carrie_hanson's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
4.0
evasw's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
encinarus's review
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
bigbear73's review
5.0
I was completely enamored with Brent's first entry into this series, and this one is even better.
The Lightbringer series brings some of the coolest magic I've read about in awhile, and some of my favorite characters ever. I literally laughed out loud repeatedly, and just as frequently felt despair and anger at all the right parts. Brent is a master story teller of the Nth degree, and you need to read this series.
The Lightbringer series brings some of the coolest magic I've read about in awhile, and some of my favorite characters ever. I literally laughed out loud repeatedly, and just as frequently felt despair and anger at all the right parts. Brent is a master story teller of the Nth degree, and you need to read this series.
kodermike's review
4.0
This was one of my most anticipated books this year. If you’ve enjoyed Weeks’ other works, then you’ll understand why. Even after talking with Brent this summer and learning that he planned on making the Lightbringer series a tetralogy, I couldn't help but start the next book in the series with some trepidation. Would it stand up to past excellence? Would it suffer second book slumps? In other words, is this a coasting book, or will there be actual depth to it?
The Blinding Knife takes us back into the world of Gavin and Kip and all of the other colorful characters of the Chromeria and Blackguard. Between a mounting war against the Color Prince, and dealing with the aftermath of the False Prism War from 16 years before, Gavin has his work cut out for him. Of course, readers of the first book in the series, The Black Prism, know that there is a lot more to that story than I can share without a big spoilers warning. Readers continuing the adventure should know that there are still ample surprises in this volume, and although we are given more background, its not always where we want it. This, of course, is the author’s prerogative, but some of the mysteries can leave the reader wanting. Without revealing any spoilers, the entire ancient mythology and metamorphosis of the wight left a discordant feeling with me. From what we knew of the world so far, the concept of avatars just seemed at odds. It felt out of place and without context, making the color gods meme was a little confusing. It made sense in its own limited context, just like wights made sense as an extension of breaking the halo, but the blend of those two left me a little out of sorts, making it a distraction in this book.
So what did I enjoy? I still loved Kip – as a fat kid who grew up to be a fat man, I’m partial to the rotund polychrome, stereotypical as he can be. You can lament that he’s got Harry Potter syndrome, but that’s because Harry Potter had Magician’s Apprentice syndrome himself – a magically capable youth in the role of student is going to fall into a trope or two along the way. Weeks does a good job when we’re sitting on Kip’s shoulders to show us the world Kip thinks he’s seeing, even when every other character just sees a capable, headstrong Guile. Weeks tackled a few thorny subjects, including slavery, as well as introducing us to a card game who’s rules we learned alongside Kip. The conflicts Gavin faces internally, maintaining the facade of the perfect leader and Prism while really fighting against his own self doubts and insecurities was refreshing.
The Lightbringer series isn’t as dark or deep as the Night Angel trilogy, but fans shouldn’t be put off by that. Weeks tells a compelling tale, and fans of epic fantasy will still find themselves with sleepless nights as they try and finish just one more chapter.
A special thanks to Orbit and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book, and the medium to do it in.
The Blinding Knife takes us back into the world of Gavin and Kip and all of the other colorful characters of the Chromeria and Blackguard. Between a mounting war against the Color Prince, and dealing with the aftermath of the False Prism War from 16 years before, Gavin has his work cut out for him. Of course, readers of the first book in the series, The Black Prism, know that there is a lot more to that story than I can share without a big spoilers warning. Readers continuing the adventure should know that there are still ample surprises in this volume, and although we are given more background, its not always where we want it. This, of course, is the author’s prerogative, but some of the mysteries can leave the reader wanting. Without revealing any spoilers, the entire ancient mythology and metamorphosis of the wight left a discordant feeling with me. From what we knew of the world so far, the concept of avatars just seemed at odds. It felt out of place and without context, making the color gods meme was a little confusing. It made sense in its own limited context, just like wights made sense as an extension of breaking the halo, but the blend of those two left me a little out of sorts, making it a distraction in this book.
So what did I enjoy? I still loved Kip – as a fat kid who grew up to be a fat man, I’m partial to the rotund polychrome, stereotypical as he can be. You can lament that he’s got Harry Potter syndrome, but that’s because Harry Potter had Magician’s Apprentice syndrome himself – a magically capable youth in the role of student is going to fall into a trope or two along the way. Weeks does a good job when we’re sitting on Kip’s shoulders to show us the world Kip thinks he’s seeing, even when every other character just sees a capable, headstrong Guile. Weeks tackled a few thorny subjects, including slavery, as well as introducing us to a card game who’s rules we learned alongside Kip. The conflicts Gavin faces internally, maintaining the facade of the perfect leader and Prism while really fighting against his own self doubts and insecurities was refreshing.
The Lightbringer series isn’t as dark or deep as the Night Angel trilogy, but fans shouldn’t be put off by that. Weeks tells a compelling tale, and fans of epic fantasy will still find themselves with sleepless nights as they try and finish just one more chapter.
A special thanks to Orbit and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book, and the medium to do it in.
seebeeoss's review against another edition
3.0
A slower paced read than the first book, but that's no bad thing as the author spends the pages allowing us to get into the minds and motives of the character and understand more about the wonderful and unique magic system.
randomprogrammer's review
5.0
another 4.5, rounded up. great follow up. There were some parts that put actual dread in my chest and I felt physically uneasy even after stopping reading. this guy really knows how to write cliffhangers and put characters you like in positions of vulnerability or moral ambiguity. I'm still not really sure the characters I'm rooting for the most are actually doing the right thing. so far, this series is a strong recommendation.
cobrasys's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
sarahjanejudson's review
3.0
Actually a 3.5 Review
Took until almost the end to really heat up for me. And a book this long....it was tough to keep going for a bit. But in the end it was worth it.
Took until almost the end to really heat up for me. And a book this long....it was tough to keep going for a bit. But in the end it was worth it.
its_tara's review
5.0
Review:
Every time I read a book by Brent Weeks, I somehow become even more of a fan. I loved the first book in this series, The Black Prism, and this was a brilliant second book to the series. Having finished it, I can’t wait for the next one!
This story follows right on from the first book with the problems of the Chromeria, the emergence of The Colour Prince and the fact that the Prism is dying. Honestly, if you haven’t read the first book and that doesn’t make sense to you, I seriously advise you go and pick it up right now, because it’s completely worth it.
Both books are packed full of clever twists, character building and a great overview of an extensive world that Weeks has created, as well as a magic system that’s completely different to others I’ve come across. I loved seeing more of Gavin, as well as Kip. Kip’s definitely grown up in this book, and whilst he still has a pretty big chip on his shoulder (and frankly, given what he’s had to deal with in his life, who wouldn’t?) he really isn’t the quitter he quite easily could have been in the first book. I also got a lot more respect for Karris, and even Liv, though I didn’t understand all of her decisions.
I also liked the further insight to the Colour Prince and his army, and in some ways I can see why they’d think like they do – though it’s clear to see how they can easily manipulate people’s view of the Chromeria by using the Chromeria’s own flaws and mistruths against itself.
The ending to this book was a little weaker than the previous book, I felt, but there were some pretty big cliffhangers thrown in there, and I really can’t wait to get my hands on the next book to see how those play out!
Overall a really exciting, enjoyable fantasy read that you simply must pick up if you haven’t already!
Overall rating: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
My Enjoyment: 5/5
Every time I read a book by Brent Weeks, I somehow become even more of a fan. I loved the first book in this series, The Black Prism, and this was a brilliant second book to the series. Having finished it, I can’t wait for the next one!
This story follows right on from the first book with the problems of the Chromeria, the emergence of The Colour Prince and the fact that the Prism is dying. Honestly, if you haven’t read the first book and that doesn’t make sense to you, I seriously advise you go and pick it up right now, because it’s completely worth it.
Both books are packed full of clever twists, character building and a great overview of an extensive world that Weeks has created, as well as a magic system that’s completely different to others I’ve come across. I loved seeing more of Gavin, as well as Kip. Kip’s definitely grown up in this book, and whilst he still has a pretty big chip on his shoulder (and frankly, given what he’s had to deal with in his life, who wouldn’t?) he really isn’t the quitter he quite easily could have been in the first book. I also got a lot more respect for Karris, and even Liv, though I didn’t understand all of her decisions.
I also liked the further insight to the Colour Prince and his army, and in some ways I can see why they’d think like they do – though it’s clear to see how they can easily manipulate people’s view of the Chromeria by using the Chromeria’s own flaws and mistruths against itself.
The ending to this book was a little weaker than the previous book, I felt, but there were some pretty big cliffhangers thrown in there, and I really can’t wait to get my hands on the next book to see how those play out!
Overall a really exciting, enjoyable fantasy read that you simply must pick up if you haven’t already!
Overall rating: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
My Enjoyment: 5/5