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mastersal's review against another edition
4.0
After a successful Book 1 (see: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2627528485?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1), I was pleased that this book worked for me quite as well. Not sure why more people haven’t read this as this is a very pleasant, well written fantasy. It is not the most original world but Mr. Keyes has a command over his craft which is commendable and turned out to be engaging and moving.
This was slower than Book 1 as our large cast of characters are moved around to further the plot. I enjoyed the plot and where the story went. I am still not sure of our central heroine, Anne, but she did grow in the book.
The chapters alternate between the characters which was an interesting way of keeping tension. Most of the side characters are interesting so I was engaged, though I usually don't like this style as I feel it's a cop out usually.
Most of the POV characters continue from Book 1 except a new character - a court composer. I didn’t like him as much but I will say his story arc literally made me cry. That is what put this over for me in the end.
I am very glad that this series is done because I can’t wait to pick up the next book soon. I am interested to see how our characters grow - especially our mysterious queen in waiting. A solid installment where the plot construction, supernatural plotting and cast of characters continue to keep me hooked.
This was slower than Book 1 as our large cast of characters are moved around to further the plot. I enjoyed the plot and where the story went. I am still not sure of our central heroine, Anne, but she did grow in the book.
The chapters alternate between the characters which was an interesting way of keeping tension. Most of the side characters are interesting so I was engaged, though I usually don't like this style as I feel it's a cop out usually.
Most of the POV characters continue from Book 1 except a new character - a court composer. I didn’t like him as much but I will say his story arc literally made me cry. That is what put this over for me in the end.
I am very glad that this series is done because I can’t wait to pick up the next book soon. I am interested to see how our characters grow - especially our mysterious queen in waiting. A solid installment where the plot construction, supernatural plotting and cast of characters continue to keep me hooked.
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
It has been a really, really long time since I read the first book in this series, and I can't remember anything about it except for that I liked it a lot. I liked this one too, but definitely wish I would have read the books closer together. It's good epic fantasy, and I liked how the different plots related to each other and came together.
lesserjoke's review against another edition
4.0
Another strong entry in this unfairly-obscure fantasy quartet. I don't like it quite as much as the previous volume, in part since a couple of the new storylines -- Anne's to some extent, but especially Aspar's -- seem to consist largely of characters falling into and out of danger as they trek across the landscape, which is a genre staple that I don't wholly love. It also feels a little less motivated when a few of those separate threads reconnect at the novel's end. Mostly, though, I'd rate it as a minor step down simply because everything impressive about the worldbuilding of the debut is basically familiar now, and this sequel doesn't push forward with as many further revelations of history, magic, or plot as I'd ideally want it to. It's still an immersively-detailed setting, but one that offers fewer surprises this time around.
Luckily, I remember that the series does get there eventually! And I've spotted certain subtle hints to that effect here, although that's all just setup so far. But in the meantime, even as a bit of a bridge book, The Charnel Prince has plenty to appreciate. I adore the new court composer protagonist for his efforts to be brave in the face of a censoring church, and Sir Neil's quest to find and safeguard the lost princess has major Brienne of Tarth vibes. There's fun political intrigue in Queen Murielle's chapters too, and Cazio's rakish swordplay and not-so-secret soft heart are always a delight. Overall, all of these heroes are becoming more confident and competent as the peril facing them grows, and alternating among their scattered positions throughout the realm helps build a sense of looming urgency spreading everywhere. So while I wouldn't say this title is as thoroughly excellent as its predecessor, it's a great segue towards the action that's yet ahead.
[Content warning for gore, torture, and sexual assault.]
Find me on Patreon | Goodreads | Blog | Twitter
Luckily, I remember that the series does get there eventually! And I've spotted certain subtle hints to that effect here, although that's all just setup so far. But in the meantime, even as a bit of a bridge book, The Charnel Prince has plenty to appreciate. I adore the new court composer protagonist for his efforts to be brave in the face of a censoring church, and Sir Neil's quest to find and safeguard the lost princess has major Brienne of Tarth vibes. There's fun political intrigue in Queen Murielle's chapters too, and Cazio's rakish swordplay and not-so-secret soft heart are always a delight. Overall, all of these heroes are becoming more confident and competent as the peril facing them grows, and alternating among their scattered positions throughout the realm helps build a sense of looming urgency spreading everywhere. So while I wouldn't say this title is as thoroughly excellent as its predecessor, it's a great segue towards the action that's yet ahead.
[Content warning for gore, torture, and sexual assault.]
Find me on Patreon | Goodreads | Blog | Twitter
evilstudygroup's review against another edition
3.0
My new book for work...almost as good as whiskey, freaking co-workers!
hank's review against another edition
5.0
I don't fully understand why these books are collectively rated under 4 stars. The characters are diverse and only slightly cliche, which is a tough trick in epic fantasies. We have knights, swashbucklers, witches, creepy monks and a whole bunch of other stuff all stuffed into a great story.
I loved Leoff, both for his complete naivete and musical dorkiness and his in your face challenge to the praifec. Sir Neil's fantasy version of Ned Flanders is endearing, particularly when it seems everyone is trying to get him to loosen up. All the characters are growing in ways both expected and unexpected. My only small complaint is that Anne's transformation from girl to princess was a bit abrupt. I know she was growing up and figuring everything out but she became cold far too fast.
I have lost too much sleep reading this book before bed and will wait a bit before starting the third but I am looking forward to it.
I loved Leoff, both for his complete naivete and musical dorkiness and his in your face challenge to the praifec. Sir Neil's fantasy version of Ned Flanders is endearing, particularly when it seems everyone is trying to get him to loosen up. All the characters are growing in ways both expected and unexpected. My only small complaint is that Anne's transformation from girl to princess was a bit abrupt. I know she was growing up and figuring everything out but she became cold far too fast.
I have lost too much sleep reading this book before bed and will wait a bit before starting the third but I am looking forward to it.
mikimeiko's review against another edition
3.0
Bah. It wasn't a BAD book, but I didn't get into the story at all. I don't think I'll read the other two.
loxleyhall's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-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
4.5
michellemm85's review against another edition
4.0
4/6
Like the previous one, there were POVs that I preferred and ones that I didn't really care for lol
If I reread I'd probably skip over the composer until the end where his concert happens
Cazio's pov was boring at times, and Neil, you must really stop falling in love with every beautiful lady that is kind to you, you're ruining my ship lol! I'm very glad neither of them died
Stephen and Aspar's parts were all right
Starting the next one right away!
Like the previous one, there were POVs that I preferred and ones that I didn't really care for lol
If I reread I'd probably skip over the composer until the end where his concert happens
Cazio's pov was boring at times, and Neil, you must really stop falling in love with every beautiful lady that is kind to you, you're ruining my ship lol! I'm very glad neither of them died
Stephen and Aspar's parts were all right
Starting the next one right away!
juliana_aldous's review against another edition
4.0
This series is growing on me. The second book grabbed me a bit more than the first. If you are a fan of George R. R. Martin or Robin Hobbs, this is a good series to check out.
glowbump's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5