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spinebenderbooks's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
This is a fantastic coming of age story. Sophos' journey in this story takes him from a sheltered, unassertive boy to a man, one who is self-assured and capable of making difficult choices. What I appreciate about Sophos' character is that even while his experiences of slavery, violence and betrayal have led him to become a man who can rule over others, he doesn't lose his kind nature. He cherishes his friendships and struggles to navigate the changes that his position as king brings to those relationships. He always looks for another option besides violence and takes no pleasure in violence when it is the only option left to him. It is this very kindness and faith in those he trusts that sees him triumph in the end and win his throne, though it is not without cost.
This book also continues to set up the confrontation with the Medes that is surely coming and furthers our insight into the politics at play. The union of Attolia, Eddis and Sounis under Eugenides will likely put a spoke in the wheels of the Medes' colonial aspirations.
This book also continues to set up the confrontation with the Medes that is surely coming and furthers our insight into the politics at play. The union of Attolia, Eddis and Sounis under Eugenides will likely put a spoke in the wheels of the Medes' colonial aspirations.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Physical abuse, Blood, and War
Minor: Gun violence and Trafficking
bzliz's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
slow-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? Yes
4.0
For the first time in the series, we move to Sounis for the majority of the story. A subplot in the previous book mentioned that Sophos was missing. In retrospect, we follow the story of how Sophos gains control of his country after his uncle’s death. New challenges are faced, like rebel barons and more political intrigue than we’ve previously seen. Readers be warned that Sophie does spend a long portion of the book either literally enslaved to a rebel baron or lavishly incarcerated by similar foes.
I still enjoyed it but I prefer the earlier books, which are more heavily weighted toward adventure and discovery rather than courtly politics and war. Sophos makes for a lovable protagonist thanks to his kind heart and inquisitive nature. The dynamic between him and the other monarchs of the area settles into a nice place and I so desperately want them to be a team against the conquering force headed their way.
I still enjoyed it but I prefer the earlier books, which are more heavily weighted toward adventure and discovery rather than courtly politics and war. Sophos makes for a lovable protagonist thanks to his kind heart and inquisitive nature. The dynamic between him and the other monarchs of the area settles into a nice place and I so desperately want them to be a team against the conquering force headed their way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Gun violence, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Classism
mimeflower's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail