brennalynne's review
4.0
I wasn't as in love with this as I was The Devouring Gray but I still deeply appreciated it - namely the character development and the realistic connections between the characters. There was female friendship, growth, healing, romance built more on mutual connection than sexual tension - and of course, all that bisexual representation. *chefs kiss*
gemgem18's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
mosscraftink's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked the bones of the story. I feel like this series could have benefited from being longer and having more character moments to flesh out relationships and arcs. I would have loved to have seen more the group interacting together as friends
taliatalksbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? N/A
3.5
The Deck of Omens by Christine Lynn Herman was just as fast-paced as the first book, The Devouring Grey, in this duology. I really loved getting to know the characters of Four Paths, and while I feel like the story got a bit bogged down in the details, it was overall still an enjoyable read. There were definitely some repetitive moments where some characters had to catch others up to where they were, but this felt less annoying due to the ages of the characters and the way they had been communicating with one another from the start. I really liked the twist at the end, and loved the juxtaposition of cultish behavior and childhood innocence. I think this magical little town is certainly one avid ya fantasy readers want to visit, do check out this duology when you get a chance.
jace_lee_koe's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
autumnfinny's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
This was a really great end to the duology, I loved all the developments and how everything wrapped up!
katyfayyyx's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Like how do you ruin book in the last 15 pages.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Mental illness, Grief, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Murder
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Vomit, Violence, Torture, Abandonment, and Medical content
Minor: Child death, Domestic abuse, and Alcohol
tallyvauthor's review against another edition
3.0
Did I like it: 3★
Does it fit the genre: 4★
Does it do what it's trying to do: 4★
Storyline: 3★
Writing style: 4★
Characters: 3★
Plot Twists: 4★
Pacing: 5★
Overall: 3★
Meh. Honestly, I thought the first book was a million times better. I really wanted more of Violet and less of May as she was totally my least favourite character from the first book, but alas. The storyline felt erratic and like it was a completely different book from the first. Which, normally I wouldn't say in a negative connotation, but I just couldn't vibe with this one as much as I should've and I swear, the only book that does multiple POV really well is SoC. Not trying to compare since this book is nothing like that one, but I found that the voices for all characters tended to swing together. While their own motives were very clear, it was also a little muddy, like they were all the same person. I wanted to like this book, but honestly, I don't much care for it.
Does it fit the genre: 4★
Does it do what it's trying to do: 4★
Storyline: 3★
Writing style: 4★
Characters: 3★
Plot Twists: 4★
Pacing: 5★
Overall: 3★
Meh. Honestly, I thought the first book was a million times better. I really wanted more of Violet and less of May as she was totally my least favourite character from the first book, but alas. The storyline felt erratic and like it was a completely different book from the first. Which, normally I wouldn't say in a negative connotation, but I just couldn't vibe with this one as much as I should've and I swear, the only book that does multiple POV really well is SoC. Not trying to compare since this book is nothing like that one, but I found that the voices for all characters tended to swing together. While their own motives were very clear, it was also a little muddy, like they were all the same person. I wanted to like this book, but honestly, I don't much care for it.