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erebus53's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I was pleased to find this sequel while browsing idly, and snapped it up immediately. I have always loved the way that Garth Nix deals with gender and ethnicity in books, though I find the story matter a bit hit and miss. Nix loves to indulge personal fantasies and this book, set mostly in 1983, has a caveat on the front saying that this is a fanciful interpretation rather than being entirely historically accurate.. not that we'd necessarily expect that of a story where the main protagonist is the daughter of a locality god (Ancient Sovereign).
That said, Nix likes to fuss with specifics. In this case we are continually bombarded (nerd fashion) with the specifics of vehicles (make, model and colour), clothing, tech, food and beverages, firearms, books, rocks, and esoteric heraldry. It was enough to have me internet rabbit-holing for ages. I think the fleshing out of his world, did mean that the story suffered a bit in pace, but it definitely was a nostalgia trip for older readers.
Nix is a master of mundane fantasies. His worlds are egalitarian, people of different ethnicities abound. (Couldn't help but see a parallel to Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London, in a Black Scot, and a Hijab-wearing police officer.) Even the fantasy of travelling with lights and siren, being able to get across London despite traffic was not lost on me.
This is a story aimed at late teens through to adult age.. it doesn't have any explicit content (we're English!) though it does have some relationship angst. The predominant themes of accepting power and changing into something else, place it as a coming of age story.
That said, Nix likes to fuss with specifics. In this case we are continually bombarded (nerd fashion) with the specifics of vehicles (make, model and colour), clothing, tech, food and beverages, firearms, books, rocks, and esoteric heraldry. It was enough to have me internet rabbit-holing for ages. I think the fleshing out of his world, did mean that the story suffered a bit in pace, but it definitely was a nostalgia trip for older readers.
Nix is a master of mundane fantasies. His worlds are egalitarian, people of different ethnicities abound. (Couldn't help but see a parallel to Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London, in a Black Scot, and a Hijab-wearing police officer.) Even the fantasy of travelling with lights and siren, being able to get across London despite traffic was not lost on me.
This is a story aimed at late teens through to adult age.. it doesn't have any explicit content (we're English!) though it does have some relationship angst. The predominant themes of accepting power and changing into something else, place it as a coming of age story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Gun violence, Gore, Kidnapping, Self harm, Alcohol, Cancer, Confinement, Grief, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Terminal illness
schnaucl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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? No
4.5
I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more about the adventures of Merlin, Susan and Vivienne.
I continue to like the magic system that Nix has created and the conceit of the magical booksellers.
I'll be curious to see how Susan is treated and continues to grow going forward.
I continue to like the magic system that Nix has created and the conceit of the magical booksellers.
I'll be curious to see how Susan is treated and continues to grow going forward.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Gun violence, Murder, Cancer, and Torture
norwegianforestreader's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Cursing, Death of parent, Murder, Blood, Body horror, Cancer, Chronic illness, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Self harm, Car accident, Terminal illness, Violence, and Vomit
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