mimosaeyes's review
4.0
This is the first time I'm not raving about a book in this series. Don't get me wrong - I like this a lot! There are too many reasons to name them all. But some of them include: Rune's found family court and allies (I love literally every one of them individually and together); the bond between Rune, Brand, and Addam especially; continued delving into his trauma and the fall of the Sun Court; casual non-binary and disability rep on top of the refreshingly non-heteronormative world established since the first book. Let's not forget a couple of nicely foreshadowed twists and very cool moments, like .
But my gods, the antagonist of this book is weak. Obviously, I don't mean in terms of her power; she has that in spades, and I could see that she posed a serious threat to Rune and co. I mean, she doesn't make for a compelling villain. From a quick glance at other reviews, I don't think this is a popular opinion, but there you have it. I didn't even hate her as a character - that would have made her a stronger antagonist - I just felt tired of reading about her.
I think this stems from two reasons. One: compared to Ashton and the Hanged Man (arguably the main antagonists of books one and two respectively), her ties to Rune's backstory aren't as immediate or visceral, and she doesn't have established dynamics with any of the Arcanum - necessarily since her existence was kept secret - so there isn't really much interpersonal tension in the conflict between her and the good guys. It's just woah, crazy lady keeps attacking us! Who knows who she is, but we've gotta stop her.
Two: she's so over-powered that she forces everyone to resort to using the Arcana Majeure a lot, which ironically reduces the impact of it. Yes, I'm aware of what it costs, because it's stated over and over again - and I do trust the author to portray the consequences of that down the road. But see, one of the things I loved about the first two books is how the sigil system created limitations that made fight scenes feel like they had real stakes and strategising. Rune always triumphs because he's learned to make do with the few resources he has. Whereas here, it's because he. It's a lot less satisfying.
Last note.
4 stars, but clinging on to the edge; it hurts my heart to think of giving a Tarot Sequence book 3 stars. Do note, however, that I may eat my words. I read this book while getting irregular and insufficient sleep because of work, so maybe my brain just isn't processing it well...
Spoiler
Ciaran being revealed as the Magician, Brand singlehandedly taking down the Forerunner, and Flynn becoming Corbie's familiarBut my gods, the antagonist of this book is weak. Obviously, I don't mean in terms of her power; she has that in spades, and I could see that she posed a serious threat to Rune and co. I mean, she doesn't make for a compelling villain. From a quick glance at other reviews, I don't think this is a popular opinion, but there you have it. I didn't even hate her as a character - that would have made her a stronger antagonist - I just felt tired of reading about her.
I think this stems from two reasons. One: compared to Ashton and the Hanged Man (arguably the main antagonists of books one and two respectively), her ties to Rune's backstory aren't as immediate or visceral, and she doesn't have established dynamics with any of the Arcanum - necessarily since her existence was kept secret - so there isn't really much interpersonal tension in the conflict between her and the good guys. It's just woah, crazy lady keeps attacking us! Who knows who she is, but we've gotta stop her.
Two: she's so over-powered that she forces everyone to resort to using the Arcana Majeure a lot, which ironically reduces the impact of it. Yes, I'm aware of what it costs, because it's stated over and over again - and I do trust the author to portray the consequences of that down the road. But see, one of the things I loved about the first two books is how the sigil system created limitations that made fight scenes feel like they had real stakes and strategising. Rune always triumphs because he's learned to make do with the few resources he has. Whereas here, it's because he
Spoiler
plays life-force chicken and winsLast note.
Spoiler
I really don't like the reveal that Lady Time took Quinn's Sight. His precognition in terms of probabilities has been one of my favourite mechanics in these books. And it's such a big part of his personality and mannerisms - are you telling me my boi is no longer going to talk in messed-up tenses? I really hope this isn't permanent. (Whereas I'm way more sure Lord Tower's disappearance isn't the end.)4 stars, but clinging on to the edge; it hurts my heart to think of giving a Tarot Sequence book 3 stars. Do note, however, that I may eat my words. I read this book while getting irregular and insufficient sleep because of work, so maybe my brain just isn't processing it well...
alt_air's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
bookosaurusrawr's review
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-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
4.0
scootypuffjrsucks's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.75
boyanna's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Heartbreaking and lovely, bittersweet and brilliant stopping point for this trilogy finale.
We have some answers and inkling for the thing to come, we end up on a quiet point but you can feel that it's just a calm before the storm.
All n' all i loved it.
And now, we wait!
We have some answers and inkling for the thing to come, we end up on a quiet point but you can feel that it's just a calm before the storm.
All n' all i loved it.
And now, we wait!
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
al_cassada's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-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
5.0
jedbird's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
- 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
4.0
Despite my issues with the interminable fight scenes and the misuse of the tarot as a framework, I do still really like this series, primarily because of the relationship between Rune and Brand. It's a fantastic friendship, and Mr. Edwards is to be commended for putting it to the page.
There was a lot of exploration/searching and fighting that Rune did in this book, and I hope the next book covers some of what happened to the kids while they were in Lady Time's clutches.
There was a lot of exploration/searching and fighting that Rune did in this book, and I hope the next book covers some of what happened to the kids while they were in Lady Time's clutches.