mad_about_books's review
5.0
on to the second, it is like reading one book. In other words, everything I said in my review of THE SKYLARK'S SONG applies here as well. The books are well written and the story well told.
Creativity abounds in everything I've read by J. M. Frey including her use of 'colorful' language. The word "omens" is used in the same way you and I might say damn or drat, but my favorite is "rudding coal-bag." These, and other (clean by our standards) expletives are strung throughout the duology.
The Skylark duology is an epic tale of war and its consequences. In particular, the misuse of the poor hearkens to what we know in the world today. It is also an old fashioned love story… girl meets boy and despises him. Yes, just an old fashioned fairy tale in the making but with a far more satisfying ending that the usual happily ever after.
As you read these books, you will laugh, and you will cry, and the feminist in you will rage against the unfairness and discrimination. Great science fiction and fantasy is timeless. The specific details may differ, but history tells us that the human condition remains the same.
Creativity abounds in everything I've read by J. M. Frey including her use of 'colorful' language. The word "omens" is used in the same way you and I might say damn or drat, but my favorite is "rudding coal-bag." These, and other (clean by our standards) expletives are strung throughout the duology.
The Skylark duology is an epic tale of war and its consequences. In particular, the misuse of the poor hearkens to what we know in the world today. It is also an old fashioned love story… girl meets boy and despises him. Yes, just an old fashioned fairy tale in the making but with a far more satisfying ending that the usual happily ever after.
As you read these books, you will laugh, and you will cry, and the feminist in you will rage against the unfairness and discrimination. Great science fiction and fantasy is timeless. The specific details may differ, but history tells us that the human condition remains the same.
alexperc_92's review
4.0
I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Review can be found on *Milky Way of Books*
I had high hopes for the sequel and J.M. Frey didn't disappoint! In the sequel of her new duology Frey explores character development in a war-torn world with enemies in every corner, battles and forbidden romance.
As Robin tries to gain new allies, she will discover that despite the cultural differences, people on the both sides don't wish for the war anymore. I surely didn't expect THAT surprise after the middle of the book. It had me gasping and wondering what would happen...and WHY COULD THAT HAVE HAPPENED?!
The ending of the duology was great, albeit a bittersweet one. Frey proves once more her talent of hopping between genres and delivering amazing characters and unforgettable worlds!
I had high hopes for the sequel and J.M. Frey didn't disappoint! In the sequel of her new duology Frey explores character development in a war-torn world with enemies in every corner, battles and forbidden romance.
As Robin tries to gain new allies, she will discover that despite the cultural differences, people on the both sides don't wish for the war anymore. I surely didn't expect THAT surprise after the middle of the book. It had me gasping and wondering what would happen...and WHY COULD THAT HAVE HAPPENED?!
The ending of the duology was great, albeit a bittersweet one. Frey proves once more her talent of hopping between genres and delivering amazing characters and unforgettable worlds!
alexandra_92's review
4.0
I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Review can be found on *Milky Way of Books*
I had high hopes for the sequel and J.M. Frey didn't disappoint! In the sequel of her new duology Frey explores character development in a war-torn world with enemies in every corner, battles and forbidden romance.
As Robin tries to gain new allies, she will discover that despite the cultural differences, people on the both sides don't wish for the war anymore. I surely didn't expect THAT surprise after the middle of the book. It had me gasping and wondering what would happen...and WHY COULD THAT HAVE HAPPENED?!
The ending of the duology was great, albeit a bittersweet one. Frey proves once more her talent of hopping between genres and delivering amazing characters and unforgettable worlds!
I had high hopes for the sequel and J.M. Frey didn't disappoint! In the sequel of her new duology Frey explores character development in a war-torn world with enemies in every corner, battles and forbidden romance.
As Robin tries to gain new allies, she will discover that despite the cultural differences, people on the both sides don't wish for the war anymore. I surely didn't expect THAT surprise after the middle of the book. It had me gasping and wondering what would happen...and WHY COULD THAT HAVE HAPPENED?!
The ending of the duology was great, albeit a bittersweet one. Frey proves once more her talent of hopping between genres and delivering amazing characters and unforgettable worlds!
andreiitasc's review
adventurous
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
4.0
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for a review. All opinions are honest and my own.
Trigger warnings: violence, character death, political plotting, war and war-induced climate and ways of living, mentions of racism/segregation, past incarceration.
I had high expectations for this book after how the first one ended, but at the same time I was half-invaded with that feeling of procrastination you get when you feel that things aren’t going to go your way. But nonetheless, I persisted and started the book. And what a ride it has been!
For starters, I think the characters were much more interesting here than in the first book. Robin evolves so much (and meets some very interesting people), but my favourite to end all favourites is still the Coyote. I just have a major crush on him. Even when you logically know that he is not the most trustworthy character around, he just says "My dear" with that voice and everybody swoons. Also, his background is super interesting even if I did guess it before its reveal.
About the plot, it was fantastic. I think the romance was a bit heavy-handed, but the rest of it was great: the adventures had me at the edge of my seat, I audibly gasped at the end, and I loved the cultural differences between Robin and the Klonnish people, which was one of the best-done parts of the books. At the end I felt a bit torn because the last chapter could've been omitted, but at the same time I understand its importance and why it was there.
I felt less connected in this book, narrative-wise, than in the first one. There were parts where it dragged, and I kept thinking “Just pick up already!!”, but then there were other parts where I was totally in tune with what was happening. Overall, it was a fast and gripping book, and I enjoyed reading Robin’s POV.
And, before I forget: half of this book was a MASTERFUL use of surprise and Show, don't tell; only tell when it won't happen like that. I really enjoyed everything that was revealed, whether I had guessed it or not (mostly I didn't guess anything because I'm a dumb swooning girl distracted by pretty words.)
TO SUM UP
This was the perfect conclusion to this duology, and I'm very happy I gave this small author a chance. Of course, it wasn't perfect, but I liked how everything came together at the end (even the decisions I didn't like made sense by the end.) And, to top it, full of adventures and a fast read!
* The best part: Have I mentioned that I'm in love with the Coyote? Because I am. He's a bastard, but so worth the pain.
* The worst part: Some parts of the middle of the book dragged a bit and made me lose my connection.
I rate this book a solid 4/5, very enjoyable!
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