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emily_mh's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Definitely some mixed feelings about this second instalment so here goes nothing!
First up, Sefia and Archer’s storyline, which bored me to tears. It was SO repetitive and chapters in their perspective didn’t move the plot along much. It was also filled to the brim with angsty allocishet romance which has to be my least favourite thing on this planet. I also seem to remember that their perspectives are the focus of the book, which means this read dragged for me. On the other hand, the other POVs were sick!! There was treasure hunting, political intrigue and QUEER love!!! I just wanted the whole book about the others and their nuanced and intriguing situations. Reed was once again such an interesting character. This book really explored how he is so focussed on immortality that he forgets act honourably while chasing honourable deeds.
Some other positives! This instalment followed up on the meta elements of the first, raising questions of predetermination and free will that I found chilling and fascinating all at once. Also, the ending ended up being super engaging.
But one last negative: the world-building is still very much lacking. It continues to feel flat and in need of some serious fleshing out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Suicide, Torture, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Alcohol, War, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Addiction, Animal death, Body shaming, Cancer, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Fatphobia, Rape, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Excrement, Medical content, Dementia, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: PTSD, loss of a loved one Minor: fainting, gambling