to be made in the pacing. Although I was never bored for long, there were certain scenes or subplots that did drag on a tiny bit, in my opinion. Don‘t get me wrong, this really wasn‘t a glaring issue & didn‘t happen most of the time. All I‘m saying is that I do feel like there‘s some room for growth.
In any case, I can‘t wait to read the third and fourth book. Especially because people do seem to like these the most.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and War
Moderate: Slavery and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape, Suicidal thoughts, and Torture
dani_reis's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, and War
Minor: Rape
Rapexta_07's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Things I muttered to myself while reading the last few chapters of this book: What? On no! And of course: NoNoNONONonono!
While both the beginning and the end of the book were very exciting and fun to read, I had trouble maintaining my momentum through the middle. What truly carried me through were the characters. They shine in this story; they all feel incredibly real. I really particularly enjoyed Cywens journey, and her budding relationship with Vedaris and Alcyon. Even though she is their captive, they end up caring about each other. I also really liked Camlin finding his place in the “crew” and learning the value of loyalty. There are a few one sided “bad guys” but most of the characters have nuance and depth, which is something I really appreciate.
John Gwynne has a knack for taking a tangled spider web of a plot and weaving it all together in a beautiful tear stained tapestry. I am both exited and scared to pick up book 3!
While both the beginning and the end of the book were very exciting and fun to read, I had trouble maintaining my momentum through the middle. What truly carried me through were the characters. They shine in this story; they all feel incredibly real. I really particularly enjoyed
John Gwynne has a knack for taking a tangled spider web of a plot and weaving it all together in a beautiful tear stained tapestry. I am both exited and scared to pick up book 3!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, and War
Moderate: Confinement, Rape, and Torture
surdiablo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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
3.0
It's an improvement over the first book if you consider the 'entertainment' aspect, but I'm afraid most of the issues I mentioned about its predecessor carry over to this one as well, and the writing style just doesn't work for me. Characterization, and world-building, all of them feel either generic or cookie-cutter. Nothing really stands out and whenever something really good happens, it falls flat because the author writes just enough to get the point across, which kills whatever excitement I feel at that moment. Consider these final words of the book ( ending spoilers ofc! ) for example where the protagonist lost his mom and buried her after a battle.
He thought of the cauldron, the black cloud rising from it, the tainted Jehar ripping men limb from limb, Nathair sitting on the dais steps, and finally the old man that he had fought, who had killed his mam. Calidus, Meical had called him. One thought circled in his head like the black birds swirling about the mountain peaks.
They must be stopped.
They must be stopped! Okay ye, that's obvious. Is that the final line that's supposed to get me hyped for the next book? Come on now.. There are also some twists and turns in the story that made me laugh rather than be surprised because of how contrived or ridiculous it was sometimes. With all that said, I did have some fun reading it and I really enjoyed Maquin's arc. That's one thing I had my doubts about when it came to execution, and it turned out to be the best thing about the book somehow, which was a pleasant surprise. Regardless of this book being an improvement, unfortunately, I can't say I really liked it still, so I'mma round down to a 3.
He thought of the cauldron, the black cloud rising from it, the tainted Jehar ripping men limb from limb, Nathair sitting on the dais steps, and finally the old man that he had fought, who had killed his mam. Calidus, Meical had called him. One thought circled in his head like the black birds swirling about the mountain peaks.
They must be stopped.
They must be stopped!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and War
Moderate: Confinement, Misogyny, and Rape
russelmcq's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
To me, this series just continues to quicken the pace. Breakneck style, short chapters, action packed. While I can see how some may not love the "stop to smell the flowers" type of prose, I really enjoy this series for what it is.
A violent, emotional upheaval that grabs you and shakes you.
As a newer fantasy reader and having gone from Tolkien to this, I can appreciate both sides immensely.
A violent, emotional upheaval that grabs you and shakes you.
As a newer fantasy reader and having gone from Tolkien to this, I can appreciate both sides immensely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gore, Rape, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
bebby92's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Blood, Death of parent, and War
kat1105's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Child death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Child abuse, Trafficking, and Abandonment
Minor: Rape, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
darkefyres's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
slow-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Slavery, Blood, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Animal death, Confinement, Violence, Alcohol, and War
Minor: Child abuse
ocean_the_reader's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
I felt like I flew through this one. There was so much that happened but it was also a lot of traveling and planning.
Theres just so much I've forgotten. I'm having a great time rereading and rediscovering
The friendships in this book are immaculate and I wish friendships like this were in more books.
I'm really hoping Veradis either changes sides or helps Nathair realize what's going on. And I knew I was right to not trust the Vin Thalun.
The last 200 pages was such a rollercoaster and the ending made me sob.
Theres just so much I've forgotten. I'm having a great time rereading and rediscovering
The friendships in this book are immaculate and I wish friendships like this were in more books.
I'm really hoping Veradis either changes sides or helps Nathair realize what's going on. And I knew I was right to not trust the Vin Thalun.
The last 200 pages was such a rollercoaster and the ending made me sob.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and War
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault