lucystolethesky's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Death, War, and Violence
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Blood, and Gore
Minor: Grief
pvbobrien's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
Moderate: Body horror, Death, and Violence
Minor: Animal cruelty and Ableism
aardwyrm's review
- 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
4.0
I had trouble pinning down why I liked the book less than the first one. There's a forced, chemistry-free romance that doesn't suit either character. There's some real book-two-of-a-trilogy bloat, and a lot of the 500+ pages feel like wheel spinning. There's less about the more interesting POV characters from the first book and the secondary weirdos who have a lot of potential.
I finally realized that this just comes down to having way too much Jovis. He's always been the most boring man in the world, to be tolerated only because Mephi is there, and everything he does is dumb and wrong. Cut him and the pacing and plotting and trope use would tidy right up.
Graphic: Abandonment, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Medical content, Murder, Sexual harassment, Violence, and War
allisonwonderlandreads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
One thing I especially admire about this book is the true morally grey situations. The characters try to make the best decisions for not only themselves but the world at large and sometimes disagree or directly argue about the best path. In some cases, a character's personal blind spots are clearly at work; in others, it's a horrible choice with alarming ramifications either way. The journey is so well-executed with all perspectives on view for the reader whether you ultimately support them or not. Lin is a particular standout for me as she navigates her father's legacy and unforeseen responsibilities, but I don't say that to diminish my deep affection for all the character POVs in the book.
I lingered at the end, drawing out my read because I feared the end, the inevitable wait for the trilogy's finale. This coping mechanism is reserved for the strongest fantasy series on my shelf-- the ones I struggle to let go of.
PS Jovis' mom is a treasure
PPS Long live the ossalen
Thanks to Orbit for my copy to read and review!
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Violence, and War
Minor: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Grief, and Murder
deedireads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
TL;DR REVIEW:
The Bone Shard Emperor was a great sequel to The Bone Shard Daughter. There was quite a bit of worldbuilding in the beginning, but the ending was really good. I can’t wait to read the last one!
For you if: You like fantasy trilogies set in sprawling other worlds (and read the first book).
FULL REVIEW:
I’ve been waiting for The Bone Shard Emperor ever since I read The Bone Shard Daughter last year. (Thank you, Orbit, for the e-ARC! It comes out November 23.) This one has all the same great world-building, imagination, and excitement, and the ending was so good.
TBSE picks up pretty much right where TBSD leaves off. No spoilers for either book here, but I will say that this one turns its attention to the question of the Alanga in a way that I was SO ready for. It’s essentially tackling a whole new mystery, so there was a lot of information and continued world-building in the first half, plus a whole new stretch of character arcs (that I was at first a little skeptical of but am now on board for). So it started a bit slow, but I wasn’t mad about it.
The ending, though, is where this book really shines. Can I just say that Andrea Stewart knows how to RAISE THE STAKES? Just when you think the situation can’t get any more complicated or complex…it does. So many pieces in play, so well woven together.
I’m hooked and so intrigued about how this is all going to get resolved. Third book, where are you?
Graphic: Body horror
Minor: Animal cruelty
achillea's review against another edition
- 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
cannot believe i have to WAIT for the next part. and for what? so the same character can punch me in the throat again?
Minor: Animal cruelty, Blood, Body horror, and Death
caseythereader's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
- Okay okay okay. I feel like I can't get too much into the plot of THE BONE SHARD EMPEROR because not only will it spoil some of THE BONE SHARD DAUGHTER but also OMG SO MUCH HAPPENS. Questions answered! More questions raised!
- This book has a lot more political maneuvering than I typically enjoy in my fantasy books, but I'm so invested in not only Lin but the world of the Empire as a whole that I was hooked on every word. And then, aside from the politics, there are some truly epic battle scenes that had me on the edge of my seat.
- We also see a lot more of Phalue and Ranami, sapphic power couple of your dreams, in this book and I am here for it.
- Please just read these books already and come talk to me about the new developments in this book, and please @orbitbooks_us let's get the third book quickly!
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, Violence, and War
Minor: Sexual harassment