greystory's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
5.0
I enjoyed it a LOT, far and above the first book.
I was especially thrilled with Nelle as a character. The way she's codified as having autism or something similar was done really well. She's relatable to me and she feels like a whole person with depth and layers rather than a list of symptoms or stereotypes. I loved the way she handled herself and I really enjoyed reading the relationship develop with Rath Tuviri. I loved his little nickname for her and Nelle's friendships with other members of the horde.
The horde king of Rath Tuviri was an interesting character, the little orphan that fought his way from the streets of Dothik all the way up to Vorakkar. He was a great choice for the second book as the reader draws a natural comparison to Arokan of Rath Kitala from book one, last of a long line of revered horde kings.
The only thing that really bothered me was that I wish there was something a bit more tangible about Rath Tuviri seeing the light of Kakkari in Nelle and what that meant. It was just a little too vague for me but I clearly didn't have an issue letting it slide. I was also less than pleased with some of his decisions concerning Nelle and the unnecessary drama/angst (cue eyeroll here) but it at least felt solidly rooted in decent character development and not done solely to tweak with our emotions, haha.
I was especially thrilled with Nelle as a character. The way she's codified as having autism or something similar was done really well. She's relatable to me and she feels like a whole person with depth and layers rather than a list of symptoms or stereotypes. I loved the way she handled herself and I really enjoyed reading the relationship develop with Rath Tuviri. I loved his little nickname for her and Nelle's friendships with other members of the horde.
The horde king of Rath Tuviri was an interesting character, the little orphan that fought his way from the streets of Dothik all the way up to Vorakkar. He was a great choice for the second book as the reader draws a natural comparison to Arokan of Rath Kitala from book one, last of a long line of revered horde kings.
The only thing that really bothered me was that I wish there was something a bit more tangible about Rath Tuviri seeing the light of Kakkari in Nelle and what that meant. It was just a little too vague for me but I clearly didn't have an issue letting it slide. I was also less than pleased with some of his decisions concerning Nelle and the unnecessary drama/angst (cue eyeroll here) but it at least felt solidly rooted in decent character development and not done solely to tweak with our emotions, haha.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape, Eating disorder, Pregnancy, and Vomit
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