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writings_of_a_reader's review against another edition
4.0
Winter blankets the land, and more than hope has died. Barred by the tower of Avempartha, the western army cannot invade the Fhrey homeland. So it must seek a way across the Nidwalden River before the fane obtains the secret of dragons. As time runs out for both humanity and the mystic Suri, the only chance for the living rests with the dead. Having made their fateful choice, can a handful of misfits do the impossible, or are they forever lost to an inescapable grave?
The last book in this series ended with a big cliffhanger, which is not the usual way that MJS ends his books, but the fact that the books are being released pretty rapidly helps with the anticipation after being left hanging, and this one picked up right where the last one left off. I liked that we got one continuous story without a gap in time.
While this isn't one of my favorite books in the series (I like it about the same as the previous book) it does start to weave some threads together that have been in the making for a long time. I especially enjoyed Suri's chapters as a captive of the Fhrey. I could feel all of her pain as she finally got through to the fane what it costs to make a dragon.
As for the main adventure, I found the underworld to be very interesting and I liked the different characters that we met along the way. As always with Sullivan's books, the biggest strength here were the characters. I've said it in my other reviews, but I love how unlikely the heroes are in this series. I love the growth of each character, even Tressa, who at one time I hated. I love the themes of redemption, love, and sacrifice. I also need to add how much I loved the transformation of Gifford in this new place.
I don't have a whole lot more to add here in my review, just that I continue to enjoy this series and I'm looking forward to reading the last book soon, but at the same time I will be sad that it's over.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
The last book in this series ended with a big cliffhanger, which is not the usual way that MJS ends his books, but the fact that the books are being released pretty rapidly helps with the anticipation after being left hanging, and this one picked up right where the last one left off. I liked that we got one continuous story without a gap in time.
While this isn't one of my favorite books in the series (I like it about the same as the previous book) it does start to weave some threads together that have been in the making for a long time. I especially enjoyed Suri's chapters as a captive of the Fhrey. I could feel all of her pain as she finally got through to the fane what it costs to make a dragon.
"Now you know why you only face one."
As for the main adventure, I found the underworld to be very interesting and I liked the different characters that we met along the way. As always with Sullivan's books, the biggest strength here were the characters. I've said it in my other reviews, but I love how unlikely the heroes are in this series. I love the growth of each character, even Tressa, who at one time I hated. I love the themes of redemption, love, and sacrifice. I also need to add how much I loved the transformation of Gifford in this new place.
"This war won't be won or lost by birds or dragons, nor by greed or hate, but by the courage and virtue of an unlikely few who will forfeit everything to save the future."
I don't have a whole lot more to add here in my review, just that I continue to enjoy this series and I'm looking forward to reading the last book soon, but at the same time I will be sad that it's over.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
topdragon's review against another edition
3.0
I probably made a mistake reading this one so soon after it came out. Unlike the first three books in this series, the second three are really one long book separated into three parts. The author explains why in the preface. But for me, there were so many characters, so many place names, and so many subplots that I had some trouble remembering who was who, what their goals were, and the details of the complex world building, cultures, and deity structure involved. This resulted in my missing some nuances in the plot along the way, I'm sure.
Recommend waiting until book six is out (on the fast track to be published in May 2020, so not a long wait anyway) before embarking on this second half of the series. (This has the additional benefit of not having to endure two hard-core cliffhangers as well). Had I done that, this book would probably have earned another star or two from me.
Recommend waiting until book six is out (on the fast track to be published in May 2020, so not a long wait anyway) before embarking on this second half of the series. (This has the additional benefit of not having to endure two hard-core cliffhangers as well). Had I done that, this book would probably have earned another star or two from me.
roguette's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
webz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-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
2.75
I liked the book but it also hovered on the cusp of okay for me ratings-wise. I wish I had liked it more and it is a little frustrating that I didn’t but that is what it is. I decided not to round up for this one on here since Storygraph allows more of a breakdown for star ratings. I am hoping the next book will be something I enjoy more. I didn’t write down any quotes or favorite scenes for this one if it tells you anything. Oh well, I am still planning on reading the final book in this series.
stellathereader's review
4.0
So fun! Almost reminded me of Percy Jackson but for grown-ups.
This book definitely moved at a much faster speed. I love the huge cast of characters, the growth of every single character. Tesh, Brin, Roan, Tressa, Moya, Rain 😭.
There is also a bunch of lore-dropping in this book which was very much needed. This series is so different from the Riyria series, but it has grown on me. Bring on the last book. 😭
This book definitely moved at a much faster speed. I love the huge cast of characters, the growth of every single character. Tesh, Brin, Roan, Tressa, Moya, Rain 😭.
There is also a bunch of lore-dropping in this book which was very much needed. This series is so different from the Riyria series, but it has grown on me. Bring on the last book. 😭
nickmarshall's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-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? Yes
4.5
pipgrace's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.75
lyzus's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Another great book, but I will say the emotional investment in this one felt subpar? Which is strange because I already love and care about the characters, yet despite the many dangers, there were few times I felt concerned…I’m not sure
But the writing, as always, 10/10! Loved the building upon the gods and their world’s history- really excited to see what happens with Suri!
But the writing, as always, 10/10! Loved the building upon the gods and their world’s history- really excited to see what happens with Suri!