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mealymachine's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
alreadyemily's review against another edition
3.0
It kind of felt like several short stories melded into a book.
acinonyx's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Another solid showing to round out the original trilogy! Something I find interesting about this series is the way each novel focused on a particular character or pair, but peppered in so many other POVs, even within the same page, that it felt like the entire ensemble was the focus; how they all came together and persevered because of their connections to one another. I think that’s one of the reasons this world is so endearing and enchanting and immersive. You get to be a part of everyone’s story because it’s the story of everyone, all of Pern working as one toward their future.
As for this specific story, Jaxom and Ruth (especially Ruth) were an absolute delight. I enjoyed the moments of weakness and childishness Jaxom had throughout, making him feel like a real adolescent finding his way into his power and position in the world. Unfortunately Jaxom was not immune to the misogyny that plagued the previous books, but did have quite the improvement. There was no shaking or slapping that I could remember, and although Jaxom’s treatment of Corana was not ideal, it did feel realistic of a young man his age, and he at least felt some amount of regret.
Again, this story had so many ups and downs and revelations throughout that it was hard to feel like there was too much of a climactic or emotionally charged ending. I wonder if this has more to do with the fact that so many modern novels tend to use cliffhangers and loose ends to keep readers looking for the next installment, that when that device is absent, something feels off. Regardless, each ending was supremely satisfying for me, and honestly felt like each book could have been the end of the series with the reader allowed to wonder if the characters ever moved forward with the lofty goals set forth at the ends.
I’m still not sure how much of my love for this series is nostalgia based, but I hardly care anymore. I love being in Pern, and I never want to leave. 💕
As for this specific story, Jaxom and Ruth (especially Ruth) were an absolute delight. I enjoyed the moments of weakness and childishness Jaxom had throughout, making him feel like a real adolescent finding his way into his power and position in the world. Unfortunately Jaxom was not immune to the misogyny that plagued the previous books, but did have quite the improvement. There was no shaking or slapping that I could remember, and although Jaxom’s treatment of Corana was not ideal, it did feel realistic of a young man his age, and he at least felt some amount of regret.
Again, this story had so many ups and downs and revelations throughout that it was hard to feel like there was too much of a climactic or emotionally charged ending. I wonder if this has more to do with the fact that so many modern novels tend to use cliffhangers and loose ends to keep readers looking for the next installment, that when that device is absent, something feels off. Regardless, each ending was supremely satisfying for me, and honestly felt like each book could have been the end of the series with the reader allowed to wonder if the characters ever moved forward with the lofty goals set forth at the ends.
I’m still not sure how much of my love for this series is nostalgia based, but I hardly care anymore. I love being in Pern, and I never want to leave. 💕
archivist_augie's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
defiantfalcon's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
draganascrafts's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
stephen11's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mdpenguin's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
I don't know if I read this one my first time around. Some of the events seemed familiar, but they may have been referenced in other books that I read. It wasn't as strong as the first two Harper Hall books were, mostly because I found Jaxom to be kind of annoying to begin with and his character arc wasn't really that interesting. And I really can't stand the way that sex and romance are handled in this series. The story, though, and the exploration of the southern continent were really interesting and I definitely enjoyed reading about it. And Ruth was a delightful supporting character, which made up a lot for my not caring that much about Jaxom.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault
swordrager's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5