alaris's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.5
nicolemhill's review against another edition
3.0
I thought way too many people slept on PLAGUE OF GIANTS when it was released. It was a unique, accessible doorstopper fantasy that I plowed through quickly. This second installment reminds me of all the things I loved about the first book but also shows some limitations.
The framing device of Fintan the bard worked beautifully to introduce the world and the struggle in the first book. Here, there are so many characters (old and new) to juggle that the brief glimpses we get of them in Fintan's story don't seem sufficient. Another thing I didn't love was the seeming tonal shift; it felt like some of the bawdy humor of KILL THE FARM BOY sneaked in here, and it read oddly.
All of that said, the magic, the world-building and the mystery remain great. I just wish I'd liked the narrative more.
Also, a plea to fantasy authors: If you're going to pick up right where you left off, please put a recap at the start of the book. Please.
The framing device of Fintan the bard worked beautifully to introduce the world and the struggle in the first book. Here, there are so many characters (old and new) to juggle that the brief glimpses we get of them in Fintan's story don't seem sufficient. Another thing I didn't love was the seeming tonal shift; it felt like some of the bawdy humor of KILL THE FARM BOY sneaked in here, and it read oddly.
All of that said, the magic, the world-building and the mystery remain great. I just wish I'd liked the narrative more.
Also, a plea to fantasy authors: If you're going to pick up right where you left off, please put a recap at the start of the book. Please.
az_green's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
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
4.5
This is my second read thru in preparation for reading the conclusion and I am loving this even more on read numero dos!
The structure of the story telling ::chef's kiss::
The world building ::chef's kiss::
The flawed but real and lovable characters ::chef's kiss::
The gritty danger lurking that will cause ugly-level-tears to free-fall after a character's knowing/willing sacrifice ::chef's kiss::
The reveal of the seventh kenning's power (ðŸ˜) ::chef's kiss::
I am so freaking excited for the conclusion. I know I'm going to have my feelings ripped to absolute shreds and I cannot wait.
This is my second read thru in preparation for reading the conclusion and I am loving this even more on read numero dos!
The structure of the story telling ::chef's kiss::
The world building ::chef's kiss::
The flawed but real and lovable characters ::chef's kiss::
The gritty danger lurking that will cause ugly-level-tears to free-fall after a character's knowing/willing sacrifice ::chef's kiss::
The reveal of the seventh kenning's power (ðŸ˜) ::chef's kiss::
I am so freaking excited for the conclusion. I know I'm going to have my feelings ripped to absolute shreds and I cannot wait.
jenheartbooks's review against another edition
5.0
An epic fantasy adventure! Love the premise, love the characters, though I wish they were a bit more developed, love the different nations and kennings. The 7th kenning revelation was very well-done. This would make a fantastic miniseries a la Game of Thrones.
eevee314's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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? No
3.75
Solid second entry. Loved the new characters. Will finish out the series.Â
tavisq's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.75
kalinnn1'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? No
4.25
cubbykay's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
4.5
"We all know that blessings have a curse waiting on the other side of them."
I get nervous with the middle books in a trilogy. My experience is that they tend to be a long and boring bridge to get from point A to point C. I think Hearne found a way to keep interest in this one though. By answering some mysteries, flirting with others, and adding some new things to puzzle on. He continues to flex his excellence in writing.Â
Hearne also startled me sometimes with his grasp of grief and guilt, of duty and PTSD. It's honest and revealing, not only of the characters, but us humans. However, there a few balls in the air that seem perhaps too idealistic, particularly politically. It's a sharp contrast from the first books lack of anything going ideally, so I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop in the finale. Can't wait to see where the journey ends.Â
I get nervous with the middle books in a trilogy. My experience is that they tend to be a long and boring bridge to get from point A to point C. I think Hearne found a way to keep interest in this one though. By answering some mysteries, flirting with others, and adding some new things to puzzle on. He continues to flex his excellence in writing.Â
Hearne also startled me sometimes with his grasp of grief and guilt, of duty and PTSD. It's honest and revealing, not only of the characters, but us humans. However, there a few balls in the air that seem perhaps too idealistic, particularly politically. It's a sharp contrast from the first books lack of anything going ideally, so I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop in the finale. Can't wait to see where the journey ends.Â
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Police brutality, and Death
Moderate: Murder, Xenophobia, Cursing, and Violence
Minor: Religious bigotry and War
ultrashawn's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0