macknificent's review
adventurous
dark
slow-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
This suffered a bit of Second Book Syndrome, but I still enjoyed it. Crow Daddy and Ocean Bae still rule my heart so I cannot wait for Book 3! Mark my words, Roanhorse, I will never forgive you if they don't have a happy ending. Together.
As for Sun Skank, she continues to be a thorn in my side. I spent the entire book exasperated by her choices and wishing for her death.
All the other characters were interesting and fully fleshed. I live Roanhorse's world building, though I would like a little more of the history explained. I think that will happen in book 3.
Anyway, definitely will be continuing the series!
As for Sun Skank, she continues to be a thorn in my side. I spent the entire book exasperated by her choices and wishing for her death.
All the other characters were interesting and fully fleshed. I live Roanhorse's world building, though I would like a little more of the history explained. I think that will happen in book 3.
Anyway, definitely will be continuing the series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Self harm
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Gore, Grief, and Death of parent
vagrantheather's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent
sohva's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Blood, Cursing, Death, and Gore
Moderate: Death of parent, Racism, War, Confinement, Murder, Alcohol, Deportation, Misogyny, Religious bigotry, Torture, and Xenophobia
theespressoedition's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Fevered Star was filled with a lot of information. So much that I actually struggled to keep up with it. [This entire review contains mild spoilers related to the relationships in the first book and how they affected the vibe of this sequel].
The pacing was much slower than in the first book, which is saying something considering how slow the first one was. Unfortunately, rather than picking up and staying interesting halfway through, I found myself losing some interest and noticing that my mind had wandered for half a chapter, not fully retaining what was going on.
There wasn't enough Serapio for me in this book. And I really missed the Serapio and Xiala dynamic. Since they were in two different places throughout the entire story, it made me a little sad. The new connections formed were fascinating, however. Iktan and Xiala traveling together and Naranpa and Serapio meeting... all of that was really cool. I was 100% uninterested in Balam and could've done without his point of view entirely.
As a whole, this felt a lot like second book syndrome to me. I wasn't as intrigued or dying to know what would come next. There were only a few moments that really piqued my interest. It was still written well and there were some thought-provoking elements, which is why it got a middle-ground rating from me. But I wouldn't want to read it again.
Here's hoping the next installation brings a bit more action!
The pacing was much slower than in the first book, which is saying something considering how slow the first one was. Unfortunately, rather than picking up and staying interesting halfway through, I found myself losing some interest and noticing that my mind had wandered for half a chapter, not fully retaining what was going on.
There wasn't enough Serapio for me in this book. And I really missed the Serapio and Xiala dynamic. Since they were in two different places throughout the entire story, it made me a little sad. The new connections formed were fascinating, however. Iktan and Xiala traveling together and Naranpa and Serapio meeting... all of that was really cool. I was 100% uninterested in Balam and could've done without his point of view entirely.
As a whole, this felt a lot like second book syndrome to me. I wasn't as intrigued or dying to know what would come next. There were only a few moments that really piqued my interest. It was still written well and there were some thought-provoking elements, which is why it got a middle-ground rating from me. But I wouldn't want to read it again.
Here's hoping the next installation brings a bit more action!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Torture, Blood, Murder, Gore, and Self harm
Moderate: Death of parent, Cursing, and Sexual assault
Minor: War
foreverinastory's review against another edition
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
5.0
Thank you to B2 Weird Bookclub and Saga SFF for a physical copy in exchange for an honest review and promotion. All opinions are my own.
Can't believe I have to wait another year (or more!) to see how it all ends. *cries forever*
Fevered Star immediately picks up where Black Sun leaves off: the convergence has happened and Year 1 of the Crow has begun. Once again we follow Naranpa, Serapio and Xiala as they figure out their paths and how the events surrounding the city of Tova will shape them.
I seriously love this series so much. The characters are just freaking amazing and I would die for basically all of them. We see a lot of growth from them all, but especially Naranpa in this one. I’ve liked her from the beginning so I am only excited to continue to see her grow.
We also get more worldbuilding and mythology/history of The Meridian. I would love to read a fictional non-fiction about this world. I want to know everything! I love seeing how the clans work, and then all the various outsiders and the way the past and now their future desires are shaping conflict. It’s a work of art.
Fevered Star pulls no punches and is an incredible addition to the series.
Rep: All Native/Indigenous cast. Pansexual cis female MC, queer cis female MC, blind cishet male MC, cishet (presumed) male MC, queer bayeki (two spirit/nonbinary specific term) side character, two spirit/nonbinary side characters (use neopronouns), various queer side characters.
CWs: Violence, blood, grief, injury/injury detail, body horror, death, gore, confinement, cursing, physical abuse, suicide, torture, death of parent recounted, murder, alcohol consumption, war themes. Moderate: Sexual content (consensual). Minor: Child abuse, rape, self harm.
Can't believe I have to wait another year (or more!) to see how it all ends. *cries forever*
Fevered Star immediately picks up where Black Sun leaves off: the convergence has happened and Year 1 of the Crow has begun. Once again we follow Naranpa, Serapio and Xiala as they figure out their paths and how the events surrounding the city of Tova will shape them.
I seriously love this series so much. The characters are just freaking amazing and I would die for basically all of them. We see a lot of growth from them all, but especially Naranpa in this one. I’ve liked her from the beginning so I am only excited to continue to see her grow.
We also get more worldbuilding and mythology/history of The Meridian. I would love to read a fictional non-fiction about this world. I want to know everything! I love seeing how the clans work, and then all the various outsiders and the way the past and now their future desires are shaping conflict. It’s a work of art.
Fevered Star pulls no punches and is an incredible addition to the series.
Rep: All Native/Indigenous cast. Pansexual cis female MC, queer cis female MC, blind cishet male MC, cishet (presumed) male MC, queer bayeki (two spirit/nonbinary specific term) side character, two spirit/nonbinary side characters (use neopronouns), various queer side characters.
CWs: Violence, blood, grief, injury/injury detail, body horror, death, gore, confinement, cursing, physical abuse, suicide, torture, death of parent recounted, murder, alcohol consumption, war themes. Moderate: Sexual content (consensual). Minor: Child abuse, rape, self harm.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Alcohol, War, Violence, Body horror, Death, Gore, Suicide, Torture, Death of parent, Confinement, Cursing, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Self harm, Child abuse, and Rape
rorikae's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
'Fevered Star' by Rebecca Roanhorse is a great follow-up to 'Black Sun' though it definitely feels like the second book in a series. It delves much more into character development and leading characters towards what we can expect will happen in book three. Where in other books this might feel slow or frustrating, Roanhorse has created three characters that I am deeply invested in and seeing their growth was incredibly engaging.
After an explosive end to the first book, it was hard to imagine where we would go next. This is very much a regrouping and planning book with new alliances forged and characters going through significant change based on their experiences in the first book and the first half of book two. The characters and the world building are the two standouts for this series and I can already see that Roanhorse is leading us towards even more in the next book. Though this book did feel like a middle installment, I do think that it sets up a lot for the next book and the character growth made it feel more worthwhile than if it had just been the plot setup.
I can't wait for the next book and to spend more time with these characters. They are all deeply flawed but Roanhorse has made me come to care for them fiercely.
After an explosive end to the first book, it was hard to imagine where we would go next. This is very much a regrouping and planning book with new alliances forged and characters going through significant change based on their experiences in the first book and the first half of book two. The characters and the world building are the two standouts for this series and I can already see that Roanhorse is leading us towards even more in the next book. Though this book did feel like a middle installment, I do think that it sets up a lot for the next book and the character growth made it feel more worthwhile than if it had just been the plot setup.
I can't wait for the next book and to spend more time with these characters. They are all deeply flawed but Roanhorse has made me come to care for them fiercely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Death, Grief, Murder, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Death of parent and Suicide
dreareads_'s review
adventurous
dark
tense
4.5
"Too much darkness destroys as easily as too much light. We must see the balance between us"
Okay, I should note that Black Sun is one of my favorite books of all time, just the perfect start to an epic fantasy/sci-fi trilogy.
The sequel was SO good, but also pretty different in scope. While Black Sun had political intrigue, at its core it was the story of a boy & a girl trying to find/fight their destiny. In this book Roanhorse puts the political machinations at the forefront of the story. The scope and number of pov's that we get increase, giving us better insight into the plot of the story. We are introduced to many chess pieces that are slowly moved into position before the final book.
Our favorite characters continue to shine, with Iktan just being the best. I enjoyed the complexity of Serapios character, and Naranpas own journey was exciting. I personally was disappointed by Xiala throughout the book, because she felt as if the plot was happening TO her instead of her playing any important part.
Some may feel that the pacing was a bit slow, but I think it worked in giving us time to get used to the new characters and learn more from the world. Overall, this is a book meant to prepare us for the final installment and it did its job. I cannot wait for book three and what is sure to be an epic conclusio
Okay, I should note that Black Sun is one of my favorite books of all time, just the perfect start to an epic fantasy/sci-fi trilogy.
The sequel was SO good, but also pretty different in scope. While Black Sun had political intrigue, at its core it was the story of a boy & a girl trying to find/fight their destiny. In this book Roanhorse puts the political machinations at the forefront of the story. The scope and number of pov's that we get increase, giving us better insight into the plot of the story. We are introduced to many chess pieces that are slowly moved into position before the final book.
Our favorite characters continue to shine, with Iktan just being the best. I enjoyed the complexity of Serapios character, and Naranpas own journey was exciting. I personally was disappointed by Xiala throughout the book, because she felt as if the plot was happening TO her instead of her playing any important part.
Spoiler
also, her being mostly love sick throughout the entire book was really annoyingSome may feel that the pacing was a bit slow, but I think it worked in giving us time to get used to the new characters and learn more from the world. Overall, this is a book meant to prepare us for the final installment and it did its job. I cannot wait for book three and what is sure to be an epic conclusio
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Addiction, Animal cruelty, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Classism, Colonisation, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Misogyny, Blood, Murder, Physical abuse, Racism, Torture, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Violence, and War
ehmannky's review
dark
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
So! Good! I think that it's incredibly interesting to go beyond a prophecy and see the aftermath. And so much is happening here. All the characters were so lonely and in pain and it's just a study in what trauma does to people and the ways that not having support around you hurts people further.
Naranpa's chapters were the best and everything that happened with her was so engaging. I think that the only thing I personally was annoyed with was how Xiala's entire personality just revolves around Serapio. Like, I get she's lonely but meh. Wasn't a fan of that. I did love her little journey with Iktan and I can't wait to cry over Iktan reuniting with Naranpa in book 3.
Naranpa's chapters were the best and everything that happened with her was so engaging. I think that the only thing I personally was annoyed with was how Xiala's entire personality just revolves around Serapio. Like, I get she's lonely but meh. Wasn't a fan of that. I did love her little journey with Iktan and I can't wait to cry over Iktan reuniting with Naranpa in book 3.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Murder, Body horror, Physical abuse, War, Blood, Xenophobia, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Abandonment and Death of parent
Minor: Child abuse
caseythereader's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thanks to Saga Press for the free advance copy of this book.
- I'm never sure how to review sequels without giving too much away. Let's just say I was so happy to be back in this world, and to see the story expand and the characters grow.
- Roanhorse has created such a compelling set of characters and history with these books. Every time the viewpoint switches I'm happy to be with whoever it is.
- This being the middle book of a series, it was a bit more place setting and a bit less action than BLACK SUN, but there were still plenty of gripping scenes, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
- I'm never sure how to review sequels without giving too much away. Let's just say I was so happy to be back in this world, and to see the story expand and the characters grow.
- Roanhorse has created such a compelling set of characters and history with these books. Every time the viewpoint switches I'm happy to be with whoever it is.
- This being the middle book of a series, it was a bit more place setting and a bit less action than BLACK SUN, but there were still plenty of gripping scenes, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Blood, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Murder, Suicide, Violence, War, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content
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