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kahkins's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this book. It wasn't as dark as the first one.
lauren_h's review against another edition
3.0
I had mixed feelings about this book. I really enjoyed Poison Study and wanted to like this book as well. However, there were times the story seemed too rushed or too unbelievable (I know, I know… it’s all about magic, how believable can it be?) and I found myself convinced that we were in the midst of a dream sequence. Then when she never woke up I had to go back and reread what I thought was a dream sequence from a different frame of mind.
Even when a book is about something impossible such as magic, it still needs to be believable within the parameters set by the author. I found myself thinking “yeah right” a few times and those are what killed it for me. Especially anytime Yelena found herself about to get killed, then suddenly without too much effort or build up she was ok. For example, she was stabbed and she manages to also stab her attacker. Instead of doing anything further to hurt Yelena her attacker rides off assuming Yelena is going to just die a slow death. Plus anytime Yelena finds herself in an situation where it seems there is no way she’s going to get out of this one, all she has to do is call out to Valek in her mind and poof, instead resistance to magic. Why doesn’t she just use that from the get-go? Why wait and then be like oh yeah! I didn’t have to suffer through all that, I could have just called out to him earlier.
Don’t get me wrong, I flew through this book because I still enjoyed the story. I loved most of the relationships she formed within the book, such as between Yelena and Valek, and Yelena and the horses. But other relationships also fell a bit short, such as the relationship with her parents. I felt there should have been more bonding earlier in the book to explain their reactions later on. Her Mom hasn’t left their tree home for many many years but then suddenly here she is ready to visit with Yelena several days ride away. A stronger bond earlier on would have made this more believable.
My final criticism is regarding the rapes in the book. It seemed out of place. Yes the story has death and murder but ultimately it seems these books are geared towards a younger audience and the rape felt a bit too adult compared to the tone of the rest of the story.
I plan to read the final book because I care about the characters and want to find out what happens to them.
Even when a book is about something impossible such as magic, it still needs to be believable within the parameters set by the author. I found myself thinking “yeah right” a few times and those are what killed it for me. Especially anytime Yelena found herself about to get killed, then suddenly without too much effort or build up she was ok. For example, she was stabbed and she manages to also stab her attacker. Instead of doing anything further to hurt Yelena her attacker rides off assuming Yelena is going to just die a slow death. Plus anytime Yelena finds herself in an situation where it seems there is no way she’s going to get out of this one, all she has to do is call out to Valek in her mind and poof, instead resistance to magic. Why doesn’t she just use that from the get-go? Why wait and then be like oh yeah! I didn’t have to suffer through all that, I could have just called out to him earlier.
Don’t get me wrong, I flew through this book because I still enjoyed the story. I loved most of the relationships she formed within the book, such as between Yelena and Valek, and Yelena and the horses. But other relationships also fell a bit short, such as the relationship with her parents. I felt there should have been more bonding earlier in the book to explain their reactions later on. Her Mom hasn’t left their tree home for many many years but then suddenly here she is ready to visit with Yelena several days ride away. A stronger bond earlier on would have made this more believable.
My final criticism is regarding the rapes in the book. It seemed out of place. Yes the story has death and murder but ultimately it seems these books are geared towards a younger audience and the rape felt a bit too adult compared to the tone of the rest of the story.
I plan to read the final book because I care about the characters and want to find out what happens to them.
elphanoir's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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? No
5.0
clairemcclelland's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
janavda's review against another edition
4.0
4 Stars
- (61%) Cahil, seriously, leave Yelena alone.. you areA FRIEND. Valek is coming back so.. just saying.
- (100%) Cahil, you little shit, I hope you die a slow and agonizing death. I thought I was annoyed by him before but nearing the end of the book I could squeeze the life out of this wanna-be-king-5-year-old.
Even though Valek wasn't as present in this book as before, the moments he was mentioned, he and Yelena made my heart melt.
- (61%) Cahil, seriously, leave Yelena alone.. you are
- (100%) Cahil, you little shit, I hope you die a slow and agonizing death. I thought I was annoyed by him before but nearing the end of the book I could squeeze the life out of this wanna-be-king-5-year-old.
Even though Valek wasn't as present in this book as before, the moments he was mentioned, he and Yelena made my heart melt.
alyssakate24's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
freevortex's review against another edition
3.0
This series is a fun read, but don't pick it up if you're looking for a super coherent, long-term plotline. It meanders and doesn't seem to have a big picture goal in mind. That said, I did enjoy the read and it's certainly better than a lot of YA books out there today.
anvidoshi's review against another edition
4.0
It is a book that maneuvers action at every step. You stop by and pause to examine the best of magic and battle. This book surprised me till the very end.