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theespressoedition's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Recently, I was discussing duologies with a fellow reader. We both agreed that duologies are tricky and often dissatisfying. If the first book is good, the second one can sometimes feel rushed or chaotic or just plain disappointing. If the first book is so-so, the sequel is frequently really great and ends in a "tied in a bow" manner. I'm pleased to announce that this duology was just really interesting all the way through.
While I didn't give this one quite has high of a rating as the first, it wasn't for lack of interest or gratification so much as a... somewhat predictable ending. I have to admit that I often see things coming, so if I weren't quite as observant in that manner, there's a possibility I would've been pleasantly surprised and happy with the end. Mostly, this is a fault of my own and not on the book. At least the ending made most everything clear and I didn't feel like it needed more.
The story itself was fascinating from beginning-to-end. The romance was sweet and while definitely a primary aspect, it wasn't the main plot, which I actually liked in this duo. It didn't take away from the importance of the story and the focus being mostly on the twin goddesses... both sets of them.
I'm glad that I chose to listen to the audiobook again - but I also did read the last 25% on my Kindle, which is what made me realize that the audiobook was a good choice. While it was interesting enough reading it with my eyes, the story really came alive with the narrators and the chapters went by much quicker (which was nice, considering they were very long). Overall, I highly recommend listening to this duology!
I could see myself reading these books again, which actually surprised me a little bit. I may purchase the audiobooks for the future because they were just a lot of fun and were oddly comforting in some ways. The story lulled me, which was a good thing. They weren't boring - they were cozy!
While I didn't give this one quite has high of a rating as the first, it wasn't for lack of interest or gratification so much as a... somewhat predictable ending. I have to admit that I often see things coming, so if I weren't quite as observant in that manner, there's a possibility I would've been pleasantly surprised and happy with the end. Mostly, this is a fault of my own and not on the book. At least the ending made most everything clear and I didn't feel like it needed more.
The story itself was fascinating from beginning-to-end. The romance was sweet and while definitely a primary aspect, it wasn't the main plot, which I actually liked in this duo. It didn't take away from the importance of the story and the focus being mostly on the twin goddesses... both sets of them.
I'm glad that I chose to listen to the audiobook again - but I also did read the last 25% on my Kindle, which is what made me realize that the audiobook was a good choice. While it was interesting enough reading it with my eyes, the story really came alive with the narrators and the chapters went by much quicker (which was nice, considering they were very long). Overall, I highly recommend listening to this duology!
I could see myself reading these books again, which actually surprised me a little bit. I may purchase the audiobooks for the future because they were just a lot of fun and were oddly comforting in some ways. The story lulled me, which was a good thing. They weren't boring - they were cozy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
Moderate: Gore, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Cannibalism
foreverinastory's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This ending. I am just... I cried when it ended. Rin always nails endings. Bittersweet in the best way possible. I have too many feels.
The Ever Cruel Kingdom picks up right where the previous book leaves off. Haidee, Odessa and company are transported to outside the Golden City with the portal in Brighthenge. The twins expect to see the world righted now that it's turning again, but things seem even more dire. The creatures from the abyss will keep coming until the sacrifice is completed. The twins will have to descend to the underworld to find the answers.
This was wild. I loved the addition of Lisette and seeing more of the tribes that live outside the Golden City. I loved seeing Haidee and Odessa work together and getting a chance to deepen their sibling bond. I loved how they constantly finished each others sentences and could enhance the other's magic. I just freaking love these two SO DAMN MUCH.
The mythology that we see in the first book is really delved into with this installment. We see what the twin goddesses are meant to do and what happened to the first twins. Overall, this duology is amazing and I CANNOT recommend it enough.
Rep: Chronically ill sapphic MC, Asian coded sapphic (lesbian coded) MC suffering from PTSD, disabled POC MC that is missing one of his hands. Main side character introduced is bisexual. I believe most the characters are POC but I'm not 100% certain.
CWs: Violence, blood, animal death, cannibalism, death, death of parent, gaslighting, emotional abuse, grief, sexual content, mental illness (PTSD), murder.
The Ever Cruel Kingdom picks up right where the previous book leaves off. Haidee, Odessa and company are transported to outside the Golden City with the portal in Brighthenge. The twins expect to see the world righted now that it's turning again, but things seem even more dire. The creatures from the abyss will keep coming until the sacrifice is completed. The twins will have to descend to the underworld to find the answers.
This was wild. I loved the addition of Lisette and seeing more of the tribes that live outside the Golden City. I loved seeing Haidee and Odessa work together and getting a chance to deepen their sibling bond. I loved how they constantly finished each others sentences and could enhance the other's magic. I just freaking love these two SO DAMN MUCH.
The mythology that we see in the first book is really delved into with this installment. We see what the twin goddesses are meant to do and what happened to the first twins. Overall, this duology is amazing and I CANNOT recommend it enough.
Rep: Chronically ill sapphic MC, Asian coded sapphic (lesbian coded) MC suffering from PTSD, disabled POC MC that is missing one of his hands. Main side character introduced is bisexual. I believe most the characters are POC but I'm not 100% certain.
CWs: Violence, blood, animal death, cannibalism, death, death of parent, gaslighting, emotional abuse, grief, sexual content, mental illness (PTSD), murder.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Animal death, Emotional abuse, Cannibalism, Death of parent, and Murder