linguisticali's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.5
This was really good, but let itself down by trying to do too much - I could barely keep up with the story, much less the additions to the worldbuilding and all their implications. For me that came at the expense of development for most of the characters. Some dramatic twists and turns right at the end worked well but came after so much other stuff that they didn't have as much impact for me.
neilsef's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.25
In comparison to the first book in the series, this is much more character orientated with a plot that revolves around schemes to try and save the Elephant clan from being wiped out following the massacre of the royal family in the last book, schemes that Salo, and his friends become an integral part of.
I found this to be an enthralling read that engaged me on so many levels. The technology, which is powered by magic, the characters, who have both a depth as well as engaging personalities to them, the political and personal scheming that is abundant throughout the novel, and finally the twists and turns in the plot which kept me guessing as to what would happen next.
The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger too, so I am looking forward to reading the last book in the trilogy, which I already own.
I found this to be an enthralling read that engaged me on so many levels. The technology, which is powered by magic, the characters, who have both a depth as well as engaging personalities to them, the political and personal scheming that is abundant throughout the novel, and finally the twists and turns in the plot which kept me guessing as to what would happen next.
The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger too, so I am looking forward to reading the last book in the trilogy, which I already own.
vickyd18's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? No
4.0
linda48's review against another edition
2.0
Disclosure: I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
I was so confused! I was confused when I started the book and I was confused when I finished. From the number of wonderful reviews, I thought I would be engrossed from the start. Unfortunately, I have to assume that you needed to read the first book in order to follow along. I had difficulty following the characters and understanding how they related to each other, how past events related to the present, not to mention how the magic actually worked. The ending was certainly not what I expected.
From the beginning, I felt that I was entering a video game. There is certainly enough magic, spells, charms, magical creatures, battles between good and evil that could keep the gamer entertained and involved. So, if you are a video game developer, please contact this author. Plus, from what I've seen, there are not enough people of color that are the main characters in today's games.
My recommendation is to make sure you read the first book before embarking on this one.
I was so confused! I was confused when I started the book and I was confused when I finished. From the number of wonderful reviews, I thought I would be engrossed from the start. Unfortunately, I have to assume that you needed to read the first book in order to follow along. I had difficulty following the characters and understanding how they related to each other, how past events related to the present, not to mention how the magic actually worked. The ending was certainly not what I expected.
From the beginning, I felt that I was entering a video game. There is certainly enough magic, spells, charms, magical creatures, battles between good and evil that could keep the gamer entertained and involved. So, if you are a video game developer, please contact this author. Plus, from what I've seen, there are not enough people of color that are the main characters in today's games.
My recommendation is to make sure you read the first book before embarking on this one.
lini002's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
3.5
inciminci's review against another edition
5.0
I'm pretty shocked why the "Scarlett Odyssey" Saga isn’t a bestseller yet! Readers seriously should be cheering, shouting on the rooftops, agonizing over the devastating ending of this second installment and suspense-nailbiting over whether or not there will ever be a continuation, a third book… Because although Requiem Moon seriously offers everything a fantasy reader’s heart desires, it ends on a nasty cliffhanger and we demand a sequel.
Having finally gotten his status as a male mystic confirmed by the Yerezi Queen, Salo and his crew - she-warrior Ilapara, young atmech Tuk and finally Alinata, a gorgeous Asazi in the service of the said queen - finally make it to Yonte Saire, the Jungle City, where he is supposed to complete a pilgrimage to the Red Temple as well as act as a sort of spy. Through a series of magical obstacles, they find themselves unable to reach the destination of their pilgrimage and also to leave the place. His path eventually and finally crosses with King Isa and her cousin Jomo, the two remaining survivors of the massacred royal Saire family, who want to push their own agenda: to the end of uniting their tribe and preventing a genocide they need Salo’s skills to extract the powerful Covenant Diamond in the Red Temple.
The biggest strength of the second installment of the Scarlet Odyssey series is also its greatest weakness; it is jam-packed! From fantastic but brutal gladiator fights, a messy rebellion, chosen-one-moments and personality crises, conversations with gods, very interesting twists, to lots and lots and lots and lots of royal plots and intrigues and more… Sometimes it can really feel like an overkill on the good stuff.
On the other hand, among an abundance of gnarled storylines you will find perfectly fleshed out characters, major AND minor, that are easy to be interested in and so you will always keep up; I truly root for every single one of them and in the second book I had even more to enjoy thanks to the dapper warrior Kamali and the dreamy cameo appearances of Salo’s childhood friend from the first book; Niko. The little flirtations between Jomo and Ilapara were heavenly (“Here was a woman who had an eye for bullshit.”) and the character Jomo was in general a highlight for me ("Jomo still hasn’t gotten used to the metallic timbre the pendant adds to the mystic’s voice. He wonders what his own voice sounds like on the other end of the enchantment.”) I found that Rwizi wrote much more freely, more humorously in this second book which felt good.
I also thought Salo’s crisis intriguing, his character that we got to know and appreciate in the first book cracking a little, showing weaknesses and inconsistencies, maybe due to the weight of being a male mystic or maybe because of the discoveries concerning his own nature and past... Who knows? But it was certainly a very interesting narrative device to show him through the eyes of the other characters which helps seeing more facettes of his personality.
In the previous book I was fascinated by the aspect of magic becoming so detailed and elaborate that it almost turns into science; and that aspect is even intensified in Requiem Moon (I don't mean to give away spoilers but there are profoundly interesting notions here!). Beside the magic system, the worldbuilding, this time with a greater focus on city life, is extremley succesfully done, rich, spectacular and vivid as ever and even more than before.
As I mentioned above, Requiem Moon's only flaw might be that there are too many intertwining storylines. Yet, it is still an intense and colorful read much worthy of its predecessor. And if you haven't read that one, I think you're missing out and should quickly do so!
Having finally gotten his status as a male mystic confirmed by the Yerezi Queen, Salo and his crew - she-warrior Ilapara, young atmech Tuk and finally Alinata, a gorgeous Asazi in the service of the said queen - finally make it to Yonte Saire, the Jungle City, where he is supposed to complete a pilgrimage to the Red Temple as well as act as a sort of spy. Through a series of magical obstacles, they find themselves unable to reach the destination of their pilgrimage and also to leave the place. His path eventually and finally crosses with King Isa and her cousin Jomo, the two remaining survivors of the massacred royal Saire family, who want to push their own agenda: to the end of uniting their tribe and preventing a genocide they need Salo’s skills to extract the powerful Covenant Diamond in the Red Temple.
The biggest strength of the second installment of the Scarlet Odyssey series is also its greatest weakness; it is jam-packed! From fantastic but brutal gladiator fights, a messy rebellion, chosen-one-moments and personality crises, conversations with gods, very interesting twists, to lots and lots and lots and lots of royal plots and intrigues and more… Sometimes it can really feel like an overkill on the good stuff.
On the other hand, among an abundance of gnarled storylines you will find perfectly fleshed out characters, major AND minor, that are easy to be interested in and so you will always keep up; I truly root for every single one of them and in the second book I had even more to enjoy thanks to the dapper warrior Kamali and the dreamy cameo appearances of Salo’s childhood friend from the first book; Niko. The little flirtations between Jomo and Ilapara were heavenly (“Here was a woman who had an eye for bullshit.”) and the character Jomo was in general a highlight for me ("Jomo still hasn’t gotten used to the metallic timbre the pendant adds to the mystic’s voice. He wonders what his own voice sounds like on the other end of the enchantment.”) I found that Rwizi wrote much more freely, more humorously in this second book which felt good.
I also thought Salo’s crisis intriguing, his character that we got to know and appreciate in the first book cracking a little, showing weaknesses and inconsistencies, maybe due to the weight of being a male mystic or maybe because of the discoveries concerning his own nature and past... Who knows? But it was certainly a very interesting narrative device to show him through the eyes of the other characters which helps seeing more facettes of his personality.
In the previous book I was fascinated by the aspect of magic becoming so detailed and elaborate that it almost turns into science; and that aspect is even intensified in Requiem Moon (I don't mean to give away spoilers but there are profoundly interesting notions here!). Beside the magic system, the worldbuilding, this time with a greater focus on city life, is extremley succesfully done, rich, spectacular and vivid as ever and even more than before.
As I mentioned above, Requiem Moon's only flaw might be that there are too many intertwining storylines. Yet, it is still an intense and colorful read much worthy of its predecessor. And if you haven't read that one, I think you're missing out and should quickly do so!
arken_rose's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, and Misogyny
dru_3's review against another edition
5.0
The rapid ending caught me off guard. Otherwise, stellar writing and world building!
quirkycatsfatstacks's review against another edition
5.0
Requiem Moon is the second novel in C.T. Rwizi's Scarlet Odyssey series, and it is not one for fans to miss.
Salo is on a pilgrimage of sorts. He's finally been accepted as a mystic – despite being male – and has been sent off on a quest. One that will prove to be more lethal and dangerous than his queen let on.
He must enter Jungle City and gain access to the Red Temple. However, simply doing that has embroiled him in a concerning level of politics – many in this city want to use him. If not for Salo's allies, it seems unlikely that he would survive the week.
“You can never mourn them all,” the spirit says, as it always says. “Even you, who has never lived for so long. They are more numerous than the sands of a desert, their tears more plentiful than the waters of this lake. You must accept the truth and let go. Embrace nothingness and know peace.”
Requiem Moon was such a satisfying read! It makes me wish that I could go back in time and read it (for the first time) all over again. I enjoyed it that much. Then again, I've enjoyed Salo's story from the very first page, so there's no real surprise there.
This novel's magical systems are even more complex than the first – something I was not anticipating. I love the combination of magic and technology, creating something that feels both foreign and intuitive. It's fantastic, and I just can't get enough of it.
The same goes for the characters, for that matter. There's a rich cast of characters within Requiem Moon. All of whom have their own goals, plans, or hopes. It seems like every passing minute merely adds to that complexity, rather than taking any away. I can't wait to see what happens in the third novel!
“When you have no good options, you learn to take peace wherever you can find it.”
More than anything, I simply enjoy C.T. Rwizi's writing style. The words seem to come to life on the pages, making for such a compelling adventure. I've said this before, and I'll say it again: I wish more than anything that we could see an adaptation of Scarlet Odyssey.
Thanks to 47 North and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Salo is on a pilgrimage of sorts. He's finally been accepted as a mystic – despite being male – and has been sent off on a quest. One that will prove to be more lethal and dangerous than his queen let on.
He must enter Jungle City and gain access to the Red Temple. However, simply doing that has embroiled him in a concerning level of politics – many in this city want to use him. If not for Salo's allies, it seems unlikely that he would survive the week.
“You can never mourn them all,” the spirit says, as it always says. “Even you, who has never lived for so long. They are more numerous than the sands of a desert, their tears more plentiful than the waters of this lake. You must accept the truth and let go. Embrace nothingness and know peace.”
Requiem Moon was such a satisfying read! It makes me wish that I could go back in time and read it (for the first time) all over again. I enjoyed it that much. Then again, I've enjoyed Salo's story from the very first page, so there's no real surprise there.
This novel's magical systems are even more complex than the first – something I was not anticipating. I love the combination of magic and technology, creating something that feels both foreign and intuitive. It's fantastic, and I just can't get enough of it.
The same goes for the characters, for that matter. There's a rich cast of characters within Requiem Moon. All of whom have their own goals, plans, or hopes. It seems like every passing minute merely adds to that complexity, rather than taking any away. I can't wait to see what happens in the third novel!
“When you have no good options, you learn to take peace wherever you can find it.”
More than anything, I simply enjoy C.T. Rwizi's writing style. The words seem to come to life on the pages, making for such a compelling adventure. I've said this before, and I'll say it again: I wish more than anything that we could see an adaptation of Scarlet Odyssey.
Thanks to 47 North and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
lauren_epps's review against another edition
5.0
This is book 2 of an AMAZING series! I'm not a huge Sci-Fi readers and this book hooked me IMMEDIATELY! Such a great read. So much action and drama. I really felt a way after reading this book! It was so good and even FURTHER sucked you into the characters. I haven't been this invested in a fiction series in a while.
The descriptions and clever crafting of the story were awesome. I could rave about this book for months. The worst thing about this book is that it JUST came out, so hope for a third is a long way off.. I waited 2 years for the final season of Game of Thrones... I can wait for this masterpiece to continue. At least, I hope this isn't the end of the series. I would be devastated if there wasn't more to the story.
C.T. Rwizi knocked it out of the park with this one! I HIGHLY recommend reading this and the first book. This one starts of faster than the first book, but neither are boring in anyway.
The descriptions and clever crafting of the story were awesome. I could rave about this book for months. The worst thing about this book is that it JUST came out, so hope for a third is a long way off.. I waited 2 years for the final season of Game of Thrones... I can wait for this masterpiece to continue. At least, I hope this isn't the end of the series. I would be devastated if there wasn't more to the story.
C.T. Rwizi knocked it out of the park with this one! I HIGHLY recommend reading this and the first book. This one starts of faster than the first book, but neither are boring in anyway.