thunderbolt_kid's review against another edition
3.0
I very much like the book that came before this one: Empress of the World. I would only recommend this book if you desperately need to know more about Battle from that one. OK.
librariann's review against another edition
Kind of a yawner with less heart than Empress of the World. Didn't feel strongly connected to the characters. Ryan is still a talented writer but didn't connect with the reader in this effort. Disappointing companion novel. For a more engaging story of gambling, family, and - shall we say "progressive multigenerational households" - try Beginner's Luck by Laura Pederson.
stenaros's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted more from this book. More of the brother, who remains a cipher throughout and then is suddenly explained in a few paragraphs in the final chapters. More of the household relationships. More of the play, even. I did enjoy the various Portland locals very much.
showlola's review against another edition
3.0
The continuing journey of Battle Hall Davies, continued from Empress of the World. This covers that important summer between high school and college, and Battle's evolution into adulthood. No easy answers, recognizable characters. Really good.
heatherbookely's review against another edition
3.0
This came really, really close to getting a four. The only reason it didn't was because most of my fours have had slightly more complicated stories. It's been a while since I read Empress of the World, but I vaguely remember taking Nic's side and not really liking Battle, so hearing her voice was interesting. I liked that this book was a companion book rather than a sequel; it takes place the summer after Empress of the World, but could easily be a stand alone book. The story was simple and cute; it was a good summer story, not too serious, without a serious romantic relationship.
choirqueer's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this book a lot! It was rather different from its predecessor, Empress of the World, which I'd read a few weeks before. I was glad to read this continuation of Battle's story; I really like her as a character and I enjoyed spending time with her as I read the book.
shinychick's review against another edition
2.0
Again, I don't remember the character being this was when I first read about her. Maybe I wear rose-colored glasses in my memory? In any case, Battle Hall Davies returns from the previous "Empress of the World," which was a shatteringly good book. This one, not so much.
laurakate45's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed reading about the family dynamics in this story. The main characters were believable, though I felt like some of the minor characters weren't drawn as well--I had trouble remembering which was which at times.
libmiko's review against another edition
2.0
The writing style was engaging, but it felt like nothing really happened in the book. No great revelations, no major character development.
kiramekihoshi's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting sequel to Empress from Battle's point of view. More of a sequence of events than a real story, but not unenjoyable.