littlewhiterabbitreads's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
strawberrybookfields's review
3.0
I'm going to get straight to the point. I loved this book so much more than The Crown's Game. Now that the characters were established, reading this book was actually extremely enjoyable in comparison to The Crown's Game. I know some people felt this book was unnecessary, but this felt like the heart of the series to me.
Because of how the story was written this time, I felt like I was seeing Russia instead of being told I was seeing Russia. So, that was amazing.
I loved the characters. Given some of the PoVs feel a little pointless, I still enjoyed them. I love reading Pasha's PoV, but as I said before I'm not sure his PoV is necessary. He either made me angry or he was just there. However, this time around I felt like I really knew the characters. They were so much more living than just existing on a page. I loved reading Nikolai's PoV and I craved any moment he and Vika were together.
Again, there was not that much of a change regarding character development. The characters kind of reverted to who they were before they changed in The Crown's Game, though slightly changed. It felt okay, but it wasn't my favorite.
The plot felt a lot more smooth than the first book, which felt like it was all over the place. But, this book told a much more progressive plot that felt understandable.
I don't think I'm going to say anything else, but I guess I had fun reading this series.
Because of how the story was written this time, I felt like I was seeing Russia instead of being told I was seeing Russia. So, that was amazing.
I loved the characters. Given some of the PoVs feel a little pointless, I still enjoyed them. I love reading Pasha's PoV, but as I said before I'm not sure his PoV is necessary. He either made me angry or he was just there. However, this time around I felt like I really knew the characters. They were so much more living than just existing on a page. I loved reading Nikolai's PoV and I craved any moment he and Vika were together.
Again, there was not that much of a change regarding character development. The characters kind of reverted to who they were before they changed in The Crown's Game, though slightly changed. It felt okay, but it wasn't my favorite.
The plot felt a lot more smooth than the first book, which felt like it was all over the place. But, this book told a much more progressive plot that felt understandable.
I don't think I'm going to say anything else, but I guess I had fun reading this series.
sam_riccio's review
4.0
It wasn't the best, and it wasn't the worst book I've read this year. It gets a four because I appreciate the beautiful quotes, and there were moments I genuinely enjoyed. There were parts that I think should have been left out, because they weren't touched on again after they were mentioned and I feel like they should have been discussed, and I can do without the use of a misunderstanding being a big part of the plot.
hxlia's review
5.0
I remember reading 75% of The Crown's Game on a 90 minute bus ride home from school earlier this year, it was dark, with nothing but the rumble of the engine and the sound of my breathing. Like the bus my heart felt like it was going 100 km/hr. The book kept me on my toes throughout, I physically could not read any faster. This sequel, gave me a very similar feeling.
Though I didn't read this book quite as quickly I was definitely kept on my toes, always wanting to know what's next. It could not have ended any better. There was a proper amount of violence and misery to represent real life issues - I'm very glad Evelyn Skye did not stray away from that. But it was all wrapped up nicely with some bitter sweet romance.
Spoilers ahead!
I hope the ending suggests future stories of our two enchanters and tsar working together to deal with all the magic that's been released. Adventures about detaining Baba Yaga, the catfish king, the volcano nymphs, etc. is exactly what I need! Laced together with some steamy romance of course. ;)
Though I didn't read this book quite as quickly I was definitely kept on my toes, always wanting to know what's next. It could not have ended any better. There was a proper amount of violence and misery to represent real life issues - I'm very glad Evelyn Skye did not stray away from that. But it was all wrapped up nicely with some bitter sweet romance.
Spoilers ahead!
I hope the ending suggests future stories of our two enchanters and tsar working together to deal with all the magic that's been released. Adventures about detaining Baba Yaga, the catfish king, the volcano nymphs, etc. is exactly what I need! Laced together with some steamy romance of course. ;)
quolwy's review
3.0
3.5*
While the story began a bit scattered and I had troubles discerning what the overarching plot of this book would be, it ended up finding it's footing about half way through and finally began to pique my interest.
Not as good as the first one, but still an enjoyable read, and worth checking out as a fun duology!
While the story began a bit scattered and I had troubles discerning what the overarching plot of this book would be, it ended up finding it's footing about half way through and finally began to pique my interest.
Not as good as the first one, but still an enjoyable read, and worth checking out as a fun duology!
caterpie_reading's review
2.0
2.5 stars
That was a disappointment in so many ways. But at least I finally finished the duology.
That was a disappointment in so many ways. But at least I finally finished the duology.
marineb09's review
5.0
Just like the first one : beautifully written, magical and fantastic !
It was a pleasure ti be back with Skye for this sequel of The Crown's game. We are back with Vika, Pasha, a darker Nikolai and our beloved secondary characters.
Some part are really fast going, people are dying quite rapidly but it doesn't take anything to the story in itself.
If you want to embrace some Russia history with a dash of magic, this series is for you !
It was a pleasure ti be back with Skye for this sequel of The Crown's game. We are back with Vika, Pasha, a darker Nikolai and our beloved secondary characters.
Some part are really fast going, people are dying quite rapidly but it doesn't take anything to the story in itself.
If you want to embrace some Russia history with a dash of magic, this series is for you !
anisa_akeya's review
3.0
This was no where near as good as the first one. 3 stars for Vika because she's the only character that didn't dissapoint me.
i_love_read_ing's review
3.0
Couldn't put the book down! So I guess that means I liked it huh?
If you blew through the first book, you're going to blow through this one because it's just as interesting and engaging. I have to say, I wasn't too sure how I felt about Nikolai during the entire novel-he became so different so fast! For good reasons though. I loved trying to figure out whose side Vika was going to take because both Pasha and Nikolai were amazing men! The ending was what I wanted (though a little rushed), and it made the story feel complete.
I loved Vika as a character because she is a strong female character that won't let others stop her from what she needs to do. I loved the men because they were gentlemanly and portrayed positive characteristics that I think real life men could take a hint from.
4.5 Stars because it was an enjoyable read and has a satisfying ending
If you blew through the first book, you're going to blow through this one because it's just as interesting and engaging. I have to say, I wasn't too sure how I felt about Nikolai during the entire novel-he became so different so fast! For good reasons though. I loved trying to figure out whose side Vika was going to take because both Pasha and Nikolai were amazing men! The ending was what I wanted (though a little rushed), and it made the story feel complete.
I loved Vika as a character because she is a strong female character that won't let others stop her from what she needs to do. I loved the men because they were gentlemanly and portrayed positive characteristics that I think real life men could take a hint from.
4.5 Stars because it was an enjoyable read and has a satisfying ending