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maartjeida's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
alfspoilerspren's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
monsterturtle's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
naiu_cs's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: War
somewheregirl7's review against another edition
4.0
In the second Dark Reflections book the story fractures, following Merle as she sets off with the Flowing Queen to find help for Venice against the Pharaoh's invading army and also following Serafin's story as he stays behind in Venice.
The story jumps around a lot between the two characters, though Merle still receives the majority of page time. That jump can be a bit disconcerting and was at times awkward. Otherwise the story continues to intrigue me and the world building is excellent. Meyer has a way with characters that draws you in and I really love Merle and Serafin. Though, as usual with many YA/Middle Grade readers, the romantic interest between the two main characters feels a bit forced. They're just kids so Serafin's apparent love for Merle is rather far-fetched and sudden considering the two barely met in the previous book and the events of this book follow closely after.
I will definitely be reading the final book in the series.
The story jumps around a lot between the two characters, though Merle still receives the majority of page time. That jump can be a bit disconcerting and was at times awkward. Otherwise the story continues to intrigue me and the world building is excellent. Meyer has a way with characters that draws you in and I really love Merle and Serafin. Though, as usual with many YA/Middle Grade readers, the romantic interest between the two main characters feels a bit forced. They're just kids so Serafin's apparent love for Merle is rather far-fetched and sudden considering the two barely met in the previous book and the events of this book follow closely after.
I will definitely be reading the final book in the series.
squishies's review against another edition
4.0
Gah. So good.^^^^You kinda can figure out the twist, but it's still exciting when you get to it.^^^^Need. Third. Book.
amerdale's review against another edition
3.0
Meine Rezension zur Trilogie: https://amerdale.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/gelesen-kai-meyer-merle-trilogie/
dinosaursatwork's review against another edition
3.0
I still love the creativity and how different this book is from many contemporary fantasy novels. Still, it feels a bit ridiculous at times, e.g., when Merle and Serafin are in love after talking to each other once. This book (the whole series) could have been great if there was more time developing concepts and ideas. Merle and Juniper are another example: Those girls knew each other for two (2) weeks and we had one moment that felt like a real friendship situation in the first book, but are now written as if they have a deep and long friednship. Also, Winter blatanly and immediately tells us that he is "winter" - it would have been a great opportunity to use foreshadow or leave the reader guessing. I know that it's a book for kids, but children are not stupid. You can leave things up to interpretation or uncover them at a later point.
I still loved it because I am into the worldbuilding and read this book as a child, but first-time adult readers might not like this book.
I still loved it because I am into the worldbuilding and read this book as a child, but first-time adult readers might not like this book.
astroscribe40's review against another edition
3.0
Not as good as the first book. Most of this book felt transitionary with little plot development. A few new characters and the switching POVs were all that kept the pace moving. Furthermore, both of the main action points in this book were letdowns for the characters as well as the reader. Hopefully the third book will not disappoint.