jhurl's review against another edition
adventurous
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
Spoiler
Irene has to go find Kai and rescue him from a Fae world. The powerful Fae want to start a war and auction off the dragon Kai. Then since the Dragons can't go to the chaos of the Fae outerworld they would take revenge where Kai was kidnapped. Irene has to find him, meet Kai's Uncle Dragon Royalty, sneak on the Train, survive in the Fae world, escape several attacks, find the prison, arrange an escape by freeing the Horse (from the Rider who won't be happy), rescue Kai before the auction at midnight. Fortunantly detective Vale also snuck on the train and somehow wasn't delbilitated by the Fae world even without Library protection??? but together they get Kai and make their escape. Close call with everyone chasing them but they get a bit of protection from the Dragons once they make it to neutral ground. Irene has to go before the Library inquisition and they negotiate with the Dragons not to start a war.... Will she get to come back and work with Kai - will have to read the next book to find out.karanextweek's review against another edition
adventurous
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Delightful! A super fun read.
A little disappointed this book didn’t pick up on the intrigue that was hinted at during the last bit of the first in the series.
Again, the teacher/student sexual tension trope is gross and unnecessary.
I do hope we get to read about some worlds not wrapped in sexism later in the series.
A little disappointed this book didn’t pick up on the intrigue that was hinted at during the last bit of the first in the series.
Again, the teacher/student sexual tension trope is gross and unnecessary.
I do hope we get to read about some worlds not wrapped in sexism later in the series.
dlberglund's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't find this second book as compelling or well done as the first book. I'm not sure if I'll continue with the series. More dragons and Fae and magical Library language, but... I feel less invested, particularly in the repeated hints that perhaps Ms. Winters and Kai should be romantically involved.
pingu666's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
kami_s_bookshelf's review
5.0
Absolutely loved it! I’m very happy with the story and how it evolves. Very captivating and magical!
robotswithpersonality's review against another edition
There really should be more fantasy set in (an approximation of) Venice. There should also be more fantasy that reads like an action-packed page turner with just a smidgen of world-building sprinkled throughout, it makes for a more engaging read. Though in this case the breathless pace came at the expense of any mystery subplot, which I rather enjoyed in the first book in this series. Not much doubt as to the perpetrators or their motives from the beginning of this one.
Regarding the relationship dynamics between the main characters...dire circumstances heightening emotions, supervisor asking leading questions...might just be because it's been a while since I read the first in the series but feels like the author is pushing a possible romance between Kai and Irene, but I'm not sure I want it?! They're both pretty and capable, and aware of each other on an aesthetic level, concerned and respectful of each other, but it feels like they barely have chemistry as friends - admittedly they don't have much time together in this book. Best way to describe my conundrum is how close certain aspects resemble the romance in the Veronica Speedwell series, only in this series, the author is rushing it - maybe it's just a demisexual perspective...
Speedwell romance also starts as a working relationship, a partnership between equals, this story features a teacher and apprentice, I don't love the dynamic, even if it's supposed to add spice by being 'forbidden/unprofessional' and Kai's heritage is such that he's actually more powerful than Irene in most situations.
Of course the other trouble is that I think I prefer pairing Irene with Vale?! Don't think the author's on board with that one. 🤷🏼♂️
The standout for me in this series, aside from any and all aspects to do with the Library and its magic, is the characterization of the Fae. It's the one I prefer, or the one I've developed a strange emotional attachment to via absorbing older stories, which rebuffs any attempts to paint them in a more friendly light. It rings true to me that they are cold, selfish, cruel, beautiful and manipulative, terrifyingly powerful and callous, and Cogman has made them all too convincingly both the villains and the monsters of the piece.
Marvelous little extra story bits at the end of this volume, bonus content that isn't JUST an interview with the author. I would happily read a novel or novella length expansion of any of Irene's highlight reel of previous book heists, or hear more about the Librarian passing notes with the void in the Library. 😶🌫️
Regarding the relationship dynamics between the main characters...dire circumstances heightening emotions, supervisor asking leading questions...might just be because it's been a while since I read the first in the series but feels like the author is pushing a possible romance between Kai and Irene, but I'm not sure I want it?! They're both pretty and capable, and aware of each other on an aesthetic level, concerned and respectful of each other, but it feels like they barely have chemistry as friends - admittedly they don't have much time together in this book. Best way to describe my conundrum is how close certain aspects resemble the romance in the Veronica Speedwell series, only in this series, the author is rushing it - maybe it's just a demisexual perspective...
Speedwell romance also starts as a working relationship, a partnership between equals, this story features a teacher and apprentice, I don't love the dynamic, even if it's supposed to add spice by being 'forbidden/unprofessional' and Kai's heritage is such that he's actually more powerful than Irene in most situations.
Of course the other trouble is that I think I prefer pairing Irene with Vale?! Don't think the author's on board with that one. 🤷🏼♂️
The standout for me in this series, aside from any and all aspects to do with the Library and its magic, is the characterization of the Fae. It's the one I prefer, or the one I've developed a strange emotional attachment to via absorbing older stories, which rebuffs any attempts to paint them in a more friendly light. It rings true to me that they are cold, selfish, cruel, beautiful and manipulative, terrifyingly powerful and callous, and Cogman has made them all too convincingly both the villains and the monsters of the piece.
Marvelous little extra story bits at the end of this volume, bonus content that isn't JUST an interview with the author. I would happily read a novel or novella length expansion of any of Irene's highlight reel of previous book heists, or hear more about the Librarian passing notes with the void in the Library. 😶🌫️
telerit's review against another edition
2.0
I did not finish. I really tried to give this series another chance, but i found it too much a slog to get through.
murderbot42's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75