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jmarchek's review against another edition
3.0
Starting to do all the annoying YA stuff I hate, whiny teenager, ignoring adults.
daramillz's review against another edition
3.0
This series is getting better as it goes...I'm upset that I didn't realize the third book isn't out yet. Now I have to wait another month to find out how it all ends!
ayetaybae's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jscarpa14's review against another edition
4.0
While this still feels like but a piece in a larger story, the conclusion on this one felt a lot more satisfying than the last installment of the Fourline Trilogy and I have to say I enjoyed it even more than the first book in the series.
While establishing why the relationships that existed prior to the stories are the way they are still hasn't really occurred for most characters I am really enjoying the developing relationships between Nat and the different characters in the series. In the first book, despite her interactions with them they were more strangers than anything else, here you can watch Nat viewing Barba as her mentor and placing her in that person you seek for guidance role. Here, you get to see as Nat and Annin become more than strangers with a common goal, but friends. And here you can see how when the secrets between them are pulled away Soris and Nat fall in love. The way these relationships evolve was probably my favorite part of the book. It also did explain at least one of the prior relationships. The story explains Benedict's hatred of the duozi, and really gives a clear picture of the animosity between Annin and Benedict. I appreciated that glance into their history. I still have no idea why Andris can't stand Nat at all and has been a complete ass to her since the moment they met, nor do I have a clue what's really going on between Estos and Annin though I have my suspicions.
So yeah I'm left with a lot of questions still and I'm not happy about having to wait until the next book for answers, especially since I don't know when the next book will be released. As with the first book the story is filled with actions in a creative and intriguing world so unlike our own. That said Brondos has this way or writing even the most daunting of actions scenes with the sort of lulling leisurely pace that reads almost like a fairytale. It's kind of hard to explain what I mean, but I like the way she does this, how she can keep me on the edge of my seat while at the same time still feeling relaxed about the story. I also like the way she addresses real world issues like prejudice but in a fantasy setting. The indiscriminate hatred for one type of human in Fourline can easily be likened to real world issues without directly addressing them in a manner that could end up coming out as offensive to one group or another.
Overall this was a really enjoyable addition to the series and I can't wait for the next one.
While establishing why the relationships that existed prior to the stories are the way they are still hasn't really occurred for most characters I am really enjoying the developing relationships between Nat and the different characters in the series. In the first book, despite her interactions with them they were more strangers than anything else, here you can watch Nat viewing Barba as her mentor and placing her in that person you seek for guidance role. Here, you get to see as Nat and Annin become more than strangers with a common goal, but friends. And here you can see how when the secrets between them are pulled away Soris and Nat fall in love. The way these relationships evolve was probably my favorite part of the book. It also did explain at least one of the prior relationships. The story explains Benedict's hatred of the duozi, and really gives a clear picture of the animosity between Annin and Benedict. I appreciated that glance into their history. I still have no idea why Andris can't stand Nat at all and has been a complete ass to her since the moment they met, nor do I have a clue what's really going on between Estos and Annin though I have my suspicions.
So yeah I'm left with a lot of questions still and I'm not happy about having to wait until the next book for answers, especially since I don't know when the next book will be released. As with the first book the story is filled with actions in a creative and intriguing world so unlike our own. That said Brondos has this way or writing even the most daunting of actions scenes with the sort of lulling leisurely pace that reads almost like a fairytale. It's kind of hard to explain what I mean, but I like the way she does this, how she can keep me on the edge of my seat while at the same time still feeling relaxed about the story. I also like the way she addresses real world issues like prejudice but in a fantasy setting. The indiscriminate hatred for one type of human in Fourline can easily be likened to real world issues without directly addressing them in a manner that could end up coming out as offensive to one group or another.
Overall this was a really enjoyable addition to the series and I can't wait for the next one.
story_goblin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
Brandos crafts complicated and difficult situations (both between characters and for the plot), but presents them in a very simple and straightforward manner, which makes for a very fast and engaging read.
dmkash's review against another edition
4.0
Great story and I was sucked right back in after reading the first Fourline book. Once I was done I couldn't wait to get to the next one.
sephranix's review against another edition
3.0
This book was like 3-3.5 stars for me. It was better than the first book. It moved along at a much better pace and Nat was a more likable character, but there are still things I have questions about. I think I will continue on to the third, just to see this wrap up.