atra's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
diaryofthebookdragon's review against another edition
3.0
As a big fan of the original Black Jewels trilogy, I read all other follow up novels. And none of them measured up. :/
LIKES:
✔ We get to hang out again all of our favorite trouble-makers from the original trilogy (and some new ones ;) ).
✔ Anne Bishop is a very talented writer and the world is already so well developed, that everything went smoothly.
✔ Easy to read.
DISLIKES:
✘ The story about this world was, in my opinion, done 7 books ago. Yes, there will always be some new problems, but nothing in there was major enough to warrant a 450-page novel.
All my ranting about unnecessary sequels aside, if it's true that there will be another novel, [b:The Queen's Weapons|51673807|The Queen's Weapons (The Black Jewels #11)|Anne Bishop|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|76231666], I am going to read it. And then complain some more (probably). :D
LIKES:
✔ We get to hang out again all of our favorite trouble-makers from the original trilogy (and some new ones ;) ).
✔ Anne Bishop is a very talented writer and the world is already so well developed, that everything went smoothly.
✔ Easy to read.
DISLIKES:
✘ The story about this world was, in my opinion, done 7 books ago. Yes, there will always be some new problems, but nothing in there was major enough to warrant a 450-page novel.
All my ranting about unnecessary sequels aside, if it's true that there will be another novel, [b:The Queen's Weapons|51673807|The Queen's Weapons (The Black Jewels #11)|Anne Bishop|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|76231666], I am going to read it. And then complain some more (probably). :D
lassarina's review
4.0
I shoved this entire book into my brain in the space of five hours (staying up three hours past my bedtime in the process) and forgot about the entire existence of the world for that five-hour span, so in that sense, it was a complete success.
This is a solid continuation of the Black Jewels series. It has all the flaws and strengths of the series. If you love the series, you're likely to love this. If you don't like the series, or find its gendered magic system, sexual politics, particular brand of snark, or various problematic elements not to your taste, you won't like this book. If you like Surreal, Daemon, Lucivar, and Marian, the book is full of them doing all the things they do quite well. There are delightful cameos from other people from previous books. New problems arise and are dealt with, because it's been long enough since Witch that some problems are cycling back, particularly among shorter-lived races.
It's also clearly kicking off a fuller follow-up story; the threads in this one are, on the surface, less dire than the ones in the initial trilogy, and that really works here, because you can only pull off one world-shattering apocalypse per series without getting passe. (I have much preferred the more slice-of-life stuff that has happened after the initial trilogy because I love seeing what happens after the war is won, as it were.)
And now, because my life and my choices are good ones, I am apparently just going to re-read the entire series, because I'm like that.
This is a solid continuation of the Black Jewels series. It has all the flaws and strengths of the series. If you love the series, you're likely to love this. If you don't like the series, or find its gendered magic system, sexual politics, particular brand of snark, or various problematic elements not to your taste, you won't like this book. If you like Surreal, Daemon, Lucivar, and Marian, the book is full of them doing all the things they do quite well. There are delightful cameos from other people from previous books. New problems arise and are dealt with, because it's been long enough since Witch that some problems are cycling back, particularly among shorter-lived races.
It's also clearly kicking off a fuller follow-up story; the threads in this one are, on the surface, less dire than the ones in the initial trilogy, and that really works here, because you can only pull off one world-shattering apocalypse per series without getting passe. (I have much preferred the more slice-of-life stuff that has happened after the initial trilogy because I love seeing what happens after the war is won, as it were.)
And now, because my life and my choices are good ones, I am apparently just going to re-read the entire series, because I'm like that.
snillum's review
3.0
I was so excited to have a return to the Black Jewels world but honestly this book was a bit of a let down.
It honestly feels like Bishop just didn’t really develop Surreals character beyond the “boss bitch, sassy assassin” and matching her and daemon after janelle dies is just lazy.
Writing in a child as some sort of “heart reward” for a traumatised character is fine - people do that for themselves IRL everyday (and there we have the generational trauma) but holy hell, I really wish fantasy book authors would start writing in therapists alongside the healers.
Anywho, reading the development of Jillian and Lucivar was lovely, but the Surreal drama was honestly just irritating. Hopefully that’s dealt with going forward, but for now, surreal still just feels like a one dimensional character.
It honestly feels like Bishop just didn’t really develop Surreals character beyond the “boss bitch, sassy assassin” and matching her and daemon after janelle dies is just lazy.
Writing in a child as some sort of “heart reward” for a traumatised character is fine - people do that for themselves IRL everyday (and there we have the generational trauma) but holy hell, I really wish fantasy book authors would start writing in therapists alongside the healers.
Anywho, reading the development of Jillian and Lucivar was lovely, but the Surreal drama was honestly just irritating. Hopefully that’s dealt with going forward, but for now, surreal still just feels like a one dimensional character.
weremallard's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
katleap's review
4.0
4.4 stars
I received an e-ARC copy of The Queen's Bargain from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book picks up right after The Highlord's Daughter in [b:Twilight's Dawn|8315340|Twilight's Dawn (The Black Jewels, #9)|Anne Bishop|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1278614341l/8315340._SY75_.jpg|13164550]. Jillian, the adoptive daughter of Lucivar, gets drawn into shady game some of the Blood Aristos are playing. Jaenelle Saetien is struggling to understand where her place is with a powerful namesake and a special jewel. Daemon's power is growing and if he can't contain it, there will be consequences.
I am going to be super honest in this review. There will be spoilers for this series and possibly this book. Overall I was not as unhappy as I thought I would be. I enjoyed most of the book and it was interesting to see most of the characters that I care about, plus a couple really really fantastic surprises.
First Daemonar is lovely and it was great to see how he has grown up and his relationship with his Auntie J. I really liked all the interactions between Lucivar, his children (including Jillian) and Marian. Jillain is a prominent character in this book and she grows up a lot.
I have mixed feelings about Jaenelle Saetien. Receiving Twilight's Dawn seems to have changed her and not exactly for the better. She makes some choices that have consequences but didn't really seem to understand what effects could happen.
I struggled with the events in The Highlord's Daughter. Surreal and Daemon never worked for me. They were good friends, allies in hell that was Terreille and an awesome ruling prince and second. This book is the turning point in their relationship and I was so thrilled when I felt that I was proven right in what Surreal can and cannot handle.
I will wait to see where this goes.
I received an e-ARC copy of The Queen's Bargain from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book picks up right after The Highlord's Daughter in [b:Twilight's Dawn|8315340|Twilight's Dawn (The Black Jewels, #9)|Anne Bishop|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1278614341l/8315340._SY75_.jpg|13164550]. Jillian, the adoptive daughter of Lucivar, gets drawn into shady game some of the Blood Aristos are playing. Jaenelle Saetien is struggling to understand where her place is with a powerful namesake and a special jewel. Daemon's power is growing and if he can't contain it, there will be consequences.
I am going to be super honest in this review. There will be spoilers for this series and possibly this book. Overall I was not as unhappy as I thought I would be. I enjoyed most of the book and it was interesting to see most of the characters that I care about, plus a couple really really fantastic surprises.
First Daemonar is lovely and it was great to see how he has grown up and his relationship with his Auntie J. I really liked all the interactions between Lucivar, his children (including Jillian) and Marian. Jillain is a prominent character in this book and she grows up a lot.
I have mixed feelings about Jaenelle Saetien. Receiving Twilight's Dawn seems to have changed her and not exactly for the better. She makes some choices that have consequences but didn't really seem to understand what effects could happen.
I struggled with the events in The Highlord's Daughter. Surreal and Daemon never worked for me. They were good friends, allies in hell that was Terreille and an awesome ruling prince and second. This book is the turning point in their relationship and I was so thrilled when I felt that I was proven right in what Surreal can and cannot handle.
I will wait to see where this goes.
jj7twin's review
5.0
*print book was won in a giveaway (received on Feb 29th), ebook paid for (will download day of release)*
I have to wait until the ebook is out to show all my highlights but THIS BOOK♡♡♡! Such a joy to be back in the Realms of The Blood. Because they are part of the long live races we see old friends, find out the fates of a few who have passed, and get the barest hints of more story to tell halfway through. I hope it's two more books but if we get another HFN at the end if "The Queen's Weapons" [current estimate release is in 2021] like we did in "Twilight's Dawn", I'll be good.
Going off the blurb you think Dillon is gonna be a good guy that needs a second chance but those hopes are dashed and his shady side is revealed because of his past hurt. Still not right and thankfully that gets resolved appropriately. Daemon and Surreal's marriage being on the rocks is super frustrating because all they have to do is TALK TO EACH OTHER AND REALLY LISTEN! That didn't happen and things got worse but by the end they are on the mend however they aren't fully healed. Not sure what new threat is coming to The Realms that needs all parts of Daemon Sadi but unless Anne Bishop is committed to giving me 4 more books to build it all up, let it explode, and have the dust settle in a happy or I-can-live-with-it bittersweet ending, the next book should be the final last visit to these characters. I love them and want more visits with them but do not kill off my boys, ever.
I have to wait until the ebook is out to show all my highlights but THIS BOOK♡♡♡! Such a joy to be back in the Realms of The Blood. Because they are part of the long live races we see old friends, find out the fates of a few who have passed, and get the barest hints of more story to tell halfway through. I hope it's two more books but if we get another HFN at the end if "The Queen's Weapons" [current estimate release is in 2021] like we did in "Twilight's Dawn", I'll be good.
Going off the blurb you think Dillon is gonna be a good guy that needs a second chance but those hopes are dashed and his shady side is revealed because of his past hurt. Still not right and thankfully that gets resolved appropriately. Daemon and Surreal's marriage being on the rocks is super frustrating because all they have to do is TALK TO EACH OTHER AND REALLY LISTEN! That didn't happen and things got worse but by the end they are on the mend however they aren't fully healed. Not sure what new threat is coming to The Realms that needs all parts of Daemon Sadi but unless Anne Bishop is committed to giving me 4 more books to build it all up, let it explode, and have the dust settle in a happy or I-can-live-with-it bittersweet ending, the next book should be the final last visit to these characters. I love them and want more visits with them but do not kill off my boys, ever.
toshi21's review
5.0
I admit I was leery when Anne said she was going back to Kaeleer. I thought that Jaenelle’s story was done. I thought Daemon had finally found happiness.
I went into this book with trepidation.
Well, boy was I drawn in. Daemon’s story has always been my favourite. He is who I compare all my heroes to.
This book made me realize that he does have more of a story. More about him and the relationships around him. More about his role in the coming war??
The characters are as we know them, flawed and damaged but still willing to fight.
This was a fantastic book in which I sat for hours reading nonstop, even when it was still a little dim.
I cannot wait for the next book.
I went into this book with trepidation.
Well, boy was I drawn in. Daemon’s story has always been my favourite. He is who I compare all my heroes to.
This book made me realize that he does have more of a story. More about him and the relationships around him. More about his role in the coming war??
The characters are as we know them, flawed and damaged but still willing to fight.
This was a fantastic book in which I sat for hours reading nonstop, even when it was still a little dim.
I cannot wait for the next book.
emeraldreverie's review against another edition
3.0
This world/series is some of my favorite popcorn.
athenaevarinya's review
2.0
I've never finished a Bishop book before and felt this disappointed. I feel like Surreal's character was changed to allow for a specific plot point to occur and that she was used in this book and "The High Lord's Daughter" story simply to give Daemon a daughter to tie him to the living realms. Surreal was seriously wronged and deserved better.
I also felt like the author created the social "norm" of sex before marriage as frowned upon as something to push a plot point since in the previous books, plenty of characters had sex before marriage or sex without marriage or a handfasting and nobody made a fuss over it.
I think the best thing about the story was the Scelties' parts in it.
I also felt like the author created the social "norm" of sex before marriage as frowned upon as something to push a plot point since in the previous books, plenty of characters had sex before marriage or sex without marriage or a handfasting and nobody made a fuss over it.
I think the best thing about the story was the Scelties' parts in it.