audreysova's review against another edition
3.5
This one was certainly better than book two. Though the inconsistencies seemed to continue, especially as it relates to Kip's powers. I also found myself a bit frustrated with the ending. That said, I was inclined to finish it and had a few moments that felt quite enthralling.
tjm1618's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture
Minor: Murder
seebeeoss's review against another edition
1.0
I don't think I've ever been so disappointed with a book before.
True, there were big shoes to fill here; The first two books in this "Lightbringer" series introduced us to a vivid world with well thought out natural laws surrounding light and colours and seamlessly weaved it with religion, politics and the everyday lives of its inhabitants. It's central plot line involved a group of rebels who would seek to overthrow the world's central governing body, and did so in a fascinating and believable way that, unlike a lot of books I've read with similar setups, genuinely had you understanding and cheering on both sides. After the climatic final battle of book two and that wonderfully executed twist, I couldn't wait to get stuck into book three.
And boy, has the series lost its way. Literally. The central plot line I mentioned above largely fell by the wayside in favour of spurting up new plotlines that make no sense given previous events, and are pushed to the side just as fast, only to be randomly brought up later. I'm probably not explaining myself very well because I'm looking for a nice way to say that it reads as if the author got bored and treated this piece of work with all of the desperate excitement of a restless seven year old child going "But wouldn't it be cool if...?".
It's got to the point where the twists, of which they were many, seemed literally manufactured by the author wondering what the most shocking thing was that could happen, ending chapters on an ominous note that felt like it was congratulating itself on how clever it is. It stinks of desperation which is a shame because this is a series that doesn't need to be desperate. It didn't need more hidden underground factions. It didn't need more magic systems. It didn't need more conspiracies. It just needed to power through with the main plot using its already established lore and cast of frankly brilliant characters. On that note, this is one area where I do have to give praise; there has been genuine character development since the first book and they were all as fascinating to get to know as ever.
So In summary, a huge disappointment. I will still pick up the next entry in the series, albeit with some reservation. Heres hoping that "The Broken Eye" was just filler material or a momentary low point, and not an indication of the future of the "Lightbringer" series
True, there were big shoes to fill here; The first two books in this "Lightbringer" series introduced us to a vivid world with well thought out natural laws surrounding light and colours and seamlessly weaved it with religion, politics and the everyday lives of its inhabitants. It's central plot line involved a group of rebels who would seek to overthrow the world's central governing body, and did so in a fascinating and believable way that, unlike a lot of books I've read with similar setups, genuinely had you understanding and cheering on both sides. After the climatic final battle of book two and that wonderfully executed twist, I couldn't wait to get stuck into book three.
And boy, has the series lost its way. Literally. The central plot line I mentioned above largely fell by the wayside in favour of spurting up new plotlines that make no sense given previous events, and are pushed to the side just as fast, only to be randomly brought up later. I'm probably not explaining myself very well because I'm looking for a nice way to say that it reads as if the author got bored and treated this piece of work with all of the desperate excitement of a restless seven year old child going "But wouldn't it be cool if...?".
It's got to the point where the twists, of which they were many, seemed literally manufactured by the author wondering what the most shocking thing was that could happen, ending chapters on an ominous note that felt like it was congratulating itself on how clever it is. It stinks of desperation which is a shame because this is a series that doesn't need to be desperate. It didn't need more hidden underground factions. It didn't need more magic systems. It didn't need more conspiracies. It just needed to power through with the main plot using its already established lore and cast of frankly brilliant characters. On that note, this is one area where I do have to give praise; there has been genuine character development since the first book and they were all as fascinating to get to know as ever.
So In summary, a huge disappointment. I will still pick up the next entry in the series, albeit with some reservation. Heres hoping that "The Broken Eye" was just filler material or a momentary low point, and not an indication of the future of the "Lightbringer" series
tara_reads_romantasy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
britbrit's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.5
dovbaruch's review against another edition
4.0
I had to go back and re-star the first 2 books. The Broken Eye clearly showed that the back story was not fully developed. So far my favorite of the series.