ladydamonayde's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
really really loving this series. can't wait to read more
tab_ok's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
galleytrot's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
READ: Mar 2023
FORMAT: Digital
BRIEF SUMMARY:
In this contemporary fantasy/romance, Sloane and Loch have been contacted about a disappearance potentially involving portals and a sunglasses-wearing cat. The events that follow spark an investigation into hundreds of missing Silenced worldwide, strange experiments aimed at tethering souls to living hosts, and yet another plot to end humanity. In the meantime, there is a wedding to plan, godly in-laws to meet, and an eternal future to prepare for.
ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: 3.5 / 5⭐
Aw yeah! After the absolute travesty that was book two of this series, we’re off to having some fun. This book doesn’t have to do the work of establishing the world for us anymore. All the setup we’ve been given prior allows us to just get straight into things and unleash the plot. We get some interesting new characters (and some not-so-interesting ones too), some action-packed standoffs and fights, more of Sloane being a special boy with special powers (was it ever explained why he was able to hear and see Rota? For plot reasons, I guess?), and – of course – more deviant tentacle sex.
And… that’s about the long and short of it. Like the first book, I still wouldn’t claim that this is a good story; but it was definitely entertaining and absurd enough for me to let it be entertaining without needing it to be well-put-together, too.
TECHNICAL / PRODUCTION: 3 / 5⭐
Has the writing improved since the first book? I think it has, somewhat. The first half of the first chapter was a bit weird, written as a parade of all the characters from the first book as if to say, “remember all of us? We’re here, too!” when every individual could’ve easily had their exposition tossed in once they make their first plot-appropriate appearances. This reminded me of the clunky exposition-dump that was the first chapter of book one.
Has the writing improved since the first book? I think it has, somewhat. The first half of the first chapter was a bit weird, written as a parade of all the characters from the first book as if to say, “remember all of us? We’re here, too!” when every individual could’ve easily had their exposition tossed in once they make their first plot-appropriate appearances. This reminded me of the clunky exposition-dump that was the first chapter of book one.
I think the dialogue is marginally stronger than it was before. There are still a lot of over-the-top reactions, but it didn’t feel like as much of a problem as it did in the first book (and I’m going to pretend book two never happened). There’s some decent action and plot this time through, though I wouldn’t say everything ties up in a neat little package. The ties to the previous events in the series are all a little messy and there are still plenty of points left unaddressed, I’d guess in order to set up the next attempt to end the world. But like: while it’s established that the blue goo means this god was present to the events of the first book, his presence is never given any significance? It’s just kind of incidental and never addressed?
FINAL THOUGHTS - OVERALL: 3.25 / 5⭐
This one is the first book of the series I didn’t love to hate. It might not be winning any awards, but I’m actually looking forward to reading about one of the two pairings this book helps to set up. Unfortunately, it looks like I have to slog through the other pairing I’m less enthusiastic about first; but as long as there aren’t any Tedwards to deal with, I shouldn’t want to set the book on fire and banish it from existence.
This book has representation for the gays and inter-species couples (tentacle deities and humans). There are multiple non-white characters described.
The following elaborates on my content warnings. These may be interpreted as spoilers, but I do not go into deep detail.
Spoiler
This book contains: past deaths of parents; murder, attempted murder; alcohol use; blood, injuries ranging from minor to severe; violence (guns, grenades, weaponized magic); light references to a past war and potential for war; abuse (physical and emotional), experimentation, dehumanization; pregnancy; and, male pregnancy. Also, we get to meet the god whose name is half shart, and I’m just so glad to know we’ve committed to this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Blood, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Moderate: Gun violence, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Murder, Physical abuse, Cursing, Gore, and Pregnancy
Minor: Death of parent and War
domiri's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
3.0
It makes sense than an unknowable cosmic being wouldn't take Earth being in danger that seriously but since it's important to someone you came to love so much, you think said cosmic being would care a little.
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