Scan barcode
kathrynleereads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Rin Chupeco really outdid herself with this one. The Heart Forger follows Tea across the Eight Kingdoms as she explores the extent of her powers as a Dark asha.
First of all, the pace of this book picked up so much from The Bone Witch, it was incredible. We went from nothing happening in 300 pages to so much happening that it was nearly (but not quite) hard to keep up.
While the plot of The Heart Forger was fantastic, what really took the cake in this book were the characters.
Tea continued to be her marvelous self, and it was interesting to see her slowly changing from the girl we know into the girl she is in the Bard’s chapters.
Kalen surprised me by becoming my favorite character, which I was not anticipating after despising him in the first book.
Fox continued to be his loyal, unshaken self, while also developing his own relationships.
Likh has made impressive strides when it comes not only to personal development but also to sparking conversation in (and beyond) the Willows.
We got to see a lot more of Khalad and get to know him better, and the more I learn about him, the more I love him.
Honestly, this book just grew my love and respect for all the characters. Mykaela, Polaire, Althy, Inessa, Zoya, Shadi, Empress Alyx, they all grew in the best ways.
The only character whom I lost any respect for (other than the actual villains) was
Kance.
Despite my misgivings throughout the first book, I cannot express how in love I am with this series so far.
I have high hopes that Chupeco will finish off strong in The Shadowglass.
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Gore, Homophobia, Violence, Blood, Grief, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Transphobia and Murder
Minor: Medical content and Classism
More...