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roseleebooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
As the second in series, this book picks up right after the events at the end of book 1. Brandi and the other vessels are now facing new challenges with the expansion of their powers and understanding of their world. There continues to be tension between them but it is secondary to the larger plot.
We watch Brandi grapple with a lot in this book. She is trying to find her own path and fight for those she loves.Her internal struggle helps to further build her as a character. I also appreciated seeing Sarah grow in this book. She is driven by external factors initially but she is gradually becoming more confident and self-assured.
There is a lot of information given to the reader. It was built into conversations and explanations but at times did feel a bit forced. I sometimes struggled to keep up with what was going on. As a sequel it does feel less action packed and more informational.
However, none of this kept me from reading it fairly quickly trying to find out what would happen next.
Overall a decent second installment, I'm looking forward to seeing where things go in the next book.
We watch Brandi grapple with a lot in this book. She is trying to find her own path and fight for those she loves.
There is a lot of information given to the reader. It was built into conversations and explanations but at times did feel a bit forced. I sometimes struggled to keep up with what was going on. As a sequel it does feel less action packed and more informational.
However, none of this kept me from reading it fairly quickly trying to find out what would happen next.
Overall a decent second installment, I'm looking forward to seeing where things go in the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Vomit, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
bookishpixie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
I have so many thoughts about this book and they are all positive. First off, C.M. Lockhart wrote her butt off in this book. The representation I felt in the characters, mainly Brandi, was something I haven't felt since I read Minion by L.A. Banks as a teenager (I'm in my 30s now). I loved the world building, character development, plot twists and magic use. My questions from book one were answered so I am very pleased. 5/5
The concept of forgiveness was a theme i really enjoyed throughout the book because of how the author chose to have the main character handle it. I was not disappointed. Also, respectability politics was addressed and how sometimes a more direct/firm approach is needed.
The pacing of the book didn't bother me. I felt like the author had the characters explain the timeline of everything in the first few chapters so I felt comfortable where with the story was taking me. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the other realms we got to visit and how the realms correlated with Brandi.
Brandi really is a character that I can read about all day. The relationship between Freya and Brandi had me wanting to call my therapist due to my own mommy issues that I'm still trying to work out. This book was very healing in a way that I did not expect.
Now, controversial hot take: I don't hate Sara! I feel like her character is necessary to the storyline. Her character is very realistic and realistically this kind of personality annoys the crap out of me. The fact that Sara can irk my nerves is because she reminds me of people i have had to deal with. Her annoying nature is just a testiment to how well C.M. Lockhart wrote her.
On to my favorite,"Tiki is Tiki." That shader is my favorite character next to Brandi. I was so happy to have more of them in this book.
If you love fantasy and you tend to enjoy more of an antihero vibe from a female lead this is the book for you series for you.
Check Trigger Warnings
The concept of forgiveness was a theme i really enjoyed throughout the book because of how the author chose to have the main character handle it. I was not disappointed. Also, respectability politics was addressed and how sometimes a more direct/firm approach is needed.
The pacing of the book didn't bother me. I felt like the author had the characters explain the timeline of everything in the first few chapters so I felt comfortable where with the story was taking me. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the other realms we got to visit and how the realms correlated with Brandi.
Brandi really is a character that I can read about all day. The relationship between Freya and Brandi had me wanting to call my therapist due to my own mommy issues that I'm still trying to work out. This book was very healing in a way that I did not expect.
Now, controversial hot take: I don't hate Sara! I feel like her character is necessary to the storyline. Her character is very realistic and realistically this kind of personality annoys the crap out of me. The fact that Sara can irk my nerves is because she reminds me of people i have had to deal with. Her annoying nature is just a testiment to how well C.M. Lockhart wrote her.
On to my favorite,"Tiki is Tiki." That shader is my favorite character next to Brandi. I was so happy to have more of them in this book.
If you love fantasy and you tend to enjoy more of an antihero vibe from a female lead this is the book for you series for you.
Check Trigger Warnings
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Death of parent, and War
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