zmikhael's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault
sheritolley's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't really like this book. First of all the language was terrible, and totally not needed, and I hated the ending. I kept reading thinking it was going to lead to something, but it never did.
tylerkatherine's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
isabeau3's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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
enbyglitch's review against another edition
4.0
A very strong follow-up, though I don't think it quite hit the same highs as the first book. Continued to love (most of) the gritty realism on display and was impressed by how the magic system, characters and world were expanded upon.
There is a brutal, graphic scene toward the end of this book that really left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I'm learning that sometimes depictions of this sort can be overall positive, but I think it's fair to be very skeptical when it comes to male authors attempting it. In her article from 2011, Alyssa Rosenberg criticizes the scene for the fact that ultimately it only serves as a moral push for Quentin. I utterly agree with this, and while I enjoyed the rest of Julia's story I think this would be better changed/omitted/placed in a book entirely focused on her story.
Otherwise my thoughts are mostly the same as for the first book. The fact that the male gaze continues uninterrupted into Julia's chapters is pretty damning for any defense about Quentin's young male POV. I'm also getting the sense that while the author is clearly able to write fascinating scenes, he sometimes struggles to follow through on tying them into the narrative as a whole.
Cautiously excited to see where the finale goes!
There is a brutal, graphic scene toward the end of this book that really left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I'm learning that sometimes depictions of this sort can be overall positive, but I think it's fair to be very skeptical when it comes to male authors attempting it. In her article from 2011, Alyssa Rosenberg criticizes the scene for the fact that ultimately it only serves as a moral push for Quentin. I utterly agree with this, and while I enjoyed the rest of Julia's story I think this would be better changed/omitted/placed in a book entirely focused on her story.
Otherwise my thoughts are mostly the same as for the first book. The fact that the male gaze continues uninterrupted into Julia's chapters is pretty damning for any defense about Quentin's young male POV. I'm also getting the sense that while the author is clearly able to write fascinating scenes, he sometimes struggles to follow through on tying them into the narrative as a whole.
Cautiously excited to see where the finale goes!
flufficorn's review against another edition
3.0
This is my least favorite of the series. I do agree that as a second book, it is good. It does not fall into that hole of being a crap second book like most second books tend to be. Overall, I just cannot stand Julia.
Lev Grossman might have created an interesting story and whatever else, but this man does not know how to write a female character. She wasn't relatable. Maybe she isn't meant to be? She comes off as a whiny, entitled brat the entire time. Who said a magician's life was SUPPOSED to be hers? QUIT YOUR COMPLAINING AND LEARN TO MOVE ON LIKE THE REST OF US?! And, can we talk about what a travesty of a rape scene that was? I understand, it's a bad thing. I get it. I've been there. But what IS this? She rested her head on her arm the way she supposed most rape victims did?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? The whole scene just lacked the gravitas and seriousness that something like that actually has attached to it. Maybe he should have connected with some actual victims before talking out his ass?
Give me every character in that book except for Julia.
Lev Grossman might have created an interesting story and whatever else, but this man does not know how to write a female character. She wasn't relatable. Maybe she isn't meant to be? She comes off as a whiny, entitled brat the entire time. Who said a magician's life was SUPPOSED to be hers? QUIT YOUR COMPLAINING AND LEARN TO MOVE ON LIKE THE REST OF US?! And, can we talk about what a travesty of a rape scene that was? I understand, it's a bad thing. I get it. I've been there. But what IS this? She rested her head on her arm the way she supposed most rape victims did?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? The whole scene just lacked the gravitas and seriousness that something like that actually has attached to it. Maybe he should have connected with some actual victims before talking out his ass?
Give me every character in that book except for Julia.