paradoxically's review
3.0
The second book of the Crystal Singer series, Killashandra takes the down on her luck main character and puts her on another world where she is to repair a broken organ. However, things are not as they seem with an assassination attempt and the undercurrents of unrest that flicker among the populace.
Among a few other things, I found it hilarious that Lars--a new male character that appears in the main character's life--would so easily confide in Killashandra (though she's under a pseudonym at the time), considering what he is saying and what he did. Not to mention how blase Killashandra is about most of everything, Yes, we get that Killashandra is a capable character, but it's a little much.
She also somehow manages to convince several officials that she needs good beer for her metabolic processes and while it made me crack a grin, her interactions with others aren't very believable at all. It mostly seems like a rah rah Killashandra! sort of thing, except for the parts of the story when she's in trouble.
The end was almost... hm. Not quite sure about it. It was very dramatic and it made me roll my eyes at parts, but it did wrap up the book fairly well. All in all, the book was average for me. 3 stars.
Among a few other things, I found it hilarious that Lars--a new male character that appears in the main character's life--would so easily confide in Killashandra (though she's under a pseudonym at the time), considering what he is saying and what he did. Not to mention how blase Killashandra is about most of everything,
Spoiler
even though she was kidnapped and thrown on an island and left there as a captive.Spoiler
And then the way she just forgives Lars and his company--I would have been more than a little miffed, even if their cause was just. There was no real fuss on her part, no black thoughts, just acceptance that made me throw up my hands and go "Really now? That's it?"She also somehow manages to convince several officials that she needs good beer for her metabolic processes and while it made me crack a grin, her interactions with others aren't very believable at all. It mostly seems like a rah rah Killashandra! sort of thing, except for the parts of the story when she's in trouble.
The end was almost... hm. Not quite sure about it. It was very dramatic and it made me roll my eyes at parts, but it did wrap up the book fairly well. All in all, the book was average for me. 3 stars.
neilsef's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
4.0
As with the first book, this one also has a charm about it that makes it an enjoyable and engaging read. This charm derives from the slightly naive and simplistic manner in which the events are related to the reader, which gives the impression of also being a bit tongue in cheek, coupled with wonderfully written main characters with sparkling personalities.
A fun, quick, fast-paced adventure that is a pleasure to read.
aurora69006's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
treasuressecret's review
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
librarygirlreads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
sarracenia's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this second volume of the Crystal Singer series. McCaffrey's writing is always a pleasure, easy to read without being too simple. It was great to be back in Killashandra's world. The plot took us far from Ballybran and was more exciting than I had expected with elements of mystery, romance and adventure.
kjboldon's review
3.0
A problematic page turner. Where Crystal Singer held up for me, this one fell apart as it went, with an ending that felt particularly drawn out and cruel, for silly things on analysis. More later. This one both enthralled and infuriated me.
thomcat's review
3.0
The crystal singer returns in a sequel that is better than the first book. This musical mystery story uses elements of politics and isolationism to add to individual character goals.
Where the first book was coming of age, this book presents the main character as an adult. When sent as a guild representative to perform a job on another world, she must adapt her outlook, especially when external forces try to use her to achieve their own goals. Where the first book was about her job (crystal singer), this book is about her.
The plot that drives her to this new assignment is somewhat contrived. Unlike the first book, this one focuses on the politics of a single planet. The descriptions of the islands are rich, which lead me to believe McCaffrey wrote some or all of this part on island time. An enjoyable read.
Where the first book was coming of age, this book presents the main character as an adult. When sent as a guild representative to perform a job on another world, she must adapt her outlook, especially when external forces try to use her to achieve their own goals. Where the first book was about her job (crystal singer), this book is about her.
The plot that drives her to this new assignment is somewhat contrived. Unlike the first book, this one focuses on the politics of a single planet. The descriptions of the islands are rich, which lead me to believe McCaffrey wrote some or all of this part on island time. An enjoyable read.
tarana's review
3.0
This was just an average story. Some of the sequences of events simply are not believable. Having previously read book 3, you can skip this story in the series, but you would miss some of the characterization of Lars and Trag (Killashandra doesn't really change much).