speakyourfears's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
maleesha's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
bulbasaurusthe7th's review against another edition
4.0
This book was very different from the previous ones in a way. What do I mean by that? So far we have heard about the Heartstriker clan, the many, many siblings and how they all have their functions for the clan and how it's a very intricate hierarchy based on everyone trying like crazy to climb to the top (with the exception of Julius). There are enforcers, politicians, medics, soldiers, ones responsible for raising the new kids, etc. It all connects to support the brood mother, Bethesda, who rules over them by basically making them fight and fear each other.
By now things are changing, though. They all had the epiphany of almost every single one feeling like shit is not good. Like they all had some issues when life wasn't fair and it's seeming like.... they are wasting energy, potential and just generally every single resource because they are unable to work together.
So far we have mostly seen the characters as the kind of mysterious backdrop for Justin being the way he is, but they are starting to get fleshed out. Honestly, they are much more independent from Bethesda than I have expected; I shouldn't be surprised by how they are a lot less than perfect underlings. And at the same time a lot, lot more.
The origins and history of dragons are still not worked with too much, but I am happy with what I can get. Warning, though, I feel this book is not about the action mostly. Which is not an issue, I just feel like I had to mention it.
The war with Algonquin is approaching fast and even the humans are aware it's happening. Marci is getting the attention of some influential humans and... others.
I feel this book will pay off big time with all the huge things being set up. Definitely looking forward to it.
By now things are changing, though. They all had the epiphany of almost every single one feeling like shit is not good. Like they all had some issues when life wasn't fair and it's seeming like.... they are wasting energy, potential and just generally every single resource because they are unable to work together.
So far we have mostly seen the characters as the kind of mysterious backdrop for Justin being the way he is, but they are starting to get fleshed out. Honestly, they are much more independent from Bethesda than I have expected; I shouldn't be surprised by how they are a lot less than perfect underlings. And at the same time a lot, lot more.
The origins and history of dragons are still not worked with too much, but I am happy with what I can get. Warning, though, I feel this book is not about the action mostly. Which is not an issue, I just feel like I had to mention it.
The war with Algonquin is approaching fast and even the humans are aware it's happening. Marci is getting the attention of some influential humans and... others.
I feel this book will pay off big time with all the huge things being set up. Definitely looking forward to it.
jercox's review against another edition
2.0
Far too much time spent on politics and followup without much interest. And by this book the sappiness had risen significantly.
mimosaeyes's review against another edition
4.0
This third book consists of dragons and democracy... and quite a bit of dragginess at first, although it pays off later in a big way. Anyway, it's somewhat unavoidable because of the parallel arcs of Julius becoming a Council member and Marci maybe becoming the first Merlin (I'm so proud of them both, and I'm also appreciative of how the author keeps them balanced). I like that we get to meet more spirits, too, including the revelations about Bob's pigeon and Algonquin's real motivation.
Now that he's actually making some changes in the clan, Julius's pacifism and kindness has changed timbre for me. I started the series finding him bland for a protagonist - and I still think he's a little too lawful good for my tastes, but that's a matter of personal preference, and it's countered now by my realisation that Julius embodies the polar opposite of toxic masculinity. Even if I'm more fascinated by characters like Chelsie, or Bob, or Amelia (oof), I'm glad Julius was created.
I do have a recurrent, faint irritation that in order to get on with her story, the author often smooths over reactions to other characters' actions. I think there are some wasted narrative opportunities there, because it means that complex characters occasionally behave in predictable ways just because it's more convenient for narrative progression. But also, I'm just fussy.
Above all, this series is really taking up its place in my heart. And yes, as a cat lover, part of its appeal is the dynamic between Marci and Ghost. But generally... these books have the kind of quality that makes me trust the author. As a reader, I feel in good hands with her.
Now that he's actually making some changes in the clan, Julius's pacifism and kindness has changed timbre for me. I started the series finding him bland for a protagonist - and I still think he's a little too lawful good for my tastes, but that's a matter of personal preference, and it's countered now by my realisation that Julius embodies the polar opposite of toxic masculinity. Even if I'm more fascinated by characters like Chelsie, or Bob, or Amelia (oof), I'm glad Julius was created.
I do have a recurrent, faint irritation that in order to get on with her story, the author often smooths over reactions to other characters' actions. I think there are some wasted narrative opportunities there, because it means that complex characters occasionally behave in predictable ways just because it's more convenient for narrative progression. But also, I'm just fussy.
Above all, this series is really taking up its place in my heart. And yes, as a cat lover, part of its appeal is the dynamic between Marci and Ghost. But generally... these books have the kind of quality that makes me trust the author. As a reader, I feel in good hands with her.
auntblh's review against another edition
4.0
1/24/2020 - 4 stars - Still enjoying listening to these again.
3/13/17 - 4 stars - Another great installment in the Heartstrikers series with an ending that makes me anxious to find out what happens next!
3/13/17 - 4 stars - Another great installment in the Heartstrikers series with an ending that makes me anxious to find out what happens next!
secre's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Ok, I thought I was enjoying the series before. The third in the series blew both of the previous novels out the water and would easily make it onto my end of year best books list if I wasn't rather pedantic about using entire series or first in series.
I noted that One Good Dragon Deserves Another was a far more 'serious' fantasy novel than it's pre-decessor, which was light, fairly fluffy and honestly just good fun. That is true with No Good Dragon Goes Unpunished; there is still humour, but it's counter-balanced by a meaty plot, political shenanigans and dragons being... well, dragons from start to end. There's character development and world development in shades, shedding further light on this futuristic world.
There are a handful of new characters here - some of the higher echelon of Heartstriker clan dragons make an appearance and there are a couple of new human characters as well. And there is a huge amount of additional world-building, particularly in relation to the Heartstriker clan. For the first time, we see nearly all of the many Heartstriker dragons in one place... and the results are inevitably chaotic. But because of that, we get an insight into several aspects of how the Clan has been run for the thousands of years that Bethseda has been heading it, and it's absolutely marvellous.
But dragon politics aren't the only thing on offer here. Marci and Ghost are still key players and the way their bond shifts and develops is fascinating to read. And whilst much of the plot focuses on Julius's attempts to create a new type of dragon reign, one of democracy and speech rather than killing and eating, there are some interesting developments in the wider world that will have a serious bearing on how the future books unfold.
All in all, another fantastic book for this series. And I really look forward to continuing.
I noted that One Good Dragon Deserves Another was a far more 'serious' fantasy novel than it's pre-decessor, which was light, fairly fluffy and honestly just good fun. That is true with No Good Dragon Goes Unpunished; there is still humour, but it's counter-balanced by a meaty plot, political shenanigans and dragons being... well, dragons from start to end. There's character development and world development in shades, shedding further light on this futuristic world.
There are a handful of new characters here - some of the higher echelon of Heartstriker clan dragons make an appearance and there are a couple of new human characters as well. And there is a huge amount of additional world-building, particularly in relation to the Heartstriker clan. For the first time, we see nearly all of the many Heartstriker dragons in one place... and the results are inevitably chaotic. But because of that, we get an insight into several aspects of how the Clan has been run for the thousands of years that Bethseda has been heading it, and it's absolutely marvellous.
But dragon politics aren't the only thing on offer here. Marci and Ghost are still key players and the way their bond shifts and develops is fascinating to read. And whilst much of the plot focuses on Julius's attempts to create a new type of dragon reign, one of democracy and speech rather than killing and eating, there are some interesting developments in the wider world that will have a serious bearing on how the future books unfold.
All in all, another fantastic book for this series. And I really look forward to continuing.
squishies's review against another edition
3.0
I have realised something with Aaron's books: her story lines are great, I have no issues with where the story goes. What I do have an issue with is her characters.
Marcia is like a muted version of Miranda (from [b:The Legend of Eli Monpress|11754293|The Legend of Eli Monpress (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #1-3)|Rachel Aaron|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1442858925s/11754293.jpg|16704401]), whom I had bouts of complete and utter dislike for, so I wasn't too surprised I never really warmed up to Marcia either.
Julius, I have grown to put up with - to be honest, there's nothing wrong with him and it definitely felt like he's grown as a character, but there's something about him that isn't very engaging for me.
Together, and the way they carried on, just made me... annoyed. I guess if I was emotionally invested in them, I wouldn't have gotten so annoyed as I did at the end ().
I wish Bob was in it more, but I guess the stage was set and he couldn't do much. Chelsie has definitely become my favourite character to read at this stage. She is infinitely more interesting than Julius and Marcia combined... and probably the only reason why I'd want to read the next instalment.
Marcia is like a muted version of Miranda (from [b:The Legend of Eli Monpress|11754293|The Legend of Eli Monpress (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #1-3)|Rachel Aaron|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1442858925s/11754293.jpg|16704401]), whom I had bouts of complete and utter dislike for, so I wasn't too surprised I never really warmed up to Marcia either.
Julius, I have grown to put up with - to be honest, there's nothing wrong with him and it definitely felt like he's grown as a character, but there's something about him that isn't very engaging for me.
Together, and the way they carried on, just made me... annoyed. I guess if I was emotionally invested in them, I wouldn't have gotten so annoyed as I did at the end (
Spoiler
I should have been horrified and sad that Marcia died, but I wasn't. I had to skim through her death scene, where she took Ghost's hand right at the last second *eye roll*, and Julius' rage because I felt so exasperated instead. On the other hand, I didn't want Amelia to die at all - she was the cool one I enjoyed reading about in spite of her alcoholism. Dang it.I wish Bob was in it more, but I guess the stage was set and he couldn't do much. Chelsie has definitely become my favourite character to read at this stage. She is infinitely more interesting than Julius and Marcia combined... and probably the only reason why I'd want to read the next instalment.
nipomuki's review against another edition
3.0
I had a hard time with this third book in the series. I still like Julius and his mage, but there was just so much dragon politics in this one. It made sense, and I see why it was necessary. It was just less engaging to me. The last few hours were great, though, and I am now very much tempted to continue.