theespressoedition's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
As I've been going through this series for the... 4th? 5th? (I can't even keep track at this point) time, I'm realizing that my tastes have changed so very much. Initially, I stated that Ink Exchange was my favorite book, but I realize that is not at all true now. I also would've said that Radiant Shadows was one of the books I didn't enjoy as much. However, that is also untrue now. If anything, this is almost tied with the first book for me!
I absolutely love the characters in this book. Devlin was a stand-out from the moment he was introduced and the Hounds are so interesting. To some degree, I wish their abilities were further explained, but at the same time, it's really nice to have some mystery surrounding it. It makes them appear more powerful. Ani is extra intriguing, in that she has the ability to change everything for the courts. She and Seth were "side characters" at first, and now it seems the fate of Faerie rests on their shoulders, making them way cooler than they were to start with.
There are a few odd additions in this book, including the dreamwalking (Rae's introduction in the prologue really confused me the first time I read this story) and the tying together of dreams. I personally know that this helps lead into the finale novel, but if you're a first-time reader, it's a very bizarre ability that really has no explanation.
I forgot how emotional the story gets towards the end and it hit me like a ton of bricks all over again. I definitely found myself tearing up and even getting angry on Ani's behalf. Truly, I think emotions blend all of these books together seamlessly. Some books are mostly plot, others mostly character, these are mostly emotion and I think it's really beautiful.
I absolutely love the characters in this book. Devlin was a stand-out from the moment he was introduced and the Hounds are so interesting. To some degree, I wish their abilities were further explained, but at the same time, it's really nice to have some mystery surrounding it. It makes them appear more powerful. Ani is extra intriguing, in that she has the ability to change everything for the courts. She and Seth were "side characters" at first, and now it seems the fate of Faerie rests on their shoulders, making them way cooler than they were to start with.
There are a few odd additions in this book, including the dreamwalking (Rae's introduction in the prologue really confused me the first time I read this story) and the tying together of dreams. I personally know that this helps lead into the finale novel, but if you're a first-time reader, it's a very bizarre ability that really has no explanation.
I forgot how emotional the story gets towards the end and it hit me like a ton of bricks all over again. I definitely found myself tearing up and even getting angry on Ani's behalf. Truly, I think emotions blend all of these books together seamlessly. Some books are mostly plot, others mostly character, these are mostly emotion and I think it's really beautiful.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Torture, Toxic relationship, Death, and Sexual content
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