anneb42's review against another edition
4.0
Okay. Whoa. This whole series is a lot darker and grittier than the Magic Circle series, but this book takes the cake so far. It's also the first one I've read instead of listening to in a long time, so my interpretation might be somewhat colored by that.
It's unusual in fiction, much less J/YA fiction, to be given a character you build trust in only to find that they're monstrous. Pierce doesn't stop there, though - the villain in this book offers point-of-view reflection, and the reader is given full access to his emotions and motivations. He's made a sympathetic character, even in the unquestionably horrible things he does, in that you understand why (not that you actually support him). Even as an adult reader, I feel weirdly betrayed and unsettled by this; it really is masterful.
There are also some great moments in the book - Daja is one of my favorites, and Frostpine is overall amazing.
It's unusual in fiction, much less J/YA fiction, to be given a character you build trust in only to find that they're monstrous. Pierce doesn't stop there, though - the villain in this book offers point-of-view reflection, and the reader is given full access to his emotions and motivations. He's made a sympathetic character, even in the unquestionably horrible things he does, in that you understand why (not that you actually support him). Even as an adult reader, I feel weirdly betrayed and unsettled by this; it really is masterful.
There are also some great moments in the book - Daja is one of my favorites, and Frostpine is overall amazing.
sbauer378's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Overall, I enjoy this book. I love the descriptions of the city and the layout of it. It sounds like a gorgeous place that I'd love to visit if it was real. Though, some of the descriptions are a bit nonsensical. An accent sounding like a tasty bit of cheese, what?
I dislike Daja's characterization in this book, she's very self-deprecating, especially when it comes to her magic. She's always been so confident before and it felt strange to me. She also has a few new magical abilities which seem like bullshit. I can kind of get behind her being able to see things that happened when she touches some metal, the idea that inanimate objects can hold memories. But not her being to feel what Ben feels while touching it, she's not an empath, it makes no sense.
I dislike Daja's characterization in this book, she's very self-deprecating, especially when it comes to her magic. She's always been so confident before and it felt strange to me. She also has a few new magical abilities which seem like bullshit. I can kind of get behind her being able to see things that happened when she touches some metal, the idea that inanimate objects can hold memories. But not her being to feel what Ben feels while touching it, she's not an empath, it makes no sense.
nanceoir's review
5.0
You know that Tumblr silliness about someone being a precious cinnamon roll, too good and pure for this world? That's Daja. Oh, Daja, you are wonderful.
emeraldreverie's review against another edition
4.0
Reread. A good one, though I like Daja, not my favorite tale. I love the twins but Ben gives me squicks.
meganelise's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
3.0
A re-read. So these books are less formulaic then I remember. That or I'm more forgiving. This book dragged some. Perhaps it was being in the head of the villain. Perhaps Daja just didn't have enough going on in her own life. As always seeing different magic in action was one of the best parts. I wonder what part meditation takes outside of ambient magic - it would seem with non ambient magic maybe it being the first thing wouldn't be as important.
peppermintbat's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
4.75
meghan21's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-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
hoosgracie's review against another edition
4.0
Daja has been traveling with Frostpine and they are spending the winter in Namorn with his friends. When she discovers the twins in the family have magic, she must find them teachers and teach them meditation herself. Meanwhile, because the city is built of wood, fire is a problem. She meets Bennat Ladradun, a local businessman who lost his family in a fire and is now a firefighter. When someone starts setting fires, they work together to stop them.Excellent book in the series.