The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
thebookwormsfeast's review
5.0
The Shadow of Water did not disappoint! I enjoyed this so so much!
I have to admit, I was worried going in, as The Fire in the Glass was one of my top books of 2020. How on earth would this compare?
I needn't have been worried though - this was an absolute delight, and I binged it once again.
Set on the cusp of World War I, the story oozes history - and I loved seeing glimpses of famous figures of the time in such "normal" (for aristocrats etc. - but away from the ravages of war) settings, reminding me that these were ordinary people too with lives beforehand. It really helped with the feeling that this really could have happened.
We once again follow Lily Albright as she struggles with mastering her power and coming to terms with all that she hasn't changed, as she desperately seeks to change her latest prophecy/vision - the cataclysmic destruction of London. My only wish is that some of the other characters we meet in book one featured a little more heavily, as the cast does feel narrowed down with more glimpses and snippets - but that's just as I love them all and just want to see as much as I can about them. It still plays out wonderfully.
I love that the wheels of the mystery about it all keep ever turning, as smaller ones are brought up and resolved - and new facets come into the greater one propelling the narrative. Even if I guessed parts, there was always something about the reveal I did not see coming. And the way things come full circle to earlier points made is so well done.
I am left fearing for the future of this amazing bunch of people - Benson does demonstrate that won't coddle her characters, or us. But as a fan of Jay Kristoff, I am up for my heart being broken by a book - give me all the feels! (...but also please don't! haha).
Thank you Jacquelyn Benson for sending me an early copy.
I have to admit, I was worried going in, as The Fire in the Glass was one of my top books of 2020. How on earth would this compare?
I needn't have been worried though - this was an absolute delight, and I binged it once again.
Set on the cusp of World War I, the story oozes history - and I loved seeing glimpses of famous figures of the time in such "normal" (for aristocrats etc. - but away from the ravages of war) settings, reminding me that these were ordinary people too with lives beforehand. It really helped with the feeling that this really could have happened.
We once again follow Lily Albright as she struggles with mastering her power and coming to terms with all that she hasn't changed, as she desperately seeks to change her latest prophecy/vision - the cataclysmic destruction of London. My only wish is that some of the other characters we meet in book one featured a little more heavily, as the cast does feel narrowed down with more glimpses and snippets - but that's just as I love them all and just want to see as much as I can about them. It still plays out wonderfully.
I love that the wheels of the mystery about it all keep ever turning, as smaller ones are brought up and resolved - and new facets come into the greater one propelling the narrative. Even if I guessed parts, there was always something about the reveal I did not see coming. And the way things come full circle to earlier points made is so well done.
I am left fearing for the future of this amazing bunch of people - Benson does demonstrate that won't coddle her characters, or us. But as a fan of Jay Kristoff, I am up for my heart being broken by a book - give me all the feels! (...but also please don't! haha).
Thank you Jacquelyn Benson for sending me an early copy.
maixpaix's review
adventurous
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
pvbobrien's review
adventurous
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Grief
Moderate: Classism and Death
Minor: Sexual violence, Colonisation, and Trafficking
freemajo's review against another edition
5.0
”I am the Prophetess,” she speaks, feeling the clear call of her voice ring across the stars. “And I want to see.”
The Fire in the Glass was almost in my favorite books for 2020, with its unique setting and perspective of 1914 London, mysticism, the occult, 1900s British society (also obsessed with the occult), and Eastern philosophy. The Shadow of Water saw it and raised it twenty--definitely in my top books for 2021 so far.
In The Shadow of Water, the focus shifts from eugenics/the occult to the impending conflict over Ireland/Northern Ireland while the lengthening shadow of World War I looms ever nearer. A dead body is found, visions are had, and the team races to expose a treacherous plot that could cost the lives of thousands. Really, you should just read it; you won’t be able to put it down.
There is an element of suspense to The Shadow of Water, and it’s significantly improved over The Fire in the Glass; you don’t know how people are connected until you do. The characters that were so well-crafted in The Fire in the Glass have returned, and we get to know them better. I’m so glad! I specifically loved in Book 1 that Sam wasn’t some Chinese immigrant stereotype, and we really lean into who Sam is here as his past becomes revealed.
The pacing was great; I felt like the story progressed well and kept me interested throughout the journey. Pacing and characterization are definitely two strengths of Benson.
My only criticism of The Shadow of Water (and it’s so minor) is that it was very unforgiving to the reader who did not finish its predecessor immediately prior. I know we all hate an info dump, but Morgan Cole has a very handy, “The Story Till Now” synopsis that she includes at the start of each Chrysathamere book, and I wish every author would do this. I don’t always want to re-read every book prior to the new installment in a series. Unless you’re Garth Nix and the series in question is Abhorsen. Re-read EVERRRY time.
I received a free copy through BookSirens. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Fire in the Glass was almost in my favorite books for 2020, with its unique setting and perspective of 1914 London, mysticism, the occult, 1900s British society (also obsessed with the occult), and Eastern philosophy. The Shadow of Water saw it and raised it twenty--definitely in my top books for 2021 so far.
In The Shadow of Water, the focus shifts from eugenics/the occult to the impending conflict over Ireland/Northern Ireland while the lengthening shadow of World War I looms ever nearer. A dead body is found, visions are had, and the team races to expose a treacherous plot that could cost the lives of thousands. Really, you should just read it; you won’t be able to put it down.
There is an element of suspense to The Shadow of Water, and it’s significantly improved over The Fire in the Glass; you don’t know how people are connected until you do. The characters that were so well-crafted in The Fire in the Glass have returned, and we get to know them better. I’m so glad! I specifically loved in Book 1 that Sam wasn’t some Chinese immigrant stereotype, and we really lean into who Sam is here as his past becomes revealed.
The pacing was great; I felt like the story progressed well and kept me interested throughout the journey. Pacing and characterization are definitely two strengths of Benson.
My only criticism of The Shadow of Water (and it’s so minor) is that it was very unforgiving to the reader who did not finish its predecessor immediately prior. I know we all hate an info dump, but Morgan Cole has a very handy, “The Story Till Now” synopsis that she includes at the start of each Chrysathamere book, and I wish every author would do this. I don’t always want to re-read every book prior to the new installment in a series. Unless you’re Garth Nix and the series in question is Abhorsen. Re-read EVERRRY time.
I received a free copy through BookSirens. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
clarabooksit's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- 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? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Violence, Grief, and Death
Moderate: War, Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Trafficking and Sexual violence
amcn92's review
I was hoping for stronger romance- the main plot is interesting, but just not really what I was seeking right now.
opalthegembookreviews's review
4.0
Jaqueline Benson is one of my favourite authors her books are an immaculate journey where you sink into the lives of her characters but with all her books it takes a little bit to dive in but once you’re in you’re all in the action and adventures she is able to create in her mind make me feel as if I’m actually in the time and place of these events.
My thoughts on Shadow of water I had really high expectations after Fire in the glass and this book held up I loved all the action, the subtle but epic romance between Lord Strangford and Lily and getting to see more into the backstory of Sam - my reasoning for 4 stars and why I think I’m gonna end the series here is it was sometimes hard to follow with the political jargon and sometimes edged on too many words to describe parts of scenes but the biggest reason for my 4 stars as even though it’s an epic action packed ending the finale really did feel like a finale and one I’m happy to have read and end the series with!
My thoughts on Shadow of water I had really high expectations after Fire in the glass and this book held up I loved all the action, the subtle but epic romance between Lord Strangford and Lily and getting to see more into the backstory of Sam - my reasoning for 4 stars and why I think I’m gonna end the series here is it was sometimes hard to follow with the political jargon and sometimes edged on too many words to describe parts of scenes but the biggest reason for my 4 stars as even though it’s an epic action packed ending the finale really did feel like a finale and one I’m happy to have read and end the series with!
thebookishsarah's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
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? It's complicated
4.5