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alyb_batgirl's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
*ARC Review*
What a wonderful second book in the A Dreamer's Misfortune series! This book follows the rag-tag bunch of characters from Songs of the Wicked, from the POV of Lark, Daciana and Langford.
I love Farran's prose and the way she is able to craft each character so realistically and lovingly. This book/series has a LOT of characters, but even the ones who are more accessory never feel flat or one-dimensional. We get to learn new things about old characters as well as get introduced to some new and sometimes surprising characters. I also love the elements of classic fairy tales that Farran weaves into the story, without it being too forced.
Picking off shortly after the end of the first book, I found the first half of the story to be a little meandering in terms of overall plot, though it does provide an opportunity for character exploration. Then the last third of the book things start happening very quickly. I think this book does a good job of avoiding the "second book in a trilogy" curse where not much really happens (won't say more than that to avoid spoilers). My only nitpick is the alternating POV chapters. They very reliably switch between the three narrators, which I found a bit jarring when the group was separated earlier in the book. I feel like a set up where you get a few chapters from one POV before switching would have flowed better, at least for me. This is much less of an issue when the characters all come back together.
Overall, wonderful book to settle down on a rainy or foggy autumn night, with a cozy blanket and a cup of hot apple cider or hot chocolate. Can't wait for the next installment!
What a wonderful second book in the A Dreamer's Misfortune series! This book follows the rag-tag bunch of characters from Songs of the Wicked, from the POV of Lark, Daciana and Langford.
I love Farran's prose and the way she is able to craft each character so realistically and lovingly. This book/series has a LOT of characters, but even the ones who are more accessory never feel flat or one-dimensional. We get to learn new things about old characters as well as get introduced to some new and sometimes surprising characters. I also love the elements of classic fairy tales that Farran weaves into the story, without it being too forced.
Picking off shortly after the end of the first book, I found the first half of the story to be a little meandering in terms of overall plot, though it does provide an opportunity for character exploration. Then the last third of the book things start happening very quickly. I think this book does a good job of avoiding the "second book in a trilogy" curse where not much really happens (won't say more than that to avoid spoilers). My only nitpick is the alternating POV chapters. They very reliably switch between the three narrators, which I found a bit jarring when the group was separated earlier in the book. I feel like a set up where you get a few chapters from one POV before switching would have flowed better, at least for me. This is much less of an issue when the characters all come back together.
Overall, wonderful book to settle down on a rainy or foggy autumn night, with a cozy blanket and a cup of hot apple cider or hot chocolate. Can't wait for the next installment!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, and Grief